The Toolbox Murders by Dennis Donnelly [1978]

Title: The Toolbox Murders
Director: Dennis Donnelly
Starring: Cameron Mitchell, Pamelyn Ferdin, Wesley Eure
Runtime: 93
Year: 1978

I don't think I've ever seen a movie rule so hard for the first 20 minutes or so only to flop so hard afterwards, as is the case with The Toolbox Murders.

Having opened with a lovely string of events including a sweet kill featuring a drill, it would of been better for the movie to continue at that pace. Unfortunately, it takes a total nose dive with a rambling half-assed serial killer, as charming as he may be.

Another thing, why make the serial killer be the one character everyone in the room would assume it to be? So obvious you wouldn't think it possible. Unless that was the angle they were going for? Eh, I don't know.

I'm aware that tons of people can't stop saying positive things about this film, I just don't see it. Even with some stellar parts, I'm left with this overall 'blah' feeling towards it.

Not recommended.


j.

Rest Stop: Dead Ahead by John Shiban [2006]

Title: Rest Stop [Unrated version]
Director: John Shiban
Starring: Jaimie Alexander, Joey Mendicino, Joseph Lawrence
Runtime: 85
Year: 2006

There's some days where all I wanna do is toss in a movie soaked of blood, where no real plot is needed just the usual suspects torturing each other. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I just may need professional help.

Rest Stop sure delivers the blood and the typical damsel-in-distress set-up. We have a young couple comprised of recent runaway Nicole and her attractive enough boyfriend Jess making their way to Los Angeles.

As you can guess from the title, the movie makes a highway rest stop it's center stage, as if they aren't disgusting enough as is. When Nicole has to take a tinkle, they stop only for her to come out to find her boyfriend has vanished. Right away she seems to put it all together to figure out a serial killer must be responsible. Give this gal an award, I simply would of assumed something better came along if I were her.

Like most lovely, yet clueless, ladies in these films we tend to love so much, Nicole just keeps hanging around this rest stop. No matter how many times she escapes, or how many times people try to kill her and those she comes into contact with, she keeps returning. Maybe she has the runs and can't bear to be away from the toilet? Whatever the case, it gets to the point where you kind of just want her to die already. To much time is spent on the same cat and mouse game where we don't get to see the one doing all the chasing, nor do we get to see boob from the one being chased. I need something people, or how else do you intend to keep my attention?

The gore scenes sure do deliver when we get them and hey- we even get a small cameo from Mr. Blossom himself, Joey 'Woah!' Lawrence! We even get to see him get shot in the face! Win-win for all involved.

The sum it all up: The plot sucks but the disgusting stuff is there in just the right amount. So if you are anything like me and just want those mindless movie days filled with guts and junk, then borrow this one from your neighbour [cause I wouldn't want to pay for it].


Half-assed recommended.

j.



ps. To keep up with my blog and how I tend to go about it, I won't be reviewing the movies I watched while MIA. I don't ever review anything I saw more than a few days ago, one of few guidelines I've set for myself way back when. :)