Movie Nuts Review 1

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Hectic week at work for Kathy.  Battling allergies and sinus issues for me.  Life as usual for Jason.  We decided to have a dichotomy of suspense with this week's movies!

Movie #1:  Dial M for Murder (1954, Alfred Hitchcock)

    First, let me state:  WE LOVE HITCHCOCK!!  The man was simply a genius.  His use of odd, yet fascinating, shots from irregular angles, the play of shadow and silence to create suspense, the development of unforgettable characters.  This movie was no exception (and one of my mother's favorites).  Grace Kelly--beautiful, elegant, tragic. She epitomizes the confused, forsaken, and betrayed wife.  Then, there's Ray Milland who, when faced with all his dirty secrets, is the coolest English cucumber in the crisper drawer.  You must watch VERY closely--the "slight of hand tricks" throughout the movie are the essence of the plot.

Movie #2:  Two-Headed Shark Attack (2011, The Asylum)

     To start off, we have become connoisseurs of the works of "The Asylum".  Mostly cheesy, "creature features" (as Jason calls them), they always feature a prominent has-been from the '80s/early 90's.  Past appearances have included Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Lorenzo Lamas, Jaleel White (Urkel), and Barry Williams (aka Greg Brady).   Tonight, the marquis headliner was Carmen Electra.  Although, her part consisted mainly of lying on a boat in her bikini and slightly undulating for the camera while basking in the sun.  She's shortly thereafter eaten by a two-headed shark during a melodramatic good-bye kiss with the captain (played by a very flat, non-descript actor) as a tidal wave threatens in the background.  You have the obligatory "boob shots" that a co-ed horror flick always includes; however, we felt that they discriminated against the African American actresses in this regard, especially as they appeared more qualified... (potential letter to the NAACP regarding EEO violations could be forthcoming...)  Needless to say, all the self-absorbed, hormone-crazed co-eds got eaten by the two-headed shark, and the two "nerds" end up creating a Macgyver-esque explosive, kill the shark, and get rescued by a chopper.  Lots of bad CGI and Karo-syrup blood.  Great for a laugh.


Tonight's Featured Wine List:  Woodbridge Merlot, The Naked Grape Chardonnay

Past Flick Recap:   North and South (1985, Mini-Series)

      Civil War.  Love Triangles.  Political Intrigue.  Family Betrayals.  Melodrama.  This 1980s mini-series had it all, including hairstyles of the 1980s (not the 1860s).  We rooted for George and Auri, and loathed Ashton and that creep Elkanah Bent.  So many great cameo appearances.  And of course, sigh...Patrick Swayze (may he rest in peace)--I loved him.  We watched the final episode while eating a Southern feast:  fried chicken, eastern NC barbecue, brunswick stew, and hushpuppies.  Of course, Kathy (our little Yankee transplant) insisted that it was North AND South---so I bought a Boston Creme Pie for dessert(.....whatever).