B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - DEAD END (2003)

Made for less than a million dollars, the slightly obscure Dead End is a chilling little indie you don't want to miss. It might just be the best Christmas horror movie no one ever heard of and every dollar is up there on the screen. It's quirky, weird, funny, bizarre, and scary all at once. Black comedy for sure but much more, this would make a nice double feature with The Perfect Host, another movie we're big on around here. So, grab some eggnog and a snack or two and check out the inimitable Ray Wise with legendary Lin Shaye as they take their family down a wrong turn, what's up with this road? Why doesn't it end? After all, they're just trying to make it to Christmas Eve dessert at Frank's mother's house. Tubi, Plex, Freevee, enjoy! 2.75 stars/2.75

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

TOMMY'S FIVE FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES #3 - DON'T PLAY NO "REINDEER GAMES" (2000) WITH ME CONVICT! CLASSIC BEN AFFLECK CASINO HEIST THRILLER STILL ROCKS

 
     "Don't do it Rudy, don't you f*cking do it."

I must admit I didn't know quite what to make of Ben Affleck when he first came along and remember quickly dismissing him as someone who wouldn't last. That has morphed over the decades into a tremendous respect for his work on both sides of the camera. One of his best untapped resources I believe is his comedic side. Especially his ability to poke fun at himself which is on full display in the now two-decades old Raindeer Games.

An ex-con who gets entrapped in a scheme to rip off a casino on Christmas Eve, this film also features an outrageous performance by Gary Sinese as the long-haired, black tank-top wearing bad guy. Over the top doesn't even begin to describe the way he plays it. Charlize Theron, Danny Trejo and Dennis Farina are all along for the ride in this part prison flick, part heist and part road trip flick. Wisely, the film is devoid of any cops  on their trail or detective aspect.

Universally panned at release and not faring much better through the decades, I would have thought this should have achieved  at least cult film status by now. I suppose it's more of a guy flick or one of those love it or hate it and no in-between. I know this - can't go back to Vegas.  3.0 stars/5

Darts anyone?

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