kevin_robbins

Children of the Night (1991) is a movie I recently watched on Tubi. The storyline follows two young women excited about their bright future and leaving their small town. Before departing, they take one last swim in their local creek, but when a necklace falls to the creek bed, it awakens undead vampires. The creatures rise, wreak havoc on the town, and go on a deadly rampage. Can those responsible for their return find a way to put them back to rest?

This film is directed by Tony Randel (Ticks) and stars Karen Black (House of 1,000 Corpses), Garrett Morris (Cooley High), Peter DeLuise (21 Jump Street), Ami Dolenz (Can't Buy Me Love), and Maya McLaughlin (Never Been Kissed).

Watching this was a mixed experience. The settings, backdrops, and lighting were solid, creating an atmospheric feel. At times, the horror elements, visuals, and storyline even reminded me of Nightbreed. The special effects, kills, and gore stood out in several scenes. However, the storyline felt contrived, and the acting and dialogue were inconsistent and often frustrating. The comedic elements were corny and fell flat, detracting from the overall tone.

In conclusion, Children of the Night had the potential to be a strong addition to the horror genre with its promising elements, but weak writing and uneven performances hold it back. I would score this a 5.5/10.

Joe Dirt (2001) is a movie I recently rewatched with my daughter on Tubi. The storyline follows a boy abandoned by his parents, who grows up to become a janitor with an unshakable desire to uncover the truth about his family. One day, he's invited onto a radio station to share his life story, and we hear about his adventures since being abandoned and his journey to find his parents.

Directed by Dennie Gordon (My Lucky Star), the film stars David Spade (Tommy Boy), Brittany Daniel (Club Dread), Dennis Miller (Murder at 1600), Christopher Walken (The Dead Zone), and Jaime Pressly (I Love You, Man).

This movie is pure magic, with a charming story, a lovable main character, and hilariously over-the-top scenarios. The cast is fantastic, and this might be my all-time favorite performance from Dennis Miller-his jabs at Joe Dirt are laugh-out-loud funny. David Spade is phenomenal, delivering a memorable character whose dialogue, mannerisms, and expressions carry the film effortlessly. The Boeing Bomb scene, the Silence of the Lambs parody, and the alligator farm skit are comedy gold. Christopher Walken also shines, adding his unique touch to the film. The storyline features unexpected twists and turns, and the heartwarming conclusion feels just right.

In conclusion, Joe Dirt is a unique, well-executed gem in the comedy genre. I'd score it an 8.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

A Ghost Story for Christmas: Lost Hearts (1973) is part of a British 🇬🇧 BBC anthology series that aired annually from 1971 to 1978 and is currently available on Shudder. The storyline follows an orphan who appears to be adopted by the perfect guardian-a scholar with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. However, shortly after arriving, the boy begins to hear whispers and unsettling tales about the scholar's previous wards. What happened to those children, and what plans does the scholar have for the boy?

This short film is directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark (Midnight Man), who helmed all but the final entry in this series, and stars Joseph O'Conor (The Dark Crystal), Simon Gipps-Kent (Quadrophenia), and Susan Richards (Village of the Damned).

At just 37 minutes, this film is remarkably effective. The settings, costumes, and backdrops evoke a timeless, classic horror aesthetic, creating an atmosphere thick with suspense. Every scene carries a sense of mystery and unease, with a growing tension that builds toward an inevitable and haunting conclusion. The acting is superb and feels authentic, enhancing the film's eerie realism. The flashback sequences are masterfully done, layering dread into the narrative, and the final scene is truly unforgettable. The film's unsettling concluding tone draws comparisons to Ju-on.

In conclusion, A Ghost Story for Christmas: Lost Hearts is a masterfully crafted ghost story and stands out as my favorite of the first three episodes in this series. I'd score it an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.