Supergirl (1984)

Not only does Supergirl not fit into the existing Superman mythos created by the films that came before it, it fails to keep even its own self-contained designs on the world intact. The story has witches, black magic, an invisible demon and an unravelling script that would confuse even Mister Mxyzptlk.
Faye Dunaway's pantomime villain/cougar is a lot of fun, but what holds it all together is Helen Slater’s ability to give the titular character the innocence and naivety she needs to be sympathetic in the alien world.
Helen's months of training on the wire really paid off. When she flies around it's like a dance, full of elegance and grace.

2½ dicky bows out of 5

The Omen (2006)

A remake of the 1976 Richard Donner film of the same name. Did they use the same script? There are some minor differences, but ninety-nine percent of it is identical. Why bother? It’s not like the original was a turd. I don’t blame the director. He got offered a job and he took it. I blame the producers.
Exploitation isn't just a genre in Hollywood; it’s a way of life.
Liev Schreiber is fine, but he’s no Gregory Peck. Mia Farrow and Pete Postlethwaite put everyone else to shame, except the wonderful Michael Gambon who unfortunately only got about two minutes of screen time.

1½ revelations out of 5

ROSEMARY'S BABY [1968]

The best types of horror films are the ones that truly allow the viewer the enter into the world that is created. It takes patience, careful attention and emotional investment. Only then does it really terrify. Sadly most horror films these just rely on cheap scare tactics and CGI knives.
Rosemary's Baby is the definitive smart horror film that begs the viewer to really use their brain or what's left of it. It's perfect in nearly every way. Mia Farrow's amazing performance is heart-breaking and distressing to behold and study. While Ruth Gordon is an absolute treat to watch as the nosy old New York neighbor. Roman Polanski knew exactly what he was doing with this beautifully shot film and perfects it with a genuinely icky creep factor that lines the heart of the story.
With it's twisted sense of humor, amazing build up of dread and sense of paranoia waiting around every corner, Rosemary's Baby deserves the attention and acclaim it constantly receives.

5 Für Elise's out of 5

Secret Ceremony (1968)

Elizabeth Taylor, in one of her more interesting roles, plays an unhappy prostitute with some very silly wizard gowns. Mia Farrow steals the film as a young woman with some extreme psychological problems. Together the two women facilitate each other’s fantasy world.
The house in which Mia lives is full of decadent colour and baroque design and yet with an understated lighting it remains mysterious and eerie.
The film gave me the feckin wiggins; not in the usual horror movie or David Lynch way, but in a whole new way I've never experienced before. I found it uncomfortable but essential viewing.

4½ scary pervert scenes for Mitchum out of 5