Earth (2007,
USA/GBR/GER) C-96m. *** D: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield.
Narrated by James Earl Jones (US version), Patrick Stewart (UK version).
Beautiful globe-spanning documentary that travels from the North Pole to the
South Pole, visiting several climate zones and examining the wonders of our
planet. Astounding, never-before-seen footage of animals and landscapes, set
to a majestic, sweeping score. A must, will remind you of how beautiful this
world is. Also known as PLANET EARTH, based on the television series of the
same name. |
Earthquake (1974, USA) C-123m. Scope **½ D: Mark Robson.
Starring Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, George Kennedy, Lorne Greene,
Geneviève Bujold, Richard Roundtree, Marjoe Gortner, Barry Sullivan, Lloyd
Nolan, Victoria Principal, Walter Matuschanskayasky (=Walter Matthau), Monica
Lewis, Pedro Armendáriz Jr., Donald Moffat. Typical disaster thriller, made
when the genre was at its zenith. Soap opera-like introduction features
Heston as an architect, Gardner as his desperate wife, and Bujold as Heston’s
new love interest (with kid), as well as Roundtree as a stunt driver and
Kennedy as a hardened cop. When an earthquake hits the city (Los Angeles), it
spreads chaos and destruction. Some suspenseful cliffhanger situations, great
special effects and an impressive quake-sequence in the middle of the film
make this recommendable – unless the 45-odd minutes of dull introduction put
you off. Written by George Fox and Mario Puzo(!). Score by John Williams,
photography by Philip H. Lathrop. Originally released in “Sensurround”, which
featured a special low-frequency bass speaker setup. Won an Oscar for Best
Sound and a Special Achievement Award for Best Visual Effects. Lengthened by
several minutes for film’s cable TV premiere. Sort-of remade/ripped-off in
Japan as JISHIN RETTO (1980). |
Eastern Promises (2007, GBR/CDN/USA) C-100m.
*** D: David Cronenberg. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent
Cassel, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Sinéad Cusack, Jerzy Skolimowski. Crime drama, a
companion piece to Cronenberg’s A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005), which also
starred Mortensen. Here he plays a driver for the Russian mafia in London,
who gets involved in midwife Watts’ investigation into the death of a
14-year-old girl, who gave birth to a baby in her hospital. Heavy-going at
times, almost solemn, the lack of action is made up for by scenes of harsh
blood-letting. Film wraps up nicely, which makes up for the fact that it’s a
bit too talky and stagey. Written by Steven Knight, score by Howard Shore. |
East Side Story (1997, GER/FRA)
C-77m. *** D: Dana Ranga. Interesting documentary about film musicals
made behind the Iron Curtain from the 1930s to the 1960s. Only about 40 were
made, and most of them had to keep close to the Soviet ideology, meaning they
showed happy workers dancing in the fields, steel mills etc.! Features many
enlightening interviews, as well as footage from the films in question. More
of interest to cinéastes than to ordinary moviegoers. Some clips are in black-and-white,
some in widescreen. |
Ebola Syndrome (1996, HGK) C-98m. **½ D: Herman Yau. Starring Anthony Wong
Chau-Sang, Ming Wan Yeung, Shing Fui-On, Lo Meng. Extremely violent horror
thriller set mostly in South Africa, where a sadistic low-life has fled after
killing his boss and his wife. Working for a Chinese restaurant, he goes
looking for meat in the African bush and contracts Ebola when he rapes a
tribeswoman. Not only does he proceed to kill his new boss, he also turns him
and his girlfriend into minced meat for the hamburger special on the next
day! Then the traumatized daughter of the first couple he killed recognizes
him and he is forced to flee back to Hong Kong – with the Ebola virus inside
him. Pretty disgusting but fun for gorehounds, especially because of Wong’s
scenery-chewing performance, his story seems reminiscent of HENRY – PORTRAIT
OF A SERIAL KILLER (1986), although in an over-the-top Hong Kong-style. Watch
out for edited prints. |
Echappement Libre (1964, FRA/SPA/ITA/GER)
103m. Scope ** D: Jean
Becker. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, Gert Fröbe, Jean-Pierre
Marielle, Fernando Rey, Wolfgang Preiss. Crime comedy starts nice, then bogs
down: Fröbe hires Belmondo to smuggle gold hidden in a sports car to Beirut
and assigns Seberg as his partner. Soon, the smart Frenchman decides to keep
the gold for himself. Nice locations, attractive stars and a story that
becomes weaker and weaker. Some found it good, though. An adaptation of a
novel by Clet Coroner. English title: BACKFIRE. |
Écoute Voir (1978, FRA) C-115m. **½ D: Hugo Santiago.
Starring Catherine Deneuve, Sami Frey. Deneuve stars as a private
investigator who is assigned by the owner of a large estate to find out who
wants to get access to his premises. It turns out a dangerous sect intends to
use the man's invention - a machine which manipulates the human will - for
their own sakes. Low-key, not terribly involving, but well-worth a look at,
especially for fans of Deneuve. Jazzy, experimental soundtrack adds to the
film's mood. |
Ed and His Dead Mother (1993, USA) C-90m.
**½ D: Jonathan Wacks. Starring Ned Beatty, Steve Buscemi, John Glover,
Gary Farmer. Neat black comedy about Buscemi, who’s shattered when his mother
dies – and baffled when enigmatic businessman Glover knocks on his door and
offers to bring her back from the dead. And she does come back – with a
vengeance! Quite funny, but too self-conscious and a tad too slow. Good
performances. Also known as MOTHERHOOD. |
Edge, The (1997, USA) C-117m. Scope **½ D: Lee Tamahori.
Starring Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, Elle Macpherson, Harold Perrineau,
L.Q. Jones, Bart the Bear. Wilderness adventure set in Alaska about
billionaire Hopkins, a well-educated and interested man, whose plane crashes
in the middle of nowhere, with only a photographer (Baldwin) and his
assistant surviving. In their quest for survival, the men do not only have to
fight a wild bear but also their own rivalry, with Hopkin's wife Macpherson
being the object of desire. Nice location filming and some good scenes
between the stars make film worth watching, though the premise is contrived
and the situations not always credible. |
Ed TV (1999, USA) C-122m. **½ D: Ron Howard. Starring
Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfman, Woody Harrelson, Sally Kirkland, Martin
Landau, Ellen DeGeneres, Rob Reiner, Dennis Hopper, Elizabeth Hurley.
Amusing, intermittently clever satire, TRUMAN SHOW-style about brainless
Everyman McConaughey, whose life is presented 24 hours a day in a TV show by
a declining cable network. Not consistently credible, slighty overlong, but
entertaining. A remake of the Canadian film LOUIS XIX: ROI DES ONDES. |
Edward Scissorhands (1990, USA) C-105m. ***½
D: Tim Burton. Starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall,
Kathy Baker, Robert Oliveri, O-Lan Jones, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin, Nick
Carter. Touching, irresistible Burton movie, a typically dark fantasy about
the title character, an artificial human (Depp), whose maker (Price) sewed
all but his hands onto his body, instead he is wearing huge scissors. One day
he is discovered by cosmetics saleswoman Wiest, who takes him to her suburban
home and integrates him into their society. However, the young man remains
‘different’ despite his unique talents. Intelligent story by Tim Burton and
Caroline Thompson links the classic plots of Pinocchio and Frankenstein.
Excellent score by Danny Elfman, remarkable art direction, too. A real treat
(even if it hits its stride rather late), one of Tim Burton’s best films. |
Ed Wood (1994, USA) 124m. *** D: Tim
Burton. Starring Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker, Patricia
Arquette, Jeffrey Jones, G. D. Spradlin, Vincent D’Onofrio, Lisa Marie, Bill
Murray, Mike Starr, George ‘The Animal’ Steele. Screen-bio of legendary/notorious
trash film director Edward D. Wood, Jr., whose PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE has
been labelled ‘worst film of all time’. Typically stylish Burton homage, shot
in eye-popping black-and-white, is probably less compelling to non-movie
buffs, but fine performances, including Martin Landau’s brilliant,
heart-breaking portrayal of the dying Bela Lugosi, make the film worth
watching. Oscars went to Landau and his make-up designer Rick Baker. Howard
Shore composed the score. |
Eglima Sto Kavouri (1974, GRE) C-79m. ** D: Kostas Karagiannis. Starring Lakis
Komninos, Dorothy Moore, Vagelis Seilinos, Dimitris Bislanis, Fragoulis
Fragoulis, Jane Paterson. A sex killer is roaming the city and Komninos
intends to use him to get rid of his rich, neurotic wife. Rather poorly
handled, barely watchable thriller was one of a handful of Greek exploitation
films, distantly related to the giallo. English titles: THE RAPE KILLER,
DEATH KISS, and HE MURDERED HIS WIFE. |
18 Bronzegirls of the Shaolin (197?, HGK) C-84m. ** D: Chien Lai Yeh. Starring Yueh-Hua, King
Kong. Confusing kung fu actioner with silly comic touches is only partly
redeemed by an exciting (and increasingly violent) last 20 minutes. |
18 Fatal Strikes (1979, HGK) C-83m.
Scope
*** D: Ching Chen.
Starring Tung Wai, Shih Tien, Mang Kuang, Min Chiang. Simply plotted but
phenomenally choreographed eastern about two young peasants who save the life
of a shaolin monk. Subsequently he teaches them the art of Kung Fu, and
together they take on a white-haired manchu, who is after the monk. Comic
bits mingle better with the action than usual. The German TV version is cut
and misses the final two minutes. |
Eighteenth Angel, The (1997, USA/ITA)
C-88m. Scope **½ D: William
Bindley. Starring Christopher MacDonald, Rachel Leigh Cook, Stanley Tucci,
Wendy Crewson, Maximilian Schell, Cosimo Fusco, Venantino Venantini, Ted
Rusoff. After her mother has committed suicide, Cook's father allows the
teenager to go to Italy for a photo shooting, but it turns out priest Schell
is waiting for an "eighteenth angel" that would ensure the rebirth
of the Anti-Christ. Horror thriller isn't very clever (criticism of genetics
is slight), but credibly acted by MacDonald and atmospheric thanks to Italian
setting. Schell had a similar role in JOHN CARPENTER'S VAMPIRES a year later.
Written by David Seltzer (THE OMEN). |
8 Mile (2002, USA) C-110m. Scope **½ D: Curtis Hanson. Starring Eminem, Kim
Basinger, Mekhi Pfifer, Brittany Murphy, Evan Jones, Omar Benson Miller.
Typical street drama about an underdog achieving fame features star rapper
Eminem in a tailor-made role as a self-conscious white rapper, whose way to
fame is difficult, also because of his social background. Basinger plays his
trailer-trash mother. Might carry additional impact for Eminem fans, but
otherwise, this lacks spark. Oscar winner for Best Song. |
8MM (1999, USA) C-123m. ** D:
Joel Schumacher. Starring Nicholas Cage, Joaquin Phoenix, James Gandolfini, Peter
Stormare, Anthony Heald, Christopher Bauer, Catherine Keener, Myra Carter.
Private detective Cage is asked by a rich widow to investigate the origins of
an 8mm snuff film she found in her late husband's safe. All she wants is to
know whether the girl tortured in the movie was really killed. Family father
Cage delves into the netherworld of the pornography/bondage industry and soon
finds himself engulfed in a maelstrom of sex and violence, where he just
can't shake off his personal feelings for the girl. Cage's poorly defined
character mars this potentially nerve-wrecking thriller, and as a result the
film's transgression from a simple detective thriller to a kind of 'Death
Wish' revenge pic is hardly credible. Well-made, to be sure, but its
unpleasantness is - unfortunately - not offset by a good plot. |
Election (1999, USA) C-103m. Scope *** D: Alexander Payne.
Starring Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Loren Nelson, Chris Klein,
Phil Reeves, Colleen Camp. Unusual satirical comedy about high school teacher
Broderick and his nemesis, ultra-ambitious student Witherspoon. When she runs
for president of the student council, Broderick talks dumb ex-football player
Klein into competing against her. And that’s just the main thread of a
meandering plot that includes lesbianism, adultery and jealousy. Generally
on-target, but obviously tries to include too many details of the novel it’s
based on (written by Tom Perretta). Still, highly original and well-acted. |
Electra Glide in Blue (1973, USA) C-106m. Scope *** D: James William
Guercio. Starring Robert Blake, Billy Green Bush, Mitchell Ryan, Jeannine
Riley, Elisha Cook, Jr. Ambitious, well-acted drama focusing on the life of
highway patrolman Blake, who is striving to be a homicide cop and thinks his
chance has come when a local hermite is found dead in his hut. Stylish,
well-directed, with poetic location photography by Conrad Hall (IN COLD
BLOOD, BUTCH CASSIDY AND SUNDANCE KID); his use of a zoom lens (in almost
every scene) is also remarkable. Plot loses focus after about an hour, but
film still a must for followers of the American independent cinema. It has
developed a cult reputation. Coproduced by director Guercio, who also
composed the score. Also shown at 113m. |
Element of Crime, The (1984, DAN) C-103m.
*** D: Lars von Trier. Starring Michael Elphick, Esmond Knight, Me Me
Lei, Gerald Wells, Ahmed El-Shenawi, Astrid Henning Jensen, Lars von Trier.
‘The Element of Crime’ is a book written by a criminologist which should
improve the understanding of a criminal mind. With its help a detective
(Elphick) wants to track down serial killer Harry Grey who has been murdering
young girls selling lottery tickets. Frame story sees him in Cairo undergoing
hypnosis in order to return to Europe (Germany, to be exact) to solve the
case. Fascinating thriller boasts cowriter-director von Trier’s overwhelming
visual style (as seen before in BEFRIELSES BILLEDER), the film’s intellectual
pensiveness is transferred slowly to the viewer. Surreal narrative will
undoubtedly only appeal to intelligent audiences. This is a cult film that
will surely be rediscovered and hailed as a masterpiece in years to come.
Feature film debut of the ingenious Lars von Trier (EUROPA, RIGET, BREAKING
THE WAVES). First part of a trilogy, followed by EPIDEMIC and EUROPA. Esmond
Knight, who plays the author of ‘The Element of Crime’, appeared in Laurence
Olivier’s HAMLET in 1948 (which is set in Denmark). Original Danish language
title: Forbrydelsens Element. Shot
in English. |
Elephant (2003, USA) C-81m. **½ D: Gus Van Sant. Starring Alex Frost,
Eric Deulen, John Robinson, Elias McConnell, Jordan Taylor, Carry Finklea,
Timothy Bottoms. Examination of a school shooting as seen through the eyes of
various characters. Non-linear narrative is much like that of PULP FICTION
(1994), but offers little in terms of motives and explanations. Interesting
throughout, despite minute-long, seemingly pointless sequences, with which
director Van Sant tries to plunge the viewer into a typical school day at an average
high school. Ultimately, his criticism comes a year too late, after Michael
Moore’s scathing BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE (2002). Still took a Palm D’Or at
Cannes. |
Elephant Man, The (1980, GBR/USA)
123m. Scope ***½ D: David
Lynch. Starring Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud,
Wendy Hiller, Freddie Jones, Michael Elphick. Extraordinary drama, based on
the real-life story of John Merrick, a grotesquely disfigured young man
(Hurt), who is discovered by a renowned doctor (Hopkins) in Victorian London
and saved from his freak show host/owner (Jones). The kind treatment by the
doctors soon make the ‘Elephant Man’ reveal his true nature – that of a
sensitive, intelligent being. Unsensationalistic, well-acted, Lynch’s
follow-up to his debut feature ERASERHEAD (1978) is almost completely
atypical of his oeuvre but nevertheless hits the mark. Beautifully
photographed in black-and-white by Freddie Francis, moving score by John
Morris. Nominated for eight Oscars but didn’t win any. |
Elisa (1995, FRA) C-115m. Scope *** D: Jean Becker.
Starring Vanessa Paradis, Clotilde Coureau, Sekkou Sall, Florence Thomassin,
Michel Bouquet, Philippe Léotard, Gérard Depardieu. Well-wrought drama about
a homeless 17 year-old girl called Marie (Paradis), who uses her good looks
to get by and occasionally commits small crimes with her friends. She is
deeply troubled by the fact that her mother, who was forced to work as a
prostitute, committed suicide when she was only three years old. One day
Marie decides to look for her lost father, in order to get her revenge on the
man who she thinks is responsible for her miserable life. Well-acted,
credible film cowritten by director Becker (UN ETE MEURTRIER) scores high
emotionally and dramatically, despite being slightly overlong. Dedicated to
Serge Gainsbourg. |
Elizabeth (1998, GBR) C-123m. *** D: Shekhar Kapur. Starring Cate
Blanchett, Joseph Fiennes, Richard Attenborough, Geoffrey Rush, Kathy Burke,
Christopher Ecclestone, Fanny Ardant, Eric Cantona, Sir John Gielgud,
Jean-Pierre Léaud. Well-directed historical drama about the formative years of Queen
Elizabeth I. (Blanchett), who came to power during the Restoration period and
paved the way for England's world domination in the following years.
Well-acted, well-produced, a must for history experts and laymen alike,
although plot itself is not very compelling. |
Elizabethtown (2005, USA) C-123m. ***½ D: Cameron Crowe.
Starring Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin, Bruce McGill,
Judy Greer, Jessica Biel, Paul Schneider. When shoe designer Bloom causes his
company to lose a billion dollars he’s ready to commit suicide. Then he
receives news of his father’s death and must travel to Kentucky to arrange
his funeral. On his way he meets flight attendant Dunst, who may give his
life a new meaning. Philosophical, satirical, touching drama laced with
wonderful music and pitch-perfect performances. Dunst’s character is too good
to be true, though. Written by director Crowe. Photographed by John Toll. |
Ella Enchanted (2004, USA/EIR/GBR) C-96m. **½ D: Tommy O’Haver. Starring Anne
Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Aidan McArdle, Joanna Lumley, Minne Driver,
Eric Idle, Jimi Mistry, Vivica A. Fox, Patrick Bergin, voice of Steve Coogan.
Family fantasy movie is a mix between Cinderella and SHREK. Hathaway got an
unwelcome gift at birth – she has to obey every command. This cuases a lot of
problems, especially when an evil stepmother and her two ugly daughters come
into her life. Will she get her Prince Charming anyway? Some laughs, nice
sets, but plot (an adapation of Gail Carson Levine’s novel) is lacking
pizzazz. Hathaway is radiant. |
Emanuelle e Francoise le Sorelline (1975, ITA) C-96m. *½ D: Joe D’Amato. Starring George Eastman,
Rosemarie Lindt, Anne Carol Edel, Patrizia Gori, Massimo Vanni. Another
non-official EMMANUELLE movie, whose name was a synonym for sex in the 1970s
and beyond. Here, the vixen avenges the death of her sister, who was driven
to suicide by selfish, destructive actor Eastman. She kidnaps him and
subjects him to teasings and torture. Rather boring. Photographed by director
D’Amato, who also produced and coscripted with Bruno Mattei. English titles:
BLOOD VENGEANCE, DEMON RAGE, and EMANUELLE’S REVENGE. |
Emanuelle e gli Ultimi Cannibali (1977, ITA) C-88m.
*½ D: Joe d’Amato. Starring Laura Gemser, Gabriele Tinti, Nieves Navarro, Donald O’Brien,
Mónica Zanchi, Percy Hogan. Joe d’Amato’s contribution to the infamous cannibal
movie canon has black Emanuelle Gemser travel in to the jungle to find and
study a cannibal tribe. Sex and gore galore, with traces of a ‘normal’ plot.
Stay away if you are easily offended (though other cannibal movies seemed
even more disgusting). Aka EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS, EMANUELLE’S
AMAZON ADVENTURE and TRAP THEM AND KILL THEM. |
Embryo (1976, USA) C-104m. *½ D: Ralph Nelson.
Starring Rock Hudson, Barbara Carrera, Diane Ladd, Roddy McDowall, Anne
Schedeen. Poorly paced attempt at updating the FRANKENSTEIN theme casts
Hudson as doctor, who experiments with a special growth potion on fetuses.
When his experiment with a dog succeeds, it’s only a matter of time till he
tries it on a human embryo. Voice-overs give it a documentary feel not
needed, production values are low. Look in vain for traces of style.
Alternative title: CREATED TO KILL. |
Emerald Forest, The (1985, GBR) C-110m. Scope *** D: John Boorman.
Starring Powers Boothe, Meg Foster, Yara Vaneau, William Rodriguez, Estee
Chandler, Charley Boorman. On the edge of the rainforest, an uncharted region
of the world, dam constructor Boothe loses his son, when he is kidnapped by a
native tribe. After 10 years of searching, he may just find him among tribe
of so-called invisible people, a tribe which has no contact to the outside world.
Impressive adventure drama is similar in theme to director Boorman’s
masterpiece DELIVERANCE (1972) but its plot contrivances often undermine its
message. Still, well worth watching, not just for fans of the director. |
Emmanuelle (1974, FRA) C-94m.
**½ D: Just Jaeckin. Starring Sylvia Kristel, Alain Cuny, Marika Green,
Daniel Sarky, Jeanne Colletin. A classic of erotic cinema, this soft-core sex
film inspired countless imitations. Virginal Kristel moves to her
diplomat-husband in Thailand and is introduced to the pleasures of the bodily
kind. Not exactly compelling, but quite well-made, with a moody score by
Pierre Bachelet and Francis Lai and a convincing, star-making performance by
beauty Kristel. Based on the novel by Emmanuelle Arsan. Followed by six
sequels. |
Empire of Ash II (1988, USA) C-86m. M D: Lloyd A. Simandl, Michael
Mazo. Starring
Melanie Kilgour, Thom Schioler, Frank Wilson, James Stevens. Ultra-cheap
sci-fi wanna-be about a group of outlaws who try to rule some kind of
forestland. Possibly the worst MAD MAX imitation ever. There’s not even a
Part One! Believe it or not, followed by a sequel. |
Enchanted (2007, USA) C-107m. SCOPE **½ D: Kevin Lima. Starring Amy Adams,
Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey,
Susan Sarandon, narrated by Julie Andrews. Disney fantasy starts out like a
wonderful reminiscence of their classics cartoons, bogs down when the main
character, a princess, is thrown down a well and enters the real world, 21st
century New York City (for which the film expands into widescreen format).
She is saved by single dad Dempsey, who can’t explain why she behaves so
strangely. A generally good concept, but they had to apply the blockbuster
formula, with an overblown finale. Too bad. |
End, The (1978, USA) C-100m. Scope **½ D: Burt Reynolds,
James Best (uncredited).. Starring Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Sally Field,
Strother Martin, David Steinberg, Joanne Woodward, Norman Fell, Myrna Loy,
Kristy McNichol, Pat O’Brien, Carl Reiner, James Best. Black comedy about
Reynolds, who learns that he is terminally ill and thus decides to kill
himself. This give rise to many complications, some funny, some sad. A mild
satire, though DeLuise is hilarious as a mental patient whom Reynolds
befriends. |
Endemoniada, La (1975, SPA) C-88m. *½
D: Amando De Ossorio. Starring Julián Mateos, Marián Salgado, Fernando
Sancho, Lone Fleming, Angel del Pozo. Poorly structured, poorly written Spanish
EXORCIST rip-off about a witch, who kills herself (facing kidnapping charges)
and possesses the body of a ten-year-old child to complete her devilish plan.
Lame horror film, only the score is convincing. English titles: THE
POSSESSED, and DEMON WITCH CHILD. |
Endgame – Bronx Lotta Finale (1983, ITA) C-97m. *½
D: Joe D’Amato. Starring Al Cliver, Laura Gemser, George Eastman, Jack Davis,
Al Yamanouchi, Gabriele Tinti, Mario Pedone, Gordon Mitchell, Michele Soavi. Italian post-apocalyptic
sci-fi is merely a collection of ideas from better films. In 2025, the
champion (Cliver) of a RUNNING MAN-like TV show agrees to help a telepathic
woman (Gemser) to lead her people to freedom. Lots of mutants cross their
path. Maintains a feeble interest in the first half, deteriorates in the
second. A waste of time, unless you want to see that cast. D’Amato also
scripted (with Eastman), produced and photographed the picture. Soavi, who
has a cameo at the end, functioned as assistant director. |
Endless Night (1971, GBR) C-95m.
*** D: Sidney Gilliat. Starring Hayley Mills, Hywel Bennett, Britt
Ekland, George Sanders, Per Oscarsson, Lois Maxwell, Peter Bowles. Very
interesting Agatha Christie adaptation, much too little-known. Bennett plays
a driver, who blames his working-class background for preventing him to
become the arts/antiques expert he secretly desires to be. If only he had the
money to buy beautiful estate Gypsy’s Acre and set up his existence there.
Little does he know that fate has paved the way for this already. Intricately
plotted, suspenseful mystery with an excellent Bernard Herrmann score.
Midsection suffers most from leisurely pacing, but overall film is a must.
There are more nuances to Bennett’s character than in all the other
characters of Agatha Christie adaptations together. Photographed by Harry
Waxman. Gilliat’s last film as a director. |
End of Days (1999, USA) C-122m. Scope **½ D: Peter Hyams.
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Byrne, Robin Tunney, Kevin Pollak,
CCH Pounder, Derrick O’Connor, Udo Kier, Mark Margolis, Rod Steiger. Arnold
is back, playing a doubting-Thomas bodyguard, who finds himself trying to
prevent the reunion of Satan (Byrne) with a chosen victim (Tunney) on New
Year’s Eve 1999. Like in director Hyams’ THE RELIC, tons of explosions,
hyper-kinetic action delivered through an illogical but okay plot. Action
fans will get their share, others might discard this film realizing that it
only wants to cash in on the millennium hysteria. Schwarzenegger is fun as
usual. |
Enemy of the State (1998, USA) C-131m. Scope *** D: Tony Scott. Starring Will Smith, Gene
Hackman, Jon Voight, Lisa Bonet, Regina King, Stuart Wilson, Loren Dean, Jake
Busey, Scott Caan, Gabriel Byrne, James LeGros, Jamie Kennedy, Seth Green, Philip
Baker Hall, Jason Robards, Tom Sizemore. Stellar cast in rip-roaring action
film about NSA official Voight’s plans for seamless observation a la George
Orwell’s 1984. Smith plays a lawyer who accidentally gets involved in the
scheme and becomes a target because he has proof of Voight’s terrible
practices. Flashy direction, superb pace … there is simply no time for the
hole in the story to shine through. Really only a typical Hollywood
contrivance but technically excellent. Hackman’s character is one big
reference to Francis Ford Coppola’s classic THE CONVERSATION (1974). |
Enfants Terribles, Les (1950, FRA) 104m. ***
D : Jean-Pierre Melville. Starring Nicole Stéphane, Edouard Dermithe, Renée Cosima, Jacques
Bernard, Melvyn Martin, narrated by Jean Cocteau. Melville’s second feature
is a profound character study about the relationship between brother and
sister, Stéphane and Dermithe, who are quasi-orphans. She feels responsible
for her sickly brother and tries to take his fate into her own hands – with
tragic results. Non-sensationalistic, poetic treatment (not quite in
the realm of a Cocteau film), although Melville was still practising for his
later, greater movies. Stéphane’s excellent performance is chillingly
believable. Cosima plays two characters. Based on the novel by Jean
Cocteau, who also narrates. Fine use of classical music by Johann Sebastian
Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. Photography by Henri Decaë. Produced and cowritten
by Melville. English title: THE STRANGE ONES. |
Enfer, L’ (1994, FRA) C-100m. *** D:
Claude Chabrol. Starring Emmanuelle Béart, Francois Cluzet, Nathalie Cardone,
André Wilms, Jean-Pierre Cassel. Chabrol’s adaptation of a screenplay by
Henri-Georges Clouzot (written in 1964) about seemingly perfect couple Béart
and Cluzet, whose idyllic world crumbles when he grows increasingly jealous
and follows every step she takes. Well-directed and acted, an unrelenting
descent into the dark side of human nature. A matter of taste regarding how
far you will let yourself be manipulated, but masterfully handled by Chabrol. |
English Patient, The (1996, USA) C-161m.
***½ D: Anthony Minghella. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche,
Willem Dafoe, Kristin Scott Thomas, Naveen Andrews, Colin Firth, Julian
Wadham, Jürgen Prochnow, Kevi Whatley. Meticulous, well-produced epic tale of
a badly burned Englishman (Fiennes), who is tended to by a Canadian nurse
(Binoche) during World War Two. Slowly he remembers the events leading up to
the plane crash. Perfectly mounted drama starts slow and becomes more and
more fascinating as it goes along. Well-acted, especially by Scott Thomas,
Minghella’s adaptation of Michael Ondaatje’s novel is occasionally confusing
and hard to follow (which is a flaw of many literary adaptations) but patient
viewers will be doubly rewarded. Winner of nine Oscars, including Best
Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress (Binoche). |
Enigma (2001, GBR/USA/GER/NED) C-117m. **½ D: Michael Apted.
Starring Dougray Scott, Kate Winslet, Saffron Burrows, Jeremy Northam, Nikolaj
Coster-Waldau, Corin Redgrave, Mick Jagger. Period drama set during World War
Two, about continuous attempts to crack German message code and expert Scott,
whose involvement with femme fatale Burrows may be the key to solving the
mystery of the code and unveiling a possible conspiracy against the British.
Good production values, performances (especially lovely Winslet’s) in diffuse
film that you never completely figure out (not an intention by the
filmmakers). Script by Tom Stoppard is an adaptation of Robert Harris’ novel.
Score by John Barry. Mick Jagger coproduced and appears in a cameo as a
soldier. |
Enigma Rosso (1978, ITA/SPA/GER) C-85m. **½
D: Alberto Negrin. Starring Fabio Testi, Christine Kaufmann, Ivan Desny,
Brigitte Wagner, Fausta Avelli, Tony Isbert, John (Jack) Taylor, Helga Liné. Quite good murder
mystery, giallo-style, about inspector Testi, who investigates killing of
sixteen-year-old girl. At her boarding school she was part of a clique of
girls, who have a naughty hobby… and the killer is targeting more teens. Plot
sort-of imitates the classic giallo PROFONDO ROSSO (1975), but film lacks
Dario Argento’s audacity or style. Testi is quite good, though it’s a mystery
why Kaufmann appears at all. Screenplay is credited to six writers, among
them Massimo Dallamano and director Negrin. Expert score by Riz Ortolani.
Alternative titles: TRAUMA, RED RINGS OF FEAR, VIRGIN KILLER, VIRGIN TERROR. |
Eno Nakano Bokuno Mura (1996, JAP) C-112m. **½
D: Yoichi Higashi. Starring Mieko Harada, Keigo Matsuyama, Shogo Matsuyama,
Kyozo Nagatsuka. Japanese childhood reminiscence about two little twin boys
who grow up in rural post-WW2 |
Enter
the Dragon (1973, USA/HGK) C-99m. Scope *** D: Robert Clouse.
Starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Ahna Capri, Bob Wall, Shih Tien, Angela
Mao, Yang Tse. Lee (as ‘Mr Lee’ more or less playing himself) is assigned to
infiltrate island fortress of evil crime boss Tien, who holds a martial arts
tournament there every three years. Plot is unimportant, and film suffers
from that for over an hour, but the last twenty minutes are so tense and
fascinating they will tighten every slack muscle in your body. The final
fight shows Lee at his very best. He is credited as choreographer, but rumor
has it that he also codirected the film with Clouse. Fine score by Lalo
Schifrin. Coproduced by Raymond Chow. Samo Hung has a cameo at the beginning
of the film. Alternative U.S. title: THE DEADLY THREE. |
Enter the Fat Dragon (1978, HGK) C-81m. Scope **½ D: Samo Hung. Starring Samo Hung,
Peter K. Yang, Roy Chiao-Hung, Lim Kin-Ming, Leung Kar Yan. Hung is a hayseed
that comes to the big city to find a job. He gets involved in all kinds of
street-brawling action, which earns him respect - but no money. Then he takes
up a job at his uncle’s restaurant. Kung fu comedy is likable due to the
star’s dedicated performance, but that’s about it. Hung’s last opponent
(Leung Kar Yan) plays his master in THE VICTIM. German video version is cut. |
Entity, The (1981, USA) C-125m. Scope ** D: Sidney J. Furie.
Starring Barbara Hershey, Ron Silver, David Labiosa, George Coe, Margaret
Blye, Alex Rocco. Hershey plays a mother of three, who one day starts
suffering vicious attacks by an invisible sexual force. Is it a demon? Or is
she going insane? Psychologist Silver tries to help her with Freud – to no
avail. Rather outlandish, silly premise somehow remains watchable thanks to
straight-faced performances, a professional score by Charles Bernstein.
Written by Frank De Feliita, based on his novel (allegedly based on fact!).
Released abroad before getting an early 1983 U.S. release. |
En Toute Innocence (1987, FRA) C-95m.
**½ D: Alain Jessua. Starring Michel Serrault, Nathalie Baye, Suzanne
Flon, Francois Dunoyer. Sylvie Fennec. Chabrol-like drama about elderly man
Serrault, who unwittingly sees his son’s wife committing adultery and has a
terrible car accident as a consequence. With broken legs and self-imposed
muteness, he tries to evade a confrontation. Interesting, well-acted (Flon
and Serrault make a great pair), but always a leg behind a thoroughly good
thriller. Photographed by Jean Rabier. |
Entrapment (1999, USA/GBR)
C-113m. Scope **½ D: Jon Amiel. Starring Sean Connery, Catherine
Zeta-Jones, Ving Rhames, Will Patton, Terry O’Neill. Mild diversion about
master-thief Connery, who is so fascinated by lady Zeta-Jones that he agrees
to turn her into a master-thief, too. Romance (quite unreal) meets high-tech
action, complemented by some exciting chases. Not that stimulating; further
hampered by an incredibly stupid ending. When does Connery finally make good
films again? |
Epidemic (1987, DAN) 106m.
**½ D: Lars von Trier. Starring Lars von Trier, Niels Vorsel, Susanne
Ottesen, Udo Kier. More confusing than enigmatic story of two filmmakers who
write a screenplay about an epidemic which is ravaging around a big city. A
young doctor tries to cross the hermetically closed city boundaries to help
the victims of the plague. Von Trier alternately shows the filmmakers’
research journeys through Europe, shot in 16mm, and the events taking place
in their ‘film’, filmed in 35mm by Henning Bendtsen, who used to be Carl
Theodor Dreyer’s regular cinematographer. Although the idea for EPIDEMIC is
intriguing, the narrative is confusing and doesn’t make much sense. Too
little time is invested in fleshing out the story of the film within the
film, which is gorgeously shot, however. Still, this one should not be easily
discarded; it may require multiple viewing to completely understand it. Lars
von Trier’s second feature, following THE ELEMENT OF CRIME. He also coedited
and cowrote the film (with his co-star Vorsel). One segment is in color. |
Equilibrium (2002, USA) C-107m.
Scope ** D: Kurt Wimmer. Starring Christian Bale, Dominic Purcell,
Sean Bean, Christian Kahrmann, John Keogh, Sean Pertwee, Emily Watson, David
Hemmings. In the near future anyone who shows emotions is outlawed and
persecuted. Policeman Bale is especially cold and untouched by all this,
until his colleague Bean steals a book which is supposed to be burned.
Obviously, there is a rebel movement out there. Writer-director Wimmer should
be accused of plagiarism. His film is like Fahrenheit 451 meets 1984
with absolutely no ideas of its own. Some flashy action sequences may make it
interesting for action fans. Also known as CUBIC. |
Equipier, L’ (2004, FRA) C-104m. **½ D: Philippe Lioret. Starring Sandrine
Bonnaire, Philippe Torreton, Grégori Derangère, Emilie Dequenne, Anne
Consigny. French drama told in flashback. In 1963 a stranger arrives in small
Breton community to work as a lighthouse worker. He is at first rejected by
everyone, but he has special skills – and good looks... Nicely quiet drama,
nothing special, some nice views of the landscape and subtle dramatics. English
title: THE LIGHT. |
Era of Vampire, The (2002, HGK/JAP/NED)
C-90m. *½ D: Wellson Chin. Starring Kwan Chan Kwok, Ken Chang, Suet Lam,
Michael Chow Man-Kin. Also known as TSUI HARK’S VAMPIRE HUNTERS, this horror
/ action hybrid deals with a group of warriors who try to fend off army of
vampires in medieval China. Incredibly muddled, disjointed script by producer
Tsui Hark makes very little sense. Some flashy action scenes aside, this
B-movie is not scary or supenseful at all. The vampires suck their victim’s
blood in an odd way, too. Avoid. |
Eraser (1996, USA) C-115m. Scope ** D:
Charles (Chuck) Russell. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Caan, Vanessa
L. Williams, James Coburn, Robert Pastorelli, James Cromwell, Danny Nucci. In-your-face action
entertainment about pro Schwarzenegger, who, working for the witness
protection program, provides people with new identities. His latest client
(Williams) is such an important witness that Arnie cannot even trust his own
bosses. Lots of action but mean-spirited, contrived and much too serious,
with Caan’s character ridiculously overdone. Leaves a very bitter aftertaste. |
Eraserhead (1977, USA) 89m. *** D: David
Lynch. Starring John (Jack) Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, Jeanne
Bates, Judith
Anna Roberts, Laurel Near, V. Phipps-Wilson, Jack Fisk, Jennifer (Chambers)
Lynch. David Lynch’s first feature is a nightmare movie if there ever was
one, full of symbolism and frightening images. Nance’s affair with a girl
results in the birth of an ALIEN-like freak baby. Too surreal to clearly
describe it, this movie is very slowly paced but also fascinating, even
hypnotic. A cult favorite, impressively shot. Lynch also wrote, produced and
worked on the complete picture. Clearly a matter of taste. |
Ercole al Centro della Terra (1961, ITA) C-84m. Scope *** D: Mario Bava. Starring
Reg Park, Christopher Lee, Leonora Ruffo. Bava’s second feature is just
as atmospheric: When Hercules finds out that his bride-to-be has fallen sick,
he enters Hades, the world of the dead, to get the cure. Lee is fine as the
villain, and the final attack of the vampires is a gem. Naive but colorful
fun, coscripted and photographed by the director. English title: HERCULES IN
THE HAUNTED WORLD. |
Ercole alla Conquista di Atlantide (1961, ITA/FRA) C-94m. Scope *½ D: Vittorio Cottafavi. Starring Reg Park, Fay
Spain, Ettore Manni, Gian Maria Volonté. Relentlessly talky, aimless peplum
movie about Hercules attempts to bring down despotic queen of Atlantis. Park
is absolutely terrible. Special effects are limited to the beginning of the
film. Cowritten by Ducio Tessari, score by Armando Trovajoli. Also known as
HERCULES AND THE CAPTIVE WOMEN. |
Ercole Contro i Figli del Sole (1964, ITA/SPA) C-80m. Scope *½ D: Osvaldo Civirani.
Starring Mark Forest, Anna-Maria Pace, Giuliano Gemma, Franco Fantasia,
Rosalba Neri. Hercules ends up on the shores of Peru and helps local prince Gemma to
regain his throne and punish usurpers. Unconvincing, poorly acted, mostly laughable
entry in the series, whose popularity was already about to expire. Also known
as HERCULES AGAINST THE SONS OF THE SUN. |
Ercole Contro Molock (1963, ITA/FRA) C-102m. Scope *½ D: Giorgio Ferroni. Starring
Gordon Scott, Rosalba Neri, Alessandra Panaro, Michel Lemoine, Geneviève
Grad, Jany Clair. Boring costumer set in the city of Mycene, where goddess Demeter’s son
Moloch receives sacrifices in the form of beautiful young virgins.
Glaucos/Hercules enters the city in order to destroy the despotic ruler. Not
at all interesting. Score by Carlo Rustichelli. English titles: HERCULES
AGAINST MOLOCH and CONQUEST OF MYCENE. |
Ercole Contro Roma (1964, ITA/FRA) C-92m. Scope ** D: Piero Pierotti.
Starring Alan Steel, Wandisa Guida, Mimmo Palmara, Daniele Vargas. Solidly filmed
sword-and-sandal movie about superhero Hercules (Steel), who is called to
help old friend Arminia against some usurpers. Late entry into the series has
no supernatural aspects (apart from Herc’s strength) and remains a
second-rate adventure. Score is good, though. English titles: HERCULES
AGAINST ROME, HERCULES IN ROME. |
Ercole e la Regina di Lidia (1959, ITA/FRA) C-93m. Scope ** D: Pietro Francisci.
Starring Steeve Reeves, Sylvia Lopez, Gabriele Antonini, Sylva Koscina. Colorful but episodic,
almost incoherent muscleman epic features Reeves as Hercules, who is
brainwashed and abducted by an evil queen, while his wife is held captive by
a despotic ruler. Better-produced than most peplum films, this features fine
visuals by Mario Bava, who also have directed some parts. Several strikingly
atmospheric sequences are proof of this. Watch it for the maestro’s
involvement, not for the plot or the action. Alternative titles: HERCULES
UNCHAINED, HERCULES AND THE QUEEN OF SHEBA. |
Ercole l’Invincibile (1963, ITA) C-85m. Scope **½ D: Al World (=Alvaro
Mancori). Starring Dan Vadis, Spela Rozin, Carla Calò, Ken Clark, Hugo Arden
(=Ugo Sasso). Strongman Hercules (Vadis) goes on a mission to defeat a dragon and
take his smallest, magical tooth. However, when the Royal Family is abducted,
he must enter a subterranean kingdom and rescue them along with the princess
he is in love with. Uneven but nicely naïve spectacle is more of an adventure
than other entries in the sword-and-sandal genre and sometimes even creates a
sense of awe and wonder. While far from being a good movie, this one may be
enjoyed by kids (who’ll certainly chuckle at the antics of Herc’s bumbling
sidekick). Vadis is earnest in title role. Also known as HERCULES AGAINST THE
ELEPHANTS’ EMPIRE, HERCULES THE INVINCIBLE, and SON OF HERCULES IN THE LAND
OF DARKNESS. |
Ercole Sfida Sansone (1963, ITA) C-86m. Scope ** D: Pietro Francisci. Starring
Kirk Morris, Richard Lloyd, Enzo Cerusico, Liana Orfei, Aldo Giuffré. Typically boring
muscleman adventure, about Hercules, who accidentally ends up in a foreign
country with some friends. There he assists Samson in defeating a tyrant.
Solidly filmed, with a rousing score (by Angelo Francesco Lavagnino and Carlo
Savina), but simply not original or involving enough. English title:
HERCULES, SAMSON & ULYSSES. |
Erin Brockovich (2000, USA) C-131m. *** D: Steven
Soderbergh. Starring Julia Robert, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Marg Helgenberger, Cherry Jones, Peter Coyote, Erin Brockovich. Fine comedy drama about
Roberts, a divorced mother of three children, who tries hard to find a job,
and otherwise uses her good looks to get by. Finally she is employed at
Finney’s law firm and finds herself challenged with a case that may help to
prove herself. Well-acted, funny dialogues, a sure pick for an entertaining
evening. Based on a real case (Erin Brockovich appears briefly as a
waitress). |
Eroi all’Inferno (1974, ITA) C-86m. ** D: Michael Wotruba
(=Joe D’Amato). Starring
Ettore Manni, Lars Bloch, Rosemarie Lindt, Klaus Kinski, Roberto Dell’acqua,
Paul Muller. Okay
Italian war actioner about a group of WW2 P.O.W.s, who escape a German prison
camp in France and help some partisans capture German general Kinski. Less
offensive than most other films by D’Amato, who also scripted and
photographed the picture. Kinski’s role is no more than a cameo. English
titles: HEROES IN HELL. |
Errand Boy, The (1961, USA) 92m. **½ D: Jerry Lewis. Starring Jerry Lewis,
Brian Donlevy, Howard McNear, Lorne Greene, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon,
Pernell Roberts. Sporadically funny Lewis comedy about an idiot (guess who?)
going to work for a big movie company to find out what’s going wrong on their
grounds. From then on, everything goes wrong. Episodic, not always funny,
basically a vanity production for its star. The ‘Bonanza’ cast appears
unbilled. |
Escaflowne (2000, JAP) C-102m.
**½ D: Kazuki Akane, Yoshiyuki Takei. Starring (the voices of) Maaya
Sakamoto, Tomokazu Seki, Jôji Nakata, Majumi Iizuka. Bombastic anime is a
remake of a 1996 television series that had 26 episodes. A suicidal
school girl is transported into a fantasy world, where she is told to be the
Wing Goddess, who alone can defeat Lord Vulcan. Story drowns in typical Anime
style and is difficult to access, some of the animation is impressive. Fans
of the original series may find this most intriguing. Also known as
ESCAFLOWNE: THE MOVIE. |
Escalofrío (1977, SPA) C-82m. *** D:
Carlos Puerto. Starring Ángel Aranda, Sandra Alberti, Marian Karr, José Maria
Guillén. Contrived,
illogical but eerie and atmospheric tale of a young couple who is invited to
a secluded house where the owners are members of a satanic cult. Fine camera
work lifts this horror thriller above average. Just don’t expect to find a
rational explanation for the going-ons. Watch out for that doll! Produced by
Juan Piquer Simon. English titles: DON'T PANIC and SATAN'S BLOOD. |
Escape From Alcatraz (1979, USA) C-112m.
*** D: Don Siegel. Starring Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Roberts
Blossom, Jack Thibeau, Fred Ward, Paul Benjamin, Larry Hankin, Danny Glover.
Modest but typically solid suspense drama about Alcatraz inmate Eastwood, his
prison life and plans for escape from the island. A suspenseful and
intelligent thriller, adapted from the novel by Campbell Bruce (based on a
real case!). A major influence on THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. |
Escape From Hellhole (1983, FIL/INES)
C-83m. M D:
Maman Firmansyah. Starring Guphy Sintara, Dicky Zulkarnaen. Asian prison
movie about country maid Sintara, who is tricked into believing she’ll live
with her friend’s rich uncle, but in fact she ends up in a brothel… and
finally in prison. Poorly written, sloppily filmed, a complete washout. Film
is even short on nudity. Avoid at all costs. Uncut version runs some 100m. |
Escape From New York (1981, USA) C-99m. Scope ** D: John Carpenter. Starring
Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasance, Isaac Hayes,
Season Hubley, Harry Dean Stanton, Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, Charles
Cyphers, John Diehl, George ‘Buck’ Flower, John Carpenter (voice), Debra Hill
(voice). Juvenile sci-fi action set in 1997(!), where Manhattan is a
high-security prison. Russell plays a daredevil who is hired by Van Cleef to
find and bring back none other than the President (Pleasance), whose plane
crashed into Manhattan. Rather silly action film was successful nevertheless
and led to a sequel 15 years later: ESCAPE FROM L.A. James Cameron was
co-creator of the special effects! |
Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971, USA) C-98m. Scope *** D: Don Taylor. Starring
Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Bradford Dillman, Natalie Trundy, Eric Braeden,
William Windom, Sal Mineo, Ricardo Montalban, M. Emmet Walsh, James (B.)
Sikking. The two likable chimps Zira and Cornelius from the first two APES
movies have surprisingly survived nuclear holocaust by boarding Heston’s
spaceship and flying to 20th century L.A. There they meet with awe
and disbelief, especially when they foretell the future of mankind, which is
hard to swallow for government officials. Less bizarre and more satirical
than the first two parts, a good continuation of the saga. Followed by
CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. |
Escape to Witch Mountain
(1975, USA) C-97m. **½ D: John Hough. Starring Eddie
Albert, Ray Milland, Donald Pleasence, Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann, Walter
Barnes, Harry Holcombe. Just okay fantasy adventure about two orphans with
special extra-sensory powers, who end up running from super-rich Milland, who
wants to use their powers for himself. Nice drifter Albert helps them get to
their destination. Disney movie has a flaccid pace and is not always
convincing. It comes across as okay family fare. Based on the book by
Alexander Key. Remade in 1995 (as a TV movie) and 2009 (as a
blockbuster). Followed by a sequel, RETURN FROM WITCH MOUNTAIN, in 1978. |
Esecutori, Gli (1976, ITA) C-89m. **
D: Maurizio Lucidi. Starring Roger Moore, Stacy Keach, Ivo Garrani, Fausto
Tozzi, Ennio Balbo, Romano Puppo, Ettore Manni. Strictly standard action thriller
about Moore and Keach, who team up in finding out who used an ancient cross
from Sicily to smuggle cocaine. Mafia movie has some nice car chases but
that’s about it. Moore seems to enjoy it. Score by Luis Enríquez Bacalov
includes a haunting theme for the finale and the closing credits. Original
running time: 100m. English titles: STREET PEOPLE, THE EXECUTIONERS, THE
EXECUTORS, THE SICILIAN CROSS. |
Esercito di 5 Uomini, Un (1969, ITA) C-105m. **
D: Don Taylor. Starring Peter Graves, James Daly, Bud Spencer, Tetsuro Tamba,
Nino Castelnuovo, Daniela Giordano, Annabella Andreoli, Carlo Alighiero, Claudio
Gora, Giacomo Rossi-Stuart. Five men get together to rob half a million dollars
in gold from a moving train. They intend to help Mexican revolutionaries.
Story setup is weak and whole film suffers from it. Quite violent western
adventure was scripted by Marc Richards and Dario Argento. Score by Ennio
Morricone is quite good, but he has done much better. A minor mix of THE WILD
BUNCH and THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. English title: FIVE MAN ARMY. Beware of
edited prints. |
Esercito Più Pazzo del Mondo, L’ (1981, ITA) C-81m. *½
D : Marino Girolami. Starring Pino Caruso, Adriana Russo, Andy Luotto,
Massimo Boldi, Sabrina Siani. Another one of those low-brow Italian comedies that
should never have reached screens in other countries. Several bumbling idiots
turn an army camp upside down. One unfunny gag after the other, grows tiring
after a while. Might work for you if intoxicated and in a group, otherwise
stay away from this yawn. |
Espanto Surge de la Tumba, El (1973, SPA) C-86m. *½
D: Carlos Aured. Starring Paul Naschy, Emma Cohen, Jacinto Molina, Victor Alcázar.
Typical Spanish horror flick about a group of friends who make contact with
the ghost of a warlock, who turns them into zombies one-by-one in a remote
castle. Quite violent, atmospheric but awfully cheesy. Poorly acted and
scripted, only for trash fans. Usually shown in cut version. English title:
HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB. |
Espinazo del Diablo, El (2001, SPA/MEX) C-107m.
*** D: Guillermo del Toro. Starring Eduardo Noriega, Marisa Paredes,
Federico Luppi, Inigo Garces, Fernando Tielve. Original drama set in 1930s Spain,
where the civil war casts a giant shadow over remote school run by Noriega.
Newcomer Tielve, an orphan like many of his comrades, is soon to make contact
with the ghost of a little boy that is haunting the fortress-like school.
What’s the mystery behind the apparition? Intelligent ghost story,
well-directed by del Toro. Creepy and absorbing, although film gives away its
option for greatness by putting all the blame on one character and ending
like a crime story (the final twist is chilling, though). Produced by
Pedro Almodóvar. English title: THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE. |
Estambul 65 (1965, SPA/ITA/FRA) C-117m. Scope *½ D: Antonio
Isasi-Isasmendi. Starring Horst Buchholz,
Sylva Koscina, Mario Adorf, Perette Pradier, Klaus Kinski, Georges Rigaud,
Gérard Tichy. Poor Euro actioner, a lame James Bond imitation. Boyish Buchholz is
miscast as playboy who is asked by lady Koscina to free nuclear scientist,
held for ransom by an unknown villain in Istanbul. 60s flavour, stars in the
cast cannot compensate for ultra-thick layer of dust on this film. It’s
overlong, to boot. Also known as THAT MAN IN ISTANBUL and L’HOMME D’ISTANBUL.
|
Esther and the King (1960, USA/ITA)
C-103m. Scope ** D: Raoul
Walsh. Starring Joan Collins, Richard Egan, Denis O’Dea, Sergio Fantoni.
Mario Bava’s color cinematography elevates unexciting costumer about an
intrigue at the King’s Court in Persia. Alternative running time: 109m. |
Estratto dagli Archivi Segreti della
Polizia di una Capitale Europea (1972, ITA/SPA) C-87m. **½ D: Robert Hampton
(=Riccardo Freda). Starring Camille Keaton, Tony Isbert, Máximo Valverde,
Luigi Pistilli, Luciana Paluzzi, Paul Müller. Wildly plotted horror chiller about
a group of friends who run out of gas in the middle of nowhere during a
thunderstorm and find refuge in a villa. Little do they know that the owner
is about to have a black mass in the basement. Keaton’s pearl necklace is
said to have devilish powers, too! Strange film is confusing, even illogical,
but stays with you because it is not too literate. Recommended to fans of
director Freda, who – like in his previous giallo L’IGUANA DALLA LINGUA DI
FUOCO (1971) – includes some jarring special effects. Score by Stelvio
Cipriani is way too melodramatic and overblown. Obscure movie was probably
never released officially anywhere outside Italy and Spain (title there was
TRAGICA CEREMONIA EN VILLA ALEXANDRA). |
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless
Mind
(2004, USA) C-108m. *** D: Michel Gondry. Starring Jim Carrey, Kate
Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, David
Cross, Jane Adams. Another unique movie from the mind of Charlie
Kaufman (BEING JOHN MALKOVICH). Disoriented Carrey hesitantly falls in
love with neurotic Winslet, but their romance is not to last. One day he
learns she had him erased from his memory. He then decides to undergo the
same procedure, but he finds letting go of the memories extremely hard.
Creative romantic comedy features an array of interesting ideas and weird
characters, and thus sometimes feels more experimental than heart-felt.
Still, sort of a must-see. Good score by Jon Brion. Oscar-winner for Best
Screenplay. |
Etoile (1988,
ITA) C-101m. *** D: Peter Del Monte. Starring Jennifer Connelly, Gary
McCleery, Laurent Terzieff, Olimpia Carlisi, Charles Durning. Dreamy,
interesting paraphrase of the quintessential ballet Swan Lake about an American
student in Budapest who wants to audition for a show and finds herself drawn
to an old theater and ultimately its owner. McCleery, who accompanies his
uncle Durning to some auctions, falls in love with her and investigates her
strange behavior. Perhaps not completely convincing, but well-acted,
well-scored, and subject matter is intriguing, to reiterate. Connelly is
radiant in a role not that dissimilar to that in her film debut, Dario
Argento’s PHENOMENA (1985). Also known as BALLET. |
Etoile du Nord, L’ (1982, FRA) C-124m.
**½ D: Pierre Granier-Deferre. Starring Simone Signoret, Philippe
Noiret, Fanny Cottencon, Julie Jézéquel, Jean Rougerie, Dominique Zardi. Oddly captivating crime
drama set in the 1930s, based on the novel Le Locataire by Georges
Simenon. Noiret, a luckless traveler on the way from Egypt to Europe, meets a
beautiful dancer traveling with a shady businessman. She puts Noiret up with
her mother Signoret, who rents rooms in their house. There, Noiret begins
spinning tales about his time in Africa, until they learn that the
businessman has been murdered and his money stolen. Sensitively handled drama
benefits from casting of the flawless Noiret and Signoret (in one of her last
roles), but ultimately this is too deliberately paced and not as rewarding as
Granier-Deferre’s LE CHAT (1971). Score by Philippe Sarde. English title: THE
NORTH STAR. |
Etrange Desir de Monsieur Bard, L’ (1953, FRA) 112m. ***
D: Geza von Radvanyi. Starring Michel Simon, Yves Deniaud, Geneviève Page,
Henri Crémeux, Louis de Funès. Aging bus driver Simon learns that he may not live
for very much longer and decides to buy the love of a young dancer with the
money he has recently won in a casino. Good-natured, endearing comedy drama
with Michel Simon in top form. Occasionally, co-writer/director von Radvanyi
uses grotesque images, which lends the film an odd aura. Louis de Funès, in
one of his earliest roles, lends hilarious support as a seedy businessman who
wants to rid Simon of his money. |
Etrangers, Les (1969, FRA/ITA/GER)
C-88m. *½ D: Jean-Pierre Desagnat. Starring Senta Berger, Michel
Constantin, Julián Mateos, Hans Meyer. Below-standard Euro thriller plays
like a spaghetti western: A bank robber finds refuge at Berger’s hut and
realizes that he may have to share his loot, or else he may be murdered.
Violent, poorly written, based on a novel by André Lay. Aka THE STRANGERS and FRÜHSTÜCK MIT
DEM KILLER. |
Etrusco Uccide Ancora, L’ (1972, ITA/GER/YUG)
C-105m. Scope **½ D:
Armando Crispino. Starring Alex Cord, Samantha Eggar, John Marley, Nadja Tiller, Enzo
Tarascio, Horst Frank. Boozing archaeologist Cord, researching around an old
Etruscan burial ground is baffled by murders happening in and around his crew
and, suffering from memory lapses, soon becomes the prime suspect himself.
Quite ambitious plot is more Freudian in the vein of Dario Argento’s ‘animal’
giallos but also rather poorly paced. Riz Ortolani’s expert score makes this
quite suspenseful and boosts the rating by half a star. English titles: THE ETRUSCAN
KILLS AGAIN, THE DEAD ARE ALIVE, and OVERTIME. |
E.T.
the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, USA)
C-120m. ***½ D: Steven Spielberg. Starring Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace,
Robert MacNaughton,
Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, K.C. Martel, Sean Frye, C. Thomas Howell, Erika
Eleniak. Spielberg’s most endearing film is perfect kids fare and
irresistible entertainment. Not-so-happy 10-year-old Thomas makes the
acquaintance of impish extra-terrestrial, whose kind have abandoned him on
Earth. A friendship develops, and the question arises how long he can keep it
a secret from his family and ultimately the government. Script can’t bear
closer scrutiny, but movie creates a sense of wonder and builds perfectly to
dramatic, tear-jerking finale. Richly orchestrated score by John Williams won
an Oscar, so did the visual effects and the sound. Expanded from 115m.
for 2002 re-release. |
Ettore lo Fusto (1972, ITA/FRA/SPA) C-92m.
**½ D: Enzo Girolami (=Enzo G. Castellari). Starring Vittorio De Sica,
Rosanna Schiaffino, Giancarlo Giannini, Philippe Leroy, Aldo Giuffrè, Luciano
Salce. Broad,
typically Italian comedy spoofs Homer’s Iliad, with De Sica playing
Jove, who witnesses immoral events around Helen of Troy (Schiaffino). The
setting is transported to the contemporary Roman netherworld of pimps
and prostitutes. Fast-paced, mad-cap comedy for those who like this kind of
stuff. Cowritten by Lucio Fulci! English title: HECTOR THE MIGHTY. |
Europa (1991, DAN/SWE/FRA/GER) C/B&W-112m.
Scope ***½ D: Lars von Trier.
Starring Barbara Suko-wa, Jean-Marc Barr, Ernst-Hugo Järegard, Udo Kier, Eddie
Constantine, Lars von Trier. American Barr comes to Germany in October 1945
to take up a job as sleeping car attendant and gets involved with the
railroad owner’s daughter Sukowa, who may be involved with Nazi-like
underground organization called the ‘Werewolves’. Hypnotic fantasy drama
utilizes all stylistic means imaginable, coming up with a completely stunning
and awe-inspiring film. Another eye-opening, creative film by writer-director
von Trier, who calls to mind the works of Buñuel, Welles and David Lynch.
Also known as ZENTROPA. |
Euro Trip (2004, USA) C-93m. **½ D: Jeff Schaffer. Starring Scott
Mechlowicz, Jacob Pitts, Kristin Kreuk, Jessica Boehrs, Cathy Meils, Nial
Iskhakov, Matt Damon, Vinnie Jones, Lucy Lawless, Dominic Raacke, Rade
Serbedzija, Joanna Lumley. Mindy Sterling, Jeffrey Tambor. Teen comedy
spin-off from ROAD TRIP (2000) that is
fairly funny despite a stupid plot. Mechlowicz travels to Europe to tell his
German keypal Boehrs that he loves her, but he gets stuck in virtually every
European capital before finally meeting her. Some truly unfunny scenes mar
the fun, but not bad as such. Ivan Reitman executive produced. |
Evan Almighty (2007, USA) C-95m. Scope **½ D: Tom Shadyac. Starring Steve Carell, Morgan
Freeman, Lauren Graham, Johnny Simmons, Graham Phillips, Jimmy Bennett, John
Goodman, Wanda Sykes, Harve Presnell. Innocuous family entertainment about TV
host-turned-congress man Carell, who moves to a new neighbourhood with his
family. Then one night, before starting out in congress he prays to God to be
able to change things, and all of a sudden he becomes a 21st
century Noah, with the task to build an ark. Funny to some degree, with
over-the-top special effects towards the end. Written by Steve Oedekerk. A
sequel to BRUCE ALMIGHTY (2003). |
Event Horizon (1997, USA/GBR) C-95m.
Scope *** D: Paul Anderson. Starring Laurence Fishburne,
Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan, Joely Richardson, Richard T. Jones. The Event
Horizon, a spaceship which vanished during a secret mission to Neptune in
2040, reappears mysteriously seven years later. A rescue team, headed by
Fishburne, travels to the planet to find out what happened to the crew. When
a scientist aboard (Neill) reveals that the vessel traveled into a black hole
- and may have returned ‘alive’ - frightening things start to happen.
Scary science-fiction horror has such an oppressive atmosphere it makes you
forget about the second-rate (yet fascinating) plot. Possibly the best sci-fi
horror film since Ridley Scott’s ALIEN. |
Eventreur de Notre-Dame, L’ (1979, FRA/BEL/SPA) C-96m.
M D:
Jess Franco. Starring Rosa Almirall (=Lina Romay), Cathernie Lafferière, Jess
Franco, Lynn Monteil (=Nadine Pascal). Slow-moving horror trash shot for
about 2¢ by cult director Franco: He himself plays (amateurishly so) an
ex-priest who is obsessed with amorality and goes on a killing spree. Moves
at a snail’s pace. Franco used various pseudonyms in this production; he also
cowrote the script (if there was one). He also filmed a version which
features hard-core footage. Also known as CHAINS AND BLACK LEATHER, DEMONIAC,
EXORCISM AND BLACK MASSES, EXORCISM, and THE RIPPER OF NOTRE DAME. |
Ever After (1998, USA) C-122m.
**½ D: Andy Tennant. Starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray
Scott, Patrick Godfrey, Megan Dodds, Melanie Lynskey, Timothy West, Judy Parfitt,
Jeroen Krabbé, Jeanne Moreau. An old lady invites the Brothers Grimm to her
castle to tell them the true story of Cinderella, which they changed into a
fairy tale. What follows is basically a rendering of the classic tale with
some deliberate changes (there's no fairy, and her sisters aren't ugly).
Amiable, entertaining, but dramatically uneven, especially in the last half
hour, which was added only to bring film to present length - and makes it
almost crash. Nice costumes, George Fenton's score pulls all the stops
(perhaps too many), and Barrymore is fun as some kind of an emancipated
Cinderella. Cowritten by Tennant (FOOLS RUSH IN). |
Evil Dead, The (1982, USA) C-85m.
*** D: Sam Raimi. Starring Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Hal Delrich,
Betsy Baker, Sarah York, Ted Raimi, Scott Spiegel, Sam Raimi. Atmospheric,
stylish – and potent – splatter classic, from 22-year-old director Raimi. A
group of friends decide to spend their holiday in some cabin in the wood and
accidentally resurrect demons that kill them one by one. Incredibly gruesome
but also stylish, which makes the effects bearable. At times film shows the
faults of a beginner and borrows extensively from such films as SUSPIRIA or
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD but can easily stand on its own. Don’t watch it
alone! Written and coproduced by Raimi, coedited by his pal Joel Coen. An
extension of Raimi’s short film WITHIN THE WOODS (1978), followed by EVIL
DEAD II in 1987 and ARMY OF DARKNESS in 1993. |
Evil Dead II (1987, USA) C-85m.
*** D: Sam Raimi. Starring Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie
DePaiva, Ted Raimi, Josh Becker, Scott Spiegel, Sam Raimi. ‘Let’s carve
ourselves a witch!’ Delightful sequel to THE EVIL DEAD has our hero Ash
(Campbell) return to the remote cabin in the woods, only to unleash the
demons again. Tongue-in-cheek horror comedy is less serious and scary than
Part One (and somehow less original), but also much more enjoyable. Great
comic book style splatter effects (aided no end by Campbell’s outrageous
facial expressions). The battle against Ash’s own hand is a classic.
Cowritten by Raimi. ARMY OF DARKNESS (1993) sets off right where this one
ends. |
Evil Dead Trap (1988, JAP) C-104m. M D: Toshiharu Ikeda.
Cast: N.N. Japanese horror about a television crew who goes to a deserted
factory in search of an ‘ultimate scoop’, only to be gruesomely murdered by a
residing maniac. Although this film sounds and partly looks like an Argento
horror film, this is far from it. Has no ideas of its own and is eventually
killed by stupid plot twists and a sluggish pace. Incredibly followed by a
sequel! |
Evil Ed (1995, SWE) C-90m. M D: Anders Jacobsson. Starring Johan
Rudebeck, Per Löfberg, Olof Rhodin. Absolutely dreadful film about a cutter
who censors horror films and subsequently goes nuts. You’ll also go nuts when
trying to watch this movie. Neither a parody, nor a full-blooded horror film
and moves at a deadly pace. Some stylish bits cannot save this mess.
Ironically, German video version was cut. |
Evil in the Deep (1976, USA) C-79m. Scope ** D: Virginia L. Stone. Starring Stephen Boyd,
David Ladd, Chuck Woolery, Rosey Grier, Darby Hinton, Cheryl Stoppelmoor
(=Ladd). Trivial adventure movie follows Boyd to the Caribbean, where he tries
to find out why people coming in touch with an old treasure map end up dead.
It all comes down to an underwater treasure search. Apart from glossy
photography, has little going for it. Seems choppy on video (with cheesy
voice-over narration), ran 96m. originally. Based on a novel by John Walker.
Also known as THE TREASURE OF JAMAICA REEF, and TREASURE OF THE JAMAICA DEEP. |
Evilspeak (1981, USA) C-104m.
*½ D: Eric Weston. Starring Clint Howard, R.G. Armstrong, Joseph Cortese,
Claude Earl Jones, Haywood Nelson, Don Stark, Charles Tyner. Supernatural
horror film that unsuccessfully (a euphemism for ‘idiotically’) combines 16th
century satanism with modern-day computers. Nerd Howard discovers ancient
burial site, then sets out to resurrect devil worshippers with the help of
his home computer! May attract gorehounds, but dated technology destroys the
film completely. Many shorter versions in existence. |
Evil Under the Sun (1982, GBR) C-117m.
**½ D: Guy Hamilton. Starring Peter Ustinov, Jane Birkin, Colin Blakely,
Nicholas Clay, James Mason, Roddy McDowall, Sylvia Miles, Dennis Quilley,
Diana Rigg, Maggie Smith, Emily Hone, John Alderson. At a Greek holiday
resort, everyone has a reason to hate Broadway diva Rigg. Soon, detective Hercule
Poirot (Ustinov), who is among the guests, has to start an investigation.
Whodunit by Agatha Christie (scripted by Anthony Shaffer) is too leisurely
paced in the first half (until the inevitable murder), becomes more
interesting in the second. Still, can’t hold a candle to its predecessor
DEATH ON THE NILE (1978), which had more suspense and better production
design (although the locations are beautiful). Ustinov reprised the role for
3 TV movies in the mid-80s and the theatrical APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH (1988).
Remade for TV in 2001. |
Excalibur (1981, GBR) C-140m.
***½ D: John Boorman. Starring Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren, Nicholas Clay,
Cherie Lunghi, Paul Geoffrey, Nicol Williamson, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson,
Corin Redgrave, Patrick Stewart, Charley Boorman. Powerful, tense,
atmospheric rendition of the Arthur legend, dealing with the life of the
legendary king, from his conception and his adulthood (pulling Excalibur out
of the stone) to his manhood and his fellowship with the Knights of the Round
Table. Earthy, perhaps too much for a fantasy film but Boorman’s direction is
so stylishly forceful, you are swept away by the proceedings and the
narrative hardly reflects upon itself (which may be another liability). Film
finds its focus in the final third (the quest for the Holy Grail) and becomes
a thoroughly great motion picture. Startlingly graphic and adult in some
scenes, this is not a children’s movie. Performances range from Williamson’s
slightly over-the-top Merlin to Terry’s utterly believable King Arthur. Good
use of music by Wagner (from his operas) and Carl Orff. Produced and
cowritten (with Rospo Pallenberg) by maverick filmmaker Boorman. |
Execution (1968, ITA) C-90m. Scope *½ D: Domenico Paolella. Starring John
Richardson, Mimmo Palmara, Rita Klein, Franco Giornelli, Piero Vida. Spaghetti western about
a gunslinger who is mistaken for somebody who knows the whereabouts of a gold
cache. It turns out that they look exactly alike (only the other one is some
twenty years older). Slightly less routine than other spaghettis, but
direction is poor and pace is a disaster. Some violent scenes. |
Executive Decision (1996, USA) C-134m. Scope ***½ D: Stuart Baird.
Starring Kurt Russell, Steven Seagal, Halle Berry, John Leguizamo, Oliver
Platt, Joe Morton, David Suchet, B.D. Wong, J.T. Walsh, Nicholas Pryor. DIE
HARD meets AIRPORT in this crackerjack action thriller. A terrorist group
hijack a Boeing 747, intending to force the U.S. government to free one of
their leaders. A SWAT team led by Seagal sneaks into the flying(!) plane,
which carries a nerve-gas bomb in the cargo hold, big enough to wipe out
Washington D.C. Nerve-wrecking, extremely suspenseful, a bull’s-eye like
SPEED (1994), its only fault is that it goes on too long. Score by Jerry
Goldsmith. Written by Jim and John Thomas (PREDATOR). Top editor Baird’s
first film as a director; previously he had worked on films like IF…. (1968),
THE OMEN (1976), SUPERMAN (1978), and, surprise, surprise, DIE HARD 2 (1990). |
eXistenZ (1999, CDN) C-97m.
** D: David Cronenberg. Starring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jude Law, Ian
Holm, Willem Dafoe, Don McKellar, Sarah Polley. In the near future most
humans have a ‘bioport’ implanted in the spines. This enables them to play
virtual reality computer games, which seem very real. Game designer Leigh
escapes assassination during the presentation of her newest achievement and
goes on the run with unlikely bodyguard Law. They both enter the game
“eXistenZ” to find out if something is wrong with it. Typically bizarre
sci-fi from writer-director Cronenberg misfires due to pretentious plot that
condescends to its audience and final twist which renders most of the
previous going-ons illogical. Still, Cronenberg devotees may find some value
in this, others beware. |
Exorcism of Emily Rose, The (2005, USA) C-119m. Scope *** D: Scott Derrickson.
Starring Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott, Jennifer Carpenter,
Colm Feore, Joshua Close, Mary Beth Hurt, Henry Czerny. Top-notch lawyer
Linney takes up case of priest Wilkinson, who must stand trial for causing
the death of 19-year-old Emily Rose during an exorcism ritual. The agnostic
lawyer and the public doubt the stories of demonic possession, but Wilkinson
maintains his viewpoint. In flashbacks we are told the story of Emily’s
exorcism. Unsettling, exciting mystery horror is well-written and brilliantly
scored by Christopher Young. Based on a real case that happened in Germany in
1970! Needs not shy comparison with the classic 1973 EXORCIST. Unrated
version runs 122m. |
Exorcist, The (1973, USA) C-131m.
*** D: William Friedkin. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J.
Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, Linda Blair, William Peter
Blatty, voice of Mercedes McCambridge. 70s horror classic about the
possession and subsequent exorcism of an innocent 12-year-old girl (Blair) by
worried priest Miller and exorcism expert von Sydow. Film expertly builds an
atmosphere of menace and hits its stride in the second half, when the satanic
threat becomes real for the audience. William Peter Blatty won an Oscar for
the adaptation of his own novel, although he sometimes prefers suspense to
logic. Ought to be watched in a theater for maximum effect. Originally
released at 121m., 10 minutes were added for re-release in 2000. Followed by
two sequels and countless imitations. |
Exorcist II: The Herectic (1977, USA) C-103m.
** D: John Boorman. Starring Linda Blair, Richard Burton, Louise
Fletcher, Max von Sydow, Kitty Winn, Paul Henreid, James Earl Jones, Ned
Beatty, Joey Lauren Adams. Sequel to THE EXORCIST, designed to be bigger and
thus better, but plot makes no sense at all and the film becomes laughable.
Burton plays an affiliate of the late Father (von Sydow) who exorcised young
Blair in the original film. He tries to solve the mystery of the demon who
possessed her. The biggest mystery is probably why director Boorman signed on
for this one. He dissatisfaction with the result led to his recutting the
film on the day of its premiere(!). This review refers to the European
edition, but it is doubtful whether the 117m. or the 110m. versions are any
better. Solid filmmaking (the sequences set in Africa are especially
well-photographed), rendered almost worthless by atrocious scripting. At the
very least, this features the most ridiculous hypnosis device in screen
history. Score by
Ennio Morricone. Followed by THE EXORCIST III (1990). |
Exorcist III, The (1990, USA) C-105m.
*½ D: William Peter Blatty. Starring George C. Scott, Ed Flanders, Brad
Dourif, Jason Miller, Nicol Williamson, Scott Wilson, Nancy Fish, Harry Carey
Jr., Samuel L. Jackson. Second sequel to the 1973 horror hit, filmed by the
original writer William Peter Blatty. Plot concerns police detective Scott,
who investigates a series of grisly killings, which are somehow linked to the
exorcism of the first film. Stupid, even ridiculous story, sparked somewhat
by a few stylish and effective scenes. Dourif gives a searing performance as
Patient X. Blatty’s only directorial effort after the excellent THE NINTH
CONFIGURATION (1980). |
Exquisite Corpses (1989, USA) C-93m. *½
D: Temístocles López. Starring Gary Knox, Zoe Tamerlis-Lund, Robert Lund, Daneil Chapman,
John Bethune. Pseudo-artsy drama about a down-and-out newcomer to New York
City, who manages to become a star by adapting to the “laws” of the wealthy
people. The twist half-way through makes this incredibly pretentious, almost
impossible to view. Star Knox also composed and arranged the music. |
Extasis (1996, SPA) C-91m. *** D: Mariano Barroso.
Starring Javier Bardem, Federico Luppi, Silvia Munt, Daniel Guzman. Three
friends, Bardem, Luppi and Munt, steal unashamedly from their parents. When
Luppi is caught, Bardem takes up his identity in order to befriend Luppi’s
estranged father, a wealthy theater director. They intend to steal some
valuable antiques from his flat - a plan which is doomed to fail.
Well-written psycho drama about young people who have no perspectives in
their lives and blame their elders for it. Good character development, a
remarkable debut feature. |
Exterminator, The (1980, USA) C-102m. M D: James Glickenhaus. Starring Christopher
George, Samantha Eggar, Robert Ginty, Steve James, Tony di Benedetto. Vietnam
vet goes on a killing spree because he is tired of seeing the human scum in
the streets of N.Y.C. Incoherent, violent action film which applies the DEATH
WISH formula. Technically OK, but plot is totally worthless. Eggar is given
nothing to do, and Ginty doesn’t register at all in the title role. Followed
by a sequel in 1984. |
Extreme Measures (1996, USA) C-118m. Scope **½ D: Michael Apted.
Starring Hugh Grant, Gene Hackman, Sarah Jessica Parker, David Morse, Bill Nunn,
John Toles-Bey, David Cronenberg. Grant stars as a hospital surgeon who
senses a conspiracy going on when one of his patients disappears and, when he
investigates, finds someone wants to destroy his life. It turns out Hackman
is conducting immoral experiments with humans. Conspiracy thriller tries hard
to be thought-provoking but doesn't come off more than reasonably fast-paced
and mildly suspenseful. Novel adaptation has Grant in a role, where he once
isn't in love. Produced by Elizabeth Hurley. Cronenberg has a brief bit as a
head of a medical review board. |
Eye, The (2002, HGK/SGP/GBR)
C-98m. **½ D: Danny Pang, Oxide Pang Chun. Starring Sin-Je Lee (=Angelica
Lee), Lawrence Chou, Chutcha Rujinanon. After receiving a cornea transplant
which enables her to see for the first time since she was 2, young Lee starts
having frightnening visions – of dead people? Her psychologist Chou tries to
help her figure out who the donor was. Uneven horror chiller, very much in
the “new” Asian tradition has good direction and visuals to recommend it to
horror fans. Cowritten by the Pang brothers. Followed by several sequels.
Original title: GIN GWAI. |
Eye 2, The (2004, HGK/THA)
C-90m. *** D: Pang Brothers (=Danny Pang, Oxide Pang Chun). Starring Shu
Qi, Eugenia Yuan, Jesdaporn Pholdee, Philip Kwok. Almost completely unrelated
sequel to the 2002 hit focuses on a suicidal young woman, who is haunted by
the ghosts(?) of different people. Then she learns that she is pregnant, but
her lover doesn’t want anything to do with it. And her visions are getting
worse and worse… Interesting, less “traditional” than its predecessor, this
horror drama has some potent, creepy moments, and an excellent score.
Followed by THE EYE 10 in 2005. |
Eye 10, The (2005, HGK/THA) C-88m. ** D: Pang Brothers (=Danny Pang, Oxide
Pang Chun). Starring Chen Po Lin, Isabella Leong, Ray McDonald, Chris Gu.
Third film in the EYE series intends to multiply the horrors: Several
youngsters try to scare each other with ghost stories, then they find a book that
explains ten ways to have spooky encounters. When they try them out, one of
the group disappears. It seems the ghosts don’t like messing with their
world. Tries to be funny and scare us at the same time, which doesn’t really
work, despite creepy images. Also known as THE EYE 3, and THE EYE INFINITY. |
Eye of the Beholder (1999, GBR/CDN/USA)
C-110m. **½ D: Stephan Elliott. Starring Ewan McGregor, Ashley Judd,
Patrick Bergin, Geneviève Bujold, k.d. lang, Jason Priestley. Flawed remake
of the brilliant 1983 French film MORTELLE RANDONNEE, also based on the novel
by Marc Behm. McGregor plays a troubled private eye, who falls in love with
one of the persons he must observe (Judd) and subsequently follows her around
the U.S., becoming a guardian angel of sorts. Off-beat thriller with an
interesting stylistic approach and several astounding surreal elements may
garner a cult film reputation, but script is unnecessarily diffuse and
complicated. McGregor tries hard to copy Michel Serrault’s haunting
performance but still seems misplaced. Film will leave most viewers probably
dissatisfied. A mixed bag, but definitely worth a look. Some prints run 101m.
and should be avoided. |
Eye of the Devil (1967, GBR) 89m. **½
D: J. Lee Thompson. Starring David Niven, Deborah Kerr, David Hemmings,
Sharon Tate, Donald Pleasence, Edward Mulhare, Emlyn Williams, John Le
Mesurier. Kerr discovers that her husband Niven is a member of a strange
religious cult in this slowly-paced but intriguing horror thriller.
Good score, effective editing, but plot remains too vague for too long.
Entire cast is fine. Hemmings and Tate (in her film debut) shine in stylish
roles. Based on Philip Lorraine’s novel Day of the Arrow. Recommended
to followers of the macabre. U.S. version is said to run 92m. |
Eyes of a Stranger (1981, USA) C-85m.
*½ D: Ken Wiederhorn. Starring Lauren Tewes, Jennifer Jason Leigh, John
DiSanti, Peter DuPre, Gwen Lewis, Luke Halpin. Tedious, dull thriller about
rapist and killer DiSanti, whose stalking is about to be discovered by TV
newslady Tewes. Jennifer Jason Leigh gives her theatrical U.S. debut (baring
her clothes!) and Tom Savini provides the special make-up effects, but
otherwise this is slasher movie garbage. That’s director Wiederhorn’s own
SHOCK WAVES (1977) that’s shown on TV. Cut to 84m. for U.S. release. |
Eyes of Laura Mars (1978, USA) C-103m.
*** D: Irvin Kershner. Starring Faye Dunaway, Tommy Lee Jones, Brad
Dourif, René Auberjonois, Raul Julia, Frank Adonis, Darlanne Fluegel, Rose
Gregorio, Michael Tucker. Well-made, stylish thriller about brilliant pop-art
photographer Dunaway, who has scary premonitions of murder. The cop on the
case (Jones) realizes that the murder scenes are really copies of her violent
photographs. Suspenseful, well-scored, but also not very credible, especially
the ending. Cowritten by John Carpenter, from his story. Quite similar to
Dario Argento's thrillers, if not as consistently stylish. |
Eyes Wide Shut (1999, GBR) C-156m.
*** D: Stanley Kubrick. Starring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Madison
Eginton, Jackie Sawris, Marie Richardson, Sydney Pollack, Rade Serbdzija,
Leslie Lowe, Vinessa Shaw, Peter Benson, Todd Field, Alan Cumming, Michael
Doven, Sky Dumont. Eccentric mastermind Stanley Kubrick's legacy takes New
York doctor Cruise on an odyssey through his subconscious, as his wife gives
him reason to believe she has been unfaithful and turns his feelings for her
and other women upside down. Deliberately paced, strongly fascinating last
film of one of the great directors of the 20th century. Highly
symbolic, richly textured and not too literate, like most great films, this
one provides room for discussion and certainly requires multiple viewing. Production
resembled an odyssey itself, starting in 1997 and ending in 1999, shortly
before Kubrick's death. The director fired Harvey Keitel and Jennifer Jason
Leigh during the shooting (their roles were taken by Sydney Pollack and Marie
Richardson). Cruise and Kidman come off very well, despite initial concerns.
Kubrick's swan song was adapted by himself and Frederic Raphael from Arthur
Schnitzler's Traumnovelle. This is not his best film, but still a
must-see. |