vergeoflight

American Gangster (2007)

September 27, 2024January 1, 2025 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Frank Lucas was a NYC gangster that one journalist called a real-life Superfly. This was the last Ridley Scott film I truly enjoyed, and he did a solid job of making Lucas’ story into a fast-paced entertaining experience. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe are both excellent in this, and the cast is packed with many familiar faces. This isn’t quite as good as DePalma’s Scarface, but it’s a dark and violent crime film that delivers the goods.

Available on Blu-ray from Universal.

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Donyale Luna: Supermodel (2023)

September 20, 2024September 19, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Max | imdb | trailer

Here is a really good documentary on the life and career of a model that I was totally unfamiliar with before. Luna had a groundbreaking career in late ‘60s Europe but was passed over for big opportunities in the USA because she was black. Her lack of a larger success was part of what led to her tragic end. This is a movie that I chose specifically because it is off the beaten path and shines a light on a human story that is worth knowing about. At this time there are very few user or critic reviews on IMDb, which I find terribly sad. Challenge yourself to watch this film and learn a little something, instead of turning your brain off with simple entertainment. Anomalous Cinema is often not easy cinema. Donyale Luna is a person worth knowing about, and this is a very well made movie that is absolutely worth your time.

Not available on Blu-ray.

The Stabilizer (1986)

September 13, 2024December 6, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Indonesia had a moment there in the ‘80s. Mystics in Bali, Lady Terminator, and this epic slab of cheese. The action starts immediately and does not let up. It’s schlocky as can be, but charming. Some people feel this way about Troll 2, but that ain’t got endless gun fights, kung fu, and car chases my friend. Oh and The Stabilizer has a Javanese Mr. T. It’s as if the filmmakers watching every action movie and TV show available at the time and made their own awful version. Thankfully for humanity that equals a very entertaining movie experience.

Not available on Blu-ray.

Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold (2017)

August 30, 2024August 29, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Netflix | imdb | No YouTube trailer available (sorry)

I was only just barely aware of Joan Didion before seeing this documentary. That is precisely why I am recommending it here. I watched the film and then read her non-fiction work “Slouching Towards Bethlehem.” That book was a real revelation and I am looking forward to reading more. Fun fact: The Center Will Not Hold was directed by Didion’s nephew Griffin Dunne (American Werewolf in London, After Hours, etc).

Not available on Blu-ray.

Man Bites Dog (1992)

August 23, 2024November 21, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

When it comes to disturbing fiction films, this one is often mentioned along with Salò, A Clockwork Orange, and Irreversible. I try to avoid obvious recommendations, but it just occurred to me that Man Bites Dog has never been available on Blu-ray. It came out on VHS shortly after the theatrical run. Then Criterion did a laser disc and DVD many years ago, but that’s it. Those of you who saw this in the past really need to check it out in full HD. Then there’s those of you who have just never experienced one of the most unique independent films ever made. All you need to know is this: Benoît is a very charming but egomaniacal serial killer, and you are watching a documentary about him unfold ala This is Spinal Tap. What you get is a weird mix of funny and horrific from start to finish. It has ALL the triggers minus animal abuse, so you should avoid this if you are sensitive about pretty much anything. I made the mistake of taking a date to see this in the theater back in 1993. It did NOT go well. Yes, it’s extreme. It also looks fantastic and the lead performance by Benoît Poelvoorde is a personal favorite. If you are a fan of the most edgy kind of cinema, this is essential viewing.

Not available on Blu-ray.

The Reflecting Skin (1990)

August 16, 2024November 14, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Just-Watch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

A boy lives in early 1950s rural Idaho where reality is very strange, and mysterious deaths are occurring. When I first heard the COIL song “Omlagus Garfungiloops” I was baffled by the sample “You’ve been exploding frogs again?” A friend informed me it was from the movie The Reflecting Skin. I knew I needed to see this. I finally was able to rent a copy a year or so later and was 100% not disappointed. I have watched this one multiple times over the years. I never get sick of it. This movie is darkly surreal, beautiful, horrific, funny at times, and features very good performances. That includes an early appearance of Viggo Mortensen, who I’ve been a big fan of ever since. There are moments where you see the limits of the budget, but they take little away from this unique indie masterpiece.

BONUS: You can watch director Philip Ridley’s bizarre short film The Universe of Dermott Finn (1988) here on YouTube. Check out an article about Ridley’s multi-faceted career here.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

Keanu (2016)

August 2, 2024November 6, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I only liked bits and pieces of the Key & Peele series (2012-2015), but I seriously love this movie. Keanu is one of the few comedies released around 2016 that made me laugh out loud multiple times. It’s also got some decent action. Plus you get to enjoy an early appearance by Tiffany Haddish and the always amusing Method Man. However if you don’t like cats, or George Michael, don’t bother.

Available on Blu-ray from Warner Brothers.

Timecrimes (2007)

July 26, 2024November 1, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming info on JustWatch | imdb | trailer

Here’s one of my favorite Spanish horror mysteries to come out in the ‘00s. A man inadvertently travels backwards in time. Then things get very weird and complicated. This is definitely more of a mystery, with a dab of sci-fi, than a straight up horror movie. Don’t let that deter you though. Timecrimes is dark, a little sleazy, sometimes funny, and kept me guessing throughout. It’s a pity that none of Nacho Vigalondo’s work since has interested me much. Hey, the man wrote and directed this awesome brain fuck of a movie, so it’s possible he’s got another great one left in him. I certainly hope that proves to be true.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

Cross of Iron (1977)

July 19, 2024October 22, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is Sam Peckinpah’s tale of a good rebellious nazi against a bad medal-hungry nazi. Yes, our protagonist, played by James Coburn, is no Oscar Schindler or John Rabe, but he despises Hitler’s war. Clearly this is NOT Saving Private Ryan. There are plenty of flaws, yet this is still one of Peckipah’s best films. Is it day? Is it evening? Continuity is for whimps! Was that shot out of focus? Them’s fightin’ words. Cross of Iron features impressive looking locations in some scenes, particularly the industrial complex at around the 1:15 mark. I find it amazing that this long, violent, weird movie was a success in it’s day. I say it is absolutely worth watching in our modern age as well. Please watch all of the closing credits.

Available on Blu-ray from Henstooth.

The Salt of the Earth (2014)

July 12, 2024October 18, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is an excellent documentary on photographer Sebastião Salgado. Famed director Wim Wenders co-directed the film with the man himself. Salgado’s work is in a powerful documentary style that can be touchingly beautiful. However his self-assigned protects often shine a light on victims of progress, famine, genocide, and war. Yes all this is very heavy, but I give the film a 10 out of 10, and consider it essential viewing. Art combined with journalism can reveal a deeper understanding of the human condition and bring attention to hidden truths. Don’t look away.

Available on Blu-ray from Sony Pictures.