Tag: fantasy

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I am posting this on the Friday before Halloween 2023, so I wanted to choose something with a particularly spooky vibe. In fact, many moons ago, my partner and I had a seasonal party where we showed this, along with the original versions of Night of the Living Dead and The Evil Dead. I will admit that Sleepy Hollow falls into the territory of movies I would think everyone with interest in horror has seen. However the film came out before 9/11, so this recommendation is for the benefit of you folks born after. Tim Burton is very hit or miss for me, but this and Ed Wood are probably my favorite among his work. Yes, it does have some wince-inducing cheesy parts that might have been better in Edward Scissorhands, but it also features plenty of gore and one of my favorite Christopher Walken appearances. Just watch Sleepy Hollow if you’ve never had the pleasure before. It’s a whole bunch of creepy fun. Oh, and if you’ve never seen the 1958 Disney version of The Legend… (or it’s been a while), watch that first.

Available on 4K UHD / Blu-ray from Paramount.

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Dead Man (1995)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Jim Jarmusch made this pitch black artsy western back when Johnny Depp still had credibility. It’s a deliberately paced film, but damn it’s good. For me, Gary Farmer is the star of the show as the native guide Nobody. He also plays my favorite character in the excellent series Reservation Dogs. I can’t leave out the killer supporting appearances from Billy Bob Thornton and Iggy Pop, plus a perfect Crispin Glover cameo. The finishing touch is Neil Young’s mournful guitar score. His music ties it all together, and it’s a great listen on it’s own. Don’t miss this beautiful descent into endless night.

Available on Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection.

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

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JustWatch Streaming Info | 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, the movies mentioned here make up a trilogy. I don’t feel that watching them all in order is really essential, as they are pretty abstract.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Under the Shadow (2016)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

You may have noticed I am not a fan of PG-13 movies. Well, this is an exception. Under the Shadow is a very creepy horror film set in ‘80s Iran during that country’s war with Iraq. Your city being bombed regularly is bad enough, but throw an evil spirit into the mix and you have serious trouble. Sounds like some full-blown Anomalous Cinema right? This is a unique film that I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope to see more quality dark horror movies come out of Islamic countries in the near future.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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Reign of Fire (2002)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Some executives got together and agreed to green light a $60 million movie that is The Road Warrior + DRAGONS. Yep. As weird as that sounds, it’s pretty damned good. It’s not even rated R, and it’s still an entertaining flick. The CG even holds up 20 years on. Reign of Fire does have some cheesy moments, but all the fast-paced action makes that worth enduring. Oh, and I’m pretty sure that Matthew McConaughey’s look is inspired by Steve Von Till from the band Neurosis. 

Available on Blu-ray from Touchstone.

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Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place (2004)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | 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 the 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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Memories (1995)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I am super picky about anime. Something about the genre usually turns me off, with the exception of films like Barefoot Gen, Ninja Scroll, Perfect Blue and a small handful of others. I just added Memories to that short list. It’s an anthology of Katsuhiro Otomo stories directed by three anime heavyweights: Kōji Morimoto (The Animatrix), Tensai Okamura (Ninja Scroll / Ghost in a Shell), and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira). The whole film is very cohesive and filled with detailed, and psychedelic sci-fi animation. Do you happen to live where weed is legal? Bonus for you.

Available on domestic Blu-ray but it’s out of print / selling for $$$.

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Tumbbad (2018)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I’ve been wanting to feature an Indian movie for a long time, but nothing has struck me as good enough. I was going to direct you to check out Veerana: Vengeance of the Vampire / Purani Haveli: Mansion of Evil but that Mondo Macabro disc is selling for crazy collector prices now (maybe try a torrent search). Anyhow, Tumbbad was a real pleasure to find as it’s easily the best Indian film I’ve ever seen, of any genre. It’s super dark, and there’s very little of the silly humor that plagues most Bollywood films. Most important, it is genuinely creepy. Some of the CG isn’t quite up to current standards, but don’t let that keep you away. This is an excellent film with a damn good soundtrack to boot. Oh and by the way, smoking is injurious to your health.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray.

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The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

There are only three musicals I like: Marat/Sade, Greaser’s Palace, and this.

Blu-ray available from Arrow.

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.

Zardoz (1974)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This is mandatory viewing if you are a fan of cult movies. Sean Connery’s outfit alone should convince you. It’s definitely weird as hell, but be warned, it’s a bit dull. I think John Boorman was hoping to appeal to fans of Jodorowsky’s El Topo, as the audiences at that film’s midnight screenings were always stoned out of their skulls. In that frame of mind I would think Zardoz would not be dull in the least. It might even seem like you just saw the sci-fi equivalent of Citizen Kane. Hmmm… I hear pot is legal in some states.

The domestic Blu-ray is out of print. Import available from Arrow.

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.