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I recently rewatched The Cave (2005) on Netflix. The storyline follows a cave system in Romania where a historical expedition was lost. Ancient ruins were also lost in that cave system. A new expedition sets out for the catacombs only to get trapped in the system themselves. As they search for a way out, they discover they may not be alone in the caves.

This film is directed by Bruce Hunt, in his directorial debut, and stars Piper Perabo (Coyote Ugly), Morris Chestnut (The Best Man), Cole Hauser (Dazed and Confused), Eddie Cibrian (Sunset Beach), and Lena Headey (300).

The settings, backdrops, attire, and props are very good, making the circumstances feel authentic. The storyline is fairly straightforward and has a "Descent" feel to it in many ways. Unfortunately, the writing and acting are uneven, with some interactions and conversations feeling more realistic than others. The creatures and special effects are first-rate. The kills are pretty good and gory, making the film worth a watch and helping offset some of its other flaws.

In conclusion, The Cave is an uneven addition to the horror genre that's only worth watching for diehard fans. I would score this a 5/10 and recommend it only with the appropriate expectations.

My wife and I attended an advanced screening of The Bikeriders (2023) in theaters this evening. The storyline is based on a book by a photographer who was part of a biker gang and follows a group of friends in Chicago who decide to start a biker gang. As the gang grows, they face challenges within their dynamic. Meanwhile, as troops return from Vietnam, a new dynamic impacts their culture.

This film is directed by Jeff Nichols (Mud) and stars Tom Hardy (Bronson), Austin Butler (Elvis), Jodie Comer (The Last Duel), Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road), Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), and Mike Faist (West Side Story).

This is a phenomenal period piece with a unique and compelling storyline, especially when you realize it is based on a true story. The narration, cinematography, attire, acting, and soundtrack are all top-notch. There's also an excellent use of a shovel that was memorable. The film immerses you in the era. The cast was brilliantly selected and delivers authentic, compelling performances. Hardy exhibits Brando-like mannerisms, and Austin Butler is seriously this generation's James Dean. Both are outstanding. Norman Reedus adds a fun character to the mix. The storyline becomes more compelling as the film unfolds, and the Vietnam subplot is handled excellently. The ending feels realistic in its dramatic execution and in the evolution of the characters and gang.

In conclusion, The Bikeriders is a magnificently crafted film with a unique storyline, excellent cinematography, and compelling performances. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

I recently watched Zombie with a Shotgun (2019) on Prime. The storyline follows a group of friends trying to survive a zombie outbreak. One of the friends appears to be infected, but his symptoms are unique compared to others. As the friends debate whether to trust or follow their infected companion, they are pursued by agents who seem to have a hidden agenda for them.

This film is written and directed by Hilton Ariel Ruiz (The Outsiders) and stars Braeden Baade (One Under the Sun), Kyle Hester (The Chair), Emilie Paap (Awaken the Reaper), and Jeremy Fultz (The Greed of Men).

This is a very frustrating film that feels like it was made for television, with some splashes of nudity. The writing and acting are poor, and even the kills, including those with the shotgun, are disappointing. The makeup and creation of the zombies are excellent and easily the best part of the film, but they aren't featured nearly enough. The plot is clichéd and unimaginative, and the "cult" aspects come out of nowhere and feels awkward. Everything about this movie is underwhelming.

In conclusion, Zombie with a Shotgun has nothing going for it. I would score this a 3/10 and recommend skipping.

My daughter and I recently rewatched Hotel Transylvania (2012) on Netflix. The storyline follows Dracula and his daughter, who run a hotel far away from humans, who killed his wife. As the daughter grows up, she becomes curious about humans, but Dracula will stop at nothing to keep her sheltered. As she looks to spread her wings and learn about the world, Dracula must decide if it's in their best interest to let her explore or keep her confined to their hotel for monsters.

This film is directed by Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack) and features the voices of Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore), Kevin James (Paul Blart: Mall Cop), Selena Gomez (Spring Breakers), Fran Drescher (The Nanny), and Steve Buscemi (Fargo).

This movie hits on just about every level-excellent animation, a fun depiction of the monster universe, and perfectly selected voices. The dynamics between the father, daughter, and her boyfriend are perfectly illustrated and keep a smile on your face. The comedic content is a nice blend of clever and cheesy. The scream cream always makes me happy. The mother subplot is sad but compelling. The soundtrack is solid, and the conclusion is worthwhile.

In conclusion, Hotel Transylvania is a fun family film that's creative and heartwarming. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

My daughter and I recently watched the 12-episode series Devil May Cry: The Animated Series (2007) on Hulu. The storyline, based on the Capcom video game, follows paranormal bounty hunter Dante, who kills demons for a living. He has two associates: a gentleman who finds him bounties and an orphan he rescued on his first mission. Together, they enjoy life's little moments as the demons become progressively more powerful.

This series was directed by Shin Itagaki (Berserk) and features the voices of Reuben Langdon (Wreck-It Ralph), Hilary Haag (Appleseed: Ex Machina), John Swasey (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), and Luci Christian (Vampire Hunter D).

The series is a nice blend of Hellsing and Castlevania. The characters are easy to root for, with the back-and-forth between Dante and the orphan being hilarious and fun to watch unfold. The dialogue is clever, with some great comedy mixed in here and there. The action scenes are very well done, gory, and intense. The unique demons in every episode are original and unpredictable. The universe overall is very well-crafted and vast enough that they definitely could have made a season 2.

In conclusion, Devil May Cry: The Animated Series is a worthwhile watch for fans of the video game and/or fans of supernatural anime. I would score this an 8.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

I recently watched The Last of the Mohicans (1992) on Tubi. The storyline takes place during the decline of the Native American tribes in the 1750s along the Hudson River, as the Mohicans are nearly extinct. They assist colonizers in their travels. When a white woman is kidnapped by a rival Native American tribe, a mixed-race Native American springs to her rescue, putting his life and remaining tribespeople at risk in the process.

This film is directed by Michael Mann (Public Enemies) and stars Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood), Madeleine Stowe (12 Monkeys), Wes Studi (Mystery Men), Pete Postlethwaite (The Usual Suspects), and Colm Meaney (Under Siege).

This is one of those movies that feels authentic in every way-the attire, settings, circumstances, and premise are superbly portrayed and draw you in. The dialogue is well-written, and the film is a nice blend of colonization, western, and war genres. The action scenes are absolutely elite, starting with the opening ambush. The scene where Daniel Day-Lewis runs through the field is unbelievable, and the final fight on the mountain is exceptional. There's so much to like here. Oh, and the love story is compelling too.

In conclusion, The Last of the Mohicans is an elite colonization movie with fantastic acting, cinematography, and storyline. This movie has everything you're looking for. I would score this a 10/10 and strongly recommend.

I recently watched Children of the Corn VII: Revelations (2001) on MAX. The storyline follows a granddaughter searching for her grandmother, who has recently gone missing. She tracks her down only to discover that her grandmother had been living eccentrically and may have been kidnapped and/or killed. Meanwhile, her investigation may have awoken "he who walks behind the rows."

This film is directed by Guy Magar (Retribution) and stars Claudette Mink (Shattered), Kyle Cassie (Deadpool), Michael Ironside (Total Recall), and Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe (Final Destination 3).

The storyline feels lazy and recycled, lacking the creativity needed to make it worth your time. The acting, writing, and overall premise are subpar. Michael Ironside's presence in the film is puzzling. The horror elements range from average to poor, with some dreadful CGI effects. There are a few jump scares that aren't bad, and the kids are somewhat creepy but poorly utilized. The creepy old man in the wheelchair steals the show and is the only memorable aspect of this film.

In conclusion, Children of the Corn VII: Revelations is another bad sequel in this series that isn't worth your time. I would score this a 3/10 and recommend skipping it.

I recently watched Caged Animal (2010) on Tubi. The storyline follows Cain, a crime boss serving a life sentence in prison who used to run things on the inside before essentially going into retirement. The prison warden asks him to talk to the youth to prevent them from following his path. He's reluctant to help until his son is thrown in jail with him. Now in need of some favors, he reluctantly agrees to help the warden in exchange for assistance with his son's prison assignments.

This film is directed by Ryan Combs (Double Tap) and stars Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction), Nipsey Hussle (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Robert Patrick (Terminator 2), Robert LaSardo (The Mule), and Jeanette Branch (Power Book II: Ghost).

Caged Animal is uneven, mixing glimpses of greatness with some scenes that are complete disasters. The cast is solid, with Ving Rhames delivering an excellent performance with presence and depth, and Nipsey Hussle reminding me of a young Snoop Dogg. Unfortunately, the fight scenes and shootouts are poorly executed. The storyline had potential and works better in some ways than others, but I did enjoy the full-circle conclusion.

In conclusion, Caged Animal is an average prison drama that's worth watching only for Ving Rhames and/or prison genre fans. I would score this a 5/10 and recommend it only with the appropriate expectations.

I recently watched All About Evil (2010) on Shudder. The storyline follows a new, up-and-coming independent director in the horror genre who is taking the industry by storm. She has some local fans obsessed with her work who begin to suspect that the kills in her films might be real. The director will do anything to keep her trade secrets, including adding her fans to her next film...

This film is written and directed by Joshua Grannell, in his directorial debut, and stars Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face), Julie Caitlin Brown (Babylon 5), Jack Donner (Four Christmases), and Thomas Dekker (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles).

This movie does a great job of not taking itself too seriously. The storyline is fun, and Jack Donner delivers an awesome performance. While Natasha Lyonne can be a bit annoying at times, she's offset by fantastic kills, gore, and blood splatter. The horror effects in this are top-notch, and there's a memorable use of a guillotine that made me smile. The ending, reminiscent of Carrie, is a perfect conclusion to the premise. The makeup and hair are wild, purposefully so, and if you watch this just for the horror elements and shut your brain off to the rest of the film, you'll have a good time.

In conclusion, All About Evil has its hits and misses, but the horror elements are so good that it's a must-see for fans of the genre. I would score it a 5.5-6/10 and recommend seeing it once.

I recently rewatched a childhood favorite, Dream a Little Dream (1989), on Tubi. The storyline follows an old man and a young man in the same neighborhood who want more time but for different reasons. When a miracle occurs and the young man is sent to a "dream world" while the old man is sent into the kid's body, they must coach each other on how to achieve their goals while also trying to figure out how to get back into their own bodies... if they still want to.

This film is directed by Marc Rocco (Where the Day Takes You) and stars Corey Feldman (The Lost Boys), Jason Robards (All the President's Men), Corey Haim (The Lost Boys), Piper Laurie (Carrie), and Meredith Salenger (Lake Placid).

This movie boasts an elite '80s cast and soundtrack. The Coreys were so cool when I was a kid. Seeing Corey Feldman's Michael Jackson look cracks me up every time, but their styles and looks were really cool during this era. The concept could have been better executed but was still fun to watch unfold. The love story is cheesy but entertaining. There's an alley gun sequence that was way better than expected and very intense. The ending was perfectly executed and heartwarming.

In conclusion, Dream a Little Dream is '80s nostalgic gold with its flaws and charm. I would score this a 6/10 and recommend seeing it once.

I recently watched The Last Resort (2009) on Tubi. The storyline follows a girls' trip to Mexico that includes a bride-to-be and her bridesmaids. One night, one bridesmaid goes home with a boy she met, while the others decide to let her have her fun and go on without her. The bridal party ends up kidnapped, abused, and left for dead at a haunted resort. Meanwhile, their friend and her new boyfriend head out to find them-but is it too late?

This film is directed by Brandon Nutt (Hijacked), in his directorial debut, and stars America Olivo (Friday the 13th, 2009), Paulie Rojas (The Witches of Oz), Marissa Tait (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Arianne Zucker (Days of Our Lives).

This is one of those movies that, with a better cast and writing, could have been solid. Unfortunately, the acting is very inconsistent, especially from the villains, who didn't feel authentic at all. The dialogue is very hit or miss, leading to some eye-rolling moments that feel made-for-television. Even the sex scenes could have been better and felt off. It's a shame because, once you get to the conclusion and have completely given up on the picture, the ending is actually pretty good.

In conclusion, The Last Resort is a movie that, with better execution, could have been worthwhile, but unfortunately, it misses the mark. I would score this a 4/10 and recommend skipping it.

I recently watched the Eloy de la Iglesia classic from Spain 🇪🇸, Navajeros (1980), on Shudder. The storyline follows a group of Spanish teens in Madrid who survive on the streets by stealing and living a life of crime. The leader of the gang, Jaro, meets a prostitute who loves him and wants him to settle down and live up to his potential. But can Jaro be tamed, or is he destined for the streets?

This film is directed by Eloy de la Iglesia (El pico 1 & 2), and stars José Luis Manzano (El pico 1 & 2), Isela Vega (Barbarosa), Enrique San Francisco (Birdboy: The Forgotten Children), and María Martín (A Candidate for a Killing).

I always enjoy Eloy de la Iglesia's street life and drug-related movies. These are underrated grindhouse cult classics. The acting is top-notch and authentic, and there are some beautiful ladies with plenty of nudity. The flow of the story is unique, blending street fights, gang activity, drug dealing, robbery, and sex. There's a hilarious monkey scene, a fun park fight, and a butt stab that had me laughing. The creativity in the fight sequences is impressive, and the ending is magnificent and very well done.

In conclusion, Navajeros is an elite street culture film that's an absolute must-see. I would score this an 8/10.

I recently watched the Italian giallo 🇮🇹 Who Saw Her Die? (1972) on Shudder. The storyline follows a family in France 🇫🇷 whose daughter is brutally murdered while on holiday. Four years later, another young girl turns up dead in a similar fashion. As the parents begin investigating who may be responsible, the more clues they uncover, the more people turn up dead. Can the parents expose the killer, or will they become the next victims?

This film is directed by Aldo Lado (The Humanoid) and stars George Lazenby (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), Anita Strindberg (Puzzle), Adolfo Celi (Thunderball), and Peter Chatel (Martha).

This is one of those films that finds an excellent horror background score and sticks with it from beginning to end, and it works. The acting is solid and features the expected beautiful Italian actresses with some splashes of nudity. It has the classic giallo stalker elements, stab scenes, and red paint blood. The opening kill in the woods caught me off guard and was very well executed. I also enjoyed the whodunit elements as the storyline unfolded. The ending is dramatic and well executed, and the reveal of the killer was perfect.

In conclusion, Who Saw Her Die? Is a creative and unique addition to the giallo genre that's worth your time if you're a fan of the genre. I would score this a 7.5/10 and recommend seeing it once.

My daughter and I saw Inside Out 2 (2024) in theaters last night. The storyline picks up with Riley wrapping up middle school and preparing for high school. She's excelling in hockey, and she and her friends are selected to attend a hockey camp. However, she discovers her friends won't be going to her high school and meets some new girls who will. She begins experiencing new, strange emotions while navigating this transition and going through puberty. How will her old emotions handle the surge of new emotions to help Riley through this adjustment period?

This film is directed by Kelsey Mann, in her directorial debut, and features the voices of Amy Poehler (Baby Mama), Maya Hawke (Stranger Things), Phyllis Smith (The Office), Lewis Black (Man of the Year), and Kensington Tallman (Drama Club).

This is such a smart animated series with valuable lessons and real-life scenarios that resonate with everyone as they journey to adulthood. It cleverly illustrates how emotions evolve and how one's old and new selves adjust as responsibilities increase and life lessons are learned. The storyline is excellent. We saw this film in 3D, and the animation was stupendous. The hair and texture looked so realistic, you felt like you could reach out and touch them. There's so much to love in this animated gem.

In conclusion, Inside Out 2 is another animated gem from Disney with smart coming-of-age elements that's worthwhile for the entire family. I would score this a 7/10 and strongly recommend it.

I recently watched Day of the Animals (1977) on Shudder. The storyline follows the deterioration of the ozone layer, which leads to animals going crazy and deciding to attack humans, whom they blame for the Earth's decline and depletion of resources. A group of hikers is caught in the forest, where the animals begin working together to hunt them down. Can the humans work together to find safety, or will the circumstances tear them apart?

This film is directed by William Girdler (The Manitou) and stars Leslie Nielsen (The Naked Gun), Christopher George (Graduation Day), Lynda Day George (Mission: Impossible), Ruth Roman (Strangers on a Train), and Richard Jaeckel (Starman).

This was a unique concept and was executed well for its time. The animal attack scenes were average but fun to watch, with the vulture and bird attacks being particularly entertaining. However, the real standout was Leslie Nielsen, who delivered an intense and ruthless performance. It's always intriguing to see him in a serious role, and he excelled as a character you love to hate. The fight scenes were wild, and while the finale was somewhat convenient given the scope of the plot, it wrapped things up adequately.

In conclusion, Day of the Animals is an average addition to the horror genre that's worth a watch due to Leslie Nielsen's great performance. I would score this a 5/10 and recommend seeing it once with appropriate expectations.

I recently watched Concrete Cowboy (2020) on Netflix. The storyline follows a troubled young man in Philadelphia whose mother sends him to live with his father for the summer in hopes of turning his life and perspectives around. His father lives in North Philadelphia, where he rides horses and takes care of the horse stables as part of the descendants of the original landowners of Philadelphia. The boy initially sees these circumstances as outrageous, but it may be exactly what he needs.

This film is directed by Ricky Staub, in his directorial debut, and stars Idris Elba (The Losers), Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things), Method Man (How High), Lorraine Toussaint (Hudson Hawk), and Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight).

This film boasts a great cast and a unique storyline, especially with the realization that it's based on a true story. The plot and its elements are straightforward, but the methods of reform are fascinating and entertaining. The acting is excellent, with a strong depiction of family and tough love. Some of the elements are predictable, but it doesn't detract from the entertainment value or the desire to see how everything unfolds and resolves.

In conclusion, Concrete Cowboy tells a straightforward story in a unique way. I would score this a 7/10 and recommend seeing it once.

I watched The Watchers (2024) in theaters last night. The storyline follows a young woman whose car breaks down in the wrong area, leading her to stumble into haunted woods where the only way to survive is to stand in front of a window and be watched at night, while scavenging for resources during the day. She doesn't believe this is the only way to live or that there's anything out there, so she plans to figure things out and discover just how real their situation is.

Directed by Ishana Shyamalan (Servant), in her major motion picture debut, the film stars Dakota Fanning (War of the Worlds), Olwen Fouéré (The Northman) and Georgina Campbell (Barbarian).

This movie feels like an M. Night Shyamalan film in just about every way. The cinematography, camera angles, settings, and backgrounds are beautifully shot. The film is visually stunning. The storyline is unique and keeps you interested from beginning to end. The creatures in this are magnificently presented. There are some great kill scenes that are solid but could have been better executed for horror enthusiasts. The ending has multiple smart twists that made me smile, but like an M. Night Shyamalan movie, I was left uncertain about whether I loved the ending or not.

In conclusion, The Watchers is a brilliant introductory film from Ishana Shyamalan that she should be proud of. The film is meticulous, with a smart and intricate storyline and worthwhile content. I would score this a 7-7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

I recently rewatched The Last Samurai (2003) on Tubi. The storyline follows a Civil War hero, now a down-on-his-luck drunk with no direction. A gun company approaches him about going to Japan to help broker a significant deal to westernize the country. He helps them learn how to use the guns and, against his better judgment, leads them prematurely into their first battle against a samurai clan. The samurai clan captures him and shows him another side of Japan that gives him purpose and a new appreciation for life.

Directed by Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond), the film stars Tom Cruise (Mission Impossible), Ken Watanabe (Inception), William Atherton (Die Hard), Tony Goldwyn (Scandal), and Billy Connolly (The Boondock Saints).

Despite how implausible this film can seem at times, I'm always impressed by its depiction of the era. The attire, dialogue, and portrayal of the samurai era are very entertaining. The dialogue is consistently strong, with the scalping conversation particularly well executed by Cruise. The evolution of Cruise's character and the training scenes are well delivered. Ken Watanabe is an impossible character not to root for and delivers an excellent supporting performance. There's also a solid harakiri sequence. The elite cinematography adds to the intrigue of the premise. The action scenes are impressive, and the use of ninjas adds intensity. There's both triumph and tragedy from beginning to end.

In conclusion, The Last Samurai places Tom Cruise in the samurai genre, and it somehow works. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

I recently watched the Danish film 🇩🇰 Nightwatch (1994) on Shudder. The storyline follows a bet between friends that spirals out of control. One of the friends, needing extra money, takes a job as a night watchman at a mortuary. When a string of bodies start pouring in from a serial killer, his behavior tied to the bet makes him look like a suspect. Can he convince the police he's not involved and clear his name?

This film is written and directed by Ole Bornedal (The Possession) and stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones), Sofie Gråbøl (Attachment), Kim Bodnia (Pusher), and Lotte Andersen (Little Big Girl).

This movie was so fun to watch unfold. It was entertaining to see a buddy film featuring a young Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) alongside the main character from Nicolas Refn's Pusher. Their acting was excellent, and they were unpredictable characters where anything could happen at any time. There was a "bad breath" sequence that was gross but hilarious and a Himalayas conversation that was brilliantly executed.

The storyline is smart, intricate, and well-written. How the bet between friends impacts the overall serial killer storyline is very clever, reminiscent of a giallo in some ways. However, the overnight "night watch" elements reminded me of Last Shift. The way everything weaves together into an ultimate whodunit with supernatural elements and a buddy picture is perfect. There's so much to like here.

In conclusion, Nightwatch is a unique and smart thriller with horror elements. I would rate it an 8/10 and highly recommend it.

I recently watched Avenging Angel (1985) on Tubi. The storyline follows Molly from the first film, who has turned her life around, begun attending law school, and left her life on the streets. When the police officer who made all of this possible is killed, she heads back to the underground to uncover who is behind his death.

This film is directed by Robert O'Neil (Blood Mania) and stars Betsy Russell (Saw III), Rory Calhoun (Motel Hell), Ossie Davis (Do the Right Thing), Susan Tyrrell (Cry-Baby), and Frank Doubleday (Escape from New York).

This was a worthwhile sequel to the first film. The filmmakers did a great job bringing back some characters from the original and introducing new ones. While the subplots aren't as deep as in the first film, they are still engaging enough to keep you invested in the outcome. The opening shower scene and drug raid were elite and very well executed, probably my favorite part of the film. There wasn't as much nudity as in the first picture. The acting was solid, and Ossie Davis is always a fun addition to the cast. The ending wrapped up the movie perfectly.

In conclusion, Avenging Angel is a step down from the first film but still a fun watch. I would score this a 6/10 and recommend it to fans of the first film.

I recently watched the Canadian horror film 🇨🇦 Tormented (2014) on Tubi. The story follows a young woman babysitting on Halloween night. A boy in a strange mask knocks on her door, and she dismisses him. Shortly thereafter, other masked individuals arrive, and they seem unwilling to leave. What do they want, and why are they there on this particular night?

Directed by Audrey Cummings (She Never Died), the film stars Alysa King (The Dwelling), Madison Ferguson (The Shape of Water), Michael Lipka (Girl), Samora Smallwood (The Way Home), and Bart Rochon (Cascade).

This movie felt similar to The Strangers in many ways. The family dynamic is well established, and while the killers' motives are unique, they could have been better executed. The kills and horror elements are lacking for most of the film, except for the cool masks, which were my favorite part until the very end. The acting was solid and authentic enough. I particularly liked the ending, which had a smart twist and left me wondering, "Where was that throughout the film?"

In conclusion, Tormented has enough horror elements to make it worth a watch but not enough to stand out within the genre. I would score this a 5/10 and recommend seeing it once.

I recently watched the 52-episode animated series Justice League (2001) on MAX. The storyline begins with the formation of the Justice League, showcasing the varying degrees of reluctance among the heroes to join. As the series unfolds, our heroes face their inner demons, confront their pasts, and tackle new threats to civilization both on Earth and beyond.

Created by Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series), this series features the voices of Carl Lumbly (Alias), Phil LaMarr (Mad TV), Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series), Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption), Mark Hamill (Star Wars), and Susan Eisenberg (Jackie Chan Adventures).

The DC Universe is brilliantly depicted during this era of animated franchises. This series captures the essence of how most comic book readers envision their heroes, translating perfectly into these stories. The heroes and villains are iconic, making their battles, destruction, and recoveries enthralling to watch. The interpersonal relationships among the characters are fascinating and enjoyable. Even the soundtrack is perfectly selected, enhancing the overall experience. This may be my all-time favorite animated series.

In conclusion, Justice League is an elite superhero animated series that's an absolute must-see. I would score this a 10/10 and strongly recommend it.

I recently rewatched the classic Maximum Overdrive (1986) on Tubi. The storyline follows a comet that passes the Earth, leaving a strange smog around the planet that causes machines to come alive. The machines aren't too fond of humans and go on a killing spree in an attempt to take over the planet. A group of survivors stuck at a truck stop do their best to survive and make sense of the madness.

This film is written and directed by Stephen King, in his lone directorial project, and stars Emilio Estevez (Young Guns), Laura Harrington (The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai), Frankie Faison (Coming to America), Pat Hingle (Batman), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), and Christopher Murney (The Taking of Pelham One Two Three).

This is a legendary movie that Stephen King allegedly made while high on cocaine for the entire production. Whether true or not, I always find this a horror masterpiece that captures the imagination and sucks you in. The film has a great atmosphere, and you feel the direness of the circumstances. It starts off with a fun ATM scene featuring King himself, and the bridge and softball field sequences quickly draw the audience into the plot. The arcade sequence with Giancarlo Esposito is also entertaining. Emilio Estevez is a tremendous hero, and the setting of the gas station and the feeling of being trapped worked perfectly. While the plot may not feel realistic, it's still fun to watch unfold.

In conclusion, Maximum Overdrive is a horror masterpiece, flaws and all. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

I recently watched South Beach Academy ;1995) on Tubi. The storyline follows a school that teaches beach activities. The owner of the school has a gambling problem and is duped into betting his entire ownership of the academy on a ladies' volleyball tournament. Two brothers must train some ladies to win the tournament and save the school.

This film is directed by Joe Esposito in his lone directorial project and stars Corey Feldman (Lost Boys), Al Lewis (The Munsters), James Hong (Big Trouble in Little China), Keith Coulouris (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II), and Ron Jeremy (The Boondock Saints).

This movie is absolutely wild and should have been better given the fun, random cast. The hijinks essentially serve as an excuse to feature as many random, gorgeous women as possible, resulting in a ton of nudity. Lorelei Leslie (Pulp Fiction) is stunning and reminded me of a young JLo. The film has a very '80s feel in terms of plot, characters, and circumstances. The premise and subplots are terrible. The best parts of the movie are a topless car wash sequence and a random topless scorekeeper during the volleyball game. Corey Feldman's presence in this movie is puzzling; he's annoying and not funny. Additionally, seeing Al Lewis as a creepy old man was uncomfortable...but somehow it worked for James Hong and Ron Jeremy.

In conclusion, South Beach Academy delivers exactly what you'd expect-lots of nudity and little else. I would score this a 4/10 and recommend skipping.

I recently rewatched Trailer Park of Terror (2008) on Tubi. The storyline follows a bus full of troubled kids and their religious counselors who are trying to mentor them into a healthy and successful life. When their bus breaks down, they need a place to stop for the night. They find a rundown trailer park with its own dark past that's about to come to light.

This film is directed by Steven Goldmann (Broken Bridges) and stars Nichole Hiltz (May), Lew Temple (Unstoppable), Jeanette Brox (Stolen), Hayley Marie Norman (Kenan), Myk Watford (Respect), and Tracey Walter (Conan the Destroyer).

I absolutely love this movie. I collected the comics when they first came out and met the comic creator team at numerous Comicons. I've actually liked this movie more with repeat viewings. The concept is extremely original and very well set up with the backstory of the trailer park. The horror elements are brilliant and feel like a blend of Tales from the Crypt and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with brutal and gory kills and characters. It's easy to root for the bad guys, who are a lot of fun in a horny, creepy kind of way. There are also some fun comedy segments, and the movie doesn't take itself seriously outside of the brilliant horror effects, makeup, and perfectly selected horror settings. There's a lot to like here.

In conclusion, Trailer Park of Terror is an underrated, unique addition to the horror genre with fun characters and even better horror elements. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.