The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (September 29th, 2024)

In a cluttered and overwhelming world of cinema, it is literally impossible to watch it all (trust me…I try). There is a hard balance between rewatching your favorite films, new releases, and films from your ever growing watchlists. But there are so many gems in film history to enjoy so it is a great way to utilize your movie watching time. But how do you decide what to watch? Queue The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends!

This series will highlight my weekly journey through previously released films, whether they are rewatches for me or new discoveries. Here are my picks:

Blood and Black Lace (1964)

Where did the Giallo genre get its start? Back in 1964, Mario Bava shook up the thriller genre with bold colors and graphic murder scenes. Blood and Black Lace laid the groundwork for what would become the Giallo genre (that Dario Argento made famous). The story is a mystery full of murders and sequences drenched in blood. The 60s Italian fashion scene is brought to life with such detail and impressive costuming which makes for the perfect setting for this murder mystery. There are plenty of twists and turns in the story and Bava delivers plenty of flair with his visual storytelling. The stalking camera of many Giallo films makes quite the impact (which would soon become a staple of such horror/thrillers). A trendsetter and entertaining ride, Blood and Black Lace is a darkly engrossing experience.

Fright Night (1985)

What is more 1980s than campy horror/comedies? Nothing when you have all time classics like Fright Night to sink your teeth into. This horror/comedy has plenty of eye-winking awareness and campy one-liners. Chris Sarandon is top-notch as a wily and seductive vampire-next-door who goes toe-to-toe with a young man who discovers him. Screen legend Roddy McDowell is equally as fun as a faux vampire hunter who must find his courage in the face of a real vampire. The practical effects are a trademark of the 80s and this film leans heavily into the great practical work with the vampire designs. This kind of film makes you wish we could go back and have more fun with practicality and creativity. Tom Holland makes a fun and exciting vampire romp with fun action, crazy twists, and even a theme song that brings the fun.

Super Troopers (2001)

How popular was Broken Lizard back in the heyday of the 00s? They made a comedic slash with a series of comedies with that journey starting with Super Troopers. This surprise hit small, budgeted comedy finds the laughs in the absurdity of it all. This crew of highway patrolmen spend their days messing with people on the highway as well as getting into conflicts with the local police. The opening scene just might be one of the true highlights as they stage their own car chase to mess with a crew of young stoners. There are plenty of fun gags from slipping “meow” into a conversation whenever they can, getting a liter of cola, or getting into climactic drunken brawls with the local police. Each member of the crew brings something unique or fun to this scattered yet hilarious experience including getting a world-renowned actor like Brian Cox to lead the team. This is a perfect example of that early 00s brand of humor, but it is still worth plenty of laughs today. 

Beerfest (2006)

What do you get when the Broken Lizard gang are given an excuse to get drunk together? You get a crazy, off-the-wall comedy like Beerfest. This is the tale of lost legacy, found family, and trying your grandmom from accusations of being a whore. The crew each get their opportunity to shine with a wild mix of slapstick, grossout humor, and sarcasm. This satirical send up of underdog sports movies gets funnier and funnier as the runtime goes on. This film might be too long and drawn but there are fun elements sprinkled throughout. The laughs and gags are not consistent but when they land, you have plenty of laughs. With the likes of Nat Faxon, Will Forte, Monique, and Cloris Leachman in the supporting cast, there are plenty of great moments to be had. Let the beer flow and have a fun time with this drunken romp.