Hotel Mumbai (2018)

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is a surprisingly well-constructed dramatization of the 2008 terror attacks. It does not pull any punches, so be prepared for a lot of graphic violence. The bloodshed is balanced with mostly-believable human stories. Hotel Mumbai manages to shine some light on a story that I didn’t know nearly enough about before watching.

Available on Blu-ray from Universal.

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Duck, You Sucker (1971)

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Aka A Fistful of Dynamite – this is an entertaining Sergio Leone action movie with some interesting alterations from his Clint Eastwood features. James Coburn is great in the lead role. I suspect that Al Pacino in Scarface was just doing an imitation of Rod Steiger’s Juan Miranda character here. This one also has cult movie hero David Warbeck (The Beyond, Twins of Evil) in it, which is fantastic bonus.

Blu-ray available from Kino Lorber.

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Starred Up (2013)

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

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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Border (2018)

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

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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Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

“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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The King (2019)

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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13 Assassins (2010)

JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is easily the best recent samurai film, and it’s also one of my top choices among Takashi Miike’s output. 13 Assassins is fast-paced, well made, and features awesome performances. No, it doesn’t have many of the transgressive aspects that this director is known for, but I barely noticed. This film kicks major ass from start to finish.

Available on Blu-ray 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.