Tag: Cassandra Peterson

THE MUNSTERS (2022)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Rob Zombie
Based On Characters Developed By: Norm Liebmann and Ed Haas
From a format By: Al Burns & Chris Hayward 
Cinematography: Zoraida Popovic
Editor: Vanick Moradian 

Cast: Sherri Moon Zombie, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Daniel Roebuck, Richard Brake, Catherine Schell, Cassandra Petersen, Tomas Boykin, Jorge Garcia

Reboot of “The Munsters,” which followed a family of monsters who moved from Transylvania to an American suburb.

The film seems like a far-fetched idea that should be horrible, but it isn’t as bad as one would think.

The movie feels like an extended episode of the series. Set in their universe. Rather than a normal reality in having them socialize with normal society. 

It also serves as a kind of prequel. So we see how Herman came about and his romance with Lily. The film is noticeably lower budgeted than expected though that only adds to the mood and atmosphere of the film.

The film has that same kind of stale sitcomish sense of humor. Only being a bit more macabre. Though could easily be a family film. The film Is campy and too long 

The film noticeably takes place on sets. The film has the same spirit as the television shows turned into movies by having maximum audience appeal to attract more than just fans. As it tries to modernize the show. While also serving as the greatest hits. 

The humor is corny as it almost feels more vaudeville than anything. It definitely comes across as a Halloween season movie. Almost like the live-action THE FLINTSTONES movie filled with tons of puns and one-liners. 

This strangely seems like a passion project for Rob Zombie. As no one was asking for this film but he seems determined to not only make it but also an affinity. It might be him trying to try another studio property with his own touch.

As this is one of his least offensive and cleanest films as far as material. 

As the film does stay true to its version. Everyone is dedicated. No matter how silly it gets and appears to be having fun. As he is clearly dedicated to this film and series. As is his cast, which is filled with his usual players, the main cast in multiple roles. As well a good size of the supporting and background cast being Hollywood and classic television veterans. Making this all the more a labor of love. 

It only lacks the stunt casting of seeing a fairly well-known star trying out the role for an impression or their own interpretation. 

Grade: C

ALL ABOUT EVIL (2010)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Joshua Grannell
Cinematography: Tom Richmond 
Editor: Rick LeCompte 

Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Dekker, , Cassandra Peterson, Mink Stole, Noah Segan, Jack Donner, Kat Turner, Jade Ramsey, Nikita Ramsey 

A mousy librarian inherits her father’s beloved but failing old movie house. In order to save the family business she discovers her inner serial killer – and a legion of rabid gore fans – when she starts turning out a series of grisly shorts. What her fans don’t realize yet is that the murders in the movies are all too real.

This film is campy as hell. It feels like a lost John Waters-inspired script.

As it plays homage to horror films of the past but never plays it relatively straight or dramatic each scene feels filled with comedy more than anything.

As the film is over the top as is its Star Natasha Lyonne who is truly one of the only reasons I watched this film. As I have been trying to see it since it first came out and only have had a chance to finally more recently. As she was THE IT girl of indie cinema at the time. This is truly a star-making role for her as she truly gets to go off the wall and fully inhabits the madness of her character and the silliness of the film. 

As this paved the way for the type of roles and characters she would soon play after this. This is more of an introduction to those types, especially as a character who marches to the best of her own drummer.

You can Tell she is having a ball in the role. As it is truly a transformation. Her character starts off the film as meek and shy; throughout each kill, she gains confidence. Until she actually becomes a diva and star. Who gets more stylish and develops a different way of speaking. Like a classic movie star. She also gains a murderous entourage to help her with her kills and productions. Who seems scarier than she but they obey.

Noah Segal in particular is a hilarious scene stealer. As is a veteran actor Jack Donner. It’s also nice to see actress Cassandra Peterson in an actual character role that is not her infamous one of Elvira, mistress of the dark. Even though the film does throw in a joke about that. 

You can never take this film or anything in it seriously. Though it is silly and stupid at times it stays fun throughout. If you are into this type of humor. Even the ending that involves poison has to go grotesque in an absurd way. 

The deaths are inspired and gory. Most of the deaths happen to characters who are annoying or villains. 

It might warm movie fans’ hearts to see that the filmed death scenes were made to be short films. Usually, they are like public service announcements of what not to do at movies to disturb the experience and the consequences of what you do.

Thigh the killers are portrayed as scary they are demented and you enjoy the film more when they are on screen. The scenes of the supposedly normal characters are much scarier. As they are completely off but considered normal or sane. As everybody In This film is somewhat off in some way 

In the end, it just feels like a film of a different era. Yet very specific in its aim and intentions 

Grade: C+