kevin_robbins

I recently watched Hollywood Boulevard (1976) on Tubi. The storyline follows a young woman who arrives in Hollywood with nothing but her looks and her car. Shortly after arriving, she's scouted as the perfect fit for low-budget grindhouse films filled with sex, violence, and very little plot. At first, she's thrilled by the attention and the steady stream of roles-but is her career really going anywhere?

The film is co-directed by Allan Arkush (Rock 'n' Roll High School) and Joe Dante (Piranha), and stars Mary Woronov (Death Race 2000), Tara Strohmeier (Truck Turner), Paul Bartel (Piranha), Dick Miller (The Terminator), and Candice Rialson (Stunts).

This is a self-aware parody of the grindhouse genre, made right in the middle of its heyday. The comedy is hit or miss-more misses than hits-but the film leans heavily into the exploitation formula. The cast of women is undeniably attractive, and the movie includes plenty of topless scenes, a wild wet T-shirt contest, and a surprisingly fun roller derby sequence. Things take an even stranger turn when the movie abruptly shifts into Death Race 2000 territory. I did enjoy the random character interviews and the final scenes set at the Hollywood sign.

In conclusion, Hollywood Boulevard is a goofy, uneven grindhouse parody. It's not particularly good, but if you're in the mood for something trashy and self-referential, it's worth a watch. I'd give it a 5/10.

I recently finished the 52-episode series Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999) on MAX. The storyline follows an elderly couple, Muriel and Eustace, and their dog, Courage, who live in the middle of a desolate town called Nowhere. Strange things constantly happen there-spirits, aliens, underworld dwellers, and all manner of bizarre intruders show up to wreak havoc on Muriel and Eustace. Despite his fear, Courage is often their only hope for survival.

The series was created by John Dilworth (Big Bag) and features voice work by Thea White (Pecola), Marty Grabstein (Bury the Evidence), Lionel Wilson (Tom Terrific), and Peter Fernandez (Speed Racer).

I've been hooked on this series since it first aired. I was in college at the time and watched the first two seasons religiously. I was blown away by the bold animation, vibrant colors, distinctive characters, and perfectly cast voices. Some standout characters for me were the Gypsy woman, the Sean Connery-voiced snowman, the smooth-talking cat, and the mischievous Cajun fox.

The storylines offer clever twists, the occasional moral lesson, and above all, a heartfelt portrayal of the bond between a loyal dog, his kind-hearted owner, and a cranky old man. There's so much to love here, and the surreal world of Nowhere pulls you in and doesn't let go.

In conclusion, Courage the Cowardly Dog is a one-of-a-kind blend of horror, sci-fi, and heart. I'd give it a 9/10 and strongly recommend.

I recently watched Jackals (2017) on Tubi. The storyline follows a family who lost their son to a cult and hires a man to retrieve him and help reverse the brainwashing. Shortly after bringing the young man home, the cult arrives at their remote cabin-demanding his return and possibly more.

Directed by Kevin Greutert (Saw X), the film stars Stephen Dorff (Blade), Deborah Kara Unger (The Game), Ben Sullivan (The Apprentice), and Johnathon Schaech (Prom Night).

This was one of those films I went into with no expectations-and it turned out better than I anticipated. The cult's masks and costumes are well done, and the use of lighting adds tension. The attack sequences are solid, though the kill scenes are hit or miss. There are some standout bite and throat-slash scenes that worked well. The acting, however, is inconsistent, and the chemistry between characters is uneven. Still, the premise and pacing do enough to hold your attention and make up for some of the flaws.

In conclusion, Jackals is an uneven cult/home invasion thriller, but it has enough going for it to be worth a one-time watch. I'd give it a 5.5/10.