HOUSE OF D

The title of this 2004 movie is short for the Greenwich Village Women's House of Detention that used to be a prison in New York City. It has since been demolished and where it stood once is now a public garden. Apparently in its day it was quite notorious and built in such a way that inmates could communicate with passersby in the street below.

Thirteen year old Tommy Warshaw (portrayed by one of my all time favorite young actors, Anton Yelchin) is growing up during the early 1970's in Greenwich Village. However, the story is told from the point of view by present day adult Tom Warshaw (David Duchovny) who is an artist in Paris, France. Tommy's best friend is child-like mentally challenged Pappass (excellently done as usual by the late great Robin Williams). The two of them are up to all kinds of mischief. But he also befriends one of the female prison inmates that sort of becomes the boy's confidant and mentor. But the eventual tragedy that befalls him and reason he ended up in Paris, is also the event that changed his life.

Although this is in essence a coming of age story, it has many facets dealing with life and all its intricacies in general. This DVD is highly recommended and earns four out of five stars from me. 

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w00GXmJ8KA

   Anton Yelchin and Robin Williams

     

INSIDIOUS

This is one of the more intelligent horror flicks I have seen lately. Unlike most movies of this kind, these days, there are no blood and guts to gross you out. Instead it frightens along the same lines as some of the great scary films of the 1970's like The Exorcist and The Omen but without bringing religion into the fray.

After the Lambert family moved into their new house, their eldest son has a small accident while exploring the place. Shortly afterwards he falls into a strange coma which can't be explained. But then strange things start to happen and it seems as if the house may be haunted...

Under the capable direction of James Wan, the acting all round is outstanding. It's been a while since I have been so absolutely absorbed by a film that I actually forgot it was only fiction I'm watching. However, some might find the ending a little unsatisfying but that is only because it sets you up perfectly for what is to follow in Chapter 2. I nevertheless still gave "part 1" 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuZnRUcoWos

                          The Lambert family cast

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2

Although, according to the film makers, initially it was not actually intended as a two part series, Chapter 2 follows so neatly onto "Chapter 1", it could just as easily have been the goal in the first place.

Chapter 2 picks up where the first movie ended and what follows is a neat conclusion of basically everything that happened previously. It also answers a lot of questions that arose during the first "part". I don't really want to reveal anything of the plot of Chapter 2 as it might spoil your enjoyment of the original Insidious movie except for the fact that it is still the Lambert family involved.

Like I mentioned before, I found this as a real intelligent horror flick with a well thought out plot and plausible story (for this type of genre, that is). But it is important to see both parts for it to make proper sense.

In conclusion: this 'franchise' is highly recommended for all fans of this genre and Chapter 2 earns 4 out of 5 stars from me. 

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBbi4NeebAk

   A scene from the movie

 

BABES IN TOYLAND

Earlier this year when I wrote about the Wizard Of Oz I mentioned this 1964 Disney movie. Well, in the meantime I got hold of the DVD. The film is based on the 1903 operetta by Victor Herbert of the same title but apparently that is where the similarity ends. The plot, music and lyrics are all pure Disney.

In essence the story is about Mary Contrary (played by virtually unknown Annette Funicello) and Tom Piper (played by 50's heartthrob Tommy Sands) who are in love and plan to get married. Unfortunately for them villain Mr Barnaby (played by Ray Bolger who also portrayed the Tin Man in The Wizard Of Oz some twenty years or so before) has got other plans: he wants Mary for himself...

Unlike most other Disney productions that are appreciated by young and old alike, I am afraid this one will appeal only to the very young (in other words: toddlers and pre-schoolers!). The other downside to this 'musical' is that there are absolutely no real memorable tunes or melodies either. The only recognizable piece of music throughout is the "March Of The Toys" which comes from the original operetta score anyway.

No wonder it wasn't a very big box office success. Total ticket sales barely covered the production costs of around $3 million! In the end I could award it only 2 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnqrw6WzK4o

 

    Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands 

SIXTEEN CANDLES

As far as teen movies go, this one is pretty thin. The Breakfast Club (a cult classic) it sure ain't, despite the fact that they both come from the same era and star Molly Ringwald.

It is supposed to be Samantha Baker's (Ringwald) Sweet Sixteen. Unfortunately for her no one in her family seems to remember as they all are too pre- occupied by her elder sister's pending nuptials about to take place the following day. Again, I am sure there is some life lesson somewhere in there but I am afraid I missed it...

It is fun, however, watching Justin Henry (from Kramer vs Kramer fame) as her obnoxious little brother. But overall there are not too much flesh on this bone and is therefor only recommended for die hard fans of this genre or of Molly Ringwald. Most of today's teenagers will find it very dated.

The only reason I gave it 2 out of 5 stars is due to the excellent performance of Molly's co-lead, Anthony Michael Hall, as her not so secret admirer.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGLtBJupFFM

 

   Scenes from the movie