HONEST FILM REVIEWS
COMEDY FILMS
FULL MOON HIGH (USA 1981) Directed by Larry Cohen
Often seen as the inspiration or pre-cursor to the more popular Hollywood smash-hit Teen Wolf (1985), Full Moon High is something of a different experience altogether drawing inspiration from the classic I Was A Teenage Werewolf (1957), Airplane! (1980) and the comedy style of Mel Brooks – albeit with a hit and miss attitude to some of the jokes included. Released in 1981, at a time when werewolf movies were hitting a resurgence with the likes of Joe Dante's The Howling and John Landis' An American Werewolf in London, with Dan Attias' Silver Bullet following a few years later. Mind you, these films were presented in a more serious tone, full of violence, horror and adult content. Full Moon High, on the other hand, was not. The film tells the tale of a popular high school football player (Tony) who, after a trip to Romania with his father, finds he has been hit with the curse of the werewolf. After nipping a few people on the ass around town and killing his father, Tony leaves town to travel and returns 20 years later – looking exactly the same as he did when he left. Pretending to be Tony's son, he tries to blend back in, returning to Full Moon High in an attempt to win the football game he lost 20 years earlier while trying to hide his secret at the same time. But some of his old aged friends are on to him!
Directed by the late-great Larry Cohen, the same man behind It's Alive (1974), See China and Die (1981), Q: The Winged Serpent (1982), The Stuff (1985), and The Ambulance (1990), Full Moon High was supposedly his first real comedy film which is noticeable as he throws everything but the kitchen sink at us – some jokes proving to be genuinely hilarious, while others sink faster that werewolf's teeth through hot flesh. At times, it's completely silly, even amateurish if I'm to be honest, with some performances coming across as stilted and unconvincing as if Cohen himself had just pulled someone off the street to deliver a line. I should know, I've directed seven indie features myself and did just that! But we also have to remember the time period in which this was made. It was very different audience to today's (especially the American audience), not to mention that it was laced with so much social commentary and jabs by Cohen to societies views on sexuality, politics and values which probably sat better with them then, than they do today.
While watching Full Moon High, I couldn't stop thinking of the film Grease (1978); another American 'High School' movie were every teenage student looked like they were 30-something. Of course, this is something we still see today with most Hollywood produced films and TV shows. Leading the way is Adam Arkin as teenage werewolf footballer Tony Walker, who was about 24 or 25 at the time of production. While many cite this as his first role – which may have helped explain why he was a little rough around the edges during his performance – this was not the case, as Adam had been acting since the late 60s in many TV shows and smaller movies. So his first leading man role maybe, but also a very odd choice in my eyes. While he has went onto have a hugely successful career today, much like his father, I found nothing appealing about his performance here in Full Moon High with Adam appearing in most of his scenes with very little energy or like a lost puppy (no pun intended). He is, however, joined in Full Moon High by his dad, Alan Arkin, who plays a crazed psychiatrist that proves to be one of the funnier character's of the lot. Now passed, this prolific actor was one of the bigger names in the picture overall. Starring alongside them is Roz Kelly as insane love-interest Jane, Ed McMahon as his dad, Bill Kirchenbauer as his best friend Flynn, and the wonderful and very prolific Kenneth Mars – co-star of Mel Brook's hilarious and original film The Producers (1967), Young Frankenstein (1974) and What's Up Doc? (1972) – who appears as the flamboyant and closeted sports coach and headmaster of the school.
Recently restored and released on Blu-ray by Eureka Video, Full Moon High comes with a a great limited edition booklet featuring new writings by film historian Craig Ian Mann. On the disc we also get two audio commentaries – the first of which is an archival one with director Larry Cohen which makes for a fun listen as he delivers some informative and exciting antidotes. The second, a new one from King Cohen (2017) documentary director Steve Mitchell, I have yet to check out at the time of writing. Growing Pains is an 18 minute video essay by werewolf expert and author Kaja Franck that makes for an interesting watch, while a second featurette called Today's Teenage Werewolf is a new interview with author Michael Doyle – writer of the book, Larry Cohen: The Stuff of Gods and Monsters – who gives a very insightful and in-depth piece to cam on Full Moon High and Larry himself. And finally, we get treated to the original theatrical trailer that shows just how much Full Moon High was really a product of it's time. As wild and off-the-cuff as it may seem at times, I would be lying if I said I didn't like Full Moon High. Aside from carrying a certain charm about it, the film does offer some true funny moments throughout, and as a fun of Cohen's work am pleased to see Eureka continuing their run of his titles restored on Blu-ray!
Rating: (3.5 / 5) George @invincibleasia
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FANTOMAS RETURNS! (FRANCE 1964-67) Directed by Andre Hunebelle
Based on the popular criminal mastermind known as Fantomas, created by crime writers Marel Allain and Pierre Souvestre which was first brought to the screen in a lengthy serial courtesy of Louis Feuillade in 1913, this pulp character has been adapted many times over the years – even reworked in other countries due to it's success. But with Fantomas Returns, Eureka Video deliver three of the most entertaining (in my eyes), made between 1964 and 1967 by director Andre Hunebelle. This collection includes Fantomas, Fantomas Unleashed, and Fantomas vs Scotland Yard – a highly enjoyable trilogy that plays like a mix of The Pink Panther, Mission Impossible, James Bond, and Dr. Mabuse; and I loved them!
In the first film of the collection, Fantomas, the super-villain seeks revenge on journalist Jerome Fandor after he publishes an unflattering story about him. Disguising himself as both Fandor and bumbling police commissioner Juve, Fantomas frames them both in a wave of crimes around Paris. Joined by Fandor's feisty girlfriend, the trio set out to stop him in a wild goose chase which involves some impressive stunt work, secret hideouts, rubber masks, whacky car chases, and the use of almost every piece of transport available. In the second film, Fantomas Unleashed, the blue-faced mystery man kidnaps a group of renowned scientists to help him create a deadly weapon, but Juve and Fandor are still on his case. But Fantomas takes Fandor's wife and son hostage, resulting in a rescue mission and campy fun that would make even the finest James Bond villain, envious. The final title, Fantomas vs Scotland Yard, takes hero and villain overseas to the Scottish Highlands where mysterious goings-on take place in and around an old castle. Naturally, the blame is on Fantomas and Commissioner Juve, Fandor and his wife are determined to put a stop to him once and for all. While less James Bond and more Pink Panther, this final entry is a great finish to the trilogy and although it allows for more comedy than plot – the film still proves to be highly enjoyable. The great Jean Marais leads the way as both Jerome Fandor, the daring reporter, and as the master of disguise himself, Fantomas, playing dual roles throughout all three films. With around 100 credits to his name, this handsome French star proved to be fantastic all over. He is joined by the much loved comedy actor and prolific star, Louis de Funes, who stars in all films as the bumbling and very hilarious Commissioner Juve. Going onto lead many comedies throughout his career, Funes should be held in as high regard as his English and Hollywood peers for his work and comedy talent. And finally, the beautiful Mylene Demongeot stars as Fandor's loyal and adventurous wife, Helene...
Why have I never seen these incredible films before?!? Undoubtedly silly, campy, clever, exciting, and very well made, the Fantomas Returns collection is one I will be going back to again and again in the very near future. From it's car chases that played like a blend of Whacky Races and Herbie Goes Bananas, to it's collection of creative and exciting spy-era gadgetry (including a flying car), not to mention some really impressive stunt work and plenty of gorgeous set-pieces, model work, and locations, this Fantomas trilogy really does gives it's Hollywood counterparts something to worry about and is still as impressive over 50 years later. Released as part of their Masters of Cinema series and limited to 2000 copies only, the films in Fantomas Returns benefit from a stunning 1080p HD restoration on each, courtesy of the Gaumont Film Company, and three informative audio commentaries featuring Tim Lucas on the first and David Kalat on the others. While both Fantomas Unleashed and Fantomas vs Scotland Yard are presented on Disc Two with only a trailer for each accompanying them (as well as the audio commentaries, of course), a few extras join Fantomas on Disc One. The first is a 21 minute piece called 'International Supercrooks' where Leon Hunt takes a look at villains of the European silver-screen such as Fantomas, Diabolik, Dr. Mabuse, Fu Manchu and others. It's a fun that will prove to be of interest to anyone that has picked up this set. Juve and de Funes sees French cinema expert Mary Harrod talk about Louis de Funes. It's an insightful piece that runs for about 22 minutes. And finally, aside from the trailer for Fantomas, Calum Baker delivers a fun 22 minute video essay that looks at the evolution of the titular Fantomas, from it's writings through to it's big screen adaptations. On top of that, it's beautifully designed hard-case packaging and wonderfully presented 60 page book,help make this yet another worthwhile release from Eureka Video and a must for all fans of this much-loved super-villain of cinema.
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Rating: (4.5 / 5) George @invincibleasia​
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LIFE IS CHEAP... (USA/HONG KONG 1989) Directed by Wayne Wang
Recently restored in 4K and released on Blu-ray by Radiance Films, Life Is Cheap... is Wayne Wang's outrageously satirical docu-film that grabs you by the balls from the get-go, and forgets to let go until it's end credits start rolling. Tearing apart capitalism and communism with it's tongue firmly placed in cheek, the film's main story follows an American Asian man who is hired by someone to deliver a briefcase from America to Hong Kong. Believing that his new employers are gangsters, the escort starts to become intrigued with what is inside after his Hong Kong contact is nowhere to be found. Naturally, his journey is far from simple...
Written and directed by Wayne Wang and Spencer Nakasako, with the latter also playing the leading man of the piece, Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive is one of the most bizarre yet fantastic experiences I've witnessed in quite some time. Experimental to some degree and definitely not for everyone, the film offers a lot of surprises through it's narrative, visuals, and cast members – which featured some big Hong Kong names that I did not expect to see. Made in 1989, with some newer scenes filmed a number of years later in order to create Wang's ultimate vision, the film is a stunning and eye-opening journey through Hong Kong offering some beautiful cinematography courtesy of Amir Mokri. Of course, it's clear to see Wang's social commentary on changing times and gets into the nitty-gritty side of the city where animal cruelty is part of daily life, sex rules, and buckets of real blood splash across the screen. To some degree, you can understand why the MPAA wanted to rate it X for it's initial release across North America!
Of course, aside from it's scenes of animal cruelty, Life Is Cheap... is well known for having one of the longest foot-chase sequences on film – coming in at around 10 minutes, that takes viewers on an exciting tour of Hong Kong before ending in the now demolished Walled City. It's surreal, it's funny, and it's testing at times; but Life Is Cheap... is definitely one of the most original films I've seen. While I was a little confused on first viewing, I soon gave it another watch and enjoyed it even more second time round. Part of this was down to the extra features available on the Radiance Films Blu-ray release which helped me understand things a bit more. These included two fantastic interviews – the first with Wayne Wang, and the second with him and co-director/star Spencer Nakasako – which were both delivered in English, hugely informative, and often hilarious. Both men are fascinating to listen to, but also come across as genuinely nice people and help break down what Life Is Cheap... is all about. Of course, Wang is more well known for works such as Eat A Bowl Of Tea, The Joy Luck Club, Chinese Box, the Jennifer Lopez movie Maid In Manhattan and Queen Latifah's Last Holiday (surprisingly), but he has directed so much more that I'll certainly be checking out.
For Hong Kong film fans, it may excite you to know that stars such as famed Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan director Lo Wei makes an appearance as a character known as Big Boss. Shaw Brothers legend Lo Lieh gets an interesting role as a one-armed pianist – portrayed as such as a nod to the Wang Yu classic, The One-Armed Swordsman. While he really just delivers dialogue in an interview sequence, it was still great to see him appear and lend his wonderful screen presence to such a wild movie. Wayne Wang's lovely wife, Cora Miao, stars as Money – and gets one of the other bigger roles of the film. Having already starred in films such as Itchy Fingers, The Story of Woo Viet, Boat People, Love In A Fallen City and The Terrorizers before this – as well as some of Wang's own aforementioned films – Miao's name itself would have been one of the biggest draws upon it's release, alongside the likes of Lo Lieh and Lo Wei respectively. It was, however, equally as exciting to see the great Victor Wong show up. More widely known for his role as Egg Shen in the awesome Big Trouble In Little China, Wong also appeared in Hollywood films such as Year of the Dragon, The Golden Child, The Last Emperor, Tremors, Seven Years in Tibet, and the 3 Ninja Kids series. But it's also worth noting that he starred in Hong Kong titles like Wang's Eat A Bowl Of Tea, Fatal Vacation, Cageman, and The Adventurers with Andy Lau. And finally, Hong Kong actor Chung Lam – the late prolific actor who appeared in films such as Bullet in the Head, Robotrix, A Better Tomorrow 2, Iron Angels, Dragon in Jail and so much more – gets some scene stealing roles as he fires out lines in English that had me laughing out loud.
Unique and weird, yet captivating and beautifully made with a catchy soundtrack, this slice of independent cinema has never looked better thanks to this stunning new 4K restoration from Radiance Films. I'm only sorry it took me this long to see it. While it's not a film you would want to rewatch time and time again, it is definitely one I believe would give you a different experience each time you do – perhaps revealing many new things along the way, but never boring. Wayne Wang is an interesting guy and although I have seen a few of his prior works in the past, I'm pretty intrigued to see more. If Life Is Cheap... was a person, it would definitely be on the spectrum – but that's not a bad thing and for those of you wanting to see something far removed from what you think Asian cinema is all about, then this is a great place to start! (3.5 / 5) George @invincibleasia
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