Dabide no Hoshi: Bishoujo-Gari (1979, JAP) C-100m. Scope **½ D: Norifumi Suzuki. Starring Shun Domon, Hiromi Namino, Asami Ogawa, Natsuko Yagi. Following a brutal rape by a sex maniac (before her husband’s eyes), a woman gives birth to a son. The boy must witness the horrible degradation of his mother by his father and later becomes a maniac himself; he lures women into his sophisticated torture chamber in the basement of his mansion. Controversial shocker about obsession and the burden of heritage (typically Japanese issues) is remarkable in many ways. Although it is repeatedly voyeuristic and obviously takes joy in depicting the women’s suffering, film is competently made and offers a thoughtful characterization of the main character. Bogs down a little in the second half, but worth watching for people who are not easily offended. Based on an Anime film series and a Manga by Masaaki Soto. English titles: BEAUTIFUL GIRL HUNTER, STAR OF DAVID: BEAUTY HUNTING.

Daddy Day Care (2003, USA) C-92m. ** D: Steve Carr. Starring Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn, Regina King, Kevin Nealon, Jonathan Katz, Lacey Chabert, Angelica Huston. Contrived comedy about Murphy and Garlin, who have both lost their jobs and now decide to open a kindergarten / pre-school, with the only accptable one around being Huston’s elite pre-school. Strictly-by-the-numbers fare, with my son asking half-way through when the funny scenes would come. Even Murphy is surprisingly one-note.

Dagon (2001, SPA/USA) C-98m. ** D: Stuart Gordon. Starring Ezra Godden, Francisco Rabal, Raquel Merono, Macarena Gomez, Brendan Price. Weak horror movie marks Gordon’s return to his roots, H.P. Lovecraft material, that is. This adaptation takes vacationer Godden to a Spanish coastal town, which the evil cult of the Dagon is ruling. Their specialty is scalping their victims, and Godden is about to learn more about his family history. Pace picks up in the second half of the movie, which saves it eventually. Still, quite cheap (apart from the sometimes quite startling make-up effects), and Godden is no Bruce Campbell or Bruce Abbott (who he was made to resemble, or who he tries to copy). Dedicated to actor Rabal, whose last film this was. Coproduced by Brian Yuzna.

... Dai Nemici Mi Guardo Io! (1968, ITA) C-100m. Scope ** D: Irving Jacobs (=Mario Amendola). Starring Charles Southwood, Julian Mateos, Alida Chelli, Pietro Ceccarelli, Dada Gallotti, Marco Rual, Mirko Ellis, John Heston. OK spaghetti western, competently filmed, but also unfortunately without style, suspense or plot cleverness. Loner Southwood is after three coins which lead to a hidden treasure. He gets the first one from a dying general, then the chase for the other two coins is on. Cowritten by Bruno Corbucci. Nice score by Carlo Rustichelli. Filmed in Spain. English title: THREE SILVERDOLLARS.

Daisy Town (1971, FRA/BEL) C-71m. ** D: René Goscinny, Morris. Starring (the voices of) Marcel Bozzuffi, Pierre Trabaud, Jacques Balutin. Time has not been kind to the lonesome cartoon cowboy Lucky Luke’s first feature film adventure. Story about western community of Daisy Town, which is ruled by outlaws is told in non-chalant fashion, with only sight gags seeming to count. You read the exact same story in the comic book in 15-20 minutes, so why slow down the experience? For fans. Followed by a Turkish LUCKY LUKE adaptation in 1974, two sequels (1978 and 1983), a 1983 animated TV series, an Italian 1991 remake and TV series with Terence Hill, a French TV series in 2001 and a new feature film in 2004 (LES DALTONS).

Dalle Ardenne all’Inferno (1967, ITA/FRA/GER) C-105m. Scope **½ D: Alberto De Martino. Starring Frederick Stafford, Daniela Bianchi, Curd Jürgens, John Ireland, Michel Constantin, Helmuth Schneider, Howard Ross, Adolfo Celi, Anthony Dawson, Tom Felleghy. Quite good war adventure about a group of resistance fighters and mercenaries, who plot to steal diamonds from Nazi headquarters in Holland. Some uneven plotting hampers proceedings, but generally not bad. Jürgens is good as a reasonable(!) German general. Music by Ennio Morricone and Bruno Nicolai. English title: DIRTY HEROES.

Dama Rossa Uccide Sette Volte, La (1972, ITA/GER) C-95m. Scope **½ D: Emilio P. Miraglia. Starring Barbara Bouchet, Ugo Pagliai, Marina Malfatti, Marino Masé, Pia Giancaro, Sybil Danning, Nino Korda, Rudolf Schündler, Carla Mancini. Okay mystery with gothic elements, though a typical giallo. A large family is called to the reading of a will after the patriarch dies and from then on, the notorious Red Queen stalks and kills the relatives – seven of them according to the legend. Confusing at times, with very little continuity, so enjoying this is difficult, but some set-pieces are quite good, as is score by Bruno Nicolai. English titles: BLOOD FEAST, CRY OF A PROSTITUTE: LOVE KILLS, FEAST OF FLESH, THE RED QUEEN KILLS 7 TIMES, THE CORPSE WHICH DIDN’T WANT TO DIE.

Dance of the Dwarfs (1983, USA) C-93m. ** D: Gus Trikonis. Starring Deborah Raffin, Peter Fonda, John Amos, Carlos Palomino, Arthur ‘Turko’ Cervantes. Laughable horror adventure set in the South American jungles, but filmed quite obviously somewhere in North American woodland. Anthropologist Raffin hires boozing pilot Fonda to look for missing colleague, finds tribe of blood-thirsty dwarf-like creatures instead. Highly pretentious, although atmospheric finale compensates a little. Based on a novel by Geoffrey Household. Alternatively spelt DANCE OF THE DWARVES, and also known as JUNGLE HEAT.

Dancer in the Dark (2000, DAN/SWE/FRA/NOR/GER) C-140m. Scope *** D: Lars von Trier. Starring Björk, Cathérine Deneuve, David Morse, Peter Stormare, Udo Kier, Joel Grey, Vincent Paterson, Cara Seymour, Jean-Marc Barr, Vladan Kostic, Zeljko Ivanek, Stellan Skarsgard. Lars von Trier’s biggest eccentricity yet is a musical melodrama about a Czechoslovakian immigrant (Björk), who lives with her twelve-year-old son in a run-down trailer next to policeman/friend Morse’s house. She works in a tool factory under terrible conditions and has been saving money for an operation that will save her son’s gift of sight… at the price of her own. What keeps her alive is the hope for a better future for her son – and her love for Hollywood musicals, which she can only enjoy with her best friend Deneuve, who’ll explain to her the scenes on the big screen. She flees herself more and more into an increasingly dark dream world, which ultimately ends in a tragedy. Von Trier’s uses the same cinematic style that he began to develop in his 1994 TV miniseries RIGET and tells a story with such overblown melodramatics that the plot is sometimes very hard to take (to say nothing about the songs!). The film is almost impossible to rate and certainly will not appeal to most viewers, but von Trier’s deserves credit for constantly trying to reinvent himself and cinema in general, which he is clearly dissatisfied with. A difficult, oddly touching, brilliantly acted film that you will either hate or love. Winner of the Palme D’Or in Cannes. Björk also won the Best Actor prize. 

Dancing at Lughnasa (1998, GBR/EIR/USA) C-96m. **½ D: Pat O’Connor. Starring Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon, Catherine McCormack, Kathy Burke, Sophie Thompson, Brid Brennan, Rhys Ifans. Set in the year 1936, this drama is an Irish childhood reminiscence narrated by a now-grown-up, who was brought up by five sisters (and occasionally by his estranged father Ifans). His chaotic life is given another spin, when his uncle, confused preacher Gambon, arrives from Africa. Beautifully photographed, well-directed, but misses the mark dramatically. The main character (the boy) becomes a marginal one, and the sisters’ relationship moves to the center – not the most interesting aspect of the story. Based on Brian Friel’s play.

Dangan Runner (1996, JAP) C-83m. *** D: Sabu (=Hiroyuki Tanaka). Starring Tomorowo Taguchi, Diamond Yukai, Shinichi Tsutsumi, Sabu. Three men are chasing each other in the streets of Tokyo. A would-be thief, a drug-pushing rock star/shop assistant and a Yakuza killer. Subplot concerns the violent conflict between two clans. An ambitious, intelligent examination of a life where you have to run to survive. Production values are not high, but talent behind the camera compensates. A cult film in Japan.

Dangerous Game (1988, AUS) C-102m. **½ D: Stephen Hopkins. Starring Steven Grives, Marcus Graham, Miles Buchanan, Kathryn Walker. Grives is good as psychopathic cop who is terrorizing a group of college kids in a supermarket at night. Flashy, well-directed horror thriller actually makes something of its second-rate plot, though it could have been twenty minutes shorter. An impressive feature debut for director Hopkins (PREDATOR 2, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5).

Dangerous Liaisons (1988, USA/GBR) C-119m. *** D : Stephen Frears. Starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoosie Kurtz, Keanu Reeves, Mildred Natwick, Uma Thurman. Second film version of Choderlos de Laclos’ novel about two scheming aristocrats (Close and Malkovich) who enjoy manipulating people while duelling themselves. Subtle script by Christopher Hampton (who used his own stage version as a blueprint) comes up with marvelous dialogues but remains stagey nonetheless. The actors, especially Pfeiffer and Close, are excellent. Also notable for a rare Uma Thurman nude scene. Oscar winner for Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction and Costumes. Previously filmed as LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES. Later versions: VALMONT (1989) by Milos Forman and CRULE INTENTIONS (1999) by Roger Kumble.

Dante’s Peak (1997, USA) C-108m. Scope *** D: Roger Donaldson. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton, Jamie Renée Smith, Jeremy Foley, Elizabeth Hoffman, Charles Hallahan. Exciting, explosive disaster movie about scientist Brosnan who is the only one who foresees that the local volcano Dante’s Peak might erupt soon. Mayor Hamilton falls in love with him. Very formulaic and quite incredible, but offers high-octane action entertainment. 

Daredevil (2003, USA) C-103m. Scope **½ D: Mark Steven Johnson. Starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Favreau, Scott Terra, Ellen Pompeo, Joe Pantoliano, David Keith, Kevin Smith, Stan Lee, Kane Hodder, Mark Margolis. Slick comic-book adaptation features the title hero (Affleck), who is a lawyer by day and a vicious fighter for justice by night. After an accident as a child, which blinded him, his other senses are heightened. Well-directed, flashy fantasy thriller loses its verve in the mid-section and never recovers, also because of rather dull story about bad guys Farrell and Duncan. Good cast can’t be faulted. Written by the director and executive produced by the comic’s creator Stan Lee, who has a cameo.

Dario Argento – Master of Horror (1991, ITA) C-80m. **½ D: Lewis Coates (=Luigi Cozzi). Featuring Dario Argento, Michele Soavi, Luigi Cozzi. Documentary about leading horror director Argento covers his oeuvre between the years 1987 and 1990, discussing the films OPERA, LA CHIESA, LA SETTA and TWO EVIL EYES. Dario speaks about his obsession with making horror films, though major part of this documentary is taken by (long) video clips from these films. The special effects are also explained. Interesting for Argento devotees (all horror fans should be), others needn’t bother. The second in a line of documentaries, following LA MONDO DELL’ORRORE DI DARIO ARGENTO, directed by Michele Soavi in 1985. Third part, filmed by Cozzi in 1997, is titled MONDO DI DARIO ARGENTO 3.

Dark, The (1979, USA) C-90m. Scope *½ D: Tobe Hooper, John ‘Bud’ Cardos. Starring William Devane, Cathy Lee Crosby, Richard Jaeckel, Biff Elliot, Keenan Wynn, Philip Michael Thomas. Poor sci-fi horror film about a human-like monster who roams L.A. streets at night, beheading his victims. Attack scenes are well-filmed but shoddy effects ruin everything. Original director Tobe Hooper was replaced by John Cardos during the production. Alternative title: THE MUTILATOR.

Dark City (1998, USA) C-100m. Scope *** D: Alex Proyas. Starring Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, Richard O'Brien, Ian Richardson, Colin Friels, Bruce Spence, William Hurt. Dark, brooding science-fiction film, from the director of THE CROW. Sewell plays an amnesiac who, stumbling through a dark city, is suspected of being a serial killer. Aliens have invaded the planet and are conducting experiments with humans, to find out about our soul. They have the gift of 'tuning', altering physical reality by their own will. Brilliantly designed urban-hell production moves at such a quick pace that it seems altogether outlandish. Story (and especially the plot) should have been more edged out. The viewer doesn't get time to ponder the going-ons. This BRAZIL-like nightmare will excite genre fans and others alike.

Dark Crystal (1982, GBR) C-92m. Scope *** D: Jim Henson, Frank Oz. Good children’s fantasy from the creators of the television series The Muppet Show. The evil Skeksis are in possession of a valuable crystal, which gives them power over the stars. If someone is able to find a missing splinter and reinsert it into the crystal, the world will become a peaceful place again. Well-produced and filmed with an eye for detail. Children will be delighted, though film is not for the very small ones. Adults may object about the slim plot. Performed by Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, many others.

Darkest Sword, The (1972, HGK) C-94m. Scope **½ D: Chien Lung. Starring Chang Ching-Ching, Chiang Ping, Ie Yuen. An evil warrior wielding a magical black sword is threatening to wipe out a village in this well-directed and stylishly photographed eastern. Unfortunately the plot never really catches fire, but still, there are many astounding sequences to hold your attention (sword-fighters defying gravity), ...and a simply lovely heroine.

Dark Half, The (1993, USA) C-122m. **½ D: George A. Romero. Starring Timothy Hutton, Amy Madi-gan, Michael Rooker, Julie Harris, Robert Joy. Horror novelist Hutton decides to announce that he has been writing under a pseudonym, but soon he has to realize that his alter ego has come to life and is killing all the people he knows. Or is Hutton just insane? Film decides too late what it wants to be, a horror movie or a thriller, and when it does, the explanation for everything is vague and unbelievable. What remains is director Romero’s feel for the genre, and this carries the film a long way. While there are some good scenes, there are also several moments where the proceedings border on ridiculousness. Romero also wrote the screenplay, based on the novel by Stephen King. This was at least King’s third novel about a troubled horror writer (after SHINING and MISERY). Incidentally, King also used a pseudonym for a long time.

Darkman (1990, USA) C-96m. *** D: Sam Raimi. Starring Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake, Dan Hicks, Ted Raimi, John Landis, William Lustig, Scott Spiegel, Bruce Campbell, Jenny Agutter, Sam Raimi, Joel and Ethan Coen. Raimi’s follow-up to EVIL DEAD II (1987) is rip-roaring mix of RE-ANIMATOR and BATMAN. Scientist Neeson is almost killed by thugs working for crook Drake and now seeks revenge as Darkman, with scorched skin and super-powers. B-movie extravanganza makes you forget plot holes with terrific score by (BATMAN-composer) Danny Elfman, a forceful performance by Neeson and Raimi’s stylish direction. Movie references range from PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and INVISIBLE MAN to Hitchcock’s VERTIGO. Bruce Campbell was originally cast for the starring role, he appears in a cameo instead (like many of Raimi’s friends). Followed by two inferior sequels.

Dark Star (1974, USA) C-83m. **½ D: John Carpenter. Starring Dan O'Bannon, Dre Hachich, Brian Narelle. So-so first feature film from recognized horror film director Carpenter. On the space ship 'Dark Star' a few spaced-out astronauts are on a mission to destroy unstable planets and suddenly have to contend with the bord computer and a speaking bomb which wants to blow itself up. Sci-fi satire spoofing 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY is occasionally hilarious, but also quite silly. Written by Carpenter and O'Bannon, who expanded their short film they made in college. O'Bannon would later write the screenplay to ALIEN.

Dark Water (2005, USA) C-105m. Scope **½ D: Walter Salles. Starring Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Pete Postlethwaite, Ariel Gade. Remake of the Japanese chiller HONOGURAI MIZU NO SOKO KARA (2002) featuring Connelly, who makes her return to horror films after 20 years (Dario Argento’s PHENOMENA). She plays a single mother, who is going through a divorce and moves into a derelict apartment building with her daughter. Soon, she is troubled by water dropping from the ceiling, noise from upstairs and her daughter’s imaginary friend. Is a ghost haunting the place? Atmospheric chiller is unrelentingly brooding and downbeat, but pretty much on a par with the original.

Dark Waters (1994, ITA/GBR) C-98m. *** D: Mariano Baino. Starring Louise Salter, Venera Simmons, Mariya Kapnist, Pavel Sokolov, Valeri Bassel. After her father’s death, young Salter travels to a Crimean island to find out why he financially supported a religious convent there and tries to solve the mystery behind her own childhood. Strange, vague horror chiller is oddly hypnotic in its creation of a maelstrom of atmosphere, although the plot never really thickens. Contains relatively few effects but manages to hold your attention nevertheless. Mainly for connoisseurs of European macabre cinema, others may be put off early on. Written by Andy Banks, edited by the director. Filmed in Russia and Rome. Also known as DEAD WATERS.

Darwin’s Nightmare (2004, AUT/FRA/BEL/CDN/FIN/SWE) C-111m. *** D: Hubert Sauper. Shattering documentary about Tanzania, a poor 3rd world country in Africa, whose only economic asset, Lake Victoria, is being exploited by Europeans and Russians. The Nile perch, a predator, has killed all other species in the lake and is flown to rich countries, while the poor locals receive the fishbone. The native population can work in factory jobs, but since only the factory owners are getting rich, poverty still reigns the streets. Too hesitant, unstructured in its approach but compelling nonetheless, this film has the power to make you cry about the injustice in the world. Nominated for Best Documentary Oscar.

Daughter of Darkness (1989, USA) C-91m. *½ D: Stuart Gordon. Starring Anthony Perkins, Mia Sara, Jack Coleman, Robert Reynolds. Young American Sara, haunted by nightmares, goes to Romania to look for her lost father and discovers that he is a 200 year-old vampire. Film starts okay, then disintegrates as it becomes clear that the plot won’t go beyond its premise. Pretentious, almost offensively, and badly acted. For those who want to see Perkins play a vampire. He is the only good one in the cast. Filmed in Budapest.

Da Uomo a Uomo (1968, ITA) C-114m. Scope *** D: Giulio Petroni. Starring Lee Van Cleef, John Phillip Law, Mario Brega, Luigi Pistilli, Anthony Dawson, José Torres, Franco Balducci. Revenge western with a cult following about Law’s quest to find and kill outlaws that wiped out his family 15 years ago. Van Cleef is trying to find them, too; he spent the last 15 years in prison after being betrayed by them. A cool western, with excellent widescreen cinematography by Carlo Carlini, stylish direction, and an elaborate score by Ennio Morricone (used by Quentin Tarantino for his KILL BILL films). Major flaw: Languid plotting makes this occasionally pretentious. English titles: DEATH RIDES A HORSE, AS MAN TO MAN.

David Copperfield (1935, USA) 130m. *** D: George Cukor. Starring Freddie Bartholomew, Frank Lawton, W.C. Fields, Lionel Barrymore, Madge Evans, Roland Young, Basil Rathbone, Edna May Oliver, Maureen O’Sullivan, Elsa Lanchester. MGM’s stab at Dickens probably seemed like the real thing when it was originally released but has lost most of that reported magic over the years. Charles Dickens’ classic novel about the life of a young boy (Bartholomew) who becomes an orphan early on in life. Solid storytelling but scant stylistics (Dickens’ narrative was probably more cinematic). Produced by David O. Selznick.

David Cronenberg - I Have to Make the Word Be Flesh (1999, FRA) C-70m. **½ D: André S. Labarthe. Novelist Serge Grünberg interviewed the Canadian shock specialist David Cronenberg in January 1999, asking him some rather vague questions about his œuvre. Intermittently we see some video clips of Cronenberg's films, from SHIVERS to CRASH. All in all, an interesting insight into the mind of a cult director. It could have been a little better-structured. A must for Cronenberg's followers.

Da Vinci Code, The (2006, USA) C-167m. Scope *** D: Ron Howard. Starring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Paul Bettany, Alfred Molina, Jürgen Prochnow. Blockbuster adaptation of the Dan Brown bestseller about a symbologist (Hanks), who is drawn into an adventure when he is asked to help a young woman (Tautou) find out who killed her grandfather in the Louvre and which fundamental secret the killers are trying to protect. Intriguing puzzler with historical references to Leonardo Da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton and even the Holy Grail is uneven as a movie, but well-directed and well-scored (by Hans Zimmer). Those who know the book may be more critical, but film holds up well beyond two hours. Originally premiered at 149m.

Dawn of the Dead (1978, USA) C-139m. **** D: George A. Romero. Starring David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross, David Crawford, David Early, Richard France, Tom Savini, George A. Romero. “When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth!” George Romero’s sequel to NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is an apocalyptic horror masterpiece, a parable on the decline of Western civilization. A national emergency grips the country as a growing army of zombies relentlessly attacks the living. Policemen Foree and Reiniger join Emge and Ross, who intend to flee in a helicopter from the mass hysteria that is engulfing the country. Ultimately, they find themselves in a huge shopping center, which might give them temporary refuge from the flesh-eating corpses. Can they keep the living dead at bay? Influential, trendsetting horror shocker is one of the best genre films of all time. Excellent make-up and special effects by Tom Savini, good, brooding score by Goblin (featuring Dario Argento), hairraising setpieces, black humor, all presented through a thoughtful script by director Romero. The incredibly tense final thirty minutes will tie your stomach in knots! Apart from doing the music, Dario Argento also functioned as script consultant and supervised the European cut (119m.) of the film. In fact, several versions of the film are in existence. Released theatrically at 126m., complete version includes more soft-spoken plot elements, such as the refugees’ increasing disillusionment with their situation. Beware of edited prints. Coproduced by Claudio Argento. Romero completed the Dead-trilogy with DAY OF THE DEAD in 1985.

Dawn of the Dead (2004, USA) C-109m. Scope **½ D: Zack Snyder. Starring Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, Ty Burrell, Jayne Eastwood, Matt Frewer, Scott H. Reiniger, Tom Savini, Ken Foree. Adrenalin-pumped but pointless remake of the classic 1978 horror movie by George Romero. Several people find refuge in a shopping mall, after an epidemic sweeps through the country turning dead people into flesh-eating zombies. Hardly any novelties (the zombies run and there are ‘twitchers’), film lacks the original’s oppressive atmosphere totally and only seems interested in gory effects. Unexpectedly, film comes to bloody life in the final thirty minutes. Still, works only if you can disengage this movie from the memory of the original. Tom Savini, Ken Foree and Scott Reiniger of the original cast have cameos.

Dawn of the Mummy (1981, USA/EGY/ITA) C-93m. *½ D: Frank Agrama. Starring Brenda King, Barry Sattels, George Peck, John Salvo, Ibrahim Khan. Low-budget shocker about an ancient pharao curse and its effects on present-day gravediggers. Filmed on location in Egypt but script is so bad that you’ll find your attention wandering. Fast editing doesn’t help. Only for horror fans.

Day After Tomorrow, The (2004, USA) C-124m. Scope ** D: Roland Emmerich. Starring Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum, Dash Mihok, Ian Holm, Glenn Plummer, Perry King. Rather dumb disaster thriller about a sudden global climate change, which, as predicted by scientist Quaid, will turn the Northern hemisphere into an ice desert. Quaid’s son Gyllenhaal is holed up in New York City when the disaster happens. Emmerich, who receives story and screenplay credit, makes this almost as idiotic as INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996). The special effects keep you watching, but otherwise this is very weak.

Daylight (1996, USA) C-114m. *** D: Rob Cohen. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Amy Brenneman, Viggo Mortensen, Dan Hedaya, Karen Young, Claire Bloom, Barry Newman, Stan Shaw, Colin Fox, Sage Stallone. Well-made, formulaic disaster thriller featuring Stallone as former chief of Emergency Medical Services, who starts a rescue operation when an explosion seals both ends of the tunnel under the Hudson River in New York City. Reminiscent of THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE and rather unimaginative but exciting and effective, with Stallone an assured hero.

Day of the Dead (1985, USA) C-102m. **½ D: George A. Romero. Starring Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Joseph Pilato, Jarlath Conroy, Antone DiLeo, Richard Liberty, George A. Romero. Final part of Romero’s DEAD-trilogy is ambitious but suffers in comparison to the superior DAWN OF THE DEAD and from the fact that the Zombie film had run its course already. The plot concerns some survivors of the epidemic, who have found temporary refuge at an underground army bunker. Professor ‘Frankenstein’ (Liberty) wants to study the living dead, but Captain Rhodes (Pilato) intends to wipe them out. Who is going to escape? Due to a lack of funds Romero had to make compromises, and it shows in terms of plot development, but Tom Savini’s effects are as gruesome as ever. For horror buffs. Rumored sequel, titled TWILIGHT OF THE DEAD, was never made.

Day of the Dead (2008, USA) C-87m. *½ D: Steve Miner. Starring Mena Suvari, Nick Cannon, Michael Welch, AnnaLynne McCord, Stark Sands, Matt Rippy, Pat Kilbane, Ving Rhames, Ian McNeice. Loose remake of Romero’s third DEAD feature is almost completely worthless. Suvari (why?) plays an army corporal, whose hometown has been sealed off because of mysterious flu epidemic. Soon those infected turn into zombies and attack the living. Only similarities here are army presence and a ‘humane’ zombie. With a script this weak not even the effects are thrilling. Went straight to DVD.

Day of the Woman (1978, USA) C-101m. ** D: Meir Zarchi. Starring Camille Keaton, Eron Tabor, Richard Pace, Anthoy Nichols, Günther Kleemann. Beautiful writer Keaton withdraws to a house by a lake to write her first novel, but is harassed by local thugs – who think she just turned up for their pleasure. After a violent rape attack, which leaves her almost dead, she proceeds to take her revenge, in ultra-violent fashion. Despite its premise this is NOT a feminist revenge picture, this is just as mysogynist as any other exploitation film of that time. Very hard to watch at times, with echoes of LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT and DELIVERANCE (two movies that couldn’t be more dissimilar), this horror thriller is overly simple and unnecessarily drawn out. The outrageousness of the material sort of keeps you watching. Don’t view if in doubt, banned in many countries. A minor cult favorite, especially because of its alternative title I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. Aka I HATE YOUR GUTS, THE RAPE AND REVENGE OF JENNIFER HILL.

Days of Heaven (1978, USA) C-95m. *** D: Terrence Malick. Starring Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, Sam Shepard, Linda Manz, Robert Wilke, Stuart Margolin. Writer-director Malick’s follow-up to his cult drama BADLANDS (1973) is similar in story and tone. A roaming young couple (Gere and Adams) find work at Shepard’s farm. When he shows some interest in Adams, Gere eggs her on to become his lover – with tragic results. An evocative film, where nature plays a major role, this was Malick’s last before directing THE THIN RED LINE in 1998. Score by Ennio Morricone makes use of the memorable theme fom ‘Carnival of the Animals’. Cinematography by Néstor Almendros (aided by Haskell Wexler) won an Oscar. Malick won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival.

Days of Wine and Roses (1962, USA) 117m. ***½ D: Blake Edwards. Starring Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick, Charles Bickford, Jack Klugman, Alan Hewitt, Tom Palmer, Jack Albertson. Shattering drama realistically depicts two lovers’ descent into alcoholism, which threatens to destroy their lives. Lemmon is terrific in one of his best roles, Remick his match as secretary who falls for the wrong guy. Film is so realistic it is sometimes hard to swallow, and Edwards’ treatment is not too cinematic (story was originally conceived for television), but otherwise this drama is a must. The final fifteen minutes are excellent. Henry Mancini’s score is fine, he won an Oscar for the title song.

Day the Lord Got Busted, The (1976, USA) C-71m. ** D: Burt Topper. Starring Fabian (Fabian Forte), Nai Bonet, Tony Russel, Larry Bishop, Casey Kasem, William Bonner. Straight B-movie drama about drifter Fabian, who catches the attention of phony preacher Russel, who intends to promote him as the Son of Jesus and make him a star. However, the young man cannot escape him origins and the deadly attraction of drugs. Interesting to some degree. Original version may run longer. Aka SOUL HUSTLER.

Dazed and Confused (1993, USA) C-94m. *** D: Richard Linklater. Starring Jason London, Wiley Wiggins, Sasha Jenson, Rory Cochrane, Milla Jovovich, Marissa Ribisi, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Rapp, Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey. Entertaining, funny period piece about a day in the life of high school grads in 1976, their attitudes, problems and friendships. Just as episodic as writer-director Linklater’s debut feature SLACKER, but also much more coherent. Amusing, realistic characterizations add to the fun. Wiggins is especially cute as one of the freshmen, who are constantly running from the seniors. Good 70s soundtrack. Linklater also co-produced the film.

Dazzle (1999, SAF) C-88m. ** D: David Lister. Starring Maxwell Caulfield, Chantelle Stander, Mia Sara, Jeff Fahey, Charlotte Savage. Harmless, inoffensive fantasy movie about a fairy who crashes into widowed writer Caulfield’s garden and becomes a (human) amnesiac. Predictable stuff, okay for kids.

Dead as a Doorman (1986, USA) C-83m. ** D: Gary Youngman. Starring Robin Cahall, Sharon Schlarth, Bruce Taylor, Bradley Whitford. Pretty unexciting thriller about writer Cahall, who tries to track down a doorman killer in downtown Atlanta. Plays like harmless TV fare, some of the writing is ambitious, though. Re-titled DOORMAN.

Dead Kids (1981, NZL) C-98m. Scope ** D: Michael Laughlin. Starring Michael Murphy, Louise Fletcher, Dan Shor, Fiona Lewis, Arthur Dignam, Dey Young, Marc McClure, Scott Brady, Charles Lane. Policeman Murphy is investigating the recent murders of teenagers and comes to the conclusion that the local lab may have something to do with it. Not a horror film, as some believe, but a barely suspenseful ‘thriller’. Some gruesome scenes can be understood as a nod to all the gory horror flicks of the early 1980s. Nothing to get excited about. Cowritten by Bill Condon (director of CANDYMAN: FAREWELL TO THE FLESH), who also has a brief role. Coproduced by David Hemmings. Aka STRANGE BEHAVIOUR.

Deadlier Than the Male (1967, GBR) C-101m. Scope **½ D: Ralph Thomas. Starring Richard Johnson, Elke Sommer, Sylva Koscina, Nigel Green, Suzanna Leigh, Steve Carlson, Virginia North, Laurence Naismith. Pretty good Bond imitation from experienced director Thomas (HOT ENOUGH FOR JUNE). Johnson comes pretty close to Sean Connery as Bulldog Drummond, a gentleman spy (originally a character from a 1930s/1940s film series). He must stop sexy but lethal duo of Sommer and Koscina, who want to kill a King from the Near East to complete an oil deal. Good-looking 60s fodder, a bit too talky compared to the James Bond movies of the time, though Sommer and Koscina are would have made great Bond girl. Cowritten by Jimmy Sangster. Some prints run 98m. Followed by one sequel, SOME GIRLS DO (1969).

Deadlock (1970, GER) C-92m. ** D: Roland Klick. Starring Mario Adorf, Anthony Dawson, Marquard Bohm, Mascha Elm Rabben, Sigurd Fitzek. Odd thriller disguised as a western, about golddigger Adorf and his involvement with two bankrobbers somewhere in Mexico. They quarrel about who is to have the loot – in THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY-style. Interesting, offbeat, but search in vain for action or suspense. A cult film in Germany. Photographed by Robert van Ackeren. See also SUPERMARKT.

Deadly Alliance (1978, USA) C-78m. *½ D: Paul S. Parco. Starring Tony De Fonte, Kathleen Arc, Mike Lloyd Gentry, Michele Marsh, Walter Prince. Forgettable actioner made on a miniscule budget about a group’s attempts to reveal a conspiracy. Some scenes are okay, but generally worthless, extremely cheap.

Deadly Blessing (1981, USA) C-104m. *** D: Wes Craven. Starring Maren Jensen, Susan Buckner, Sharon Stone, Lois Nettleton, Ernest Borgnine, Jeff East, Lisa Hartman. A young couple is menaced by a fanatic rural sect who keeps warning everybody of the ‘Incubus’. When two friends come to support Jensen after her husband died - in what seemed - an accident, they are soon stalked by a mad killer. Well-plotted, suspenseful horror thriller with some interesting remarks on religious fanatism. The score is good, Borgnine earnest as the leader of the sect. A worthy predecessor to SCREAM.

Deadly Companions (1961, USA) C-93m. Scope ** D: Sam Peckinpah. Starring Maureen O’Hara, Brian Keith, Steve Cochran, Chill Wills, Strother Martin. Unexciting, sentimental western about Keith, who accidentally kills a boy and accompanies his mother (O’Hara) through Indian territory. Two outlaws are also after them. Characters in this western drama are well-drawn, but film lacks punch. An atypical Peckinpah movie; this was his first directorial effort. Based on a novel of the same title.

Deadly Force (1983, USA) C-95m. **½ D: Paul Aaron. Starring Wings Hauser, Joyce Ingalls, Paul Shenar, Al Ruscio, Arlen Dean Snyder, Estelle Getty, Paul Benjamin, Aaron Norris. B-thriller surpasses your expectations in many ways. Hauser is quite good as an ex-cop who goes after a serial killer. Agreeable pacing, okay plot. Score is not bad either. Overall, an okay timekiller.

Deadly Sunday (1982, USA) C-83m. *½ D: Donald M. Jones. Starring Dennis Ely, Henry G. Sanders, Gyl Roland, Douglas Alexander. Pretty vile thriller about a family of four, whose stop at a diner in the middle of nowhere plunges them into a nightmare. Several sadistic criminals have taken everybody hostage there and show no mercy. Rather pointless, confusing, about in the same league as LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (1972).

Dead Man (1996, USA/GER/JAP) 120m. ***½ D: Jim Jarmusch. Starring Johnny Depp, Gary Farmer, Lance Henriksen, Michael Wincott, Iggy Pop, Jared Harris, Billy Bob Thornton, Crispin Glover, Gabriel Byrne, John Hurt, Alfred Molina, Robert Mitchum. Highly unusual, hypnotic western about Cleveland-born bookkeeper William Blake (Depp), who comes to the town of Machine to take up a job in tough businessman Mitchum’s steel mill. However, the position is no longer vacant. The same night he shoots Mitchum’s son in self-defense and has to flee. He finds a friend in an Indian (Farmer). Superbly cast and shot in glorious black and white, meditative film is not for all tastes. Those looking for an offbeat, stylish film will undoubtedly love it. Fine score by Neil Young. Film legend Robert Mitchum’s last role.

Dead Next Door (1988, USA) C-85m. *½ D: J.R. Bookwalter. Starring Pete Ferry, Bogdan Pecic, Michael Grossi, Jolie Jackunas, Robert Kokai, Floyd Ewing Jr., Scott Spiegel, J.R. Bookwalter.  Cheap splatter homemovie about a zombie epidemic and a few survivors who have formed a Zombie Squad in order to wipe out the undead. Amateurish in terms of acting and directing, much too obviously inspired by George Romero’s DEAD-trilogy (DAY OF THE DEAD in particular). The leading characters are named after horror director Sam Raimi (who co-executive produced sans credit) and special effects wizard Tom Savini. In fact, the whole budget of this one seems to have gone into special make-up effects (which are quite good, however). Running time is stretched out by closing credits which run longer than ten minutes! Only for splatter freaks.

Dead of Night (1945, GBR) 103m. ***½ D: Alberto Calvacanti, Charles Chrichton, Basil Dearden, Robert Hamer. Starring Mervyn Johns, Roland Culver, Antony Baird, Judy Kelly, Miles Malleson, Sally Ann Howes, Googie Withers, Ralph Michael, Michael Redgrave, Basil Radford, Naunton Wayne, Frederic Valk. Sublime British chiller about the gathering of six persons at a country house, five of whom narrate an eerie tale of the supernatural. The sixth, Johns, is having disquieting premonitions. The tales (based on short stories by H.G. Wells, E.F. Benson, John V. Baines and Angus MacPhail) vary in quality: Whereas the hide-and-seek story (2) and the golf incident (4) are rather juvenile and mildly amusing, the third story about a mirror reflecting a different room is intriguing and even scary. It turns out they just advertise the fifth and best of the tales (about schizophrenic ventriloquist Redgrave), which is a frame story itself. Chinese-box narrative ends in a most startling conclusion. Film is notable for its brilliant narrative and some superb acting. Highly recommended. Written by Baines and MacPhail. Photographed, among others, by Douglas Slocombe. Beware of cut versions.

Dead or Alive: Hanzaisha (1999, JAP) M C-105m. D: Takashi Miike. Starring Riki Takeuchi, Sho Aikawa, Renji Ishibashi, Hitoshi Ozawa, Shingo Tsurumi, Ren Osugi, Mind-numbing avantgarde action, almost as unbearable as the director’s earlier FUDOH (1996). “Story” is about mobster Takeuchi and his nemesis, cop Aikawa, who has problems of his own. Plot is unfocused, pace is a disaster; some stylistic flourishes are forgotten at ridiculous climax. Even cult movie fanatics will find it hard to enjoy this. On-screen title is D.O.A.; somebody should have reminded Miike that this also stands for Dead On Arrival.

Dead People (1973, USA) C-89m. *** D: Willard Huyck, Gloria Katz. Starring Michael Greer, Marianna Hill, Joy Bang, Anitra Ford, Royal Dano, Elisha Cook Jr. A young woman travels to Point Doom in search of her father, finds nothing but a mysterious diary in his beach house replete with bizarre wall paintings. It seems he was afraid of the returning of the Blood Moon and writes of changes on his own body. Is he still alive? Bizarre cult horror movie cannot quite escape its cheap production values, but stay with it, as story develops into an intriguing variation of zombie films. Wait till you see the rat-eating albino! Film’s slow pace actually works in favor of it. Eerie electronic score by Phillan Bishop. Directors Huyck and Katz cowrote AMERICAN GRAFFITI that same year! Also known as MESSIAH OF EVIL, REVENGE OF THE SCREAMING DEAD, THE SECOND COMING.

Dead Silence (2007, USA) C-91m. Scope ***½ D: James Wan. Starring Ryan Kwanten, Amber Valetta, Donnie Wahlberg, Michael Fairman, Joan Heney, Bob Gunton, Laura Regan. Director Wan’s follow-up to his smash-hit SAW (2004) is a crackerjack horror film about a ventriloquist’s dummy, which seems to bring death to those around it. Kwanten, whose wife died mysteriously, returns to his hometown to investigate mysterious ventriloquist, who may be behind it all. Beware the Stare! Not entirely logical but atmospheric, stylish, well-directed and scary as hell! So suspenseful it creates a heightened sense of awareness in you. Superb subliminal score is reminiscent of SUSPIRIA (1977), and film’s finale is a nod to INFERNO (1980). A treat for horror fans. Like SAW (2004), this was written by Leigh Whannell, from a story by himself and director Wan. DVD version contains an alternate opening and ending.

Dead Zone, The (1983, USA) C-103m. *** D: David Cronenberg. Starring Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst, Martin Sheen, Nicholas Campbell. After a near-fatal accident, teacher Walken falls into a coma, only to reawaken five years later with the gift of second-sight. Is he to use it or ignore it? Soon, several serious events demand his involvement… Low-key chiller, or horror drama, rates among the best Stephen King adaptations: Fine score by Michael Kamen, excellent ensemble cast, thoughtful (though slightly disjointed) script by Jeffrey Boam (INNER SPACE, LOST BOYS). Trivia note: Starts similarly to Cronenberg’s RABID (accident with supernatural consequences) and is another example of the director’s fascination with the pathological and/or clinical.

Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam (1987, USA) C-83m. *** D: Bill Couturié. Featuring the voices of Tom Berenger, Ellen Burstyn, Willem Dafoe, Robert De Niro, Brian Dennehy, Kevin Dillon, Matt Dillon, Robert Downey Jr., Michael J. Fox, Mark Harmon, John Heard, Harvey Keitel, Elizabeth McGovern, Judd Nelson, Sean Penn, Randy Quaid, Eric Roberts, John Savage, Martin Sheen, Kathleen Turner, Robin Williams. Reminiscence of the Vietnam war, made up entirely of authentic film material, with excerpts from letters from soldiers and their families, read by big names in the film biz. Likely to start you crying (if you were there), but also much too pathetic in parts, and it provides a questionable glorification of war. Anyway, this one is effectively compiled, with some truly priceless oldies on the soundtrack.

Death and the Compass (1992/1996, GBR/MEX/JAP) C/B&W-86m. ** D: Alex Cox. Starring Peter Boyle, Christopher Eccleston, Miguel Sandoval, Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez, Pedro Armendáriz Jr., Alex Cox. Attempted art film / mystery thriller by director Cox (SID AND NANCY). Weary police commissioner Sandoval relates the story of top-notch investigator Boyle, whose biggest challenge was to capture elusive super-criminal Red Scharlach. What might have become a cult thriller a la THE ELEMENT OF CRIME (1984) remains stilted and pretentious, also due to budgetary limitations. Improves towards the finale when the sets become more fantastic. Filmed for British TV in 1992, with an original running time of 50m., film was expanded by Cox four years later (mostly by adding Sandoval’s frame narration). Based on a story by Jorge Luis Borges. Previously filmed as SPIDERWEB (a short) starring Nigel Hawthorne.

Death at a Funeral (2007, USA/GBR/GER) C-91m. **½ D: Frank Oz. Starring Matthew Macfadyen, Keeley Hawes, Andy Nyman, Even Bremner, Daisy Donovan, Alan Tudyk, Jane Asher, Kris Marshall, Rupert Graves, Peter Vaughan. Black comedy set during a funeral, where all kinds of crazy characters create crazy situations. One of the guests has accidentally taken LSD, there’s a midget claiming to be the dead man’s lover and a senile old man who hates young people. Not very funny, especially in the first half, film has some very funny scenes in the second half, but not enough.

Deathbed (2002, USA) C-83m. ** D: Danny Draven. Starring Tanya Dempsey, Brave Matthews, Meagan Mandum, Michael Sonye, Joe Estevez. Rather obvious horror film produced by Charles Band and Stuart Gordon. Dempsey and Matthews move into a loft, which used to be a warehouse in the 30s. They find an old bed in the attic, in which – as the title sequence leaves no doubt – somebody was killed. Of course, the bed exudes a deadly influence on the couple. Not badly made, some scares, but really only for horror fans.

Death Doll (1989, USA) C-85m. *½ D: Sidney Mims. Starring Andrea Walters, William Dance, Jennifer Davis. A young couple receive a strange warning from one of those clairvoyant dolls you find in amusement parks, and soon the man dies. The woman then seems to be stalked. Not completely without interest, but film is poorly written, amateurishly directed – to say nothing of the low production values. If you must – watch in fast forward.

Death Game (1996, USA) C-81m. M D: Randy Cheveldave. Starring Timothy Bottoms, Nicholas Hill, Evan Lurie, Kristina Copeland, David McCallum, Vince Murdocco. Cheap sci-fi action about several characters who travel to Old L.A., which has been devastated by a war and is controlled by megalomaniac McCallum. They are caught in a labyrinth, where they are hunted by a lethal robot. Not at all worth your time, even if you are a genre fan. Made for television, executive produced by Roger Corman.

Death House (1988, USA) C-93m. ** D: Nick Marino, John Saxon. Starring Dennis Cole, Anthony Franciosa, John Saxon, Alex Courtney, David S. Freeman, Howard George. Little-known horror thriller about Cole, who is framed for murder when his wealthy boss Franciosa catches him fooling around with his wife. In prison, he uncovers the plan of agent Saxon, who conducts gruesome experiments with death row prisoners. Interestingly mixes zombie horror with the realism of prison films, but results are far from engrossing. Uneven, with a longish plot setup. Some effects are quite potent. This was cult actor John Saxon’s only film as a director.

Death Is a Woman (1966, GBR) C-88m. *½ D: Frederic Goode. Starring Patsy Ann (Trisha) Noble, Mark Burns, Shaun Curry, William Dexter, Terrence De Marney. British – not Italian – James Bond imitation about feud among spies on Malta. A picture postcard from the mediterranean island, nothing more. There’s a distinct lack of action and the plot bcomes boring early on. A movie that deserves to be forgotten. Film’s only well-directed scene is right at the beginning. Alternative titles: LOVE IS A WOMAN, SEX IS A WOMAN.

Death on the Nile (1978, GBR) C-140m. ***½ D: John Guillermin. Starring Peter Ustinov, Jane Birkin; Louis Chiles, Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Jon Finch, Olivia Hussey, George Kennedy, Angela Lansbury, Simon MacCorkindale, David Niven, Maggie Smith, Jack Warden, Harry Andrews, I.S. Johar, Sam Wanamaker. Formidable whodunit, set on board a cruise ship on the River Nile. Practically all passengers have a motive for killing wealthy honeymooner Chiles, who married her best friend Farrow’s lover. Belgian master sleuth Hercule Poirot (Ustinov) has a hard time cracking the case. Very-well made, with a superb cast and especially fine art direction-set decoration and costume design. Script by Anthony Shaffer. Photographed by Jack Cardiff. Score by Nino Rota. Ustinov’s debut as Agatha Christie’s ingenious detective (Albert Finney played Poirot in MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS in 1974). Followed by EVIL UNDER THE SUN (1982).

Death Proof (2007, USA) C-114m. Scope *** D: Quentin Tarantino. Starring Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Sysdney Poitier, Traci Thoms, Rose McGowan, Jordan Ladd, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Quentin Tarantino, Eli Roth, Michael Parks, James Parks. After gangster movies (RESERVOIR DOGS, PULP FICTION, JACKIE BROWN) and martial arts/revenge movies (KILL BILL), Tarantino celebrates the Grindhouse features of the 1970s, particularly those featuring muscle cars and tough heroes. Russell is a stuntman, who follows two different groups of hot young women – for reasons that are quite obscure. Just what does he need his ‘death-proof’ stunt car for? By now it should have become clear that Tarantino does not want to make good movies, he is too much immersed in trying to pay homage to films he considers cool. His DEATH PROOF story is talky, overlong, anachronistic, and quite pointless. Russell’s character is inconsistent and the two plot strands are not tied up well at all. Even if the flaws are all too obvious, they also pervade the films Tarantino is paying homage to, and to be honest, the movie is fun to watch, at least for movie buffs, who will excuse the its flaws. Tarantino also scripted and  photographed the picture. Originally released in the U.S. as one half of a double feature with Robert Rodriguez’ PLANET TERROR called GRINDHOUSE. It ran about 90m. there, in Europe the movies were relased separately, with DEATH PROOF running 114m.

Death Race 2000 (1975, USA) C-80m. ** D: Paul Bartel. Starring John Carradine, Simone Griffeth, Sylvester Stallone, Louisa Moritz, Mary Woronov, Don Steele, Joyce Jameson, John Landis, Paul Bartel. In the year 2000, several racing champions compete in grueling coast-to-coast death race, where points are scored by running people over with the car. Pretty weak, but satirical black humor makes the film endurable. Based on a story by Ib Melchior. Lewis Teague (ALLIGATOR, CUJO) co-directed the second unit and was also associate editor of the film. Followed by DEATHSPORT.

Death Sentence (2007, USA) C-106m. Scope **½ D: James Wan. Starring Kevin Bacon, Garrett Hedlund, Kelly Preston, Jordan Garrett, Stuart Lafferty, Aisha Tyler, John Goodman, Matt O’Leary. Manager Bacon’s life is thrown out of tracks, when his son is killed in an armed robbery of a gas station. When it becomes clear that lack of evidence will only put the killer behind bars for several years, Bacon changes his testimony so that the guy is released and he can get his own, proper revenge. However, he hasn’t reckoned with the gang that’s behind it all. Well-paced and well-made by the director of SAW (2004), but unlikely twists and turns ultimately mark this as an action or revenge fantasy. Bacon is convincing, as expected. Good SAW-like Charlie Clouser score. Based on Brian Garfield’s sequel novel to Death Wish, which was filmed with Charles Bronson in 1974.

Death Ship (1980, CDN/GBR) C-91m. M D: Alvin Rakoff. Starring George Kennedy, Richard Crenna, Nick Mancuso, Sally Ann Howes, Kate Reid, Saul Rubinek. When a luxury liner crashes into a mysterious ship and sinks, only a few people survive in a rescue boat. They seem to be saved when a ship approaches them, but it turns out evil powers try to corrupt captain Kennedy and several murders are the consequence. After premise is established, film goes absolutely nowhere. Idiotic, pretentious and a waste of time and celluloid. Don’t board this one.

Death Trap (1976, USA) C-91m. *** D: Tobe Hooper. Starring Neville Brand, Mel Ferrer, Carolyn Jones, Marylin Burns, William Finley, Stuart Whitman, Roberta Collins, Kyle Richards, Robert Englund. Unsettling, disturbing horror film, director Hooper’s follow-up to his masterpiece THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE (1974). Plot deals with psychopathic hotel owner Brand, who has a pet alligator swimming in the bayou next to his house. The guests he slices up with his scythe are fed to the beast. One day worried father Ferrer drops by, looking for his lost daughter. Oppressive atmosphere, bizarre characters and some nasty scenes make this difficult to watch sometimes but Hooper’s stylistics and an electrifying score (with the director’s collaboration) make this unmissable for horror fans. Some redundant scenes, but finale is a knock-out. A matter of taste (literally!). Also known as EATEN ALIVE, HORROR HOTEL, HORROR HOTEL MASSACRE, LEGEND OF THE BAYOU, MURDER ON THE BAYOU and STARLIGHT SLAUGHTER.

Death Warmed Up (1984, NZL/AUS) C-78m. ** D: David Blyth. Starring Michael Hurst, Margaret Umbers, William Upjohn, Norelle Scott, David Weatherly, Bruno Lawrence. Quite ambitious, not-bad, but ultimately flawed horror thriller about a mad brain surgeon, who has turned most people on an unspecified island into zombies. Young Hurst, who was sort-of hypnotized by the doctor into killing his own parents, comes to the island to get his revenge. Several scenes drag interminably and film seems long despite short running time. Some found this good; judge for yourselves.

Deathwatch (2002, GBR/GER/FRA/ITA) C-94m. Scope **½ D: Michael J. Bassett. Starring Jamie Bell, Rúaidhrí Conroy, Mike Downey, Laurence Fox, Andy Serkis, Hugo Speer, Hugh O’Conor. On a WW1 battlefront several British soldiers find refuge in a German trench. Soon they find that it seems to be haunted. The minds of the men begin to crack. Dense atmosphere keeps this fairly interesting. An adequately acted, often too pretentious mixture of war and horror film, written by first-time director Bassett.

Death Weekend (1976, CDN) C-89m. ** D: William Fruet. Starring Branda Vaccaro, Don Stroud, Chuck Shamata, Richard Ayres, Kyle Edwards. Typical 70s exploitation thriller about couple Vaccaro and Shamata, who are harrassed by a group of rednecks headed by Stroud. Follows a typical plotline but features an adequate direction and an atmospheric score. Scenes of cruelty are repulsive at times. Mostly recommended to fans of 70s sleaze, others stay away (or watch STRAW DOGS). Reminiscent of the cult slasher I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. Produced by Ivan Reitman.

Death Wish (1974, USA) C-93m. *** D: Michael Winner. Starring Charles Bronson, Hope Lange, Vincent Gardenia, Steven Keats, William Redfield, Stuart Margolin, Jeff Goldblum, Olympia Dukakis, Christopher Guest. Chilling, believable thriller about an everyman (Bronson), whose wife is killed and whose daughter-in-law is raped by a brutal gang. The pacifist throws his ethics overboard and goes on a one-man rampage through the streets of N.Y.C., killing every thug in the way. Some found this morally indefensible, but film is undeniably well-made. Good score by Herbie Hancock. Some sources credit Claude Chabrol(!) as a cowriter. William Lustig (MANIAC) was among the editors. Based on the novel by Brian Garfield. Goldblum’s first film. Followed by four sequels. 

Deconstructing Harry (1997, USA) C-96m. *** D: Woody Allen. Starring Woody Allen, Richard Ben-jamin, Kirstie Alley, Billy Crystal, Judy Davis, Bob Balaban, Elisabeth Shue, Demi Moore, Robin Williams, Caroline Aaron, Eric Bogosian, Mariel Hemingway, Amy Irving, Julie Kavner, Eric Lloyd, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Stanley Tucci. Unusually frank Woody Allen film about a neurotic writer who cannot seem to come to terms with his life. When he publishes his new novel, most of his friends recognize themselves and accuse him of indiscretion. This is the frame story for amusing vignettes that Allen seems to have written in one go; the episodes in the film seem slight and unmotivated (at least to non-Allen fans), but it’s fun to see stars take funny, small roles, and Woody is just as witty as ever. A matter of taste, like most of his films, this one is very much a self-examination. At the very least it gives you an idea about the creative process inside a writer’s mind.

Deep Blue Sea (1999, USA) C-105m. Scope **½ D: Renny Harlin. Starring Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, Samuel L. Jackson, Jacqueline McKenzie, Michael Rapaport, Stellan Skarsgard, LL Cool J, Aida Turturro, Ronny Cox. Scientists working on the cure for the Alzheimer disease haven’t reckoned with the sharks they have been experimenting on, as they obviously start using their artificially enlarged brains in order to mutilate and kill. In a giant, partially flooded lab under the sea the few remaining scientists strive to reach the top level in constant fear of shark attacks. Bubble-gum movie is a cross between JAWS and THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE, adding some contemporary science criticism. Acceptable fare, but lacks an airtight plot.

Deep End (1971, USA/GER) C-88m. ** D: Jerzy Skolimowski. Starring Jane Asher, John Moulder-Brown, Karl Michael Vogler, Diana Dors, Louise Martini, Burt Kwouk. Coming-of-age tale set in London about shy fifteen-year-old Moulder-Brown, whose first job is being a bath house attendant. He falls in love with colleague Asher, who’s a few years older and more experienced, and he feels the first pangs of puberty. Awkward, downbeat drama doesn’t seem special, though this has cult film status in some circles. One song is by Cat Stevens.

Deep End, The (2001, USA) C-101m. Scope *** D: Scott McGehee, David Siegel. Starring Tilda Swinton, Goran Visnjic, Jonathan Tucker, Peter Donat, Josh Lucas, Raymond (J.) Barry. Thriller drama about Swinton, who is a loving mother but disapproves of her gay son’s macho lover. When she finds him dead one morning and believes that her son killed him, she gets rid of the corpse… not knowing what she is getting herself into. Low-key but moody, well-scripted by the directors, their first film after SUTURE (1993). That Lake Tahoe setting is especially nice. Based on the novel The Blank Wall by Elizabeth S. Holding, which was filmed before as THE RECKLESS MOMENT (1949).

Deep End of the Ocean, The (1999, USA) C-106m. **½ D: Ulu Grosbard. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Treat Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Jonathan Jackson, Cory Buck, Tony Musante. A family is shattered when their little son disappears. After years of desperate search, the mother can’t believe her eyes when a little kid knocks on their door, who is no one else but their son. A typical Hollywood contrivance but ever so smoothly done. Good performances by all involved. Based on a book by Jacquelyn Mitchard.

Deep Impact (1998, USA) C-121m. Scope M D: Mimi Leder. Starring Robert Duvall, Téa Leoni, Elijah Wood, Vanessa Redgrave, Morgan Freeman, Maximilian Schell, James Cromwell, Ron Eldard, Blair Underwood. Pathetic disaster movie about a comet on collision course with the Earth. Astronaut Duvall is sent on a mission to destroy it with some atom bombs. Completely unconvincing, unrealistic storyline and lackluster direction in a film which is unspectacular until the last five minutes. The Hollywood schmaltz is simply unbearable. Incredibly scripted by two top screenwriters, Bruce Joel Rubin and Michael Tolkin. Redgrave, appearing for several minutes only, gives a chillingly good performance.

Deep Rising (1998, USA) C-106m. Scope **½ D: Stephen Sommers. Starring Treat Williams, Famke Janssen, Anthony Heald, Kevin J. O’Connor, Wes Studi, Derrick O’Connor, Jason Flemyng. Flashy, exciting, but also stupid monster horror about a group of hi-jackers who find that their latest quarry, a Titanic-like luxury liner, has recently run out of passengers. A giant octopus from the deep sea has chewed them up to the bone. How convenient that the terrorists are equipped with enough guns and ammo to fight the monster. Really stupid, but well-directed and edited. A smash for those in the mood, but overlong by at least 20 minutes (couldn’t they have cut out the dialogue completely?). At least Heald brings some gusto to his role as the megalomaniacal owner of the vessel. Sommers went on to direct the MUMMY movies.

Deep Throat (1972, USA) C-63m. *½ D: Jerry Gerard (=Gerard Damiano). Starring Linda Lovelace. Infamous porn, one of the best known of the genre, about a young woman who is dissatisfied with her (sex) life and goes to a (randy) doctor who tells her that her clitoris is in her throat! Not without a sense of humor but mostly silly. Plot dissolves into scenes of graphic (and none too aesthetic) sex. Damiano has a cameo.

Def by Temptation (1990, USA) C-95m. *** D: James Bond III. Starring James Bond III, Cynthia Bond, Samuel L. Jackson. Stylishly shot, surprisingly subdued Troma release about young priest in spe who comes to New York and finds himself seduced by a sexy woman that turns out to be a soul-eating demon. The story is perhaps not for all tastes (it’s targeted at Afro-American audiences) but the film is undeniably well-realized. Bond III also scipted and produced the picture.

Deja Vu (2006, USA) C-126m. Scope ***½ D: Tony Scott. Starring Denzel Washington, Paula Patton, Val Kilmer, Jim Caviezel, Adam Goldberg, Elden Henson, Erika Alexander, Bruce Greenwood, Matt Craven. Ultra-slick high-tech thriller about ATF agent Washington, who investigates in the aftermath of a New Orleans ferry bombing which killed more than 500 people. When he is asked to join a special unit which has the technology to look into the past by “bending” the time-continuum, they try to find out who planted the bomb. Can they catch the terrorist this way and save hundreds of lives? The catch: The past is a video-stream that delivers pictures which are exactly 4 days and 6 hours old, there is no going back beyond that (or forward). Sounds silly and unbelievable, but movie is so superbly directed and suspenseful that you are in for a terrific thrill ride if you buy into that premise with its delightful complications. Washington gives a dynamite performance. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Delegation – Eine Utopische Reportage, Die (1970, GER/ITA/FRA) C-101m. ***½ D: Rainer Erler. Starring Walter Kohut. Astounding film about reporter Kohut, who does some research for a German TV station about a U.F.O. sighting in Canada and, thinking he is really on to something, jeopardizes his career by continuing the investigation obsessively. Interviewing witnesses and experts, Kohut comes closer and closer to revealing the truth. Most intriguingly, his story is revealed post-mortem by showing the reels of film discovered in his wrecked car. Remarkable science-fiction mockumentary caused some viewers to panic when originally broadcast. Fascinating, thought-provoking, a must-see, much too little-known. From conspiracy specialist Erler (FLEISCH, PROFESSOR COLUMBUS).

Delicatessen (1991, FRA) C-99m. ***½ D: Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Starring Pascal Benezech, Dominique Pinon, Marie-Laure Dougnac, Jean-Claude Dreyfus, Karin Viard, Howard Vernon, Jean-Francois Perrier, Dominique Zardi. Grotesque, absurd black comedy set in the post-apocalyptic future, about hapless but inspiring circus artist Pinon, who takes a job as a handyman at Dreyfus’ apartment house, unaware that the butcher is hacking up the residents – and selling the flesh as meat (gulp!). Hilarious set-pieces, colorful characters, a brilliant (and touching) fantasy. A winner from start to finish. Stylish photography by Darius Khondji. A must for lovers of off-beat cinema, others may be put off by the subject matter and unusual presentation. Some prints contain a prologue by Terry Gilliam.

Delirio Caldo (1972, ITA) C-102m. *** D: Ralph Brown (=Renato Polselli). Starring Mickey Hargitay, Rita Calderoni, Raoul Traucher, Carmen Young, Christa Barrymore, Tano Cimarosa. Interesting, quite well (if unevenly) plotted psycho thriller about psychiatrist Hargitay, who’s also a sex killer cooperating with the police on his own case! Deliriously perverted giallo with good score by Gianfranco Reverberi has distracting scenes of police investigation, but subject matter is irresistible, especially for genre buffs. Convincing performances by Hargitay and the lovely Calderoni. Written by the director. Released in the U.S. at 85m. (with different scenes), restored for DVD. English titles: DEATH AT THE VILLA and DELIRIUM.

Delitto Matteotti, Il (1973, ITA) C-118m. Scope *** D: Florestano Vancini. Starring Mario Adorf, Riccardo Cucciolla, Damiano Damiani, Vittorio De Sica, Umberto Orsini, Franco Nero. Earnest historical drama set in Italy of the 1920s. Politician Matteotti (Nero) dares to speak out against Fascist party and their leader Mussollini (Adorf) in parliament. On the next day he is kidnapped and silenced. Will Mussollini stand the public outrage and the attacks of the opposition? Talky but generally well-handled drama, intensely acted, with supporting actor Adorf doing well in the leading role, as well as director Damiani in a rare acting role. English title: THE ASSASSINATION OF MATTEOTTI.

Deliverance (1972, USA) C-109m. Scope **** D: John Boorman. Starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox, Ed Ramey, Billy Redden, Bill McKinney, Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Coward, James Dickey, Charley Boorman. Just before the flooding of a valley, four city guys decide to take a canoe trip down a river that leads into that valley. Little do they know of the dangers of the trip, nor do they show any respect towards the local people. The ‘duel’ with nature (and naturals) will ultimatel