Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
Featuring an intro from Peckinpah scholar Garner Simmons! –
Straw Dogs is one of Peckinpah’s most brutally effective and harrowing films. It’s a truly unforgettable film. The Criterion Collection release of the film is essential for fans of the film.
Eye See You was never given a proper chance when Universal Pictures decided to shelve it. MVD have given the film a stand-alone release that also features the director’s original cut of the film.
Death Warrant is a great early Van Damme feature. Scorpion Releasing/ Ronin Flix have given the film a strong transfer from a 2K scan and some enjoyable special features.
Why Don’t You Just Die! is a hyper violent and very funny comedy from Russia. Arrow Video have given the film a release and it ranks as one of my favorite new releases from this year.
The sophomore feature by S. Craig Zahler is a well crafted piece of grind house cinema with a stellar lead performance by Vince Vaughn. This one is not to be missed!
Phantom Lady is an enjoyable film noir featuring a strong performance by Ella Raines. Arrow Academy released the Universal Pictures film on Blu-ray.
The Hot Rock is an enjoyable caper film with engaging performances by both Robert Redford and George Segal. Twilight Time have an immaculate transfer for the release.
House of Bamboo remains one of the best films from the Twilight Time label and from director Samuel Fuller. A beautifully shot noir in CinemaScope.
8 Million Ways to Die is an interesting failure. There is a good film inside of what is presented, but Hal Ashby never got the chance he deserved to cut the film his way. I am really thankful that Kino Lorber has given the film a chance to find an audience on Blu-ray.
Rian Johnson’s newest film updates the murder-mystery genre with acidic wit and a stellar cast. Easily one of the best films of 2019.
Framing John DeLorean is an interesting documentary that stumbles a little bit from its more meta elements. Alec Baldwin and other actors star in the re-enactments. Shout!Factory has provided some excellent supplemental material that fleshes out the story.
Jim Jarmusch directed his most critically divisive film. While the merits of the film are debatable, the cinematography of Spain is incredible. Arrow Academy has given the film a beautiful release.