crime – Page 11 – Anomalous Cinema

LA 92 (2017)

February 2, 2020February 13, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

“The most destructive civil disturbance in American history” and this documentary makes that excruciatingly clear. I didn’t watch this for a while because I got it confused with Let It Fall (another very good documentary on this subject). What makes LA 92 exceptional is that the filmmakers just let archival footage and audio tell the story. There is no narration, and thankfully no obnoxious animation. Yes, this is a disturbing experience. It is also perfectly made and essential viewing.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Neruda (2016)

February 1, 2020February 13, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a bio-drama about poet Pablo Neruda‘s escape from arrest by the Chilean fascist government. I didn’t know what to expect, but the skillful performances and elegant cinematography really made it an enjoyable experience. Pablo Neruda seems like he was a pain in the ass redeemed by artistic genius. It comes as no surprise that he was friends with Picasso.

Not available on Blu-ray.

Free Fire (2016)

January 31, 2020February 28, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Here’s a very amusing action / comedy by Ben Wheatley (High Rise). Like I said before, you should really see all his films. The tag line tells you what you need to know… “All guns. No control.” Yes please.

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.

Starsky and Hutch – Pilot (1975)

January 30, 2020October 2, 2022 vergeoflightLeave a comment

Streaming FREE on YouTube | imdb | no trailer available

If you are not interested in ‘70s TV cop shows you will want to skip this recommendation. I don’t normally talk about television series here, but the feature-length pilot of the this gritty old cop drama was too irresistible. Please note the following important features: Dirty old LA, Richard Lynch as an uncredited hitman, a scene in a porno movie theatre, an appearance by a young Gordon Jump from WKRP, music by Lalo Schrifin (Mission Impossible, Enter the Dragon, Dirty Harry) and Hutch / David Soul’s sweet-ass leather jacket. I was impressed by the quality of the film-making too. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that it was helmed by Barry Shear, who also directed Across 110th Street.

I used to watch this show as a kid and had never seen this pilot. Obviously it was a lot of fun for me. I think anyone not into ‘70s TV crime shows would think it was just an old police action movie with all the blood and nudity cut out. I understand but I still can’t believe this was broadcast to every home from coast to coast. Starsky and Hutch seems to have begun with the idea that they would push the limit of what network censors would tolerate as much as possible. It really was a different world back then.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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.

The Guilty (2018)

January 28, 2020February 28, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

A police officer is assigned to work the emergency call center and gets involved in a crime in progress. It’s not a spoiler to tell you that the film never leaves that one location, but damn if things don’t stay intense for the duration. The Guilty is not the first single-set film ever made but it still makes for one of the most original thrillers I’ve seen in recent years. Oh and there was an American remake of this… don’t bother.

Available on Blu-ray from Magnolia.

The Seven Five (2014)

January 27, 2020February 13, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a riveting documentary about an outrageously corrupt cop in NYC from ‘82 to ‘92. The Seven Five is one of the best docs I’ve seen in recent years. A word of warning, it does get pretty graphic at times.

Not available on Blu-ray.

Eye in the Labyrinth (1972)

January 25, 2020February 13, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer (not the original trailer)

This one barely squeaks by my usual standards for this website. Don’t get me wrong, its a decent giallo with a good twist at the end. However I’m recommending it ONLY for those of you that have seen all the other well-regarded giallo films. I’ve watched pretty much every decent film in the subgenre that I could get my hands on so this was a pleasant surprise. Check out Eye in the Labyrinth if you think you’ve seen em all.

A Blu-ray was released by Code Red but it is currently out of print. They’re selling on eBay for $$$.

Shoplifters (2018)

January 23, 2020February 28, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Do you need a palate cleanser after all my other various weird movie suggestions? This is it. Shoplifters is a nearly perfect drama, and by the end you will clearly see why I think it qualifies as Anomalous. My only problem is that it’s a bit long, so maybe don’t watch it straight through for maximum impact.

Not available on Blu-ray.

Coffy (1973)

January 22, 2020February 28, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

My girlfriend and I have an expression we use a lot – “Ten Times Pam Grier” (emphasis on ten times with pauses between the words). It works for many purposes. This comes from the time we saw a 35mm print of Coffy with a Pam Grier Q&A after. A very enthusiastic fan said the above words to Ms. Grier and followed by “I’ve seen this movie ten times,” and many kind words about the actress. Pam loved it, and I love this movie. It’s easily my favorite blaxploitation film, and you can watch a nicely restored version on Amazon Prime.

Available on Blu-ray from Olive Films.

The Cat o’ Nine Tails (1971)

January 20, 2020February 13, 2024 vergeoflightLeave a comment

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I could write a lot about the many pluses and minuses of Dario Argento, but I will restrain myself. I saw an interview where the director said he didn’t care for The Cat o’ Nine Tails because it was too straight-forward. I love it. This is a pretty bloodless murder mystery. It was rated PG no less, but I think they had to cut a couple of graphic death scenes to get that certification. Those scenes have been restored on the versions available now as far as I know. This movie also features one of the catchiest Ennio Morricone theme songs. The Cat o’ Nine Tails is an excellent example of the giallo subgenre. Yes, it’s somewhat tame, but should not be missed.

Available on Blu-ray from Arrow Films.