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Date: 5/18/2017
My fanboy flag is flying with this edition of “What I’m Watching.”
On Blu-ray: Caltiki the Immortal Monster
This black and white science fiction film from 1959 borrowed heavily in tone and choice of monster from the British popular “Quatermass” TV and film productions, but despite the obvious inspiration it remains a fun little film.
Arrow Video pulled out the stops for this new Blu-ray in the restoration of the film and the assembly of extras, including a very informative commentary by Tim Lucas, the editor of the esteemed “Video Watchdog” – now departed and missed – about the production and the role played by director Mario Bava.
Lucas is an expert on Bava, the great Italian horror director known for such films as “Black Sunday.” On this film Bava was in charge of the special effects, which are quite accomplished. Lucas dissects, for example, a scene that was set in Aztec ruins in Mexico that was achieved by a variety of camera tricks including cutting out photos of Aztec statues and buildings. The result is very impressive.
The film tells the story of a group of scientists who discover a life form at the bottom of a sacrificial pool in an Aztec ruin. The entity, a dark amoeba-like blob lives off radiation and will devour everything in its path.
Naturally our heroic scientist leads the charge successfully against the monster, which reproduces by simply splitting itself.
Riccardo Freda was credited as being the director, but Bava was responsible for much of the film. The realization of the monsters is surprisingly well done and even today could create some nightmares.
An enjoyable blast from the 1950s, “Caltiki the Immortal Monster” should be on the viewing list for horror and science fiction fans.
Streaming on Hulu: “Batman and Bill”
Growing up if you were a comic book fan you were either in the DC camp or the Marvel camp. Within that affiliation, you had your favorites books, characters and creators. With me since about age 6, it’s been Batman.
How could a kid not identify with Bruce Wayne, orphaned as child who grows up to be Batman, live in the Batcave, and fight villains such as The Joker and The Penguin, with Robin the Boy Wonder at his side?
As a kid I always noticed the signature of Bob Kane, taking credit for the story I was reading – except it wasn’t quite true. The guy who was responsible for the situations and the characters I just described wasn’t Kane at all, but writer Bill Finger.
This new documentary described the journey led by author Marc Tyler Nobleman to uncover the truth about the creation of one of the world’s most famous and beloved fictional characters.
Throughout most of his life, Kane, who sold the character to DC comics in exchange for lifetime compensation and permanent credit, never admitted that he worked with Finger or anyone else on the various Batman books. Only after Finger died, was Kane willing to give Finger any credit. It was well known in the industry, though, what Finger did.
Nobleman not only uncovered much about Finger’s life and career, he also was able to discover an heir – a granddaughter – who wanted to get her grandfather the credit he deserved.
The film is part detective story, part pop culture history and part cautionary tale. Finger apparently trusted that Kane, who brought the Batman character to DC Comics, was going to do the right thing. The moral of the story is that when it comes to creative endeavors a contract and a good lawyer is essential.
The only thing lacking in the film was a response from Kane’s heirs, if any. Although through archival footage and taped conversations, Kane represents himself, I wondered if there were any family members reacting to the record being set straight.
You don’t have to be a Batman or comics fan to enjoy this oftentimes moving documentary.
In Theaters: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
Part send-up, part homage and all very enjoyable, this sequel matched and may exceed the first film in sheer entertainment value.
In this film, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), the nominal leader of the group of misfit heroes, finally meets his father Ego, played by Kurt Russell. Ego isn’t like just any other dad though. He is millions of years old and a celestial being who has some plans for his son.
If you’ve not seen it yet and are looking for a summer movie released before the season hits, you need to take the time to catch it in a theater and be sure to sit through all of the credit for a number of post-credit scenes.