Review – Black Demon

It’s like they aren’t even trying anymore. Sure, it’s a giant extinct shark that’s also a Mesoamerican demon. But shouldn’t it also be a tornado, or part giant octopus, or at least radioactive? This thing’s barely powerful enough to keep an executive, his family and a couple of workers trapped on a decrepit oil rig for long enough to let them bicker extensively. Wish I’d skipped it

Review – Sharksploitation

As the name implies, this documentary chronicles the decline and fall of the shark sub-genre from Hollywood blockbuster to high-band cable staple. I found the interviews with actual oceanographers fascinating, but the reminiscences from the directors of Syfy Channel schlockfests were less so. Students of mass media will likely find this a fascinating portrait of how something that makes money will inspire imitators and relentlessly devolve. Mildly amusing

Review – Jackass Forever

The usual suspects (plus or minus a few) are back to their old tricks. And at this point I sincerely mean “old.” Some of it’s funny. Some of it’s gross. Some of it is downright disturbing. In other words, familiar territory. Mildly amusing

Review – Mary Shelley

Here’s one of the most important authors of the 19th century yet again reduced to a soap opera version of her relationship with her husband and his creepy friends. With this cast and production budget, something better could have been made. See if desperate