So many movies ... so little time ...

On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), some dolls were never meant to be, and yet here we are with the release of Charlotte 2 (aka Charlotte: The Return).  Written and directed by the team of Nathan Crooker, Kayden Phoenix, Richard Powell, and Ruben Rodriguez, the film starred Amanda Lynn Baez, Ariana Galya, Sabi Garcia, and others. 

​According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"That creepy doll Charlotte is back with all new tales of shock and disgust. Charlotte takes you on an otherworldly journey of frightening tales of unspeakable terror that will thrill you and chill you."

-- EZ

So many movies ... so little time ...

On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), the good people of New Orleans, Louisiana were treated to the debut of Alien, Baby!  Written and directed by the team of Andrew Rakich and Eduardo Urueña, the film starred Nathaniel Hendricks, Kendra Unique, Mohit Jaswal, and others. 

According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Brian, a simple shovel salesman, thinks Alice is the girl of his dreams, but she's the stuff of nightmares: a shape-shifting alien bent on destroying the human race through sheer reproductive power. Brian soon gives birth to a half-human infant, the first of an alien master race. With the help of a psychotic private detective and an archaeologist with a mysterious past, Brian races to save the world from certain destruction. But as the bond between mother and child grows, will Brian be capable of making the ultimate sacrifice to save his species?"

-- EZ
​

So many movies ... so little time ...

On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the exclusive theatrical premiere of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.  Directed by Timur Bekmambetov from a story by Seth Grahame-Smith, the film starred Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper, and others. 

According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them."

-- EZ

(NOTE: Part of this opening is reprinted and edited from my previous review of Dr. Who And The Daleks available here):
 
There are a good many fans around the world – particularly those outside of the United Kingdom – who never even knew that the famed, long-running Science Fiction and Fantasy franchise Doctor Who had not one but two theatrical outings.
 
As the story goes, Amicus Productions knew a good thing when they saw it; and this all-new television serial that was Doctor Who was growing both in popularity and cultural relevance.  For the paltry sum of £500, Amicus purchased the rights from the BBC and Daleks’ creator Terry Nation for the purposes of transforming the property into a trilogy of films for the big screen.  Alas, only two of the features were ever made and released; but Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966) brought the signature time-traveler, a few of his companions (granddaughters, really), and audiences into theatrical existence for a brief shot at big screen fame and fortune.  Yes, given that only two planned adventures were ever completed – this one being the second and final – it’s safe to suggest that these outings didn’t exactly match the potential of the TV incarnation – a show that’s lasted over six incredible decades – but kudos to all involved for taking Who as far as they did.
 
Now, I suspect one of the requirements to translating Who from small screens to big would be that screenwriters Milton Subotsky, Sydney Newman (original concepts), and David Whitaker (original concepts) had to somehow modestly differentiate their effort from what had already come before in the BBC show.  Originally, these dreaded robots were introduced in William Hartnell’s first season in charge of the TARDIS, covering the serialized story across 7 episodes.  Though these earliest scripts kinda/sorta left the Doctor’s origins a bit ambiguous, they still strongly established that he was born elsewhere – beyond our humble star system – but the motion picture directed by Gordon Flemyng clearly casts its lead character as a human being.
 
For clarity’s sake, Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. retells the Who serial The Dalek Invasion Of Earth which ran in six installments across November and December 1964.  From what I’ve been able to glean from the Information Superhighway and the commentaries, a good many fans find the movie a bit more riveting because it eliminates a bit of unnecessary bloat that worked its way into the previous episodic format, delivering one narrative with a stronger sense of urgency for our heroes.  Initially, I’d concur, but I also have a good deal more to say about this particular chapter of Who’s time in cinemas.
 
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters.  If you’re the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last few paragraphs for the final assessment.  If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come, then read on …)
 
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“Dr. Who and his companions arrive on Earth in the year 2150 AD, only to discover that the planet has been invaded and its population enslaved by the dreaded Daleks.”
​

Living on the side of ‘the pond’ that I do, I’ve often mentioned that I came somewhat late to the wide, wide world of Doctor Who.
 
From what I know, we in America really didn’t have access to the show until it was both imported and properly serialized on Public Television outlets across the United States; and – even then – I’m not sure many in the viewing public were all that enamored.  While the stories from back in those days were quite interesting, the combination of video and special effects really left more to the imagination than producers in this great nation probably desired.  Granted, homegrown Science Fiction and Fantasy yarns weren’t all that exceptional, either; but George Lucas’ Star Wars inevitably pressured our production outlets to understandably ‘up their game’ if they truly wanted to compete in the realms of the imagination.  Production standards and design on Who continued a bit lowkey for some time even after the galaxy far, far away showed viewers something different, but ‘such is life’ as some are likely to suggest.
 
In any event …
 
I honestly don’t recall how and/or when I first saw Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.  To the best of my recollection, it was from some television broadcast likely in the early 1980’s, though the specifics of where, when, and/or why escape me.  I do remember being a bit confused by it – as I stated in my review of director Gordon Flemyng’s first feature, this Doctor wasn’t even from Gallifrey so much as is ever made certain – and I’m fairly certain it was chopped up quite a bit for commercial inserts.  The story seemed trite if not a bit shoddy; and some of this might be owed to the fact that – even if it were run complete – it’s a lean 80-ish minutes running time.  With the usual trimming and commercial breaks, the end product likely felt choppy.
 
To my delight, Severin Films’ recent release and restoration is just hands-down fabulous.  The flick both looks and sounds astonishing; there’s a far more relatable and cogent storyline than I recall from my previous experience with it; and actor Peter Cushing finally earns my respect for taking the time to deliver an incarnation of the time traveler that deserves to stand alongside anyone else who has been bestowed with the honor of participating in the franchise.  Though still a bit imperfect – albeit in a charming way – this Invasion was well worth the watch.
​

Constable Tom Campbell (played by Bernard Cribbins) stumbles across a jewel heist in progress yet fails to apprehend the suspects before they flee the scene of their crime via automobile.  Taking pursuit on foot, the officer runs until he sights the familiar police telephone box around the corner, which he promptly ducks into to call for backup.  Why, imagine his surprise when he learns he’s actually stepped inside the TARDIS!  Bewildered by these circumstances as well as the blow he took to the head by one of the suspects, Campbell feints and is whisked off to 2150 A.D. as the Doctor (Cushing), Susan (Roberta Tovey), and Louise (Jill Curzon) had just initiated transport.
 
Landing in the world of tomorrow, the foursome are a bit aghast to find that the United Kingdom has fallen.  Outside the TARDIS, they find a world wherein the streets are littered with rubble; and a crumbling building very soon obstructs their path back into the time machine for safety.  It isn’t long before they’re separated: the women are taken by what rebellion remains of the human race while the Doctor and Campbell are seized by Robomen, the nefarious blackboots who serve at the beck and call of the dreaded Daleks!  It seems they’ve taken control of our planet itself, a development that requires the Doctor to both figure out why as well as come up with plans to save the rebels, his family, and our world in the process.
 
Whereas Flemyng’s first film catapulted audiences to a fantastical and far-off universe to introduce one of the Doctor’s most inimitable enemies, Invasion centers all of its action on Earth, showing us not one, not two, but three villains working in concert against mankind: human collaborators have betrayed their native species, selling secrets in exchange for food, shelter, and comfort provided by the domineering Daleks, a development that added a layer of historical context audiences of the day might’ve appreciated.  Why, it was only a few decades ago that Nazi sympathizers had benefitted from doing the same; and this added depth truly positioned Invasion to be a vastly more adult tale than what producers had done before.  Though not delivered with any shocking degree of violence, this message likely gave the children watching something worth thinking about.
 
For this reason, Invasion occasionally feels a bit uneven.  While exploring the premise of a Dystopian future against a Fascistic state perpetuated by the Daleks, the script still insisted in a few spots at delivering some rather simplistic humor.  For example, in one sequence Campbell disguises himself as a Roboman in order to infiltrate the Dalek spacecraft; and he kinda/sorta apes his way through a robotic marching sequence which ends up feeling out of place with the rest of the picture.  Furthermore, he’s forced to participate in an even goofier dinner sequence – the automatons go through protracted synchronized movements to both receive and eat their respective meals – that smacks of downright vaudevillian conventions.  What some might find funny is cringeworthy by today’s standards.
​

Regardless, there’s no escaping the fact that Invasion is a vast improvement on Flemyng’s original dip into the Whoniverse.  Production details for the TARDIS interior are a huge improvement; and the story has a more strongly logical progression from where it begins to where it ultimately delivers audiences.  I’ll concede that the first half suffers from some of the same tawdriness by shackling both the Doctor and his companions with being observers for far too much of the action; but the second half heightens the tension and maintains a pace that raises the bar in the way I suspect many will appreciate.
 
Sigh.
 
It’s a shame it all had to end.
 
Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. was produced by AARU Productions, British Lion Films, and Amicus Productions.  DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been coordinated by the fine folks at Severin Films.  As for the technical specifications?  While I’m no trained video expert … wowza.  This restoration is really, really impressive.  Some of this is likely owed to the fact that the production details appear to be better in this go-round – excellent matte work along with some solid practical effects – but it all looks and sounds wonderful.  Lastly, if you’re looking for special features?  There are two commentaries – both good, but I found the one by Barry Forshaw, Stephen Jones, and Kim Newman a bit underwhelming given the strength of what they did on the first film’s commentary track – along with some interviews and whatnot.  Honestly, the best thing on here (so far as I’m concerned) was a great video essay from Whovian expert Stephen Thrower as I think the man very succinctly positioned this effort wonderfully within franchise lore and presents effectively what works and what comes in a bit short very smartly.  Well done.
 
Strongly Recommended.
 
While the film doesn’t quite shirk off entirely the producer’s desire to keep the franchise kid-friendly, Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. is still vastly superior to its predecessor if for no other reason that it homed in one a single central story – with minor secondary ideas – and truly went for broke.  Presenting an adversary with a full-blown desire for conquest of our world and staying on-track, audiences were likely able to relate more to it and appreciate the good Doctor and his companions’ quest to rid our world of a singular menace.  Sadly, the script still muddles a good bit (as did the first flick) with the Doctor being far too much of an observer (as opposed to directing the action), but that’s rectified in the last reel when Cushing finally delivers several moments that show what a force to be reckoned with the character would eventually become.  In fact, it’s sad that this Invasion was the end of these theatrical outings as – had they continued – one wonders just how much more impactful a film series could’ve been in some alternate reality.
 
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Severin Films provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray of Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966) by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review.  Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.

-- EZ
​

So many movies ... so little time ...

On this day in 2018 (in Brazil), The Witch Files enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Fantaspoa Festival.  Written (in part) and directed by Kyle Rankin, the film starred Holly Taylor, Tara Robinson, Britt Flatmo, and others. 

According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A group of marginalized young women form a powerful coven." 

-- EZ
​

​On July 29th, Blue Underground proudly presents the world premiere of the British horror-thriller classics The Blood of Fu Manchu and The Castle of Fu Manchu on 4K UHD + Blu-ray, in brand-new 4K restorations of the Uncut and Uncensored camera negatives and packed with bonus content.  
 
Christopher Lee has played countless evil characters on the screen, including Dracula, The Mummy, and Frankenstein’s Monster, along with battling James Bond, Captain America, Frodo, and Yoda. His most controversial villain role was Fu Manchu. He proved to be menacing as the Chinese criminal mastermind constantly coming up with diabolical plans to destroy the world. Blue Underground releases Lee’s final two movies as Fu Manchu directed by the legendary Jess Franco (Vampyros Lesbos) on 4K-UHD + Blu-ray Editions.
 
The Blood of Fu Manchu has Fu Manchu (Christopher Lee, The Wicker Man), his daughter Lin Tang (Tsai Chin, You Only Live Twice), and his agents operating deep in the Amazon jungle. Fu Manchu has found a powerful snake venom that has the ability to kill men, but not women. The powerful madman plans to wipe out millions of men around the world by having his alluring female followers deliver the kiss of death. The only people who can stop him are Interpol agents Nayland Smith (Richard Greene, Tales From The Crypt) and Dr. Petrie (Howard Marion-Crawford, Lawrence of Arabia). Can they avoid the temptation of fatal lips? The film also stars Maria Rohm (Venus in Furs) and Shirley Eaton (Goldfinger). The Blood of Fu Manchu is a 4K restoration of the original camera negative for the Unrated European Cut.
 
The 4K UHD + Blu-ray Edition’s special features include an audio commentary with film historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson, The Rise of Fu Manchu – featuring interviews with director Jess Franco, producer Harry Alan Towers, and stars Christopher Lee, Tsai Chin, and Shirley Eaton, Sanguine-Stained Celluloid – an interview with Stephen Thrower, author of Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesús Franco, trailers, a newly expanded poster & still gallery, and RiffTrax Edition – THE BLOOD OF FU MANCHU, Riffed by Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy.

The Castle Of Fu Manchu features Fu Manchu (Christopher Lee, Lord of the Rings), his sadistic daughter Lin Tang (Tsai Chin, Casino Royale), and his elite fighting force, who take over the governor’s castle in Istanbul. Fu Manchu has invented a device that can freeze the oceans of the world. The only chance to defrost his fiendish plan for another Ice Age is the intervention of Interpol agents Nayland Smith (Richard Greene, The Hounds of the Baskervilles) and Dr. Petrie (Howard Marion-Crawford, The Face of Fu Manchu). The Castle of Fu Manchu features a 4K restoration of the uncut and uncensored camera negative. 
 
The 4K UHD + Blu-ray Edition’s special features include an audio commentary with film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth, The Fall of Fu Manchu - interviews with director Jess Franco, producer Harry Alan Towers, and stars Christopher Lee and Tsai Chin, Castle of Carnage – an interview with Stephen Thrower, author of Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesús Franco, the international trailer, a newly expanded poster & still gallery, and RiffTrax Edition – THE CASTLE OF FU MANCHU, riffed by Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy.
​

Space:1999 -- that mid-1970's Science Fiction curiosity that sprang from the ferile imagination of Gerry Anderson -- is an oft-overlooked franchise.

Honestly, it's a largely forgotten commodity these days as no one seems to have any interest in either rebooting it or giving it some modest measure of rediscovery.  I seem to recall that -- not all that long back -- there was a documentary being assembled that was chiefly going to focus on the program's famed transport -- the Eagle spacecraft -- but I've no idea what's become of that.  (Hopefully, it got fully funded and has seen the light of day somewheres.)  Some of the disinterest could be because -- ahem -- Space:1999 had a kinda/sorta whacky premise to begin with -- what with our moon being hurled across all of the known galaxies as about as curious a means of transportation that's ever been imagined; but maybe someone with a bit of inspiration and some serious capital will pull the program from obscurity, dust it off, and give it another go.  Stranger things have happened.

In any event ...

One of the first season regulars -- actor Clifton Jones -- appears to have passed away according to citations I've read on the World Wide Web this morning.  (I'm not seeing it widely confirmed, so forgive me if I wind up having to clarify this one later.)  In the role of 'David Kano,' he bravely went where his -- erm ... moonmates (???) were going into the deep, dark divide; and he made the best of an incredible run of 23 fun-filled episodes.  A quick glance at his IMDB.com profile shows that the actor also paid visits to such projects as Secret Agent, Man In A Suitcase, The Persuaders, Survivors, Watership Down (1978), Sheena (1984), and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Clifton Jones.

May he rest in peace ...

-- EZ