Starred Up (2013)

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Here’s a high quality, brutal English prison film. Action and drama are both highlighted, and well done. The seasoned criminal father is played by Ben Mendelsohn (pictured above right), who is good in everything I’ve ever seen him in. When it’s over you’ll have gotten your violence jollies, and also be able to stroke your chin whilst pontificating on the ills of the penal system.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Let the Right One In (2008)

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Most seasoned horror nerds have seen this already. If you happened to have missed this one, get on it. Let the Right One In is a very artistic and emotional vampire movie of the highest order. The film is deliberately paced, so watch with some patience.

Available on Blu-ray from Magnolia.

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Goya’s Ghosts (2006)

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Most people missed that the director behind One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest made a very good historical drama revolving around “the father of modern art” Francisco Goya. It stars Stellan Skarsgård, Natalie Portman, Javier Bardem, and Randy “Cannibal Father Knows Best” Quaid. As I often say, it isn’t perfect. However Goya’s Ghosts is a solid choice if you’re looking for a movie off the beaten path.

Blu-ray available from Samuel Goldwyn Films.

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Inferno (1980)

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This is one of my favorite Dario Argento films, and is arguably his weirdest. The movie also features some of his most memorable set pieces, so buckle up if you’ve never seen it before. The key to truly appreciating Inferno is to keep in mind that it’s intentionally constructed using dream / nightmare logic. I saw a film screening of this once and someone near me kept making self-righteous noises any time something illogical happened. That jerk missed out on a really special experience. This movie has a few flaws, but you’ll forgive them in the end… unless you’re a jerk.

Blu-ray available from Blue Underground.

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Border (2018)

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The fact that this exists gives me hope for the future of film. The less you know about it, the better. It is Anomalous Cinema in almost every possible way.

Available on Blu-ray from Universal.

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The Rape of Europa (2006)

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We all know Hitler was an asshole. Did you know that the cherry on top of his asshole behavior was stealing and destroying great works of art? It’s true. You can learn all about it in this excellent documentary. I honestly give The Rape of Europa my highest recommendation.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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End of Watch (2012)

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If you hate cops, skip this one.

I hate bad cops.

I love RoboCop (1987).

These guys aren’t as cool as RoboCop.

This is movie is pretty damned good in spite of that flaw.

End of Watch does veer from crazy violence to Hollywood-style drama cheese, but it’s ok. Overall this is a solid action/drama. I even laughed a few times. Also, Ugly Betty and Hopper from Stranger Things are in it briefly, and they’re both awesome.

Available on Blu-ray from Universal.

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Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

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“Your mother and I saw this advance movie screening last night. It was WEIRD. Here’s a shirt.” Yeah, I first heard about this one from my conservative parents. I saw it not long after and absolutely loved it. Jacob’s Ladder is negative as hell, with a fractured narrative, but is also beautifully constructed and acted. If you have never seen this before, get ready for a dark ride.

Damn I wish I still had that shirt.

Blu-ray available from Lion’s Gate.

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Parents (1989)

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A young boy begins to realize his 1950s-ideal parents are cannibals. Parents is a high-quality, funny, dark, weird film, with a great soundtrack. It also features Randy Quaid before he lost his damn mind, and was directed by Bob Balaban who you may recognize as an actor from Seinfeld, Altered States, Ghost World, etc. This is 100% Certified Anomalous Cinema here folks.

Blu-ray available from Vestron.

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The King (2019)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

Here’s a damn good historical drama based on Henry V. It’s got all the top quality elements in place: production design, cinematography, soundtrack, and performers. The film also features knights in full armor doing battle in graphic detail. I don’t recall anything else I’ve seen using period accurate (to my layman’s eye) outfits in combat like this. The movie is a bit on the long side, but don’t let that deter you. I didn’t fast forward even once.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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