Movie of the Week: ‘Aguirre, the Wrath of God’

“Aguirre, the Wrath of God” (1972) – Director/writer Werner Herzog travels to the Amazon to tell the tale of Don Lope de Aguirre (Klaus Kinski) and his quest to find the Lost City of Gold.  Set in the 16th century, Aguirre and his Spanish contingent mire in the muck, rain and unforgiving wilderness on their foolish errand. As prospects grow dim, Aguirre becomes increasingly irrational, and Kinski – with his infamously unpredictable persona – might be the perfect actor to play this outrageous explorer. This is a purposely-troubling picture that…

31 Scary Movies that are 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon: ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle’

“The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” (1992) – Director Curtis Hanson’s thriller features an unusual antagonist: a nanny.  This particular sitter, Peyton Flanders (Rebecca De Mornay) – hired by Claire and Michael Bartel (Annabella Sciorra and Matt McCoy) to help watch their two small children – is, unbeknownst to them, horribly cruel. There’s a method to Peyton’s madness and for targeting the Bartels.  With her seemingly sweet demeanor and good looks, she’s fooled them quite well. Perfecting the art of manipulation, Peyton makes small maneuvers to cause havoc at the…

31 Scary Movies that are 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon: ‘The Last House on the Left’

“The Last House on the Left” (1972) – Director/co-writer Wes Craven’s sordid, low-budget slasher flick is ugly and violent.  It features the worst in our society without filter or censorship, and with his documentary-like style choices, “The Last House on the Left” successfully delivers its intended shocks. Craven’s film is certainly not for everyone, but its influence can be felt on the genre, and look to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) and “The Evil Dead” (1981) as prime examples. As the movie begins, life seems to be going swell for…