Congolese director Jean Luc Herbulot crafted this action-thriller set in the titular region in Senegal, an eerily abandoned network of marshes and waterways in which ghosts (literal and figurative) seem to lurk in the shadows. That's an apt setting for the story, which follows three mercenaries known as Bangui's Hyenas, who have become something like … Continue reading Saloum
Luca (2021) | Podcast Review
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Werewolf by Night Offers Just Enough Bite
While technically a Marvel property (and therefore another entry in the MCU), the creative team behind Werewolf by Night refreshingly chooses to downplay overt connections to that larger tapestry. MCU fans will no doubt delight in what connections there are, but Michael Giachhino's werewolf movie is unburdened by needing the prior knowledge that can inhibit … Continue reading Werewolf by Night Offers Just Enough Bite
Shin Ultraman
Listen to our Shin Ultraman podcast episode! https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/iYqrg724Qwb The latest reboot of a longstanding Japanese franchise (or at least, the latest one to get a wide American release) is Shin Ultraman, helmed by one of the co-directors of Shin Godzilla, Shinji Higuchi. If you're a newcomer to this series and its characters (like me), that … Continue reading Shin Ultraman
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Proves Timeless
This adaptation of Pinocchio presents itself as the children's flick we didn't know we needed. Just when you thought the whole genre was sunk after Disney's own 2022 remake, del Toro reminds us that there is power in wonder, imagination, and good ol' fashioned frights. Director: Guillermo del Toro, Mark GustafsonProducers: Guillermo del Toro, Gary Ungar, Alexander Bulkley, Corey … Continue reading Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Proves Timeless
The Untamed (2016) | Podcast Review
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Netflix’s Troll (2022) Honors & Trolls the Genre
From Norwegian studio, Motion Blur, in partnership with Netflix comes a kaiju of the Scandinavian sort. Troll, like the modern classic Trollhunter (2010), exhibits Norwegian folklore on a monstrous scale. Unlike, Trollhunter, however, this new film by aptly-named director Roar Uthaug (Tomb Raider, 2018) is satisfied with the bare minimum - it achieves this surprisingly … Continue reading Netflix’s Troll (2022) Honors & Trolls the Genre
How ‘Frankenstein Conquers the World’ Confronts the Monstrous Legacy of Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Frankenstein Conquers the World marks a departure from Honda's usual kaiju-fare of the mid '60s; however, it also marks a welcomed return to his horror aesthetic. Frankenstein features many graphic images that are intentionally brief and bloody, thereby leaving a lasting impression. The same is true for Honda's use of close-ups, especially on the titular … Continue reading How ‘Frankenstein Conquers the World’ Confronts the Monstrous Legacy of Hiroshima & Nagasaki
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Following the success of The Mummy (1999) was always going to be a tall order. The Mummy Returns does its best with director Stephen Sommers upping the thrills; unfortunately, this detracts from the story as much as it supports. Despite a misguided screenplay and overeager direction, the film rollicks along thanks to the returning cast. … Continue reading The Mummy Returns (2001)
Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967)
After an eruption at Mt. Fuji, Gamera is drawn to the volcano. A young boy, Eiichi, sees Gamera and recognizes the giant flying turtle. Also drawn to the eruption is a reporter, Okabe; Eiichi brings Okabe into a cave to investigate further. The cave begins to crumble around them, however. Okaba abandons the boy only … Continue reading Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967)
Camp Kaiju 