Horror > Karloff, Boris Horror

More than a sequel

Advantages: Witty and innovative - ahead of it's time in humour, atmosphere and make-up effects
Disadvantages: Classic sequel flaws doomed to be repeated by horror films for decades

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury I present to you a fine example that not only puts forward the argument that sequels can be great, but also that there were good sequels before Godfather Part II. The Bride of Frankenstein actually surpasses the original film and is perhaps one of the greatest horror movies made. I say all this in spite of its glaring flaws as a sequel. It commits all the cardinal sins that a sequel should never do. It changes the ...
...ending of the original (if you have read or seen "Misery" this is an absolute no-no with die-hard fans) and unforgivably it brings in a new actress to play a leading role. If that weren't bad enough the titular character barely makes a cameo appearance. So what makes it so good? The truth is 1935's The Bride of Frankenstein is James Whale's masterpiece. Despite exhibiting some of the first flashback sequences in a feature film during its opening ...

BlackSwan 02.02.2010 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Bride Of Frankenstein (DVD)

It's Alive!

Advantages: Masterful direction, great performance and groundbreaking make-up effects
Disadvantages: Some dodgy undercranking in the windmill action sequence

...film begins with Dr Henry Frankenstein and his hunchback assistant, Fritz, robbing graves in order to create a resurrected human being. Before the experiment is complete a series of events anticipate the horror that is to follow. Frankenstein's close friends, his fiancée, Elizabeth (Mae Clark), another friend, curiously called Victor, and his old mentor, Waldmen all warn Henry about his obsession and try to prevent him from completing his experiment. ...
...electricity sparked by lightning Dr Frankenstein brings his creation to life and soon regrets it. He will eventually break free of the Gothic looking watchtower, where Frankenstein has been conducting his experiments and run amok in the village. I have fond memories of watching all the Universal horrors and in particular this film's direct sequel, James Whale's "Bride of Frankenstein". However, the original is the perfect film to watch on a stormy ...

BlackSwan 02.02.2010 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Frankenstein (DVD)

Are You My Mummy?

Advantages: Classic film, great make up, Boris Karloff
Disadvantages: Rather short

...been enjoying collecting and watching the old Universal horror films. One of these was The Mummy from 1932, starring Boris Karloff as the monster of the title. I loved Karloff as Frankenstein’s monster and looked forward to seeing him in another role. The Mummy is set against the background of Egyptian history. The movie begins in 1921 as the British Expedition’s archaeology team has just dug up two rare finds - a mysterious box and a Mummy. The ...
...a younger man. The inscription on the box warns of death to anyone who opens the casket, but when he is alone, the young man decides to risk it. Inside is the Scroll of Thoth, which he begins to decipher. As he does so, the Mummy begins to awaken – in what must be one of the best scenes in cinematic history and was my favourite of the film. Karloff is amazing in this scene, conveying so much with little movement. I emailed his daughter Sara Karloff ...

KarenUK 17.01.2010 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Mummy (DVD)

2 out of 3 ain't bad

Advantages: A Bucket of Blood and House on Haunted Hill
Disadvantages: The Ghoul

A Bucket of Blood is one of my favourite classics. An enjoyable 'Wax Museum' genre that takes a slightly different approach. This time, the artist is actually very slow witted and has no talent, as you will see. He works at a coffee shop full of poets and art buffs and wants so desperately to join their world. So, one thing leads to another, and, if your familiar with the genre, you know how it goes. House on Haunted Hill is one of the great classics ...
...horror or is it murder-mystery. To answer that question, i would have to spoil it. So, watch and find out for yourself, you won't be dissappointed. Unfortunately, The Ghoul is probably one of Karloff's worst. Karloff is one of my favourites, but he doesn't really act in this one. The story is very slow, and doesn't build up to anything all that shocking. Just some ancient Egyptian Mummy curse, some rich guy trying to be immortal. Nothing I haven't ...

alvila 16.12.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of 3 Classic Horrors Of The Silver Screen - Vol. 2 - A Bucket Of Blood / House On Haunted Hill / The Ghoul (DVD)

Great collection of Roger Corman films

Advantages: 3 great films for a budget price
Disadvantages: Picture quality not too good

The films on the 3 discs are a selection of Roger Corman productions between 1960 and 1963. Little Shop Of Horrors from 1960 is first up.A young Jack Nicholson makes an early screen appearence. A dimwitted florists assistant discovers a mutant plant that can talk and must feed on blood to survive. The Terror from 1963 stars Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson (again).Nicholson follows an apparition to a castle where he finds Karloff and discovers ...
...the directorial debut of Francis Ford Coppola.Family member are being bumped off by an axe murderer.Are the murders linked to the daughters death years ago? The three films are all entertaining and the packaging is nice but it would have been better if the films remastered.Overall though its good value for money. ...

666nekro 28.06.2005 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of The Roger Corman Horror Collection (Box Set) (DVD)