Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 (1988)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I got grounded for sneaking in to see this back in 1988. Yes it’s a bit cheesy at times, but this film is extremely dark, and even more extremely violent. I personally like this better than the original Hellraiser. You get all you need to know about the story in the prologue, so just dive in. It’s not the greatest transfer, but it’s in 1080p HD. What bothers me is the fact they didn’t finish this storyline, and made a horrendously bad part three. Don’t let that stop you from seeing this as the plot is wrapped up satisfyingly enough by the end.

FYI – I originally posted this months before I got a copy of the Arrow Blu-ray. I compared it to the version streaming (this is back in 2019) and the difference is pretty stunning. The Arrow version looks better in every way. It has more detail, better color, you name it. That said, if you’re a fan on this movie, get the Arrow Blu-ray. The extras alone are worth the investment.

Available on Blu-ray from Arrow.

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Beasts of No Nation (2015)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

Beasts of No Nation is an excellent drama about a West African boy who is made into a child soldier. The movie is brutal, but tells an important story. Here’s one interesting bit of trivia, at one point in the film the colors all shift to ultra-violet. This was a reference to visual artist Richard Mosse’s series “The Enclave.” I got to see his stunning multi-screen video installation at the Portland Museum of Art in 2014.

Available on Blu-ray from Criterion.

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Blazing Saddles (1974)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

You haven’t already seen the arguably the best comedy ever made? Shame. Oh and if you were born after 2000, get ready to have your sense of decorum shaken. Mel Brooks talks about that here.

Available on Blu-ray from Warner Home Video.

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Mosul (Documentary – 2019)

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This is a flat-out excellent documentary on the Iraqi fight against ISIS in 2016-17. The camera is actually IN the battle at one point. Need I say that squeamish folks should avoid this one? Nah. You know that by now. As harsh as this films is, it’s a real eye opener, and highly recommended.

Available on Blu-ray from Gravitas Ventures.

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Twins of Evil (1971)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I am a fan of several Hammer Horror films, but some of their output is far better than others. I avoided this one because the title and premise seemed just too damn cheesy. How could a movie called Twins of Evil be any good? Well, I watched it for the first time recently, and it’s not good. It’s fantastic. I loved this movie. Part of my reaction could be to the stellar restoration job that Synapse did. Also, I’m a big fan of Peter Cushing. However I’ve seen him in several Hammer stinkers, so I think there’s more to this flick. Twins of Evil is a very effective horror movie that uses a gimmick (twin Playboy Playmate sisters) to the best possible ends. I guess I need to look into any other Hammer gems I may have missed out on.

Available on Blu-ray from Synapse.

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Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes (2013)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is the first film based on the popular Danish book series by Jussi Adler-Olsen. It’s a well-made crime thriller that borders on Law & Order level cheese, but is thankfully saved by it’s grit and stylishness. There’s a sequel, titled The Absent One, but I haven’t checked it out yet. Judging by the IMDb ratings, it’s on the same level as Keeper, so I will definitely be watching it.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Remember (2015)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This film was not well regarded by critics, but I enjoyed it. Yes, it’s not nearly as good as my previous Atom Egoyan recommendation The Sweet Hereafter. However I appreciated Remember better than a few other critically acclaimed films by the same director. It’s a good thriller, really. Check it out.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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Lord of War (2005)

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Nicholas Cage has had a bit of a resurgence lately thanks to his role in Mandy. Here’s a good one from before his slump that holds up nicely. Yes, it’s violent, but it also works as a thoughtful drama. If you enjoyed Cage in his heyday and haven’t seen this, you should correct that.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is Nicolas Roeg’s best film, and a unique standout in the history of cinema. It’s also the most effective combination of sci-fi and art film outside of the work Andrei Tarkovsky. The 138 minute uncut version is a bit slow in places, and the sexual content might be a little extreme for some. However, if you don’t watch this movie for those reasons, you are really depriving yourself of a special experience.

Update 5.5.26 – I just finished watching the excellent Criterion audio commentary with Bowie, Roeg and Buck Henry. The quality is amazing considering it was recorded in 1992. The commentary has a lot to say about art and really expanded my appreciation of the film. That extra is available to stream on The Criteron Channel as I write this (I bet you can grab a torrent of it too). Sadly their disc version is out of print.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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Last Breath (2019)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a very good documentary about a saturation diving accident. That may sound boring, but this is a seriously intense viewing experience. The movie is very well made, including excellent moody soundtrack work. I’ll be steering clear of any under sea adventures, thank you very much.

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.