vergeoflight

The Game (1997)

August 20, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a good early David Fincher film that doesn’t get mentioned often. If you have nothing but contempt for rich people, don’t watch The Game. If you just want to see an intricate thriller that will keep you guessing until the end, you’ll probably enjoy this. It’s not very violent, it’s got zero nudity, but it’s a solid film for adults anyway. Michael Douglas is great, the film has Deborah Unger from Cronenberg’s Crash, and Sean Penn before he went off the rails too. The Game is good cinema that can probably be enjoyed in any state of mind.

Available on Blu-ray from Universal.

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Slither (2006)

August 13, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Years before James Gunn made movies about superheroes, he made this high quality horror / comedy. Mr. Gunn got his start at Troma, so there’s plenty of slapstick gore, and other naughty weirdness happening. Back when this came out, it was a real pleasure to see Michael Rooker get a more prominent role than he had in ages. He’s great in this movie too. If you’ve never seen Slither, I recommend you ingest your favorite psychoactive and strap yourself in for a crazy ride.

Blu-ray available from Scream Factory.

Sightseers (2012)

August 6, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

ANOTHER Ben Wheatley movie?!?? Yes, this is a great one though. A couple go on holiday and wackiness ensues. By wackiness I mean murder. It’s a dark comedy that is truly funny, and one of Wheatley’s very best films. The female lead just happens to be Alice Lowe who played Madeleine Wool in Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place (she’s been in a ton of other great stuff too). You might also recognize her boyfriend Chris, played by Steve Oram, from The World’s End, Kill List, and The Mighty Boosh. I can’t recommend this film strongly enough. It gets an Anomalous Cinema 10 out of 10.

Available on Import Blu-ray from Studio Canal.

Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place (2004)

July 30, 2021February 25, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | opening credits

I have never posted about a series before, but this one is just too good to not share. Dark Place might be my all-time favorite comedy series. It’s essentially an ‘80s horror parody co-starring The IT Crowd’s Matt Berry and Richard Ayoade. Watch the first few minutes. If you enjoy the opening theme song / credits montage, you’ll love this one-season series.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Mosul (Drama – 2019)

July 23, 2021February 25, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is an excellent action drama, based on the true story of the Iraqi SWAT team (check out the documentary of the same name / subject). It’s gritty and violent for sure, but the characters and performances make Mosul rise above a cheesy action flick.

Not available on Blu-ray.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

July 16, 2021February 25, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Yes, the original is an untouchable masterpiece. Yes, this sequel is goofy. Yes, Gunnar Hansen is conspicuously missing, and Tobe Hooper really should have pushed for him to be in the film. That should all mean that this movie is garbage, just like every TCM property made after. Fortunately that is not the case. This is an insanely fast paced, gory, funny horror film. Dennis Hopper is fantastic, and the “Namland” sets are awesome works of art. You will need to endure a lot of overacting, but damn I love this movie. Oh and that corpse puppet is made from the remains of The Hitchhiker.

The domestic Blu-ray is out of print (but you can get the Arrow UK disc here).

American Movie (1999)

July 9, 2021February 25, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Mark Borchardt is a struggling filmmaker, and a documentary crew follows him as he completes his first fully-realized short feature. When this movie was initially released, it was an independent hit, but it fell into obscurity for several years. Director Chris Smith has gone on to direct the very good Netflix documentary Fyre, and produce the massively over-hyped series Tiger King. I have seen American Movie multiple times, and it never gets old. It’s funny as hell, touching, thought-provoking, and a serious statement about someone fighting to make their art. I am also partial to it because it reminds me of the days helping my friend Isaac Williams make his first feature The Mind in 2006-7. I was a part-time boom operator, PA, and did the original score. If a shooting day went by without a quote from this documentary, followed by much laughter, I would be shocked. This documentary is must-see Anomalous Cinema.

Available on Blu-ray from Sony.

Blood Sabbath (1972)

July 2, 2021October 2, 2022 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on YouTube | imdb | trailer (VHS Promo – YouTube sign-in required)

A young man stumbles upon a coven (Mark Borchardt pronunciation required) of witches and mayhem ensues. By all normal standards, this is an awful movie. By Anomalous Cinema standards, this is a delightful movie. I will refer you to the superior Stephen Thrower review in his book Nightmare USA. If you don’t have access to that book, all you may care about is that Dyanne Thorne from the notorious Ilsa film series co-stars, and is awesomely cheesy. Here are couple of interesting points Mr. Thrower didn’t mention: 1) The lead “young man” is played by Anthony Geary, better known among some of you older folks as Luke Spencer on the ABC daytime drama General Hospital. 2) The Priest is played by Steve Gravers, whose voice many cult movie folks will recognize immediately as Blackwolf from Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards. Additionally, I found the music to be effectively creepy for such a low-budget affair. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a “so bad it’s good” movie, I believe you need to experience Blood Sabbath.

Not available on Blu-ray.

Lady Vengeance (2005)

June 25, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is the final part of Park Chan-Wook’s loose “Revenge Trilogy” (although it can be watched on it’s own). A woman seeks to right the wrongs of her false imprisonment, and her child being taken away. This film didn’t get as much attention as Oldboy, but it’s arguably just as good. Dark, poetic, funny at times. Oh yes… it’s also brutal as hell.

The domestic Blu-ray is out of print.

Small Town Crime (2017)

June 18, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a solid crime thriller with some good, at times extremely graphic, bursts of action. The cinematography looks great as well. Saturated colors and deep shadows are featured. It’s nice to see Robert Forster (Jackie Brown, Walking the Edge, Alligator, etc) given lots of screen time. Small Town Crime is an enjoyable dark film, with a lot packed into 90 minutes.

Available on Blu-ray from Lions g ate.