Review: Phantasm

Phantasm (1979)

Phantasm basically has the same plot as Plan 9, that is aliens are stealing human corpses because of reasons. The film centers on young Jody, a boy of 13 and his older brother Michael Baldwin. Their parents died some time ago, and at the start of the movie so has one of Michael's buddies. Michael Baldwin seems to act like taking care of Jody is a total drag, man, and cant wait to get back "on the road". Soon things start getting weird, because this really tall guy in a suit and some Jawas start fucking with Jody Baldwin. However, the creepiest thing about this movie to me is Michael Baldwin's other buddy, the balding ice cream truck driver with the pony tail. He is so slimy and has a really odd relationship with the young 13 year old Jody. I almost think this would have been an even better movie if all the weird supernatural/sci-fi stuff was a fabrication of Jody's mind to cope with all the shit he has to deal with. Actually at first I wasn't sure the kid wasn't just seeing things, his brother definitely doesn't believe him at first. This is the kind of movie with odd pacing and direction of the plot that actually adds to the tension. We aren't really sure what it is gong to happen next because it keeps throwing really weird paranormal shit at us and then going back to a late 70's after school special about hanging out with your older brothers friends. The main ghoul is this tall creeper who can change his appearance, which opens up even more doubt as to who to trust and who is really themselves. I really feel like I need to watch this movie again to really get it, but it did intrigue me. I had to return it to videodrome last night so a second viewing will have to wait, but I will return with a more in-depth report on it when I find the time.

Corpse Reviver

1 1/2 oz Brandy
1/2 oz Fernet
1 oz White Creme de Menthe

Pour ingredients into a glass with ice, stir lightly and strain into a cocktail glass. Will bring anyone you want back to life, be sure to have a child sized brown cloak for them as they will be tiny and gross after reanimation.

Jug Face (2013)

Jug Face

Killing the Netflix List

Jug Face excited me with its trailer last year and I have been pretty excited to get to see it. It is about a backwoods community fueled by superstition and sacrifice. It focuses on a young girl who finds she is next in line to be given to "the pit" by finding her likeness made in to an ugly jug, a type of folk art which you can read about here. Anyway she doesn't want to be sacrificed, and has other secrets to keep from her family besides. The tension builds as to whether she can deal with this situation. It is a well put together movie that makes the most of its budget. There are some supernatural elements to film as well, but they did not hit that well with me. And some of the editing and visual effects involving them as well did not really thrill me either. The script and acting are actually pretty solid, considering. If you are in the mood for an original supernatural thriller, definitely give this one a go.