Maniac may not be a favorite of mine nor do I hold it in as high regard as others, but there is certainly something to admire from Joe Spinell creepy performance to appreciation of some of the technical aspects of Tom Savini’s effects work.
For as well loved as Zombie is and the cult following it has garnered in the 40 years since its release, I still was genuinely surprised because more often than not, I usually am disappointed in these kinds of movies.
The Lift wasn’t a very good movie with poor pacing and absolutely unnecessary scenes such as the main character’s family drama which could’ve been cut out with no problem. But the horror elements were alright but this is a case where I actually prefer the remake.
Down (aka The Shaft) is an incredibly flawed but yet still quite entertaining supernatural horror flick that doesn’t have many surprises to offer and the writing isn’t the best, though watching this amongst friends makes for a good time.
The Stendhal Syndrome may not be perfect, but with Dario Argento’s amazing direction and unsettling atmosphere, in conjunction with hauntingly creepy performances by his daughter, Asia Argento, and Thomas Kretschmann, it does make for an effective horror-thriller, some aspects truly disturbing.
Death Line was a bit of a disappointment for me with a story that somehow felt incomplete and characters, outside of Pleasence, not really making an impact. Still, there are some entertaining aspects and Donald Pleasence did seem like he was having a good old time.
Lucio Fulci’s supernatural thriller, Manhattan Baby (aka Eye of the Evil Dead) has some decently creepy scenes but little else that captured my attention from beginning to end, though any fans of his might get more out of it.
1990: The Bronx Warrior was never meant to be good and it certainly is not. It is also not a movie to watch alone as I suspect one would have a far better time mocking it, “MST3K” style. This release by Blue Underground is alright with so-so audio/video transfers and an OK selection of bonus features.