B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - WITHOUT WARNING (1980)

Greetings All - It would be cool to do a post one time called the ten most essential B-flicks, sort of a B-Movie 101 thing. If that ever happened I would have to include this sci-fi horror classic from Graydon Clark (Black Shampoo, Satan's Cheerleaders.) This one's a don't pass go and don't collect $200 folks, just see it, Or watch it again. I'm not even going to begin to explain the plot except you have these flying disc things that attach themselves to people, in this case campers on an outing and kill and feed on them. Eventually these discs are tied to an alien, a hungry alien. A forerunner to 1987's Predator sort to speak and with a flat-out goofy cast. Jack Palance and Martin Landau, say what? And looking drugged out I might add but the real surprise here is veteran character actor Larry Storch, from the '60's, a guy who knew 150 dialects and here he is in this as a boy scout leader lol. Also known as It Came Without Warning, this gem is streaming free now only on Plex. 2.75 stars/2.75

Sunday, August 29, 2021

EWAN MCGREGOR IS THE "EYE OF THE BEHOLDER" (1999) - ASHLEY JUDD IS THE BEHOLDEN IN THIS STYLISH MYSTERY


A Canadian- UK - Australian joint production (one of the many things I dig about this one) and a highly stylish mystery thriller that defies explanation. Wiki calls the film a piece of magical realism, I don't necessarily agree but let's just say a palatable blend of reality and illusion permeates the plot. As simply as can be stated, Ashley Judd plays a serial killer who unknowingly is being followed by intelligence agent McGregor. 

The locations are wonderfully abound as McGregor tracks Judd through New Orleans, San Franciso, Death Valley and eventually Alaska among many other places. Judd is fantastic in this, my favorite role of hers along with Double Jeopardy. And in the surprise casting choice of possibly all cinematic history, look for singer k d Lang as a dispatcher in an intelligence agency!

Now, for the bad news- I've yet to meet anyone that likes this film besides me. Serious, I remember showing it to my mom one time and she sat through the whole thing mute silent and then as credits rolled said "now do you wanna tell me what all that was about?" Uh, no Mom, not really. Streaming now on Tubi, you be the judge! 3.0 stars/5

B-MOVIE GAZETTE RATING SYSTEM

5 Stars - Only awarded to the precious few.
4 Stars - Excellent, see by all means.
3 Stars - Very Good, you should like.
2 Stars - Fair, like a frozen dinner.
1 Star - Poor, like a spoiled dinner.

ALL B-MOVIES, DRIVE-IN MOVIES AND TV MOVIES HAVE A MAX AWARD OF 2.75 STARS.