Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
Oliver Stone has worked with writer James DiEugenio, the author of “Destiny Betrayed,” to create a spellbinding tour de force documentary about who and why JFK was assassinated. Shout! Factory has given the documentary a proper release that earns our highest recommendation.
“Compartment No. 6” won the prestigious Grand Prize at Cannes Film Festival in 2021. Sony Pictures Classics have given the film a release. While deliberately paced, the ride is worth taking.
“The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue” is one of the best zombie horror films ever made. The Synapse Blu-ray looks and sounds fantastic. This releases earns our highest recommendation.
“Warriors of the Year 2072” is the Post-Apocalyptic Italian VHS-Era Lucio Fulci film you have always wanted. Severin’s Blu-ray release is fantastic.
Liam Neeson is a good actor, but “Blacklight” is sadly a misfire for all those involved (including Aidan Quinn.) Universal Pictures have given the film a competent Blu-ray release.
The Lubitsch Touch is a wonderful thing to behold. “Heaven Can Wait” finds the director in excellent form with a great cast that includes Don Ameche and Gene Tierney. Criterion released the film in 2018.
Mill Creek’s release of “Metropolis”brought a rare Blu-ray back into print in a well designed steelbook packaging. The technical specs are good, but the film quality is excellent. Otomo and Rintaro created a visually stunning world.
“Paganini Horror” is an interesting if not entirely successful horror film from Daria Nicolodi and Luigi Cozzi. Severin have given the film a solid release.
Pedro Almodovar’s latest film “Parallel Mothers” is an emotionally rich and poignant film with a mesmerizing performance by Penelope Cruz. Fans of Spanish Cinema will find a lot to enjoy.
“Ordinary People” is an expertly crafted film about grief and family dysfunction. It is also a great coming-of-age story. Timothy Hutton deservedly won an Oscar for his role as Conrad. Paramount has given the film an excellent release.
Eric Karson hoped he had found another Jean-Claude Van Damme in Olivier Gruner. Their first film together “Angel Town” was a modest box office success, but it did not elevate Gruner to star status. That may be because Gruner could hardly speak English. MVD Rewind gave the film a great special edition release in 2018.
