Lost and Found: Don’t Open till Christmas

I love Christmas horror. Every December I revisit several favorites. If I don’t, the holiday season just doesn’t feel quite as jolly! Bob Clark’s classic Black Christmas (1974) is not only my favorite Yuletide horror movie, but also quite possibly my favorite horror movie of all time. I like to discover new films, or new, … Continue reading Lost and Found: Don’t Open till Christmas

Hot Shots of the Week: Barbarella’s Excess and Ecstasy

Barbarella (1968) is one of the best, and most campy, cult gems ever made, and I love it unreasonably and unconditionally. In a film full of memorably hot scenes, one of the hottest comes when Barbarella is trapped by Durand-Durand in his deadly “Excessive Machine.” Through controls operated by Durand-Durand, the machine strips Barbarella of … Continue reading Hot Shots of the Week: Barbarella’s Excess and Ecstasy

Calendar Girl: Julie London for December

We’ve reached the final calendar month of our year-long celebration of Julie London and her album, Calendar Girl. In “Warm December” Julie’s sensuous voice reminds us that she’ll keep us warm in December, and that’s just about the best Christmas gift anyone could wish for. Clearly Julie is naturally toasty, because she’s half-naked again, this … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for December

“Favor Gonna Kill You Faster Than a Bullet”: Carlito’s Way at 30

Brian De Palma’s deeply moving morality tale Carlito’s Way (1993) recently had its thirtieth anniversary. The film has long held a special place in my personal movie pantheon, ever since seeing it opening night, November 12, 1993. Based on two novels by New York State Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres (which I’ve read and highly … Continue reading “Favor Gonna Kill You Faster Than a Bullet”: Carlito’s Way at 30