Anomalous Cinema

Memories of Murder (2003)

October 1, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Here’s a dark, beautiful, high quality murder thriller directed by Bong Joon Ho. I have avoided recommending it so far as I thought all the excitement over Parasite would have lead you to watch it already. What? You haven’t seen Memories of Murder yet? Well get on it.

Available on Blu-ray from Criterion Collection.

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High Life (2018)

September 24, 2021February 25, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is definitely not for everyone, so proceed with caution. High Life must be one of the biggest budget art films in cinema history. I’m impressed director Claire Denis was given an opportunity to create on this scale. It’s essentially a sci-fi / drama, with some brief moments of gore and nudity. This movie is very deliberately paced, although not as slow as Tarkovsky’s Solaris. Every shot looks beautiful, and Robert Pattinson is excellent. This is tip-top Anomalous Cinema that will reward the open minded viewer.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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.

Chappie (2015)

September 17, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I missed this movie when it first came out. I figure a few of you did too. It’s not as good as Neill Blomkamp’s District 9, but I found this very entertaining. Thankfully Chappie has that same level of high quality CG. Yes, it is a bit cheesy at times. Let that slide and you get lots of R rated action to make up for it. I have to admit that Ninja and Yo-Landi are good in this too. Shockingly good.

BONUS: Check out Blomkamp’s Oats Studio videos on YouTube. There are a lot of great short films available for free.

Available on Blu-ray from Sony Pictures.

Last Days Here (2011)

September 3, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

The singer from the metal band Pentagram struggles with addiction to get back on stage. I have mostly avoided music documentaries because they can have a very limited appeal. This one rises to a level that can be appreciated by almost anyone who isn’t totally square. Last Days Here is a great movie, and the same crew have made several other high quality documentaries including a personal favorite, The Art of the Steal. One note, the video is on the blurry side, but that is well worth ignoring to experience this story.

Not available on Blu-ray.

Not Quite Hollywood (2008)

August 27, 2021December 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

What we have here is a flat-out blast of a documentary about Australian exploitation cinema. It works as a primer on all the excellent weird films that came from the continent, and as an incredibly entertaining experience on it’s own. I was inspired to track down a ton of movies after my first viewing. This is essential Anomalous viewing.

Available on Import Blu-Ray.

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.

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.

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.