kindertrauma

Category: Special Guest Stars

Special Report :: Christmas TV History's Joanna Wilson on "Edith's Crisis of Faith"

Posted on By unkle lancifer

"Edith's Crisis of Faith" features the character Beverly LaSalle, a transvestite and female impersonator, played by Lori Shannon. Beverly appeared in two earlier AITF episodes, "Archie the Hero" in 1975 and "Beverly Rides Again" in 1976. A friend of the family, Beverly returns to the Bunker home in "Edith's Crisis of Faith" in order to invite them to her scheduled performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall the week before Christmas. The Bunkers are happy to see Beverly and accept her invitation while Edith, who considers Beverly to be "like family," returns the gesture and invites the performer to Christmas dinner at the Bunker home.

What comes next is disturbing and unexpected. Though the action takes place off camera, we learn that son-in-law Mike Stivic and Beverly are mugged. Eventually we see Mike in the hospital in bandages–he was beaten but will be fine. Mike describes the mugging saying that Beverly had successfully defended him against the gang of violent attackers but then the gang turned on Beverly with a lead pipe. Mike says, "I guess they figured out what he was and they just started smashing him with the pipe." A doctor tells Edith and Archie in the waiting room that Beverly has died. "Just because he was different," Gloria later adds. The rest of "Part 1" sees Edith numb in her grief at Christmas time.

The storyline continues into the following episode "Edith's Crisis of Faith, Part 2" where we see more fully how deeply Edith is affected by the death of her dear friend. Not only is Edith unable to put aside her grief, she finds she can't even be happy at Christmas for the sake of her two year-old grandson Joey. Even worse, Edith who is usually a person of unwavering faith now questions her belief in a God that would allow someone as kind, gentle and good as Beverly be so tragically murdered. She won't go to church at Christmas and even suggests that she may never go back. Archie encourages her to return to church but Edith's disillusioned response is: "Why? What good does it do?" Edith's family is beside themselves trying to cheer her up but Edith is inconsolable. She even runs out of the room when Archie offers a prayer over the family's Christmas dinner. Eventually, Mike is the only one able to offer any comfort to Edith. Mike reminds her that we can't always understand everything. Though Mike's answer is simple, he is actually making a complex point that a crime such as this is beyond reasonableness–it may never make sense. Watching a character as gentle and decent as Edith suffer so terribly is torturous and emotionally draining.

What many may find difficult here is that this deeply emotional and tragic episode occurs at Christmas–the one time of year most people want to feel uplifted, optimistic and hopeful. That may be the exact point the writers of this episode may have been communicating–juxtaposing this sad episode with the usual bright spirit of the holiday. It also makes it difficult to re-watch year after year as we all so often do with Christmas TV sitcom episodes.

However, the tone of this painful episode is handled correctly. AITF had perfected the appropriate manner in which to handle the sensitive issues of the day in previous episodes that dealt with topics such as racism, bigotry, war, politics, cancer, and more button-pushing issues one wouldn't immediately associate with family sitcoms. Even other Christmas episodes of AITF took on hot topics such as Edith's breast cancer scare, the divorce of Gloria and Mike, and my favorite: 1976's "The Draft Dodger" where Mike's friend, a draft dodger on the run, comes to Christmas dinner to share a table with Archie's friend who's son was just killed in Vietnam.

Yet, Christmas may just be the most appropriate time of year to remind ourselves of our desire for a world filled with peace. Hate crimes such as these unfortunately still exist and occur all too frequently. Part of what makes AITF such a groundbreaking show is the fact that its take on subjects such as this are still relevant today. Perhaps the depth of emotion felt in "Edith's Crisis of Faith" can serve as an annual reminder to grab our loved ones even closer and find compassion and acceptance for everyone.

Though a situation comedy, the jokes are never at the expense of the social issue but are aimed squarely at the insensitive fool, Archie Bunker. This show so successfully tackled social issues that many other TV series in the 1970s and 1980s went on to try to do the same thing with varying degrees of success.

UNK SEZ: Thanks so much Joanna for sharing such a wonderful post! I have a strong recollection of this episode as well and you really captured what made it so memorable.

Folks, not only is Joanna one of Kindertrauma's favorite people in general but she is also the author of the books THE CHRISTMAS TV COMPANION and 'TIS THE SEASON TV. You can pay her a visit at her official home base CHRISTMAS TV HISTORY!

Traumafessions :: Writer/Director Chris Moore on Wes Craven's New Nightmare

Posted on By unkle lancifer

WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE had just come out when I was around 4 or 5 years old. The T.V. spots were saturating the airwaves and all I remembered from them were a little boy, a furnace, and a "witch" with razor hands and a mouth that could expand and swallow children whole. At the time, I thought it was a version of Hansel and Gretel. I was not a fan of scary things. I remember going to see THE SWAN PRINCESS at my local multiplex and almost having a panic attack when I discovered MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN was playing right next door. Somewhere in my tiny little mind, I thought my parents might get confused and walk into that auditorium instead.

The video soon came out and its presence was unavoidable. It was everywhere! I'd sneak a peek at the back of the box and wonder how terrifying this film must be with images like that, so proudly displayed. My local Party City even got a huge, cardboard standup of this razor fingered witch and that made shopping for Halloween costumes awfully difficult. They positioned it right by the exit. Smart move!

I had the worst dreams about this witch. I dreamt that I'd come home from school on a nice, sunny day, walk into my room and there she'd be, smiling and tapping at my rather large window. It got so bad that, in real life, I'd come home from school, jump on my bed, praying that if I jumped quick enough, the witch wouldn't be able to grab me under my bed. I'd hope every day this wouldn't be the day the dream became a reality.

I went off to a summer day camp a few months later and this group of older boys (couldn't have been more than 9 or 10 years old) kept talking about all these scary stories. They told me about a burnt child murderer with razors for fingers, a masked madman who only comes out on Halloween, and a little boy who drowned…in the lake around the camp, who will return and kill those who don't follow the rules.

Keep in mind that this was the summer before SCREAM was released, so slashers had been dead for awhile at this point. I never saw ads for such films, except NEW NIGHTMARE. This was all new to me. I started scouring the newspaper and TV Guide, hoping to find these films. I loved the simple, terse descriptions they gave of each film "Halloween- Babysitters stalked by a killer on All Hallows Eve!" SOLD!

My late father and I would watch these films every Friday and Saturday night together. Looking back, it's some of the best memories I have of my Dad. He'd lead me into darkness, we'd face my fears together, and discuss them the next morning over breakfast at Waffle House.

I remember seeing FRIDAY THE 13TH 7 & 8, THE FLY ('86), A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2 & 5, and HALLOWEEN 1 & 2 during this time. Since then, I rarely have nightmares. Who knew horror films could be such great therapy?

UNK SEZ: Thanks for the traumafession Chris! Multi-talented Chris Moore is the writer, director and star of the slasher inspired flick PERVERSION. You can check out the trailer below, find ordering info HERE and jump on over to our pal Pax's pad BILLY LOVE STU for a review over HERE!

Stream Warriors :: Hosted by Pax Romano of Billy Loves Stu!

Posted on By unkle lancifer

UNK SEZ: This is turning out to be a SCREAM-centric weekend! Hosting STREAM WARRIORS today is everybody's pal PAX ROMANO who oversees the blog worth yelling about with the SCREAM inspired name BILLY LOVE STU! Check and see what kind of cutting edge candies PAX has carried into our Castle today & then jump on over to his flashy joint BILLY LOVES STU!

1952's DON'T BOTHER TO KNOCK is one of those films that I truly love. Any movie that would feature the greatest cinematic sex goddess of all time as a deranged babysitter is aces in my book. Marilyn Monroe was still in the early stages of her career when she landed the role of Nell Forbes, a young woman recently released from an institution due to a failed suicide attempt. When Nell lands a job as a sitter for a couple in an upscale hotel, all is well, until she catches the eye of a lovelorn guest and starts flirting with him. What's so mesmerizing about this thriller is the way Monroe morphs from a seemingly naive young lady, to a simmering sex pot, to a full-on loon in minutes. Whoever claimed that Norma Jean Baker was not a good actress, has never seen this film.

For sheer chills alone, the scenes with Marilyn and the little girl she is watching (Donna Corcoran) are not to be missed – Monroe's seething intensity when terrorizing the child is nothing short of unnerving.

Knowing what we know now about Monroe and her lifelong struggles with depression, much of DBTK is disturbing on a whole other level. A terrific cast rounds out this one including Jim Backus, Richard Widmark, and a very young, very gorgeous Anne Bancroft.

Director David Kittredge's PORNOGRAPHY: A THRILLER is a David Lynch-like nightmare of a film about a gay porn model who vanished in the mid '90s, and a present day writer trying to piece together the mystery of the missing skin flick star. With nods to Vanilla Sky, Eyes Wide Shut and Mulholland Drive , Pornography: A Thriller demands the viewer watch closely and hold on tight as they are dropped down a rabbit hole into a world of double (and triple) identities, voyeurism, and insanity.

As puzzling and manic as the story-line becomes, the piece holds together due to some terrific acting and brilliant directing. Honestly, I've watched this film several times, and every time I do, I see something new and find another clue to the mystery. If you'd like to read my original review, you can find it HERE!

Stream Warriors :: Hosted By Christine Hadden of Fascination With Fear!

Posted on By unkle lancifer

UNK SEZ: Today we have a super special guest host for STREAM WARRIORS, the fearfully fascinating CHRISTINE HADDEN of FASCINATION WITH FEAR! Not only is HADDEN knowledgeable as all get out, but she's also got something special you can't learn anywhere…exquisite taste! Honestly, I couldn't wait to see the selections she scrambled up for you guys! Let's see what she's got up her sleeve!

CARNIVAL OF SOULS is a movie that just doesn't get enough play. For some reason, it seems as though the majority of casual or budding horror fans see it is from 1962 and balk, choosing instead the latest redundant slasher extravaganza. When I first saw Carnival way back in… well, longer ago than many of you have been alive….I was blown away by the atmosphere of sheer terror that hovered over it and caused me more than a few nights lost sleep. Every time I would close my eyes I would see that ghoul's face. What ghoul, you ask? The plot revolves around a young church organist, Mary, who after a hasty joyride with friends is the sole survivor of a plunge off a bridge into a watery grave. Mary has difficulty adapting to her life after her brush with near death and moves to a new city. On the way there, she is repeatedly frightened and harassed by the aforementioned ghoul (actually the director, Herk Harvey), who seems to be following her – beckoning her to join him. Of particular note is the haunting score, with all that creepy organ music you can get a taste of in the trailer. I can't begin to express my love for this film, and I beg anyone who hasn't seen this highly influential piece of cinematic history to watch (instantly!) and learn.


So everyone has heard of Full Moon Features, right? The production company responsible for such gems as the PUPPET MASTER series and a personal favorite of mine, CASTLE FREAK – yeah, you know the name. Campy good horror by way of silly effects and at times, fairly bad acting… but I'm here to tell you, if you haven't seen SUBSPECIES, you're totally missing out. TOTALLY. First off, though it sounds like a flick about underground-dwelling mutants, it's a vampire film. Yes, you heard me. The title references the tiny stop-motion creatures who are the lead vamp's (fittingly named Radu) minions, helping him in his goal to take over his late father's kingdom. There's a whole lot of hokey to be had here – besides the ridiculous subspecies creatures, we have a trio of inane young women delving into Romanian cultures and superstitions (never a good idea!), a special stone of the blood-producing kind, a sexy half brother to Radu's profoundly unattractive mug, continual vampire clichés that never end, and Angus Scrimm in a seriously absurd white ‘fro wig. But I'll tell you what else it has. Atmosphere, and a ton of it. Filmed entirely on location in Romania, it just oozes ambiance. Dark, gothic castles, foreboding alleyways and ominous shadows abound. Combined with the over-the-top yet somehow endearing performance of Anders Hove (Radu), it's a can't miss. And guess what? It spawned four sequels. Guess what else? I own the entire boxed set!



If you are looking for some serious quality entertainment and don't mind subtitles, look no further than director Guillermo del Toro's THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE. Many people are so enamored of his better-known masterpiece PAN'S LABYRINTH that they forego this very special film. Also written and produced by del Toro and set in the late 30's, Backbone presents the story of a young boy forced into an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War. Mistakenly thinking he is only there temporarily, Carlos tries to fit in as best he can but is taunted and bullied by some of the other boys. Adding to his anxiety are the sightings of a young boy, transparent and by all accounts a ghost. The other orphans explain that the apparition is most likely Santi, who arrived about the same time that a huge bomb fell into the adjacent courtyard but didn't explode. The bomb has since been defused but like the inert shell of the explosive, Santi remains. As is per usual in most ghost stories, the specter is simply trying to obtain justice and understanding in his premature death, and the reasons that force Santi to remain at the orphanage are at the heart of THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE. Beautifully shot and truly unforgettable, this film is one of the finest ghost stories I've ever had the pleasure of watching, and there's no excuse for everyone not to see it now that it's streaming FREE.

UNK SEZ: Thanks a zillion CHRISTINE! Allow me to inform any of you horror fans out there that don't already know that every Sunday over at FASCINATION WITH FEAR you will find a great feature called SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY where CHRISTINE closes off the week with an assortment of gloriously gruesome images from your favorite horror films! I've made it a must see and you should too, check it out HERE!

Stream Warriors :: Kinderpal Mickster on Shock Waves & Hide and Creep!

Posted on By kinderpal mickster

UNK SEZ: Today's episode of Stream Warriors is brought to you by the letter "Z" for zombie and is hosted by our favorite Kinderpal Mickster! Mickster's got a living-dead double feature for you currently available on Netflix streaming!

SHOCK WAVES (1977)

MICKSTER: Professor Von Whiskersen and I love the wide variety of movies offered through Netflix instant streaming. Therefore, when Unkle Lancifer asked me to host an installment of Stream Warriors, I jumped at the chance. The difficult part was deciding which movies to share. Ultimately, I decided to share two very different zombie movies. First up, Shock Waves (1977) is an atmospheric gem starring John Carradine as a crusty sea captain, Peter Cushing as a SS commander/hermit and a young Brooke Adams (Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Dead Zone) as a chick in a bikini. It features oodles of Nazi zombies. These aren't flesh-eating zombies (for Flesh-eating Nazi zombies see Dead Snow), but they are still eerie and deadly. Filmed in Florida at a deserted hotel with an otherworldly soundtrack, what the movie lacks in gore it makes up for in an ominous, unsettling atmosphere. Try this one and see if the watery Nazi zombies give you the willies too.

HIDE AND CREEP (2004)

MICKSTER: Next, Hide and Creep (2004) is a Southern zombie comedy. It is ultra-low budget, which is quite evident from the not-so-special effects. However, I have a soft spot for this independent film because it was made in Alabama, just like me. If you aren't from the South, you may not 'get' some of the Southern references. Things you should know: Southerners love Coke so much that they call all soft drinks (Sprite, Dr.Pepper, Pepsi, etc.) Coke, a man may value his car more than his woman, a father will teach his daughter how to use a gun, and the Iron Bowl (Alabama vs. Auburn) is more important than a zombie outbreak. If you are junk-sensitive, I will warn you that "Porky Pigging" occurs early in the film. I must admit that my favorite parts in the movie feature a video storeowner named Chuck. His passionate rant about the superiority of Coke over Pepsi is not to be missed! If you are a fan of zombies, low budgets, and/or Southerners, you should try this zomedy.

Name That Trauma :: Fiji Mermaid of Sideshow Cinema on Auto Attackers

Posted on By aunt john

I have a vague memory of a made for T.V. movie from the '80s. The opening really freaked me out for some reason, it's still a scene I remember, but how precise my memory is I can't say.

The beginning of the movie has a young mother with two kids, one is a baby I think, and they are driving through a bad part of town. The car breaks down or has a flat tire and she pulls into an empty, dark parking lot. After sitting there for a few minutes, a large group of thugs show up and attacks the family and starts smashing the car apart like the bullies did in CHRISTINE. I believe they end up killing the mom and the kids… what happens after that I have no idea.

If anyone can dig up a title for this and a clip even that would spectacular! Thanks!


AUNT JOHN SEZ: I have no idea what this movie is, but I do know that Fiji Mermaid runs THE go-to spot for hard-to-find soundtracks over at the awesome SIDESHOW CINEMA.

Stream Warriors: With Special Guest Host Tenebrous Kate!

Posted on By unkle lancifer

UNK SEZ: We're lucky to have as guest host today the always amazing TENEBROUS KATE of the sensationally superior and awesomely eclectic LOVE TRAIN FOR THE TENEBROUS EMPIRE! You guys know KATE, she's been a favorite guest around these parts since back in the days when the Kindercastle was a mere lean-to! Ya'll listen to KATE's advice, I know I've already started work on her fine recommendations!

TENEBROUS KATE SEZ: One's movie diet should be approached in a similar fashion to one's diet-actual: strike a balance of sweet, savory, and nutritious in order to cultivate a healthy appreciation for all things cinematic. It's in this spirit that I've selected the following films. Also, it demonstrates that I have next to no respect for rules, since there are six titles here instead of the traditional three!

RED RIDING TRILOGY: 1974, 1980, 1983

These British crime dramas are as gritty, dark and captivating as they come. Spanning a decade of serial murder, police corruption, and political turmoil in England's northern countryside, the "Red Riding Trilogy" weaves in real-life events like the Yorkshire Ripper killings with fictional but entirely believable characters. This is chilling stuff that provides some tough commentary on the people who investigate and perpetrate crimes. The series earns bonus points for beautiful production values and artistic cinematography that enhance the noir-ish mood.

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000: POD PEOPLE

If you've watched all five hours of the "Red Riding, Trilogy" you're probably looking for a bit of a mood-lifter! What better way to wash away the gloom than with a good laugh at the foibles of low-budget sci-fi? The teevee show "Mystery Science Theater 3000" is controversial in cult-film circles since some folks feel that its snarky commentary track ruins the joy of exploring little-known genre films. I can see where the nay-sayers are coming from, but I will testify that some of these movies are almost unwatchable without Joel, Mike and the ‘Bots. My fave episode of the show is "Pod People," which features a Spanish-French "E.T." knock-off with a whiny child star, hillbilly poachers, an ALF-like alien creature, be-fringed 80s fashion and a wayward rock band stranded in the woods. If you don't laugh when Joel and his puppet companions sing "Idiot Control Now" to the tune of the movie's feature song, then I weep for your barren, stony heart.

BLOOD FOR DRACULA & FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN

While not related by the traditional movie-sequel relationship, "Blood for Dracula" and"Flesh for Frankenstein" were made back-to-back by director Paul Morrissey and feature the same cast members. Often mis-attributed to financier Andy Warhol, these are the most off-the-wall, graphic, and witty versions of the classic monster tales you're likely to see. Genre vet Udo Kier stars as the titular villain of both films, delivering outrageous and semi-improvised performances as the vampire and the mad scientist. The heavy in both films is a muscular, virile working-class character played by Joe Dallesandro, who has one of the thickest Noo Yawk accents recorded on film, making his turns as Mittel European farm-hunks even more unlikely. Look close enough and you'll find some clever political subtext about class, wealth, and culture—or ignore all that and enjoy the infinitely quotable, blood-soaked mayhem. And just in case you question the art pedigree of these movies, keep your eyes peeled for a cameo by director Roman Polanski in "Blood for Dracula."

Stream Warriors: Hosted By Amanda By Night!

Posted on By unkle lancifer

UNK SEZ: While I was cleaning up the aftermath of the weekend-long CHRISTOPHER GEORGE celebration that took place at Kindertrauma Castle, I discovered our dear pal AMANDA BY NIGHT under a glass coffee table as if reenacting a scene from SIXTEEN CANDLES! Besides the fact that she had somewhere along the lines lost the blonde wig of her LYNDA DAY GEORGE as Mary Riggs from PIECES costume (which was basically a tennis outfit with the word "Bastard!" embroidered on the front), she looked none the worse for wear. As I still have an escaped grizzly bear to catch, I asked Amanda if she would mind hosting today's episode of Stream Warriors and she was only too happy to oblige. Thanks for your help Amanda! Now all I need to do is find a jar of honey and a net…

COCAINE: ONE MAN'S SEDUCTION

Dennis Weaver, how much do I love thee? Let me count the ways… besides starring in one of the best (and arguably most famous) made for TV movies DUEL, Dennis also lent his extraordinary (and sometimes un-excusably over the top) presence to such films as DON'T GO TO SLEEP and this crazy tale about a middle aged man's struggle with the blow, which originally aired on February 27th, 1983 on NBC. I adore this movie, and I also think it typifies why the little world of '70s and '80s TV movies was so awesome. I wrote a paper once (mostly for fun, 'cuz I am a nerd) about how for those of us who were either too young or just unable to experience the grindhouse circuit, the tele-film was a good look at the world of sordid B-movies… even if it was a sanitized version of those films. Many folks got their first taste of horror and sleaze through rose colored glasses, but it created a passion. And even if that all seems like hooey-bluey to you, you simply have to see this movie for Weaver's intense and hilarious freak-outs. Also it's pretty awesome when he gets high with Pamela Bellwood and is all, "The earth is round, man." OK, he doesn't say that, but I swear he wanted to. You can watch Cocaine: One Man's Seduction on Netflix.

TERROR AT LONDON BRIDGE (BRIDGE ACROSS TIME)

While not as wild as the goofy premise would lead one to believe, this movie is still a ton of fun. David Hasselhoff plays a big-city-police-officer-gone-small-town-cop who downsizes to idyllic (but friggin' hot) Lake Havasu where, as a twist of fate would have it, the infamous London Bridge resides. True story – some entrepreneurial type had the British bridge moved to Arizona to create a tourist attraction. Not true story – in the movie Jack the Ripper falls off the bridge to his supposed death, but is able to resurrect himself in Arizona, where he continues his killing spree. Wow! I told you it was wild. The whole affair is completely straight faced, and a fairly successful little horror film. Adrienne Barbeau is great as the hot to trot librarian with enormous shoulder pads (yay 80s!) and Clu Gulager and Randolph Mantooth put in some time as Hoff's fellow cops. Stepfanie Kramer (and yes, that's how you spell her name) is Hasselfhoff's potential love interest and both leads are really good. Say what you will about the Hoff, but he's got charisma for days. He's really good in this movie which originally aired on November 22nd, 1985 on NBC, and I think the cast and the dramatic approach make Bridge one interesting movie, if not completely Hoff-tastic! You can read my whole review at RETRO SLASHERS and you can watch the whole movie at HULU.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK: MARRIED PART 1 & 2

I don't mean to quote Magnum P.I., but I know what you're thinking… you're thinking this is simply the INCREDIBLE HULK episodes that we all remember from childhood. While most of you probably recall David Banner's tragic love affair with the ill-fated Dr. Caroline Fields (Mariette Hartley), there is one scene in particular that created one of my most intense kindertraumas. Towards the beginning of the second part, Dr. Fields ends up at the house of some swinging studly dudes. They get a little aggressive and somehow lovelorn David gets in the way… and gets really mad. He Hulk-ifies himself and then he pushes one of the guys across the room. It's a comedic moment because the hurled stud in question flies to the other side of the room sans toupee. Well, when I was a wee Amanda By Night I thought the Hulk basically scalped this poor guy and it took everything in me not to run out of the room screaming. Watching the stud loses his machismo made me think the Hulk was the meanest man-thing on the planet and it was the very last episode of the series I watched until about 2 years ago. Even then, I was ready to pull the sheets up over my eyes, because that Hulk guy scares me! Luckily, I now find that scene amusing. And yes, this episode, which originally aired as a two hour epic to open the second season in 1978, captures the extremely tragic nature of Bruce's character. This guy just could not catch a break. Oh, and for the record, I've seen Lou Ferrigno in person. He's kind of hot and not scary at all. Just thought you should know… You can start with PART ONE on HULU. And here's PART TWO.

Stream Warriors :: Hosted by Andre Dumas of Horror Digest!

Posted on By unkle lancifer

UNK SEZ: Welcome to a new episode of Stream Warriors based on the novel Push by Sapphire! Today is special in that we have a super guest host in kinderpal Andre Dumas of the venerable HORROR DIGEST. Andre has three great picks for you today all currently available on Netflix streaming. Read what Andre says because she knows what she's talking about and then do what she says and watch those movies! After you've watched the movies freak Andre out by following her back to her cottage in the woods HERE!

EYES WIDE SHUT

I first saw EYES WIDE SHUT on HBO when I was a wee one, and was blown away by A. how many boobs and how much sex was happening and B. how boring it was. Of course later in my life, when I became all smart and stuff, I discovered that Eyes Wide Shut is one hell of a movie. It follows the married life of Dr. Bill Harford and his wife who battle with temptation and jealousy issues. That is a very broad summation but perhaps the less you know the better. A lot of people seem to give Eyes Wide Shut a hard time and I'm not entirely sure why (okay, it might have something to do with Tom Cruise). It's one of the most intelligent and thought provoking films I have ever come across and every time I watch it, I find new and exciting things to marvel over. If you've seen it before but wasn't a fan, or if you've never seen it, do yourself a favor and check this out immediately. Read more HERE!

SHEITAN

When talking about French cinema, two things are certain: 1. Vincent Cassel will be in every movie you see and 2. All French horror films are the best. Although not everyone loves SHEITAN as much as the other French powerhouses, I found a lot to get excited about. Taking place on Christmas Eve , the film follows a very unruly group of young people. They wind up at the farm house of Vincent Cassel who plays Joseph, also known as the craziest bastard you will ever see. What follows is a very strange, slow build up to a highly grotesque and upsetting ending. Do NOT eat soup at the end of this movie, you will regret it. The film has some extremely creepy, disturbing and hilarious moments and you may or may not see Vincent Cassel in a wig. Also you'll never look at girls petting dogs in the same away ever again. Read more HERE!

ENTER THE VOID

Gaspar Noe gained notoriety for IRREVERSIBLE back in 2002 which featured a very long and difficult to watch rape sequence. ENTER THE VOID will gain similar notoriety because it puts the viewer inside of a vagina. In all seriousness, ENTER THE VOID is one of the best movie watching experiences of my life. It follows the brief life of a drug addict up until he dies—but then we still follow him. Using mind boggling camera techniques, color sequences and music—Gaspar Noe creates an out of body experience for the viewer. It runs long at 2 and a half hours, but the film seems to almost trap you in it. I recommend watching it in a dark and quiet room with the sound turned all the way up. You won't believe how insanely cool, horrifying and mind blowing it is. I guarantee you will not be able to stop thinking about it. Read more HERE!