comedy – Anomalous Cinema

A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (2014)

May 26, 2023May 25, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Amazon Prime | imdb | trailer

This is the what someone who hates art films probably thinks all art films are like. The thing is, it works really well. Weird, funny, dark, and beautiful. If you like this one, check out Songs from the Second Floor. It’s also by Roy Andersson, but even better. Along with You, the Living (which I have not yet seen) the movies mentioned here make up a trilogy. I don’t feel that watching them all in order is really essential, as the two I’ve seen are pretty abstract.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Weekend (1967)

May 12, 2023May 11, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on HBO Max (and Criterion Channel) | imdb | trailer

The esteemed Jean-Luc Godard’s art films are pretty hit or miss for me. However this one is excellent overall, and probably my favorite. A couple jump in their car and many strange things happen, making this (to my recollection) the first surrealistic road trip movie. Here’s the truly interesting thing about Weekend: it fetishizes traffic accidents SIX YEARS before J.G. Ballard’s book “Crash” was published. Ballard was a casual fan of Godard and saw this film when it came out. That makes it seem that a seed was planted by Weekend, however he is quoted as saying “Godard’s got it wrong.” That means if Ballard was truly influenced, it was to take the car crash idea in his own direction. Anyhow… the only thing that blemishes what would have been a perfect movie is that Godard interrupts the action with characters talking to the camera about political and social issues. Yes, this was very innovative and edgy in 1967, but those issues are so specific to late ‘60s France that they cease to function. Last time I watched the film I just fast forwarded through those bits. You might want to do the same. Otherwise this is a beautiful, dark, weird, and sometimes funny masterpiece.

Available on Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection.

Hobo with a Shotgun (2011)

December 30, 2022March 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime | imdb | trailer

The headline read “Hobo Stops Begging, Demands Change.” That, and the fact that all exploitation elements are cranked to 11, sums up this movie. I’ve been a Rutger Hauer fan since seeing Blade Runner is a kid. I think I’ve seen the majority of his films, and I have even read his autobiography. For many years I complained about the injustice of Hauer not getting a good lead role. Well in 2011 the stars aligned – Hobo with a Shotgun was announced. I was avidly following the pre-release promotion of the movie, and was not disappointed when I finally got to see the finished product. I think the low rating on imdb is because of the overall purposeful cheese factor, and the fact everything offensive is thrown in to the mix. Yeah it ain’t Ingmar Bergman, but I give it a perfect score. RIP Mr. Hauer.

Available on Blu-ray from Magnet.

On the Count of Three (2021)

September 16, 2022 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

Two friends are fed up with the world, enter into a suicide pact, and whacky hijinks ensue. Jerrod Carmichael directs and stars in this entertaining buddy / black comedy. His co-star is the excellent Christopher Abbot (Possessor, Catch-22). This movie is fast paced and as dark as can be, while remaining legitimately funny throughout. You have to be a bit of a creepy weirdo to appreciate On the Count of Three, but that’s what makes it Anomalous.

Not available on Blu-ray.

In Order of Disappearance (2014)

June 10, 2022May 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Amazon Prime | imdb | trailer

This is an excellent Swedish revenge film that was remade as Cold Pursuit with Liam Neeson as the lead. The original stars Stellan Skarsgård, and is just as superior as you would imagine. It’s violent, packed with black humor, and made with a style that borders on art film. Need I say more?

Blu-ray available from Magnolia.

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.

Black Dynamite (2009)

May 6, 2022May 4, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

Here we have the second-best Black Action Hero parody next to I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (and it’s an extremely close second). This was my favorite comedy to come out in 2009, and just as funny on a recent second viewing. Star Michael Jai White is best known for action films, but really shows his comedy and acting talent here (he even co-wrote the screenplay). I just wish he’d get offered better roles. Black Dynamite was spun off into an animated series that I personally couldn’t get into, but give it a try if you like the film.

Available on Blu-ray from Sony Pictures.

Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil (2010)

December 31, 2021October 2, 2022 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Amazon Prime | imdb | trailer

As I have probably mentioned in the past, I am very picky about horror comedies. Street Trash, Hobo with a Shotgun, and Bad Taste are among the few I genuinely like. Tucker and Dale… is another rare example of laugh out loud humor and gore working well in a movie. I rewatched this recently, and its held up quite well. “This vacation sucks,” but this film is a lot of fun.

Available on Blu-ray from Magnolia.

Riders of Justice (2020)

December 3, 2021February 2, 2022 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

This is a surprisingly good, big-budget, action comedy from Denmark. I actually laughed out loud a few times, AND things got pretty gory on occasion. The violence is more extreme than I would have expected from a Scandinavian blockbuster. I love Mads Mikkelsen, but he’s not always in good films. Luckily this turned out to be a perfect choice for him, and a very entertaining movie too.

Blu-ray available on Magnolia.

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Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place (2004)

July 30, 2021July 30, 2021 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on Amazon Prime | 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 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.

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Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

July 16, 2021March 10, 2023 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming on HBO Max | imdb | trailer

Yes, the original is an untouchable masterpiece. Yes, this sequel is goofy. Yes, Gunnar Hansen is conspicuously missing, and Tobe Hooper really should have pushed for him to be in the film. That should all mean that this movie is garbage, just like every TCM property made after. Fortunately that is not the case. This is an insanely fast paced, gory, funny horror film. Dennis Hopper is fantastic, and the “Namland” sets are awesome works of art. You will need to endure a lot of overacting, but damn I love this movie. Oh and that corpse puppet is made from the remains of The Hitchhiker.

The domestic Blu-ray is out of print (but you can get the Arrow UK disc here).

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.