Title: Critters (1986)
Rated: PG-13
Direced by:
Stephen Herek
Written by:
Stephen Herek and
Dominic Muir
Starring:
Dee Wallace Stone as Helen Brown
M. Emmet Walsh as Harv
Billy Green Bush as Jay Brown
Scott Grimes as Brad Brown
Nadine Van Der Velde as April Brown
Billy Zane as Steve Elliot
Terrence Mann as Johnny Steel
Lin Shaye as Sally

By Erin Tanner 

Erin could certainly identify...

Pre-screening memories: To protect myself from the merciless teasing I’m going to receive for admitting how deeply scarred I was by this film, I have to explain that I saw fewer movies growing up than most other kids my age. I grew up on a farm surrounded by nearly a thousand acres of woods, fields, and rivers; its remoteness created a near-idyllic backdrop for my formative years, but it also meant shitty television reception. The most harrowing things I’d seen on large or small screen before 1987 consisted of the ending of The Last Unicorn, the episode of Little House on the Prairie in which Mary goes blind, and an upsetting few seconds of hard-core pornography I glimpsed after I punched in the wrong coordinates on my grandmother’s Hubble-sized satellite dish.  

Did someone say 'hardcore porn?'

Until Critters, I don’t think I was even aware of horror films at all. Even had I been familiar with most of the mid-1980s horror fare, its protagonists were usually horny teenagers driving around and necking in suburbia – not exactly characters that resonated with me in fifth grade.   

But the farm-dwelling family in Critters was uncomfortably similar to my own, and indeed to that of most of my friends: wise, hardworking father; devoted, protective mother; a son who loves explosives; a daughter who’d like to make out in the hayloft with a young Billy Zane. I first saw it on VHS with four of my friends at a slumber party (there was no slumbering that night, I can tell you), the film’s parodical elements soaring well over our heads as we watched the ravenous Crites of Prison Asteroid Sector 17 Maximum Security Holding Facility make their diabolical way to Earth and rain furry hell down upon its inhabitants.   

"Leonardo DiCaprio, we're waiting for you!"

New Memories: What struck me first during my second viewing of Critters is that a lot of the acting is surprisingly good. Dee Wallace holds a special place in the hearts of most people my age after playing Elliott’s mother in E.T. and that kid from Who’s The Boss’s mother in Cujo. She’s the quintessential screen mom: blonde, attractive, always exuding a querulous, waffling charm at the film’s outset but proving by the end that she’s got a steely core of don’t-mess-with-my-family badassery.

Dee Wallace, like your mom...only more ass-kickier.

If you’re in an ’80s movie and suddenly find yourself facing an attack from an unexpected quarter – government agents in spacesuits, a rabid St. Bernard, or red-eyed, pompadoured aliens – you want Dee Wallace at your back. Not only will she save you and kick a little tail while doing so, but she’ll probably make you hot cocoa afterward. 

I had completely forgotten that the intergalactic bounty hunters were pseudo-Body-Snatchers-style shape-shifters, and had also forgotten that the bounty hunter Ug was played by Bob Geldof (just kidding—it’s Terrence Mann). I don’t remember how I felt about Ug/Johnny Steele/Geldof back in 1987, but I’m pretty sure that once I got an eyeful of that deliciously frosted mullet and Duran Duran-style duster jacket, I must have thought he was pretty rad.     

Holding the magic House Rebuilding Button, designed by the Amish.

Ultimately, I had assumed that the intervening decades between my first and second viewings of Critters would allow me to look back on the completely irrational fears it inspired and laugh. And while I did laugh at them (and at many points in the film – how can you not?), it turned out to be an erroneous assumption, because I spent most of the second viewing watching through my fingers like I did the first time. 

Then again, fears are relative: If I had to choose today between facing a cellar full of slavering, poison-spine-shooting alien monsters and a living room full of sleep-deprived 11-year-old girls hopped up on warm Jolt Cola, Pixy Stix, and horror films, I’d grab Dee Wallace and a handful of firecrackers and take my chances with the Crites.  

Download Natsukashi’s ‘Critters’ podcast right here

or roll on down below to our on-site player:

Our featured guest: Gene Warren

Oscar-winning legend and legacy Gene Warren has spent a lifetime in the special effects industry. Under the tutlage of his Oscar-winning father, Gene picked up odd jobs while planning his path to be a stuntman. But something funny happened on the way to the explosion. From his early days of working on such touchstone series as I Dream of Jeannie, Gidget, and Land of the Lost (where he got to manipulate the dinosaurs!).Since then, he has moved on to add effect to everything from the miniscule-budgeted features (Killer Klowns from Outer Space, anyone?) to some of the biggest films in box office history (T2: Judgement Day). His company Fantasy II Film Effects was brought on to the Critters set after initial production had wrapped, but created perhaps one of the most memorable sequences of the film. Find out more about Gene’s handiwork in the podcast. 

Thanks to Gene for your memories and sharing your Critters tales with Natsukashi.

The subtle connections of a deputy sheriff, a Nashville-bound singer, an ex-con, and a single mother will intertwine in this tale of small town life. Tommy Carson (Shawn Christian) works around the clock to keep the peace in Prospect, but Donny (John Hawkes), who is on a downward spiral, makes this even more difficult for the deputy Sheriff. Rhett Ryan (Chris Pine) discovers that the desire to follow his dream conflicts with his desire to be with the woman he loves. While Samantha (Bre Blair) does love the singer-songwriter, she comes to realize that what’s best for her daughter (Kali Majors) and their future may not be what’s best for him. Les (Adam Hendershott) just wants to fit in with his big brother’s friends, but his overbearing mother (Lin shaye) desperately wants him to stand out.

Check out the official site.

Quem nunca se sentiu como a Magda depois de um feriado de sol que jogue a primeira pedra.

E quem consegue esquecer esse cachorro?

PS: Quem vai ficar com Mary? já recebeu outra indicação aqui no blog. Reveja.

Tobin Bell

Jigsaw of Saw, Saw II, Saw III, Saw IV, Saw V

& coming October 2009, Saw VI

Rob Zombie

Awesome Musician

Director of House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects,

Halloween & Halloween II, 

 The Haunted World of El Superbeasto

Tanedra Howard

VH1 Scream Queens tv show winner

Saw VI

The Bills

Stars of the new movie 2001 Maniacs 2: Beverly Hellbillies

Ahmed Best

Voice of Jar Jar Binks in the new Star Wars

2001 Maniacs 2: Beverly Hellbillies

Lin Shaye

Granny Boone, 2001 Maniacs 2: Beverly Hellbillies

Photos by Glenda & Alicia Glass

from Horror-Movies.ca

One of the best remakes to come out was Tim Sullivans 2001 Maniacs. For a long time we have been covering this sequel which seemed to have dropped off the radar for a long time. Well now the film is apparently completely in the can and just wrapped production according to the official Facebook page.

Details about the film are slim but the page promises an official press release soon. Also present at the Facebook account is a little bit of promo art that you can check out below. At this point what we know is all from IMDB which is usually not very reliable. But since that is all we have to go on it is worth noting. The cast will consist of Bill Moseley, Lin Shaye, Christa Campbell and Alana Curry. As noted this is all from IMDB and oddly enough Robert Englund is not there..

The plot provided by IMDB goes like this: This time around the residents of Pleasant Valley are forced to take their cannibalistic carnival on the road after the local sheriff shuts down the “detour” which has been ensnaring them unsuspecting Northerners for decades. Unfortunately for two beautiful, but spoiled heiresses and the crew of their reality series “Road Rascals”, the Maniacs are about to be more than just ratings killers when they show these Hollywood types that makin’ fun of the South can be deadly fun.

Amazon Specials!

NOTA : 9 RECOMANDAT

Download subtitrare Dead End

Trailer Dead End :

The Harrington’s are on their way to see family on Christmas Eve night. Dad falls asleep at the wheel and wakes up to the lights of an oncoming car. He swerves out of the way and into what ends up being the family’s nightmare journey. Most of the films action takes place inside of the car. The shots of the car driving along this deserted road through a massive, seemingly never ending forest inspires a sense of both solitude and dread. The appearance of another vehicle should evoke a feeling of hope but instead causes a sense of panic. The scenery and filming is impressive but it is the dialogue and performances in this film that separate it from the rest of the pack. Ray Wise, who played Laura Palmer’s dad in Twin Peaks, is perfect. Lin Shaye, Mick Cain and Alexandra Holden offer some outstanding support. An exaggerated, but not too far off portrait of the typical modern family. Mom, dad, brother, sister, let’s throw in sister’s fiancée for good measure. Bickering and bitterness abound and secrets are revealed as the family unit slowly crumbles. What makes all this even more interesting is it is quite humorous. The film is laced with humour darker than the forest they are driving through that makes for a pretty entertaining emotional rollercoaster ride. Dead End is a horror film low on body count and gore that doesn’t even offer alot of scares. But the atmosphere, the outstanding acting and dialogue, and the humour-laden sense of dread left me sweetly sated. This films one and only downfall is its ending. Here I must doc the film a full point. The ending is needlessly over explained. It would have been more fun and more effective to have allowed us to come to our own conclusions. This unique and satisfying horror film is definitely worth a rental.

Dungeon Review: 4/5

Directed By: Jean-Baptiste Andrea & Fabrice Canepa

Starring: Ray Wise, Lin Shaye, Mick Cain, Alexandra Holden, Billy Asher and Amber Smith

Directed By: Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson
Written By: Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Will Forte, Erica Rivinoja, John Soloman, Akiva Schaffer, Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Adam Jay Epstein, Andrew Jacobson
Cineamtography By: Eric Hasse
Edited By: Bruce Green & Ivan Victor

Cast:  Michael Cera, Frankie Muniz, Matthew Lillard, Beverly Mitchell, Andy Milonakis, Joanna Garcia, Lin Shaye,  Ryan Pinkston, Kyle Glass, Jamie Kennedy, Vanessa Lee Chester,  John Farley, Hank Harris, Kevin Hart, Margo Harshman, Marcus T. Paulk, Jermaine Williams, Vanessa Lengies

While this movie sounds like the typical spoof movies that spoof a genre or the pop culture of that era, this film strives to do things a little different and better. they take a subject: teenage sex and relationships then spoof that through a wide array of skits that are thinly linked. what you get is a very uneven film some skits work some don’t and fail horribly luckily for it it’s not a total disaster and the film isn’t too long to overstay it’s welcome, like some comedies do. but all in all i expected better, Considering the talent involved especially behind the scenes 10 great comedy writers and this was the best they could come up with. half of the fun of the film is seeing the teen cast you may remember from movies and tv shows showing up here in vastly more racy roles. then what you remember it doesn’t hurt the cast is very attractive. i was really looking forward to this movie finlly being released after 2 years. it’s not horrible but largley average it has it’s moments but overall it still falls short. it has plenty of sex and nudity but somehow it still feels safe. it doesn’t go over the top as promised with the extrme unrated label, but it’s a ok rental. really just a series of skits linked together not by much half of these skits wouldn’t pass on skit shows. buy humorous none the less you could do worse. it was nice to see matthew lillard in a film actually being funny for once intentionally.

Grade: C-

Starring: Daniel Franzese, Eric Jungmann, Shane McRae, Noreen DeWulf, Andy Milonakis, Sam Macmurray, China Shavers, Hector Jiminez, Joseph Lawrence, Jennifer Lyons, Lin Shaye, Bobby Long 

Directed By: Robert Englund
Wriiten By: Dan Stoller
Director Of Photography: David Stump
Edited By: Erik C. Andersen

What you see is what you get with this movie. Now i’m not a total film snob. I suprisingly liked this film. it’s no shakespeare. (But how many people really enjoy watching shakespeare over and over)

This is a movie you can’t really hate. It’s trashy with it’s tongur firmly planted in cheek. It has a innocence about it while knowing what it is. You can’t help but like it. it has no pretenses. Even if you rent, buy or watch this film you know what you are getting into by the box and within the first 5 minutes. It’s Low budget, corny and stupid. It’s the type of movie that used to be shown Usa’s Up all night. They used to show bad but entertaining b-movies. I can’t call this a horror comedy. it’s more like a comedy with horrific elements.

Surprisingly this movie is pretty clean material wise. It Could almost be PG-13, if not for some violence and dirty sexual jokes. The film rolls along like a sitcom. Silly characters, silly situations. I really enjoyed this movie. the leads are likeable and entertaining. I noticed alot of the cast as actors i usually see as supporting characters on tv shows or other movies really get there chance to shine here. how can you not like a movie with joey (Now Joseph) lawrence playing himself.

The movies title pretty much sums up what the movie is about. 3 guys from the midwest move to L.A. rent a house that is a portal to hell (Unbeknowst to them)They throw a party. where various people are murdered and they try to cover up the killings. to keep having a succesful party. they are also trying to avoid being seduced by two demons and the devil.

Jeff Davis has to be shouted out as the MVP in the cast. He palys the boys hometown friend Backwater he is hilarious and would not be surprised if he doesn’t become well known soon. He is laso good in a film called “The Boys & Girls Guide To Getting Down” This is also one of the first times i have actually found andy milonakis Funny. Which is a achieement in of itself as he actually seems to create a character.

It’s a pretty enjoyable throwaway movie. it didn’t overstay it’s welcome. i wish it would have been longer. i am secretly kind of hoping for a sequel. incidently this was directed by robert englund (Freddy Krueger To all of you) a solid outing for him as a director and much better then his first film 976-Evil.  

GRADE: C+

Read more about Adam Rifkin’s new film, National Lampoon’s Homo Erectus — here’s a great article from Variety.  The film opens on July 11 in theaters nationally, click here for tickets.

It stars Ali Larter, her boy-toy Hayes MacArthur, supermodel Carol Alt, the incredible David Carradine, “YO Adrienne!!!” Talia Shire, the insane comedy of Miles Dougal and Giuseppe Andrews, a tame yet incredibly potent performance by a loin-clothed Ron Jeremy, and his friend Jacklyn Lick, the Chocolate Diva Marie Luv, star of Showtime’s hot new show Californication, Madeline Zima, and many more.

Vot to es saprotu! Nekādas figņas, beidzot normāla filma! Fizioloģiskas šausmas, instinktīvas bailes, pretīgs terārijs! Fanoju, daudz vairāk nekā par visiem trīs zāģiem kopā ņemtiem!

in 2006 martcore says
apmier. ņurd.