Universal Monsters

‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001) … but maybe it shouldn’t have

After the surprisingly good Universal Monsters remake “The Mummy” (1999), “The Mummy Returns” (2001) isn’t wildly different in any particular area, yet it stands as

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‘Dracula: Dead and Loving It’ (1995) takes Brooks back to Transylvania

In his 2004 commentary track for 1974’s “Young Frankenstein,” Mel Brooks notes that it’s his best pure film – in the sense that it’s not

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‘Mummy’ (1999) puts impressive wrap on 20th century Universal Monster flicks

1999 was such a loaded year for movies that “The Mummy” seemed like a middle-of-the-road entry among tentpole films, one last May appetizer – and

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‘Young Frankenstein’ (1974) among the best – and funniest – adaptations of the classic novel

I can imagine writer-star Gene Wilder and writer-director Mel Brooks watching “Frankenstein” (1931) and inserting jokes, a la the “Airplane!” (1980) writers when watching “Zero

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‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974) is De Palma’s ambitious pop opera

Brian De Palma, the greatest remixer in cinema history, follows up his Hitchcock-inspired breakthrough “Sisters” (1973) with “Phantom of the Paradise” (1974). The musical combines

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Argento’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ (1998) a kitschy experiment

In my Dario Argento reviews up to this point in his filmography, I’ve given at least a mild recommendation to everything except 1990’s “Black Cat”

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Bloody romp ‘Abigail’ could’ve used sharper stakes

Is “Abigail” a bloody good time or a bloody mess? This horror flick from the team behind “Ready or Not” and the two “Scream” legacy

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A fanged swain makes his dad proud in ‘Son of Dracula’ (1943)

What is “Son of Dracula” (1943) about? It is a black-and-white horror flick that concerns a Southern belle aiming for immortality – and also, a

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In ‘Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man’ (1951), vaudeville pair confronts the unseen

“Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man” (1951) is first and foremost a boxing movie. Admittedly, it’s also slapstick. It’s a detective show. And –

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‘Last Voyage of the Demeter’ expands ‘Dracula’ lore

“The Last Voyage of the Demeter” had been in development hell for a couple decades, and while it’s great for vampire horror fans that it

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