Not only did
‘Inbred Redneck Alien Abduction’ meet my admittedly low expectations, it
managed to exceed them. Yeah, the humor is pretty juvenile, and some of
the jokes just fall flat, but overall this was a surprisingly
entertaining flick. A creatively designed though obviously fake alien
spacecraft interrupts an Arkansas couple getting busy in a car,
absconding with Sally MacNally and leaving her boyfriend with a blow-up
doll in her place. A secret division of the FBI sends agents Ikan
Kikyerass (Michelle Eller) and Seth Cooper (Chad Bockholdt) to
investigate. Almost as scary as the space aliens is the Zeeka family, a
bunch of gas huffing, animal and watermelon screwing hillbillies who are
the only witnesses to the abduction. Things become further complicated
when Ikan Kikyerass is spitten with Larry-Bob Zeeka (director Voss)
despite his poor hygiene and passion for fruit and livestock. Much
silliness ensues as the Feds team up with the Zeeka family to take on
the evil aliens.
The acting is way above average for a no-budget
flick like this, and while the special effects are blatantly fake,
they’re also visually appealing. A lot of work clearly went into the
production design of the movie, with the aliens reminding me of the
Klowns in ‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’ with their cartoony looking
oversized noggins. There’s some bloodless comedic violence, some
nudity, and lots of low brow humor. The story isn’t great, but it at
least holds together. Unlike a lot of no-budget shot on video
productions, if this one had been shot on film and there were still
drive-ins and grindhouses in operation, I could see it doing well. Voss
is definitely one of the more promising of today’s new breed of schlock
filmmaker, and I hope he keeps at it. ‘Inbred Redneck Alien Abduction’
doesn’t quite achieve true cult classic status in my book, but it’s
close. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two movies down the line Voss
makes something really impressive. In the meantime, for those of you
who just want a fun trashy flick to kill an hour and a half, this is
more than up to the task. (Bob Ignizio)
This
one could be easy to overlook, since it didn't get much of a theatrical
release, but I hope some Utter Trash readers will give it a shot because
it's really a great movie. The basic concept is that this is a documentary
within a documentary. Famous director Werner Herzog ('Aguirre the Wrath of
God', 'Fitzcaraldo', 'Invincible', etc.) has been hired by Hollywood
producer/screenwriter Zach Penn (who wrote 'X-2: X Men United' among other
things) to film a documentary about the Loch Ness monster. In typical Herzog
fashion, Werner isn't so much interested in the monster as why people seem
to need to believe in such a creature. At the same time, another crew of
filmmakers is making a documentary on Herzog's career, and follow Herzog to
Scotland as he begins shooting his documentary.
In Scotland, Herzog and his film crew join up with a ship's captain, a
cryptozoologist, and a Playboy playmate/sonar specialist. The playmate is
just one of the "helpful" tweaks to reality producer Penn has thrown into
the mix, in order to insure an exciting movie. He also has plans to recreate
some of the famous sightings of Nessie with special effects. Herzog is not
happy with this at all, but rather than put all these people out of work he
agrees to go ahead with the filming. While shooting some footage out on the
Loch, however, things get really interesting when the crew sights and gets
footage of what may be the Loch Ness monster. Or is it just a special effect
supplied by the producer? Is any of this film true, and if so how much and
which parts?
You won't find the answers in the film itself, although I think you will
have a very enjoyable viewing experience nonetheless. There's drama, insight
into the artistic process, humor, terror, and plenty of surprises. To find
out what really happened, flip the DVD over and look for the hidden "nessie"
icons, which contain a Behind the Scenes featurette that tells all and other
easter eggs. This really is one of the best films of 2004 in my opinion, and
although it offers a lot to think about it's quite accessible and not
pretentious at all. About the only film I've seen that works on as many
levels and in a similar way is Orson Welles' documentary 'F is for Fake'. Go
rent this right away. (Bob Ignizio)
This
movie is currently the subject of much critical praise and much
controversy. I didn’t take either into account when I went to see it, I
just trusted Clint to deliver a good movie as he usually does. When the
credits rolled, I found myself firmly in the camp of ‘Million Dollar
Baby’ supporters. Like nearly every movie Eastwood has directed since
1975, this is a dark, serious movie about complex issues of morality.
The fact that some people were “shocked” to find out it wasn’t just a
feel-good ‘Rocky’ rip-off boggles my mind. But enough about the
controversy, let’s talk about the movie on its own terms, at least as
much as I can without revealing any spoilers.
Clint Eastwood plays Frankie, formerly a “cut man”,
who now runs a gym where he trains and manages boxers. Morgan Freeman
is “Patch”, an ex boxer blind in one eye who sweeps up the place and
also lives there. A young woman named --- (Hilary Swank) wants Eastwood
to train and manage her, but he refuses at first. Of course, Eastwood
eventually gives in and it seems like we’re in for an above average but
typical boxing movie. But as I said in the first paragraph, if you know
Eastwood’s choices as a director you shouldn’t be surprised when the
movie takes a sudden turn into much more serious territory.
Not everything in the movie works, and what
problems there are lie mainly with the script. However, Eastwood’s
direction is strong as always and the performances are completely
believable. That’s why I disagree so strongly with the film’s
detractors. Given the characters we are presented with, I think they
behave as they would under the circumstances. You may not like the
moral choices that are ultimately made, but then again I don’t think the
movie is asking you to. It’s just showing you what happens to these
particular characters, and asking you to ponder the issues that raises.
I think some people are so used to movies that tell them how to feel
that they don’t know how to react to one that asks viewers to work it
out their own. My apologies for being vague, but I really think that if
you are going to see this film, you should see it without knowing what
is going to happen. I will say that it is a sad movie, and a
potentially disturbing one for some viewers. I also think it’s the best
movie of 2004. (Bob Ignizio)
Directed by Takashi Miike, Fruit Chan, and Park
Chan-Wook
Movie
of choice tonight was 'three extremes' - compiliation of 3 short films
(bout 40 minutes each) - representing japan, hong kong and korea. Might
as well mention if you cant stand disturbing/horror movies, or cant
stand reading subtitles, you might as well skip the review.
'Box' (Japan) was first up, directed by Takeshi
Miike who I’ve seen quite a few movies by already. His other movies are
all over the place - from Japanese mafia flicks, brutal horror, and a
lot of comedy mixed in. Mostly the only common elements are their
bizarreness and lots of blood. 'Box' is actually a lot different -
possibly the closest to a straight-up horror film I’ve seen him do, yet
almost completely free of violence/gore. Very slow moving, and
creepy/atmospheric - can't even really begin to discuss the plot w/o
spoiling the whole movie, but I think creepy sums it up best. I've liked
other movies by Miike better (especially ‘Visitor Q’ and ‘Ichi The
Killer’); but this is still damn good if not his typical style.
Fruit Chan’s 'Dumplings' (Hong Kong) was up next.
Basic plot is about a woman who has discovered a recipe for dumplings
that reverses the aging process....only catch is the secret ingredient
is aborted fetuses. It’s really not as gory/insane as you'd expect from
that description, once again more slow-moving and thoughtful overall. Ok
movie, more of a commentary on old age and abortion - and some of the
significance probably went over my head, not being familiar enough with
the culture. Couple very gory scenes I won't ruin by giving them away
"Cut" (Korea) rounded out the 3 shorts, and was the
best of the bunch. Most action/gore, and still probably the most
well-made movie of the three. A movie director is kidnapped in his home
by an extra/failed actor, who then proceeds to torture him and his wife.
It’s a really disturbing segment that works on a lot of levels. Good
suspense, some very insane moments, great visual styles, and some parts
that are hilarious - the few funny parts can really catch you by
surprise. First time I’ve seen anything by this director (Park Chan-Wook)
and I’ll definitely check out more of his stuff. His 2003 movie 'Oldboy'
is getting an American remake next year.
Well if you actually read all that, I’d recommend
checking this out – even if you're not familiar with Asian
horror/extreme stuff, this is a pretty good introduction. If you want
to track this down, it’s available on VCD (which plays on most DVD
players) or a Region 3 import DVD (which you’ll need a multi-region DVD
player to play). Shouldn’t be too hard to track down online. (Russ
Romance)
Not only did
‘Inbred Redneck Alien Abduction’ meet my admittedly low expectations, it
managed to exceed them. Yeah, the humor is pretty juvenile, and some of
the jokes just fall flat, but overall this was a surprisingly
entertaining flick. A creatively designed though obviously fake alien
spacecraft interrupts an Arkansas couple getting busy in a car,
absconding with Sally MacNally and leaving her boyfriend with a blow-up
doll in her place. A secret division of the FBI sends agents Ikan
Kikyerass (Michelle Eller) and Seth Cooper (Chad Bockholdt) to
investigate. Almost as scary as the space aliens is the Zeeka family, a
bunch of gas huffing, animal and watermelon screwing hillbillies who are
the only witnesses to the abduction. Things become further complicated
when Ikan Kikyerass is spitten with Larry-Bob Zeeka (director Voss)
despite his poor hygiene and passion for fruit and livestock. Much
silliness ensues as the Feds team up with the Zeeka family to take on
the evil aliens. 
This
one could be easy to overlook, since it didn't get much of a theatrical
release, but I hope some Utter Trash readers will give it a shot because
it's really a great movie. The basic concept is that this is a documentary
within a documentary. Famous director Werner Herzog ('Aguirre the Wrath of
God', 'Fitzcaraldo', 'Invincible', etc.) has been hired by Hollywood
producer/screenwriter Zach Penn (who wrote 'X-2: X Men United' among other
things) to film a documentary about the Loch Ness monster. In typical Herzog
fashion, Werner isn't so much interested in the monster as why people seem
to need to believe in such a creature. At the same time, another crew of
filmmakers is making a documentary on Herzog's career, and follow Herzog to
Scotland as he begins shooting his documentary. 
This
movie is currently the subject of much critical praise and much
controversy. I didn’t take either into account when I went to see it, I
just trusted Clint to deliver a good movie as he usually does. When the
credits rolled, I found myself firmly in the camp of ‘Million Dollar
Baby’ supporters. Like nearly every movie Eastwood has directed since
1975, this is a dark, serious movie about complex issues of morality.
The fact that some people were “shocked” to find out it wasn’t just a
feel-good ‘Rocky’ rip-off boggles my mind. But enough about the
controversy, let’s talk about the movie on its own terms, at least as
much as I can without revealing any spoilers. 
Movie
of choice tonight was 'three extremes' - compiliation of 3 short films
(bout 40 minutes each) - representing japan, hong kong and korea. Might
as well mention if you cant stand disturbing/horror movies, or cant
stand reading subtitles, you might as well skip the review. 