The Color Out of Space (2019) – Richard Stanley

Last week I watched a 2010 German adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s famouns short story, this week, I take a look at the 2019 version starring Nicolas Cage. Directed by Richard Stanley, who delivered the infamous The Island of Dr. Moreau with Brando and Kilmer, this version differs from the German version, but its essence is…

The X-Files (2000) – Closure, and X-Cops

This episode tells us, in its opening credits to “believe to understand” instead of the usual “the truth is out there” as we dive into the conclusion of a two-parter which finally gives some resolution to Mulder (David Duchovny) in regards to his sister’s abduction. Written by series creator Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, this…

The X-Files (2000) – Signs & Wonders, and Sein und Zeit

Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) head to Tenessee to investigate a strange death (countless snake bites though none were found at the scene) in Signs & Wonders. Written by Jeffrey Bell, this episode first debuted on 23 January, 2000. As the story plays out, it almost feels like a companion piece to the…

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) – Alfonso Cuaron

Despite the box office success of the previous two Harry Potter films, the franchise really comes into its own with a change of directors, the masteful Alfonso Cuaron settles into the chair taking over from Chris Columbus who moved into a producer’s role for this entry. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint return for…

Enemy Mine (1985) – Wolfgang Petersen

Enemy Mine, from director Wolfgang Petersen and starring Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr., looks like a 50s era sci-fi film (particularly the model work and space suits) but it’s message of prejudice, hate, and race war, is as relevant today (and arguably more so) than it was when it was made. Feeling like a…

M*A*S*H (1977) – Fallen Idol, Last Laugh, and War of Nerves

Alan Alda writes and directs a pair of episodes this week, with the first being Fallen Idol. Having an original airdate of 27 September, 1977, the story focuses on the friendship between Radar (Gary Burghoff) and Hawkeye (Alda). And although it’s been hinted at that Radar has in fact had some intimate moments with nurses…

The Color Out of Space (2010) – Huan Vu

H.P. Lovecraft, despite his racist tendencies that pop up in his writings, was a master of unnerving cosmic horror, and in 2010, Huan Vu adapted the classic novella, The Color Out of Space into a moody and ominous thriller. A German made film whose only problem lays in some of its special effects, but more…

The X-Files (2000) – Orison, and The Amazing Maleeni

The possibly demonic, and definitely evil, Donnie Pfaster (Nick Chinlund), last seen in Irresistible, returns in Orison. Written by Chip Johannessen who had served as showrunner for Millennium’s final season, this episode debuted on 9 January, 2000. Pfaster, serving life in prison, somehow seems to magically walk out of a maximum security instituion, and Mulder…