Unfairly overlooked and underrated, this film excels in just about every department. Boasting universally strong performances and a terrific script, the real-life characters of Burke & Hare rank among the most chilling (yet darkly humorous) horror villains ever. This is a real hidden gem that still holds up remarkably well, and deserves far more attention than it gets.
Karloff gives one of his best performances here, and the film deserves a lot of credit for its thoughtful and humane handling of the subject of mental illness, but the most noteworthy aspect is Anna Lee - the film's true star. Not only does she do an excellent job in her role, but it's extremely refreshing to see such a strong, independent and intelligent female character in a horror film from this era. (There's also a terrific little twist near the movie's end.)
The best part of this is the comedic subplot involving rival landladies who never miss a chance to sabotage one another while keeping up the appearance of polite friendship.
The scariest thing about this is that it spawned 8 sequels and a remake. It feels like The Happening-era Shyamalan and features "villains" that wouldn't survive a good spanking from a 9th grade babysitter. I will give it credit for truth in advertising, though - it does contain plenty of corn.
A supremely effective film, thanks to its truly ingenious (and artfully handled) concept. There is a tense, squirm-inducing atmosphere throughout, with the viewer's sense of discomfort and uneasiness becoming nearly overwhelming as the movie progresses. I have rarely felt disturbed on such a visceral level. This title deserves far more recognition than it gets.
It's a sad day for the users, but a happy one for Erik and Piet, and ultimately that's what's important. It would only be selfish of us to expect them to continue to devote so much time and energy to something that has gone from being a fun side-project to an increasingly demanding obligation.
When I first discovered this site (5 ½ years ago!), it was a dream come true. For a movie-buff with an OCD-enhanced love of lists, you couldn't do any better than iCM. Watching enough films on a certain list in order to earn an award became a constant mission, the completion of which was usually entertaining and always rewarding. iCM has been directly responsible for my discovery of countless cinematic gems, ranging from film-noir to spaghetti westerns (thanks to this list and this list, respectively), a feat for which I am eternally grateful.
Also, it should be noted that while the IMDB has become the most ubiquitous of the online movie databases, it is the Wal-Mart to iCM's mom and pop store - sure, it's bigger and flashier, but it's missing that homegrown, personal touch, and its size and popularity prevent it from being able to provide certain options or the same level of customer service. Heck, iCM has had some useful features for years that the IMDB still hasn't even hinted at implementing (such as the ability to import lists, for example). And when browsing on iCM, I always feel like I'm in the company of people just as passionate about film as I am, sort of how it used to feel when I was a kid, browsing the aisles of the local independent video rental shop.
To conclude this already overlong comment, I'll leave you with this fact: to this day, after watching a movie, the very first website I go to is iCheckMovies.com. I have no doubt that many others here do the same thing. That may not sound like a big deal, but if you really think about it - taking into consideration the ever-increasing number of choices and distractions (online and off), each constantly vying for our attention - it's a remarkable achievement.
Bottom line: iCM has made a significant impact on the lives of its users, something for which we are all thankful, and of which Erik, Piet and Marijn should be proud. Best wishes to the former 2 in all their endeavors, and to the latter in the continuing adventures of the site. If you're ever looking for beta/bug-testers (or any other voluntary assistance), I'd be more than happy to give something back to this great place.
Writing this idea here in case the admins don't see it under the latest blog post:
I know I would be far more likely to donate if there was a way to get access to Premium features forever instead of for up to 2 years at the most. I like not having to worry about time limits and deadlines, etc. Please consider including a payment option for a "Lifetime Premium Account" (or whatever you might choose to call it).
1. Thanks for changing your minds about this! It shows you both listen to and care about your users and what they have to say. =)
2. I know I would be far more likely to donate if there was a way to get access to Premium features forever instead of for up to 2 years at the most. I like not having to worry about time limits and deadlines, etc. Please consider including a payment option for a "Lifetime Premium Account" (or whatever you might choose to call it).
Just writing to reiterate what others are saying about the notion of free accounts being unable to check as many movies as they like. I have seen a lot of movies, so my use of the site would no doubt be greatly impacted by any such restrictions. I've been an active (and, I think, helpful) member for a while, and I'd hate to be forced to abandon the site just because features I once had access to for free suddenly became "Premium-Only." It makes sense to add cool extra stuff for paid accounts, but to cut into what many users have gotten used to having for free seems like a very bad idea, for everyone involved. I hope you rethink this before iCM 2.0 goes live.
The documentary that proved once and for all that "shell shock" does exist, and was suppressed by the US government for 30 years because of it. Fascinating and extremely moving. Highlights include the hypnosis sequence, when a man relives the event that caused his amnesia, and a soldier who, upon losing his stutter for the first time in months, tearfully cries "I can talk!" over and over. This documentary is just as relevant today as it was 65 years ago.
One of the best non-Leone spaghetti westerns, featuring one of the best non-Morricone scores, this Greek tragedy-inspired tale is told skillfully and swiftly, avoiding most of the pitfalls other SWs are undermined by. Its rank at #47 on the SWDB's Top 50 is inexplicable to me. Definitely worth checking out, if you're a fan of the genre.
Utterly bizarre. Imagine a spaghetti western set in Twin Peaks, and you'll have some idea of what to expect. Led by two wacky Indians, and toting a golden bullet-shooting pistol, a revenge-seeking bandit stumbles upon "The Unhappy Place," whose gold-obsessed, lynch-happy denizens include a gay gang (led by a man called "Sorrow") and an evil priest. Highlights include a graphic evisceration, a scalping, death by melted gold, torture by vampire bats, and a flaming madwoman. Watch at your own risk!
Nero has one of his best, most badass roles in this late, great spaghetti western with surrealist touches. Excellently directed (though the Peckinpah-style slo-mo is overused), I fear the one divisive aspect of the film is its soundtrack. I can totally understand why some people hate it, and it plays such an integral and recurring role that that would detract greatly from their overall experience. I cringed a bit at first, but it slowly grew on me and it really does suit the mythical, symbolic nature of the movie.
Pretty groundbreaking, with its snowy setting, mute protagonist, mutilations, nudity, interracial romance, and bleak ending. Another gorgeous score by Morricone, and Kinski is the perfect bad guy.
Wow, this was incredible. Easily Ken Russell's masterpiece. Reed and Redgrave have never been better, but the entire cast (and crew) is at the top of their game here. It's downright criminal that Warner Bros. (i.e. Alan Horn) is doing everything in their power to prevent the original, uncut version of this from being released (or even screened). Oh, the irony of a film about religious fanaticism and hypocrisy being held hostage by a hypocritical religious fanatic. Sigh...
At one point in this incredible film, a topless San Francisco woman - who is in the hospital recovering from the emergence of an ancient Indian medicine man (in the form of a naked dwarf with cataracts) from out of a tumor on her back - shoots lasers at said foe, who is hovering in a room that appears to be drifting through outer space, whilst he hurls fireballs at a tight jeans-clad Tony Curtis with a bad dye job and explodes doctors with electricity. Oh, and Burgess Meredith has a brief appearance as a Colonel Sanders lookalike.
If that isn't reason enough to watch this at least once, I don't know what is. Truly jaw-dropping.
It's certainly among the best gialli, rivaling even those by Argento, Fulci & Bava. Pushes the extremes of the genre, particularly in the savage method of murder, though the killer (and their motive) is surprisingly sympathetic. Great music + lots of gratuitous naked schoolgirl frolicking.
The sequences in which a beautiful young woman rapidly ages into a hideous old crone - without any cuts or trick photography - are amazing, especially considering this was made more than half a century ago. One of Bava's earliest films, this is a terrific twist on the vampire legend.
Not quite the best, but considering that it's the first one ever made, and made by Mario Bava no less, it's still well worth watching. Gorgeous b & w cinematography.
This should at least be on the Top 500 Horror Movies list. Bava's last film doesn't look like much on paper, but his skill as a director elevates the material to pretty creepy heights. He never lost his ability to create startling images and eerily beautiful compositions. The music here is a nice touch as well.
The best Australian horror movie about a giant killer pig you'll ever see. But seriously, this is much better than it should be. It's stylishly shot and energetically directed, with some great '80s synth soundtrack action to boot. Ignore the crazy plot synopsis, take a chance and have fun...
Taxi Driver's younger, less popular brother. Keitel gives a typically passionate, hard-edged performance. The stairwell fight sequence is raw & real. They don't make 'em like this anymore.
Well-done, (sadly) still relevant documentary about the way homosexuality has been portrayed in Hollywood cinema, and what it says about us. I wish more time had been spent on the recent examples. Perhaps there will be a sequel someday?
Comments 51 - 75 of 190
Movie comment on The Flesh and the Fiends
MrE2Me
Unfairly overlooked and underrated, this film excels in just about every department. Boasting universally strong performances and a terrific script, the real-life characters of Burke & Hare rank among the most chilling (yet darkly humorous) horror villains ever. This is a real hidden gem that still holds up remarkably well, and deserves far more attention than it gets.Movie comment on Bedlam
MrE2Me
Karloff gives one of his best performances here, and the film deserves a lot of credit for its thoughtful and humane handling of the subject of mental illness, but the most noteworthy aspect is Anna Lee - the film's true star. Not only does she do an excellent job in her role, but it's extremely refreshing to see such a strong, independent and intelligent female character in a horror film from this era. (There's also a terrific little twist near the movie's end.)Movie comment on Werewolf of London
MrE2Me
The best part of this is the comedic subplot involving rival landladies who never miss a chance to sabotage one another while keeping up the appearance of polite friendship.Movie comment on Motel Hell
MrE2Me
Features one of the best duelling-chainsaws-with-a-man-wearing-a-pig's-head scenes ever filmed.Movie comment on Children of the Corn
MrE2Me
The scariest thing about this is that it spawned 8 sequels and a remake. It feels like The Happening-era Shyamalan and features "villains" that wouldn't survive a good spanking from a 9th grade babysitter. I will give it credit for truth in advertising, though - it does contain plenty of corn.Movie comment on Angustia
MrE2Me
A supremely effective film, thanks to its truly ingenious (and artfully handled) concept. There is a tense, squirm-inducing atmosphere throughout, with the viewer's sense of discomfort and uneasiness becoming nearly overwhelming as the movie progresses. I have rarely felt disturbed on such a visceral level. This title deserves far more recognition than it gets.Blog comment on The Departed
MrE2Me
It's a sad day for the users, but a happy one for Erik and Piet, and ultimately that's what's important. It would only be selfish of us to expect them to continue to devote so much time and energy to something that has gone from being a fun side-project to an increasingly demanding obligation.When I first discovered this site (5 ½ years ago!), it was a dream come true. For a movie-buff with an OCD-enhanced love of lists, you couldn't do any better than iCM. Watching enough films on a certain list in order to earn an award became a constant mission, the completion of which was usually entertaining and always rewarding. iCM has been directly responsible for my discovery of countless cinematic gems, ranging from film-noir to spaghetti westerns (thanks to this list and this list, respectively), a feat for which I am eternally grateful.
Also, it should be noted that while the IMDB has become the most ubiquitous of the online movie databases, it is the Wal-Mart to iCM's mom and pop store - sure, it's bigger and flashier, but it's missing that homegrown, personal touch, and its size and popularity prevent it from being able to provide certain options or the same level of customer service. Heck, iCM has had some useful features for years that the IMDB still hasn't even hinted at implementing (such as the ability to import lists, for example). And when browsing on iCM, I always feel like I'm in the company of people just as passionate about film as I am, sort of how it used to feel when I was a kid, browsing the aisles of the local independent video rental shop.
To conclude this already overlong comment, I'll leave you with this fact: to this day, after watching a movie, the very first website I go to is iCheckMovies.com. I have no doubt that many others here do the same thing. That may not sound like a big deal, but if you really think about it - taking into consideration the ever-increasing number of choices and distractions (online and off), each constantly vying for our attention - it's a remarkable achievement.
Bottom line: iCM has made a significant impact on the lives of its users, something for which we are all thankful, and of which Erik, Piet and Marijn should be proud. Best wishes to the former 2 in all their endeavors, and to the latter in the continuing adventures of the site. If you're ever looking for beta/bug-testers (or any other voluntary assistance), I'd be more than happy to give something back to this great place.
Blog comment on Donate-a-thon
MrE2Me
Writing this idea here in case the admins don't see it under the latest blog post:I know I would be far more likely to donate if there was a way to get access to Premium features forever instead of for up to 2 years at the most. I like not having to worry about time limits and deadlines, etc. Please consider including a payment option for a "Lifetime Premium Account" (or whatever you might choose to call it).
Blog comment on There's no limit
MrE2Me
1. Thanks for changing your minds about this! It shows you both listen to and care about your users and what they have to say. =)2. I know I would be far more likely to donate if there was a way to get access to Premium features forever instead of for up to 2 years at the most. I like not having to worry about time limits and deadlines, etc. Please consider including a payment option for a "Lifetime Premium Account" (or whatever you might choose to call it).
Blog comment on Donate-a-thon
MrE2Me
Just writing to reiterate what others are saying about the notion of free accounts being unable to check as many movies as they like. I have seen a lot of movies, so my use of the site would no doubt be greatly impacted by any such restrictions. I've been an active (and, I think, helpful) member for a while, and I'd hate to be forced to abandon the site just because features I once had access to for free suddenly became "Premium-Only." It makes sense to add cool extra stuff for paid accounts, but to cut into what many users have gotten used to having for free seems like a very bad idea, for everyone involved. I hope you rethink this before iCM 2.0 goes live.Movie comment on Let There Be Light
MrE2Me
The documentary that proved once and for all that "shell shock" does exist, and was suppressed by the US government for 30 years because of it. Fascinating and extremely moving. Highlights include the hypnosis sequence, when a man relives the event that caused his amnesia, and a soldier who, upon losing his stutter for the first time in months, tearfully cries "I can talk!" over and over. This documentary is just as relevant today as it was 65 years ago.Movie comment on Il pistolero dell'Ave Maria
MrE2Me
One of the best non-Leone spaghetti westerns, featuring one of the best non-Morricone scores, this Greek tragedy-inspired tale is told skillfully and swiftly, avoiding most of the pitfalls other SWs are undermined by. Its rank at #47 on the SWDB's Top 50 is inexplicable to me. Definitely worth checking out, if you're a fan of the genre.Toplist comment on The Spaghetti Western Database's Essential Top 50 Films
MrE2Me
As far as I can tell, the list IS updated. It matches the official list perfectly: http://www.spaghetti-western.net/index.php/Essential_Top_20_FilmsMovie comment on Se sei vivo spara
MrE2Me
Utterly bizarre. Imagine a spaghetti western set in Twin Peaks, and you'll have some idea of what to expect. Led by two wacky Indians, and toting a golden bullet-shooting pistol, a revenge-seeking bandit stumbles upon "The Unhappy Place," whose gold-obsessed, lynch-happy denizens include a gay gang (led by a man called "Sorrow") and an evil priest. Highlights include a graphic evisceration, a scalping, death by melted gold, torture by vampire bats, and a flaming madwoman. Watch at your own risk!Movie comment on Keoma
MrE2Me
Nero has one of his best, most badass roles in this late, great spaghetti western with surrealist touches. Excellently directed (though the Peckinpah-style slo-mo is overused), I fear the one divisive aspect of the film is its soundtrack. I can totally understand why some people hate it, and it plays such an integral and recurring role that that would detract greatly from their overall experience. I cringed a bit at first, but it slowly grew on me and it really does suit the mythical, symbolic nature of the movie.Movie comment on Il grande silenzio
MrE2Me
Pretty groundbreaking, with its snowy setting, mute protagonist, mutilations, nudity, interracial romance, and bleak ending. Another gorgeous score by Morricone, and Kinski is the perfect bad guy.Movie comment on The Devils
MrE2Me
Wow, this was incredible. Easily Ken Russell's masterpiece. Reed and Redgrave have never been better, but the entire cast (and crew) is at the top of their game here. It's downright criminal that Warner Bros. (i.e. Alan Horn) is doing everything in their power to prevent the original, uncut version of this from being released (or even screened). Oh, the irony of a film about religious fanaticism and hypocrisy being held hostage by a hypocritical religious fanatic. Sigh...Movie comment on The Manitou
MrE2Me
At one point in this incredible film, a topless San Francisco woman - who is in the hospital recovering from the emergence of an ancient Indian medicine man (in the form of a naked dwarf with cataracts) from out of a tumor on her back - shoots lasers at said foe, who is hovering in a room that appears to be drifting through outer space, whilst he hurls fireballs at a tight jeans-clad Tony Curtis with a bad dye job and explodes doctors with electricity. Oh, and Burgess Meredith has a brief appearance as a Colonel Sanders lookalike.If that isn't reason enough to watch this at least once, I don't know what is. Truly jaw-dropping.
Movie comment on Cosa avete fatto a Solange?
MrE2Me
It's certainly among the best gialli, rivaling even those by Argento, Fulci & Bava. Pushes the extremes of the genre, particularly in the savage method of murder, though the killer (and their motive) is surprisingly sympathetic. Great music + lots of gratuitous naked schoolgirl frolicking.Movie comment on I vampiri
MrE2Me
The sequences in which a beautiful young woman rapidly ages into a hideous old crone - without any cuts or trick photography - are amazing, especially considering this was made more than half a century ago. One of Bava's earliest films, this is a terrific twist on the vampire legend.Movie comment on La ragazza che sapeva troppo
MrE2Me
Not quite the best, but considering that it's the first one ever made, and made by Mario Bava no less, it's still well worth watching. Gorgeous b & w cinematography.Movie comment on Schock
MrE2Me
This should at least be on the Top 500 Horror Movies list. Bava's last film doesn't look like much on paper, but his skill as a director elevates the material to pretty creepy heights. He never lost his ability to create startling images and eerily beautiful compositions. The music here is a nice touch as well.Movie comment on Razorback
MrE2Me
The best Australian horror movie about a giant killer pig you'll ever see. But seriously, this is much better than it should be. It's stylishly shot and energetically directed, with some great '80s synth soundtrack action to boot. Ignore the crazy plot synopsis, take a chance and have fun...Movie comment on Fingers
MrE2Me
Taxi Driver's younger, less popular brother. Keitel gives a typically passionate, hard-edged performance. The stairwell fight sequence is raw & real. They don't make 'em like this anymore.Movie comment on The Celluloid Closet
MrE2Me
Well-done, (sadly) still relevant documentary about the way homosexuality has been portrayed in Hollywood cinema, and what it says about us. I wish more time had been spent on the recent examples. Perhaps there will be a sequel someday?Showing items 51 – 75 of 190