Silent Night, Bloody Night Review - 1974

Silent Night, Bloody Night - 1974

Directed by Theodore Gershuny - MPAA Rating: Restricted

a film review by DAW

[Rating: 4/5]

In the winter of 1950, days before Christmas, the illusive Mr. Wilfred Butler burns to death outside of his house.  After years of the city trying to buy the massive property, Butler's grandson Jeffrey finally decides to sell the place.  A lawyer comes down to seal the deal, but he notices that the mayor and other prominent towns people are acting very strange.  Even though the town’s people object, the lawyer and his wife want to stay in the old house instead of renting a motel.  Soon the lights are low and there is passion in the air. Their romantic night is suddenly disruptedby an AX TO THE CROTCH! 

It is made very clear that there is something strange going on at the old Butler house.  When Jeffery shows up at the house of the mayor's daughter (Diane), it is soon made clear that either he is connected to the murders or their is a maniac on the lose. When they find out that a mental patient has escaped from a local asylum, he might just be the answer they are looking for.  After some strange and eerie phone calls, Diane finds that appearances can be deceiving and that people's histories can come back to haunt them!

This is a great film which is often overlooked by the casual viewer.  It has an older feel to it but a solid story, good amount of gore, and a great twist at the end.  The atmosphere of the film is creepy, and the look of the film stock adds a wonderful little touch of grime, which improves the viewing experience.

The title is obviously a nod to the Christmas song "Silent Night"and the version of the song that is used in this film is veryhaunting.  Sometimes it is in the background, and other times the characters are humming or singing the tune.  This reviewer would put this in with other Christmas slashers, such as Black Christmas and Don't Open 'Till Christmas.  The main difference being that the Christmas holiday is very downplayed in this film.

WATCH THIS FILM

  written by DAW for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

End of the World Review - 1977

End of the World - 1977 Directed by John Hayes - MPAA Rating: Parental Guidance a film review by DAW [Rating: 3/5] Professor Andrew Boran (Kirk Scott), a research scientist, begins receiving strange messages from outer space.  Using a computer, he is able to deceiver one of the messages which reads “LARGE EARTH DISRUPTION”.  Baffled by it’s meaning, he leaves it alone and heads to a party with his wife, Sylvia.  While driving, they hear about a deadly earthquake which occurred after Andrew had received the cryptic message.  After more messages and natural disasters occur, Andrew starts to believe there is a connection.  Andrew and his wife leave their home and drive to various locations to further investigate these signals.  After arriving at a church, they meet Father Pergado (Christopher Lee)  and his nuns.  Before they know it, Andrew and his wife discover that things are not as they seem.  Andrew and Sylvia must survive against a force they barely understand.  As things become more strange and more dangerous, Andrew and Sylvia must fight to stop the end of the world! End of the World is a film that is often panned by critics.  This reviewer has always enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christopher Lee and somewhat campy 70s/80s style science fiction.  It does not meet the level of camp as found in sci-fi flicks from the 50s and 60s.  It is a bit more serious but contains a similar amount of ridiculousness. Christopher Lee has a very standard performance.  Since he is dressed in a priest’s clothing, it feels like he is, at times, playing Dracula once again! His haunting voice and intense delivery make his character fun to watch and, although it reminded this reviewer of Dracula, it is refreshing to see Lee in a more fun evil sci-fi villain style role.  This flick is definitely recommended to check out.  Even if parts of it drag, the last scene of the film will make the viewer laugh out loud due it its absolute absurdity. WATCH THIS FILM                      written by DAW for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Code Name Zebra (Zebra Force) Review - 1976

Code Name Zebra - 1976

Directed by Joe Tornatore - MPAA Rating: Unrated

a film review by DAW
Rating: 3.5/5

“Code Name Zebra” (or “Zebra Force” as it is known outside of the United States) is a very questionable action flick from the mid 1970’s.  In general, the story is not too shabby, and the film does have a pretty nice twist as the story progresses.  The real problem of this film is the cheesy nature of the action and the phoned in performance of many of the actors.  I would not categorize it as "bad" acting, but you will definitely notice a few choice scenes.  After saying that, do not let the comment fool you.  The film is definitely worth viewing, however it is no Expendables (not even the 1988 “Expendables” film).

As the film begins, we are introduced to a Los Angeles underground gambling operation owned by the mob.  Quickly we find out that things are not as fun and glamorous as they appear when a bomb explodes, ending the party.  After the explosion, a group of armed men run in and steal the gangsters’ money.  We are then treated to one of the best parts of the movie, the rockin’ opening credits!  This really sets the mood of the film, with edgy graphics and a catchy action theme song.  After the credits, we are introduced to the men who crashed the party with a flashback to Vietnam.  After an ambush, the Lieutenant is badly injured and, while in the hospital, creates a plan to use his old platoon as an anti crime unit after the war comes to an end.  The Lieutenant (now voiceless and disfigured from the attack in Vietnam) describes his plan to his men.  They decide to use blackface as a disguise and rob one of the biggest mob bosses in the country.  After starting the plan and creatively fooling the mobsters, the Lieutenant and his men soon discover that things are not so easy, especially when people are not who they claim to be!

What can be said about Code Name Zebra?  It is a standard actionsploitation film that seems very common for the mid 1970s.  It has a nod to Vietnam, some racist elements, and it falls in to one of the “violence solves everything” kinds of stories.  The positive aspects of the film are definitely the plot and the action scenes.  There are plenty of explosions and gun battles to keep any action fan satisfied.  Unfortunately, the racist aspects of the plot tarnish some of this reviewer’s ability to enjoy the film.  Specifically, wearing blackface to trick a crime boss to believe the team’s heist is connected to an African American crime group. 

All in all, I would recommend this movie to anybody who is a fan of action films.  The story will keep your attention and the action scenes will fulfill your desire to see things explode!  This film is now in the public domain and available, in full, on this website!  Click the link below to watch the full movie!

WATCH THIS FULL FILM

written by DAW for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Deep Red Review - 1975

Deep Red - 1975
Directed by Dario Argento - MPAA Rating: Restricted

Directed by the renowned Dario Argento, 1975’s Deep Red is an enthralling murder mystery/horror film, referred to as a “giallo” in Argento’s native Italy.  Protagonist Marcus Daly, a music teacher, witnesses the murder of a psychic in her apartment and is compelled to find the killer.  The film follows him in his search as the body count rises.  As with much of Argento’s work, creative and at times beautiful imagery can be observed throughout the film.  This often intentionally clashes with the brutal, often drawn out violence and dark nature of the film.  These elements along with an often eerie musical score preformed by Italian progressive rock legend “Goblin “(their first in a series of collaborations with Argento), make for an engaging visual and auditory experience.  Though not for the faint at heart, this critically acclaimed film comes with a strong recommendation, as films of this quality don’t come along very often.

WATCH THIS FILM

written by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com