Supernatural Horror Indie Film Features Lance Henriksen, Natasha Henstridge, and Adam Beach
DIRECTED BY MARTIN GUIGUI/2020
BLU-RAY STREET DATE: JUNE 8, 2...
Several years before Orson Welles went after media mogul William Randolph Hearst with Citizen Kane, the Wendel family- an affluent clan of New York real estate barons- became the target of 1934’s Double Door. Film historian Tom Weaver describes the real-life Wendels (led by the spinster sisters Ella and Rebecca) to have been “…as weird as they were rich…. And they were very rich!”
Kino Lorber Studio Classics’ Blu-ray edition of Illustrious Corpses is a very welcome addition to the world of high definition physical media. Despite the film’s reputation, it hasn’t previously been among the easiest to find entries in respected World Cinema. Rosi’s film is a ponderous and largely non-verbal one, all the more ideal when it comes to star Lino Ventura.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Kicks Into High Gear in John Woo's New Orleans Actioner
DIRECTED BY JOHN WOO/1993
BLU-RAY STREET DATE: DECEMBER 7, 2021/KL STUDIO C...
Here we have an Italian visual effects-driven cat-and-mouse caper film that hinges on a female antihero pulling one over on a highly respected and famously successful male master detective. Filibus outwits the tests of time at every twist.
There might only be one way to read the thing, but it all adds up as a sharply edged commentary on the gross inexplicitly of the past five years. Saber’s allure may be all empty calories, quick fixes, and endorphin rushes, but Red Rocket blasts audiences with a thoroughly magnetic romp with a ridiculously unshakable main character.
Ultimately, you don't have to care about the royals to care about Spencer. This is just intoxicating filmmaking, masterful acting, and a Jonny Greenwood score that should be awarded on Oscar night.
This time, we have two films from studio utilitarian director Joseph Pevney (who’d go on to direct some of the great classic Star Trek episodes), and one by sci-fi/horror favorite director Jack Arnold. How do these titles rate as bona fide Film Noir?
The place is Manila. The race is the first-ever Manila 1000- an event that’s exactly what it sounds like: a 1000-mile tear across the rough open roads of an unsuspecting Manila.
Jim has been reviewing films since 2003 for outlets such as ScreenAnarchy (formerly TwitchFilm, both as Featured Critic), ImagineDat, and KTRS 550 AM. He co-founded ZekeFilm in 2011. He is Director of the St. Louis Film Critics Association, and works as video editor and Art Director for professional film and video productions. He also co-hosted the long-running comedy podcast, The Wonder Show. He is a life-long St. Louisian living with his wife and four children.
