Shudder Day: Exit 8 (2025/6)

Liminal Horror.
Do you need to Google what that means?

When you're done, check out the one that is NOT Backrooms.

This, instead, is...

An unnamed man rides the Tokyo Subway, ignoring bad behavior by those along the way.

He goes to meet his Girlfriend at the Hospital and just needs to take Exit 8.

A simple task.

One long hallway.
A Corner.
Exit...1?

As he soon figures out, he's stuck in a Loop known as Exit 8.

He has to go back if there are anomalies (like a sign changed) or keep going if things are normal.

Easier said than done though.

Things get creepier as time goes on.

The Film also sometimes switches focus to the other people we sometimes see like The Walking Man.

As things get worse and quite strange, can the Unknown Man learn more about himself and why he ended up in this place.

With a kid in peril, can he rise to the occasion?

Can he regain his future?

To find out, stream it now.

A Film that has a thin premise and tries to make the most of it.

If you don't know and didn't Google it first, Liminal Horror is about people being trapped in spaces with no end, usually in the form of a loop.

This one is shiny and not yellow, which is a plus.

The early parts of the Film are going to be what hopefully hook you.  As things go on, the sense of familiarity works with and against the Film.

There are occasional glimpses of other locations- for reasons I won't SPOIL- so they clearly knew that this was a potential issue.

If you stick with the middle parts, the Ending will definitely hook you and feel satisfying.
Just be on the lookout for moments that make you react like this...

A Film with a great premise that is, admittedly, difficult to adapt into a Film.  I think that it mostly succeeds and will live on in my memory for a while.

'90s Fun?: Ninja Scroll (1993)

 A Film that I remember being crazy and bloody when I was younger.
As an older man, am I a fan of this still?

This is Ninja Scroll, the 1993 Anime Film that inspired many, many people.

The Plot involves a crazy conspiracy involving multiple ninjas and some gold.  Meanwhile, a stoic jerk named Jubei is dragged into things.

As luck would have it, the whole thing ties into a person from his past and he's a badass Samurai.

Can he work with a lady Ninja and a creepy Master to save the day?
Does this one hold up?

To find out, read on...

A mysterious man- Jubei- is attacked by two strangers on a bridge.

He takes them both out, but the 2nd man was apparently in a wooden body suit.

The tiny man's attempt to shoot Jubei fails and we never see the tiny man again.

A bunch of ninjas are sent into the Woods to look for bad guys, only to be killed by two powerful Ninja.

The main one is a giant, rock man with Thanos' double blade from Endgame and chops up so many people that it rains blood.

He kills the lead guy and captures the lead lady.

He does bad stuff to her (which is plot relevant TBF) before Jubei shows up to help her escape.

I don't think that I need to blur this, right?

Jubei doesn't agree to help her and they go their separate ways.

The stone guy attacks Jubei this time and Jubei kills him as he's affected by a strange malady.

He chops off the guy's fingers and his own blade hoists him Friday the 13th: Part IV style.

She poisoned him earlier when he, well, you know.

Jubei is greeted by Cliche Creepy Old Master Guy, but still refuses the Call to Action.

He's attacked at an Onsen by a lady who can animate her tattoos.
This (and the stone guy) clearly inspired Elektra.

The key thing is that he's poisoned by the lady and must work with the Master.

He joins forces with the Ninja who knows that something big is going to happen.

Jubei hears the name 'Gemma' and flashes back to when he killed the guy for being a corrupt a-hole.

On the way to where a bunch of gold is coming in, they keep getting attacked by different Ninjas with different powers.

That's Act 2 for you, complete with a blind swordsman (not Zatoichi), a shadow guy and this guy who is apparently a Human Wasp's Nest!

Please don't think about this too hard.

The trio prepare a plan to stop the theft of the gold, but it falls apart when the bad guy appears in disguise.

It's Gemma!
He's...just the guy from Fist of the North Star then?

The Ninja lady dies- ending her Arc of nearly dying to save Jubei multiple times- and the Master takes out the last remaining henchman.

Jubei fights Gemma and learns that he has the power of immortality!
He'll just keep coming back.

So, Jubei just cuts him and lets the melting gold on the ship coat him until he sinks to the bottom.
Off to the Sequel (which is incomplete).

The End.

It's a bloody good love letter to the best (and worst) of 1990s Anime and Animation in general.

This Movie still looks pretty amazing, even on a DVD from 1998.  Every frame was made specially (or so they say) so there is no repeat animation or filler.

The Film is very dynamic and it is easy to see why the Action inspired people like The Wachowskis (to the point where this Director worked on The Animatrix).

Plot is somewhat of a different Story as it is a pretty loose collection of melodrama, action and convenience.  It's not terrible, but most Reviews talk/talked about the Action and Style.

It is absolutely not for everyone with all of the blood, severed limbs and all of what happens to the lead Ninja lady.

Ultimately, older me can appreciate all of the work and style put into the insanity.  That said, the main Villain is kind of...odd.

Next time, I jump to my Digital Library to talk about an OOP TV Movie.  It has everyone's favorite Monsters, but also nobody ever seems to remember it except for me.  Stay tuned...

Tubi Thursday: Godzilla vs Space Godzilla (1994)

 After a disappointing (but not terrible) Film last week, I wanted someone more reliable.

As such, let's jump back one Film from my last Godzilla Review and see how he battles a threat...from SPACE...Space...space...

This is Godzilla.

He's living on an Island, but G-Force wants to take him down.

A man named Yuki is really wanting him dead, even going so far as to make a 'magic bullet' to stop him!

This is Space Godzilla.

He's a crazy monster formed from Godzilla's cells exposed to radiation in space and combined with space cyrstals.

I have no follow-up questions.

After spending a bit of time setting up Yuki and Godzilla's rivalry (and the other Characters, I guess), the first match-up takes place.

Due to Space Godzilla's high reaction rolls, it injures Big G with his own blasts!

He also takes Little Goczilla (or Jr) away for maximum pathos.

Why it has a tractor beam is never quite explained.

Things are so bad that they bring out MOGERA, a Mech last seen in 1957's The Mysterians to battle it.

If you know the Band that based its name on said Movie, I hope you're enjoying your Medicare Part B Plans.

It all leads up to a prolonged showdown between the two creatures in a crystal-filled Tokyo.

Godzilla needs help, so Yuki and the others use MOGERA (split and together) to help turn the tide and the creature is defeated.

Yuki is (mostly) over his hatred now.
The End.

A pretty enjoyable Godzilla Film all around.

To be fair, some of the digital effects and use of a green/blue screen are...not always great.  Most work fine though.

Watching Space Godzilla fly around like a kite was unintentionally funny too.

I like the design of Space Godzilla.  How did he miss out on a return in Final Wars?
The bad guys were literally Space Aliens, after all!

The Human Plot was pretty interesting as well, with a newer focus on the lady having mental powers like telekinesis and Yuki's whole Arc.  It's not a letdown and it doesn't leave you wanting an immediate return to the Kaiju Action.

My only real critique, I guess, is that the fight between the two title Characters is mostly just blasting and standing still surrounded by crystals.  There must have been a way to make that more dynamic.

I think that maybe Godzilla's suit was getting worn out though, as shown by the tail in many Scenes.

Regardless, I still enjoyed this one a lot and now I need it on the best format ever- Laser MFing Disc!

The semi-finale to the middle run of Godzilla Films still holds up.  We need more of this two-horned Godzilla foe!

Tubi Thursday: Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)

 We're at an interesting point in time for the Godzilla Franchise.

We have a Sequel to Minus One, another MonsterVerse Film and about 70 crossover Comics.

Let's take a trip back to 1995 and see how the Heisei Era ended...

Godzilla is on the rampage and he looks quite different.

It turns out that his heart/nuclear generator is working towards a meltdown!

The Japanese Government knows that this is trouble and seeks out a young Scientist (the brother of the one from Godzilla vs Biollante).

He initially says 'no,' but quickly says 'yes' when he hears who is working there.

Elsewhere, a Scientist has created something called Micro-Oxygen.

It can be a helpful too, but the Widow of Dr. Serizawa (the Creator of the Oxygen Destroyer in the OG Godzilla) is nervous.

Her fears turn out to be somewhat founded as small creatures exposed to remnants of the Oxygen Destroyer and the new Micro-Oxygen form.

They become walking crabs/tanks for a while and wreaking havoc.

The Government is desperate to stop Godzilla, fearing that his meltdown will destroy the World.

From inside of what looks like Gizmonic Institute, they come up with a plan to freeze him and stall for time.

Despite seemingly being dead/missing, Little Godzilla (aka Little) appears and is unharmed.

He's grown to look like his Dad, only much smaller.

He's the key to getting the melting down Godzilla to Tokyo.

Why?

Because the big crabs/tanks have now formed Destoroyah (often called Destroyer).

Can Little and the soon-to-blow Godzilla save Tokyo?

Yes, but at what cost?!?

To find out, stream it now.

A dramatic, powerful and exciting conclusion to the Heisei Era.

It was actually meant to let the Series rest until 2004, but Roland Emmerich's work changed plans.

The Plot works well in isolation, but even better as a Series Finale.  Characters and Actors from the Past return here, from a Psychic to Momoko Koichi returning as Serizawa's Wife from the 1954 Film.

That said, if you don't watch these in order, it is still quite good.  You just lose some subtext and pathos.

Godzilla has a unique look here with his meltdown appearance.  When you see things get worse and his fins actually melt, it is a sight to behold.

Like most of these Films, the usual things come up- miniatures not always looking real, Godzilla disappearing in the middle of the Film and some technical limitations.

Knowing all that, the Film is great.
It only actually ended the Series for about 4 years, but it is still straight fire!

A Film that is full of finality, even behind the Scenes.  If you enjoy these for what they are, this is a real delight!

Tubi Thursday: Shin Ultraman (2022)

 Have things ever lined up so well that you can't ignore them?

I got a bag of Chips with Ultraman on it and a can of Ramune with him on it too.

In that case, let's check out...

Japan is under near constant siege from Kaiju (aka Giant Monsters).

What else is new, right?

Well, hope is on the way.

The Film follows the SSSP (or S-Class Species Suppression Protocol)- a group of Government Agents and Experts that try to deal with the S-Class creatures (aka the Kaiju).

An attack by an electricity-feasting beast is stopped by the arrival of a silver giant (aka Ultraman!).

It shows off some impressive skills, like absorbing dangerous blasts and being able to fire them right back!

It destroys the creature and flies off.

It returns when a second one appears!

The SSSP is still not sure who or what it is.

Regardless, it saves the day...and is actually one of their teammates (sort of- it is complicated).

The Monsters are just the tip of the iceberg.

It turns out that many Aliens are behind the Monsters and present big, humanoid threats to Ultraman.

When one menace is too big and dangerous for even Ultraman, all hope seems lost!

Can he rise to the challenge?
Can the SSSP rise to the occasion?

To find out, stream it now!

A Film that is both fun and very, very quirky.

I'm not that familiar with Ultraman, having not seen the 603 Films that they've made in the last 20 years.  I'm only exaggerating a little bit.

Despite being an Ultraman Film, the Film really does focus on the weird folks at the SSSP.  It also uses all sorts of weird, static camera angles.

It is kind of like if you mixed The Office (or The Thick of It) with an Ultraman Film.

So, you get to follow guys sitting at a Computer and then they cut to a Kaiju.  Why not?

For me, the Film hit the same beats a few too many times and was a bit too long.

I still enjoyed the overall Film and want more Shin content.

Shin Mothra in 2027?  Please!

Now I just need to get some space.  He's a bit of a Helicopter Parent...

A very Japanese Film that focuses on the people in the Kaiju Film.  It is just weird enough to work, but your mileage may vary.

'60s Fun: The Green Slime (1968)

 A Film that sounds like Satire, but is 100% real.

This is The Green Slime, a 1968 Sci-Fi Film from Toei with a cult reputation.  Does it live up to the sort of hype?

The Plot involves a mission to Space, a strange discovery and the only thing worse than having horse flies everywhere- aliens!

Are they silly or scary?

The titular substance is a key to the Plot.
There's also lots of really silly, seriously done melodrama.

A trio of Writers (and Tom Rowe) brought us this Film and they worked on such Films as The Wild, Wild Planet, The War of the Planets and War Between the Planets (which is not the same Film).

Is it just serious enough to work?
To find out, read on...

An Astronaut- played by a guy who really wants to be Roger Moore- is assigned on a life or death mission.

A planetoid is flying towards Earth and he's the man for the job.

He has to dock at and deploy from a Space Station (the 1960s equivalent of the ISS) in Earth Orbit.

As luck would have it, the guy running the Station is a guy he has a predisposed problem with (Richard Jaekel).

Drama!

He goes up with a crew- including Jaekel- to the planetoid and take samples.

Time is running out, but you should stop to pick up some slime samples!

They blow it up- which seems like a minor thing- and fly away.

Back on the Station, they decontaminate...but it doesn't catch the titular slime.

The slime grows into creatures that look a bit like Daleks (out of the armor), the Cyclops from Contamination and maybe even Shuma-Gorath.

They absorb electricity and can zap you to death with a touch!

The Base has to do with an outbreak of the Aliens, as they regenerate from a few drops of titular green liquid.

Time for a lockdown- boot up Zoom!

The Aliens are hard to wrangle, but they do their best.

They can get them to smaller areas of the Station, but it is not easy.

How bad is it?  They are using a Dutch Angle!

The Station is emptied out, save for a small contingent.

Not Roger Moore agrees to stay behind to launch it- now covered on the outside by tiny Aliens.

Jaekel helps out, but dies in the process, ending their beef.

The Station crashes into Earth's atmosphere and then abruptly explodes.

It is a sad, but also heroic ending.

A Film that is just serious enough to work for this kind of thing.

The Writers and Producers treat this whole thing as 100% serious.  That's the key thing.

This Plot has roving tentacle monsters that eat electricity.

This one is way too easy to make silly.
Because they act like this is a serious Film about serious things is why it works.

It is full of melodrama and serious faces.
I can't stay at mad you, silly Film.

How is this not on Svengoolie yet?  I blame licensing rights.  I need to wave my finger at whoever is keeping this off of MeTV.

Speaking of a finger, this one was co-written by Batman's true creator- Bill Finger!

Next up, I have to do a Birthday Review for the first time in a while.  Will this one make me hear voices?  Stay tuned...