Pearce’s Film Reviews

224 Films have been rated or reviewed by Pearce.

Baron Blood (1972): Incredibly rote script enlivened by Bava's knack for unstoppable atmosphere and his macabre sense of humour, as well as Elke's garish wardrobe and talent for screaming. Joseph Cotten isn't trying though, he looks bored.
Hatchet For The Honeymoon (1970): Starts as a slasher and turns into a ghost story. Fabulous performance from Laura Betti, who was Pasolini's Muse.
Beastie Boys Video Anthology (2000): Whatever else this is, the dvd is one of the best uses of the medium ever.
Danger Diabolik (1968): Fabulous score, great female lead, incredible visuals, so much better than its sister movie Barbarella because this one was made by an actual director instead of a vapid himbo.; Blu-Ray $24.95
Kill Baby Kill (Operazione paura; Curse of the Living Dead) (1966): What does that title even mean? Anyway, Fellini ripped this o... I mean paid homage to it in his Toby Dammit segment of Spirits of the Dead so you know it's good.
Inseminoid (Horror Planet) (1981): Truly awful, the "best" part was the insemination tube which at least made me feel slightly ill. Is that better or worse than no reaction at all? You decide!
Planet of the Vampires (1965): Amazing atmosphere, Bava could conjure entire worlds from smoke and coloured lights.
Switchblade Sisters (1975): I remember trying to rent this from Aro back in the day but the tape was missing. The woman behind the counter apologised and assured me it was a great movie. I managed to rent it a couple of weeks later and she was right.
Arena, The (Naked Warriors) (1973): Surprisingly stylish, mostly due to its Italian crew (especially cinematographer Aristide Massaccesi aka Joe d'Amato) but still not one to watch with the kids or Grandma. Incidentally despite his credit, Joe Dante claims he did not edit it.
Foxy Brown (1974): Although not quite as good as the earlier and still–unavailable Coffy, to which this is an unofficial sequel, this still features the best ever on–screen use of a pickle jar.

Main menu

Section navigation menu

Pearce’s Film Reviews