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Reviews
Strangers with Candy (2005)
Comedy Genius
After months of anticipation, SWC Movie finally delivers the same hilarious misadventures of Jerri Blank and co, as did the TV series. The re-workings of the original plot and cast for the big screen often enriched the viewing excitement and gave me, as a huge fan of the t.v show, some pleasant surprises such as some new faces. The audience of the screening I attended went wild at the debuts of the original cast and despite missing "Orlando", Jeri's new Indonisian side kick gave her a beautiful scene segue into the genius science fair dance-show spectacular. Amy Sedaris has created a legend, and I haven't laughed so hard since the first time I ever saw the t.v show. (spoiler), The pot smoking freak out was hilarious, and the prison montage was exactly what I wanted to see. I hope the addition of S.J. parker and ilk entice a new audience to the film and DVD collection. Paul Dinnello did a great job of keeping the cast true to form, and the plot absurd enough to remind us of the after school specials that one hopes the beginnings of the series took root. Steven Colbert brought his usual charm and ridiculous send ups of closeted school teacher and ran with it. This movie was so entertaining. I hope we haven't seen the last of this incredibly creative team.
Hell House (2001)
a frightening look at humanities ignorance..
I thoroughly enjoyed this documentory. Although the principal characters had all the best intentions, they lacked any inteligence, thus, producing one of the funniest "fly on the wall" sagas I have seen. A teenage girl, programmed by her local church, sounds off about lesbians coming into the store, or diner where she works. The poor girl is reminiscent of a stepford daughter. How can she possibly make such an invalid, hateful remark when this child probably has never left her fold or been further than the church gates?. GROW UP!! Open your eyes. I chose to look upon the church folk with humour. Indeed, they strongly believe in their cause, but COME ON!!!! Youve got to be kidding. The zeal in which the kids, and the sweaty creepy father compete for places in the "horror" show, is in fact a Horror show in itself. I wonder if trying to conjure up so much hatred and fear is , or was Christs intention. I bet if he watched this movie He would indeed want to come and fetch his brides, (with a gun to His head perhaps). People prove to be scarey, and sweet ignorance takes hold of this grotesque flock. Laughable? yes, but then the reality that these people can manifest fear and loathing into a new batch of kids is HORRIFIC. Heavens forbid a gay child being raised in that community....... It may make you fat and sweaty, and wear skin hugging black lycra T shirts......YIKES!
The Innocents (1961)
atmospheric imagery and score enhance performances to great horror
Based on Henry James "the Turn of the Screw", this tale of two young children, govourned by a naive, church going mentor, runs deeper, and darker than your
average Ghost story. Deborah Kerr is excellent as the prissy govourness. The film lulls you into the unspeakable horrors that may lurk in and around a country mansion, with
genious direction that uses light to cast shadows, not only in the house, but also on the mind of Deborah Kerr. Although we are shown the ghosts that haunt the grounds, we are left wondering if indeed they are ghosts of a never world, or the invention of Kerr, who on her first job away from home, is left out of her depth, with , apart from the two children, and a bumbling nanny, has only herself and her imagination for company. Look out for the scene with the infant kiss. The tension is almost suffocating, and again touches on the mind of Kerr's character. The score is tremendous, as also are the silences, used to enhance the terror of what might be.