Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

This original science fiction/horror "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" from 1956 is in black and white. Directed by Don Siegel, and stars Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter and Larry Gates. It was based on a novel called The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney. 

A young doctor returns home from a medical conference, to find out some people are behaving strangely and thinking their relatives are someone else. When he's called to a friend's house to discover a body that is the exact likeness of someone he knows, things get weirder. Weird trucks carrying large green pods are being delivered and people are becoming emotionless. 

This is a truly scary film, about paranoia and being alone in a world with aliens. The actors experienced a horrific process of being made to sit inside liquid with only breathing straws in their mouths. The main character played by Kevin McCarthy lacked sleep during filming and had to do so much running that the crew were on standby in case he passed out from exhaustion. Later he would appear as another character in the 1979 remake. The tunnel where the doctor and his girlfriend hide from the crowds of alien people is the famous Bat Cave in Griffith Park.  

A spectacular film with my rating 10/10.

Blood Strawberry 

Jabberwock (2011)

The film "Jabberwock" is a 2011 fantasy made for television. Directed by Steven R. Monroe and stars Tahmoh Penikett, Hugh Ross and Raffaello Degruttola. 

A young squire discovers a strange egg and a dragon appears. He stumbles upon a village and is not believed. However, a warrior has returned home just before then and decides to help kill the dragon. The monster shows itself and causes a lot of damage, then kidnaps a young woman. Meanwhile, a blacksmith has been working on a very tough suit of armour and needs to finish it before the dragon destroys everyone.

The film is set in Medieval times although the term "Jabberwock," which is the name for the dragon in this film, was created in the 19th century by author Lewis Carroll. Some of the tools used by the blacksmith wasn't invented until the 18th century, such as the galvanised wrought iron. Also a character used the word "sadistic" but this word was invented hundreds of years later by author Marquis de Sade. 

I give this fun film a chance of 6/10.

Blood Strawberry  

The Mandalorian

"The Mandalorian" is a 2019+ sci-fi/fantasy TV series created by Jon Favreau and the main star is Pedro Pascal. It's a spin-off to the Star Wars films but this series is set a few years after "Return of the Jedi". So far there's been two seasons and the third hasn't been released yet.

The main character is the Mandalorian, a bounty hunter that experiences many dangerous and awesome adventures to protect a child with special powers. This small child is innocent but he's a highly wanted asset to many powerful and sinister people. There are many different aliens, people and worlds for the Mandalorian to visit in order to keep the Child safe. At the same time, the Mandalorian has to fulfil his duties. He encounters monsters, friends and enemies all.

A fantastic series with brilliant special effects, acting and storylines. The Galactic Empire has gone but there's still a threat even the viewer can pick up on. It's set in the far distant edges of the galaxy away from the New Republic. While making this series, a large number of storm troopers was needed so a lot of fans volunteered. The idea of the Mandalorian character is loosely based on the character "The Man With No Name" portrayed by Clint Eastwood from the Spaghetti Western films. 

I rate this series an epic 10/10.

Blood Strawberry    

 

Creature with the Atom Brain

"Creature with the Atom Brain" is a 1955 sci-fi horror, directed by Edward L. Chan. The stars include Richard Denning, Angela Stevens and Michael Granger. 

Two mad scientists have found a way to create zombies with nuclear materials, and using them to commit murders. A lot of engineering and advanced technology went into their experiment, but they have gruesome intentions. The police are suspicious about the nature of the murders and the fact radiation has been left behind. The killers have super human strength too, and it was rumoured there's dead men walking the streets!

This film used fireworks as a gunshot sound effect. It was the first film to do that. Also the making of the film was rushed and had very few breaks, It was the director's way of keeping cost low while making this film quickly. There's some cool action sequences and amusing dialogue even though it's not a comedy. The scene with the "army" of zombies was the highlight of the film. It must also be worth pointing out there's a number of mistakes and plot holes in this one. Overall, it was quite an entertaining B movie!

A no-brainer rating of 3/10.

Blood Strawberry