Tag: crime

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

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I am not a snob about remakes. I just approach them with a ton of caution (I refused to see Suspiria based on reviews). Sometimes remakes are amazing, like The Thing or The Hills Have Eyes. This one is a damn good “reimagining” of the original 1974 film. I love that movie, but this Pelham is enough of its own story to complement the original. When director Tony Scott (RIP) was good, he was better than most big-budget directors, and this is among his better films. Give this a shot when you’re in the mood for a fast-paced action thriller.

Blu-ray available from Sony Pictures.

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The House That Jack Built (2018)

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What. Was. That?

Well, whatever it was, I didn’t love it, but I definitely liked it… in a train wreck kinda way.

You got me again Lars.

Blu-ray available from Shout Factory.

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Zodiac (2007)

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Robert Graysmith’s 1986 book version of Zodiac is a serious page turner. It’s one of the best true crime publications I’ve ever read. This adaptation isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty damned solid. I love the dark atmosphere, which David Fincher wisely ported over to Mindhunter. If somehow you missed this one, check it out.

Blu-ray available from Paramount.

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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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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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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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Mother (2009)

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Years before Parasite, Bong Joon Ho first got my attention with this very good thriller. Out of all of the director’s work, this is the standout aside from his Oscar winner. Lead actress Hye-ja Kim is absolutely spot-on.

Available on Blu-ray from Magnolia.

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The Night of the Hunter (1955)

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I’ll watch Robert Mitchum in anything, but this is one of his very best roles. He plays a con artist “priest,” and man is he despicable. I would love to recommend more good classic films like this here on Anomalous Cinema, but it seems pre-‘60s movies are not often available in 1080p HD. This one is, and it looks great. Note: Luckily things have improved for older streaming movies since I first posted this in 2020.

Available on Blu-ray from Criterion Collection.

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Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes (2013)

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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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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.

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.