Film Reviews: Haxan (a.k.a Witchcraft through the ages).

Release date: September 18th 1922.

Story: This Swedish documentary style horror movie is about the study of witchcraft, devil worship, and how the misunderstanding of mental illness and diseases could have led to the hysteria of witch hunts in medieval Europe.

My thoughts: Dark, creepy, atmospheric, and bizarre. This seven part movie really catches the horror element with images depicting witches, demons, and the devil himself (played by the director himself). This film was banned in the USA and was heavily censored in other countries. In 1968, the movie was re-released in the USA in a re-edited form. Now called Witchcraft through the ages and has an narration by William S Burroughs.

Even though this is a silent era classic, this film is really not for everyone. Some people might get offended and/or horrified at the scenes of devils, witches, creepy scenery, and torture. So I would warn you before watching it.

My score: Four stars.

Film Reviews: The Fog

Release date: February 8th 1980.

Story: The costal town of Antonio bay, California is getting ready to celebrate it's 100th anniversary. But things are not so smoothly as the inhabitants wanted. For on the night of the celebrations, a strange thick fog comes in from the sea and soon ingulfs the town. But it's not the fog that is a threat... it is what's in the fog that is the main threat.

My thoughts: This is one of John Carpenter's most recognisable films. And it is great. The pirate ghosts are cool and some of the effects are impressive. If you haven't seen it yet, I would recommend it.

My score: Three stars.

Youtube Reviews: The Stories of Sodor.

Series creator: Victor Tanzig.

Starting date: 20th February 2017.

Story: The train, for its type, is the most powerful vehicle on land. And the engines of Sodor are the power behind the docks, industries, and pipelines that make up the world renowned North Western Railway. Join Thomas, Edward, Percy, and all of the other Sodor engines in their daily tasks to keep their business going. For these, are the Stories of Sodor.

My thoughts: The great series is based on the popular Thomas the tank engine series. the show itself has three series, many shorts, and a fourth series is currently being made. What I like about this show is that it doesn't follow the books or the tv series at all. It kinda does it's own thing. And it isn't set in one time period. It starts after the first world war and is likely to finish in the present day. And includes many historic events as well. Including the rise in communism, the nationalization of Britains railways, world war two (which was it's own side season called The Stories of War), and even goes into detail on how the railways worked and operated at the time. I was surprised that Edward is the narrator of the show. But then I realised that it might be mainly based on the Railway book series and not the Thomas and friends show (where Thomas is the main character). The show even has characters from a similar show called Tugs.

Any dislikes?: Only a few. One of them being the swearing. I mean I wasn't expecting swear words in something based on Thomas and Friends. But in the third series and the Stories of War side season, there are times that the characters use the F and W words. Also some viewers may not like some strong issues that some episodes are centred on. Such as prejudice, war, bullying, unfairness, and other subjects like them.

Overall: It is a great show and I would recommend it.

My score: Four stars.