Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
Ivan Passer’s “Born to Win” is a well made character driven drama from the “New Hollywood” era. George Segal stars as J, a heroin addict whose hustles cause him to continuously spiral downward. Fun City Editions have given the film an attractive release.
“Morvern Callar” is an exceptionally well made film by filmmaker Lynne Ramsay. It is a beautiful rumination on loss, grief, and rejuvenation. The soundtrack is killer. Fun City Editions has given the film a great release with a strong 2K scan.
Written by novelist Thomas McGuane, “Rancho Deluxe” is an out there “acid Western” starring Jeff Bridges and Sam Waterston. Fun City Editions’s release has great supplements and a solid 4K transfer.
“Married to the Mob” is a colorful film that mixes mobster intrigue and romantic comedy elements. Fun City Editions has given the film a solid 2K scan and new special features.
“The Russia House” is a well made espionage film with romantic elements adapted from John le Carré’s novel. Starring Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer, Twilight Time released the film on Blu-ray.
An uncommonly affecting teenage sex film, “The Last American Virgin” stands above most examples in the genre. MVD Rewind has given the film a Blu-ray release that finally ports over all of the Arrow Video featurettes.
In the Nineties, “Men at Work” was a staple of cable television that appealed to pre-teens. The movie is low-brow fun that aspires for light laughs and some fun action scenes. MVD Rewind has given the film a Blu-ray release.
Martin McDonagh’s melancholy comedy-drama “The Banshees of Inisherin” focuses on a friendship dissolving, artistry, and depression. The performances are incredible.
“Big Time Gambling Boss” – the inaugural release by Radiance Films – is an emotionally deep Yakuza film brimming with iconic Japanese actors that deserves to be discovered..
Synapse Films has done an excellent job on the restoration of “Creature from Black Lake.” While the film’s merits are debatable, the attention given to restoring Dean Cundey’s cinematography is impressive.
