The folks at the Boston Underground Film Festival were nice enough to send me a screener of writer/director/cinematographer Joseph Mault’s first feature-length effort, Strange Kindness. Knowing that Mault cut his teeth on music videos, I expected a slick and frenetic thriller. Surprisingly, Mault had a more contemplative journey in mind.
Read MoreStrictly Confidential (2024)
Damian Hurley's directorial debut, Strictly Confidential, takes viewers on a wild ride filled with more twists and turns than the best roller coaster and more endings than the Lord of the Rings saga. Unfortunately, this ride is far from smooth and Bilbo Baggins is noticeably absent, leaving audiences feeling more bewildered than entertained. From the outset, it's clear that Strictly Confidential struggles to find its footing.
Read MoreFemme (2023) #BUFF24
Step into the electrifying world of Femme, where every scene pulses with tension and every performance crackles with intensity. Premiering at the 24th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival, Femme stands out as a genre-shattering thriller that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Directed by the dynamic UK duo Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, Femme plunges viewers into a gripping narrative of vengeance noir.
Read MoreWednesday: The Complete First Season (2022) #BluRay
From the eerie minds of Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and the visionary director Tim Burton comes the enchanting first season of Wednesday, now available on Blu-ray. If you missed the initial streaming run on Netflix, fear not, for this bewitching series is ready to charm audiences once more with its blend of kookiness and mystery. Starring the talented Jenna Ortega as the iconic Wednesday Addams, the series takes us on a spellbinding journey through her formative years at Nevermore Academy.
Read MoreParty Dream (2022)
In the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, while I was attending Ohio State, my friends and I were in the local band scene. Columbus was a pretty rockin’ town at the time, with small shows of every stripe occurring daily. Venues like Bernie’s, Andyman’s Treehouse, and Little Brother’s provided a steady stream of young and hungry bands chasing rock n’ roll dreams.
Read MoreOff Ramp (2023) #BUFF24
Off Ramp, showcased at the 24th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival, offers a unique glimpse into the world of Juggalos through the eyes of Trey and Silas. While the film certainly caters to its niche audience, it struggles to resonate with a broader demographic, leaving many viewers feeling disconnected. From the outset, it's evident that Off Ramp is crafted with Juggalos in mind.
Read MoreSleep (2023) #BUFF24
If you're a fan of horror films that push the boundaries of the genre, then Sleep is an absolute must-watch. Premiering at the 24th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival, this South Korean thriller, directed by Jason Yu, delivers an unsettling and intense experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Sleep follows the story of a young expectant wife grappling with her husband's terrifying sleepwalking episodes, which pose a threat not only to himself but to their entire family.
Read MoreRoad House (2024)
The 2024 adaptation of Road House brings a fresh twist to the classic tale, with Jake Gyllenhaal stepping into the shoes of Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter seeking redemption amidst the chaos of the Florida Keys. Directed by Doug Liman and boasting a talented ensemble cast, the film offers a rollercoaster ride of action, humor, and adrenaline-pumping fight sequences. Gyllenhaal shines as Dalton, portraying the character's struggle to leave behind his violent past while protecting Frankie's roadhouse from the clutches of a menacing gang led by the ruthless Brandt.
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