rick.spencer2

Phantoms is one of my favorite horror/sci-fi films of all time (which is saying a lot). I've seen it several times and I find it still is entertaining. I actually purchased the book after I viewed the film and now it is one of my favorite books as well. Ben Affleck is good as the hero in the film. This was made before he made it as a big time star. Even Peter O' Toole does a very credible job as a "National Enquirer" type reporter. The tension is well placed throughout the movie. What I really enjoyed about the story was as the audience you didn't really see what the creature(s) looked like during the movie. You were given bits and pieces (pardon the pun) of this "monster" throughout the movie. Even as the movie ended it left it wide open for a sequel, which probably won't happen because it did not do well at the box office. However, if another movie company did decide to make a sequel, direct to video, I would be the first to rent it. I really did not want the movie to end. That is how much I enjoyed it. I'm sure you will to.

When Lifeforce was released back in '85, I do recall going to the movie theatre to see it. As usual, there were only about 5 people (including me) in the theatre, as there usually are whenever a sci-fi/horror film is shown. I was really looking forward to this film. The previews looked promising. However, once I did see it, my opinion changed. The film looks like it has a lot going for it (eg. big budget) but once it begins, you begin to notice little things like, the acting is a little weak at times. First, let me add, that I am a big Steve Railsback fan. Ever since I saw him in "Helter Skelter" as Charles Manson, I was amazed at his acting ability. What surprised me about his performance in this film was how weak his acting was. I mean, certain lines he delivered were quite laughable, I don't know how he kept a straight face (I sure didn't). Now, I'm not saying that this is a bad film by any stretch of the imagination. I still enjoy watching it time and time again. One thing that bothers me about viewing many sci-fi and horror films (especially at movie theatres) is that a lot of people tend to laugh throughout the movie. This film is no exception. Some scenes, in which there was supposed to be suspense and horror, people began laughing. This is why I prefer to watch these type of films in the relaxing environment of my home. No one to bother me. I have two copies of this film of video. The first copy is the original and the second is the "Director's Cut". (which contains scenes that were cut from the original) I don't know if the "Director's Cut" on video is the same as the Europeon DVD version. I didn't see to much of a difference between the two, perhaps some scenes were a little longer. No matter, I still give this movie a "passing grade". If you're looking for a fair-to-good sci-fi film to watch one night, give this one a chance. I think it will grow on you. Rick S.

I've seen this movie, if you can believe, at least 30 times. Yes, you can call me a fan. However, not everything they touched turned to gold. (eg. Magical Mystery Tour) No matter, at the time it was released, this film was just expected to make a nice revenue for it's distributor (United Artists). They felt that The Beatles were just a "flash in the pan" and wouldn't last longer than a couple of years. They obviously were wrong. The film turned out to be a blockbuster and the reviews were quite positive (quite unique and rare)for a rock & roll movie). I recall seeing this movie at the theatre when it was first released. I could not hear anything. The screaming lasted from the beginning to the end. I've never, before or since, had an experience like that at a movie theatre. The movie is full of excitement and humour (British humour was still quite new to us). As actors The Beatles hold their own. The music is what drives this movie. Some of their best songs are featured here (A Hard Day's Night, She Loves You, All My Loving, and the list goes on). This film grows on you over the years. It is still fresh no matter how many times you see it. A few years ago there was a rumor that the producer (the late Walter Shenson) was going to turn this black & white film into color. I was shocked to hear this. Part of the greatness of this movie is the black & white filming. It gives it a "documentary feeling" throughout the movie. The rumor turned out to be false (thank goodness). I was 9 years old when I saw this film and just recently my 9 year old nephew saw the film with me. He loved the music and generally liked the movie. He now knows who The Beatles are. In the past year or so he just listened to their music. It just shows you how The Beatles' popularity keeps growing to each generation. Their music and/or popularity will never do away. This film is going to be re-released to the theatres sometime later this year (to a select few, I'm told). If it opens in a theatre in this city, I will certainly be there once again. Perhaps I can "relive" my youth for just one more time. Rick S.