The Wolfman (2010)

3.5 / 5 Feb '11
Tagline: When the moon is full the legend comes to life
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Written by: Andrew Kevin Walker, David Self
Actors include: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt
Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller
Length: 103 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I actually thought this was better than I had expected, however it wasn't perfect. I appreciated the throwback to the style of the early Universal monster films, and they really went out of their way to make a visually appealing and detailed setting for the film. The cast was quite good as well really, and the story seemed true enough to form I think. A man's (Benicio Del Toro) brother is savagely killed, so he seeks the truth behind the killing. Of course he finds there is werewolf activity...only a little too late. I think the biggest issue with the movie was the CGI effects which majorly cheesed it up wherever they were involved. It could have been really excellent without honestly and that was disappointing. Still considering they are just reworking old material they managed to make an entertaining and fast paced film. I would recommend this however this is far from the best film about the topic.

Availability:  On Blu-Ray & DVD

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: It's a grand new Idea for FUN !
Directed by: Charles Barton
Written by: Robert Lees
Actors include: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Bela Lugosi
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Length: 83 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Now this is one heck of a Halloween movie, and a great introduction to Universal's monsters through comedy for youngsters and it's my introduction to the comedy team of Abbott & Costello. While I'm not enamored with them, they worked for this sort of slapstick. They primarily operate on the one sees a monster, the other doesn't believe it scenario which is cute even time after time after time. Abbott & Costello play delivery men delivering two crates containing Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and Frankenstein (not played by Karloff but still an excellent likeness). The Wolfman (played by Lon Chaney Jr.) is trying to incercept to prevent danger as he knows that Dracula & Frankenstein aren't exactly dead. In the castle they run into trouble as the monsters vanish, and although they don't really want to find them let's just say they pop up here and there. Nothing here to really frighten anyone though it does seem a tad darker than expected. It also really nails the whole atmospheric mood thing, very shadowy and cool. Anyone who loves the classic monsters should want to see this very fun outing, and it's very successful on every level.

Availability:  On DVD

Mad Monster Party? (1967)

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: At long last, a Motion Picture with absolutely no cultural value!!
Directed by: Jules Bass
Written by: Len Korobkin, Harvey Kurtzman
Actors include: Boris Karloff, Allen Swift, Gale Garnett
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Animation
Length: 94 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I can't believe I went my entire childhood without ever having watched this, I'd have loved it! Definitely a film for the whole family with musical numbers, many clever little nods to the Universal monsters and an insanely creative production. The concept is that Dr. Frankenstein has invented a new potion that will cause destruction. He's also the head of organization of monsters, so he rounds up all of his monster friends for a mad monster party. He also wants to announce his retirement and his successor! Be prepared to meet adorable versions of The Mummy, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, The Hunchback, The Invisible Man, King Kong, The Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, The Creature (from the Black Lagoon), Boris Karloff and Phyllis Diller. It's all made with the same style as the old Rudolph and Frosty christmas films (which I love) and even by the same people, this is just spooky instead! Even though it is very entertaining there are several jokes that are just too corny to laugh at and a few song and dance numbers that really could have been left out. Still a very visionary and enjoyable Halloween treat that any child should love (and many adults should like it too).

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Monster Squad (1987)

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: Call them for a monster-ous good time.
Directed by: Fred Dekker
Written by: Shane Black, Fred Dekker
Actors include: Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, Stephen Macht
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Kids
Length: 82 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Although I've never seen this as a child (I wish I had but somehow I knew nothing about this movie until Jon introduced it to me) I really did enjoy this. It does bear some similarities to The Goonies, I liked this quite a bit better but perhaps that's because it's horror themed. The story is about a group of youngsters who call themselves the Monster Squad. Their specialty is (you guessed it) monster knowledge and they meet in a little club house and so forth. When their favorite monsters come to life they must do something, but what? It's very entertaining and to the point plus Stan Winston's effects are quite impressive (especially with the Creature from the Black Lagoon). The little nods to the original Universal monster pictures were what made this one seem extra special. Really a very adorable film that children should love and so should adults, great idea for a Halloween film.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray