As a longtime comic book fan, I’ve been conditioned to easily accept new interpretations of established characters. New creative teams often attempt to place their own stamps on the mythoi of beloved superheroes. In some cases, they are given free range to completely reinvent a character’s entire universe.
Read MoreThe Belko Experiment (2016) #RetroReview
March 17th marks the fifth anniversary of the release of Greg McLean’s lightly satirical, bleakly humorous, and gory The Belko Experiment. Featuring a what-would-you-do type premise and a mile-wide mean streak, it deftly blends a clearly-defined psychological approach with graphic violence. The result is a visceral, if borderline unpleasant, thrill ride.
Read MoreCyrano (2021)
Director Joe Wright has a history of appropriating great works of literature for his movies. His Pride and Prejudice and Anna Karenina demonstrate a healthy regard for the original material, while still infusing them with his own dreamy style. Wright's successful track record continues here with Cyrano.
Read MoreCult Classic Convention (2022)
Roy and Lisa Rose, Cult Classic’s founders, had a great desire to bring the fans of horror and cult classics together in one friendly space. Cult Classic Convention was born, and it is now recognized as Bastrop’s premier horror conference. It offers meet and greets with your favorite genre actors, a ton of interesting vendors, some live music, and of course, delicious Texas barbecue.
Read MoreTexas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
When reviewing something like Netflix’s new Texas Chainsaw Massacre, I think some bonafides are helpful to the reader. I’m a huge fan of Tobe Hooper’s original film from 1974. The rest of the franchise entries I could take or leave, although I don’t mind revisiting the first two sequels every now and again.
Read MoreThe Long Night (2022)
You had me at creepy cult with weird masks. Rich Ragsdale’s The Long Night is a no-frills tale about a young couple facing off against a sinister sect of demon worshipers in an isolated setting. It’s got some familiar plot points, but there are a few slight curveballs and the photography is legitimately strong.
Read MoreBad Girls (2021)
I’m a sucker for underground DIY flicks with attitude. So, Christopher Bickel’s Bad Girls from last year was right up my alley. The multi-hyphenate filmmaker was able to squeeze an amazing amount of mayhem out of his $16k budget.
Read MoreHoles in the Sky: The Sean Miller Story (2021)
Are we alone in the universe? Probably not, but I don’t know. I’m not necessarily what you would call a UFO believer, but, like Fox Mulder, I want to believe.
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