digitalconquest Blog

Under discussion:

Brother from Space  (1988)

A huge spaceship makes its way to our world and sends out a smaller ship with three aliens in it to have a look around. Something goes wrong and the three explorers eject to Earth in small pods as their vessel explodes. Only one being seems to survive and, as is usually the case, the local authorities just want to shoot at it and call the military. The alien goes into hiding thanks to the help of a blind music teacher who has psychic powers (Belli), and a sympathetic priest with good intentions (Balsam). It turns out that the visitor just wants to make nice, be friends with everybody, and would simply prefer to go home rather than hurt anyone. His friends are looking for him, but time is running out! An unexpected film that seems to be aiming for a distinctly youthful audience with several scenes of the extra-terrestrial performing cute little telekinetic tricks peppered throughout the running time. There are the expected heartstring tugging scenes as well and the special effects, though cool in their way, probably won’t impress many these days. Brother From Space tries hard and has its moments, but is definitely not for everyone. Italian science fiction die-hards, Agostina Belli enthusiasts, and possibly the insatiably curious might find things to enjoy, but the pace is similar to Distant Lights with a prevalent wholesome vibe/positive message thing happening throughout. Inspiration can be traced back to films such as ET and Wavelength (mostly ET), among others. Something different for the adventurous.

Under discussion:

Cobra Mission  (1985)

It’s a little bit Uncommon Valor. It’s also a little bit Missing In Action. The truth is that it’s a little bit of a lot of things. Beyond that, it’s all Italian eighties action from Fabrizio De Angelis! Having said all that many fans may believe that they know exactly what to expect from this title, that might not be so. This movie is an excessively cynical and surprisingly grim action/drama that does just about everything in its power to be unlike the films that it at first seems to be inspired by. The set-up is like this; a group of men who, by sticking together, survived the horrors of the war have decided that it’s time somebody got back into the jungles of Vietnam to rescue ‘yesterday’s heroes’ from the concentration camps where they still suffer. It’s ten years after the fact though, so support is not what you’d call in abundance. They manage to start what they set out to do but will they be able to finish? Cobra Mission really stands out from the rest with an icy hopelessness that you might not be used to from this genre, for that alone it deserves its reputation. Keep an eye out for small roles from Donald Pleasence, Luciano Pigozzi (as Alan Collins), Ennio Girolami, Gordon Mitchell, and Enzo Castellari. Now that is some ensemble!

Under discussion:

Bad Cop Cronicles #1: Confessions of a Police Captain  (1971)

Franco Nero and Martin Balsam work on the same side of the law but will their conflicts and ideals get in the way? Nero as the District Attorney is determined to uphold the law while Balsam as Captain Bonavia seeks true justice in Damiano Damiani’s incredible Italian Crime Drama. Balsam gives one of his best performances as he tries to take down the local crime lord that has become involved with city officials. Nero is the newly appointed DA with an understated performance that will leave you riveted by the final frame! In true Italian Crime Cinema, the violence is abundant, bloody and shocking; and of course, there are the beautiful women! Case in point, the exotic looking Marilu Tolo (Scorpion With Two Tails, My Dear Killer)! Add in a dramatic soundtrack by Riz Ortonani and there is more than enough to highly recommend Confessions Of A Police Captain to Italian Crime cinemaphiles!