Suspended Animation

Starring:Alex McArthur, Laura Esterman, Sage Allen, Rebecca Harrell, Fred Meyers (III), Maria Cina, Jeff Puckett, Daniel Riordan, J.E. Freeman, Sean Patrick Murphy, Daniel Mooney, Gary J. Mion, Joe Forbrich, Robert Breuler, Denise Bohn, Faith Marie (II), Mike McCalmet, Andrew Tallackson, Glenn Hutchinson, Laurene Franklin
Director: John D. Hancock
Studio: First Run Features
Product Type: DVD

Description

Animator Thomas Kempton gets more than he bargains for when a snowmobile trip turns to terror in the wilds of Northern Michican. After narrowly escaping the clutches of two psychopathic sisters who want to have him for dinner,Tom becomes obsessed with turning his cannibalistic close-call into an animated film. But when he finds his captors long lost daughter, Tom finds that blood is thicker than ink, and that his nightmares are only just beginning.

Customer Reviews:

We're gonna get the good out of you.......2006-07-03

If you love 'B' horror flicks, and liked Stephen King's 'Misery', you will love 'Suspended Animation'. From pickled body parts to creepy characters, this is one film that surprised and entertained my seething need for good horror.

Thomas Kempton (Alex McArthur) is an Animator working on his latest animation project. He's stuck in his attempts to animate his latest female lead, to find the right sketch, the right "look" for her. Sometimes being stuck means taking a break, so Tom and his buddies take off for a fun weekend of snowmobiling. (There are some good scenes here)

Tom gets separated and, naturally, wrecks his snowmobile. He seeks help at a nearby cabin, and is greeted warmly (if not a little creepily) by Ann Boulette (Sage Allen). Ann is a large, homely woman who calls her brother to help him get his snowmobile unstuck. While serving refreshments, Ann's sister Vanessa (Laura Esterman) rises from her slumber on the couch and gives Tom a very strange peek at her questionable ballet skills. Tom decides its time to leave, but its too late. Ann drugged his refreshments, and when Tom wakes up he is duct taped to a wheelchair and destined to become dinner for the two sisters.

After stamping his forehead with a USDA stamp and showing him many of their pickled delights from the pantry, Tom figures out their intentions. He then attempts to pit the women against each other, telling them he wants to draw them and use them in his next animation series, hoping to bide time. His ploy works for a while, until the women find he is tricking them and decide to chop him up.

In the nick of time, Tom's friends arrive. Ann is eliminated, and after a very good snowmobile chase, so is Vanessa.

But wait, the movie isn't over. It's just beginning! Like many victims, Tom becomes obsessed with his ordeal, and convinced that the evil Ann and Vanessa belong in his animation script. He finds their brother Phillip (J.E. Freeman) in prison and visits him, trying to get a feel for Ann and Vanessa. (Interesting note: I thought Phillip looked way too much like Seinfeld's 'Uncle Leo', which gave me a chuckle or two)

Phillip leads Tom to Vanessa's daughter Clara Hansen (Maria Cina) and her son Sandor (Fred Meyers). It seems that Sandor was born to carry on the family tradition. ("I'm not supposed to eat this ... I'm lactose intolerant" -- The pimple popping scene is one of the grossest things I've ever seen. Forget evisceration and dismemberments, this scene is enough to make beer vomit appear a gourmet aperitif)

Tom involved Clara and Sandor in his life, using Clara as a model for his animation. Sandor's disposition worsens, but Tom simply cannot let go of his obsession with the Boulette sisters no mater what sinister things begin to happen. And yes, there's a lovely twist at the ending.

The performances were excellent in this film, particularly from Laura Esterman. From her sexy voice, bizarro ballet, and unpredictably psychotic behavior, she plays the role of Vanessa perfectly. My hat goes off to Sage Allen for her lovely neurosis, and Fred Meyers for his evil handling of his role.

What makes this film really stand out is the depth of the horror. It is horror like it should be, some things predictable and some things not, that is what keeps the blood flowing, that question of what is to come. The photography is decent (in some scenes quite good) though the FX is slightly cheesy. 'Suspended Animation' captured that 'Twilight Zone' feeling we sometimes get when meeting people, and reminds us to be careful whom we ask for help.

My only complaint is that there are no subtitles available, either for the hearing impaired or other languages. However, don't let that stop you from grabbing up this low budget horror treat. Enjoy!

A movie with an identity crisis.......2005-11-02

It's impossible to watch John Hancock's "Suspended Animation" and not think of Stephen King's "Misery." The film obviously wants you to think of that movie considering how closely the opening sequences replicate the experience of a talented artist captured by a malevolent woman. I guess it's slightly different since the main character contends with TWO women, sisters at that, but nonetheless I kept expecting to see Jimmy Caan and Kathy Bates walk out of the shadows during the first ten or twenty minutes of "Suspended Animation." If Hancock's little horror flick kept up the "Misery" theme, I wouldn't have much to talk about. It doesn't stay this course, however, deciding instead to veer off on very unexpected byways. Suddenly, numerous film influences become visible. "Suspended Animation" turns into "Deliverance" for a brief moment before segueing into drippy romance territory. Then it's off into "Silence of the Lambs" before moving into every "evil child run amok" film you've ever seen. I'm probably missing a few references here and there, but you get the idea. Hancock's flick is one of the most derivative films I've ever seen, and that's saying a lot about a horror movie. At the same time, it keeps us guessing as to where it will go.

"Suspended Animation" starts out by introducing us to Thomas Kempton (Alex McArthur), an animator of some repute, out in the mountains for some snowmobile fun with a couple of his buddies. Trouble arrives in a big way when Kempton accidentally separates from his pals and wrecks his snowmobile. He stumbles over a small cabin tucked away in the woods and, like most of us would, seeks help from the inhabitants. The two sisters living in the shack, Vanessa and Ann Boulette (played by Laura Esterman and Sage Allen), are only too happy to provide comfort. Kempton appreciates the assistance despite the fact that the two women seem a little...well, off. Vanessa is obese and kooky while Ann seems vaguely sinister. They both argue a lot. Oh well. We don't often get the chance to pick the people who help us out of a jam. We also don't get the chance to pick the people who might kill us. The Boulette sisters drug Tom's drink, causing him to lapse into unconsciousness. When he wakes up, the two leering ladies have him strapped down nice and tight. Even worse, they make it very clear that they're cannibals with a hankering for dinner. Yeah, cannibals!

Amazingly, Tom convinces the two that he's an animator who wants to use their likenesses for a movie project, which buys him enough time until his buddies show up and rescue him. A chase ensues on the snowmobiles, an avalanche results, and the Boulette sisters are no more. Then the film starts in earnest. I'm not kidding! Tom survives his ordeal but becomes fascinated with finding out more about the Boulette family. He tracks down a slimy brother in prison, Phillip (J.E. Freeman), and also discovers that Ann has a daughter named Clara Hansen (Maria Cina). Kempton ingratiates himself into her life by paying her to pose for a series of drawings. The two strike up a rapport that brings Tom into the orbit of Clara's evil son Sandor (Fred Meyers). This incredibly unlikable kid sports a face full of acne and a few very nasty secrets stashed away in a box. He's also extraordinarily contemptuous of his mother, to the point of being physically and emotionally abusive. Tom starts to wonder if it's possible that evil runs in families. Ann and Vanessa were evil on a scale rarely imagined. Phillip Boulette makes Hannibal Lecter look like the caped crusader. So perhaps Sandor inherited the family curse? Who knows, but the conclusion renews an old acquaintance Tom would rather forget about.

Hmmm. First and foremost, "Suspended Animation" is a long film. It runs for nearly two hours, giving the director plenty of time to flesh out his ideas. Unfortunately, we've seen most of these themes in other, better films. I don't mind derivative movies. I've watched what feels like thousands of them. Heck, Hollywood functions on the basic premise that every unique, successful idea should be run into the ground as soon as possible. But when a whole film feels like a patchwork of ideas lifted out of other movies, chances are the movie in question won't be that good. "Suspended Animation" offsets this difficulty somewhat by giving us solid performances from most of the cast. Alex McArthur turns in a good performance as the animator. We believe in his character and understand his motives in wanting to uncover the nightmare that is the Boulette family. The best work comes from the nutcases, especially Sage Allen as the viperous Ann Boulette and Fred Meyers as the spooky Sandor. With a look or a gesture, these two actors manage to convey a real sense of oozing evil. I'd go so far as to say that without Allen and Meyers, "Suspended Animation" would fall flat on its face.

Extras on the disc include the obligatory "making of" feature, a photo gallery, and a director's biography. I'm going to give Hancock's film three stars. It's not a great movie, but it's not a particularly good one either. I might watch it again, or I might not. Nothing gained or lost either way. Someone could convince me to give it another go if we turned the film into a drinking game. This would really work with "Suspended Animation." In this instance, we'd all throw down a belt of booze when someone shouts out the name of the film from which Hancock stole any given scene. Trust me, no would be in any condition to drive by the time the credits rolled.

Very disturbing and interesting at the same time.......2004-08-15

This movie felt like "The greatest made-for-TV-movie EVER created". It has a few scenes that give it an R rating, but the overall quality of the movie seems like it was made for TV.

Quality aside, this was a GREAT movie. It has such an expansive storyline, that I'd almost call it a horror soap-opera. But don't let that turn you away from it, It was the most refreshing unknown movie I've seen in a very long time.

Also, don't let the premise of the movie fool you, it starts out feeling like a complete rip-off of Misery, with a cartoonist instead of a novelist meeting a crazed lady, but it goes worlds beyond that. The whole time I watched it, I kept wondering what new twist to the plot they would do next, and every time they took a new turn, it just kept making the movie better. It almost felt like 4 good storylines (or 3 sequels if you will) intertwined into one movie. Superb and creepy!

Pretty Good.......2004-03-29

This is an interesting film from the director of "Let's Scare Jessica to Death." The concept is unique, the acting is good. Not really a horror film, per se. Worth your while if you happen to be considering it.

Average customer rating:

Not worth the money
Poo... It was just that bad!
NOT AS GOOD AS THE SERIES
A Huge Fan
WHAT A WASTE!

Blue Gender: The Warrior
Starring: Blue Gender
Manufacturer: Funimation Prod
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Animation | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Futuristic | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Aliens | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Blue Gender - The Complete Collection
Blue Gender Box Set
Blue Gender (Vol. 1)
Blue Gender (Vol. 2)
Blue Gender - Volume 3

ASIN: B00020X9CE
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Product Description

It is unknown how long they have existed. Some sightings date back to 2017. But in the year 2031 Humankind was replaced as the dominant species on Earth.

They are known only as The Blue. Many believed that the Blue were created by a rogue nation as a weapon of mass destruction. But it soon became all too evident that this was not the case. These monstrous insect-like creatures now exert their terrible will upon the planet. As a result, the remains of the human race have fled into outer space to escape the infestation of the Blue.

Suddenly awakened after 22 years in suspended animation, Yuji Kaido finds himself thrust into a nightmarish reality. Yuji soon learns that the very survival of the entire human race rests in his hands.

System Requirements:

Running Time 95 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Not worth the money.......2007-01-29

Blue gender is a very good series and is highly recommended. However this movie is the entire series crammed in one. There is no possible way to completely understand and enjoy blue gender watching it in bits and pieces. Skip this and get the collection.

Poo... It was just that bad!.......2006-12-29

Imagine, if you will, taking one of the greatest animes ever and chewing it up a pooping it out. All the best and most nutritious bits long gone. What you are left with is waist. Well in this case waist with a new ending nugget of corn... And that corn was rotten when it was first eaten...

If you must have this movie, buy the box set. At lest then you get the good stuff and the poo, although why you would want poo in the first place is beyond me...

NOT AS GOOD AS THE SERIES.......2006-05-08

Having watched all the series and the movie called the "Warrior", my suggestion would be:

First of all, buy the box set called: `Blue Gender-The complete collection' for the following reasons:
- In this box set, you will have the entire series and the movie as a bonus
- It is definitely cheaper
- And lasts for about 750 min.

As for the shows, I wrote a detailed review in the `Blue Gender-The complete collection', where you can read everything. In one word, the series are: AMAZING!!! And highly recommended...

As the movie concerns it is basically, something like a short version of the series. In other words, they try to put about 600 minutes into 95. Not to mention that many things that build up the story are left outside (for obvious reasons) and that the ending is completely different from the series. Moreover, by watching the movie the viewer will get the impression that the series are not deep etc. an opinion that will change for sure if he or she will watch the series.

As for the storyline:

In the near future, the main character, Yuji Kaido, has been diagnosed, as other ordinary people, in having an incurable disease. Because there was no cure available at that time they put him with the others alike into hibernation, supposed for a time span of two years. Unfortunately for them, in the mean time Earth got invaded by alien bucks, called "Blue" and most humans got killed. For this reason, humans retreated to a space station called Second Earth. A few decades later, Yuji was awakened by a soldier among other commrades, who was sent down on earth to find the "sleepers" (and there is a reason for it), in other words the ones that had been put into hibernation. The soldier was no other than Marlene Angel, who is the other main character of the show. In the mists of war, a love story will start to evolve around these two main protagonists who will have to go through various dangers and do everything to survive and to safe the world (well, what is left of it). The story has many twists and although it refers to a (near)future time the messeges that this show "sends out" are all the ones that we are facing nowadays, like the environment, human behavior towards others, military/political power games etc. In the show we see a possible outcome of our actions.

To sum up:
Buy this DVD only if you are a huge Blue Gender fan, so that to have a complete collection. Therefore, if you are not sure what to do, rent this movie first before you decide (if of course you have such an option).

My recommendation would be, to buy the complete collection of the series, where the movie is included; and is definitely cheaper.

I hope I could help....

A Huge Fan.......2006-02-03

If you like Blue Gender as much as I do (which, it is my favorite Anime), you'll probably really enjoy this movie. I got it used for 8 bucks, and I think that is a reasonable price. There is a lot of the same animation, though, so if that is something that would bother you, just know that. I enjoy different ways stories can go, so I think this portrayal of Yuji and Marlene's relationship is quite cute. Unlike the series, this portrayal does not include a first kiss up on the mountain, but they do hold hands when he's watching the moon and wondering what is to come (just before Baikenor). The long hair on Yuji at the beginning is a bit freaky, so there's that, but you'll feel such vindication when Joey cuts it back into normalcy. Some parts of it are just a bit odd, and hard to understand, like the ending. But the ending of the series is also quite hard to understand, if you think about it. My favorite part of this movie is the romantic factor, but I also enjoy the very graphic nature of the scenes. Here's another warning for anyone who is interested in actually watching it--when Joey dies, WATCH OUT. His death in the movie is the exact opposite of his heart-warming death in the series. My 10 year-old sister almost puked, as Yuji himself does. I like the way some of the stuff played out even better than the way it's played out n the series. When you watch this you should keep in mind that this came first, so anything you liked better in the series should ammount to another cla on the back for the writers.

WHAT A WASTE!.......2006-01-22

consider this a warning, and be glad that you got one. the movie itself is $20. the new box set (includes the movie) is around $50. this means you get the series for only $30. so if you are going to buy anything, it makes sense to buy the series. and the series, unlike this movie, IS worth buying.

now, about the movie... the reason they include it in the new box set is that it's worthless. like one of the other reviewers said, it follows exactly the same story as the series. so, it's basically the first half of the Blue Gender story (and over half of the SAME ANIMATION) crammed into 90 minutes. just imagine how much important stuff is missing! (would you only read every fifth page of a book or take turns and only play every 10th hour of an RPG?) and in addition, it's "InuYasha'd" with corny dialogue and the worst ending I have ever seen. it's a shame i can't give zero stars.

Average customer rating:

Absolute Aggression
Starring: Terry Anderson (III) , Amy Lynn Baxter , Cheryl Clifford , Robert Davi , and Joan Gerardi
Manufacturer: Mti Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Sci-Fi Action | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Animation | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Futuristic | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Action & Adventure | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

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( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Fortress 2: Re-entry
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Gwendoline - Unrated Director's Cut (aka - The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik Yak)
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ASIN: B00014K62C
Release Date: 2004-02-17

Average customer rating:

Kind of pointless really
Worst movie ever?

Starfire Mutiny
Starring: Joe Lara , Maureen LaVette , Elise Muller , Douglas Arthurs , and Julius Krajewski
Director: Lloyd A. Simandl
Manufacturer: Monarch Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Sci-Fi Action | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Animation | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Futuristic | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Aliens | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Android Apocalypse(Widescreen Extended Version)
Stargate SG-1 - Season 9 Boxed Set (Thinpak)

ASIN: B00006BS7G
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Customer Reviews:

Kind of pointless really.......2006-07-21

All the people on Earth are in cryogenic suspension in a big spaceship orbiting the planet (the atmosphere is screwed up or something), except for some prison convicts who are still on the planet's surface. Some of them get free and make their way to the cryo-ship, where they start blowing things up. This seemed like it wanted to be a steamy T&A movie like some of Simandl's other stuff, but all we get is a couple of blink-and-you'll-miss-it topless shots. Without a load of nudity, there's really no reason to see this. The plot is ridiculous, the acting is poor, the comic relief characters made me groan, and there's just nothing of interest going on. Oh, people run around and do stuff, I just didn't care if they lived or died really. The ending is just plain bonkers. Special effects are slightly better than I'd expect from a low budget Czechoslovakian sci-fi film. The characters were likable enough I suppose, but the plot couldn't really be taken seriously enough to actually feel for them.

Overall, skip it.

Worst movie ever?.......2004-11-29

Dull, seemed to go on for ever.
Fake characters.
Possibly the worst movie ive seen.

Average customer rating:

We're gonna get the good out of you
A movie with an identity crisis
Very disturbing and interesting at the same time
Pretty Good

Suspended Animation
Starring: Alex McArthur , Laura Esterman , Sage Allen , Rebecca Harrell , and Fred Meyers (III)
Director: John D. Hancock
Manufacturer: Pathfinder Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Stealing Candy
Devil in the Flesh
Snapped
The Last Sect
Sublime (Unrated Edition)

ASIN: B0001GH73G
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Customer Reviews:

We're gonna get the good out of you.......2006-07-03

A movie with an identity crisis.......2005-11-02

Very disturbing and interesting at the same time.......2004-08-15

Pretty Good.......2004-03-29

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