Tag: thriller

Crawl (2019)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I saw an early screening of Alexandre Aja’s High Tension at the Philadelphia film fest and really enjoyed it. I hoped that he’d become the next great horror director. That didn’t really happen. However Aja has managed to make several entertaining genre films over the years. Crawl is not as intense as his 2006 reboot of The Hills Have Eyes, but I liked it. It’s a solid, well-constructed, horror thriller with some genuinely chilling moments. Expect no more and you won’t be disappointed.

Blu-ray available from Paramount.

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The Platform (2019)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

I almost didn’t recommend this one as it was on the Netflix Top 10 when it was first released, and has received a lot of press. However, The Platform deserves that attention AND is very much Anomalous Cinema. This movie skillfully blends horror and sci-fi, into a borderline-art film. Now let’s hope this leads to Netflix releasing more even more daring and intelligent weirdo features.

FYI – I recommend if you watch ANY foreign content made after 1990 on Netflix, you do so in it’s original language with subtitles. Netflix’s English dubbing is absolutely horrible 99% of the time.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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The Skull (1965)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Here’s an entertaining Technicolor British horror film starring Peter Cushing (also with Anomalous Cinema favorites Patrick Magee and Christopher Lee). Those facts alone don’t sell you on this? Well, it is not just any old possessed skull. It’s the former head of… the Marquis de Sade himself (insert thunder sound effect here)! In spite of what the poster and trailer want you to think, this is slow, suspenseful horror. Know that going in, and you’ll probably enjoy it.

Available on Blu-ray from KL Studio Classics.

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Black Book (2006)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Who would have thought that the man behind RoboCop and Showgirls would go on to make an excellent fact-based World War II movie? Not me. I’ve been a fan of most of Paul Verhoeven’s output, but I was still absolutely floored at how good this movie is. I give it my highest recommendation.

Available on Blu-ray from Sony Pictures.

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The Decline (2020)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

This is an original thriller that verges on action at times. I may like some silly movies, but little details like unrealistic firearm use can ruin it for me. This almost completely suspended my disbelief. Just watch The Decline, in it’s original French Canadian language, and let it do it’s thing.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Mother (2009)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

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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Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 (1988)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I got grounded for sneaking in to see this back in 1988. Yes it’s a bit cheesy at times, but this film is extremely dark, and even more extremely violent. I personally like this better than the original Hellraiser. You get all you need to know about the story in the prologue, so just dive in. It’s not the greatest transfer, but it’s in 1080p HD. What bothers me is the fact they didn’t finish this storyline, and made a horrendously bad part three. Don’t let that stop you from seeing this as the plot is wrapped up satisfyingly enough by the end.

FYI – I originally posted this months before I got a copy of the Arrow Blu-ray. I compared it to the version streaming (this is back in 2019) and the difference is pretty stunning. The Arrow version looks better in every way. It has more detail, better color, you name it. That said, if you’re a fan on this movie, get the Arrow Blu-ray. The extras alone are worth the investment.

Available on Blu-ray from Arrow.

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Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes (2013)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

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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Remember (2015)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

This film was not well regarded by critics, but I enjoyed it. Yes, it’s not nearly as good as my previous Atom Egoyan recommendation The Sweet Hereafter. However I appreciated Remember better than a few other critically acclaimed films by the same director. It’s a good thriller, really. Check it out.

Available on Blu-ray from Lion’s Gate.

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Gang War in Milan (1973)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I finally found an excellent Italian crime film in 1080p HD! This is a little slower paced for an Umberto Lenzi poliziotteschi, but very well made. It’s also a bit more serious than say, The Tough Ones. This was a total pleasure to watch as Raro Video’s restoration is fantastic. It features super saturated colors and deep shadows. Highly recommended.

Blu-ray available from Raro Video.

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.