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Reviews
Night of the Comet (1984)
The Best "B" Movie ever
Whenever I see someone slam this movie I laugh because they obviously don't get it. HELLO?! This is NOT supposed to be art. It is an intentionally campy film. A story about a comet that disintegrates 95% of the population leaving the burden of civilization on 2 Valley girls??? If u went in expecting anything other than what u got (an entertaining, funny, homage to classic B-horror films) than that is your fault! From the opening credits with the monotone narrative you should know you're in for a heavy dose of fromage. Yet what sets this apart from countless other B-movies(that are JUSTIFIABLY ridiculed) Is the funny and equal parts witty and dopey script. Of course, in the wrong hands it may have been worse off. Fortunately this film actually found genuine talent! The beautiful Catherine Mary Stewart makes Regina a strong, intelligent and capable heroine, while Kelli Maroney gives flighty little sis Samantha sympathy and genuine humor. The film is littered with comedic moments and spooky undertones. Anyone looking for 90 minutes of mindless fun. THIS is the pick!
Since You've Been Gone (1998)
Talented ensemble boost air-light script
Class reunion films always have the potential to be good entertainment, unfortunately most don't deliver. 'Since You've Been Gone' thankfully does.. .And doesn't.
It has its moments of genuine humor, but it also tries to be quirky and even sentimental. It doesn't always succeed, but more than not. It helps that it has a talented cast.
Relative unknowns Phillip Rayburn Smith, Laura Eason, and Thom Cox give standout performances, while the more recognizable faces of Teri Hatcher and David Schwimmer (who also directed) do not have much to go on.
Surprisingly, the films scene-stealer is its most under-written character, Grace, the class beauty/psycho. You can't help but chuckle when Lara Flynn Boyle comes on screen. It's then you know you can count on a laugh. No reason is ever given for her wicked behavior, but after a while, you won't care. Just further proof that the always sexy Boyle handles comedy just as easily as the heavy stuff.
Look for inspired cameos from Marisa Tomei, Jon Stewart, Molly Ringwald and the post nose-job Jennifer Grey (whom after watching this with friends realized I am the ONLY person who recognized her).
Scream (1996)
Um...THE BEST!
Without a doubt. 'Scream' made me excited by movies again, particularly horror. I had thought I'd never be scared by a film again because one, I'm older, and two, horror sucked! Too much was relied on gore than actual terror. Yet from it's first opening minutes to the end credits, 'Scream' made me feel tension, laughter and exhilaration. Much to the thanks of writer Kevin Williamson (my new idol) and director Wes Craven.
Since pretty much everyone living outside a cave, knows at least OF 'Scream' and it's plot about a nut-job in a mask who taunts victims with horror trivia before dicing them up. I wanted to concentrate on something rarely focused on in horror. The acting.
Since 'Scream' went from the little film that could into a teen blockbuster, not enough credit was given to it's extraordinary cast. All of whom turn in strong, solid performances.
In what are usually throw away roles, Matthew Lillard and Jamie Kennedy grab their limited screen time and run as the almost cool, almost handsome but seriously funny Stu and horror buff geek Randy. Skeet Ulrich is intense but always creepy as Billy. David Arquette ads his own quirky appeal to the Barney Fifish deputy Dewey.
As for the lovely leading ladies, Drew Barrymore (who just can't seem to be bad) as Casey, is both tragic and phenomenal in her limited run. Courteney Cox surprises all with her very convincing portrayal of tabloid vixen Gail Weathers. In what is usually a thankless role of heroine's best friend, Rose McGowan takes the usually bimbo-esque(in any 80's slasher) character of Tatum and adds genuine sex appeal, smarts, and feistiness.
As for the heroine herself, Sidney Prescott,(a seriously underrated Neve Campbell) she is without a doubt one of, if not the most realistic characters you're likely to find in this genre. Strong, intelligent, resourceful, this is a character that would flourish in any film. Provided the beautiful Campbell is the one to infuse her perfect handle on teen-angst.
As for the film itself...EXCELLENT!...;o)