“The Galloping Moose Theatre Series #4”

By Dean Kish

Ever had that vein in your forehead swell as you look, in frustration, at the hundreds of titles at your local video store? Ever been filled with mass confusion or paranoia that your hard earned bucks may be spent on yet another title starring Michael Dudikoff or Shannen Doherty? Well this little article is here to save you from that extra strain.

The twenty titles I have suggested range in all sorts of categories and will appeal to a large assortment of movie fans. The unique things about all these films is that they are limited or non theatrical releases and were probably abandoned by some studio head who didn’t believe in the project. When viewing these twenty films remember there must have been a reason to be released just to video and that they aren’t Academy Award winning films. I personally enjoyed each and every one of them on some level or another. Write me and let me know if there is a classic direct to video flick you really enjoy.

The list is laid out something like this. The title, year it was made, genre, synopsis and finally my rating. I hope to do more of these lists as I uncover some of the treasures hidden at the local videostore.

1. 61* (2001-TV) (Drama): Roger Maris (Barry Pepper) and Mickey Mantle (Thomas Jane) race to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record.

This Billy Crystal directed film is one of the most delightful and pleasant surprises to come to the silver screen about the sport of baseball. You can really tell that when they made this film the people behind it loved the game of baseball. The attention to detail and historical accuracy is very rewarding as Crystal gets two incredible performances out of the film’s stars Pepper and Jane. HBO has done it again. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

2. Beast, The (1988) (Action-Drama): During the war in Afghanistan a Soviet tank crew commanded by a tyrannical officer find themselves lost and in a struggle against a band of Mujahadeen guerrillas in the mountains.

This little “tank” film is an incredible look at the struggle between the Russians and the Afghans. The performances from lead actors Steven Bauer and Jason Patric are filled with passion and frustration as the director brings you deep inside what is going on their minds. Think “Das Boot” in the desert. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

3. Chase, The (1994) (Action-Comedy): Jack Hammond (Charlie Sheen) is sentenced to life in prison, but manages to get away from the police as he takes a girl (Kristy Swanson) hostage and drives off in her car. The girl happens to be the only daughter of one of the richest men in the state. A chaotic chase begins which is filled with comedy, stunts and excitement.

“The Chase” reminded me a lot of those old “Smokey and the Bandit” films with a modern twist. The chemistry between Sheen and Swanson is superb, as the script and director don’t sway away from comedic elements. The comedy is the real gem in this piece. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

4. Cutting Edge (1992) (Comedy): DB Sweeney stars as Doug Dorsey, a hockey player forced to retire after an injury. His only way back onto the ice seems to be to assist Kate (Moira Kelley), a spoiled brat figure skater who is trying to fulfill her dream of winning Olympic gold. If Doug plays his cards right he might just get the gold medal that eluded him in hockey.

“Cutting Edge” is quirky, hilarious and is a pure delight. The film proves when you have two leads that have magical chemistry then you have one hell of a movie. (3.5 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer

5. Dark City (1998) (Sci-Fi): John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) awakens alone in a strange hotel to find that he has lost his memory and is wanted for a series of bizarre murders. While trying to piece together his past, he stumbles upon a seedy conspiracy controlled by a group of beings that possess the ability to put people to sleep and alter the city. Now Murdoch must find a way to stop them before they take control of his mind and destroy the very world he knows.

“Dark City” is one of those unique science-fiction films that are so very original you really have no idea what you are getting yourself into. It blends the power of “film noir” with conspiracy-oriented science fiction. It is almost Kafka-like and really a sight to behold. Also “Dark City” director Alex Proyas (Crow) is one of those gifted visionaries that a lot of people don’t know about. Proyas could be the next Tim Burton if Hollywood would give him a chance. Can’t wait to see what he will do next. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

6. Dead Ringers (1988) (Thriller): The Mantle brothers (duo role played by Jeremy Irons) are both doctors - both gynecologists - and identical twins. Mentally however, one of them is more confident than the other, and always manages to seduce the women he meets. When he's tired of his current partner, she is passed on to the other brother - without her knowing. The whole plot is upset when the shy brother falls in love first and the balance is upset.

Brutal, unnerving and sinister, director David Cronenberg weaves a tale that is bound to get the blood pumping. Jeremy Irons gives the performances of his lifetime as the world of Mantle brothers explodes into a very sinister plot. A lot of the time you aren’t really sure which brother is which and that is part of the magic. It’s a wonderfully eerie ride. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

7. Deceivers, The (1988) (Adventure): In 1825, India lives in fear. A mysterious religion's followers murder everyone that stand in their way. When William Savage (Pierce Brosnan), a tax-collector of a British-Indian company, discovers the new sect. Savage disguises himself as a local and joins the sect as he tries to solve the mystery.

This is the first of 2 little-known Brosnan films on this list. It’s strange how much interesting stuff he did between “Remington Steele” and James Bond. This film’s mystery and intensity is a mindbender, as Brosnan’s character is pulled deeper and deeper into the cult. There are times when you aren’t really sure he wants to uncover the mystery but just live it. He falls in love with two different women and that struggle almost develops a split personality. It truly is one of Brosnan’s greatest performances. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

8. Gothic (1986) (Drama – Horror): What happened the night that Mary Shelley (Natasha Richardson) concocted to the horror classic “Frankenstein”? Drug induced games, ghost stories and betrayals occur during one night at the mad nobleman, Lord Byron’s country estate. As Mary begins writing her classic story, she is drawn into the sick world of her lover Shelley (Julian Sands) and her cousin Claire (Myriam Cyr) as Byron (Gabriel Byrne) leads them all down the dark paths of their souls.

“Gothic” is a Victorian story turned upside-down. It’s filled with shocking revelations and euphoria that is bound to keep you guessing. How a great and twisted story like “Frankenstein” was created is a fascinating story but presented, as a gothic horror story itself is mind-boggling. (4.5 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

9. Legionnaire (1998) (Action – Drama): Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Alain Lefevre, a boxer who decides to defy a mobster and not take a fall in a huge boxing match. To avoid being killed by the mob, Alain escapes to join the French Foreign Legion stationed in Africa. Alain quickly realizes that the struggle to stay alive as a “legionnaire” might be more harrowing than avoiding the mob. Alain learns a lot about himself and the power of redemption and friendship.

“Legionnaire” ranks in the top 5 best Van Damme films among that top 5 are films like “Bloodsport” and “Timecop”. The reason this film is so much better than a lot of the films Van Damme has done in recent years is that it is presented as an epic. The film showcases glorious cinematography, epic war battles and a great performance from Van Damme, which showcases an internal human struggle. Forget the crap films Van Damme has made recently like “Knockoff”, “Universal Soldier: The Return” and “Maximum Risk” and embrace this entry in the Van Damme action journey. (3.5 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

10. Live Wire (1992) (Action – Drama): Danny O'Neill (Pierce Brosnan) is a bomb disposal expert assigned to a case where terrorists have developed an "invisible" biological liquid explosive. Their targets include a group of US Senators and one of them happens to be sleeping with Danny’s wife.

“Live Wire” is the 2nd Brosnan film on this list and another welcomed discovery. The film is directed and photographed like a “Lethal Weapon” film and has the adrenaline and intensity of that style. The explosive is so original I decided not to reveal what it is in this review. You really have to see the film to understand how unique it is. It’s something I have never seen before or since. Another similarity between “Lethal Weapon” and this film is the way Brosnan plays Danny. He plays him a lot like the way Mel Gibson portrayed Martin Riggs, burnt out and as explosive as the materials he uses. Brosnan accomplishing this draws us into a deeper connection to the character. There is a lot of charisma in Brosnan and from his acting in this film it’s not surprising he became the next James Bond. (3.5 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

11. Love Letters (1999) (Romance – Drama): “Love Letters” is an adapted play about an ambitious U.S. Senator (Steven Weber) reflects back on his life after the death of a woman (Laura Linney) whom he loved and kept in contact with only through correspondence. “Love Letters” is told in a series of flashbacks as the two first meet as children and begin their lifelong correspondence.

“Love Letters” is a strong and passionate story that is bound to make you cry. The performance of Laura Linney is unbelievably moving. This version of the stage adaptation is filmed like it’s being played out on a stage in your TV. The director doesn’t drop in a lot of twisted camera movements but instead focuses on the actors and the story. It is a pure delight. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

12. Mr. Frost (1990) (Horror - Suspense): What if Satan walked among us? A man named Frost (Jeff Goldblum) is imprisoned for murder after he is arrested while burying his victims in a garden. However, even while under strict psychiatric care, it becomes obvious that Mr. Frost is not all that he seems. There is more behind this mysterious man than meets the eye.

“Mr. Frost” is so blatantly eerie that it sweeps you in with a stranglehold. Goldblum is charismatic and plays one of the spookiest characters you will ever see. Think Goldblum playing a charismatic and younger “Hannibal Lecter”. For the whole film you aren’t sure what makes the man tick and that is what makes it so addicting to watch. Goldblum is brilliant in this mind-bender. (3.5 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

13. No Way Back (1996) (Action – Drama): When F.B.I. Agent Zack Grant's (Russell Crowe) partner is killed in an operation goes sour, he will do anything to find the man or men responsible. The action gets intense when airline stewardess Mary (Helen Slater) gets mixed up in Zack’s crusade. These problems snowball as Mafioso and Yakuza complications present themselves.

“No Way Back” is a solid and adrenaline packed action film that debuted just a year before Crowe became famous to the world in “LA Confidential”. Crowe brings such grit and demeanor to the burnt out hero that we cheer for him all the way through. The film’s ending doesn’t do the rest justice but the reason to see this film is purely for fans of Russell Crowe. (3.5 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

14. Pumpkinhead (1988) (Horror): A group of renegade teens take a trip to the country where one of them is involved in a motorcycle accident. The accident kills the son of the local storekeeper (Lance Henriksen). Filled with rage, the storekeeper pleads to a witch to unleash an unstoppable demon on the renegades. During the killing spree, the storekeeper realizes he may have a closer connection to the beast than previously thought.

“Pumpkinhead” is as close as one can get to the perfect modern monster film. The film was created and directed by “monster-creator” extraordinaire Stan Winston, who delivers one of the most original creatures ever to grace the silver screen. Winston also gets an incredible performance out of veteran horror actor Lance Henriksen who brings a lot of passion to his lead character. This is one of the greatest monster-creature films of the horror genre. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

(Possible Spoiler): A little known realization about this film occurs towards the film’s finale. Look ever so closely at the creature as it faces off against Henriksen. If you look close enough you will see the creature’s face echo Henriksen stating that in fact Henriksen’s soul was apart of the voodoo that created the demon. It’s awesome!

15. Quigley Down Under (1990) (Western): Sharpshooter Matt Quigley (Tom Selleck) claims to be the best long distance shooter in the world and is hired from America by Elliot Marston, an Australian rancher (Alan Rickman). When Quigley arrives in Australia and confronts the rancher he finds a devious and cunning man. Marston’s plan for his employment shocks Quigley and he refuses. Marston tries to kill Quigley as he tries to escape Australia. Quigley finds that Marston is doing the unspeakable deed without him and it looks like Quigley may be the only man to stop him.

A western is a perfect setting for star Tom Selleck. He looks so at home as Quigley and his showdowns with Rickman are ripped right out of the classic westerns. The story is simple and that’s the way westerns should be. Director Simon Wincer uses Quigley’s marksmanship with intensity and suspense that you are blown away when Quigley picks up his rifle. Rickman plays his villain with panache like he did in “Robin Hood” and “Die Hard”. “Quigley Down Under” is a great little western. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

16. Raising Cain (1992) (Suspense): Jenny Nix (Lolita Davidovich), wife of eminent child psychologist Carter Nix (John Lithgow), begins to neglect her daughter after an adulterous affair with an old flame (Steven Bauer). While Jenny becomes enthralled in the affair her husband becomes deeply concerned for the well being of their daughter.

Some rather distressing kidnapping grip the neighborhood in which the Nix’s live. Could these kidnapping be linked to Carter Nix’s past.

Lithgow is utterly brilliant, as he has to play not 2 characters but 4. His performance even dives deeper into depth as Carter Nix begins to go insane. Director Brian DePalma seems to give Lithgow a lot of leeway, as some of the mental shuffles seem almost ad-libbed. Those scenes are brilliant to watch as you see the magnificence of Lithgow. The real sad note of the film is that it is way to short and the script seems to bolt along. The script could have used a little more detail. The film is a great suspense ride and with the perfect performance by Lithgow which make it a great renter. (3 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

17. Still Breathing (1998) (Romantic – Drama): Two lost soul-mates: Rosalyn (Joanna Going) is a cunning con-artist in L.A.and Fletcher (Brendan Fraser) is a secure puppeteer in San Antonio have the same dream linking each with the other. Fletcher travels to L.A. to find this woman he can’t get out of his mind.

“Still Breathing” is the perfect example that man still believes in destiny and true love. The brilliant use of color, passionate dialogue and soft tones accent Fletcher’s quest for true love. What this film seems to have that a lot of romantic films don’t is a heart and a flawed true love. Because of those two elements there is a little bit of reality in what the film is saying. Fall in love with this little movie and always remember the ivy. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

18. Swingers (1996) (Comedy – Drama): This is Mike’s story. Mike (Jon Favreau) is a left his girl in New York and came to LA to be a star. It's taken six months longer than Mike would like and he's not doing so well. Mike’s friends Trent (Vince Vaughn) and Rob (Rob Livingston) take Mike to Vegas to forget about life’s problems. During that trip Mike is going to find out a little about himself.

“Swingers” has a brilliant script, brilliant cast and it’s a lot of fun. This little cult film made movie stars out of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. It’s so laid back and true to the world that you really relate to these guys. Vaughn is utterly brilliant as the trio’s leader. He is quick-lipped, charismatic and makes the whole film flow. “Swingers” is a great little comedy to sit back and relax with. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

19. Unholy, The (1988) (Horror): A priest (Ben Cross) battles a demon that kills sinners in the act of sinning.

“The Unholy” is one of those horror films that blur the line between religion and horror. Imagine if you were faced with your ultimate temptation, would you give up all you are to have it? The priest in this film is faced with that temptation and he is just a man. He also is protecting an innocent from the greatest evil man has ever known and being faced with his temptation may condemn that innocent for all time.

I used to adore a short-lived television series called “Dark Shadows”. It was a 1990s revival of a 1960s overly clever gothic soap opera of the same name. The star of that show was a cursed vampire named Barnabas Collins, who was played by Ben Cross. That show and “The Unholy” are the two pieces of work that stand in my mind when I think of Ben Cross. Sure Cross was in “Chariots of Fire” but these two roles in the macabre are the ones that meant the most to me. If you can get into the mind of this priest and see his internal battle this film will challenge your mind like none other in this genre. (4 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.

20. Zero Effect (1998) (Comedy – Mystery): Daryl Zero (Bill Pullman) maybe the world’s most reclusive private investigator. Along with his assistant, Steve Arlo (Ben Stiller) he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. When these two crack professionals are on a case they are brilliant but during the off time they drive each other bananas. In their latest case, Zero must find out who is blackmailing a rich executive, and when his client won't tell him, why.

What makes this film so unbelievably clever is the performance by Pullman. Imagine a man with no-social skills, a horrible musician and recluse having to deal with the emotions of love. For years, Zero has lived vicariously through his assistant but for once he has to deal with everyday issues that are right in front of him. Pullman plays this type of character to utter perfection and to top it all off you have the comedic talent of Ben Stiller to play off of. Stiller is hilarious as he tries to deal with how eccentric his goofy boss really is. The mystery in the film is a little flat but the comedic combination of Pullman and Stiller is pure magic. (3.5 of 5) So Says the Soothsayer.