Media Notes: Roundup for December 2020

 

This is a somewhat random selection of the movies and series on DVD and/or online I watched during December 2020.


Movies and films (links to IMDB.com for basic information unless noted otherwise). Some of these I watched via TubiTv.com or other online source. The DVDs come from the public library (unless noted otherwise). In addition, I will try to add other trivia notes, such as when a film is based on a book adding the information about the book (at least the WorldCat record if available).

It was December, so naturally I made it a point to watch a few holiday films.

• Black Christmas (1974. Horror. Thriller. Christmas). Plot description: "During their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger." Film is also listed in the Grindhouse Database. Amuses me that at start of movie, the killer gets into the house because at side of the house there is a trellis, well built one, that allows him to climb up the side of the house unseen to get into the attic. Because apparently they did not talk to the local cops about making the house was safe. Another amusing moment: early in the film, they get an obscene caller (remember those?), and the one girl calls the others and they stand around to listen and mock. Ah, the days before things like caller ID. However, soon turns out the obscene caller and the killer may be the same. Anyhow, once the guy gets in, soon the deaths start. They do not show the killer right away, which does add a bit to the suspense. In highlights, Margot Kidder plays one of the sorority girls, a drunken somewhat nymphomaniac, and John Saxon plays a police lieutenant. The movie is a slow build up film. In fact, it is quite slow. Couple of deaths, then nothing much happens, some drama ensues, takes a while for the cops to pretend to take it seriously. The lieutenant does once he puts some pieces together, but his sergeant is mostly incompetent. Suspenseful without being gory; in fact, when things may be about to get gory the scene transitions to something else. As usual in one of these films, some characters do not make the best of decisions, but unlike most modern films, the potential victims are not particularly odious or obnoxious, just less than bright, emphasis on seriously less than bright. Overall, a somewhat slow film, fairly minimal on deaths, but some decent suspense. I do not see what the big deal about the film is although it does have some elements that basically became tropes in later horror films, so there is that. It was OK overall, so I'd say two out of five stars. Via TubiTV. Watched 12/5.
• A Christmas Carol (1999. Drama. Fantasy. TV movie). Patrick Stewart takes a turn as Ebenezer Scrooge in this made for television film. He does a very good performance that I think portrays Scrooge as a more internally tormented man, with a bit more anguish. The film does pretty well in terms of being faithful to Dickens' tale. Overall, a good movie for the holidays season, and I really like it, so giving it 4 out of 5 stars. Via cable on-demand. Watched 12/20.
  
• Christmas Blood (2017. Horror. Holidays. Norway film. in Norwegian with English subtitles). Plot description: "Murderer gets caught after terrorizing and killing people during Christmas night for past 13 years in Norway. After being in solitary for almost 6 years, psychopath escapes couple days before Christmas night. Police tracks next target of the psychopath to be in small village in the northernmost part of Norway." The movie does have some good suspense, though you have to pay attention in the early part of the movie as it jumps between the present day in the film, where a group of young folks are having a reunion, and then back in time to instances when the murderer commits his crimes. After that, the pace varies between slow and some intense horror scenes with some gore. Most of the movie is pretty slow, but when the killer is at it, you get the dose of horror. The winter setting and the fairly constant darkness do add to the suspense and tension. Overall though most of the movie is pretty slow, and it drags, so loses whatever potential the premise had. It was OK, so 2 out of 5 stars. Via TubiTv. Watched 12/20.
• A Christmas Carol (2012. Drama. Horror. Fantasy). Yet another adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale. Reason I am watching this one is it was suggested as emphasizing the horror elements and darkness more than other adaptations. Keep in mind the story comes from an old tradition of Christmas horror stories, a tradition that is not really as popular today. The story has been adapted as family friendly fare, musical, as a vehicle for older famous actors, etc. So I was intrigued to see this version that was billed as closer to the horror roots of the tale. The opening brief scene where Charles Dickens reveals his newest tale in 1843, "A Christmas Carol" and will read it is a nice touch. From there, we get into the story. The film feels a bit like a live theater performance, and it does preserve the dialogue of the original story, with Dickens' voice doing narration. On the positive, the story stays as close to the original text as possible, down to the dialogue. On the negative, the production values are fairly low, and the atmospheric element seems a bit excessive resulting in a very slow and dragging film. The acting is pretty stiff as well. If you are expecting anything like most classic adaptations, you will not find it here. This feels more like experimental theater than feature film, and not in a good way. The result overall is a very slow film, and to be honest not that interesting. This movie may do two things. One, get some people to read the original story, and two, go find some other adaptation of the story. This certainly is not an adaptation to show children, not because it is that scary, because it is not, but it is just boring. I would say go watch the George C. Scott or even the Patrick Stewart adaption, which I watched this month, or any of the other good ones available and give this a pass. 1 out of five stars, barely. Via TubiTv. Watched 12/22.
• Santa's Slay (2005. Horror. Comedy). Plot description: "Santa Claus is actually a demon who lost a bet with an Angel, so he becomes the giver of toys and happiness. But when the bet is off, he returns to his evil ways." Bill Goldberg the wrestler takes the turn playing Santa, a demon who is making up for lost time after that 1000 year bet, and boy does he go on to murder and mayhem. Film features a decent cast ranging from Fran Drescher, Robert Culp, Chris Kattan, and James Caan, in an uncredited role, as the patriarch of the family in the opening scene. The opening scene by now has become legendary, and you can often find clips of it online. It is a favorite scene for me. To be honest, some of the people Santa kills do deserve it like that not so pleasant old lady customer at the deli who gave the employees a hard time (the owner is Jewish); you just can't wait for Santa to get rid of her. Overall, this is a fun, silly movie for Christmas. The horror gore is pretty minimal, and Santa does get some good one liners here. A good movie to watch during the season if you want something light and silly. It is certainly a guilty pleasure for me. 4 out of 5 stars. Via YouTube. Watched 12/24.
  

Other films:

• La Cosa Nostra: The History of the New York Mafia (2003. Documentary. Crime). Description: "To understand the violent history of the New York Mafia, this documentary examines the organized criminals’ connection to Sicily." Pretty good documentary that combines some interviews with former gangsters with historical footage and narration. It's not one of those sensationalist documentaries. It also looks at things like the stigma many Italian Americans faced due to the actions of the few mobsters of Italian descent. On a not so fortunate note, they interview a few Italian American celebrities in the segment about stigma, and one of them happens to be Joe Paterno (who later fell from grace from the University of Pennsylvania child sex abuse scandal). The documentary strives to be sympathetic to Italian Americans as well as tell the story. The documentary covers from early days of the Mafia in Sicily to the fall of the New York mob including Gotti. Overall, a basic and interesting overview without the usual sensationalism. I liked it, so I'd say 3 out of 5 stars. Via TubiTv. Watched 12/6. 
• The Hateful Eight (2015. Western. Crime. Drama. Mystery). Quentin Tarantino's 8th film. Short description: "In the dead of a Wyoming winter, a bounty hunter and his prisoner find shelter in a cabin currently inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters." The film is quite a character study, and it builds up as we gradually learn the stories of the characters, stories that may or not be true, or with degrees of truth. Story builds up until the explosive climax and revelation of the characters' true motives. Overall, a tight story, suspenseful, tense, and an inevitable ending once things get in motion. It felt like a good piece of short fiction or a novella, or better yet, it felt like watching a good stage play. By the way, the actors all deliver very good performances. It is different that other Tarantino films, but it still is a very good film and worth a look. In addition, there is Ennio Morricone's music, which works at the right times to move the story along and enhance the atmosphere. I really liked it, so I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars. Via DVD from the public library. Watched 12/6.
•  Hitman (2007. Action. Crime. Thriller. Video game adaptation).  The first adaptation of the Hitman video game starring Timothy Oliphant. Basic plot: "A gun-for-hire known only as Agent 47 hired by a group known only as 'The Organization' is ensnared in a political conspiracy, which finds him pursued by both Interpol and the Russian military as he treks across Russia and Eastern Europe." I've seen this before, but when I saw TubiTv added it this month, I wanted to see it again. I did watch the later adaptation, Hitman: Agent 47, back in January 2018. In this one, what seems a typical assignment for Agent 47 becomes a cat and mouse game when after completing the assignment, someone wants to eliminate him to cover up a conspiracy. The plot can be a bit convoluted, but the film moves at a steady pace, and has just enough action and suspense to be entertaining. This movie does the story in a bit more subtle way compared to the later film, which I appreciate. I also appreciate Agent 47's observation abilities; it makes for a small amusing scene when Nika and him sit in the Istanbul restaurant, and she quizzes him on people in the room. On a small trivia note, Vin Diesel was executive producer for this film. The film does not get too close to the video game, but it does keep the essence of the video game while making a decent thriller with conspiracy elements. Overall, it is a film I really like and enjoy, so willing to give it 4 out of 5 stars. Watched 12/11.
  
• Predators (2010. Science Fiction. Action. Adventure). Plot description: "A group of elite warriors parachute into an unfamiliar jungle and are hunted by members of a merciless alien race." Film builds the suspense gradually, and we soon know the group of 8 is being hunted by the alien Predators. The film is entertaining enough. Royce, the mercenary, serves to provide some additional exposition, just enough for folks who may not be as familiar with the Predator lore. Overall, as I said, the film is entertaining enough with a twist or two to keep it interesting. I liked it, so I'd say 3 out of 5 stars. Via TubiTv. Watched 12/12.
• Carter High (2015. Sports. Drama. Crime). Plot description: "During the 1980s Carter High School in Dallas, Texas was a football powerhouse. This is the story of four of the student athletes whose off the field activities cost them their future." The off field activities were robberies and crime. The movie starts at the end of their trial, then does the flashback thing to go back to the start of the story. If nothing else, this movie reminded me of yet another reason I am glad I no longer teach high school: the less than ethical special treatment teachers are expected to give athletes (and I know. I taught at one of those "athletic power house schools" back in my day). Not even 15 minutes into the film, and that element is made very prominent. A reason I picked up this film is that Charles S. Dutton is in it, as Coach James, and I often like his work. By the way, this is Texas in the days where they do paddling to discipline students, and though you do not get to see the actual paddling (they cut out just as it is about to happen), well, keep that in mind too. Coach Carter tries to do the best for his boys, instill good values, but in the end, the boys, especially the ones who end up in that court room, just refuse to learn and would rather turn to crime. As if that was not bad enough, the school and team, which is predominantly Black, faces serious racism (which is business as usual in Texas) and powerful groups trying to derail the team. The movie's story focuses a lot on the football politics, less so on the games; to add a bit of authenticity, they do use archival game footage but still game action is pretty minimal. A common theme is Coach James trying to teach them to make good choices, but as we get to see, the lesson never stuck for some, leading to the athletes forfeiting their futures. In the end, they were their own worst enemies. The big issue is the film never quite settles down on a story, jumps all over, as I said too much focus on the politics, and just does not make a good story with the material it has. And once they win the championship, you still have a bit under half the movie to go, and then it really drags as things go downhill and you wait to get back to the trial scene at the beginning. I mean you really wait. The last act just drags on painfully. Charles Dutton performs well enough but everyone else not so much. I wanted to like this film, but it is just not a good sports drama, and the tragedy is just painful to watch, as in badly done. 1 out of 5 stars at best. Via Tubi TV. Watched 12/22.
• Werewolves of the Third Reich (2017. Action. Horror. Werewolves. Nazis.). Plot description: "In Germany at the height of World War II, a ragtag group of American soldiers discover Doctor Mengele's diabolical plan to create an unstoppable army of Nazi werewolves" Once more, another entry in the Nazis trying to create a super weapon to defeat the Allies, this time with werewolves. The film is fairly slow, we do not see much of anything in terms of werewolves well into the film. First 50 minutes (of an hour and 30) is about the soldiers, who are all stockade prisoners who assaulted their superiors. They are being transported to jail when a couple of Nazis ambush the truck, and they managed to escape. Film takes a lot of time on their story as well as on the exposition of Mengele and the experiment. By the way, the MPs could have driven around the few logs the Nazis used to block the road, an example of a lot of dumb things wrong with this movie. The horror, if any, is mostly subtle or toned down, such as a camp prisoner with a tattoo; the next time we see the tattoo it is in a lampshade. The implication is the prisoner was killed, and his skin used to make a lamp shade. This is by now 51 minutes or so into the movie, and not a single werewolf in sight.The movie's idea had potential for a decent B-movie, but they just wasted time in various unnecessary scenes and details that pretty much do not lead anywhere other than to make the movie drag. By the way, after the soldiers make their escape we do not see them again until the end of the film pretty much, at around an hour and 12 minutes (by now, movie is practically over). They could keep on walking but they decide to break into the concentration camp, kill Nazis, and there they find out the truth. I like a good B-movie, but this is just an embarrassment. At the end, the movie tells us the "Fearless Four" (what the four soldiers are called supposedly; this phrase is not used in the film) will return. If this movie is anything to by, I highly doubt there will be a sequel, and if there is, you probably should skip it. In fact, go ahead and skip this waste of time. I watched it so you don't have to. Only reason I picked this up is because one of those YouTube channels that makes movie lists had this one on a list of werewolf movies that are underrated and deserve a look. Well, contrary to what they said, this deserves its low reviews and ratings, and it definitely should be left forgotten. Bad production values. Bad acting with terrible accents and cartoonish characters. 0 out of 5 stars; it is just that bad. Via TubiTv. Watched 12/27.
  

Television and other series (basic show information links via Wikipedia unless noted otherwise). Some of these come in DVD from the public library. Others may be via TubiTv, YouTube, which, as noted before, I keep finding all sorts of other old shows in it, often full episodes, or other as noted:

• America's Dumbest Criminals (1996-2000. Reality. Humor. Crime).  See my June 2020 wrap up for commentary on this. Continued this month with the third season. A new season, and they have a new intro, and David Butler has a new co-host in Debbie Alan (Beaumont Bacon co-hosted during the second season). Also this season the show is filmed in studio with a live audience. Via TubiTv.
  
• Empires of New York (2020. Documentary). Plot description: "Set amid the grit, greed, and glory of 1980s New York, Empires of New York chronicles the meteoric rise of five icons - Ivan Boesky, Donald Trump, Leona Helmsley, Rudy Giuliani and John Gotti." A look at the 1980s through the story of 5 New York City big personalities. However, we soon learn they, except for Giuliani, made their fortunes by lying, cheating, stealing, and committing a variety of mostly white collar crimes. I say mostly since Gotti was a mobster and outright killer. They did help shape the city and the decade of the 1980s. If you lived through it, you will remember a lot of this and recall how what they did and those like them set up the disasters that came later as those gilded empires fell and the cons began to end. If anything, Trump managed to keep his con going  long enough to win the U.S. presidency and Giuliani milked his greed for fame to eventually become President Trump's lawyer. I'd say Giuliani lived long enough to become a villain, but back then he was the crusading U.S. attorney. Interesting as it is, it does gloss over a lot of the 80s decade, but then again, it is only a mini-series. We go get glimpses of the arts, the politics, and other things going on at the time, but the focus remains on the five persons from their rise to their falls, or the falls of their empires, at the end of the decade. Overall, limited in scope but worth a look. For those who were born way after this, it may start providing an understanding of why the economic inequality is so bad in the U.S. now. That decade planted a lot of the roots that made that inequality happen and explode. By the way, they do devote a bit to the rise of the AIDS epidemic, which I do remember. When you think about it, the fear and panics may hold lessons for the current coronavirus pandemic. Via CNBC. Watched 12/23 (I recorded it then watched at once).