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Reviews
Häxan (1922)
Great study on witchcraft throughout history
Yesterday I watched 'Haxan', going in with high expectations, thinking of it as a horror classic. Honestly, it was completely different to what I was thinking; and was more of a study on witchcraft and demons etcetera. Personally, I don't believe in any of it; but it certainly is an interesting topic, director Benjamin Christensen does a great job at explaining and portraying these beliefs from centuries ago, going through ancient scriptures and demonstrating the barbaric nature of torture to 'witches'. There are a few weird and eerie scenes throughout which were interesting but I wished there was more of. Overall it was VERY long, and the film being split into 7 parts didn't really help; but to be fair this is my first feature length silent film I have watched in full... oh, and the score I watched it with was pretty good aside from a few scenes which didn't really fit well but nothing too distracting from the main film.
Wonder Woman: Gault's Brain (1978)
Mediocre, boring episode with thrilling ending
This episode is about the living brain of a dead billionaire seeking to have itself a new body to continue managing his legacy. It was directed by Gordon Hessler and a story written by John Gaynor. It stars Floyd Levine, Cathie Shirriff and Peter Mark Richman. The concept of body swapping has always been interesting; the most successful attempt at such a story is most likely 'Get Out' from 2017. However, this is a cheesy 70s show, so expect nothing amazing with this story decision. There is very little usage of the theme, not only until 3/4 of the story is it actually put into some good use. The characters aren't really that interesting at all. We finally see Lyle Waggoner in a more prominent role as Steve Trevor Jr., he has a chase scene which was cool. The episode closes off with a very thrilling and intense ending, some good action scenes with Wonder Woman fighting a telekinetic brain. But then there is no final conclusion to what actually happens to the brain after his accomplices are jailed. Did they pull the plug or was a brain in a fish tank actually put in prison?! Quite a lazily unsatisfying touch to an otherwise enjoyable ending.
The Avengers: Mr. Teddy Bear (1962)
"But perhaps you've noticed, I'm not a gentleman."
'Mr. Teddy Bear' is the first episode of the second season of The Avengers and is the episode debut of Cathy Gale played by Honor Blackman. Interestingly this episode, despite being the first broadcasted, happens to be the fourth episode Honor Blackman shot- which was typical as many tv shows broadcasted their episodes out of production order at the time.
The episode starts off with a camera crew getting ready and setting up for an interview in a studio with an author advertising his latest book, played by Tim Brinton- who was the genuine ITV newsreader of the day. As they start recording, the interview begins- however, just before the author can answer a question, he falls to the floor and dies immediately. It turns out the author had been poisoned. One Ten, played by Douglas Muir believes this man was yet another victim of the infamous assassin 'Mr. Teddy Bear'. Gale investigates about this hitman by disguising herself and organising a meeting with this assassin; ordering him to assassinate Steed.
I really enjoyed this episode, many great moments. Bernard Goldman was excellent as the mysterious and eerie-looking Mr. Teddy Bear. Honor Blackman is absolutely FANTASTIC as Cathy Gale;
"You have a surprising faith in gentlemen's agreements, Mr. Teddy Bear. But perhaps you've noticed, I'm not a gentleman."
Bad-Ass! Also, the "Why aren't you dead" quote was hilarious. Looking forward to seeing more of her throughout the series. Pat and Honor have amazing chemistry between them!
Adventures of Superman: Night of Terror (1952)
Baby Face Stevens
Night of Terror is the 6th episode of the first season and stars Richard Benedict, Ann Doran, Frank Richards and John Kellogg. The plot follows Lois who stumbles across a dead body behind the counter of an empty motel she had checked in. Shortly after the discovery, Lois is kidnapped by a criminal gangster and is locked in a room along with another kidnapped civilian 'Mrs. King'. Lois attempts to call the cops but due to the long wait, she changes her mind and calls the Daily Planet instead; informing Jimmy that she has been kidnapped and the whereabouts of her location. Jimmy leaves a note for Clark while he investigates himself, and said note gets lost. I won't go further on and spoil the ending, but I will say it has a great action scene. I thought this story was fantastic, possibly the best episode so far.
Wonder Woman: The Deadly Sting (1978)
Fun episode with good moments
This episode is about a soccer team who are suspiciously performing badly in their games. Great premise here; the action is good. In general, a fun sci-fi story.
Police Surgeon: Easy Money (1960)
Pre-cursor to The Avengers
This is the first and only surviving episode of the shortly-lived TV series 'Police Surgeon' starring Ian Hendry. The plot is about a kid who steals money (from a bank??) and gets caught by the police but refuses to admit to the crime. Honestly, this was quite boring to watch- the ending at the bar is slightly interesting and gives some weight to the kid's character. Although it had issues with it's pacing, there was certainly room for potential here.
Wonder Woman: My Teenage Idol Is Missing (1978)
Mediocre episode starts off third season
The first episode in the third and final season is about a teenage popstar who gets kidnapped and put up for ransom. The new theme is great and in my opinion better than the previous one. As for the action, there was very little of it other than a cool scene at a junkyard. Nonetheless, this season looks to be better and more fun than the second season; that is, if it chooses to be more silly and cheesy with it's storylines.
Columbo: Columbo Goes to the Guillotine (1989)
Psychic case
Anthony Andrews is great as the psychic villain, the story is very interesting although the pacing slightly denotes that but isn't too bad. Overall, very enjoyable!
Wonder Woman: The Girl from Ilandia (1978)
Fun episode with interesting ending
This episode is about a mysterious girl who is found unconscious floating in the sea by fishermen, with Wonder Woman joining in the mystery to help her and find out who she is and how she ended up in the sea. This girl happens to have similar powers to that of Wonder Woman- leading to great chemistry between the two of them and making the episode quite reminiscent of the episodes with Wonder Girl. Although the ending was slightly unsatisfying, it was certainly interesting.
The Detectives: Back-Seat Driver (1959)
Entertaining story
After purchasing a new car with his teenage son, Detective Russo along with his son are taken hostage by a robber with a gun, who had been hiding at the back of the car. The robber threatens the Detective to drive on with him and his son's lives on the line. Overall, I found this story to be fairly decent and not too hard to follow considering the simple storyline. Richard Devon did a good job playing the robber.
Gigolettes (1932)
Hilarious ending
Short precode B-movie starring June MacCloy and directed by Fatty Arbuckle. June MacCloy has a couple of numbers she sings with an interestingly deep and baritone voice; great singing. The ending is the best part of this short- funny slapstick moments all combined in a disaster. I like the part when the girl jumps out the window and says "wee" as she jumps and gets caught by the police- then the guy runs and jumps out the window, also saying "weeee" thinking he'll escape and also gets caught. Drunk humor, great fun :D.
Phantom from Space (1953)
Great for B movie sci-fi monster fans
First act is boring, once the phantom comes in it's quite entertaining! Good Invisible effects; interesting use of it in the 50s. Cult movie potential!
Man at Large (1941)
Fun, Interesting 40s espionage spy-comedy
'Man at Large' follows an enthusiastic reporter (Majorie Weaver) who runs into trouble when she meets a mischievous, to her eyes, FBI agent (George Reeves) who is currently trying to capture an escaped Nazi. Throughout the film, there is a likeable chemistry between Weaver and Reeves- building along as they encounter each other and eventually end up working together to capture the villain. This is somewhat similar to a Hitchcock movie; in which a character who starts off as a completely normal person is thrown into a world of danger and fear. Of course, this is much less serious than Hitchcock considering it's comedic value- yet the similarities do appear in terms of Majorie Weaver's character. The final 20 minutes of the film are quite enjoyable, the protagonists go under disguise in a club occupied by Nazis (Majorie looks amazing!)
The last encounter, an intense duel which I found to be quite intriguing and unique! Satisfying ending, I highly recommend to any 40s B movie fan.
Live and Let Die (1973)
AMAZING
Good bond movie, some funny scenes and good villain. It's a 10 cos of JANE SEYMOUR!!!!!!!! (Probably best Bond girl)