@synth_cinema: June 2016

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Review Roundup - Cabin Fever

THE HATEFUL EIGHT (2015)

At this point a lot of things can probably go unsaid here, Quentin is back and he's brought plenty of familiar faces along with him. Along with Tim Roth and Michael Madsen, more than half the cast are returning actors in what is a pretty gnarly ensemble of crooks and nefarious characters. But even this is obvious from the title, this isn't going to be a cosy fireside get together. Ennio Morricone also makes a comeback on the score, despite words to the effect that he'd never do so again after being displeased with how his original work on Django Unchained was implemented. Being mixed into to this already potent blend are of course several other ingredients that have come to be expected, and the amounts of violence, depravity and strong language are all correct and present here. But what's new, what is all this talk about 70mm widescreen, and does all the Tarantino dialogue still have it's sharpness? Fortunately this is a mystery plot so there's plenty to discover.


Horror Bites - Red and Black


There's probably little left to be said about horror pictures from John Carpenter and Brian De Palma, but I took some time to catch up on those hit and miss ventures they both took a hand in - Stephen King adaptations. His ideas are often wacky and the execution can leave a lot to be desired but fortunately there are plenty of strengths to discuss in this case, as we take a look at the crimson stained adventures of evil cars and misunderstood teens in Christine and Carrie