Kristina Klebe – Cut To The Chase

Directed By: Andre Gower
Written By: Andre Gower & Henry Derron McComas
Cinematography & Editor: Henry Derron McComas

Featuring: Shane Black, Fred Dekker, Andre Gower, Ryan Lambert, Adam Green, Adam F. Goldberg, Seth Green, Chuck Russell, Joe Lynch, Diva Zappa. Zach Galligan, Kristina Klebe, Rebekah McKendry

This documentary explores the power of cult film told through the lens of The Monster Squad (1987) and the impact it has on fans, cast and crew, and the industry.

This is a documentary about the film THE MONSTER SQUAD. The title comes from one of the more memorable lines of the movie.

Though this documentary is about a little more than just that. It is about the film community in its own way. How a simple little film that actually bombed in theaters. Not only how to become a cult classic but how it affected the audience who discovered it. Whether when it was first released or later on cable, home video, DVD, or even just recently.

How a film can mean so much and hold so many memories that it becomes personal. Almost part of your DNA even though you weren’t involved. It feels distinct like it was part of your own childhood.

It not only follows the cast of the film. Finding out all the behind-the-scenes stories on the making of the film, but how it affected their careers and how the audience made the film not necessarily just be some job, but actually make it that much more special.

We catch up with the filmmakers and cast. The director of the documentary is also the star of THE MONSTER SQUAD. Andre Gower

We see and meet the fans of the film, go to the screenings, and get to know the audience. How they discovered the movie.

As THE MONSTER SQUAD is one of those movies that each generation seems to discover and pass it down to the next. It might be that the film’s audience is obviously kids and teenagers and it doesn’t talk down to them and for the most part, they are the protagonists. It’s a smart movie that wasn’t there to appeal to all or sell toys and products. It was an adventure with horror though still a rollicking fun movie. That unfortunately is rarely made these days.

This is also a film that seems to not be talked about except by more film nerds. Even though it could easily be just as talked about as THE GOONIES. Though this film is treated like their dark weird cousin.

This is a movie I once loved as a kid. I even saw it twice in theaters. Though watching it now I can see its appeal and fun ideas. This is why I once loved it and still respect it to a degree, but it doesn’t pack as much of a punch for me. As it once did. As it’s not as magical to me these days but still enjoyable.

This is a documentary that is best to go into knowing or at least having seen the film it’s based on. You won’t get lost if you haven’t but it won’t be as strong and might miss a lot of what is being talked about. Though it is worth a watch to see how a film can bring people together and mean so much to them. While just trying to be entertaining.

Luckily this is not the typical behind-the-scenes documentary just for the fans, but really a love letter and document to the film and its everlasting impact.

Grade: B-

Directed By: Neil Marshall
Written by: Andrew Cosby
Based on the dark horse comic book “HELLBOY” created by: Mike Mignola
Cinematography: Lorenzo Senatore
Editor: Martin Bernfield

Cast: David Harbour, Sasha Lane, Milla Jovovich, Daniel Dae Kim, Ian McShane, Sophie Okonedo, Kristina Klebe, Thomas Haden Church

Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.

This feels like a dumbed-down version of the story. Though might be more In tune with the original comics.

I am not a fan of the first original HELLBOY movie but can say it was more artistic and beautiful then this film. Even if at the time it played as typical as far as the story went. HELLBOY 2: THE GOLDEN ARMY was better nearly a masterpiece in my eyes.

I at least respected it as it felt lacking a strong villain and instead offered an introduction of characters.

One of the nice things I can say about this film Is at least it’s Violent and it feels more epic than the original that might end because it actually has more Locations then the original. It also jams in so many creatures that it feels stuffed and cross-referenced many times. Though at least while the Guillermo Del toro version of the first film was more mystical and beautiful even if it lacked a compelling story. This one is more Action oriented and full of story and mythology.

Like many would have preferred a sequel with the original filmmakers but the studio decided to try to modernize it instead and reboot it. Unfortunately with the departure of Ron Perlman in the title role and the director/writer Guillermo Del Toro this comes Off as a desperate copy that is never sharp.

Ron Perlman’s portrayal of the title character felt more lived-in and impressive. David Harbour’s performance seems more laid back.

The reason I eventually watched this was to see Sasha Lane’s interpretation of Alice. She adds to the culture and atmosphere of the film

The film definitely feels otherworldly and is best to watch on a big screen.

This film makes you appreciate the original and it’s more practical special effects. As this is CGI overload that does feel more like a comic book. Though without the texture and depth. So that this comes off more commercial.

Director Neil Marshall supposedly had a hard time making the film and the producers took it over after his initial cut. You can tell as the story gets short-sighted for more Action and effects. Leading to it at times being hard to follow or distracted itself.

The film has a strong mystical fantasy story with a bunch of exposition. That makes it feel overstuffed and too long with stretches of little to no excitement.

The performances throughout are spotty. Considering all the people involved in this movie expected it to be a bit better.

I enjoy Milla jovovich as an actress but with her casting, this feels more like another disposable special effect fantasy horror film

She usually appears in and frankly not as inventive. Though she gives one of the better performances.

This film already had an audience against it as the original al is so memorable and iconic and this reboot coming so soon that it feels like a dumbe down version and even when it was released

it wasn’t heavily advertised as much as movies like this usually are more In theater advertisements then public ones. I didn’t even know it’s Release date until the week before it actually came out

Though based on original material this feels like an amalgam Of many fantasy tales and movies out there though al the action, special effects, and horror. It still manages to be boring.

It feels like an animated film come to life or amusement park inspired meant to impress a younger audience. But too harsh for them.

Grade: C-

Tag: Kristina Klebe

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HELLBOY (2019)