Author: vergeoflight

Visual artist / graphic designer / former experimental musician - Portland, OR.

Cast a Deadly Spell (1991)

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Streaming on Max | imdb | trailer

Cast a Deadly Spell is a weird one. I will freely admit it is not for everyone. I love H. P. Lovecraft as well as film noir, and this film combines those two things. If that has you wrinkling your nose right now then give this a pass. It’s dated, low budget, and cheesy but I found this movie to be quite amusing (your poison of choice will definitely help). I always enjoy watching Fred Ward do his thing and you also get to see an early performance by Julianne Moore here. Don’t say I didn’t warn you if it doesn’t float your boat.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Under the Skin (2013)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I enjoyed this when it first came out. Slow but beautifully shot SF / horror, worth a watch for sure. A few years later I read the book, which is extremely different. The novel is excellent and would have made a much better film. Unfortunately it would have been too graphic to do any justice to. I think that may explain the director’s more minimal / artsy approach. If you liked the movie, DEFINITELY read the book. I would not recommend the reverse situation.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue (1974)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

LDATMM aka Let Sleeping Corpses Lie is one of the very best zombie films ever made. If you’re a horror fan and haven’t seen it, you need to correct that immediately. This film also boasts a fantastic creepy soundtrack. So creepy I think bits of it might be the earliest incarnation of what became the dark ambient genre. The current restored transfer that looks better than ever. What are you waiting for? Guthrie wants to meet you.

Available on Blu-ray from Synapse.

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.

Santa Sangre (1989)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This was my first Alejandro Jodorowsky experience so… not a terrible place to start. It isn’t his best film but absolutely worth a look if you’re unfamiliar. Hyper, surreal, funny, violent, and poetic. If you enjoy this, please see El Topo (1970), The Holy Mountain (1973), Jodorowsky’s Dune (2013), The Dance of Reality (2013), and Endless Poetry (2016).

Available on Blu-ray from Severin.

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.

Nico, 1988 (2017)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I have become a big fan of the music of Nico in recent years. This docudrama is very enjoyable if you are also a fan. It may not be of much interest for other people. The choice of Trine Dyrholm to play the lead was daring as she doesn’t look much Nico, and only vaguely sounds like her. However she’s a fantastic actress and did an impressive job of doing her own version of the tragic musician. A sad story, but a beautiful movie.

Not available on 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.

Dead or Alive (1999)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This was my first Takashi Miike experience. I was lucky enough to see a 35mm print at the Philadelphia Film Fest (thank you Travis Crawford). I am always hunting for fast paced movies. This is one of the fastest! Dead or Alive is crazy, hyperactive action from start to finish. If you can forgive a little cheap looking CG at the end, this movie is a blast (pun intended).

Available on Blu-ray from Arrow.

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.

The Endless (2017)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I saw this in the theatre when it first came out and enjoyed it immensely (it has excellent creepy music too). It’s a pity there aren’t more original independent horror movies like this. Just watch it.

Available on Blu-ray from Well Go.

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.

The Big Racket (1976)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

For a while there Italy was making the best crime thrillers in the world. They were initially inspired by Dirty Harry so you should know what to expect. The subgenre is called poliziotteschi and there’s a ton of these films to sift through. The Big Racket is one of my top favorites of this style, and I give it my highest recommendation.

Available on Blu-ray as part of the “Rogue Cops and Racketeers” set on Arrow.

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.

Death Warmed Up (1984)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a pioneering New Zealand cult film that bounces between horror, action, sci-fi, comedy, and candy-colored ‘80s nightmare. Features the synth pop hit “I Like to Drive.” Well, it should have been a hit.

Available on Blu-ray from Severin.

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.

Headshot (2016)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

You: “Hey Jonathan, I want to see a Netflix movie that is pretty much non-stop fist fighting for two hours.”

Me: “Headshot. It’s kinda dumb but… Headshot.”

Available on import Blu-ray from Arrow.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema please consider donating any amount via Paypal using this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.