Tubi Thursday: Rabid (2019)

 Did I specifically watch the 1977 version of Rabid so that I could then talk about the 2019 Remake?

Duh.

Let's see how they compare...

Our Heroine- Laura Vandervoot- is supposedly an ugly duckling of a lady working for a Fashion Designer.

'Just give her reddish cheeks- she's hideous!'

After hearing some bad news- a guy she liked was asked by her friend to ask her out- she gets in an accident on her motorbike.

How bad is she?

Well, she looks a bit like Jennifer (from Jennifer- Masters of Horror and Comic).

The Soska Sisters and company made it pretty freaky, so I'll spare you from it.

She's horrified by her appearance and is given free medical care by a Doctor named after William S. Burroughs- a name you can trust.

For some reason, he's dressed like the Doctor from a DIFFERENT David Cronenberg Film.

***See the original for reference***

In a weird subversion of the Original Film, our Heroine starts attacking people and then doesn't remember it.

In the 1977 Film, she remembered, but the victims didn't.

She attacks some other people, while putting on a show of being normal.

Amongst her victims is...CM Punk.

Look in my eyes.  What do you see?
A guy about to be turned into a rage zom-bie!

She tries to keep working as she struggles with her body's changes and the spread of infection, as her victims attack others.

Can she balance work life balance with being a Typhoid Mary?

To find out, stream it now.

A Film that is pretty flawed, but is a good example of how you should do a Remake.

This is not a 1-to-1 Remake.  It would have been easy to do it.

We get key moments shown- like a Santa being shot by Cops- or TOLD to us having happened- we hear about the Subway Bite Attack.  
It is not a bad idea- mostly.

This version does do a better job of making the Heroine/Typhoid Mary into a real Character.  Chambers wasn't bad, but she was just going from place-to-place infecting people.  Her ending Arc was good, but that's about it.

Which one is better?
As a Film, I'd say that the Original is still better.
The Remake does many things right and different though and it is more than just a soulless copy.

At least I'm done with David Cronenberg Remakes, right?
Right?!?

A Film that is honestly a fair attempt at doing a new Version of a classic Film.  If you like it or not, they did try some things.

Rare Flix: Fatal Frames (1996)

 A Film about death that was sadly affected by it!

This is Fatal Frames, a 1996 Italian Film that attempts to be a (then) modern day Giallo.  Does it succeed?

The Plot involves a handsome photographer with a dark past who goes to Italy to Direct a Music Video.  It doesn't seem like its Director (Al Festa) was one himself, but IMDB is not always exact.

Two of his 4 Films as a Director do involve Musical Performers, so...maybe.

When a strange set of killings...that turn up no bodies happen upon his arrival, he's obviously a suspect.  How does this relate to other crimes?
Is he guilty?

To find out (and I can't discuss the Film without its bonkers Ending), read on...

In the long, drawn-out Credit Sequence, we see an old guy watching a Snuff Film!

When some kid (his Son...I guess) walks in, he makes the kid watch!

Enough of that now.

In the Present (of either 1993 or 1996), this guy (who I've seen a few times) is hired by his buddy to Direct a Music Video for an Italian Pop Star.

She's actually a real one, which makes me question all reality, since this is Fiction...but also she's using her real name and identity!

Two main things happen in the first Hour or so.

Random women around our Hero are killed in front of him, but then the bodies aren't found.  The Killer only leaves behind video tapes.

Stefania- the Pop Star- sings Songs for her Music Video.
Such lovely filler.

The Cops work the case and even bring in an outside man from the FBI- Donald Pleasence.

This Casting will be important later, so take notes.

He says that similar killings happened recently in the US, including that of our Hero's Wife!

In a weird bit, the Subtitle Track and the English Dub don't agree on key details.

This lady is stated to be a Hooker in the Audio, but the Subtitles say otherwise!

Our Hero is going a little bit crazy, not helped by the fact that he seems to be haunted by a ghost who calls him a murderer.

He thinks the killings might be connected a Painter, so he goes to his barely marked grave and is confronted by...Angus Scrimm?!?

He acts crazy for a minute and that's it.
(They later imply he's a Ghost...or something, by showing his face on a Painting)

So, here's where the Pleasence thing comes in.

He shot his Scenes in 1993 during the bulk of Production.  A funder of the Film suddenly dropped out and it took until 1995 to get the Film back on track.

By that point, Pleasence had died (right after filming Halloween 6).

To write him out, a Voice Double says that he's leaving to work on a case that popped back up.

In case you didn't get it, they literally PLAY THE HALLOWEEN THEME and a Body Double walks away from the Phone.

Note the Poster visible on the left side of the (non-fatal) Frame.

Back in the Plot, our Hero tries to solve the case, using the only clue they have- the Killer's silhouette caught in one video.

Sidenote: The Killer's Silhouette is a great name for a Mystery Film!

Can he go full Blow Out (Google it) and solve the case.

From here to the wrap up is SPOILERS, so skip if you want.

Ready?

*

*

*

He's confronted in the Studio by Stella and then...the previous Italian Victims (which includes Linea Quigley).

Huh?!?

Well, all of the Italian killings were fake- staged by the ladies and the Father of our Hero's dead Wife.

They knew that he was guilty (as they were all related to or dating the victims) and did ALL OF THIS to get him to confess.

I...I can't even be mad at a Plot Twist this ridiculous and silly!

The End.

A Film that is quite literally Style over Substance.

The Film is about a Music Video Director and is also shot with all of the bells and whistles.

It sure helps to distract from how generic the Plot, Setting and Killer are.

A masked killer who taunts Police with voice recordings- how innovative.

All of the Camera Tricks- Zooms, Tilts and Crane Shots- can only do so much.

The Film sure did appear to be cursed too, as the delay meant that Pleasence couldn't finish it.  He wasn't alone, as another Actor- Rossano Brazzi (of Final Justice fame)- died in 1994 during the pause!

Throw in the fact that the 'Inspector' (from The Beyond) died in 1997 and, well, yikes!

Is the Film notable outside of its weird historical notoriety?  Not so much.

I don't regret watching this insane and silly Film, even if it did drag quite a bit to get to 2 hours.  

Was this a better send-off for Pleasence than just dying immediately off-screen in Halloween 6?

You decide!

Next up, another Film that I only own digitally (and 100% legally).  Is this infamous 1960s Sci-Fi Film as dumb as promised?  Stay tuned...

Riffed Trax: Ironheart (1992)

 What does it say about me that I've watched a Film called Ironheart, but haven't gotten around to watching the rest of the Show?

Nothing.
At all.

This is Ironheart, a 1992 Action Film.  I got this via Rifftrax, as I love Kung-Fu Films and Rifftrax.  It is like peanut butter and chocolate!

The Plot involves a Cop traveling a long distance to solve the murder of his former Partner.  Will his expertise in Martial Arts play a part?
This is a product of a time where Martial Arts Films were big and, well, anyone that could do them got a shot.

In this case, it is Britton K. Lee, who has a total of 2 Credits (this is his last) and NO picture on IMDB.
Not even a random head shot of him or a still from this Movie.

That's how little people care, eh?

Is this Film a bit of enjoyable silliness?  To find out, read on....

In the Opening Scene, a woman leaves a Club with a well-dressed man.  It turns out that he's a bad guy and he takes her to the Docks.

A guy follows them, but then gets beat up and killed by thugs, including Bolo Yeung (aka the guy on the Cover).

Wait- if he's a Henchman, is he the Lead?

Nope- it is Britton.
He's a Cop in San Francisco who just happens to be the former partner of the guy killed at the Docks.

He's told about the death and travels all of the way to Portland to work the case.

Yes, Portland.

Did this inspire that Family Guy cutaway?

I should mention that this is also the final Film by Enter the Dragon (and Gymkata) Director Robert Clouse (who lived in Oregon btw).

The actual bad guy is Richard Norton, who actually goes the whole Film (SPOILER Alert) without doing any fighting.  At all.

Weird.

Anyhow, he's trafficking in girls, drugs and guns- the usual.

As for our Cover Star, he pops up every once in a while.

He mostly beats up misbehaving thugs (like those that fail) and stand in the background.

Our Hero befriends the sort-of friend of the missing girl.  She actually insults said girl by saying that she was 'taking the easy way' to fame by 'dancing at clubs.'

Some friend...but we do need someone to do the dialog that doesn't sound like a nervous kid in their first play.

It obviously leads to a big showdown!

Our Hero takes out the henchman (on what is supposedly their ship), easily kills Norton (see earlier comment) and has a pretty nothing fight with Yeung.

The day is saved...but there is no Sequel.

A Film that is very by-the-numbers and much more banal than you might think.

The Rifftrax Crew has fun with the fact that this Film is chock full of Driving and Parking Scenes.  It is way more than any Film that ISN'T about people in a Parking Lot should have.

Lee, as mentioned once, has so little charisma (at least when Acting in English) that it is almost becomes negative charisma.
I think he was honestly trying, but also failing.

Look- if I was trying to act for the 2nd time AND it was in Korean, I'd be pretty crap too.  Fair is fair.

As I've not seen this unriffed, I can't recommend that version per se.  The Rifftrax one- absolutely!

There's a strange charm to this one, as the Music if fun, but dated and the Setting is different.
Who thought 'Make this Kung Fu Action Film into a Travelogue for Portland, Oregon?!?'

This was just a bonus Review.  

My look at an obscure Italian Film with a famous Actor's last role is still upcoming- don't worry.

Streaming Standard: Predator- Killer of Killers (2025)

 Were you Prey-ing for more?

As an amuse-bouche for the new Predator: Badlands, here's an Animated Anthology Tale.

This is Predator: Killer of Killers...

I watched it after July 25th, but no SPOILERS.

The Film is a Trilogy of Stories introducing Characters, followed by a Fourth One paying it all off.

In the first Tale, we follow a Viking Queen and her tribe seeking revenge for her Father.

They, of course, are attacked by a big-ass Predator.

It is going to get (green) bloody!

In the 2nd Tale, a pair of Samurai Brothers come to blows when they are Adults.

Naturally, a sneaky-ass Predator shows up.

Which one will survive?

In the 3rd Tale, a young Hispanic guy wants to be a WWII Pilot, but is not allowed to.

When a Predator with a big jet attacks, he does his best to save his would-be comrades!

In the final Story, the Survivors are put up against each other to be declared the titular Killer of Killers.

They will then have to face the most Scott Steiner in bone armor-looking Predator you've ever seen!

What will happen?

To find out, stream it now.

Bloody good and fun animation.

A Predator Cartoon is a great idea and one that people thought we nearly got in the 90s (it was actually just an Animated Ad for Predator vs. Alien Toys).

I will say that this is a pretty different kind of Animation.  You may or may not like it.  That's fair.
I personally liked it and thought it worked well for the stylish violence on display.

Vikings vs. Predator
Samurai vs. Predator
A Ninja vs. A Predator

Do I really need to sell you on this?!?

If you're a new or old fan of the Predator Franchise, give this one a shot.  It may not be your favorite thing ever, but it has a Ninja Predator, so...

A Film that may not sell everyone due to the Animation style and format.  For me, it was a fun tease of what we might get soon.

Immediate Response: The Fantastic Four- First Steps (2025)

 Let's return to the 1960s (on Earth 828)!

Will this one be, well, Fantastic?

The Good

* The Film looks great!  It has a retro-futuristic look to it, bright visuals and lovely space footage.
* The Cast truly unites as a 'family' in this one, which is how this has to work.
Human Torch even gets to be smart to boot!

* This version of Silver Surfer looks great, shining and reflecting just the right way.

* Plotwise, this one works, presenting 'real' people in fantastic...al situations.

* Galactus on the big Screen.  Yes, please!

* Great Music yet again.  Thank you, Mr. Giacchino

* Bonus points for HERBIE.  We all owe you an apology.

The Bad

* If the look of the Film isn't your thing, there's pretty much no escape from it.
* I honestly wanted more of the beginning segment, which will hopefully be restored in a later Cut (although Marvel has been sparse with them lately.

#JusticeForRedGhost

* Another tease for Avengers: Doomsday.  Damn this delay!

No major complaints- honest!

This one is great and I can't wait to see more of this group.

Current or lapse Marvel Fan?  Go see it.  Fan of Superheroes in general? Go see it!

Streaming Standard: Scream VI (2023)

 A Film that I finally remembered to watch...since it was leaving Netflix on July 24th.
I got there in time!

I know one Reader will be happy to see me finally give my take on...

Sam and Tara are back as a Year has passed since the last Film.

The latter moved to NYC for College and the former followed her.

She has trust issues...that are well warranted!

A new Ghostface is after them.

Is it related to the last killers?

Well, the Film has fun with a twist or two early on...which I won't SPOIL.

The new Ghostface is quite assertive, actively chasing and attacking them in Public.

You'll never safe in a Bodega again.

Old friends and new Characters- including Hayden Panetierre from Scream IV- try to work together to solve the case.

Which one(s) will be dead meat?

Hmm...I don't like her chances.

The finale takes them to a Scream/Stab Museum built into a Movie Theater.

Quick pitch- Horror Film set in the Tampa Theater!

Can they figure out who they can trust and who they can't?

Personally, I'd be wary of that guy behind you.

Never mind that the guy on your left is Prometheus from Arrow!

To find out, stream it now.... just not on Netflix (unless of course it is back on at the time you read this).

Can we all agree that Streaming is confusing to follow?

A Film that wisely mixes things up, even if it still doesn't want to take too many risks.

For starters, it works as a continuation of the last Film and its focus on the Sisters.  That's certainly not going to backfire in the long run, right?  Right?!?

It also still relies a certain bit on nostalgia, bringing Gail back and mentioning Dewie.  Sydney wanted- I assume- more than scale for a Cameo, so she's definitely interested in helping (but not really).

The kills are still brutal.  This is what you come to these for, right?

I will also say that the Bodega Scene was built up heavily to me online and doesn't really show much.  How was that too extreme?

In summary, I thought that this was an enjoyable Sequel and I'm curious what the actual plans for the Sisters was going to be in Scream 7.  I guess, in the end, it doesn't matter if we were Ready or Not...

The last one was also just 'Scream.'  Shouldn't this be 'Scream 2?'

A Film that amps things up and plays with the conventions nicely.  That said, it is still another Scream Film- for better or worse.

Tubi Thursday: Rabid (1977)

 Another Cronenberg Film I can check off of the list.

This one feels like a Remake of sorts of Shivers...but bigger and better.

A young woman- Marilyn Chambers- not Burns!- and her boyfriend are injured in a motorcycle crash.

The Doctors- specifically Keloid get experimental with her procedure.

It involves putting her under sedation for a month, which, I can't imagine is good for you.

She experiences a strange side effect.

She has a craving for blood!

The lady attacks another Patient, who then gets amnesia about the event...which is mighty convenient.

Ah, there's the Body Horror I was looking for.

Given that this is 1977 Cronenberg, you only get a taste though.

Do I need to blur this?

She finds her cravings to be hard to resist.

To be fair, she also doesn't try that hard.

She escapes the Hospital- after turning Keloid- and infects people along the way, including a Truck Driver and this poor lady.

See the Shivers comparisons yet?

Marilyn continues to suffer, but also continues to infect.

She's the Typhoid Mary here, as, while she feels pain, the effect on others is far worse.

Dr. Keloid bit off some fingers, but while two Construction Workers use a jackhammer to break through a car door for some blood.

Marilyn's lady friend lets her stay and soon runs afoul of an infected on the Subway.
See the next Review for yet another Subway Scene.

As the WHO calls this a Pandemic, makes people get Rabies-like shots and carry Vaccine Cards (pretty sneaky, David!), Marilyn finally realizes how far she's fallen.

Her boyfriend- not infected- sees her in mid-kill of her friend.

As things aren't getting better- even though it is Christmastime!- she makes a sad, desperate move.

She infects a guy and says that she will prove that she's not the Typhoid Mary.

It ends...poorly.
The End.

Wow, this one is rough...but also quite good.

I thought that Shivers had potential.  It just didn't quite go anywhere, especially limited by its locked off location.

In many ways, this is the Dawn of the Dead to that Film's Night of the Living Dead.

For better or worse, this is the big-time update of that Film.
That and having Chambers here is a big upgrade.

This one has her loose in Montreal and she targets lots of people.

Does she somehow not realize what she's doing?  Weird, no.

If you let the Film build up and deliver, it is a good one.  You get a clear example of the freaky stuff that Cronenberg (and his kin now) were going to share with the World.

Plus, it is a Film in pristine(ish) HD with Marilyn Chambers, so...what was I just talking about?

A freaky Film that takes a bit of time to get going.  Once it gets going, you get some freaky Cronenberg stuff!