Evils Of The Night - 1985 - USA

Evils Of The Night - 1985 - 4/10 

 
As with Corman’s Not Of This Earth, there was a breakdown in intelligence.
Aliens land near a small college town and taken over an empty (??) hospital.
They seek human blood platelets to rejuvenate their dying species.
Kidnapped donors must be between 16-24 years old.
Whereupon the extraterrestrials gasp, “So few students!  What is this summer vacation thing?”
Not to worry, a nearby lake is packed with swimsuit twenty-somethings, drinking and doing pokey-pokey.
Stupid drive-in flick, piss poor dialogue, comatose plot, directed by a zombie.
Nonetheless, where else will you find Julie Newmar, John Carradine, Tina Louise, Neville Brand in one film?

Scent Of A Spell - 1985 - Japan

Scent Of A Spell - 1985 - 7/10
AKA - Masho no Kaori // 魔性の香り

 
Leaving the waterside poolhall, a journalist sees a women jump into the waves.
He rescues her, forgetting the old rule that when you save someone, you are responsible for them.
Indeed, Akiko moves in with Esaka, and they have a torrid affair.
Even though Akiko is married, and her husband will not grant a divorce.
Akiko’s husband has moved his mistress in with them, yet will not divorce.
Leaving Akiko unstable, unpredictable, and dangerous.
Erotic thriller / arthouse / Noir drenched in rain, waves, body sweat.
English subs = https://sub-scene.com/subtitle/3370955

The Supergrass - 1985 - UK

The Supergrass - 1985 - 6/10

 
Big talking Dennis is overheard by coppers and locked up.
A prehistoric computer spits data that he has criminal connections.
He has none, but can certainly spin lies and fables.
Two minders in tow, they are seaside bound.
Where, as one might guess, there is actual criminality.
A goofy comedy, noteworthy for a curious cast.

Bride’s Revenge - 1985 - Spain

Bride’s Revenge - 1985 - 6/10
AKA - Bahía Blanca

 
Sleazy banalities in a backwater town.
Alida has already murdered one man who had attempted to rape her sister.
Sheriff Carlos and rich patron Ruiz covered it up.
Alida is a prostitute over on the island, lantern hanging when business is open.
Slow film, often stagnant, undercurrents of corruption and withered dreams.
One client too many, a rival woman consumed with jealousy.
A mood of Noir under the hot sun.

Dutch Girls - 1985 - UK

Dutch Girls - 1985 - 6/10

 
Scottish high school field hockey squad is off to the Netherlands for friendly matches.
Coach anticipates easy victories, glories, and a chance to revel in Van Gogh.
The lads?  Alcohol, cigarettes and those easy Dutch girls.
Mixed comedy has a fair amount of Benny Hill to it.
Timothy Spall hilarious as the out of control Lyndon.
Colin Firth the awkward mate, bedazzled and tongue-tied.
(All of the players and girls are too old to be 17.)
Funniest scene when the coach loses his way in Amsterdam and leads the boys into the sex district.

The Coca-Cola Kid - 1985 - Australia

The Coca-Cola Kid - 1985 - 6/10

 
Coke execs discover an untapped market deep in the Australian Outback.
It is the fierce stronghold of the local beverage.
They send their ace, Becker, to try and topple the rival.
Strange comedy runs quirky, sexy and bittersweet.
The best moments, the ones that linger, are pure Aussie.
I didn’t always understand some, yet that was OK.
“As Australian as a barbed wire canoe.”  Making the jingle below.  Brilliant.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml0TURpHRuw

Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters - 1985 - USA

Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters - 1985 - 8/10

 
Highly stylized film of the celebrated writer and patriot.
Childhood flashbacks mix with scenes of his final day, and failed coup.
Then there are scenes from several works: “The Temple Of The Golden Pavilion”, “Kyoko’s House” and “Runaway Horses”.
Familiarity with Mishima’s life and works is not essential as you will be spellbound by visuals.

 
Ken Ogata is a bit beefy for the role, but he is compelling and one soon forgets the physical disparity.
This is still something of a scandal in Japan.
I met director Paul Schrader one time and asked questions about this film.  He is very proud of it.
I was in my teens when Mishima’s death made global headlines; I recall being quite shocked.

Wetherby - 1985 - UK

Wetherby - 1985 - 6/10

 
Early, a prophesy is spoken, which could resonate today:
“Logic also tells us that there must be constraints. That if people went around saying exactly what they feel, the result would be barbarism.”

The young man shows up out of the blue.
Friendly, yet withdrawn, moody.  Suicidal, too, as it turns out.
His death stirs undercurrents throughout the community.
Old memories, resentments, faded promises, dashed obsessions.
I watched when it first screened (never having heard of Hare) and did not know what to make of it.
Still a puzzle, a film of aching loneliness, of disconnection within ones community.

Pale Rider - 1985 - USA

Pale Rider - 1985 - 6/10

 
In a “later” Wild West, a small group of prospectors are intimidated, threatened by the larger firm.
Yes, think of them as the property developers of their day.
The larger group’s treatment of the environment is equally reprehensible.
Enter the righteous stranger, possibly straight from High Plains Drifter.
The look feels spot-on.  I’m referencing Silent era films, how they portrayed the West of two decades before.
The messages are heavy handed, weighing the film with self-importance.
Pacing is sluggish throughout and tropes borrow from other, better, Eastwood vehicles.

Pumping Iron 2: The Women - 1985 - USA

Pumping Iron 2: The Women - 1985 - 6/10

 
Following the success of the first film (Arnold vs Lou Ferrigno), filmmakers eyed female bodybuilders.
Eventually honing in on the popular Rachel McLish against muscled-to-the-max Bev Francis.
Bev is cast as a naive innocent, akin to Lou Ferrigno.
McLish, who had won numerous competitions is shown in a darker light, akin to Ken Waller.
The doc is uncomfortably funny, as Bev Francis is clearly the most muscular, though not particularly feminine.
Event organizers wring their hands throughout, anticipating a negative crowd reaction.
More soap opera than documentary, with an infuriating ending.

Plenty - 1985 - UK

Plenty - 1985 - 6/10

 
During World War II, Susan fought with the French Resistance.
Little did she suspect, that would be a personal and emotional high point.
She cannot, or will not, readjust to a less stressful life.
With friends, associates, lovers, Susan vents, or abuses, or allows herself to be corralled.
Her character is a maddening study in frustration and disappointment.
A film I appreciated more than enjoyed.
Likewise Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Susan, though not Susan herself.

After Hours - 1985 - USA

After Hours - 1985 - 7/10

 
Another episode of “the worst day of my life, ever!”
Office drone Paul meets attractive Marcy who says,  “Call me!”
He takes her up on her offer, though enroute to her apartment his $20.00 bill flies out the cab window.
Paul should have viewed that as an omen and gone home to bed.
Instead a cascade of misadventures, missed connections, shadowy characters push him into the funhouse.
Also, stay alert, the perils of dating and mating.
Fun for us, if you take sadistic glee in watching the suffering of victims in the pinball machine.
Possibly Scorsese’s funniest film, possibly too bleak, too black, too New York for casuals.

Sugarbaby - 1985 - Germany

Sugarbaby - 1985 - 6/10
AKA - Zuckerbaby

 
A German fräulein, large sized, socially invisible, works as a mortician.
No matter what a “great personality” she has, she is an outcast.  And lonely.
Then, riding the subway, Marianne spies Huber, the driver.
Boom, boom, boom!  He’s good looking, he’s rock candy, and she knows she wants him.
Offbeat love story of obsession and fool’s hope.
The late night, neon color scheme enhances the haunted landscape.
Marianne Sägebrecht is wonderful in this bittersweet prayer of desire.

The Purple Rose Of Cairo - 1985 - USA

The Purple Rose Of Cairo - 1985 - 7/10

 
Cecilia, unhappy with her lot in the 1930’s, finds escape in the movie house.
Where characters live the glamorous life she longs for.
Then one of the characters, the manly Tom Baxter, steps out of the screen and starts dating her.
Talk about breaking the fourth wall!
One of Allen’s bittersweet comedies displays a keen eye for the 30’s.
From costumes and dialogue, to Depression expectations and Hollywood mythologizing.
Part of the streak of top films he made during a productive twenty year stretch.

Turtle Diary - 1985 - UK

Turtle Diary - 1985 - 7/10

 
Quiet story, marketed as a romantic comedy, though it does not fit into that category.
Two souls, not necessarily lonely yet they are alone, chat at the London aquarium.
They decide to kidnap two sea turtles, and release them into the sea.
This could easily succumb to farce, or become a strident “message” film.
It never does, however.  Pinter adapted the script, and it is an understated gem.
Glenda Jackson and Ben Kingsley give lessons on how to use gestures and glances, instead of wordy dialogue.
Still not on DVD, streaming copies have poor video resolution.

Death In A French Garden - 1985 - France

Death In A French Garden - 1985 - 6/10
AKA - Péril en la Demeure

 
Unemployed male catnip becomes guitar tutor to daughter of affluent parents.
The wife initiates an affair almost immediately.
In the cafe, his female neighbor talks suggestively of differences between the brunette bush and the blonde bush.
Also, in the cafe, the waitress leans forward (twice) to display swaying charms.
Did I mention his pupil was a rich daughter?  Does she want him also?  Ha, silly.
For all that, this is not a sex comedy.
Surveillance VHS tapes appear, suggesting blackmail.
Really, don’t people, even adulterers, bother with curtains?
Tone steadily darkens (reference title) as traps from various partners snap down.

The Strange Case Of Yukio Mishima - 1985 - UK

The Strange Case Of Yukio Mishima - 1985 - 7/10

 
Casual overview of the highly controversial author, made fifteen years after his seppuku.
Interviewees include his biographer and translator, as well as close associates.
For the uninformed, yet curious, this is an OK introduction.
I suspect this was difficult to make, since Japan has always been conflicted about Mishima.
Proud, yet embarrassed.
Might work better in conjunction with Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters (1985).
Sadly, there is still no penetrating documentary on this writer.

Chicken With Vinegar - 1985 - France

Chicken With Vinegar - 1985 - 6/10
AKA - Poulet au Vinaigre  // Cop au Vinto

 
A trio of scoundrels try to fleece Ma and son out of their derelict homestead.
They are secretive, but the son is a mail carrier and he routinely opens their correspondence.
He is also aided by his postal colleague (an enticing Pauline Lafont as rich cheesecake).
The youth is soon out of his depth with the older males.
His silky colleague soon leads him around by his belt buckle.
And after the first murder, the police inspector takes no nonsense from him.
Odd, light-hearted mystery wanders out of category throughout

Lifeforce - 1985 - USA

Lifeforce - 1985 - 6/10

A favorite masterpiece.
Combined US / UK space mission to Halley’s Comet discovers 100 mile artifact (gasp - spaceship) embedded in comet.
Of course, they investigate, come across three nude human looking types, and bring ‘em back.

 
In no time flat, the stark naked space vampiress (Mathilda May, all nude, all the time) wrecks havoc in London, transforming the city into a rampaging zombies, end of the world apocalypse.
This film is tremendously, gloriously bad. The plot goes from far fetched to silly to stupid to delirium.
No one could create a narrative this terrible if they tried.
And one gets the impression everyone involved tried really, really hard to make an A-level movie.
Steve Railsback overacts his little hammy heart out. Patrick Stewart channels his feminine side.
Mathilda May completely unforgettable.
Wonderful stuff!

Come And See - 1985 - Russia

Come And See  - 1985 - 8/10
AKA - Idi i Smotri  // Иди и Cмотри

 
“ ... Adventures are not all pony rides in May sunshine.”  Tolkien
Harrowing film of the Nazi invasion of Belorussia in 1943.
A young village boy joins partisan fighters and journeys from wide-eyed idealism to experience.
Opening chapters register uncertainty and anxiety, fears about what German invaders want.
Film proceeds to display, with brutal detail, the Master Race dealing with lower orders.
The audio mix on this is noteworthy, music and sound editing.
After a shelling, the boy suffers hearing loss and viewers share his disability.
Tone shifts from confusion, indifference, barbarity, and rare beauty.