THE DANMAN CAN

More than just a superb horror film, more than just a gore fest, more than just a dark comedy— An American Werewolf In London   (1981) is a true classic that features revolutionary makeup effects by  Rick Baker , affecting performances by  David Naughton ,  Jenny Agutter , and  Griffin Dunne , endlessly quotable dialogue, and a memorable score by the prolific  Elmer Bernstein  (plus clever use of "moon" songs)—all directed to perfection by  John Landis . Even though two other high profile werewolf horror films ( The Howling  ( review ) and  Wolfen  ( review )) preceded  AWIL  earlier the same year, and while I like both of those films, they don't hold a candle to  AWIL , which rightfully earned a spot on my  Top 100 Films  list and my  Top 10 Horror Films  list.  AWIL  won the first ever Academy Award for Best Makeup—well deserved for Baker's incredible transformation scene...

Oldřich Lipský 's Adela Has Not Had Supper Yet ( Adéla jeste nevecerela ) (1978) is a delightful, absurdist, action adventure romp. This cult Czech picture is populated by weird and wonderful characters (including a parody of dime store novel detective  Nick Carter ), gadgets, and situations—plus a beautifully designed carnivorous plant by famed animator  Jan Svankmajer . Deaf Crocodile Films continues to impress me with their curation of strange, unique, and fun films. Recommended for fans of Louis Feuillade ,  Karel Zeman ,  Terry Gilliam , Blake Edwards , and  Mel Brooks .

The Talk Of The Town (1942) is a bit longer than necessary and definitely heavy-handed in its message, but it's undeniably entertaining, there is some great humor, and Cary Grant and Jean Arthur are their usual charming, adorable, irresistible selves in this humanist love triangle bromance. George Stevens Feature Films Ranked

A slow burn mystery thriller with lots of fog-enshrouded, cobblestoned London atmosphere,  Bob Clark 's  Murder By Decree (1979) pits Sherlock Holmes  (and Dr. Watson ) against Jack The Ripper  in a conspiracy coverup. I liked this film a bit more the second time around— Christopher Plummer and James Mason make a great screen Holmes and Watson, it's handsomely shot, it's rather dreary and downbeat (satisfyingly so), and the supporting cast—including David Hemmings , John Gielgud , and Donald Sutherland  plus a memorable scene featuring Geneviève Bujold —is aces. Bob Clark Feature Films Ranked