Rating:

Review

It is 2020 and the Moon has been colonised. Spaceships Vega, Sirius and Capella are launched to space in order to explore Venus. The mission is being run from moon base Lunar 7 by the man who has planned it from its opening stages, professor Hartman. Spaceship Capella get strucked by an asteroid and professor Hartman wants to postpone the landing but the crew on the spaceship Vega has other plans. Two astronauts, accompanied by their robot, set out to explore the surface of the planet. Things seem to be going well until violent changes begin to rework the surface. Will they be able to escape the planet with their lives?

Reason to Watch

Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet was slapped together from footage from a Russian science fiction movie and additional footage with American actors. Although none of the additional footage is interesting or helps the plodding story along very much, original parts from the Russian movie and effects are good.

Context

This film was made in 60′s when American International Pictures really started living up to their name. In addition to shooting an increasing percentage of their own films overseas, American International Pictures began importing huge quantities of foreign product.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

“I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind exploring Venus.”

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

In order to see this movie you must have the power of will to shut down all of yours rational thoughts for an hour and a little bit more.

Trivia

The film is actually a US adapted and edited version of the Russian sci-fi movie Planeta Bur directed by Pavel Klushantsev with some American actors for the US/English speaking market.

Educational Content

If you see a big plant don’t get too close… It can eat you!

Justification for Rating

Special effects in the film are suprizingly good. Not that they can match present special effects but ,for the 60′s, they are very well done.

Clip

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULtgVvnY6OQ

Related posts:

1. Review of The Phantom Planet

Rating:

Review

This movie is simply early 60′s sci-fi fun! It’s about a cosmetics business owner that is worried about showing her signs of aging, and learns about a recent discovery of a jelly made by wasps that turn back the signs of aging. So of course she volunteers out of desperation to be a test subject. Well she of course gets over zealouse and takes too large of a dose and becomes… Wasp Woman devouring her prey. The acting and effects are pretty well done for the time. This film is a fun one for a rainy, lazy day.

Reason to Watch

If you want to show your kids the movies that made you the weird parent you are this is a good one to show ‘em. It worked for me.

Context

1960 the pubescent period between atomic and psychedelic cinema. A late night gem.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

None.

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

A fly swatter and a box of wine.

Trivia

The co-director’s credit listed above for Jack Hill is a consequence of The Wasp Woman’s release to TV in the 1960s. At a brisk 66 minutes, the film was deemed too short for a network time slot. Hill was hired to lengthen it, which he did by providing two new sequences. One of these opens the film: a leisurely stroll through an apiary, the confrontation between Zinthrop and the angry accountant, and Zinthrop’s dismissal. The other consists of a detective – played by Jack Hill! – searching for the missing scientist after his accident. Sadly, this footage is certainly not representative of Hill’s work, and adds little to the film but running time. However, it was this version of The Wasp Woman that I saw, so I thought I should mention it. (http://twtd.bluemountains.net.au/Rick/tww.htm)

Educational Content

None.

Justification for Rating

It’s not bad enough to be good, but it’s not bad enough to be great.

Clip

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KezpgVX5Qik

Related posts:

1. Review of Last Woman on Earth
2. Review of Werewolf Woman

Rating:

Review

Robert Morgan is a scientist who is fighting desperately to develop a cure for a virus that has plagued the entire world! Sound familiar? Well, it should. This is actually an adaptation of Richard Matheson’s I am Legend. Morgan finds himself alone battling zombies by day and taking refuge in his reenforced home at night. It seems like the rest of his life will be lived in solitude. Then, one day, he thinks he may have seen somebody else?

Reason to Watch

Although the sound effect may be cheesy and the dubbing maybe a bit off, it is appreciable because Vincent Price does a great job being the center of attention through out the bulk of the film. This film will help you to appreciate the modern take on I am Legend without moving too far away from the original novel.

Context

This movie was produced during the 60′s when movies were still being made in black and white, and the act of being subtle may actually be more effective in moving an audience than big budget special effects.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

“And I thought you were alone. I was going to cure you! Does that amuse you?”

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

Most movies made from this era may be lacking in many areas by our generations standards. I think that in this case all you will need is the right mood to really enjoy this flick. Find someone who enjoys older and more classic films, make some popcorn, turn down the lights and enjoy.

Trivia

This film was originally going to be produced by Hammer Films of Great Britain. They decided not to make it and passed the script over to their U.S. associate, Robert L. Lippert, who produced the film in Italy.
The script was written in part by Richard Matheson, but he was dissatisfied with the result and was therefore credited as Logan Swanson.

Educational Content

At some point you almost feel like this could be mistaken for a vampire flick. Living a normal life during the day, staking a few zombies, and boarding yourself in to protect yourself from the hordes that come at night! It seems a stake can kill just about anything.

Justification for Rating

For me this movie deserves a 7/10. It is one of those films that just seems to show us where a lot of ideas have come from in many of our modern films. Hordes of zombies attack a lone person(s) in the dead of night, dozens of blood/flesh thirsty zombies surrounding a car are locked inside… sound familiar? Most of us can relate this to a lot of modern zombie and horror flicks. If you are in the mood to just sick back and enjoy a movie without too much thought on the plot and possible holes, you will enjoy this movie.

Clip

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4mYireNvcg

Related posts:

1. Review of Last Woman on Earth
2. Review of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
3. Review of Horror Express

Rating:

Review

Bela Lugosi is back as the evil doctor who turns from good to evil to satisfy is own wicked desires. In The Corpse Vanishes Lugosi playes Dr.Lorenz a doctor who is bent on keeping his wife young and who will stop at nothing to achieve it. Soon young virginal bridemaids are turning up dead and their bodies missing. Our Dr.Lorenz has discovered that by extracting a substance from these young girls neck he can keep his wife young and beautiful. With the help of a dwarf and his dim witted brother the doctor soon turns the town into chaos. Arriving on the scene to try and figure out the mystery is a young female reporter who enlists the aide of a young doctor. They soon found out that there is a story behind the orchids all the dead girls are wearing.

Reason to Watch

Bela! Bela! Need I say more? Lugosi, is great as the mad scientist who has turned evil in his attempt to do good. Sure we’ve seen the same movie done over and over with a diferent sub plot but not all of these movies have Lugosi.

Context

The movie was made in 1942 and the war was going on at the time. I think one reason Lugosi was so popular at the time was because he could personify the evil foreigner. That evil outsider was also a representation of the Nazi.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

1.”Aww, now wait a minute. Are you trying to tell me that this Professor Lorenz is a hypnotist as well as a horticulturist?”
2.”Why, yes, in a manner of speaking. I find a coffin much more comfortable than a bed.”

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

Your going to need alot of friends over so you won’t be the only one screaming at your television as you watch these people do things no sane person would ever do. Make sure you get a case of beer or something harder, so when your driven to start acting out the scenes you just saw, you can be at least half as bad. Keep the cover of DVD close by just in case you or your friends want to check out what your watching again.

Trivia

“One laboratory scene where Lugosi’s mad scientist character becomes enraged at his half-witted assistant and thrashes him with a whip was duplicated 13 years later by director Ed Wood in Bride of the Monster with Lugosi and Tor Johnson.”

Educational Content

1. Never knew glands help us to have nice teeth and hair.
2. Do you think sleeping in a coffin will help those with insomnia or even back problems?
3. Is the good doctors wife a junkie since she shoots drugs in her veins?
4. Do you think that teenagers know that hormones are the reason for life?

Justification for Rating

I gave this movie a 5 for I love a movie where there is the doctor turn wrong in his attempt to do right. Sure the script is weak and downright funny but everyone loves a horror movie where we kind of feel bad for the evil guy.

Clip

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNkm0SLjobQ

Related posts:

1. Review of Scared to Death
2. Review of Horror Express
3. Review of Last Woman on Earth

Rating:

Review

Once you get past the poor title and the fact the movie is black and white it can be an half decent movie. The plot is about an ex-army major who seems to be a bit mental with deluded plans on conquering the world with some ‘transparent’ super soldiers. With the unwilling help of Dr. Ulof an invisibilty machine is created. Before all this a safe cracker is broken out of prison by an attractive blonde. They drive past a policeman who didnt have the common sense to ask to see the mysterious man in the passenger seat even though he had a hat on his face.

The film starts to get more scifi with Dr. Ulof chatting about using some dangerous reactive material and then blasts the safe cracker with the ‘Transparency Ray’. He then heads off to steal some atomic, nuclear things from a heavily gaurded safe but then turns against the ex-major and by the end of the film everyones double-crossed each other which left me a bit dumfounded.

Reason to Watch

Theres some comical fights with guards and baddies alike fighting thin air and alot of the acting is either overdone or the opposite with some actors left expressionless. Also some good camera work as the invisible guy fades in and out which i suppose was hi-tech for the 1960s.

Context

The 1960s/70s was the golden era for american B-movies however most of these went down the route of exploitation – and so the films were nick named ‘nudies’. Edgar G. Ulmer had plenty of chances to make some big budget A – movies but instead went with the cheap, wacky stuff.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

I did not agree to kill a man by deliberate radiation poisoning.

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

The only way to see past the poor acting skills of Douglas Kennedy and the budget of $100 is with a few litres of sangria and some good friends to distract from the TV.

Trivia

Edgar G. Ulmer filmed this and ‘Beyond the Time Barrier’ back to back in just two weeks.
The film was later featured in an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) an american cult comedy series about a man who is forced to watch terrible american B-movies – no joke, but in the end this show won a few awards and has quite a few followers.

Educational Content

X-rays can make you invisible – just remember that next time you break a bone, you might end up with no arm.

Justification for Rating

This movie definitely fits under the heading of, ‘so bad it ends up good’.

Clip

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jc0P9AgqC0

No related posts.

Rating:

Review

Imagine little people fighting big hungry invaders.Now imagine hero astronaut who comes to save the day. Thats Phantom Planet; well almost. When an astronaut is forced to make a crash landing on a remote astroid he gets more than he bargain for. In order to survive the astonaut must wonder out his spaceship and breath the air on this astroid. Breathing the air has drastic consequences for the astronaut as he discovers he’s shrinking. Shruken to a measley 6 inches he soons finds out that he’s not alone; as there are other wee little people on the astroid with him. These wee little people inform him of there fate; the battle against the scary Solarites. The Solarites are creatures who wish to eat the wee little people. Our hero and the wee little people who have turned the astroid into a spaceship forge a battle against the evil Solarites. And of course, fall in love along the way.

Reason to Watch

There is nothing ike a cheap science fiction movie where all care and concern for accuracy is thrown out the window.The Phantom Planet is one movie where all concern for truth and reality was left on the doorstep. However, the movie is a great sci fi movie. It has action and even a love story. The pig faced Solarites are funny looking and I don’t know about you but every time I saw the wee little people I couldn’t help but think about the dwarves in The Wizard of Oz. Sure you can’t help but laugh at some of the corny lines that were written but hey thats what makes the movie so much fun. The sound efects even remind you a western shootout while the fight scenes are almost comical. The women are straight out of the sixties movie era; over flowing with lust fill eyes at the male lead. The goofs are obvious; for instance, the lead star in one scene looks at his wrist for the time even though he has no watch.

Context

The movie was made in the early sixities when America and the world was entering the space race. Everyone had dreams of what outer space held and Hollywood was ready to fuel there interest. Did it matter if Hollywood got it right? No, the only thing that the average movie goer was concerned about was good entertainment and Hollywood was prepaired to feed the hungry masses.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

Here are some best lines from the movie that am sure you’ll find funny and deeply moving. “You know Captain, every year of my life I grow more and more convinced that the wiset and the best is to fix our attention on the good and the beautiful. If you just take the time to lok at it.” Is this not dramatic writing. The Oscars were awaiting

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

First, don’t attempt to watch this movie alone I suggsest four to six close friends who share your worst tendencies. Why the need for a group? Well your going to need someone to help you finish all that beer am going to tell you to buy. Phantom Planet can be tedious at times like pulling teeth; yet, so corny that you can’t stop watching. Have you ever pass a car weak and just couldn’t pull your attention away? Phantom Planet will grab your attention in the same way. You won’t to turn away but can’t. And don’t forget that with a large group of friends you’ll always have someone to turn off the television if you drift of into space.

Trivia

Included in the cast of Phantom Planet are some legendary actors. Richard Kiel, known for his charater (Jaws) in the seventies James Bond action movies plays an evil giant Slorarite out to devour the citizens of Phantom Planet.

Educational Content

1. I never knew that breathing air could change your whole molecular make up and turn you into a wee little person.
2. Never knew that one could walk in outer space unteathered.
3. Check out the spaceship that takes off straight up into space but lands on it’s side.
4. Or a people so advance with space technology yet still live in caves and have no social graces.

Justification for Rating

Even though this movie is comical the film is still a crowd pleaser as it tries to entertain us with science fiction fantasy and action . Within the movie you can see the rise of the future science fiction shows like Star Trek.

Related posts:

1. Review of Phantom From Space
2. Review of Last Woman on Earth

Rating:

Review

A UFO crashes in Santa Monica and an alien, which survived the crash, has found himself on unknown planet (or maybe he do know exactly where he is). After the accident sudden outbreak of radio and television interference and federal government sends group of investigators to track down the source of the interference. During the investigation they receive a large number of statements by eye-witnesses who saw a person in unusual outfit. Alien fails in his attempts to communicate with earthlings end ends up killing two people. While being pursued by government authorities alien takes off his spacesuit and thus appears invisible to the human eye.

Reason to Watch

Although the beginning of the movie is rather boring, but once it gets rolling it is very possible that it will hold you in your chair. And the scenes with invisible alien are very well done for a low budget movie like this.

Context

This movie was made in the 1950′s, the decade that brought us lots of vintage sci-fi films like “Day the Earth Stood Still”, “Forbidden Planet”, “The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms”, “Earth vs. the Flying Saucers” and many others.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

Pete: “How would you feel if somebody with a crazy helmet with pipes sticking out of it came at you in the dark!”

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

You need an alien detector that is capable to find out is there an invisible extraterrestrial specie in your house so you won’t be frighten with every noise made during the movie.

Trivia

Police sketch of the suspect really looks like some kids drawing and the reaction after revealing it to the eyewitness is good for some comedy movie.

Educational Content

If you have problems in communicating with other don’t just start killing them, it will only get worse.

Justification for Rating

Some questions remained unanswered at the end and that’s what I didn’t like in the movie. At the end we don’t know where the alien came from, what were his intentions and he dies leaving no proof of being here.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcfcYPanX-A

Related posts:

1. Review of The Phantom Planet

Rating:

Review

Due to the radioactive fallout from a returning space probe, dead bodies are returning to “life” and stalking human prey, eating their victims once they catch up to them. A group of disparate people barricade themselves inside a farmhouse hoping to be rescued from these beings. I’m sure that at the time of its release, this classic, influential movie shocked and repulsed viewers. Time, and countless pale imitations, have taken some of its impact away, but it’s still great viewing. The budget – which I can believe was very low – only serves to gives the movie an almost realistic feel. Acting is very sharp, especially from top-billed Duane Jones, cast in what must have been the first (or one of the first) instances of a horror movie having an African-American hero. The only sour note may be that the leading female character, played by Judith O’Dea, is unfortunately one-note – wimpy and useless. This movie is actually more genuinely spooky than many of the more glossier and explicit horror movies released since. In fact, in a similar fashion to Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”, the movie makes quite a good use out of a low budget, and it’s entertaining throughout. Co-writer / director George A. Romero and co-writer John Russo have bit parts; co-stars Karl Hardman (who plays ‘Harry Cooper’) and Russell Streiner (who appears uncredited as ‘Johnny’) were the movie’s producers. Remade by Romero in 1990; followed by “Dawn of the Dead” in 1978 and “Day of the Dead” in 1985 and then a slew of “Return of the Living Dead” feature

Most Memorable Quote(s)

I liked every line by this writer.

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

My friends forced me to watch this.

Educational Content

I love the way it is directed.

Justification for Rating

I liked this movie very much

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoCNY8ufeo0

Related posts:

1. Review of The Last Man on Earth
2. Review of Lady Frankenstein
3. Review of The Corpse Vanishes

Rating:

Review

This movie is suspenseful, thriller, horror all in one. It is becoming comfortable about one’s identity without exploitation.

Reason to Watch

If you enjoy chilling, creeping music, I guess it’s worth it. I didn’t like scary sounds and gory scenes.

Context

The movie appeared to be based in 1800′s.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

results, not promises, I am a father’s daughter

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

It is boring and scary find it hard to stay in focus.

Trivia

Dracula and Frankenstein movies are all similar.

Educational Content

Trying experiments.

Justification for Rating

3,5 – just something to watch when there is no other choice.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LATQAXjTHQ4

Related posts:

1. Review of The Indestructible Man
2. Review of Last Woman on Earth
3. Review of Scared to Death

Rating:

Review

I guess the pitch went something like “It’s Dragnet meets Frankenstien starring Lon Chaney” To which the studio said,”Senior” to which the director said, “Technically no, but he will be dropping ‘Jr.’ for his credit.” It is the story of Charles ‘Butcher’ Benton (Lon Chaney) who having been stitched up by his partners in crime and now faces the death penalty for his part in a payroll truck robbery. However where there is a corpse there is a scientist looking to experiment. In this case Prof. Bradshaw wants to cure cancer and his method is to pump 300,000 volts of electricity into the corpse (not really sure on how this is suppose to cure cancer, but then I’m not a doctor). This brings the Butcher back to life, but stronger than ever and seemingly invulnerable, also his vocal cords got fried so he can’t speak, but his brain still functions and can think of nothing but revenge. The cops are soon on his trial but finding out he is impervious to bullets they have to bring out the big guns, bazookas and flame throwers. This all tasty film noir, LA streets, LA sewers, stock shots of police cars, an unstoppable monster with crazy eyes and a carnie thrown in for good measure. What’s not to like?

Reason to Watch

Unlike most B-Movies this actually has a plot you can follow, partly because everyone talks in exposition and partly because the plot is basically revenge. There nothing for the dames to scared about as only bad guys get it, by either being thrown or stepped on.

Context

It is the mid-fifties, Dragnet is in its prime on TV and Lon Chaney has started to get on a bit, his alcohol problem is not yet public knowledge, but he was facing hard times, thus dropping the “Jr” from his name to trade on the success of his father.

Most Memorable Quote(s)

Dick: I just got you fired.
Eva: Why?
Dick: I figured being my wife would take up most of your time.

What You Need to Get Through This Movie

This is a film you have watch like hard nosed detective, so that would a bottle of whiskey, and Dames who love it when you speak condescendingly to them.

Trivia

Lon Chaney Jr. (no relation to real life Bond villain Dick Cheney) spend much of his life chasing the fame of his father, silent god of the silver screen Lon Chaney Sr. In this film he attempts to out silence his father by speaking as little as possible and making it all about the eyes. Despite the tagline “300,000 volts of Horror!” they actually only get up to 278,000.

Educational Content

1. Scientists have caused more death and destru…1. Scientists have caused more death and destruction trying to cure cancer than cancer could ever done alone.
2. Lon Chaney was possibly paid by the word since after the opening scene he never speaks again.
3. Film maker Tip: If the plot makes no sense just turn your horror into a detective story and have the whole film narrated.
4. Mob guys squeal like little girls when they get picked up by Granddads.
5. You can find better looking dames trying hustle you into a fixing their flat tire than you can in burlesque show.

Justification for Rating

Over explained and predictable, this film is easy to watch because it just over an hour long. Fun can be had by dubbing in lines for the silent Lon Chaney.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TfBbvhG1oA

Related posts:

1. Review of Lady Frankenstein
2. Review of Last Woman on Earth