I love movies a lot and it shows with the length of this page. My tastes are pretty eclectic as I don't tend to stick to one genre or another. It is more fun to try a bit of this and that.
- Categories in Alphabetical Order, not in order of preference -
Anime
The Japanese love to make features that are entirely animated. I think some are quite delightful. Have a look at the anime page for these pieces.
Disney
Okay. So Disney is going to hell. Hunchback of Notre Dame with a happy ending? Or Hercules riding around on Pegasus? *blink* And I thought the TV show screwed with the mythology so bad that Disney couldn't do worse. Boy, was I wrong. Despite all that though, Disney has done some amazing films and I own quite a few. Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin are all great pick-me-ups on a rainy day. Take a look.
Okay. So I adore bad movies. If you check out my film list, you will see what I mean. *grin* Most of the b-films I like are in the horror category.
Full Moon Madness
This company is pretty damn cool for low budget, b-grade horror films. They have done such wonders as The Pit and the Pendulum, Trancers and the Puppet Masters series.
Warning: They haven't updated their page in eons.
If for no other reason, Full Moon Madness is tops in my eyes as they have Jeffrey Combs. Who you ask? When I was in college he was one of two 'men in the world I want to marry but do not know' (the other being the Frugal Gourmet' s assistant Craig...so I have weird taste). I have been taken with him since I first saw ReAnimator, back in college. Why? I don't know for sure, but I guess it is these mad scientist types he plays. I simply love the work he does despite what awful films he is in.
Plus he was on a Babylon 5 episode as a very interesting Psi Cop!
To check out more about Jeffery Combs have a look here and here.
ReAnimator
This film is probably the reason I got hooked on humorous horror. It is a cult classic with blood and gore being mixed with great lines. This is the first Jeffery Combs film I saw as well. Definitely worth checking out!
Here are two sites dedicated to the film - Site One and Site Two
Evil Dead series including Army of Darkness
Bruce Campbell is a riot. Army of Darkness is still the fav, but the whole Evil Dead series is great. Not too many films have the lead beating himself up on a regular basis. And other than anime, I can't say I have ever seen trees that can do what they did in Evil Dead.
"Give me some sugar babe."
People are pretty devoted to all the films though Army of Darkness is a fav due to the comical elements. There is everything ranging from sound bits to pics (where I got his pic from) to Magic the Addition Cards *winces* to Doom wads.
Of course, there are sites dedicated to this director. Here's one to get you started. Happy hunting.
And yes, you knew it. There are plenty of sites devoted to the star, Bruce Cambell. He even has an "Official" Bruce Cambell site, which seems to be a pointer to other pages, but is a good starting point.
Troma Team
They seem to have started in the 80's to simple make very low budget films. First were a few sex-polation films and then they moved into gross. Whether it be blood and guts, puke or toxic waste, they are into disgusting the audience, but always with a sense of humor. They have done such wonders as the Toxic Avenger series, Class of Nukem High, Surf Nazis Must Die and Tromio and Juliet. Definitely worth taking a look at their site.
I am a hopeful romantic at heart. I can't help it. I still love a happy ending where boy gets girl and everything ends up wonderful. So, it doesn't represent rl, but hey, it can build up faith in the human race sometimes.
Nora Ephron
She is a goddess. She directed and wrote such films as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle , and Michael (though that was less of a chick film and just an all-around good movie). Funny, insightful and good fun for both men and women. A hard line to walk with the more romantic films, but she does it and does it well.
The Truth About Cats and Dogs
Great film. I love Uma. I love Janeane. And even the dog is great. There are so many bits in the movie that really strike home about the differences between men and women and the madness that incurs. Yet it doesn't bash either sex nor does it let you stop laughing about it. Funny piece and a review w/picure
Old does not mean good, but there are a great deal of older movies that are amazing.
And most importantly
No colorization please!
Some of the stars that make it all so glorious:
Greta Garbo - Ninotka
Katherine Hepburn - Bringing Up Baby, Desk Set & The Lion in Winter
Gene Kelly - Brigadoon, Singing in the Rain & An American in Paris
Orson Wells - Citzen Kane
There are so many good movies with gay leads. Jeffrey, It's My Party, Parting Glances, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Torch Song Trilogy to name a few. It is sad that two out of five are about AIDS. Yet it stru ck the gay community first and hardest. Each film addresses the horrible epidemic in a different way. It is kind of sad there aren't more straight geared movies dealing with the issue as maybe some kids might wake up about the risks, but I am not here t o be on soapbox.
I find the characters in these films to be strong, determined and dealing with life in various ways. Ranging from funny to uplifting to very sad, they are important films to me.
I love the opulence and intrigue of the medieval period. There is something about them that simple grabs me (as you might be able to tell by my medieval page).
During the 60's, there was a huge surge of films with kings, queens and the courts. Most had either Richard Burton or Peter O'Toole and sometimes even both. Beckett, The Lion in Winter and Taming of the Shrew are just a few of t he good ones.
The Lion in Winter
It is amazing film. I need it in the letterbox version. Peter O'Toole and Katherine Hepburn clashing horns as Henry and Eleanor. Magnificent acting from the whole cast. Anthony Hopkins, Timothy Dalton and Nigel Terry are all very young in this film but outstanding performances.
Name of the Rose
This film was done later in period, but quite wonderful. Sean Connery and a very young Christian Slater in a piece involving mystery and twisted events - and twisted staircases that would make Esher happy.
Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
A delight. Based on the Shakespearean characters with a delightful cast. Tim Roth and Gary Olden are wonderful.
...And of course, who can forget, The Holy Grail...
Monty Python takes on the Arthurian legend. How can you not love it? And make sure you check out the best Monty Python page ever. I wouldn't be biased as I know the author..never... * grin* But I swear, other people say it is great too.
Kenneth Branagh
Delightful actor. Wonderful director. Does a great deal of Shakespeare's pieces as he was trained as the tradition. Beautiful, epic, moving films are really what he brings to life best (though Peter's Friends was good and not of that ilk).
He is also in the yum factor section as he is high on that list too.
His Medieval period pieces include:
Henry V, Much Ado about Nothing, Hamlet (though it needed a major edit)
Quentin Tarentino
Okay. So the guy is getting a bit full of himself these days, but still. Reservoir Dogs was amazing. Pulp Fiction was a sheer delight. The man knows how to make a film.
Also his Rolling Thunder Productions have pulled some films from obscurity like Curdled and Chung King Express. Curdled is very worth a rental. A twisted horror-based film with some good twists and one of the hottest dance scenes involving a knife. Mmmm. *licks her lips*
Strictly Ballroom
A charming film. Australian film without a single Abba song. Weird. Though I am not complaining about Abba music in films as Priscilla is on here. It stars Paul Mercurio who is delicious to top it off.
Savage Steve Holland
He is an odd one. He did great animated bits before animation was the rage. Very 80's in their styles, but a whole lot of fun. Better Off Dead, One Crazy Summer and How I Got Into College are some of his best. And he did Eek the Cat. Fun, animated Saturday morning cartoon which seems to be gone bye bye.
Musicals have always held a fond place in my heart. I think I have my mom to blame for this one.
Camelot
See my theatre page
Grease
Pure and simple. Fun. Not intellectually stimulating. Not meant to raise your consciousness, but simply to watch and enjoy. And recalls memories of hoping about on a couch singing songs as a kid.
Hair
Very 60's in look, feel and ideals, but it still have good music and anti-war sentiments. It still says a good deal about that era and it wonderful to watch. And Treat Williams as a good guy is a rarity.
Little Shop of Horrors
A huge man-eating plant. What is not fun about that? *grin* And Steve Martin as a sadistic dentist. Hmmm...
Pippin
Yes, William Katz did something besides The Greatest American Hero (for any of you who actually recall the name and the show - showing what a product of the 80's I am). He is delightful as a bright eyed kid searching for himself.
Rocky Horror Picture Show and Shocktreatment
I admit it. I did it in high school and college. Even played Magenta and staged a couple of productions. RHPS is fun though seems to be floundering as releasing it on video ended the theatrical appeal.
And yes, I liked Shocktreatment. It is cheesy, but Patricia Quinn's jump when Richard O'Brian snaps the crop can't help but make you grin...or me at least. It is not excellent but then again, the original wasn't either!
Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Bands
I know. You are probably flinching. The Bee Gees? Peter Frampton? Doing Beetles music? Yes, yes and yes. Scary as it sounds, it is funny. Lighthearted and amusing. And it has the best Beetles cover to this day - Aerosmith's rendition of 'Come T ogether'.
Zanadu
Okay... So if I haven't scared you off yet, this might just do it. *grin* I like this musical. I know, I know. Roller skating? Olivia Newton John? ELO? You have got to be kidding right? Nope. Honest. I like it. Might be the nostalgia factor. I saw it in the theatres a few times when I was a kid. Roller skated in the basement to the music. Ummm...perhaps I am over-sharing. *smirk*
Musical links:
Here are some great sites out there devoted to musicals. Have yourself a look. *smile*
Good, extensive site
Excite's Musical Page
Great midi site
Okay. Eye candy. Yum. So sometimes, I want to watch a film simply because the actor or actress has that certain something that draws to them. I am just being honest about it. *grin* And I bet I am not the only one to do it!
Kenneth Branagh
Okay. So I mention him twice on one page. But there is something so sensual about him with a burning intellect that just does it for me... I will take a man with a brain any day. In those questions of who would you most want to have dinner with if you could choose any celebrity, he is my choice. I just fear I would embarrass myself! Flip to the Medieval movies section for more.
There are a number of sites out there but here are my pics - Overall Good Site and Nice Pic Gallery.
Sean Connery
A man who gets better with age. He was not all that appealing as Bond. He was a good Bond, mind you, but he didn't have the high yum factor that he does now.
Highlander, Name of the Rose and lots more.
Val Kilmer
Mmmm... Okay. He can act and delightful to watch. A great combo. I think he is a truly great actor who should get better parts. I think he has a good deal of range when he displays it.
A few favs are Tombstone, Real Genius, and The Doors (mostly as he made Morrison look like a egotistical dunken baffoon which he was).
Might want to take a look at this beautiful Val site.
Uma Thurman
Eek! A blonde? On my list?! I know, I know, but there is something so irresistible about her. Truth about Cats and Dogs, The Adventures of Baron Munchhausen, and Batman and Robin. Uma with red hair in Batman and Robin? The film is fine without any sound and just jumping to look at her. *grin* And she even had a brain which might come from her dad who is one of the respected Americans on Buddhism, pal of the Dali Lama. Go figure...
Billy Zane
He has been in sooooo many b-films. I doubt he will ever make an a-list actor, but there is something so charming about him. There is a sensuality that simple drips off of him. And his appearances in the late Twin Peaks episodes make the show all wo rth while. Orlando, Lake Consequence and Tombstone to name a few.
The best Billy Zane site I have found. One complaint is that the woman who puts it together didn't want to include an 'Out' article on the page as it was a gay publication. *sigh* So homophobia lives and breeds everywhere I guess.
I love vampires and other supernatural forces. I also still have a thing for gothic stuff, including goth clothes and those mood pieces.
The Crow
Beautiful to look at. Great direction and acting. Dark but not too overboard with the gloom and doom for its own sake. Had Brandon Lee lived longer, he might have made it into the eye candy category.
Skip the sequel. It is highly disappointing and I adore the director, Tim Pope. He is a video director and obviously, he isn't good at longer pieces. Plus, the script is a direct rip off of the first one with a few replacements. It is very disappoi nting as the idea of the Crow returning souls to avenge wrongful deaths could have worked really well for a series of films.
The Hunger
Still a favorite from the teen years. How could you not enjoy a movie with a lesbian vampire scene between Susan Sarandon and Catherine Denuvue. Yum. Bowie is also a plus. I will admit, if you haven't read the book, it is easy to get lost in the sy mbolism and all. Also, it is very 80's in style and look. However, it is beautiful filmed and directed by Tony Scott.
I love this one! This site connects any given actor/actress to Kevin Bacon, giving the degrees of separation. It is worth a look, I assure you. So go to The Oracle of Bacon
I own alot of movies. I like rewatching films and I guess I am also too lazy to go out to the rental place all the time. *grin* If you want an idea of what I watch, take a look at my video list.
Back to Kissed by a Muse
Comments, criticisms and whatever else can be mailed to - akasha@runbox.com.