"Shockorama" 2xDVD (director: William Beaudine)

Comprising two different titles from prolific director Beaudine, this set highlights some of his more curious drive-in/trash-films of 1966. First up is "Billy The Kid Vs. Dracula", starring John Carradine -- a silly premise but fun nonetheless. Sure, expect quickie sets and some hammy non-acting, but Carradine's creepiness, and Chuck Courtney's Billy The Kid is as Saturday matinee-hero as you can get.

The second feature is "Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter", another mash-up of great Western heroes and classic Hollywood horror. Again, I found this to be a fun and lightweight guilty-pleasure, and certainly leagues better than modern Z-grade horror schlock. Great characters, silly predicaments, and some memorable, nearly-forgotten novelty screen gems.

(Cheezy Flicks)

Paul Thomas Anderson - "There Will Be Blood"

So we watched 'There Will Be Blood' at last. An award-winning period thriller from director Paul Thomas Anderson (from a novel by Upton Sinclair), this cast the charismatic Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, a tough oil prospector in the early 20th century, and Paul Dano as Eli Sunday, a small-town preacher who, like Plainview, sees himself a leader and spokesperson for the community. These two square off as Plainview's company rolls into town, seemingly to bring a much-needed cash infusion to the remote region. Without getting too involved, let it be said that these two encounter some pretty harsh times, and yes, there is blood. It's not a gory bloodbath, though. This beautifully-shot film (I think it may have been up for some kind of cinematography award) examines the effects of greed on supposed 'good' people's souls. It's as intense a film as you'll see anytime soon, well-scripted, well-acted, and completely worth your time. It's a long one (158 minutes), so find a comfy seat, as you may well be at the edge of it for much of this movie. Soundtrack by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, and appropriately subtle and packed with tension. Powerhouse!

Andrew Dominik - "The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford"

A surprisingly subtle and well-scripted (though long-winded) film from New Zealand-born director Andrew Dominik (who's only past film credit prior was the seldom-seen 'Chopper', which I've never seen, though I do own Bad Seed Mick Harvey's soundtrack (on his 'Motion Picture Music 1994-2005' CD). Starring tabloid-hog Brad Pitt as the outlaw Jesse James, and Casey 'the other' Affleck as obsessive man-child Robert Ford, 'Assassination' is a strikingly artful portrayal of one man's failure to connect with his heroes, and his jealousy at those around him. Ford is shown as a needy and immature 20 year-old, and one who's not all too likeable or trustworthy. In fact, to put it bluntly, he's a miserable sniveling little prick. Pitt's Jesse James, on the other hand, seems a fair and likeable kind of guy, despite his being a murderer and feared robber. A top-notch supporting cast (Sam Rockwell, Sam Shepard, Mary Louise-Parker, Zooey Deschanel) certainly helps, too, and the cinematography is quite artful, with plenty of soft and fisheye camera views (kind of confusing and unnecessary, but tasteful nonetheless) and wide landscapes. At 2.5 hours, it's a wee bit long, but still an engrossing and memorable viewing experience. And, I can't neglect to mention that one Nick Cave appears in the film, (appropriately enough, singing in a bar), and his score (with Warren Ellis) is superbly crafted and fittingly minimal, echoing the whispery, dusky vibes of the old West. Worthy of the accolades and awards it's been granted. Watch the trailer here.