The Evil Dead

Rating: NC-17

Movie Release Date: October 15, 1981

DVD Release Date: March 5, 2002

Plot 411: Five kids go to a cabin in the woods and awaken the spirits of the dead.

Review: First off, I cannot believe this movie has an NC-17 rating! Compared to the violence of today, this movie is nothing. What makes this even more baffling is that most of the gore is humorous and over-the-top (unlike many of today's gross-out flicks). This movie stars Bruce Campbell as Ash, one of five friends heading out into the woods for a vacation. Scott (Richard DeManicor) has a family cabin where he plans to enjoy himself along with Linda (Betsy Baker), Cheryl (Ellen Sandweiss) and Shelly (Teresa Tilly). The group uncovers an old recording that serves to awaken evil spirits and one by one they become possessed. Despite almost being 30 years old at this point, I found that this movie surprisingly still held up as a low-budget horror movie. As it was written and directed by Sam Raimi, I suppose that shouldn't be too surprising. While the special effects are dated, I still have to admire the work put into the stop motion and all the other practical effects and gags. There was an incredible amount of blood in this movie, so much so that it becomes farcical. I suppose though that this was the intent.

Watch It: Because it's horrifically bad in a very good way.

Skip It: If you want all the fancy computer-generated special effects.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: September 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: Flint's inventions have always gotten him in trouble, but his latest creation makes him famous.

Review: Flint (Bill Hader) has been an inventor his entire life. Like most inventors, he hasn't found much success with his inventions. But with his mother's words of support ringing in his ears, he ventures onward. When one of his inventions goes awry and turns clouds into food, it starts to rain every kind of food imaginable. At first it helps his town and creates a sensation. However, soon the food portions get bigger and bigger and becomes hazardous to everyone's health. Flint must shut his invention down before it consumes everyone. This was quite an enjoyable movie that dealt with the effects of poor eating habits on society in a not-so-subtle way. It reminded me of Wall-E a bit but wasn't as clever. It also dealt with one's identity and the hardship that sometimes accompanies being different from everyone else. The cast was pretty diverse and included: Bruce Campbell, the town's mayor; Mr. T, a police officer; James Caan, Flint's dad; Anna Faris, a weathergirl; and Andy Samberg; a child star.

Watch It: For a smorgasbord of a good time.

Skip It: If you're looking for a more high-brow animation such as Wall-E