Day of the Dead 2: Contagium (2005)
Viewed 1/1/2007 (first viewing)
In name only sequel finds a group of psychiatric patients infected
with a substance that alters their genetic structures, turning them
into flesh-eating ghouls. The zombies here are fast and retain some
intelligence, making them especially deadly. A little sloppy, but not
as bad as I'd feared.
out of
All Souls Day (2005)
Viewed 1/1/2007 (first viewing)
South of the border zombies this time. The residents of a small
Mexican village are betrayed and murdered by a greedy landowner after the
discovery of a rich Aztec tomb. Years later a quartet of Americans
discover that the undead and very hungry villagers return every All
Souls Day. Interesting premise foiled by routine execution.
out of
In the Realm of the Senses (1976)
Viewed 1/1/2007 (first viewing)
Nagisa Oshima's explicit tale of an obsessive love affair gone to
extremes.
out of
I Stand Alone (1999)
Viewed 1/1/2007 (first viewing)
Gaspar Noe's unsettling film chronicles a jobless butcher's descent
into despair and raging madness. Definitely not for everyone.
out of
The Young One (1960)
Viewed 1/1/2007 (first viewing)
A racist game warden living on an isolated island lusts after the
orphaned granddaughter of his recently deceased handyman. Then a
black jazz musician, on the run after being accused of rape, shows up
to stir the pot. Luis Bunuel directed this lurid and obvious, yet
still compelling drama.
out of
Rancho Deluxe (1974)
Viewed 1/2/2007 (first viewing)
Seriocomic modern day western stars Jeff Bridges and Sam Waterston as
cattle rustlers scheming a big heist. A little gem with colorful
characters and offbeat dialogue.
out of
) and this slots in just below it due to fewer visual flourishes and a slightly more confusing story. But he has a great eye for images and the use of light is superb.