Horror Classic Review: JACOB'S LADDER (1990)

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

Post-script: I did get to chat with Bruce Joel Rubin after he saw this video, and he loved it. So go ahead, give me hate comments; they’ll bounce off of me now.

[@wimvanderstraeten6521]

It's an interesting coincidence that Jacob's Ladder was released in the same year as Flatliners. I guess you could say they're companion pieces.

[@chmeee9562]

Great, in-depth review. Thanks. I noticed you used the term 'obtuse' in a film starring Tim Robbins :)

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

😂 Yeah, I really missed the opportunity to put in a clip from Shawshank there.

[@christopherstephenjenksbsg4944]

Thanks for reviewing this movie. I first saw "Jacob's Ladder" when it came out. The opening scene in the subway is what grabbed me first. I grew up in NYC in the 1960s, and I've had recurring nightmares about the subway for nearly 60 years. That scene had the same nightmarish qualities as my dreams, and so did the rest of the movie. I knew a lot of guys who went to Vietnam, some of whom were killed. The ones who came back were really badly wounded by the experience -- some of them irreparably. But the ending is *so* uplifting and such a relief that it's become something of a touchstone on the meaning of life for me. I think about it frequently. WONDERFUL!

[@brettcoster4781]

Great, great review of a truly fascinating movie. The "twist" ending is well earned; like you say, it was foreshadowed many, many times in Jacob's Ladder. It gives a very satisfying ending to all of the disturbing sequences that preceded it. One of the best horror movies I've ever seen.

[@NN-rn1oz]

Excellent review of my favorite movie. Liked and subscribed.

[@Demolitiondude]

This film is one of the rare films that still gets to me. It's deep and disturbing.

[@deathrabbit8710]

Great channel buddy. Appreciate the hard work you do. I've got zero doubt your stuff is going to start reaching a wider audience sooner or later, I think you've been choosing really great content that really deserves a bit more attention.

[@markmargraf5618]

I enjoyed the review of this movie way more than movie! I was 20 years old when this movie came out and I understood the ending and the point of it all and it’s very interesting topic of course it’s one of the few movies trying to explain “what’s life really about” using horror to keep the viewer guessing or interested in the plot but for me I find it hard to watch and didn’t leave me thinking about it’s meaning of moving on and excepting what can’t be changed. Really enjoyed your review and gave me more meaning to the movie

[@mikesilva3868]

Obnoxious Kid: Can I have your autograph? Bobbi Quackenbush: Sure, kid. What's your name? Obnoxious Kid: David. Bobbi Quackenbush: OK, David. [signs paper and hands it to the kid] Bobbi Quackenbush: There you go. Obnoxious Kid: Here's what I think of the Avengers! [tears up autograph, kicks Bobbi in the shin, and leaves] Bobbi Quackenbush: I could sure dig meeting a better class of people. 😂

[@ggoedert]

Great movie and review, I always thought this movie was a real hidden gem, but I think I see it much less as a direct religious analogy, and more as a journey of acceptance of where one is in life, before moving on, and also as criticism of the harms the government can do.

[@Malvito]

Fascinating review. I haven't seen this one in a while, and now I am curious to give it another looksee. Also interested that you reviewed this one as a horror classic (timely, given the month) and not a SciFi classic. Granted, one can look at the movies you have so far reviewed and see a great deal of crossover, but have you considered branching out and doing a series of U.G. videos within the more obviously Horror genre? After all, Geekery exists all over. Thank you.

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

I’ve got a straight up horror classic coming soon…

[@AngryEyess]

I believe this movie is one of those texts where its extremely optimistic if you allow it to be like Bojack horseman

[@kylecurry577]

A very good, surreal & fascinating underrated psychological horror classic. Well done imagery. Solid story, acting & directing. Enjoyable watch.

[@ConsciousMigration]

I remember this movie as being far more depressing than scary. In many ways it was the epitome of emotional dread.

[@ecatalan98]

One of the best reviews of “Jacob’s Ladder” on KZbin (and I’ve seen most of them). It is indeed an incredible film. Yes, it is a disturbing film but also a very sad one until the end. You have one new subscriber. Cheers!

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

Thank you!

[@herbertkeithmiller]

LOL at the start of the movie where Singer taps the third rail of the subway gently as though doing so would protect him. A cringey moment until you think about it; just leave it alone! I generally enjoyed the creepiness of the movie, didn't know where it was going a problem when you watch a lot of horror movies. The Monsters creatures and horrors are glimpsed without a good enough for long enough you to make sense out of. I liked that. One of the few horror movies to have a happy ending to the victim / protagonist.

[@DystopianJoe]

There was no need for the disclaimer re the spiritual aspects of the movie. Your analysis of the more psychological elements was nuanced and first rate. A teenage favorite that i still hold in high regard.

[@JohnMills-y9s]

Well done, Sir!!

[@ryanbenson4610]

Great review!

[@joshsalwen]

I have a print of the 2nd painting you showed. I love. I saw it at an exhibit at the Smithsonian years ago. The movie freaked me out when I saw it on video years ago.

[@johnpresnell]

Bravo!

[@robertrootes]

I saw the movie in the theater. I never saw a trailer before it and didn't know what it was about. I walked out of end of the film and didn't know what I saw.

[@dhollm]

Brainstorm 1983?

[@TheUnapologeticGeek]

It is absolutely on my list. The behind the scenes drama could make for a great video in and of itself!