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.
Read MoreMonolith (2022)
Monolith takes audiences on a unique and intriguing journey by blending a minimalist approach with the power of podcasts to deliver a thought-provoking narrative. Lily Sullivan's one-woman show, supported by exceptional vocal performances, unfolds within a single location, effectively capturing the essence of paranoia, guilt, and the looming possibility of an alien invasion. The film cleverly taps into the current trend of podcast popularity, using interviews as a tool to unravel mysteries.
Read MoreAlita: Battle Angel (2019)
Though hindered by a handful of flaws, Alita: Battle Angel from 2019 is a seriously fun film. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, and produced and co-written by James Cameron, the filmmakers go all in on creating visually dazzling anime-inspired cyberpunk visuals. Based on the manga by Yukito Kishiro, Cameron had wanted to make the film for nearly two decades but his work on his Avatar series took priority.
Read MoreAgainst the Dark (2009)
Steven Seagal’s lone horror flick, Against the Dark, celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this week. It went straight to video on February 10th, 2009. Directed by Richard Crudo, I wouldn’t list it amongst the infamous actor’s best films.
Read MoreDario Argento Panico (2023)
If you’re a fan of horror movies at all, you’re probably already familiar with the works of Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. However, how much do you know about the man himself? What motivates him?
Read MoreHe Went That Way (2023)
Filmmaking grapples with the dichotomy of true stories often being either too mundane or too complex for cinematic adaptation. While some extraordinary tales demand dramatization, skilled filmmakers can extract intrigue from seemingly ordinary narratives. The assertion that every person has a compelling story underscores the transformative power of storytelling.
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