Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is a family film that should please young and old fans of the original films. Directed and written by Jason Reitman, the movie strikes the right balance between nostalgia, thrills, and humor. Sony’s disc looks and sounds great.
“Last Night in Soho” is a wonderful supernatural thriller from director Edgar Wright and co-writer Kristy Wilson-Cairns. It a beautifully shot neon-lit experience. Universal Pictures has given the film a Blu-ray release.
“Candyman” is not a reboot or remake. It is a clever and well made sequel to the classic 1992 horror film and easily one of the best horror films of the last couple years. The Universal Pictures 4K UHD looks and sounds amazing.
The classic gangster film “Angels with Dirty Faces” – starring James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, Humphrey Bogart, and Ann Sheridan – has been given a beautiful release from Warner Archive.
“Heaven Can Wait” is a sweet natured and clean comedy written by and starring Warren Beatty that earned nine Oscar nominations. The film holds up well. Paramount has given the film a Blu-ray release.
“Mill of the Stone Women” is a beautifully filmed Italian Gothic film from the early Sixties. Arrow Video have given the film a deluxe release featuring four cuts of the film.
“Beavis and Butthead Do America” allowed Mike Judge’s most iconic creations to expand their antics into a full length film. The results are satisfying for fans of the show as the two idiots travel cross country with some added star power.
“Carlito’s Way” is one of the best films from virtuoso filmmaker Brian De Palma. Pacino and Sean Penn are both fantastic in the film, and the final sequence is one of the best that De Palma put to celluloid. The Universal Pictures UHD is an excellent presentation of the film.
“The Card Counter” is a drama from writer-director Paul Schrader which was filmed during the Covid pandemic in Biloxi, Mississippi. Oscar Isaac shines in the film.
“Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge” is a fun and completely ridiculous film from the Eighties. If you can turn your brain off completely, there is a lot to enjoy about the film.
Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins wrote the murder-mystery “The Last of Sheila.” It has a star studded cast that includes James Coburn, James Mason, and Ian McShane. Warner Archive has given it a Blu-ray release.
