dir. by Adam Green. Happy carvings, kyid!

Just in time for Halloween is this electro-goth power ballad set to an AMAZING set of images from god knows what movie. Let the power course through your veins–.

In anticipation of Fantastic Fest ‘09, we review Krabat, Antichrist, Smash Cut, Bronson, Kenny Begins, Hausu, and B13 Ultimatum. Looks to be  another great year for the festival! (Go here. Listen via the podcast pickle or subscribe via iTunes.)

Something hypnotic, yet unsettling about this music video. I’m wondering how ancient civilizations would react if they saw these flying chariots. I’m also digging the lo-fi electro-goth Salem is conjuring.

Something about Patrick Swayze gave you a warm fuzzy. He emanated something pure and good that corporealized what a man could be. I direct you towards a song with a particular sample from him that is haunting, yet beautiful; mostly because of his voice that carries the message. Lets hope he has found his perfect wave.

Sunset Cruisin – Perfect Wave (Le Batman mix)
hosted by Party CMYK

Will love or hate, good or evil come out the winner? Is it wrong to compare these films? They make the most diametrically opposite movies ever pitted against each other. Ponyo fans: for the love of humanity, don’t watch Antichrist!! Antichrist viewers: Take two tablets of Ponyo to relieve and uplift your troubled mind. Enjoy the bite-size reviews!

Ponyo

I saw this in a theater with many young children who were worked up to such a fever pitch at one point in the movie that one girl erupted, “Wow. That is really cool!!” I laughed, but agreed with her 100%. As young as some of these kids were, they were still smart enough to know they weren’t being conned; this movie was different. Miyazaki’s latest, though imperfect, filled me with such love (and magic!) that I stopped being a critic and floated on benevolence. If you’re having a bad day, this could work wonders for you too(!). (9/10)

Antichrist

Graphically shocking beyond all belief? Check. Deranged and disturbing? Check. Future cult film? Check. Misogynistic? Perhaps. This is a mirror Eden created by Satan, thus the woman is inherently evil. Nature and human nature are included in that paradigm. The film seems to reference and/or trump scenes from films In the Realm of the Senses and Bergman’s Cries and Whispers. The cinematography is stunning and music grandiose. I seem to be swayed by the symbolism and very realistic XXX material and, believe me, that in itself is very disturbing.  (6.66/10) — jk: 8/10

And the winner is: Ponyo !!

I think alot of people will not get or like this, but if you’re open-minded or artsy give it a shot.

I’ve begun sharing hosting duties on a new horror movie themed podcast caled Horrorphilia. You can subscribe or listen to this podcast though this website: Horrorphilia (On the page there are two players to the right which enable you to listen.) This week’s episode covered the movies of Tobe Hooper and our Top 5 Horror Directors of all-time. If this interests you feel free to listen or write us with your thoughts. The following preview has special Hooper “music” along with the movies we covered:

1. Gomorrah – The gangsta movie will never be the same after this. I think the writer is still under police protection. Rating: 9/10

2. Everlasting Moments – This might be Swedish director Jan Troell’s finest moment. It is a period piece of a woman who finds herself through technology. Rating: 9/10

3. London to Brighton – Bone-cracking debut by filmmaker Paul Andrew Williams. It blends the verite realism of those French films that seem to always win Cannes, but adds some brace-for-survival intensity that keeps it moving swiftly. The newfound actors are quite good, especially Georgia Groome who plays a 12 year-old in the throes of utter depravity. Take heed; some of these scenes will be too intense and shocking for everyone. Rating: 8/10

4. Katyn – The Polish Holocaust by the hands of Russia during WWII has never had such a harrowing depiction. Renowned composer Krysztof Penderecki delivers an incredible and haunting score. Rating: 8/10

5. The Class – Who knew a Paris classroom would be so like Austin, TX? Universal issues abound in this Cannes Grand Prix winner. Rating: 8/10

6. Big Man Japan – The ending of this goofy fantasy, superhero movie with great CGI is outrageous. Has to be seen to be believed. Rating: 7.5/10

7. Goodbye Solo – My favorite movie yet by American director Ramin Bahrani. His slice-of-life stories of the urban NE are too real for comfort. Rating: 7.5/10

8. Wolfhound - You take your epic sword-fantasy formula, add some Russian uniqueness provided you turn on the Russian language, and you get a movie striving for that LOTR fanbase with a tenth of the budget. The quality of the very important special effects/CGI is better than a cable movie, but not up to par to LOTR. The rest is just fine. Rating: 7/10