If you're a fan of horror films that push the boundaries of the genre, then Sleep is an absolute must-watch. Premiering at the 24th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival, this South Korean thriller, directed by Jason Yu, delivers an unsettling and intense experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Sleep follows the story of a young expectant wife grappling with her husband's terrifying sleepwalking episodes, which pose a threat not only to himself but to their entire family.
Read MoreRoad House (2024)
The 2024 adaptation of Road House brings a fresh twist to the classic tale, with Jake Gyllenhaal stepping into the shoes of Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter seeking redemption amidst the chaos of the Florida Keys. Directed by Doug Liman and boasting a talented ensemble cast, the film offers a rollercoaster ride of action, humor, and adrenaline-pumping fight sequences. Gyllenhaal shines as Dalton, portraying the character's struggle to leave behind his violent past while protecting Frankie's roadhouse from the clutches of a menacing gang led by the ruthless Brandt.
Read More5lbs of Pressure (2024)
5lbs of Pressure is a gritty action-thriller that delves into the lives of two men, Adam and Mike, whose paths intertwine in a world of violence and redemption. Directed and written by Phil Allocco, the film offers an intense narrative fueled by themes of forgiveness, family, and the pursuit of freedom from the shackles of the past. Luke Evans delivers a solid performance as Adam, an ex-convict seeking reconciliation with his estranged son, portrayed by Rudy Pankow.
Read MoreDawn of the Dead (2004)
When Zack Snyder’s remake of George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead was initially announced, I was extremely dubious, to say the least. I generally despise remakes and this was sacrosanct ground. I didn’t see it in the theater, but I eventually relented when my girlfriend talked me into it.
Read MoreCaptive State (2019)
After 2011’s critically well-received Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a surprise hit, director Rupert Wyatt became a hot name in Hollywood. Unfortunately, he hasn’t really been able to follow up on that success. That being said, RotPotA worked well enough for me that I was willing to give 2019’s Captive State a shot, despite bombing at the box office and receiving mixed reviews.
Read MoreRepo Man (1984)
I first saw Alex Cox’s Repo Man from 1984 in the mid-’90s as a teenager, and I didn’t get it. As the years went by and I forged a greater appreciation for all things punk, I thought it might be a film that I should reevaluate. It was with that in mind that I finally picked up the Criterion Collection Blu-ray five or six years ago.
Read MoreRicky Stanicky (2024)
Ricky Stanicky, the latest offering from director Peter Farrelly, brings together a mix of familiar comedic elements with a touch of unpredictability. While the film's premise may feel like every other Adam Sandler film, it manages to carve its own niche, thanks to the versatile performances of its cast, particularly Zac Efron and John Cena. Zac Efron's ability to seamlessly transition from roles like a wrestler to a comedic lead showcases his adaptability, reminiscent of John Cena's own surprising comedic prowess.
Read MoreOut of Darkness (2022)
Out of Darkness is a gripping journey into the primal depths of survivalist horror, where the unforgiving landscape becomes a character in itself. Directed by the impressive newcomer Andrew Cummings, this film catapults viewers 45,000 years into the past, where a desperate group of pioneers battles starvation, fear, and the unknown in a quest for a new home. The film opens with a slow burn, the first half-hour setting the stage for what initially seems like a mundane survival story.
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