Reviewing films slightly off the beaten path
“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.
“Act of Violence” is a pretty good noir film that deals with some surprising post-war issues. Fred Zinnemann directs the great Robert Ryan, Van Heflin, Janet Leigh, and Mary Astor in the film which Warner Archive has given a Blu-ray release.
“American Fiction” is a brilliantly funny exploration of race and family starring Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown. The debut film from Cord Jefferson, one of the best pictures of 2023, has been given a Blu-ray release by Warner Bros.
Warner has gone the extra mile to present “The Mask of Fu Manchu” in its original ludicrous and racially problematic grandeur. Boris Karloff and Mirna Loy shine in one of the most over-the-top pre-code pictures.
Warner Bros. have given “Enter the Dragon” a truly exceptional 4K UHD release on its 50th anniversary. The new Dolby Atmos track and beautiful transfer bring out the very best from Bruce Lee’s greatest film.
“Evil Dead Rise” puts a new spin on Necronomicon and Deadite based scares in a new environment. It’s a rollercoaster ride. Alyssa Sutherland delivers a star making performance in the film. Warner has given the film a 4K UHD release.
“National Lampoon’s Vacation” is still, forty years after its release, the ultimate family road trip comedy. Harold Ramis brought John Hughes’ script to life to make a comedy classic. The new 4K UHD by Warner is a big step forward visually.
John Huston’s “The Maltese Falcon” is a flawless adaptation of the novel by Dashiell Hammett featuring Humphrey Bogart in one of his most iconic performances as Sam Spade.
“Training Day” is one of the best urban crime films thanks to excellent performances by Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke and an excellent soundtrack of Los Angeles rap. Warner Bros. have given the film a strong 4K transfer and excellent Atmos track.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is the best holiday comedy ever made. Chevy Chase was never better than as Clark Griswold, and John Hughes’s script is exceptional. Warner Bros. has given the film a 4K release.
