John Milius’ Red Dawn from 1984 envisions a scenario where the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Nicaragua invade the US, triggering World War 3. It is perhaps silly in its patriotic fervor, but it’s an undeniably action-packed thriller that’s beautifully shot. The first movie to be released in the US with the then-new PG-13 rating, I think it would probably get an R today as there’s a ton of onscreen violence. For what it’s worth, I’ve never seen the remake.
Read MoreCloak & Dagger (1984) #RetroReview
Richard Franklin’s Cloak & Dagger from 1984 is a childhood fave for many of us who grew up during the Cold War. Watching it now, it feels like yet another example of how much heavier PG fare was in the ‘80s. Since it celebrates its 40th anniversary on August 10th, I figured I’d take a look back!
Read MoreThe Murder of the Monster (2024)
Microbudget filmmaker Michael Rock is back with another found footage film. However, The Murder of the Monster marks his first solo feature-length effort. It’s also a bit of a departure for the producer/writer/director in that it’s not a straight-up genre piece.
Read MoreThe Mouse Trap (2024)
The Mouse Trap is an intriguing attempt to blend horror with nostalgic elements, but it ultimately delivers a mixed bag of results. The film's arcade setting is visually appealing, capturing the essence of 90s nostalgia, and it’s clear that the production team put significant effort into creating an authentic backdrop. However, despite this strong visual foundation, the movie struggles with execution in several areas.
Read More#AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead (2024)
SAW for the streaming generation is an apt description for Marcus Dunstan's #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead, a horror flick that attempts to capture the attention of Gen Z with a blend of gore, mystery, and pop culture references. While the film has its moments of fun, it often borders on corny, lacking the inspiration and innovation needed to stand out in a crowded genre. The plot revolves around a group of college friends, each fitting into the stereotypical molds familiar from early 2000s horror films.
Read MoreCrumb Catcher (2023)
Crumb Catcher, directed by Chris Skotchdopole, thrusts the viewer into a world of dread and unease from the very beginning. The film's score amplifies this feeling, adding a layer of tension that permeates every scene. The location, dripping with seclusion, perfectly encapsulates the film's eerie atmosphere, making the audience feel as trapped as the characters.
Read MoreSanta Sangre (1989) #BluRay
Severin Films has once again proven its dedication to preserving and celebrating avant-garde cinema with the upcoming release of Alejandro Jodorowsky’s "Santa Sangre." Set for release on July 29, 2024, this 4-disc limited edition UHD + Blu-ray package promises to deliver an unparalleled experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. "Santa Sangre" is often described as a mind-bending masterpiece, and for good reason.
Read MoreThe Neverending Story (1984) #RetroReview
I was six when I saw Wolfgang Petersen’s The Neverending Story in the mall movie theater in Springfield, Ohio. I can remember asking my parents if we could get some toys from the film as we filed out of the auditorium. I bet the Kay-Bee location down the way would’ve made a mint had they had Falcor plushies on hand during that initial theatrical run.
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