Films Seen & Anticipated

Sometimes the never ending hunt for something new keeps you from enjoying what you already have; this is especially true for movie collectors. I have over 2500 DVDs, that includes retail, gray market, and burnt DVD-Rs from downloaded movies.


I’m always on the lookout for the most obscure, collectible, hard to find movies. Hardly any of my collection could be called mainstream. Ninety percent of my collection can’t be found at your local Block Busters. I have some rare stuff and am almost always acquiring more.

That’s all fine and well, but sometimes I’ll go seven or eight months before I get around to actually watching that “hard to find” film I couldn’t live without. With that thought in mind I have decided to actually watch some off this stuff that I have tried so hard to track down. I’m also making an effort to get out and go to the movie theater.

I hate nothing more than film snobs, people who refuse to give a movie a chance just because it’s not indie, or foreign. It occurred to me that I was becoming the same way. My refusal to watch anything in theaters because it came from the big Hollywood machine. I’ve decided to broaden my viewing criteria to include new stuff that plays in the theaters.

So how have I done? Below is a list of stuff I have seen in the last few weeks or so, some in the theaters, others on DVD and Blu-Ray, and even a couple of On Demand viewings.

Films Seen
-Apollo 18 | Was expecting more from this film, little depressed I paid full price at the theater to see it. Rating | **

-Colombiana | Although Zoe Saldana is fun to look at, I felt like this action film could have had a little more of well, action. I would recommend this as a renter. Rating | ***

-Creature | Had to drive out to Dallas to see a special screening of this. I was well worth it shock and schlock take main stage on this throw back of a monster flick. Great for Halloween. Rating | *****

-Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark | Don’t Waste Your Time. Rating | **

-Fright Night (2011) | Not too bad of a remake, seen worse. If you haven’t watched it yet I would wait for the rental. Rating | ***

-Shark Night 3D | You know I’m a sucker for animal attack flicks. This was definitely a B grade film, but was a total blast to watch in 3D. Rating | ****

-Super 8 | I was surprised I enjoyed this so much. This is the exact type of film I wouldn’t have given a chance a month ago. [proper review pending on Blu-Ray release]

-Attack The Block | Love this film! A fast fun ride that goes by quick. Check out the Blu-Ray release for a beautiful transfer and sound mix. Rating | *****

-Banraku | My own preconceived ideas of what an action film should be kept me from enjoying this. Maybe a second viewing is in order. Rating | ***

-Hanna | Great movie, had me recalling another fine movie of similar story, Leon The Professional. [proper review pending on Blu-Ray release]

Films Anticipated
This time last year on my old blog I had a list of films I was anticipating. A year gone by I have seen all the films on my list, they were: Saint, Stake Land, Altitude, and The Dead. Some lived up to expectations, others were disappointing.

So keeping with tradition here’s my new list of films I’m most anticipating.

Monster Brawl

Release Date: Hopefully sometime before 2012

Synopsis: All the major monsters of history gather together in a haunted graveyard for a no holds bar smack down.

Thoughts: I know this might look down right stupid to some (most) people, but I have to believe it's going to be low budget bliss. What I liked about the old school Universal monster smash ups were when they would inevitably fight at the end. A whole movie based around this premises might seem a little low on plot points, but it really looks cool.

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Monstrosity
Release Date: Unknown
Synopsis: Earth and a planet inhabited by Monsters collide, when a scientist's experiment goes wrong. 
Thoughts: First off, there are conflicting reports as weather this is just a faux movie trailer or clips from a full length feature in production. The movie is said to be based off a short film the director made called Unpleasantville. I'm hoping it's a sign of things to come. It has a real child like dream quality to it, and the premises sounds promising. 

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Dear God No!
Release Date: Summer 2011 (I know, it's already winter)
Synopsis: "The film follows an outlaw motorcycle gang known as "The Impalers" as they wind down a tri-state rape and murder spree. After a gruesome battle with rival club, "Satan's Own," the survivors hole up in a secluded cabin in the North Georgia Mountains. Taking advantage of what seems like easy marks for their depravity, the rough and tough Impalers soon find themselves struggling to survive the flesh-eating killing machine that lives in the forest."
Thoughts: Riding the wave of Neo Exploitation films "Dear God No!" seems to be the real deal in a see of copycat crap. I'm excited about this one, watching the trailer alone brings a smile to my face. If you haven't already figured it out from the poster you should know the trailer below is NSFW. You've been warned.

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World War Z
Release Date: 2012
Synopsis: A UN representative, writing a report on the great zombie war, interviews survivors in the wake of World War Z.
Thoughts: Some much has been said about how great Max Brooks book of the same name was. I was lucky  enough to read a review copy before the general public got a chance to. The entire time I was reading it I was thinking "damn, this would be a great movie". Well the time has come and it's quickly becoming a reality. Although there is no trailer as of this writing some footage has leaked and it looks good. The story is written in such a way it should be easy to translate it to film, but Hollywood has screwed up easier jobs. Regardless I'm really looking forward to this.