Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
In a world of remakes and sequels, Aguirre, the Wrath of God remains a singular achievement from one of the great maverick filmmakers, Werner Herzog. The film is beautifully made and a testament to maniacally pursued dreams. Shout! Factory’s 4K edition is remarkable.
Synapse Films has given Mike Mendez’s wild and crude 2000 horror-comedy “The Convent” a 4K UHD release. It’s a fun and irreverent movie that will appeal to those of us who grew up in that era.
Chris Smith’s classic documentary “American Movie” follows best friends Mark Borchardt and Mike Schank on their quest to complete a short film without the benefit of funding or time. Sony’s 4K UHD is the final word on this great film.
Wes Craven’s seminal horror masterpiece “A Nightmare on Elm Street” has been given a good looking and great sounding 4K release. The film is one of the most frightening ever made.
Richard Pryor’s seminal stand-up special “Live on the Sunset Strip” has unexpectedly received a 4K release by Sony. The last twenty minutes feature the famous freebasing fire story.
“Black Mass” has been given a 4K UHD release by Warner Bros. The film has a good performance by Johnny Depp, but the script could have benefitted from more polished dialogue.
“Game Night” is one of the funniest comedies of the past decade. The ensemble cast features Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Lamorne Morris, Kylie Bunbury, and Jesse Plemons. Warner’s 4K UHD is an enjoyable if slight upgrade.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” earns our highest recommendation. George Miller has returned to the Australian Wastelands of the Mad Max universe to deliver a truly colossal revenge picture that is also a perfect prequel to “Fury Road.” Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth both excel in the film.
“The Lady from Shanghai” is a deliriously strange film noir. Directed by Orson Welles, the film was recut by the studio, but still works. Rita Hayworth dazzles as a bombshell blonde. Sony has given the film a 4K UHD release.
