Christopher-Lee Movie Reviews

If you are looking for more of "This is Spinal Tap", this DVD is not for you; however, if you are looking to see a classic Spinal Tap concert, this DVD is for you!

As others have said, this is a very long concert with very brief "Where are they now?" comedic skits (not enough to satisfy the average fan of "This is Spinal Tap") in between each block of songs.

In fact, there are times you will even forget you are watching Spinal Tap (and not a boring VH-1 concert with a mediocre 80's hard rock band) because much of the concert footage is just that, concert footage (with some stage gags occasionally thrown in during their trademark songs to remind you that you are watching a Spinal Tap concert).

Make no mistake, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest and Michael McKean are good musicians for being actors; however, their songs are designed to sound musically cheesy with humorous lyrics, and so the listening replay value kind of goes out the window if you aren't paying attention to the funny lyrics (unless you enjoy mediocre sounding hard rock/metal).

Also, being an import, this DVD is on the pricey side; although, this may be the last chance to own an entire Spinal Tap concert on DVD. Having said that, I love Spinal Tap; they are comedic geniuses! Just keep in mind with this DVD, you are getting a concert, and you won't make the wrong purchasing decision.

While not a sequel to the movie, this provides a lot of concert footage and little bits with the band members here and there. I had originally bought this on laserdisc many years ago, and on watching this, it seems as if there is some footage missing. I seem to remember a part with Robin Williams, but didn't see it here. While the concert footage is great, a lot of songs from their album 'Break Like the Wind' along with some older stuff, I would have liked to seen more of a balance between the concert footage and the segments featuring the band members and others. The segements that are included provide a 'where are they now' view and are pretty funny. I see this as supplemental, but not necessary, viewing. The original movie worked so well because of it's blend of music and footage of the inner workings of a fictional heavy metal band, while this one is very heavy on the music end, and light on the rest. After awhile, I, like another reviewer, started to fast forward through the concert stuff to find the hidden nuggets. I think I would have appreciated this more had they created actual music videos for some of the songs, as the concert footage grew a little stale.

Granted it's not as good as the original "This Is Spinal Tap" movie.. I still would have given this film 4 stars but there is a serious audio issue.
Either I have a defective copy, which I seriously doubt, or apparently I'm the only person that has noticed that half the sound track is missing on this entire dvd.

Michael McKean (played by David St.Hubbins) might as well be strumming a broomstick throuout the film...his rhythm guitar is mostly non exsistent through out the proceedings. All I am hearing is a little "bleed through" from the missing audio channel. Since the audio of the dvd is 100% mono, this leads me to believe that someone got careless during the transfer process and didn't bother to make sure the left and right stereo audio were present during the final stages of preparation. If this really IS the way the film is SUPPOSED to sound, the person who was responsible for mixing it needs should look for another occupation.
This may not be an issue for a lot of you but from a musician's standpoint it's really annoying to not be able to hear the songs like they were designed to sound.
It's like listening to The Beatles Sgt.Pepper CD with just the left audio channel on. It doesn't quite work.

I paid [good money] for this thing...Wish I could get a refund and wait for a corrected copy...

This one lacks the bone chilling horror of its predecessor (Dracula Has Risen From the Grave) and uses a very "audience insulting" way of bringing back Dracula from the dead. Dracula, impaled on a cross at the end of the last film has turned to red dust. He is brought back by a guy who puts the dust in a goblet and mixes in some of his own blood to make the ultimate "bloody mary," which he drinks and then he himself turns into Dracula. I remember being scared out of my wits by the earlier movie and being bored by this one. I definately recommend getting that one instead.

William Hargood (Geoffry Keen), Samuel Paxton (Peter Sallis) & Jonathan Seder (John Carson) are three men, well respected in the community who make a pact to sell their souls to the devil. In order to do this they must use the following in their ritual: Dracula's cloak, signet ring, clasp... and his blood in powdered form. (It won't be spoiling anything to say they drink the blood). Unfortunately in the process they murder Lord Courtley, (Ralph Bates) one of Dracula's disciples (It won't be a spoiler to say that HE drinks the blood too) & the Count returns from the grave to seek revenge.
However, it takes one third of the movie until he actually appears. An old codger stumbles across Dracula's body & meets a predictably bloody end. When learning of Courtley's death Dracula announces: "They have destroyed my servant" (Dramatic music) "They will be destroyed". And FINALLY, the movie becomes watchable all of a sudden; with Dracula stalking & doing away with the men one by one in gruesome ways. Go Drac!
This is the fourth entry in Hammer's series of Dracula films; in between DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE & SCARS OF DRACULA. Directed by Peter Sasdy, this is actually one of the lesser of the series, & despite Lee's usual good performance & lots of pretty girls in the supporting cast; TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA is actually pretty dull & forgettable.
It was obvious by this point that the series needed a rev-up, so the follow-up to this was the amusing "modern" DRACULA AD 1972, which is a bit better than this. Watch if you must, but you'll wonder why Lee even bothered to waste his time with this one.
However, the movie is NOT recommended viewing for devout Catholics (Especially the crazy Baptists in Dunedin- stop sending me those dumb hellfire & brimstone letters!) but you'd have to be pretty dogmatic to write this film off as glorifying Satanic practices- especially when they symbolicly drink "blood" every Sunday, right? Mu ha ha. (P.S That's supposed to be evil laughter. Give me a break, I haven't written a review for a while!)

The Dracula cycles for Hammer Studios had it highs and lows. This is of the better ones. Lee sharpens his fangs and dons the cape yet again. Three gentlemen looking for lust and uncheap thrills accidentally conjure Drac. The men and their families meet horrible deaths at Drac's hands before Lee meets his ends in imaginatively climatic scene. Directed by Peter Sasdy with the screenwriter Jon Elder (coming through after his other misses), this is a one the fans of Lee will appreciate. Ralph Bates is good as the son of one of the men who brings Dracula to life. The Lack of Cushing, one again, hurts the film.

If you are keeping track, this was the fourth in the series...Horrors of Dracula (Lee - Cushing), Brides of Dracula (no Lee) and Dracula Prince of Darkness (no Cushing) - came in that order before Taste of (no Cushing)...

A must for Lee fans and fans of the Hammer Dracula cycle.

This one lacks the bone chilling horror of its predecessor (Dracula Has Risen From the Grave) and uses a very "audience insulting" way of bringing back Dracula from the dead. Dracula, impaled on a cross at the end of the last film has turned to red dust. He is brought back by a guy who puts the dust in a goblet and mixes in some of his own blood to make the ultimate "bloody mary," which he drinks and then he himself turns into Dracula. I remember being scared out of my wits by the earlier movie and being bored by this one. I definately recommend getting that one instead.

I rented this film some time ago, and I had sort of mixed fellings for it. Some parts were a bit of a letdown, but other sequences worked quite well. When a devil worshipper named Courtley (Ralph Bates) and a trio of high society Victorian England thrill seekers attempt to ressurrect Dracula by drinking his blood, Courtley chokes on it, forcing the others to drop their cups and beat him to death. Dracula is reborn, using his disciple's corpse. Dracula then proceeds to take vengance on Courtley's killers by killing them. With the help of one thrill seeker named Secker, a courageous young man out to free his girlfiend from Dracula's hypnosis, ends the vampire's terror. The plot was somewhat slow and unoriginal. Lee gives his usual sinister performance, and his scenes are the best in the film. By the way, Lee originally refused to do this film. Ralph Bates was enlisted as Dracula, but at the last minute, Lee was convinced to play Dracula. And of course, the role of Courtley was given to young Ralph Bates. This film can be pretty enjoyable. Fans of the series should definitely get this film! If you are interested in starting on viewing the Hammer Dracula series, watch them in order. They all have a sense of continuity and order matters!

The Dracula cycles for Hammer Studios had it highs and lows. This is of the better ones. Lee sharpens his fangs and dons the cape yet again. Three gentlemen looking for lust and uncheap thrills accidentally conjure Drac. The men and their families meet horrible deaths at Drac's hands before Lee meets his ends in imaginatively climatic scene. Directed by Peter Sasdy with the screenwriter Jon Elder (coming through after his other misses), this is a one the fans of Lee will appreciate. Ralph Bates is good as the son of one of the men who brings Dracula to life. The Lack of Cushing, one again, hurts the film.

If you are keeping track, this was the fourth in the series...Horrors of Dracula (Lee - Cushing), Brides of Dracula (no Lee) and Dracula Prince of Darkness (no Cushing) - came in that order before Taste of (no Cushing)...

A must for Lee fans and fans of the Hammer Dracula cycle.

I watched it with my wife, and we both agree that it was horrible. The plot is hard to follow, and the story is rather lame. It barely qualifies as a fantasy movie. I ended up throwing it away. I should have gotten one of the Conan or old Sinbad movies; they are piles better.

Summary: An Evil King seeks the aid of an evil sorcerer in order to conquer a peaceful kingdom. One of the good king's sons escapes and later seeks vengeance as an adult.

My Opinion: This is a very fun movie. I loved at when I saw it years ago and I'm very glad to have it in my collection now. I loved Lee Horsley as Matt Houston and he is great here as well. This movie is one of those guilty pleasures for Fantasy fans. It may be cheesy and silly but it's so much fun that I don't even notice.

DVD Quality: Pretty much bare bones with a couple of trailers. Hey at least it's on DVD!

What You Should Do: If you are a SciFi or Fantasy fan and a collector, you should buy this DVD. I can't imagine them putting out a Special Edition of this one, so there's no need to wait. If you liked Beastmaster, Krull, Dragonslayer, Conan or anything along those lines, then give it a rent. Otherwise skip it.

To think I had been in cut-throat bidding wars for mildewy shop-warn copies of this masterpiece in online bidding rooms. Now it's on DVD! HA! This is my favorite Sword and Sorcery movie of all time. Not as well written or acted by half as say, Conan, but by God it has something. Demons and swords that shoot any number of blades...daring rescues...crucifixion...nudity. It has it all. I've been renting this movie since I was a kid, and now I own it. Oh sweet happiness. In all seriousness, the effects hold up, the dialogue is great, and any number of later tv stars pop up all over the place. I could not recommend this more if I made money on it's sale. Which I don't...unfortunately. Go but it at once and taste the adventure.

Frankenstein & the Monster from Hell (1974) is not a bad movie. Its not terribly exciting, but it definitely has it's moments and is worth a look for horror fans and most likely a buy for lovers of Hammer Films, Terrence Fisher, and Peter Cushing. I guess also for fans of David Prowse (body of Darth Vader) who plays "the monster from hell"! This is Hammer director Terrence Fisher's last film, another reason why it's worth a look. Fisher is responsible for much of Hammer's horror classics: all 5 Frankenstein films, Horror of Dracula, The Mummy, Curse of the Werewolf, The Gorgon, Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll, Phantom of the Opera, the list goes on...

This is also the last film in Hammer's Frankenstein series. It all started in 1957 with The Curse of Frankenstein, an absolute classic starring Cushing as Victor Frankenstein and Christopher Lee as the Creature. This is followed by Revenge of Frankenstein (1958), Frankenstein created Woman (1967), and Frankenstein must be Destroyed (1969), which brings us to The Monster from Hell (1974).

The plot concerns Victor Frankenstein (Cushing) being the resident medical doctor at an insane asylum where he secretly experiments with creating his own being. He's also a patient, by the way! He soon meets a young patient/doctor, Simon Helder (Shane Briant), who is sent to the asylum because he is caught doing similar experiments in the outside world. Frankenstein takes Helder under his wing and uses him to perform surgeries that he can no longer do because of his burnt hands. Frankenstein lets Helder in on what he's doing and introduces him to "the monster from hell" played and grunted by David Prowse of Darth Vader fame. Long story short, Frankenstein's creation grows tired of his lifestyle...and watch out!

This film is nowhere near as bad/silly as others may write. Yes there are bits of cheese, a laugh or two, and some underacted scenes, but don't most horror films have that? Its not a scarefest, but its not a laughfest either. Besides,its Cushing, Fisher, and Hammer for cryin' out loud! Paramount's DVD has a good looking 16:9 widescreen transfer, decent dolby digital mono sound, and english subtitles. Making it special is a commentary by David Prowse, Madeline Smith (Sarah/"Angel", Frankenstein's initially mute assistant) and historian Johnathan Sothcott. It also can be purchased for the same price as renting it a few times! All in all, it isn't the best Hammer film to start with, but it has its good qualities, most importantly atmospheric direction from Fisher and a solid creepy performance by Cushing, may they both rest in peace. Thanks to both of them for giving us so many classics.

"Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell" is not only the last film in Hammer's Frankenstein series, it was director Terence Fisher's last work as well. Here we have Baron Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing, back where he belongs after the debacle of "Horror of Frankenstein") playing the role of mentor. Young Simon Helder (Shane Briant) has been trying to follow in the legendary footsteps of Dr. Frankenstein but is convicted of sorcery by the authorities and imprisoned in Carlsbd Asylum. However, Simon is saved from being brutalized by the inmate's physician, "Dr. Victor," who soon has the young man helping him with his nefarious experiments. Since his hands were damaged in "Evil of Frankenstein," Victor has a mute girl named Angel (Madeline Smith) sew together his new creature (David Prowse again). Simon helps procure various organs until only the brain remains and Victor wants to use that of Professor Durendal (Charles Lloyd Pack), a musicial and mathematical genius prone to fits of violence. Frankenstein drives Durendal to suicide and performs the brain transplant. Now in the brutish body of the "monster," Durendal finds he can no longer play his beloved violin. Then the homicidal tendencies of the body began to take over, Simon has grave doubts about the entire experiment, and the Baron comes up with his most revolting plan ever as we head towards the final climax.

Ultimately this is a slightly above average Hammer Frankenstein movie. Certainly the Baron is tipping back towards the amoral/sadistic side of his character, but the monster is almost as sympathetic a figure as it was in "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed." However, the blood and gore quotient is as high as you will find in any Hammer film. The biggest problem with "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell" is that Victor's motivations are totally stripped away: Dr. Frankenstein makes monsters, so that is what he does in this movie. No longer a figure of ambiguity, Victor is now just like a force of nature, playing God and leaving the rest of the cast in his wake.

I believe this film is an all out great horror fanfare! Cushing is simply brilliant as the infamous Doctor and Bryant is also equally great as his protogue. Sure, "the monster from hell" lacks a bit in the make up department and his olger suit is quite a bit cartoonish but hey, its pretty good for a Hammer film wich is entiled "Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell". Hammer films are some of my favorites and this is no exception, its a great horror piece, really good for those cold dark nights to watch while eating pizza.

I can't say how faithful to the novel this version of Ivanhoe is, but I can say that the screenplay and, particularly, the direction are both a bit on the clumsy side. Still, the superb cast makes up for those weaknesses with style and grace: they make the heroes believably fallible (yet still admirably noble), the loves between the major characters subtle and sophisticated, and the villains more complex than the sort of cardboard cutouts you'd expect in a tale of medieval derring-do and intrigue. In fact, the fine acting alone makes this film worth watching, with Ciaran Hinds as de Bois-Guilbert and Christopher Lee in a disturbing yet charismatic turn as the Grand Master of the Knights Templar giving particuarly memorable performances.

Outside of that, the director makes the most of a limited budget. The fight scenes sure won't make you forget Braveheart, but they're plenty graphic--surprisingly so at the end of the film--and about as exciting as you can expect from a TV movie with limited extras. It's not really the battles and jousts and duels, though, that keep Ivanhoe exciting outside of the fascinating personal relationships. Rather, it's all the political intrigues that hold your attention. Here there are factions within factions, and almost everyone is jockeying for power and paying the price of that power: loneliness, betrayal, assassinations, and the like. One of the more interesting political aspects of the movie is its big theme of anti-Semitism. The film reminds historically unaware viewers that hatred of Jews didn't just magically spring up in Nazi Germany in the 30's, but had been deeply seated in Europe for centuries.

Overall, despite more than a few rough patches, this is a fun, exciting movie. It has the romance and chivalry you'd expect, plus some depth and complexity that you probably wouldn't expect.

This is one of my favorite book adaptations ever. It's finely crafted and the characters are portrayed realistically. What's more, it has it all, romance, treachery, gritty (realistic) scenes and Ciaran Hinds. :) Oh, my God. He's a must see. If you love the medieval genre do not miss this film! Did I mention C. Hinds? Well as others have said, the R.A. actor IS the film, taking it over completely, no question. I have no idea why Steve Waddington gets top billing b/c he's just okay, okay, he's dull as dishwater and deserves his love, Rowena who is a bit bland too. Rebecca and Brian Bois de-Guilbert are wonderful, however. And for those who whine that the movie did not stick to the book, well I say why should it? This is the movie the director decided to make; all book adaptations are just that - adaptations and are not there to copy the book vis a vis. If you love Ivanhoe the book, don't bother with this b/c you'll just complain. But if you love a finely crafted medeival, this is your film. No paranormal, no bull about chivalry, just the way it was - and one more thing about Walter Scott -- he totally romanticised this period in Norman/Saxon/Crusade history so you should take that into consideration when comparing book to film. The fact is that the knights templar were not saints and many were burned at the stake for their die hard beliefs as well as the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of saracens.

I greatly enjoyed this rendition of Sir Walter Scott's famous novel. Although there are some plot deviations, the series is well acted with fantastic sets.

Steven Waddington plays a very strong role as Ivanhoe; champion of the absent Richard The Lion Hearted and fiancee of Rowena (Victoria Smurfit.) Ciarán Hinds gives probably the best performance as Monsieur De Bois-Guilbert, the evil Templar knight who's hatred for Ivanhoe is as great as his passion for Rebecca (Susan Lynch.) Lynch herself delivers one of the best performances as Rebecca, the Jewish healer who's passion for Ivanhoe saves the kingdom from the Templars and Prince John. There's even a brief appearance by Sian Philips (I, Claudius) as Elenore D'Aquitaine, the queen mother who comes to arbitrate between her feuding sons John and Richard.

The costumes and armor properly depict the armaments and fashion of the 12th century. The series is filmed on location in Wales showing a few of the many medieval churches, abbeys, manors, and castles that dot its landscape. The film is perhaps graphic in violence but this captures the brutality of medieval warfare quite well.

Alltogether a great mini-series that has more positive qualities than shortcomings. The story is fluid and the acting is excellent. Definitely worth owning.

As a Terry Pratchett fan, I eagerly awaited the arrival of "Soul Music" and I wasn't disappointed! The story was true to the book, and very entertaining. Mainly it's a story of Death's attempts to forget,and his granddaughter's attempt to fill his shoes. While Susan is filling in for death, she meets a boy whose death is averted by music. She than tries to figure out the how and why, and what to do next.Sounds confusing, but my husband, who doesn't follow the discworld, could keep up with it. I only have two complaints that keep it from receiving a perfect score. One, they used the same animators that did "Wyrd Sisters" so the animation seemed almost from the 1970's (someone compared it to the animation for Fat Albert!)and dated, and two, it was not a seamless story. The DVD version was broken into episodes . I found it distracting to get into the story and to have that episode end, and then have to go to the menu to choose the next one. The extras;howerver, were fabulous. They include an interview with Terry Pratchett, a copy of the pilot (which seemed to be based on the beginning of Reaper Man), a story board break down of one of the scenes, and more. If you like Terry Pratchett, or even writers such as Douglas Adams, this is a fabulous disc!! (pardon the pun, I couldn't help myself!)

While this is not a PERFECT rendition of "Soul Music"--one of my very favourite Discworld books, ever--it's still pretty fun. First, to get it out of the way--the bad news. Some of the best running gags, such as the rock-fan wizards and the punk/garage band that kept changing its name, are shortened down considerably for time purposes. I didn't like the way they drew the wizards. And well, this really couldn't be helped, but things that were supposed to be just _feelings_ in the book, were translated into rather cheesy special effects. (Like the "energy" coming out of Imp's guitar and coursing through his body, for example.) But I guess that's the only way you CAN let the audience know what's going on, in a visual medium. It seemed more realistic/less cheesy in print, though. I should also mention that since this is probably my VERY favourite Discworld novel, I was judging it a little more closely than I might have otherwise. Other people might react differently.

Now, the GOOD! This cartoon miniseries does stay pretty dang close to the actual plot of the book--using original dialogue whenever it can, even. It includes the types of details and scenes that MOST movies-based-off-of-books would have clipped out. Susan and Imp the bard are especially well-drawn, I thought, and DEATH is, of course, just the way he should be. Also, the Music With Rocks In songs are _catchy_!

Overall, this video is an enjoyable time. It'll make people who _aren't_ familiar with Discworld yet want to learn more--and those of us who are already fans of those hilariously funny fantasy books should enjoy the chance to _see_ one of them on the screen.

If there was any Discworld novel that desperately needed to be translated to screen, it was "Soul Music." Terry Pratchett is a great writer, but it is nearly impossible to convey the experience of a rock concert (or rather, a Music With Rocks In concert) using words alone. You need to hear and see it for yourself in order to get the full effect.

Now, at last, you can. When Buddy, Cliff and Glod explode onto the music scene, you can feel it happening. The loud music, the screaming fans, and the hip swinging "elvish" rock star - it's all there, larger than life and adds so much to the story. I had read the original book a number of times (I've read all the discworld books a number of times - I'm that sad), but I truly felt like I was experiencing the story anew. Keith Hopwood and the folks at Pluto music did a FANTASTIC job with the music - creating songs that remind you of great artists like the Beatles and Hendrix without completely imitating them. ("Good Lovin'" - an homage to the Blues Brothers, had me grinning and tapping my feet). You won't be able to get enough of the musical numbers - and it's a darn shame that they don't play their music for long enough.

Animation-wise, "Soul Music" is nothing special, but that's a small quibble. If you've seen the other Discworld film, "Wyrd Sisters," you'll know what to expect. This film is more concerned with story and character than the visual "wow" factor. However, the artists still manage to do a great job. Bird's-eye views of the city, long, empty trails leading off into the distance, and crowded concert halls all manage to convey a great sense of scope and space. The animation isn't Disney or even Dreamworks quality, but you won't find yourself caring.

Now we come to the voice work. I'm sorry there's no way to sugar-coat this. It's a mixed bag. The voices range from perfect to merely good to ear-numbingly bad. The main characters are voiced pretty well. I liked listening to Buddy and Cliff, and Susan was nice to listen to as well. Christopher Lee, once again, does a FANTASTIC job as Death. And the wizards' voices, frankly, are AWFUL. They sound like young men making their voices squeaky to sound like old men. And, unfortunately, you'll be hearing them a lot. Especially the Dean. Ugh. Keep some cotton swabs handy in case your ears start bleeding. Ridcully's voice is very well done, though - deep and booming, just as he's portrayed in the books.

Don't let the spotty voice work stop you from nabbing this video (even if I had to dock the movie 1 star because of it). Christopher Lee and the excellent rock concert scenes made this a must-buy, especially if you're a Pratchett fan.

"Dracula A.D. 1972," starring Christopher Lee as the titular vampire, is one bizarre film. It starts with a prologue set in the 1800s: Lee's Dracula is shown in battle with his nemesis Van Helsing (Peter Cushing). As the title indicates, the main body of the film brings Dracula into the 1970s, where he battles Van Helsing's descendant (also played by Cushing). Also along for the horror is a young Stephanie Beacham as the second Van Helsing's lovely granddaughter.

The film tries to blend traditional vampiric horror with 70s style youth culture: thus the elements of sex (discretely), drugs, and rock 'n' roll permeate the film. To early 21st century viewers, the swingin' music, outrageous mod clothes, hairdos, and wannabe hip slang ("Weird, man. Way out") of the young cast may come off as more campy than anything else, but it does make the film fun.

Lee is compelling as Dracula: articulate and elegant, yet feral. Unfortunately, his screen time is sparse; his amounts to little more than a small supporting role. The real star of the film is Cushing as the 20th century Van Helsing. The classy Cushing projects real intelligence and ability as his character. He brings total conviction to every scene, and has solid chemistry with Beacham (although I think his hands come a little too close to her bosom in a couple of scenes--watch it, "Grandpa"!). "Dracula A.D. 1972" may be far from the best of the many Dracula films, but Cushing and Lee make it worthwhile.

Hammer brought Cushing (11 year absence since Brides) and Lee in yet another Dracula film, and broke the taboo keeping them in the past, and moved them into present day (well, it was then...lol) England. It starts - set in past - with a wild galloping fight between Cushing and Lee atop a runaway carrage, ending with Lee getting a stake through the heart from a broke carriage wheel spoke.

Cut to the very modern and hip swinging 70s. Very mod and bored rock and rollers summon Dracula and he is off at a merry clip, showing it is too hard to teach an old dog new tricks! He discovers there is a look alike Van Helsing descendant around, and goes after his granddaughter (Stephanie Beacham).

Lee was still very imposing at the bloodsucker in the black cape, but it was just jarring to see Drac in swinging 70s! Caroline Munro and Beacham pretty up the screen well, and Cushing and Lee still have their old magic, but it's indifferently directed by Alan Gibson and written weakly by Don Houghton.

Sigh...Hammer is showing signs of wear here sadly. I give it four stars instead of three for the terrific work by Cushing and Lee. When they are on screen is super. Rest of the film is thin.

For Dracula fans or admirers of Lee and Cushing. Everyone else will be bored stiff. One can begin to understand Lee's current apathy toward the role that made him famous.

A Dracula Movie Will done and Well Made Christopher Lee As Dracula At his Best For every Horror Fan get this movie

Changes in directors, budgets, and vision at Hammer Studios had its effect. This is an odd entry in the Dracula series. It blends familiar gothic elements with a "modern" setting. After a pulse-pounding prologue, showing the Victorian-era Dracula impaled on a broken carriage wheel, the action fast-forwards 100 years to 1972. Bored with sex, drugs, and rock n' roll, a motley crew of aging British hippies resurrect Dracula in a de-sanctified church. Dracula decides to settle old debts by taking Van Helsing's granddaughter as his bloody bride. This is a fine opportunity to see legendary Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee perpetuate their long running battle of good vs. evil. Mist-shrouded scenes of Dracula in the ruins of the profaned church are visually effective. Lee's towering, menacing presence in the flowing black cape adds to the fun. His feral lust for the blood of young women is frankly sexual. Instead of typical Hammer heaving bosoms in Victorian bodices, we have substantial cleavage in '70s gauche courtesy of Stephanie Beacham, Caroline Munro, et al. Sex and the vampire are never far apart, regardless of the era. The penetration is of the fangs in the neck variety, but we get the idea. Peter Cushing looks emaciated and gaunt. As Van Helsing, he uses superior cunning to foil Dracula's supernatural power. Their climactic confrontation recalls the showdown from "Horror of Dracula." Some groaning humor lightens the mood. Johnny Alucard is Dracula's mod disciple. His name spelled backwards is significant. A street scene focuses briefly on a restaurant called "London Steak House." The film falls short of classic Hammer standards. Even so, Hammer Horror Heads and classic horror collectors will be pleased with this flick. ;-)

Hammer brought Cushing (11 year absence since Brides) and Lee in yet another Dracula film, and broke the taboo keeping them in the past, and moved them into present day (well, it was then...lol) England. It starts - set in past - with a wild galloping fight between Cushing and Lee atop a runaway carrage, ending with Lee getting a stake through the heart from a broke carriage wheel spoke.

Cut to the very modern and hip swinging 70s. Very mod and bored rock and rollers summon Dracula and he is off at a merry clip, showing it is too hard to teach an old dog new tricks! He discovers there is a look alike Van Helsing descendant around, and goes after his granddaughter (Stephanie Beacham).

Lee was still very imposing at the bloodsucker in the black cape, but it was just jarring to see Drac in swinging 70s! Caroline Munro and Beacham pretty up the screen well, and Cushing and Lee still have their old magic, but it's indifferently directed by Alan Gibson and written weakly by Don Houghton.

Sigh...Hammer is showing signs of wear here sadly. I give it four stars instead of three for the terrific work by Cushing and Lee. When they are on screen is super. Rest of the film is thin.

For Dracula fans or admirers of Lee and Cushing. Everyone else will be bored stiff. One can begin to understand Lee's current apathy toward the role that made him famous.

A Dracula Movie Will done and Well Made Christopher Lee As Dracula At his Best For every Horror Fan get this movie

Here is one of the most unusual movies I've ever seen. Grover and his sister Stacey put together a home movie featuring some of their parents' best moments as an eighteenth anniversary present. They soon find out that something is wrong after their parents give them the news of their impending seperation. After his best friend "tips him off", so to speak, Grover and Stacey come up with a novel plan.

The kids decorate the basement to look like Hawaii, where their parents spent their honeymoon. But after Mom and Dad start quibbling over the anniversary cake, Grover decides to take matters into his own hands by locking his parents in the basement. He figures that after a night alone together, Mom and Dad will be able to work out their problems once and for all.

It doesn't work that way, of course. The hilarity level of the movie just gets higher and higher after some of Grover's friends lock their parents in the basement with his own; what starts with a "prison sentence" turns into a all-encompassing group therapy session as all of the parents get to know one another while plotting a means of escape.

The reason I'm only giving this movie four stars is because of the happy Hollywood ending. Not to give more of the plot away, but the plan winds up working, which is not at all typical of real divorce cases. I'm also tempted to call this film a black comedy, since watching it caused me to laugh at things which I wouldn't normally find funny. But maybe that can be a good thing sometimes.

If you have kids fourteen and under, I think they'll really enjoy this movie. Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Pollak play a couple who get locked in the basement by their children because the children think they need to spend more time together. Soon other kids decide their parents need some "time out" too, which leads to many very funny situations between the kids and their parent-hostages. Our children loved seeing Jennifer Love Hewitt, one of the stars of "Party of Five," and we really enjoyed Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Pollak, and Jennifer Tilly. A lot of fun! END

Why do people put their reviews on here and explain the entire movie? Dude, just give your opinion of the movie! :) This movie rocked, because I love the interaction of the kids, and they seem mean in what they do, but truly have great intentions. Classic storyline, too bad it wasn't popular.