Celluloid #94

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Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) Carpenter - A police station is relocating, but on its last night of operation a violent mob attacks. The film is pretty hilarious in its depiction of "the ghetto" as essentially a place full of zombie-like delinquents out to get civilians. I think it's also interesting how diverse the film tries to be, even including a woman and a prisoner as part of the "heroes." Fun, simple concept for a genre film. 4/5

Earth Girls are Easy (1989) Temple - Really campy film about three aliens who land in Geena Davis' pool. She's having problems with her fiancée, and takes them to get make-overs to fit in. Overall a pretty stupid movie, but I actually enjoyed the outrageous love scene with Jeff Goldblum, the dance off at the club with Damon Wayans, and the song about blonds. 2.5/5

Mildred Pierce (1945) Curtiz - Very dramatic story about a woman who will do anything for her daughter. After her husband leaves, she is forced to fend for herself, which she does quite well by opening a chain of restaurants. The daughter, Veda, is the worst. She's selfish, cruel, and obsessed with money. Not to mention, Veda also takes up with her mom's new boyfriend. Scandalous. 3.5/5

Slums of Beverly Hills (1998) Jenkins - A quirky film about a family living in dirtbag hotels in Beverly Hills in order to stay in a good school district. Also, a cousin/niece moves in after a stint in rehab. For the most part, this feels like an arbitrary collection of silly scenes along the lines of a Todd Solondz film, but much lighter in tone. 3/5

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) Hooper - Really creepy, and sometimes legitimately scary classic horror film. This movie contains so many interesting visuals including a house full of animal skulls and Leatherface dancing around with his chainsaw. The shots were much weirder and cooler than I would have expected for so simple a story. Other highlights include a disgusting hitchhiker played by someone who could be James Franco's delayed, gross brother. I liked this movie so much more than I would have thought. 4.5/5