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Horror master John Carpenter offers up a triple treat with TheFog: Jamie Lee Curtis, Adrienne Barbeau, and Janet Leigh all in the samemovie. As if that weren't enough, both John Houseman and Hal Holbrook makeappearances, each clearly enjoying the novelty of being in a horror flick.The Fog opens just before the centennial celebration of the seasidetown of Antonio Bay. Then the witching hour strikes, glowing fog rolls in,and all hell breaks loose. Carpenter wrote the script with producer DebraHill, his collaborator on Halloween, and the two know their craft.It's a creepy story and a tight script, and, as in their previous effort, theaudience gets to know the main characters a bit before they're put in danger.The movie also has a sly sense of humor: "Things seem to happen to me," saysslasher vet Jamie Lee. "I'm bad luck." Barbeau is also obviously having agreat time, sinking her teeth into her role as a frightened disc jockeywatching the fog roll in from a lighthouse. The Fog offers a fewshocks and plenty of good old-fashioned clammy chills. You'll never look atweather systems the same way again. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (192)

Revenge from the grave drives fog shrouded tale.
"It is told by the fisherman, and their fathers and grandfathers, that when the fog returns to Antonio Bay, the men at the bottom of the sea will rise up and search for the campfire that led to their dark and icy death." So ends the campfire tale told by Mr. Machen (the wonderful John Houseman) that begins John Carpenter's The Fog. But this is no ordinary ghost yarn to entertain children, it is part history and part prophecy...for as the chruch bell tolls the midnight hour, and the town of Antonio Bay turns one hundred years old, a thick, glowing fog bank forms on the horizon and drifts towards land.

The Fog is one of my personal favorite Carpenter films. It's well written for its kind (low budget horror), well acted by its cast of seasoned character actors, beautifully photographed by Dean Cundy, and director John Carpenter creates more than a few effective set pieces while contributing what may be, in my opinion, one of his finest film scores.

One can certainly grumble that the movie is guilty of replicating the cheap scares and story arc of Halloween (anonymous figures lunging through doors, a town haunted by a traumatic event in its past that, on the anniversary of said event, is forced to relive it yet again), but it's a formula that works and The Fog (like Romero's zombie sequels) presents the material in a fresh and invigorating way. The only flaw I can find in the video is that it is pan and scanned, which spoils some of Carpenter/Cundy's beautiful images (as well as hampering Carpenter's trademarked 'they are sneaking up behind you' shots) the biggest letdown is the great shot of the fog swooping in on and engulfing Stevie Wayne's house. See this film letterboxed for its full effect. I have the laserdisc release, but where is that DVD edition MGM/UA has been promising? Required viewing for horror buffs.

Classic ghost story, not for the nervous
THE FOG (USA 1979): While celebrating its centenary birthday, a small Californian coastal town is visited by a ghostly fog containing an army of murderous spirits who take revenge for a terrible injustice.

Released on a wave of expectation following the worldwide success of John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN (1978), THE FOG surprised everyone by underperforming at the US box-office. Which is a shame, because it's arguably the better of the two films. Beautifully photographed in widescreen Panavision by Carpenter stalwart Dean Cundey (who went on to Hollywood glory with the likes of BACK TO THE FUTURE, JURASSIC PARK and APOLLO 13), this unassuming 'ghost story' opens on a lonely clifftop at midnight, where a crusty old sea dog (John Houseman) tells an audience of wide-eyed children how their home town was built on the foundations of tragedy. As with HALLOWEEN, the pace is slow but steady, and Carpenter judges the shocks and scares with consummate ease, and there's a relentless accumulation of details which belies the script's modest ambitions. Jamie Lee Curtis headlines the movie opposite her real life mother Janet Leigh, though Hal Holbrook takes the acting honors as a frightened priest who realizes the town was founded on deception and murder. As the fog rolls in, the narrative reaches an apocalyptic crescendo, as most of the major players find themselves besieged by zombie-like phantoms inside an antiquated church, in scenes reminiscent of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968). Scary stuff, to be sure, though Carpenter was forced to add new material during post-production in an effort to 'beef up' the movie's horror quotient, including a memorable late-night encounter between a fishing boat and the occupants of a ghostly schooner which looms out of the swirling fog (similar scenes would be added to HALLOWEEN II [1981] for the same reasons, though under less agreeable circumstances). Production values are rock solid, and Carpenter cranks up the tension throughout, resulting in a small masterpiece of American Gothic. Recommended, though nervous viewers are advised that this one is genuinely frightening in places.

MGM's region 1 DVD - which runs 89m 30s, minus the MGM logos at beginning and end which weren't part of the original film - letterboxes the Panavision frame at 2.35:1 (anamorphically enhanced). A full-screen version is also included on the disc, which utterly destroys the movie's beautiful compositions and should be avoided at all costs. Picture quality is grainy in places but OK overall, and there's a choice of soundtracks: The original 2.0 mono version (very good) or a revamped Dolby 5.1 version, which adds a little bass to the proceedings but nothing truly significant. English captions and subtitles are provided. Extras include the usual trailers and production notes, along with a couple of documentaries (one from 1980, the other recorded specifically for this DVD) and an audio commentary by Carpenter and co-writer/producer Debra Hill. There's also a series of outtakes, during which illustrious thesps Holbrook and Houseman can be heard swearing like troopers!

The Fog is a Good Film (Looks a bit dated)
This film is in the era of the late seventies/early eighties new wave style horror films:Halloween/Carrie/Creepshow etc.
At the time not one of the greatest but it seems to grow on you the more you watch it!!
The opening sequence with the Edgar Allen Poe quote,the electronic type of music typical of the era and the atmospheric camp fire with the children.It has a ghostly seafaring feel,which draws you in.

The actors typical John Carpenter (Jamie Leigh Curtis,Hal Halbrook etc.)Also Tom Atkins character who starts off very go lucky but ends up very sullen and serious!!

The end scenes are truly scary and very atmospheric.Worth a second glance.

The Fog..!! -Another; -Halloween..!! -A great ride..!!
This is even better then; -John Carpenter's. -Biggie.
Halloween. -This is a really frightening tale focusing
this time on a community resort town. -Which is haunted
by vengenfull spirit's of it's past..

This film was directed by; -John Carpenter. -Ho made
what this film inteded two be today.. -It is tilterd
and; -edgy style; -like; -Halloween.. -But in a different
style. -Different location.. -Their is no town of
Haddonfield.. -But in the way of a ghostly small
community.. -Much like an; -Amityville movie.. -Way..?

Their are a lot of elements that are in this low budget
that throw back too John's; -Halloween. -Flick..! -Which is
my all time favorite.. -A lot of critics hate this jargen.
Becuase it was not like; -"Halloween.." -Or; -The Assault on
Precint 13th.. -Which is not in my favor as a horror movie..?
The Fog is a fun ride.. -Yes; -the film is a little lame at
times.. -But also offers us some novelty of the town's past.
and ho the characters are in this town..

This is; -John Carpenter's; -real; -Halloween. -But any
way.. -Not in the spirit.. -Or in that style.. -This is
written by; -John Carpenter.. -Ho doe's a really good
job in directing a lowbudget kind of horror flick..

The Movie stars; -Jamie Lee Curtis.. -Once agian; -being
scared at a monster ho isn't afraid of stabbing..? -Ho
gets in his way..! -It all begins at the beginning when
children are at a campfire; -they sit around it..? -The
old fisher man. -Played by; -John Housemen.. -Bring's us a
local tale of the Elizabeth Dane.. -And her sailors that
died in the bottom of the ocean..?

Tomarrow is the 20th anniversary of those murder's..! -One
by one; -people across this land will be murdered..! -But
ho will stop the killers in time for the big celebration..?
Adrieanne Barbuel.. -Creepshow.. -1982.. -Swamp Thing..
Learns by that as a light house disk jockey..? -Ho is so
dumb in not paying attention two the slasher formula..

What I mean is; -"She shooed be running out the front
door.." -Not the back door.." -It is insulting.." -A
line from; -"Scream.." -1996.. -Neve Campbell.. -I
loved that line..! -It made me laugh.. -But I don't
admire it.. -But Jamie Lee Curtis.. -Is in love with
her friend. -Nick Castle.. -Played by; -Atkins.. -From
Halloween III: -Season of the Witch.. -1982..

Ho both act kind dumb threw out the movie..? -Those two
shooed of stay in characters..! -Instead they are soley

seperated.. -But they save some townie's at the end..?

Their are some moments in this film..! -I love the part
from the beginning when some sleepless drunks on some
bird watching ship.. -Get two stupid and drunk..! -The
dead sailors come and kill them..?

I even enjoyed the Lighthouse sequence where the actress
here's the voice of the dead sailors ho want's his stone back..?
which really creep me out..? -Threw the middle of the
movie.. -And the body in the morgue..! -Which is an old

trick too scare people..! -But that don't scare me any
more..

The Fog.. -1980.. -Fail's in many way's..! -It did not
tell what the real audience wants..? -As why the sailor's
vowl two plot revenge.. -Why they had two die becuase of
them.. -This is an; -o.k. -Halloween. -Type; -film..!

The cast looks good..! -The DVD Edition is top notch..!
and the flick even is not out dated..!

Very good try..!

A good old fashioned ghost story with an edge
Ok, for the hyped up Gen-Y and other young 'uns, "The Fog" might seem a little slow, with little gore and a bunch of no-name actors (except for Jamie Leigh Curtis, the original Scream Queen!). However, people who dismiss this horror movie really don't know what they are missing. John Carpentar was at his best setting up creepy, uncomfortable moods in his audience (see Halloween, The Thing) and he does a great job of creating a spooky ghost story. His use of John Houseman (who was in another movie aptly titled "Ghost Story") to introduce the background story of the movie was brilliant, as was the casting of mother and daughter Janet Leigh & Jamie Leigh Curtis (a first for these two actresses). Adrienne Barbeau is arguably the lead in this movie; she does a credible job of playing a mom who is terrified for her son and will fight anything that tries to hurt him even though she is alone in a lighthouse!!! My biggest complain about this movie is the music; John Carpentar likes to write his own movie scores and while he did create one of the most chilling, recognizable horror song in "Halloween", his tin-sounding, Casio-keyboard synthesized music for "The Fog" was annoying and at times overpowering. For the ultimate scare, this movie is best watched late at night, alone, on a foggy October evening. ... Read more

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What was director Robert Townsend thinking? His movies, such as The Five Heartbeats and The Hollywood Shuffle, are sweet, enjoyable little pictures. But this "comedy" about two flashy Georgia women hoping to find money and men in Los Angeles is stereotypical, unfunny, embarrassing, and boring. Halle Berry and newcomer Natalie Desselle are trapped in pitiful roles playing against the distinguished but miscast Martin Landau and a wasted Ian Richardson. B.A.P.S., by the way, stands for black American princesses. There are better urban comedies out there, the badly named Booty Call for one. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Terribly funny and uplifting when you are down in the dumps.
I liked this movie; it made me laugh at a time when I was down in the dumps. I know Ms. Berry and Mr. Landau have been in better movies; but this one showcases their ability to be funny. Besides, if you cannot have any fun now and then; why make movies in the first place. The plot is great because it shows just what can happen when two blacks girls follow their dreams. Even though it doesn't seem like it will work out for them in the end, it really does after all. Troy Beyer is the writer, Robert Townsend directed, black actors starred in it. Give this movie a break; it is a comedy; it is not supposed to be a drama like "Titanic". The scenes in the restaurant were funny and realistic; two black girls meeting celebrites they have only read about and heard about. If that is not funny I don't know what is. When will we (African-Americans) start giving each other credit for our accomplishments in the film industry??? It is high time we started recognizing each other's talent. When we do, others will recognize our talent as well.

About time a campy BLACK comedy came along!
I for one am sick of reviewers like Mr. Maltin automatically panning everything that isn't of the same level as say "The English Patient" or "Casablanca". Some movies are just straight up comedy, aiight already?! While this movie does portray stereotypes such as the trashy ghetto fabulous urban black wannabe diva and the ultra snobby and stuffy white Beverly Hills millionaire, these stereotypes are (it seems to me) intentional and just add to the laughter! Yes, the plot is contrived, yes it probably couldn't happen in real life, but who gives a s@#$? It's funny as hell, filled with celebrity cameos, and let's face it - where else could one see Miss Halle Berry sporting gold teeth, finger waved platinum blond hair, and vinyl hot pants?! The hairstyles and clothes alone are enough to laugh oneself into intensive care! This movie is the type I have been waiting to see for quite awhile, a campy black comedy for the 90's!

Absolutely Hilarious!!!!
Long before Halle's Oscar, she was just another B star celeb. This movie is her best comedic performance to date. Halle shines as a southern girl who decides to live her drams of being famous in LA with her best friend (Natalie Desselle) and wind up acting in a much bigger role than they anticipated. Natalie played the perfect chubby, but funny sidekick to Halle's Niecy. Although it starts as a comedy, it ends with excitement and joy. I recommend this movie to everyone who needs a great laugh!!!

LOVED THE MOVIE
THE MOVIE IS HILARIOUS. YOU HAVE TO THINK OF HOW GREAT OF AN ACTING JOB SHE (HALLE BERRY) DID IN THE MOVIE CONSIDERING WHAT SHE WAS GOING THROUGH IN HER PERSONAL LIFE. SHE WAS FORCED TO BE FUNNY AT A TIME IN HER LIFE WHEN NOT A DANG THANG WAS FUNNY. YES, THE PLOT IS STUPID AND THE CHARACTERS ARE STUPID, BIG DEAL, THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT FUNNY. THE MOVIE ISN'T MEANT TO BE SERIOUS, IT'S MEANT TO BE FUNNY. THE SOONER THAT PEOPLE REALIZE THE PURPOSE OF SOME MOVIES, THE SOONER THE WILL BE LESS OFFENDED, OR WHAT NOT. MOST MOVIES ARE FICTIONAL, AND HAVE PEOPLE DO AND SAY THINGS THINGS THAT WOULD NEVER BE DONE OR SAID IN REAL LIFE. IF YOU LIKE SCREWBALL MOVIES THIS IS DEFINITELY THE MOVIE TO SEE. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE 13TH TO FINALLY GET THE DVD!!!!!

Fiiiinnne and yo' sef
Monster's Ball is ain't but then again, was it really intended to be?
Lots of fun, far from serious, light and entertaining. It was nice seeing Martin Landau in such a different role, too. I do think the intent of the movie was satirical and therefore meant to be enjoyed with all the sense of humor one could muster--(with that in mind)I laughed all the way through. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Very funny movie with soul
I've seen this movie many times. It's funny and I don't agree when people say this movie is funny but doesn't have a lot to say. One of the characters struggles with his identity as a black man in "white" America and his character struck me as being very real. You could sense his frustration and in the end understood him better. Another part of the movie deals with a character who is an ex-con who is trying to move on with his life and put his negative past behind him. But you have to sympathize with him because he is a middle aged man whose only skilled enough to work at a car wash.

I think basically the story is this; everyone who works at the car wash dreams of something better. In the mean time they just keep working at the car wash. I think you'll like it. The characters are great and it's a good movie if you want to check out how people REALLY dressed in the 70's. That alone should give you a good laugh. Don't forget guest appearances by Richard Pryor and George Carlin. Rose Royce also did a great job with the Soundtrack.

Classic!
Car Wash is a classic.
It doesn't send some life changing message.
It's not profound.
Its not revolutionary.
So what!!!

Afros, Bell Bottoms, Smoggy days in LA....this was just a day in the life.....normal folks! A trip down memory lane for some of us I am sure.

But the MUSIC!!! CLASSIC CLASSIC CLASSIC!
I know i'm not the only person who sings along EVERY time I watch!
Two thumbs up from me...

There are FAR worse movies out there than this....
Folks that diss (that's disrespect for the non slang speakers),
really shouldn't take this movie...or THEMSELVES so seriously.

WORK AND WORK!!!!
This is a good movie with some good music provided by Rose Royce. This is a cool movie with a jamming soundtrack I love this movie and this soundtrack. I recommend anyone who likes this movie to buy it right along with the soundtrack. I think that the movie is great, fun, and entertaining. This movie is about everything that happens at a carwash. This is a good movie if you enjoy watching black 70's movies then I would definitely recommend you to watch this movie. Richard Pryor a.k.a. "Daddy Rich". makes an appearance with the Pointer Sisters I enjoy this movie and I like it .

Mama Knows Best 2
This is Mama's other favorite movie. I watched this one after Cooley High. Funny. Funny. Funny. I thought Chris Rock was funny, but Richard Pryor is a trip. And those Afros. You need to know where you came from befroe you know where you're going. Watch this movie. They don't make them like this anymore.

So THAT's what it's like working in a car wash!!!
Classic Americana! Competitive car washers, good times, bad times, weird & freaky customers, and the invisible camera capturing a day in Car Wash's life...all set to classic tunes. SweeeEEEeeet!!!

Car Wash is an essential for any classic movie collection. Don't get caught without it!!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Doctor Is In The House!!!!!!!!
A dynamic hip-hop group called URBAN PROTECTORS think they've finally gotten their big break when they're "discovered" by notorious record producer DR. BONES. What they don't realize is that Dr. Bones has a diabolical plot to dominate the world with an army of zombies who use the Protectors' music as their own deadly anthem.

One of the worst movies in the world!
This movie is very poor. The only good thing about this movie is one song which is used to turn people into zombies. The plot is simple... The special effects are very poor. Do not buy or rent it. The acting is very poor. Bad script and poor acting make this movie
below sci fi B movies.

Something Different From Full Moon/Big City Pictures
I really,really enjoyed the music in this movie. I feel that is really kept up with the tone of the movie. My 1 year old liked dancing to it, also. Anyways, about the movie. I love the fact that Full Moon as spun off another company thats focus is on Urban Horror Movies. Normally, in any Horror movie..any and every black person is killed off. That is not a cliche that is truth. Watch any horror movie. In these movies, there are really only black people as all the leads. The Horrible Dr. Bones was a very interesting movie to watch. It had its slower parts and it more engaging moments. Overall I would say it is a decent/Good movie. I own it! I owned it before even watching it, and I am glad that I do have it. I still have to get it on DVD though. The voodooish theme of the movie was very clear, however, not mentioned as voodoo. It dealt with Arcane mysterys and modern science to turn the living into zombies by subliminal messages in music. The specials effect weren't too, too bad. That smile that Dr. Bones gives to jamal is damn scary!! I really didnt like the ending with the "surprise Box" . Watch it to see what I mean...If there is a sequel, I will watch it. I hope it can keep up with the 1st though. I really would like to hear the whole soundtrack.

Commercial For Soundtracks Or Horror For A New Demographic?
I've always been a big fan on Full Moon pictures for as long as I can remember. The production company tends to like to create side companies to produce films in different particular genres. The Horrible Dr. Bones is under their 'Alchemy Entertainment' (Urban Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror) label. I always try to check them out even though I always end up just liking their main 'Full Moon' labelled films.

The Horrible Dr. Bones is the story of a voodooish D.J. who wants to take over the world through subliminal messages mixed in music. While all the actors in the film did a great job, the amount of music squeezed into the film really took away from any type of story development. Halfway through the film you feel like you are watching a promo video for the record company (soundtrack is available).

The film itself could have been so much more interesting if they didn't stock so much music in it. It was interesting to see a horror film geared for the black demographic. There are so few out there (how many films have heavy metal soundtracks with all white teenagers?). I really enjoyed what this could possibly develop into for the genre. Music and horror do compliment each other, so by now targeting an entire new fan base, Alchemy Entertainment hopefully will succeed in recruiting new fans of horror that previously had no interest in it.

The DVD had some technical issues. While the music sounded great and was nice and loud, the vocal track was too low. It was hard to hear the actors. If you turned up the volume to hear it, the next time music was played, it was too overpowering. Also, while not really an issue, the DVD is mislabelled on the disc. A double sided disc, the film is on one side and 45 trailers are on the other (most of Full Moon's catalogue). When I placed the film in I could only access the trailers, I flipped it over and the film was on the other side. Basically they accidentally reversed the labels.

Overall an interesting film, if only they'd cut back on the push to sell their soundtrack music.

The Horrible Dr. Bones isn't too horrible at all.
This is a surprisingly entertaining and inventive zombie tale with strong performances, a campy comic book style to it, and nifty FX. The music used to pad the film isn't too shabby either. My only complaint was that the zombies were too simplistic. There was no make-up on the actors who played the zombies at all with the exception of bloody, stiched up eyes (which are covered with dark sunglasses most of the time anyway). There are two exceptions to this though. There is one scene where a zombie has a nasty, bloody face, and another one with a big bloody hole in his chest. Also, every now and then for no explained reason, Dr. Bones (who isn't a zombie) has a nasty scarred face which is pretty impressive.

Bottom line: A good watch. ... Read more

Description

An hilarious Rambo spoof - Traxx is a mercenary ex-cop who'd rather be home baking cookies - but instead finds himself with the task of almost singlehandedly demolishing a corrupt business empire built on drug-running, murder and prostitution. A half-baked idea to be sure! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

absoludicrous action flixx!
The collective group of friends who watched this movie with me agreed with the positive ratings of the other reviewers, but there certainly are funnier parts of the movie than they claimed. It's definitely the subtler humor that's more amusing, such as the end of the idiotic love scene in the library or the great opening scene at the pet shop.

This movie is best enjoyed by persons who have also watched and enjoyed such classics as UHF, Army of Darkness, Mr. T's Be Somebody or Be Somebody's Fool, etc., or in other words, by people who enjoy completely ludicrous humor. There's definitely some dull spots to sit through (hence 4 stars) but definitely worth it.

A very guilty pleasure to watch
To be able to watch and enjoy Traxx, you have to realize that you can't take the movie seriously. Actually, this isn't all that difficult to do because the movie itself doesn't take itself all that seriously. It looks like everyone involved in this production had a good time just having fun with the premise, and running with it. The premise itself is simple, ex-mercenary Traxx, the hero, wants to make cookies to compete with Famous Amos, but he's not a good cook, and soon runs out of money. To make money, he decides to become a town tamer, and restore law and order to a town which is heavily overrun by the criminal element, and charge the city $10,000 for his services

From there, the movie really takes off, leading to several hilarious encounters with the bad guys, as Traxx single handedly picks them off. During most of the fights Traxx stands center stage, hardly ever moving, but nobody seems able to hit him during the gun fights, which becomes one of the running gags of the movie since he has never been shot, which he tells to his extremely reluctant sidekick, whom he has recruited, whether he wants the job or not.

Traxx's choice of fillings for his cookies are some of the funniest moments of the movies, who could seriously think anyone would enjoy eating either cough drop and laxative cookies, crab cookies, or chili cookies? Traxx is the only person on the planet who could have come up with these combinations. This running gag itself is one of the funniest in the movie.

The movie winds to a close as three brothers, the Guzik brothers, are called in to deal with Traxx. They kidnap the police little league team for hostages, and give Traxx an hour to show up at a bar to have a stand off with them. One of the funniest moments of the movie occurs in the bar during the midst of a gun fight when all four of them suspend their gunplay to listen to a woman talking on the television. That scene itself was hilarious, as well as the conclusion to the movie itself. I highly recommend you find a way to see this movie, even if it means renting it. If you like your action flavored with some off the wall comedy then this is the movie for you.

Roll on the Floor Funny
This is a really funny, somewhat crude movie full of misfits and and oddballs and lots of loud, bloodless violence. My husband, son and I rented this movie a half dozen times in as many years and found it just as funny each time. We recommended it to every one. When I finally decided to buy it, I think I got the very last copy available in the free world. At the time I attempted to get 2 copies,(1 as a gift),and was told "that was it" 1 copy. I have returned to this sight every few months ever since, waiting for it to be released again.

Silly, But Really, Really Funny
i don't think they've release this on DVD. Good thing i bought this on VHS oh so many years ago

This movie is silly. It's about a mercenary killer/soldier of fortune who wants to give up killing to bake cookies. The problem is, he can't cook. So to earn money until he makes it big in the cookie business, he goes to a big city with a crime problem and offers to clean up their streets in exchange for cash. Traxx, the main character, is stupid, a bad cook and kind of dense, but for some strange reason he can't be shot (all the bad guys are terrible aims; his inability to be hit by a bullet when he engages in numerous full scale gun fights is a running joke in the movie)

In the end, the local crime lord calls in three psychopaths to kill Traxx. These people are so mean, they threaten to kill the crime lord's accountant unless he sings Old McDonald with them. They pick the animal, he has to make the sound. They pick a gazelle, which confuses the poor guy and nearly gets him killed (turns out, "it's a trick question; gazelle's ain't got no voice box")

And then they kidnap the little league baseball team and Traxx has to go rescue them. Like i said, this is a silly movie. Not slapstick like the Zucker brothers and Airplane, but it doesn't pretend to realistic. And while the whole movie sounds really, really bad, this movie really is incredibly funny, especially if you're watching it with a bunch of friends who enjoy poking fun at movies that intentionally try to be bad. This movie is a classic, and i wish more people had seen it ... Read more

Reviews (192)

Revenge from the grave drives fog shrouded tale.
"It is told by the fisherman, and their fathers and grandfathers, that when the fog returns to Antonio Bay, the men at the bottom of the sea will rise up and search for the campfire that led to their dark and icy death." So ends the campfire tale told by Mr. Machen (the wonderful John Houseman) that begins John Carpenter's The Fog. But this is no ordinary ghost yarn to entertain children, it is part history and part prophecy...for as the chruch bell tolls the midnight hour, and the town of Antonio Bay turns one hundred years old, a thick, glowing fog bank forms on the horizon and drifts towards land.

The Fog is one of my personal favorite Carpenter films. It's well written for its kind (low budget horror), well acted by its cast of seasoned character actors, beautifully photographed by Dean Cundy, and director John Carpenter creates more than a few effective set pieces while contributing what may be, in my opinion, one of his finest film scores.

One can certainly grumble that the movie is guilty of replicating the cheap scares and story arc of Halloween (anonymous figures lunging through doors, a town haunted by a traumatic event in its past that, on the anniversary of said event, is forced to relive it yet again), but it's a formula that works and The Fog (like Romero's zombie sequels) presents the material in a fresh and invigorating way. The only flaw I can find in the video is that it is pan and scanned, which spoils some of Carpenter/Cundy's beautiful images (as well as hampering Carpenter's trademarked 'they are sneaking up behind you' shots) the biggest letdown is the great shot of the fog swooping in on and engulfing Stevie Wayne's house. See this film letterboxed for its full effect. I have the laserdisc release, but where is that DVD edition MGM/UA has been promising? Required viewing for horror buffs.

Classic ghost story, not for the nervous
THE FOG (USA 1979): While celebrating its centenary birthday, a small Californian coastal town is visited by a ghostly fog containing an army of murderous spirits who take revenge for a terrible injustice.

Released on a wave of expectation following the worldwide success of John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN (1978), THE FOG surprised everyone by underperforming at the US box-office. Which is a shame, because it's arguably the better of the two films. Beautifully photographed in widescreen Panavision by Carpenter stalwart Dean Cundey (who went on to Hollywood glory with the likes of BACK TO THE FUTURE, JURASSIC PARK and APOLLO 13), this unassuming 'ghost story' opens on a lonely clifftop at midnight, where a crusty old sea dog (John Houseman) tells an audience of wide-eyed children how their home town was built on the foundations of tragedy. As with HALLOWEEN, the pace is slow but steady, and Carpenter judges the shocks and scares with consummate ease, and there's a relentless accumulation of details which belies the script's modest ambitions. Jamie Lee Curtis headlines the movie opposite her real life mother Janet Leigh, though Hal Holbrook takes the acting honors as a frightened priest who realizes the town was founded on deception and murder. As the fog rolls in, the narrative reaches an apocalyptic crescendo, as most of the major players find themselves besieged by zombie-like phantoms inside an antiquated church, in scenes reminiscent of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968). Scary stuff, to be sure, though Carpenter was forced to add new material during post-production in an effort to 'beef up' the movie's horror quotient, including a memorable late-night encounter between a fishing boat and the occupants of a ghostly schooner which looms out of the swirling fog (similar scenes would be added to HALLOWEEN II [1981] for the same reasons, though under less agreeable circumstances). Production values are rock solid, and Carpenter cranks up the tension throughout, resulting in a small masterpiece of American Gothic. Recommended, though nervous viewers are advised that this one is genuinely frightening in places.

MGM's region 1 DVD - which runs 89m 30s, minus the MGM logos at beginning and end which weren't part of the original film - letterboxes the Panavision frame at 2.35:1 (anamorphically enhanced). A full-screen version is also included on the disc, which utterly destroys the movie's beautiful compositions and should be avoided at all costs. Picture quality is grainy in places but OK overall, and there's a choice of soundtracks: The original 2.0 mono version (very good) or a revamped Dolby 5.1 version, which adds a little bass to the proceedings but nothing truly significant. English captions and subtitles are provided. Extras include the usual trailers and production notes, along with a couple of documentaries (one from 1980, the other recorded specifically for this DVD) and an audio commentary by Carpenter and co-writer/producer Debra Hill. There's also a series of outtakes, during which illustrious thesps Holbrook and Houseman can be heard swearing like troopers!

The Fog is a Good Film (Looks a bit dated)
This film is in the era of the late seventies/early eighties new wave style horror films:Halloween/Carrie/Creepshow etc.
At the time not one of the greatest but it seems to grow on you the more you watch it!!
The opening sequence with the Edgar Allen Poe quote,the electronic type of music typical of the era and the atmospheric camp fire with the children.It has a ghostly seafaring feel,which draws you in.

The actors typical John Carpenter (Jamie Leigh Curtis,Hal Halbrook etc.)Also Tom Atkins character who starts off very go lucky but ends up very sullen and serious!!

The end scenes are truly scary and very atmospheric.Worth a second glance.

The Fog..!! -Another; -Halloween..!! -A great ride..!!
This is even better then; -John Carpenter's. -Biggie.
Halloween. -This is a really frightening tale focusing
this time on a community resort town. -Which is haunted
by vengenfull spirit's of it's past..

This film was directed by; -John Carpenter. -Ho made
what this film inteded two be today.. -It is tilterd
and; -edgy style; -like; -Halloween.. -But in a different
style. -Different location.. -Their is no town of
Haddonfield.. -But in the way of a ghostly small
community.. -Much like an; -Amityville movie.. -Way..?

Their are a lot of elements that are in this low budget
that throw back too John's; -Halloween. -Flick..! -Which is
my all time favorite.. -A lot of critics hate this jargen.
Becuase it was not like; -"Halloween.." -Or; -The Assault on
Precint 13th.. -Which is not in my favor as a horror movie..?
The Fog is a fun ride.. -Yes; -the film is a little lame at
times.. -But also offers us some novelty of the town's past.
and ho the characters are in this town..

This is; -John Carpenter's; -real; -Halloween. -But any
way.. -Not in the spirit.. -Or in that style.. -This is
written by; -John Carpenter.. -Ho doe's a really good
job in directing a lowbudget kind of horror flick..

The Movie stars; -Jamie Lee Curtis.. -Once agian; -being
scared at a monster ho isn't afraid of stabbing..? -Ho
gets in his way..! -It all begins at the beginning when
children are at a campfire; -they sit around it..? -The
old fisher man. -Played by; -John Housemen.. -Bring's us a
local tale of the Elizabeth Dane.. -And her sailors that
died in the bottom of the ocean..?

Tomarrow is the 20th anniversary of those murder's..! -One
by one; -people across this land will be murdered..! -But
ho will stop the killers in time for the big celebration..?
Adrieanne Barbuel.. -Creepshow.. -1982.. -Swamp Thing..
Learns by that as a light house disk jockey..? -Ho is so
dumb in not paying attention two the slasher formula..

What I mean is; -"She shooed be running out the front
door.." -Not the back door.." -It is insulting.." -A
line from; -"Scream.." -1996.. -Neve Campbell.. -I
loved that line..! -It made me laugh.. -But I don't
admire it.. -But Jamie Lee Curtis.. -Is in love with
her friend. -Nick Castle.. -Played by; -Atkins.. -From
Halloween III: -Season of the Witch.. -1982..

Ho both act kind dumb threw out the movie..? -Those two
shooed of stay in characters..! -Instead they are soley

seperated.. -But they save some townie's at the end..?

Their are some moments in this film..! -I love the part
from the beginning when some sleepless drunks on some
bird watching ship.. -Get two stupid and drunk..! -The
dead sailors come and kill them..?

I even enjoyed the Lighthouse sequence where the actress
here's the voice of the dead sailors ho want's his stone back..?
which really creep me out..? -Threw the middle of the
movie.. -And the body in the morgue..! -Which is an old

trick too scare people..! -But that don't scare me any
more..

The Fog.. -1980.. -Fail's in many way's..! -It did not
tell what the real audience wants..? -As why the sailor's
vowl two plot revenge.. -Why they had two die becuase of
them.. -This is an; -o.k. -Halloween. -Type; -film..!

The cast looks good..! -The DVD Edition is top notch..!
and the flick even is not out dated..!

Very good try..!

A good old fashioned ghost story with an edge
Ok, for the hyped up Gen-Y and other young 'uns, "The Fog" might seem a little slow, with little gore and a bunch of no-name actors (except for Jamie Leigh Curtis, the original Scream Queen!). However, people who dismiss this horror movie really don't know what they are missing. John Carpentar was at his best setting up creepy, uncomfortable moods in his audience (see Halloween, The Thing) and he does a great job of creating a spooky ghost story. His use of John Houseman (who was in another movie aptly titled "Ghost Story") to introduce the background story of the movie was brilliant, as was the casting of mother and daughter Janet Leigh & Jamie Leigh Curtis (a first for these two actresses). Adrienne Barbeau is arguably the lead in this movie; she does a credible job of playing a mom who is terrified for her son and will fight anything that tries to hurt him even though she is alone in a lighthouse!!! My biggest complain about this movie is the music; John Carpentar likes to write his own movie scores and while he did create one of the most chilling, recognizable horror song in "Halloween", his tin-sounding, Casio-keyboard synthesized music for "The Fog" was annoying and at times overpowering. For the ultimate scare, this movie is best watched late at night, alone, on a foggy October evening. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Doctor Is In The House!!!!!!!!
A dynamic hip-hop group called URBAN PROTECTORS think they've finally gotten their big break when they're "discovered" by notorious record producer DR. BONES. What they don't realize is that Dr. Bones has a diabolical plot to dominate the world with an army of zombies who use the Protectors' music as their own deadly anthem.

One of the worst movies in the world!
This movie is very poor. The only good thing about this movie is one song which is used to turn people into zombies. The plot is simple... The special effects are very poor. Do not buy or rent it. The acting is very poor. Bad script and poor acting make this movie
below sci fi B movies.

Something Different From Full Moon/Big City Pictures
I really,really enjoyed the music in this movie. I feel that is really kept up with the tone of the movie. My 1 year old liked dancing to it, also. Anyways, about the movie. I love the fact that Full Moon as spun off another company thats focus is on Urban Horror Movies. Normally, in any Horror movie..any and every black person is killed off. That is not a cliche that is truth. Watch any horror movie. In these movies, there are really only black people as all the leads. The Horrible Dr. Bones was a very interesting movie to watch. It had its slower parts and it more engaging moments. Overall I would say it is a decent/Good movie. I own it! I owned it before even watching it, and I am glad that I do have it. I still have to get it on DVD though. The voodooish theme of the movie was very clear, however, not mentioned as voodoo. It dealt with Arcane mysterys and modern science to turn the living into zombies by subliminal messages in music. The specials effect weren't too, too bad. That smile that Dr. Bones gives to jamal is damn scary!! I really didnt like the ending with the "surprise Box" . Watch it to see what I mean...If there is a sequel, I will watch it. I hope it can keep up with the 1st though. I really would like to hear the whole soundtrack.

Commercial For Soundtracks Or Horror For A New Demographic?
I've always been a big fan on Full Moon pictures for as long as I can remember. The production company tends to like to create side companies to produce films in different particular genres. The Horrible Dr. Bones is under their 'Alchemy Entertainment' (Urban Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror) label. I always try to check them out even though I always end up just liking their main 'Full Moon' labelled films.

The Horrible Dr. Bones is the story of a voodooish D.J. who wants to take over the world through subliminal messages mixed in music. While all the actors in the film did a great job, the amount of music squeezed into the film really took away from any type of story development. Halfway through the film you feel like you are watching a promo video for the record company (soundtrack is available).

The film itself could have been so much more interesting if they didn't stock so much music in it. It was interesting to see a horror film geared for the black demographic. There are so few out there (how many films have heavy metal soundtracks with all white teenagers?). I really enjoyed what this could possibly develop into for the genre. Music and horror do compliment each other, so by now targeting an entire new fan base, Alchemy Entertainment hopefully will succeed in recruiting new fans of horror that previously had no interest in it.

The DVD had some technical issues. While the music sounded great and was nice and loud, the vocal track was too low. It was hard to hear the actors. If you turned up the volume to hear it, the next time music was played, it was too overpowering. Also, while not really an issue, the DVD is mislabelled on the disc. A double sided disc, the film is on one side and 45 trailers are on the other (most of Full Moon's catalogue). When I placed the film in I could only access the trailers, I flipped it over and the film was on the other side. Basically they accidentally reversed the labels.

Overall an interesting film, if only they'd cut back on the push to sell their soundtrack music.

The Horrible Dr. Bones isn't too horrible at all.
This is a surprisingly entertaining and inventive zombie tale with strong performances, a campy comic book style to it, and nifty FX. The music used to pad the film isn't too shabby either. My only complaint was that the zombies were too simplistic. There was no make-up on the actors who played the zombies at all with the exception of bloody, stiched up eyes (which are covered with dark sunglasses most of the time anyway). There are two exceptions to this though. There is one scene where a zombie has a nasty, bloody face, and another one with a big bloody hole in his chest. Also, every now and then for no explained reason, Dr. Bones (who isn't a zombie) has a nasty scarred face which is pretty impressive.

Bottom line: A good watch. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Buy Redemption
By Ann Olivia

This is the debut film of Sean Reid, a fresh young talented Director -Writer and Producer.
Redemption is loosely based on his true story, of his struggle with life's promise, pain and addiction.

The film delves into Christian's (a twenty-something African American played by Brian White) search for truth, forgiveness and love by exploring his relationship with a young woman he meets at a party. Redemption takes us into the lives of the creative artists, wanna- bees, and hangers on, who live on the extreme edge of the highly glamorized world of the entertainment business in Hollywood.

Christian's father, his girlfriend and his good friends, try desperately to save him from his spiral into self pity, when a much desired big break in Hollywood is lost to him by his refusal pay back a favor. The choice has devastating consequences for his career. His success quickly unravels. The deal and relationship with his Mega- agent are un-done.

He is driven deeper into his addition to drugs and alcohol, and thus begins a cruel journey to self-destruction.

In the end, the film makes clear, that redemption must be granted by oneself, to oneself.
It speaks to its generation but the problems it addresses are not new.

The film uses a hybrid documentary style to explore the world of sexually addictive relationships and abusive behaviors lurking just behind the scenes in Hollywood. It makes excellent use of unusual camera angles, a gritty and edgy editing style to overcome the limitations of a low budget production.
The young actors playing the lead characters of Clare and Christian, have a luminous on-screen presence and offer powerful and gripping performances.

A must see film, for a powerful look at the underbelly of the in-crowd and hip hop hype of the entertainment business, mixed with drugs and the superficial values of our culture - a brew that gets some in our society caught - up and lost in a world of abuse and dreams of fame.

Fresh young talent well worth the look in gritty debut!
I was turned onto the indie film, Redemption thru a friend and caught an early screening in California... As it turns out, I was lucky enough to catch the debut -- at least to my knowledge -- of three young actors with extreme charisma and promise. Brian White, Tracey Stone and Scott Tate give wonderful performances in this pseudo-docudrama indie. The script challenges the leads with dialogue that is a bit profound and wordy in places... but the impressive cast rises to the challenge in nearly every scene; deliverying the stylized, yet gritty and compelling story of the emerging African American middle class.

The Worst Movie I've Ever Seen!
This movie was terrible, and I would surmise that all positive reviewers are somehow affiliated with this self-indulgent, mastabatory piece of crap. It was really, really awful. If you enjoy melodrama, poor directing or over-acting, then this is the film for you.

Every moment of the film is fraught with angst with a capital "a." I was only happy when the main character got gunned down in the end. Don't worry-- I haven't spoiled anything. By the time it happens, you won't care either.

Excellent Drama Showing Reality and Hope
This is the best film that I've seen in a very long time. Redemption is a film that you have to pay close attention to in order to listen to what the actors are saying - to really listen to the intelligent dialogue. Most of the eye-candy movies out now are not like that. But, this one is different.

Art reflects life; and, so this film is a portrayl of a young man's emerging career in acting. But, each individual is not alone. A person has parents, friends, lovers, ex-lovers, disappointments, mistakes, failures and successes along the way.

To understand and truly find the meaning of the film, is not for all audiences, but, is for the special audience out there.

Not Impressed
Truly, this is a terrible movie.
As lower-budget, artsy movies go, and I am a big fan of them, this is the worst one I have seen. This is an age old message in a time when I would hope that the young & restless in Hollywood are getting to be a little smarter.
There were parts of this movie that seemed not to belong and made no sense. Women are shown being verbally abused and basically made to look like complete doormats. Also, if the storyline was trying to shed any light on interracial relationships, they were left in the dark.
Going on reviews from this board, I was expecting an emotionally charged movie with strong acting.
I was sadly disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Buy Redemption
By Ann Olivia

This is the debut film of Sean Reid, a fresh young talented Director -Writer and Producer.
Redemption is loosely based on his true story, of his struggle with life's promise, pain and addiction.

The film delves into Christian's (a twenty-something African American played by Brian White) search for truth, forgiveness and love by exploring his relationship with a young woman he meets at a party. Redemption takes us into the lives of the creative artists, wanna- bees, and hangers on, who live on the extreme edge of the highly glamorized world of the entertainment business in Hollywood.

Christian's father, his girlfriend and his good friends, try desperately to save him from his spiral into self pity, when a much desired big break in Hollywood is lost to him by his refusal pay back a favor. The choice has devastating consequences for his career. His success quickly unravels. The deal and relationship with his Mega- agent are un-done.

He is driven deeper into his addition to drugs and alcohol, and thus begins a cruel journey to self-destruction.

In the end, the film makes clear, that redemption must be granted by oneself, to oneself.
It speaks to its generation but the problems it addresses are not new.

The film uses a hybrid documentary style to explore the world of sexually addictive relationships and abusive behaviors lurking just behind the scenes in Hollywood. It makes excellent use of unusual camera angles, a gritty and edgy editing style to overcome the limitations of a low budget production.
The young actors playing the lead characters of Clare and Christian, have a luminous on-screen presence and offer powerful and gripping performances.

A must see film, for a powerful look at the underbelly of the in-crowd and hip hop hype of the entertainment business, mixed with drugs and the superficial values of our culture - a brew that gets some in our society caught - up and lost in a world of abuse and dreams of fame.

Fresh young talent well worth the look in gritty debut!
I was turned onto the indie film, Redemption thru a friend and caught an early screening in California... As it turns out, I was lucky enough to catch the debut -- at least to my knowledge -- of three young actors with extreme charisma and promise. Brian White, Tracey Stone and Scott Tate give wonderful performances in this pseudo-docudrama indie. The script challenges the leads with dialogue that is a bit profound and wordy in places... but the impressive cast rises to the challenge in nearly every scene; deliverying the stylized, yet gritty and compelling story of the emerging African American middle class.

The Worst Movie I've Ever Seen!
This movie was terrible, and I would surmise that all positive reviewers are somehow affiliated with this self-indulgent, mastabatory piece of crap. It was really, really awful. If you enjoy melodrama, poor directing or over-acting, then this is the film for you.

Every moment of the film is fraught with angst with a capital "a." I was only happy when the main character got gunned down in the end. Don't worry-- I haven't spoiled anything. By the time it happens, you won't care either.

Excellent Drama Showing Reality and Hope
This is the best film that I've seen in a very long time. Redemption is a film that you have to pay close attention to in order to listen to what the actors are saying - to really listen to the intelligent dialogue. Most of the eye-candy movies out now are not like that. But, this one is different.

Art reflects life; and, so this film is a portrayl of a young man's emerging career in acting. But, each individual is not alone. A person has parents, friends, lovers, ex-lovers, disappointments, mistakes, failures and successes along the way.

To understand and truly find the meaning of the film, is not for all audiences, but, is for the special audience out there.

Not Impressed
Truly, this is a terrible movie.
As lower-budget, artsy movies go, and I am a big fan of them, this is the worst one I have seen. This is an age old message in a time when I would hope that the young & restless in Hollywood are getting to be a little smarter.
There were parts of this movie that seemed not to belong and made no sense. Women are shown being verbally abused and basically made to look like complete doormats. Also, if the storyline was trying to shed any light on interracial relationships, they were left in the dark.
Going on reviews from this board, I was expecting an emotionally charged movie with strong acting.
I was sadly disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Terribly funny and uplifting when you are down in the dumps.
I liked this movie; it made me laugh at a time when I was down in the dumps. I know Ms. Berry and Mr. Landau have been in better movies; but this one showcases their ability to be funny. Besides, if you cannot have any fun now and then; why make movies in the first place. The plot is great because it shows just what can happen when two blacks girls follow their dreams. Even though it doesn't seem like it will work out for them in the end, it really does after all. Troy Beyer is the writer, Robert Townsend directed, black actors starred in it. Give this movie a break; it is a comedy; it is not supposed to be a drama like "Titanic". The scenes in the restaurant were funny and realistic; two black girls meeting celebrites they have only read about and heard about. If that is not funny I don't know what is. When will we (African-Americans) start giving each other credit for our accomplishments in the film industry??? It is high time we started recognizing each other's talent. When we do, others will recognize our talent as well.

About time a campy BLACK comedy came along!
I for one am sick of reviewers like Mr. Maltin automatically panning everything that isn't of the same level as say "The English Patient" or "Casablanca". Some movies are just straight up comedy, aiight already?! While this movie does portray stereotypes such as the trashy ghetto fabulous urban black wannabe diva and the ultra snobby and stuffy white Beverly Hills millionaire, these stereotypes are (it seems to me) intentional and just add to the laughter! Yes, the plot is contrived, yes it probably couldn't happen in real life, but who gives a s@#$? It's funny as hell, filled with celebrity cameos, and let's face it - where else could one see Miss Halle Berry sporting gold teeth, finger waved platinum blond hair, and vinyl hot pants?! The hairstyles and clothes alone are enough to laugh oneself into intensive care! This movie is the type I have been waiting to see for quite awhile, a campy black comedy for the 90's!

Absolutely Hilarious!!!!
Long before Halle's Oscar, she was just another B star celeb. This movie is her best comedic performance to date. Halle shines as a southern girl who decides to live her drams of being famous in LA with her best friend (Natalie Desselle) and wind up acting in a much bigger role than they anticipated. Natalie played the perfect chubby, but funny sidekick to Halle's Niecy. Although it starts as a comedy, it ends with excitement and joy. I recommend this movie to everyone who needs a great laugh!!!

LOVED THE MOVIE
THE MOVIE IS HILARIOUS. YOU HAVE TO THINK OF HOW GREAT OF AN ACTING JOB SHE (HALLE BERRY) DID IN THE MOVIE CONSIDERING WHAT SHE WAS GOING THROUGH IN HER PERSONAL LIFE. SHE WAS FORCED TO BE FUNNY AT A TIME IN HER LIFE WHEN NOT A DANG THANG WAS FUNNY. YES, THE PLOT IS STUPID AND THE CHARACTERS ARE STUPID, BIG DEAL, THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT FUNNY. THE MOVIE ISN'T MEANT TO BE SERIOUS, IT'S MEANT TO BE FUNNY. THE SOONER THAT PEOPLE REALIZE THE PURPOSE OF SOME MOVIES, THE SOONER THE WILL BE LESS OFFENDED, OR WHAT NOT. MOST MOVIES ARE FICTIONAL, AND HAVE PEOPLE DO AND SAY THINGS THINGS THAT WOULD NEVER BE DONE OR SAID IN REAL LIFE. IF YOU LIKE SCREWBALL MOVIES THIS IS DEFINITELY THE MOVIE TO SEE. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THE 13TH TO FINALLY GET THE DVD!!!!!

Fiiiinnne and yo' sef
Monster's Ball is ain't but then again, was it really intended to be?
Lots of fun, far from serious, light and entertaining. It was nice seeing Martin Landau in such a different role, too. I do think the intent of the movie was satirical and therefore meant to be enjoyed with all the sense of humor one could muster--(with that in mind)I laughed all the way through. ... Read more