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PUMPKINHEAD II: BLOOD WINGS (1991, USA, dir. Jeff Burr) is a disappointing follow-up to the original that unfortunately doesn't have a returning Lance Henriksen, or much else to recommend it other than the monster coming back from the original. This time around there's a new back story involving typical bullying and victimisation, while the plot revolves around a sheriff and his daughter moving to a small town and getting involved with the locals.

You soon realise that this is a plot-based movie in which the horror elements are rather restrained. Sure, the monster gets loose in the second half to commit a few gruesome murders, but I wasn't a fan of the look of the rubber suit and everything feels entirely predictable throughout. The presence of horror stars like Kane Hodder, Linnea Quigley, Andrew Robinson and Gloria Hendry certainly adds something, but not enough to make this a worthwhile watch.

I see that EVE OF DESTRUCTION bombed at the box office and has gathered negative reviews ever since, but as somebody who watches a lot of B-movie fare from this era I have to say that it isn't at all bad. The film is clearly inspired by the likes of THE TERMINATOR, as are so many, but the female twist is a good one and Dutch actress Renee Soutendijk handles the dual role rather well. The real scene stealer is Gregory Hines as the tough military cop; Hines runs away with the part and is the best thing in the film. The action set-pieces work to a degree and the plotting in between keeps you watching. Not bad at all...

I admit to having high hopes for this new film adaptation of the classic manga and anime series. The Jackie Chan version is one thing but deviates entirely from the original comic so it felt right to see something closer to the material. Sadly, this modern Netflix version has little to recommend it, feeling entirely familiar to audiences weaned on fast-paced action in the modern era. The hero verges a little too far down the pervert route to be entirely likeable, and the long-winded plot involving a mysterious drug and an annoying cosplayer takes far too long to get going. The action is okay, but nothing to write home about.