TUFF TURF

Tuff Turf Movie Review

WARNING: This movie is not horror, or even science fiction. I just felt like reviewing it--hey, it's my site. I can do that if I want to!

I remember that as a kid this 1984 film was one of my favorite movies. That said, I had not seen the movie for at least 20 years, so when I saw that Netflix had it, I had to put it in my queue. Morgan (James Spader of Less Than Zero) saves a man from a mugging. The next day, his first day at a new school, he sees that the thugs he saved the man from attend his school, and they are out for revenge. Morgan falls for the lead thug’s girlfriend Frankie (Kim Richards, Hello Larry, Black Snake Moan), only adding to the tension. I was afraid this would be like so many other films I watch for the first time in a long time: better in memory than actuality. While not quite the classic I remembered it being, I still enjoyed it quite a bit. The cast is pretty strong in this movie. Spader has been one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood for a very long time and he does a fine job here (though I always prefer him as a villain). A very young Robert Downey Jr. has a supporting role as Jimmy, a drummer in a rock band and Morgan’s only friend. Richards and Olivia Barash bring the 80’s hotness as the tough girls who fall for Morgan and Jimmy. At least two scenes could have been cut from this film, but their inclusion are an 80’s staple (a couple dance scenes that add nothing to the movie) so I guess on those grounds they can be forgiven. Also worth notice is the soundtrack, which, other than Jack Mack songs, is pretty solid, especially the Jim Carroll band stuff (and Carroll himself appears in the film as the lead singer of Jimmy’s band). You will also notice a couple of scenes that would be ripped off very closely mimicked in movies that came out in the years following this. This is not a great movie by any stretch (the directing and editing really makes you wonder at times), but I love it for what it is and recommend it, especially for any Spader or Downey fans.

On A Scale Of One To Ten: 7

Tuff Turf Movie Trailer

THE EVIL DEAD

The Evil Dead Movie Review

Today being Ash Wednesday, I decided to watch a classic: The Evil Dead. Ash (legendary Bruce Campbell) and a group of friends go to a cabin in the woods to party for the weekend. There they find The Book Of The Dead and recordings from the previous tenant regarding the book and the evil it unleashes. Written and directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man 1-3) this 1981 film, and its follow-ups Evil Dead 2 and Army Of Darkness, is truly groundbreaking in the horror-comedy genre, and is seldom matched. The blood is so over the top and the obvious dummies used in some scenes make for outstanding visuals, and the comedy genius of Campbell only adds to the laughs. Only making this all the better is the fact that there actually are a few genuinely creepy moments in the film.

Yes, I'm talking about you

Raimi’s directing style is really stunning at times and it gives you unique looks that add a lot to the emotions of the movie. The only thing close to bad I will say about the movie is that it does slow a bit before really taking off. The acting, other than Campbell, is bad at times, but that really only adds to the enjoyment of this movie. I will also warn that some people will be very put off by the first attack of the film too, but when taken in the context of the film, I personally don’t find it offensive. I give a HUGE recommendation for this movie, especially if you are a fan of recent horror comedy and want to know where it all started.

On A Scale Of One To Ten: 9

The Evil Dead Movie Trailer