SLF Film Reviews

Magic in the Water (1995)

Starring: Mark Harmon (Gibbs from NCIS), Joshua Jackson, Harley Jane Kozak, Sarah Wayne

Set in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, this magical family tale centers on a divorced radio talk show psychiatrist who has been so immersed in his career that he has neglected his two kids, Ashley and Josh. To rectify the situation, he takes them to a beautiful lakeside cabin in Glenorky, BC, the supposed home of a giant mythological reptilian monster. Though he has ostensibly come to spend time with the kids, the lure of working on his book is too strong and soon he is locked away in the cabin amidst papers, a cellular phone and a lap-top, busily clacking away while the children head out to explore. It is Ashley who first sees the mythical monster. She tells her dad, and of course, he initially disbelieves her, but the girl seems so earnest that he begins to wonder. His investigation of the matter leads him down a magical road to reconciliation with his children and the rediscovery that there is a wonderful life outside of his career. He even manages to find a little love along the way. This film is also known as Glenorky. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

SLF Comment: The first time I saw this film, the title came up just as we started sipping a shroom tea - the irony was not lost on me, so I decided to watch it. I was so glad I did. The film has such a realistic, relateable nature, that you are soon sucked in and can easily emphasise with the characters. Sure there's the emotional family turmoil going on through the film, but also a touching and and magical nature that is never far away. The film really taps into the magical nature of the natural world, and it's impact on our spirituality. This film is really an undiscovered gem, worth so much more then the sum of it's parts. We've also never seen Gibbs - sorry Mark Harmon in such an different perspective. We love this film on shrooms, and really think you will too.

The Black Stallion (1979)

Starring: Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney, Teri Garr, Clarence Muse, Hoyt Axton

From its turbulent beginning in a storm-swept sea to its unforgettable horse race finale, The Black Stallion is a modern-day movie landmark. One of the most highly praised productions of 1979,it is "a wonderful experience...for adults and for kids" (Roger Ebert). When a shipwreck leaves Alec (Kelly Reno)a courageous young boy and The Black wild Arabian stallion 'stranded on a desolate island, the two share a frightening adventure of survival that forges a lasting bond of friendship between them. Upon their rescue, Alec and the magnificent horse continue their adventures when they join forces with ex-jockey and horse trainer Henry Dailey (Mickey Rooney). Recognizing the winning combination of The Black's remarkable spirit and Alec's unwavering devotion tohis friend, Dailey takes both under his wing and prepares them to go head to head with the world's best thoroughbreds in "the race of the century."

SLF Comment: Couldn't agree more - truly spellbinding, containing so many scenes of pure cinematic excellence and drama. Also watch out for one of the best acting scenes ever done by an animal we've ever seen - Lassy take note! Seriously, a film that will stay with you for ever.

Up In Smoke (1978)

Starring: Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Strother Martin, Edie Adams, Harold Fong

There's nothing straight about this movie. But here's the dope anyway: Cheech and Chong make their film debut in this riotous rock'n'roll comedy, bringing with them the same madness, lifestyles and sketches that sold over 10 million records in the early '70s. Cheech and Chong's marijuana-laced humor keeps their spirits high and leads them to an outrageous finale in L.A.'s Roxy Theatre, where Cheech performs in a pink tutu and Chong dresses as a large red quaalude. It will make you feel very funny.

SLF Comment: Seriously, on shrooms, is there anything to rival this for on your knees, floor pounding hilarity. Get your mates in, get the shrooms on and put this bad boy in your dvd player for a great night in.

Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Starring:Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Juliette Lewis, Ernest Liu, Salma Hayek, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN is a bloody hilarious vampire movie w/ loads of Rodriguez action and Tarantino attitude. Sort of a strange mixture of DESPERADO, PULP FICTION, and a really good under-siege-by monsters flick; this movie starts w/ a bang and just keeps exploding! Tarantino and Clooney are as humorous as they are menacing as the notorious Gecko brothers. Their crime spree takes them to a biker / trucker bar in Mexico, where they find themselves under attack by an army of voracious, blood-sucking dancers (of the exotic variety), led by the unbelievably hot Salma Hayek! Her snake dance is seered in my memory forever! Watch as the Geckos, aided by their hostages (Harvey Keitel, Juliette Lewis), along w/ a biker (Tom Savini) and a Viet Nam vet (Fred Williamson) do battle w/ the hordes of hell! Taking FDTD seriously is not an option. Just go with it and enjoy the fun...

SLF Comment: Yeap, that about sums it up, - but remember, you're not watching this film as mere mortals, but sensory heightened and consciously aware shroomOnauts - this film will give you a neckfull of entertainment. Classic wholesome fun.

Porky's(1981)

Dan Monahan, Mark Herrier, Wyatt Knight, Roger Wilson, Cyril O'Reilly, Tony Ganios, Kaki Hunter

A raunchy, irreverent comedy classic released in the early 80s to set the tone for all other teen flicks of that era, PORKY'S takes a look at the sex lives of a group of teenage boys in 1950s Florida in all their obsessive, unfulfilled glory. Pee Wee, the main character in this group of 6 Angel Beach high schoolers, is so named for the size of his appendage; nonetheless, he wants nothing more than to lose his virginity. All six spend most of their time devising easy ways to score and spying on their co-eds in the shower, taking breaks only to insult their large dictator-like teacher Ms. Ballbricker and play pranks on each other. They devise a plan to take a trip to a divey strip club in the Everglades called Porky's, where they are sure to get some action; unfortunately, owner Porky doesn't much care for the underage likes of them, and after humiliating them and stealing their money, he kicks them out, deflated. But not for long. Thus ensues one of the most elaborate and uproarious revenge plots ever committed to film, and which cemented this movie's place within the canon of comedy forever. Director Bob Clark culled stories from his own childhood memories to write the film over a period of 15 years, and the personal quality as well as the elements of racism that were characteristic of post WWII Florida, lend the film an authenticity and nostalgic sensibility that rises above the mere sex comedy. It also stars Kim Cattrall, who went on to star as Samantha in SEX AND THE CITY.

SLF Comment: Warning - it may just be possible to die of laughter watching this one on mushies - this film hasn't lost any of it's humour over the years - (some things we guess just never change). If you liked American Pie, then this film you'll adore - simply shroomtastic entertainment.

Forrest Gump(1994)

Starring: Tom Hanks

"It always amazes me that there are so many positive reviews of this appalling film. On the surface it is idiotic, banal and cloyingly sentimental. At it's root it is a cynical piece of right-wing propaganda. The basic message of the film is that if you are an idiot, if you conform and do not question authority or think for yourself you are a hero. If you challenge the government, think for yourself and refuse to see the world in black and white you will be unhappy, exploited and die of AIDs. The 'philosophy' behind this film is so mind blowingly stupid it is offensive. What galls me even more is the way that music made by artists who would by no means have agreed with the politics expressed in this film have been used to sell it. The positive reviews it gets are a depressing example of just how easy it is to manipulate an audience into going along with something rotten to the core through the use of banal sentimentality. " (Foxhay - an Amazon reviewer)

SLF Comment: Ha! We were't expecting that response - however it does rasie an intriguing side to this film, that might be worth exploring on shrooms. Our thoughts on this we'll consider in the forum sometime, but we feel there is such an engaging quality about this film, that can't help to charm you, if you take it for what's it's really supposed to be - a film about a hero, who reflects qualities we can all aspire towards. Forrest Gump would probably reply to that response"Hello. My name's Forrest, Forrest Gump. You want a chocolate? " - A film that can easily make you laugh and cry. A triumph of film making

Planes Trains and Automobiles(1987)

Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy, Olivia Burnette, Kevin Bacon, Diana Castle

"We are blessed to have not only a film but a great film combining the talents of veteran comics Steve Martin and the late John Candy. Far superior to most films of its type, "Planes" has wit, warmth and heart. The plot is simple - Suave ad man Neal (Martin) tries to get home for thanksgiving with his family but encounters frustration at at every turn. To top this off, fate decrees that he spend most of his travel time with well-intentioned but eternally irritating Del (Candy). Candy and Martin seem made for their roles. Candy is perfect as never-ending talker and shower-curtain ring salesman Del (we've all met him!) and Martin is solid as the serious ad-man. Film is full of hilarious moments - Candy and Martin watching their final mode of transport (a car) literally going up in smoke; waking up snuggled up against each other on their first night (one bed in the last room in the last hotel complex) and freezing together on the back of an open truck - but also its tender moments displaying Del's vulnerability. I noted that film critic Leonard Maltin criticised the awful music score, but to me, this is representative of the tone of the entire trip. Film doesn't deserve the R rating I see that it has, despite the the notorious bad language scene. To me, this film exemplifies what quality family entertainment is all about - friendship prevaling against the odds and identifiable characters. John Hughes once again has his finger on the pulse as to what a mainstream audience will enjoy and this film is a credit to him and the stars. See it!"(an Amazon customer)

SLF Comment: Yeah we agree. A superb film from start to finish, containing some scenes that could leave you in serious danger of dying of laughter, especially on shrooms. Both Steve and John are at their comic best making for a shroomtastic movie experience. Highly reccomended.

Trainspotting(1996)

Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle

"Amazon.co.uk Review The film that effectively launched the star careers of Robert Carlyle, Ewan McGregor and Jonny Lee Miller is a hard, barbed picaresque, culled from the bestseller by Irvine Welsh and thrown down against the heroin hinterlands of Edinburgh. Directed with abandon by Danny Boyle, Trainspotting conspires to be at once a hip youth flick and a grim cautionary fable. Released on an unsuspecting public in 1996, the picture struck a chord with audiences worldwide and became adopted as an instant symbol of a booming British rave culture (an irony, given the characters' main drug of choice is heroin not ecstasy). McGregor, Lee Miller and Ewen Bremner play a slouching trio of Scottish junkies; Carlyle their narcotic-eschewing but hard-drinking and generally psychotic mate Begbie. In Boyle's hands, their lives unfold in a rush of euphoric highs, blow-out overdoses and agonising withdrawals (all cued to a vogueish pop soundtrack). Throughout it all, John Hodge's screenplay strikes a delicate balance between acknowledging the inherent pleasures of drug use and spotlighting its eventual consequences. In Trainspotting's world view, it all comes down to a question of choices--between the dangerous Day-Glo highs of the addict and the grey, grinding consumerism of the everyday Joe. "Choose life", quips the film's narrator (McGregor) in a monologue that was to become a mantra. "Choose a job, choose a starter home... But why would anyone want to do a thing like that?" Ultimately, Trainspotting's wised-up, dead-beat inhabitants reject mainstream society in favour of a headlong rush to destruction. It makes for an exhilarating, energised and frequently terrifying trip that blazes with more energy and passion than a thousand more ostensibly life-embracing movies. --Xan Brooks

SLF Comment: We don't think there's ever been a film like this. A stellar cast all in superb form. Robert Carlyle is absolutely terrorfying as the psycopathic, violence loving member of the group. The films uncompromising but fair perspective of Scottish junkies is as shocking as it is entertaining. On Shrooms it promises to be a white knuckle roller coaster ride. Give it a try if you want an extra edge to your trip.

The Blue Planet(2001)

Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle

"Amazon.co.uk Review There is not much that is needed to be said about this dvd. it is an awe inspiring feast for the senses that will just blow you away, whether you are watching a whale and her cub desperately trying to escape a pod of killer whales, or just watching the strange creatures of the deep, you will find yourself stunned by the images and cinematography, absolutely marvelous!!!!! (Ian Laybourn - Amazon customer).

SLF Comment: Anything about nature on shrooms is always spectacular. But something as brilliantly filmed and narrated as this, becomes absolutely spectacular. The Blue Planet is a truly eye opening insight into a world before hand we could only imagine about.

Thursday (1998)

Thomas Jane, Aaron Eckhart, Paulina Porizkova, James LeGros, Paula Marshall, Mickey Rourke

Amazon.co.uk Review " Hugely enjoyable black comedy, Sex? - Yes, Violence? - Yes, Funny? - Yes! Yes! Yes! What more could you want on a Thursday night? Or any other night come to that. B. Molineaux - Amazon customer)".

SLF Comment: I saw this film over 10 years ago, and it's stayed with me ever since as being a superbly entertaining movie. Packed to the hilt with actions and twists, which should make your shroom viewing pleasure a bit of a stomach churner - just what you need. Shrooms or not, it's a top film, and give Tarantino a good run for his money. Still we would'nt say a bad word about Quentin though.

The Lost Boys(1987)

Corey Haim , Corey Feldman, Kiefer Sutherland, Edward Herrmann, Jami Gertz

Death by stereo! This is the ultimate in cheesy Eighties movies (I mean this as a good thing!) What more could you want? Kiefer looking gorgeous as the leader of a teen vampire clan, the Coreys in their prime, and a great soundtrack, it's an excellent combination, plus you get Alex Winter in his pre-Bill and Ted days! " L. Newmanan Amazon customer).

SLF Comment: This has to be one of the best movies to come out of the 80s, and it still oozes cool today. Packed with great action, a great soundtrack it just makes you wish you were either a vampire or a vampire killer. What fun. The last stand against the vampires at the end of the movie is a brilliant laugh. We love this movie

Two Hands(1999)

Heath Ledger, Bryan Brown , David Field, Tom Long , Tony Forrow

For anyone who is a fan of Australian film, this is a great view and crowd pleaser. Typically weird in places, with some good twists and a great performance from Bryan Brown. This movie is enchanting and severe. Realistic portrayal of Sydney's seedier side with much of the action taking place in Kings Cross.

Together with a fantastic soundtrack, and all you Powderfinger fans out there will be happy, a definate must have for the cult movie shelf."an Amazon customer).

SLF Comment: Another film with strong black humour, that is at times incredibly intense. One scene in particualar made our jaw drop and defines the rest of the film. This film has the ability to stun you, and amuse, as well keep you tightly intrigued as to how all the events transpire and lead the film towards its conclusion. One of Ledger's best and most under-rated films.