Do you like movies that thumb their noses at genre rules and eschew tropes? How about narratives that successfully pull the rug out from under you multiple times? If so, have I got an action/thriller/horror flick for you!
Read MorePink Floyd: The Wall (1982) #RetroReview
Like many kids from my generation, I got into Pink Floyd as a teenager. All it took was a few late-night listening sessions with my friends for the psychedelic rock band to become one of my all-time favorites. Even now, decades later, they hold an unassailable position in my heart.
Read MoreAlienoid (2022)
Dynastic historical drama, aliens, magic, robots, a time-traveling SUV, and martial arts, Oh My! This is Alienoid, the most highly anticipated Korean movie of the summer. A wet dream of hybrid, epic filmmaking, Alienoid's impressive world-building, quirky, humorous tone, and two storylines that collide messily into one big, bold gonzo action flick.
Read MoreParaNorman (2012) #RetroReview
Looking for kids’ animated fare with a little edge to it? I highly suggest checking out Chris Butler and Sam Fell’s Paranorman, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary on August 17th. Focusing on themes of bullying, remorse, and responsibility, this spooky tale of a boy who can talk to ghosts also features quirky artwork and funky animation.
Read MoreGlorious (2022)
What do JK Simmons, True Blood’s Ryan Kwanten, Lovecraftian cosmic horror, and a glory hole have in common? No, this isn’t the setup for some edgy film nerd joke. These are the main components in Rebekah McKendry’s Glorious.
Read MoreIngrid Goes West (2017) #RetroReview
I’m looking forward to seeing Emily the Criminal starring Aubrey Plaza, which should be screening everywhere by the time this is published. Keeping that in mind, I decided to revisit Matt Spicer’s Plaza-starring Ingrid Goes West, a terrific little black comedy and cautionary tale that examines social media through the lens of obsession and mental health. The film also balances some thriller-esque elements with great character work.
Read MoreSession 9 (2001) #RetroReview
I remember sitting in a rather empty theater in 2001, waiting to see Session 9. My ex was an Insulator, and that drove us to the cinema that night to see this underrated horror gem. This ambiguous film has perhaps never found the audience it should have.
Read MoreThe Gray Man (2022)
The Russo brothers have been branching out since their massive success within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Their latest, The Gray Man, debuted on Netflix this past weekend after a limited theatrical run. Based on the first novel in an ongoing series by Tom Clancy collaborator Mark Greaney concerning an ex-CIA operative, the film is intended to begin a new action franchise.
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