Movie Stakeout Reviews: 26/09/20-02/10/20
All the latest Movieland investigations from detectives Dick japowski and Joey Arizona. As we cross over months, we also cross over themes. September saw us celebrating black cinema with Black Movies Matter, while October, as ever, we dive headlong into Halloween season.
The Arizona Case Files
Child's Play 2 (1990)
Andy has been put into foster care and his mother into a psychiatric ward. Meanwhile in an effort to find out if they're liable the company who manufacture the Good Guy dolls reconstruct Chucky from his remains.
I love these movies, and this has to be one of the best of the bunch, the toy factory provides a memorable finalé. But one question remains unanswered; Who designed that production line? Willy Wonka? That can not be efficient.
Rewatch: 4 Doughnuts
The Arizona Case Files: Black Movies Matter
Us (2019)
Adelaide and her family are on vacation when they're invited to Santa Cruz by some friends, which would be fine, only this is also where Adelaide had a traumatic experience as a child, and one that will soon come back to haunt her.
I knew almost nothing about this going in, a deliberate move, the trailers somewhat ruined Jordan Peele's last movie (Get Out). It was certainly the way to go, not knowing the way it was heading made the ride all the more exciting. A terrifying tale with a few belly laughs thrown in for good measure.
First watch: 4.5 Doughnuts
The Many Views of Detective Dick Japowski
Black Movies Matter Month
Creed II (2018)
A familiar Russian and a brand new Russian turn up in Philadelphia to turn things upside down for Rocky and new world champion Adonis Creed.
I don't know how Stallone keeps doing it but this is another total k.o of a movie with eyes of a tiger, heart of a whale and the punch of a..boxing kangaroo!
This makes me excited to see if Tommy Gun gets his own poignant return in Creed III!
First watch: 4.5 Doughnuts
The Arizona Case Files: Black Movies Matter
Dr Black, Mr Hyde a.k.a. The Watts Monster (1976)
Bernie Casey plays a hotshot doc working on a serum which will cure liver damage, when he eventually tests it on himself there are some extreme side effects.
This was pretty dull, bar the last twenty minutes, and unlike William Craine's other blaxploitation horror movie, Blacula, it lacks a killer soundtrack, and any interesting or likeable characters.
First watch: 2 Doughnuts
The Many Views of Detective Dick Japowski
Black Movies Matter Month
Candyman (1992)
An investigative journalist falls down a rabbit hole of urban myths and terror when she starts digging deeper into the stories of the man in the mirror. Candyman.
This for me was one of the sweetest, atmospheric horrors of the nineties, which could have been an art film if it wasn't for all the disembowelings! It's well directed, beautifully scored and Tony Todd is terrifying as the gravelly hook handed horror. This seemed the perfect movie to transition into this coming month's creep show....
Rewatch: 4 Doughnuts
The Arizona Case Files: Black Movies Matter
Roxanne Roxanne (2017)
The true life tale of Roxanne Shanté a poor girl from the Projects who was renowned as the queen of the rap battle, making her first record when she was only fourteen.
This was interesting in the fact I'd not heard of Shanté before, and therefore knew nothing about her story, but her story is largely depressing.
First watch: 3 Doughnuts
The Arizona Case Files: Black Movies Matter
Blade II (2002)
Blade teams up with a group vampire mercenaries to take down an even bigger threat, a new breed of monster that feeds on humans and vamps alike.
On paper Blade II is the better movie, it's directed by a then future-great, it's stylish, boasts a kick-ass soundtrack, and the effects are massively improved...but I think I actually prefer the first movie.
On the flipside I now know where I'd seen Norman Reedus before.
Rewatch: 4 Doughnuts
The Many Views of Detective Dick Japowski
The Devil All the Time (2020)
A generational story that digs deep down into the dark side of a romanticised Americana.
I've left this one stew in the pending reviews segment of my brain as there are alot of stories going on in here and be prepared, just because you have a Spider-man and the batman in here, you also have a pennywise. This does go into some dark places, but it pulled me in with how well it was acted and being a sucker for this 1950's era I liked it alot.
You'll be gut punched and have your breath taken away. That second one is the good thing!
First watch: 4 Doughnuts
Getting Spooky with Dick Japowski
Happy Ghost a.k.a. Magic to Win (1984)
A group of highschool students begrudgingly receive the help of a ghost in this wacky Hong Kong comedy that was one of the biggest hits of 1984.
Apparently there are at least 5 of these, and by all accounts they get crazier as the series goes on, which I'm absolutely here for as this first one was a blast!
A ghost that doesn't like inappropriate behaviour is very funny to me!
First watch: 3.5 Jack o' lanterns
The Arizona Spook Files
Night of the Demon (1957)
While investigating a devil cult Prof. Harrington is killed. In steps his American replacement Dr. Holden who sizes-up to the cult leader, claiming the supernatural is nothing but a con. When he himself is cursed it's a race against time to save his life, problem is Holden thinks it's a smoke mirrors.
Unlike a lot of horror movies of the time, leaving the big reveal until the end, the world of the supernatural is established as real very early on. Meaning the audience is aware of the impending doom, even if Holden isn't. It helps to get you invested and keep you that way to the end.
First watch: 3.5 Severed Heads
Have you witnessed any of the movies we've investigated? What's the verdict? Let us know in the comments below.