DVD Pick of the Week: The Hills Have Eyes 2

As I looked over the titles I plucked from this week's new release list, I realized that there were a number of desirable titles, but nothing that truly screamed "Buy Me Now!" Still, it was nice to have a selection of titles to choose from, as the past couple of weeks have been a little slim. This week brings music, horror, cartoons, thrillers, dramas, and foreign titles to sift through. I was tempted to go with one of the promising titles that I have not seen, but in the end I chose to go with a title that I have seen theatrically. It may not be the best, heck, it may not even be good, but I enjoyed it for some strange reason.

This week's pick is The Hills Have Eyes 2 (the film itself uses "II"). It is one of those horror movies that in order to call yourself a horror fan, you have to put up with. You will either have fun with it, or you will despise it to the point of cursing those involved and those who enjoy it. It is a sequel to a remake which is in no way connected to the original remake, and is really only a sequel in title only.

The film was penned by the creator of the original, Wes Craven, along with his son Jonathan. It is not there finest moment. Sure, it makes a comment on the current situation in the Middle East, but the characters are thin, much of the dialogue is hokey, and the poor acting doesn't help. I am sure that you are asking yourself why I like it to begin with.

I liked the movie because it is fun, pure and simple. It is bloody, trashy, horror enjoyment. You can place your bets on who is going to die first, and you would probably get pretty close. I enjoyed the over the top atmosphere. It delivered some nice atmosphere, and enough blood to keep me satisfied. It is not really "good" but it is thoroughly enjoyable.

Also out this week:

• Premonition. I remember seeing this when it first came out, I went and saw it, and liked what it was trying to do even though it failed to that end. It is worth a rental.
• Ace in the Hole. Being released by Criterion, this is a film that was ahead of its time, based on what I have read. Media manipulating a tragic situation to their favor? No.
• Space Ghost and Dino Boy: The Complete Series. I have not seen Space Ghost in years, I remember watching this when I was a kid, oh the memories.
• Factory Girl. Been wanting to see this one. It is the story of Edie Sedgwick, who would become Andy Warhol's muse. It stars Sienna Miller as Edie, and Guy Pearce as Warhol.
• Avenged Sevenfold: All Excess. I love this band, I have not heard anything bad from them, they also put on a great live show. This is a dosumentary on the band that includes some videos and live performances.
• Birdman and the Galaxy Trio: The Complete Series. Before he became an attorney at law, he was a hero in an old cartoon series. I don't have many memories of this one.
• Masters of Horror: The Black Cat. Jeffrey Combs and Stuart Gordon. Hard to go wrong with that combo.
• Showgirls: Full Exposed Edition. This is a disk only release of the version included in the boxset, you remember, the one with shot glasses and pasties.
• Perfect Creature. A new take on the vampire movie is ambitious, and offers up much to think about, but relies on a generic plot.
• Yo Yo Girl Cop. A girl cop whose weapon is a yo yo goes undercover to catch lesbian criminals. Sounds good to me!
• Dynamite Warrior. From the makers of Ong-Bak comes another big martial arts flick. Looks like it could be good.
• Mr. Halloween. The cover looked good, a clown and a bloody knife. It is the story of a haunted house that uses real body parts. Allegedly.
• Triple Feature: Skeeter, Xtro, Xtro 2: The Second Encounter. Why settle for one cheesy horror flick, when you can get 3?
• Forest of the Dead. I thought the cover looked cool. A group of campers are hunted and turned into cannibalistic creatures of the night!

So, anything for you?