Tag: film

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 →

“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 →

Hot Shots of the Week: Wolfing Around with Michelle

I adore Mike Nichols’ Wolf (1994), but every time I watch it—and I try to watch it every October—I’m utterly gobsmacked that he got Michelle Pfeiffer to film that completely bonkers final showdown. As good guy Wolfman Jack (Nicholson) looks on from inside a cage, bad guy Wolfman James Spader uses his hairy paws to … Continue reading Hot Shots of the Week: Wolfing Around with Michelle →

Noirvember: Nineties Noirish Erotic Thrillers

It’s Noirvember, a time to celebrate all things noir, including the 1990s noirish erotic thriller. The month is almost over and I didn’t get to do any other noir posts, so to make up for that I’ve super-sized this post. Hands down, one of the best erotic thriller posters of all time, plus a terrific … Continue reading Noirvember: Nineties Noirish Erotic Thrillers →

Rush Rush at the Babylon

Miami’s Babylon Club is a favorite hangout of criminal-element types in Brian De Palma’s grotesque and glorious gangster film, Scarface (1983). The Babylon is where Tony Montana (Al Pacino) first puts the moves on Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer). Tony visits the club as a guest of drug lord Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia). Elvira might be … Continue reading Rush Rush at the Babylon →

Hot Shots of the Week: A Memorable Introduction

In the annals of gratuitous character introductions, few hold a candle to how we meet camp counselor Terry in Friday the 13th: Part 2 (1981). Before we see her face, director Stephen Minor begins with a tight shot of Terry’s, um, well, tight ass. As we watch it bounce hypnotically through the woods, we see … Continue reading Hot Shots of the Week: A Memorable Introduction →