Year: 2018

31 Scary Movies: ‘The Last House on the Left’

Jeff Mitchell

“The Last House on the Left” (1972) – With “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Scream” franchises under his belt, Wes Craven cemented his legacy in the horror community, but long before Freddy Krueger reached movie theatres, this iconic director made a big impression with his 1972 directorial debut, the truly depraved, low budget slasher film, “The Last House on the Left.” It’s ugly, graphically-violent and features the worst of our society without filter or censorship, and due to Craven’s documentary-like style choices, “The Last House on the Left” successfully delivers its…

‘The Hate U Give’ leans on strong, devoted performances

Jeff Mitchell

“The Hate U Give” – Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) shines in director George Tillman Jr.’s film, and her celestial name fits, because she lives in two worlds. You see, Monday through Friday, her mom Lisa (Regina Carter) drives her a few miles to Williamson, a predominately white high school, and she lives with her loving family in Garden Heights, a mostly black neighborhood.  Starr explains that she can be herself at home with her family, friends and neighbors, and adds that her mom and dad say, “Our life is here,…

‘The Happy Prince’ sheds light on Oscar Wilde’s cheerless years

Jeff Mitchell

“The Happy Prince” – “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde Rupert Everett (“My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997), “The Importance of Being Earnest” (2002)) wrote a screenplay about Oscar Wilde and shopped it around, but he could not find a director willing to bring his work to the big screen.  Well, he took control of his own destiny and decided to film it himself, and this first-time director delivers a troubling and tragic portrayal, and in the process, Everett delivers a most absorbing performance. The film’s title…