The Terminator

The Terminator

Orion etc.

October 26, 1984

Sci-Fi, Action

DVD
C-

Although not my kind of movie, I can actually sort of see the appeal of it, especially the style.  And, yes, I was amused that it starts in that distant year of 2029.  James Cameron directed and co-wrote.

A Bucket of Blood

A Bucket of Blood

American International Pictures

October 21, 1959

Comedy, Horror

DVD
D+

Marked down a notch for killing a cat (even if it's done offscreen and unconvincingly), this is definitely not on the level of Corman's Little Shop of Horrors.

The Trip (1967)

The Trip (1967)

American International Pictures

August 23, 1967

Drama?

DVD
D+

I've tried to watch this before, but it's surprisingly dull, except for the set design.  Jack Nicholson wrote and Roger Corman directed.

The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)

The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)

AIP etc.

August 5, 1960

Horror, Crime Comedy?

DVD
B-

This remains a very strange film, even knowing the backstory.  From the young Jack Nicholson cameo to the very New-Yorky-looking Los Angeles to the comedy style (including the obvious Dragnet parody), it is definitely unsettling, and that's not even getting into the hungry plant.  I wouldn't say this is a great film, but it is certainly entertaining, and at times even sweet.  Roger Corman directed and co-wrote.

Gremlins

Gremlins

Warner Bros.

June 8, 1984

Horror, Comedy
DVD
B-

I didn't see this at the time, when I was sixteen, although I was certainly aware of it of course.  I first watched it maybe seven years ago and liked it more than I expected.  I do have to say, however, that I think that the gremlins are the least interesting aspect, sort of a necessary evil if you will.  I do like the themes of friendship, family, and romance, as well as the deliberately back-lotty small town and the many references to movies.  Now having seen some of the deleted scenes, I better understand, for instance, why Reinhold's character just disappears, but the movie definitely could've been more tightly edited prior to final release.  Still, it remains entertaining.  Chris Columbus wrote and Joe Dante directed.  I've tagged as many people as I can, but it's definitely an "Oh, look!" kind of cast.

Four Rode Out

Four Rode Out

Sagittarius Productions

December 11, 1971

Western

DVD
D

If the direction and production values were better, I could see this being a D+ or even a C-, since it's comparatively intelligent and feminist, and the cast is somewhat surprising.  (I tuned out before Leslie Nielsen showed up.)  John Peyser directed and actor Dick Miller co-wrote.