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Category: New Releases

  • Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Against a $90 million budget, 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse grossed over $384 million worldwide and received universal critical acclaim. The film earned a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, among other awards. Sony Pictures Animation officially announced a sequel was in production in November 2019, with writers/producers Lord and Miller returning. Directing duties would go to Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, with Amy Pascal as executive producer. In addition to Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, almost all of the original cast returned for the sequel. Sony originally planned for an April 2022 release but was pushed back to October due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. That December, Lord and Miller announced the sequel would be split in two, labeled initially as Part 1 and 2. Finally, the retitled Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse swung into theaters in June 2023.

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    Synopsis

    Sixteen months after the last film, Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) struggles with being Spider-Woman and being hunted by the police. While fighting a Renaissance-era villain, she runs into Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac) and Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman (Issa Rae). Gwen hops throw a dimensional portal with them after revealing her identity to her father, Captain Stacy (Shea Whigham). Meanwhile, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) is learning to hone his powers while living up to his parent’s expectations. Gwen reunites with Miles one day, but she’s secretly tracking an interdimensional villain called The Spot (Jason Schwartzman). Miles follows her through a dimensional portal and meets the Spider Society, a collection of Spider-People led by Miguel O’Hara. Their mission is to keep the Spider-Verse in working order, but Miles objects when he learns what this entails. What other secrets will be unraveled as Miles Morales tries to untangle this giant web?

     

    Review

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse had much to live up to, given how phenomenal the original film was. Thankfully, this sequel lives up to the original as another visually stunning superhero epic with love for the source material. From frame one, the animation is a sight to behold with its vivid colors, changes in style, and surreal imagery. Each universe is given a unique style that helps them stand apart from one another, and they look fantastic. Not only is the animation amazing, but there are tons of great action sequences, each crazier than the last. Thankfully, the action never gets in the way of the storytelling, and they move so fluidly that it’s never distracting. The movie balances out the big action scenes with much smaller, more character-driven scenes, which is not always easy. It helps that the acting is impressive, and the story is riveting.

    Like the last film, Shameik Moore does a great job, this time playing an older yet still naive Miles Morales. Hailee Steinfeld similarly delivers an excellent performance as Gwen Stacy and has fantastic chemistry with Moore. Jake Johnson is a welcome return as Peter B. Parker, and Oscar Isaac is sympathetic and intense as Miguel O’Hara. Some other standouts are Jason Schwartzman as The Spot, Karan Soni as the Indian Spider-Man, and Daniel Kaluuya as Spider-Punk. Also, like the last film, this one is a giant love letter to everything Spider-Man, with cameos and references aplenty. Admittedly, some sequences can get too chaotic, and it can sometimes be hard to see what’s happening. Also, at two hours and twenty minutes, the film does feel a bit too long, but it’s still entertaining. Overall, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is another wonderfully animated superhero epic that similar movies should aspire to be.

     

    Buy Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4efh2U7.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

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  • Honor Killing (2018)

    Honor Killing (2018)

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    An “honor killing” refers to someone killed for a perceived dishonor against a family, either an outsider or a member. Men usually commit these acts against women, which is common in Middle Eastern countries like Pakistan and India. These are often triggered by refusing an arranged marriage, wanting a divorce, being a rape victim, or even homosexuality. While the act is generally frowned upon in most parts of the world, honor killings are heralded in certain countries. Mercedes the Muse, the actress/c0-writer of Rose and Viktor: No Mercy, decided to tackle this subject. This film would be her directorial debut, taking inspiration from Thriller: A Cruel Picture and I Spit on Your Grave. She intended to empower women and speak on a controversial subject with the typical sleaze found in grindhouse movies. In early 2018, Troma released Mercedes’ directorial debut, Honor Killing.

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    Synopsis

    While walking home from the library, a young woman (Mercedes the Muse) is assaulted and raped by some gang members. Upon returning home, she asks her mother (Virginia Puccio) for help but is ostracized for bringing shame to the family. Her father (Sam Lopez) shoots her in the eye and leaves her for dead, only for her to reawaken. After recovering, the woman hires bounty hunter Viktor (Jim Schumacher) to train her to use weapons and hurt people. With her training, she kills the men who raped her and plans on getting revenge against her father. She also saves a prostitute (Vivi Marie), a stripper (Erin Shimokawa), and a biker babe (Soma Stardust) from abusive men. She even runs into a cult led by a deranged man (Cash Hann) and rescues the women under his influence. Soon, her father will get his comeuppance for his honor killing!

     

    Review

    Honor Killing is a narrative mess of a film, but it has ambition and a message to tell. While it does borrow from several other rape-revenge films, it helps that it’s based on something happening in real life. The most significant comparison would be Thriller: A Cruel Picture, from the one-eyed lead to them hunting their father. But while Mercedes tries her best, the movie doesn’t entirely work, primarily due to the poor cinematography and inconsistent acting. So many scenes are shot so close, and the camera shakes so much that it’s hard to tell what’s happening. It makes sense for the more intense moments, but even the ordinary scenes are like this, and it’s disorientating. Most of the acting is flat, with actors underacting and saying their lines like they’re reading off cue cards. Even Mercedes, despite her efforts, doesn’t sound convincing when she’s trying to be tough.

    Much like Rose & Viktor, most of this film consists of random vignettes that don’t necessarily tie together. It’s cool to see our hero save a prostitute from an abusive pimp, but it doesn’t advance the story. Also, aside from the rape that sets everything in motion, most of the violence is pretty tame, which is surprising. I’m not saying a rape-revenge film needs to be super gory, but this is a lot lighter than you’d expect. Part of the appeal of these films is seeing rapists and abusers getting punished in satisfyingly brutal ways. There are a few decent kills, but don’t expect anything like the castration from I Spit on Your Grave. The movie feels padded at just barely over an hour, so this might’ve worked better as a short film. Overall, Honor Killing certainly tries, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. 

     

    Buy Honor Killing from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3q7ivs0.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Subspecies V: Blood Rise (2023)

    Subspecies V: Blood Rise (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]After the disappointing response to Subspecies IV: Bloodstorm, the series was put on hiatus for the next decade. As new franchises like Killjoy, The Gingerdead Man, and Evil Bong were introduced, hopes for Radu’s return seemed lost. Over the years, writer/director Ted Nicolaou and actors Anders Hove and Denice Duff wanted to return to the series. Nicolaou had even written a script for a potential new installment should Full Moon acquire the budget needed. In 2019, Charles Band announced that a fifth Subspecies film was in production as part of his “Deadly 10” initiative. Filming was supposed to start in July 2020 in Croatia, but the COVID-19 pandemic put the project on hold. The movie was shot over 18 days in Serbia in September 2022 before premiering at the Horrorhound Convention in March. After 25 years, Subspecies V: Blood Rise hit Alamo Drafthouse theaters in May 2023.

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    Synopsis

    During the Crusades, a knight rescues a vampire baby before it’s offered up as a sacrifice by its mother. After being defanged, the child is raised to serve the church and slay monsters, not knowing his origin. The vampire-turned-knight Radu (Anders Hove), accompanied by the monk Marius (Petar Arsic), infiltrates the castle of Prince Vladislas (Kevin Spirtas). After driving away the vampires, the two find Helena (Denice Duff), the mother of Vladislas’ child Stefan (Jakov Marjanovic). Despite Marius ‘ objections, Radu vows to protect them, so they go their separate ways, not knowing Helena is a vampire. She turns Radu and leaves with Vladislas and the Bloodstone, though Radu is found by his mother, Circe (Yulia Graut). After Circe trains him, Radu takes siblings Ariel (Stasa Nikolic) and Ash (Marko Filipovic) as his fledglings. Despite growing more powerful, Radu is still haunted by visions of his love, Helena.

     

    Review

    Let’s be frank; Full Moon Features has never been as good as it was in the early 1990s. Sure, they had some movies in the 2000s that were decent, but none were on par with their earlier work. While that era of Full Moon likely won’t return, Subspecies V: Blood Rise is the closest we’ll come to that. Using the locations and Vladimir Ilic’s excellent cinematography, Nicolaou recaptured the classic goth look of the earlier installments. While it would’ve been great for them to shoot in Romania like before, Serbia is a great stand-in. The sets look great, and the many landscape shots of the Serbian countryside add to the ambiance. The costumes and makeup effects look fantastic, and the Serbian crew deserves all the credit they get. Full Moon went above and beyond to make this the best sequel possible, and they more than succeeded.

    In addition to looking good, the film has some of the best performances I’ve seen in a Full Moon movie. Anders Hove is just as sinister as before, but he also comes off as somewhat sympathetic and pulls it off. Denice Duff is excellent as Helena, who looks great for her age and succeeds at being seductive and manipulative. The dynamic she and Hove have is a complete reversal of their relationship in the previous films, and it works. While he’s not in the movie much, Kevin Spirtas is having fun as the sinister Prince Vladislas. Stasa Nikolic and Marko Filipovic are great additions to the cast, and their backstory is just as tragic as Radu’s. While the film has plenty of blood and nudity, it takes itself more seriously, which might disappoint some fans. Otherwise, Subspecies V: Blood Rise is easily Full Moon’s best film in decades!

     

    Buy Subspecies V: Blood Rise from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UvTRxO.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 (2023)

    Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 (2023)

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    On a $200 million budget, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was a massive hit, grossing over $863 million worldwide. Like its predecessor, the film also garnered many positive reviews, earning an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While writer/director James Gunn was initially reluctant about returning, he announced his return in April 2017. Gunn had been working on the initial draft and getting the original cast back when he was fired in 2018. Marvel/Disney removed Gunn after some old tweets were dug up, and an independent campaign was started supporting Gunn. Shortly after Warner Bros. announced Gunn would direct The Suicide Squad, Marvel/Disney rehired Gunn, and preproduction began in 2021. The movie was shot in Atlanta’s Trilith Studios from November 2021 to May 2022 on a $250 million budget. After premiering in April 2023, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 was released worldwide the following May.

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    Synopsis

    After getting hit by a massive laser blast, Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper) is barely clinging to life. Nebula (Karen Gillan) determines that whoever made Rocket the way he has had a killswitch installed that prevents treatment. She traces the origins of the killswitch to Orgocorp, an intergalactic company headed by The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). With help from the Ravagers and Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the Guardians infiltrate Orgocorp’s headquarters, the Orgoscope, to find the override. During the adventure, a dying Rocket relives his past: being experimented on, seeing his friends killed, and making his escape. While searching for the killswitch override, the Guardians travel to Counter-Earth, a planet built by the High Evolutionary. With their friend’s life in jeopardy, it’s up to the Guardians to save Rocket’s life and stop the High Evolutionary. It’s the Guardians’ farewell tour, and they plan on going out with a bang!

     

    Review

    Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 stumbles slightly for being the final installment, but it also succeeds in several ways. For one, it’s great that we learn more about Rocket’s tragic backstory and how it plays into the film’s present. Also, like the previous installments, the motivation is deeply personal, in this case, saving a dear friend. Once again, James Gunn’s writing and directing are on-point, mixing snappy quips with heartfelt, dramatic moments, all with vibrant colors. The returning cast delivers solid performances, with Pom Klementieff, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, and Zoe Saldana standing out. Chukwudi Iwuji is phenomenal as the High Evolutionary, playing a cold, calculating megalomaniac that’s easy to hate. Admittedly, he starts losing his menace whenever he screams and shouts in an over-the-top fashion that makes him less threatening. Also, William Poulter isn’t terrible as Adam Warlock, but he feels wasted.

    Sadly, this movie lacks the unique charm of the first two, especially with the “adventure comedy set in space” trope. Months prior, we had Thor: Love and Thunder and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, both adventure comedies in space. What made the first film so special back in 2014 has been done to death at this point. That said, what makes this better than those is that this film does a better job of balancing the tone. This film knows when to be funny and when to hold off on jokes, so an emotional scene plays out. This one ends with big action sequences like other Marvel movies, but they feel more personal and less hollow. At two and a half hours, parts of the film feel bloated, which could’ve been trimmed with more editing. Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 has some issues, but it’s a satisfying-enough finale.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch “Guardians of the Galaxy” playing in theaters starting May 3rd![/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Rose and Viktor: No Mercy (2017)

    Rose and Viktor: No Mercy (2017)

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    Originally from the California Salinas Valley, a filmmaker known only as “Moses” started a small studio called The Underground Front. With a strong sense of anti-establishment and a lack of good taste, the studio produces shorts, feature films, and comics. In 2008, Moses directed his first film, a documentary called Transcend, about a struggling filmmaker named Armando Gonzales. He followed this up with 2010’s Exploited, which starred fetish model Mercedes the Muse, who helped found The Underground Front. At some point, Moses and Mercedes’ work caught the attention of Troma Entertainment and Lloyd Kaufman. Troma agreed to distribute their next film, a grindhouse-style anthology with some influence from Bonnie & Clyde. Mercedes would star alongside Jim Schumacher, the bass player for the heavy metal band Brocas Helm since 1982. In 2017, Moses’ Rose and Viktor: No Mercy was released by Troma in June 2017.

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    Synopsis

    After his band breaks up, bass player Viktor (Jim Schumacher) decides to be a gun-for-hire that kills people for money. Along his travels, he runs into a young runaway named Rose (Mercedes), who her father sexually abused. After castrating her father (Samuel Lopez), Rose joins Viktor as they go around dispensing bloody justice for the right price. They take on a sleazy strip club owner (Michael Sundin), who’s been skimping on the money he owes his girls. An old lover of Viktor’s wants him to kill her husband, a war veteran who sees everyone as a terrorist. As they slaughter their targets, Viktor and Rose hook up with various groupies, get high, and reunite with old friends. At one point, a kid hires Viktor and Rose to eliminate The Pope (Charles Darwin Hepburn). The two set out for The Vatican on what might be their most dangerous job yet.

     

    Review

    Going into Rose and Viktor: No Mercy, I had no idea what to expect other than pure cinematic trash. It seems like Moses and crew wanted to make the most trashy exploitation film possible, and they mostly succeeded. Imagine putting Pink Flamingos and Natural Born Killers in a blender, mixing in acid, and that barely sums this up. This film isn’t concerned with having a compelling story, award-winning acting, decent cinematography, or any good taste. If there’s a taboo, it’s put on full display, whether it’s golden showers, violent sodomy, or sexualized fascism. To their credit, the effects are decent despite the low budget, and there are plenty of wince-inducing sequences. If the gross, taboo-shattering imagery doesn’t put you off, the technical shortcomings will make this unwatchable. Granted, it’s hard to judge the film’s technical qualities considering there’s a chance the filmmakers didn’t care.

    The camera shakes constantly, and tons of zoom-ins and outs make it hard to see what’s happening. Also, the filmmakers added a digital film scratch to emulate an old grindhouse film, but it feels distracting. The acting isn’t great, but I suspect most of the dialogue was dubbed in post, considering the audio quality. In their defense, Jim Schumacher and Mercedes are having an excellent time and make a great duo. Plus, several segments have a unique look to emulate different film styles, like 30’s noir and 60’s drug movies. You can tell there is artistic merit underneath all the grime and grit; even trashiness is an art. While this film is not for everyone, it’s so bizarre and unlike anything else that it’s oddly compelling. Overall, Rose and Viktor: No Mercy is rough around the edges, but its imperfections make it stand out boldly.

     

    Buy Rose and Viktor: No Mercy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VtC2Pe.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Killjoy’s Psycho Circus (2016)

    Killjoy’s Psycho Circus (2016)

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    While working on Killjoy Goes to Hell, writer/producer/editor/effects supervisor/director John Lechago started planning the next film. For the next installment, Lechago wanted to explore Killjoy and Batty Boop’s relationship, mortality, and life on Earth. However, Charles Band seemed reluctant to keep the series going, emphasizing Unlucky Charms and Gingerdead Man vs. Evil Bong more. Around this time, Full Moon launched fundraising campaigns to finance future movies while giving back to the fans. Through IndieGogo, Full Moon was able to fund 2016’s Evil Bong: High-5 and 2017’s Puppet Master: Axis Termination. The company decided to run a campaign for fans to contribute towards the 5th Evil Bong and Killjoy movies. After raising over $30,000, Lechago got to work on the 5-day shoot, mostly on sets at Full Moon Features. So, sixteen years after the original film, Killjoy’s Psycho Circus premiered on the El Rey Network in 2016.

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    Synopsis

    After escaping judgment in Hell, the demonic clown Killjoy (Trent Haaga) now runs a late-night talk show. Dubbed Psycho Circus, he runs the show with his old troupe mates Freakshow (Tai Chan Ngo) and Punchy (Al Burke). In Hell, Beelzebub (Stephen F. Cardwell) is stripped of his rank as an archdemon for failing to bring Killjoy back. Beelzebub asks for a second chance, so he’s given a spaceship and a co-pilot named Jezebel (Lauren Nash). Meanwhile, Killjoy’s old girlfriend, Batty Boop (Victoria De Mare), catches the show and is shocked to see her replacement. After getting rid of her imposter, Luanne (Robin Sydney), Batty gets Killjoy to take her back, which he reluctantly does. During all this, Beelzebub challenges Killjoy, sending his Six Psychos and threatening to destroy Earth’s major cities. With his spaceship and an arsenal of weapons, Killjoy sets out to confront Beelzebub once and for all!

     

    Review

    Of John Lechago’s trilogy, Killjoy’s Psycho Circus is by far the most ambitious and significant film, though not without issues. To start with what works, the acting is still as wildly entertaining as in past movies. Trent Haaga, again, is the highlight of the film, spouting off tons of vulgarities while adding a devilish charm. Likewise, Victoria De Mare is having a blast playing the seductive yet plucky Batty Boop with her squeaky accent. Despite her minor role, Robin Sydney is also fun reprising her character from Evil Bong as a Batty Boop knockoff. Tom Devlin’s makeup effects are fantastic as always, and the CGI, while not the greatest, is decent, given the budget. It’s about on par with the CGI in Sharknado, but I feel it wasn’t meant to be intentionally bad. This isn’t going to win any Oscars, but I doubt Lechago is a lazy filmmaker.

    While ostensibly a B-movie, Lechago tries injecting some social satire, poking fun at commercialism and humanity. There are gags with Killjoy arguing with a sponsor, Killjoy mentioning his merchandise, and Killjoy meeting his ravenous fans. They even poke fun at themselves with a memorable scene of Killjoy arguing with Trent Haaga over Ángel Vargas. Admittedly, many of the jokes tend to fall flat, but a few made me chuckle here and there. Also, some of the acting does come off either bland or annoying, particularly from Lauren Nash and Tim Chizmar. Plus, even at just slightly under ninety minutes, several scenes go on for way longer than necessary. Still, considering this is the fifth installment in a franchise about a demonic clown, it’s not half bad. Overall, Killjoy’s Psycho Circus is on par with the last few films, for better or worse.

     

    Buy Killjoy’s Psycho Circus from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LDXbTk.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Evil Dead Rise (2023)

    Evil Dead Rise (2023)

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    After the release of Army of Darkness in 1992, the series laid dormant, although there were talks of another sequel. Following years of development hell, audiences were treated with a remake in 2013 from first-time director Fede Álvarez. The remake received primarily positive reviews and was a commercial hit, grossing $97.5 million against a $17 million budget. With the renewed interest in the property, Raimi’s Army of Darkness 2 became the Ash vs. Evil Dead TV series. While a sequel to Álvarez’s remake was discussed, these plans were scrapped, but a new film was announced in 2019. Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, and Bruce Campbell would produce, with Lee Cronin (The Hole in the Ground) as director. The movie was filmed in New Zealand in 2021 and was slated for a direct-to-streaming release on HBO Max. However, after positive test screenings, Evil Dead Rise got a theatrical release in April 2023.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”90″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) is a single mother raising her kids Danny (Morgan Davies), Bridget (Gabrielle Echols), and Kassie (Nell Fisher). She gets a visit from her sister Beth (Lily Sullivan), who recently found out she was pregnant. An earthquake at their apartment building opens a hole leading to an underground vault that Danny decides to investigate. He finds a strange book and some vinyl records and brings them to the apartment to learn more. The records are recordings that reveal the book is the Naturom Demonto, roughly translated as the Book of the Dead. The book was found by priests who translated it secretly and recorded the chants, which awakened an ancient evil. Said evil possesses Ellie and soon spreads throughout the apartment complex as Beth tries to protect the kids. Will our heroes survive the night or end up dead by dawn?

     

    Review

    Given my love of the series, I was very skeptical when I first saw the trailers for Evil Dead Rise. The movie didn’t look bad, but it felt more like a generic possession movie with “Evil Dead” in the title. Thankfully, Lee Cronin’s entry stands on its own and does the series justice. His directing is incredible, mixing some of Sam Raimi’s camerawork while adding a unique flair. Also, the performances all across the board are fantastic, with Alyssa Sutherland and Lilly Sullivan being the standouts. Sullivan shines as the reluctant but dependable hero who rises to the challenge to take on the Deadites. Sutherland wholly owns the role of the demon-possessed Ellie, mixing a playful charm with a sinister edge. Even the kids perform well in this, which is rare, especially in a horror film. Plus, the other tenets have their little moments to shine.

    Since this is an Evil Dead movie, you’d expect tons of bloody carnage, which this movie delivers. Like the original, this one doesn’t rely solely on gore but instead mixes it with genuine dread and suspense. In keeping with tradition, almost all of the effects are practical, a welcome change from today’s CGI-filled landscape. Roughly 6,500 liters of fake blood were made for this film, and they used every ounce of it on screen. A few references to the original films are also sprinkled in, but it feels more earnest and heartfelt than pandering. Unfortunately, this film doesn’t have the same B-movie charm as the original or Evil Dead II, which is disappointing. Still, at roughly 97 minutes, the movie delivers what fans want while telling a heartfelt story about a broken family. Overall, Evil Dead Rise honors what came before while standing on its own as something special.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch “Evil Dead Rise” playing in theaters starting April 21st[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Renfield (2023)

    Renfield (2023)

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    In 2014, Universal announced plans to reboot their classic monster movies as part of a shared universe. Unfortunately, plans were scrapped following the critical and commercial failure of Dracula Untold and The Mummy. Universal still moved forward with modern updates on their monster properties, focusing on unique storytelling. Robert Kirkman of The Walking Dead fame pitched a concept for a movie focused on Dracula’s servant, Renfield. With a script by Ryan Ridley, Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher was hired but left for a reboot of The Saint. In 2021, Adam McKay got the directing job after delivering a pitch that the studio liked. Nicholas Hoult was hired for the title role, along with Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, and Nicolas Cage as Dracula. The movie was filmed in New Orleans between February and April 2022 and was planned for a 2023 release. Renfield hit theaters worldwide in April 2023.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    English lawyer Robert Montague Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) visits Count Dracula (Nicolas Cage) to broker a deal for some land. Unfortunately, Renfield becomes Dracula’s familiar, meaning he has to keep Dracula fed from now until the end of time. Ninety years later, Renfield and Dracula have relocated to New Orleans to escape some vampire hunters. While Dracula recuperates, Renfield tries bringing in criminals for his master to feast on, but he wants innocent blood. Meanwhile, police officer Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina) wants to take down the Lobo crime family for killing her father. She crosses paths with Renfield at a restaurant when Teddy Lobo (Ben Schwartz) and his goons attack. The two slaughter his crew, and Quincy calls Renfield a hero, inspiring him to leave Dracula for a new life. Feeling betrayed, Dracula teams up with the Lobo family as part of his plan to take over the world.

     

    Review

    Renfield does deliver on what the trailers promise, but it’s not quite what you think it will be. When the film’s focus is on the relationship between Renfield and Dracula is genuinely engaging, funny, and even heartfelt. However, the subplot about a traffic cop trying to take down a major crime family seems out of place. Granted, the two plots come together by the end, but it almost feels like two movies smashed together. This leads to the film’s over-the-top gore, which is cartoonishly violent and the primary draw of the movie. While I’m generally not a fan of CGI blood, the use of it here adds to the ridiculousness. There are some excellent practical effects to the film’s credit, particularly when you see a weakened Dracula near the beginning. Also, I’m impressed the filmmakers recreated the look and feel of the 1931 Dracula in the opening scene.

    Nicholas Hoult does a great job as Renfield, who is likable and sympathetic while showcasing his comedic abilities. Awkwafina is fun as the loud-mouthed traffic cop determined to make a difference and has excellent chemistry with Hoult. As he often does, Nicolas Cage steals the show as Dracula, chewing up all the scenery while still being intimidating. Thankfully, he has enough screen time to leave an impact without feeling overdone, as his over-the-top delivery can be overwhelming. Ben Schwartz is another standout as the cocky Teddy Lobo, who tries to be tough despite relying on others. There are also appearances from Jenna Kanell (Terrifier), Caroline Williams (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2), and William Ragsdale (Fright Night). The film flies by at only 90 minutes, but the disjointed nature hurts an otherwise enjoyable horror comedy. Overall, Renfield is entertaining, but it could’ve used some refinement in the scripting phase.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch “Renfield” playing in theaters starting April 14th[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • VHS Massacre Too (2020)

    VHS Massacre Too (2020)

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    Upon its 2016 release, VHS Massacre: Cult Films and the Decline of Physical Media was very well received. The film won several accolades at the Telly Awards, WorldFest Houston, and the Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival. Since then, Tom Seymour and crew have noticed how history is being repeated in the streaming era. Much like movies were subject to censorship in the VHS era, independent filmmakers faced obstacles from large conglomerates today. Years after the original, Seymour decided to make a follow-up documentary showcasing the struggles of independent cinema. They got several interviewees from the first documentary and YouTube creators James Rolfe and Shawn C. Phillips. Once again, Troma picked up the distribution rights to the documentary and had its premiere in early 2020. In 2022, VHS Massacre Too made it to Blu-ray before premiering on Troma Now in 2023.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”85″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    The documentary starts with film critic/horror host John Bloom, aka Joe Bob Briggs, giving a history of film censorship. He goes over the Hays Code, first introduced in 1934, then the formation of the MPAA in 1968. Interestingly, he mentions how films like The Texas Chain-Saw Massacre are regarded as classics today but were trashed upon release. From there, we see how physical media has declined, thanks partly to Blockbuster excluding exploitation/independent films. Filmmakers Debbie Rochon, J.R. Bookwalter, and Lloyd Kaufman discuss how streaming has financially hurt them and other independents. Rochon and James Rolfe also share stories about the difficulty of supporting themselves while making a movie for no money. Lloyd Kaufman also talks about how even the term “independent cinema” has been co-opted by the major studios. To top it off, the filmmakers even visit the last Blockbuster in the country, located in Bend, Oregon.

     

    Review

    VHS Massacre Too significantly improved over its predecessor, even if the title is a bit of a misnomer. This documentary is about censorship and how changing times affect independent filmmakers, which was the first film briefly touched on. While the decline of physical media is covered, it’s not given as much attention as the original. The best parts of the documentary are hearing the stories of independent filmmakers dealing with bad distribution deals. Hearing Debbie Rochon’s story about trying to get her film Model Hunger released made me want to watch it. Another highlight is Joe Bob Briggs pointing out the news publications’ hypocrisy in giving exploitation filmmakers attention when they die. The New York Times won’t review Larry Cohen’s The Stuff, but they’ll write a loving obituary for him. It shows how people who willingly talk about exploitation movies today were ashamed of it before.

    Including James Rolfe and Shawn C. Phillips is an interesting choice, but it also seems out of place. Nothing against Phillips, but Rolfe has much more experience behind the camera and understands the struggles more. The feel of the documentary is generally negative, but it offers suggestions for improving the state of independent cinema. It presents the idea that while independent cinema is dying, there are ways to take power away from the conglomerates. This documentary is also excellent for fans of exploitation cinema as it talks about how important these films are. Many classic exploitation movies shattered taboos and challenged how people think, which many of today’s mainstream movies fail to do. At 77 minutes, the documentary goes by quickly and doesn’t overstay its welcome, providing enough entertainment without dragging things out. Overall, VHS Massacre Too is an excellent documentary about censorship and truly independent cinema.

     

    Buy VHS Massacre Too from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MOM37c.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Air (2023)

    Air (2023)

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    While watching the documentary series The Last Dance, screenwriter Alex Convery got interested in how Nike signed with Michael Jordan. Convery wrote the script between 2020 and 2021 under the title Air Jordan and was on that year’s Black List. In 2022, Amazon Studios acquired the screenplay and hired Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, with Affleck as director. Before production began, Michael Jordan met with Ben Affleck to give his blessing if the script was changed. Mostly, Jordan wanted specific figures included, namely George Raveling and Howard White, along with the removal of Tinker Hatfield. Jordan also asked for his parents’ role to be further expanded and requested that Viola Davis play his mother. Once the changes were made, the movie was shot in Los Angeles between June and July 2022. While initially planned for a streaming-only release, Amazon decided to release Air to theaters in April 2023.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”90″ bar_bg_color=”#7CDA24″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    Set in 1984, Nike is considering closing their basketball division because of poor sales and competition from Converse and Adidas. Nike’s basketball talent scout, Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), has to find a player to be the new spokesperson. Vaccaro thinks young up-and-coming Michael Jordan (Damian Delano Young) has potential, but he’s considered off-limits because he loves Adidas. After meeting with Jordan’s former Olympic coach George Raveling (Marlon Wayans), Vaccaro flies to Wilmington to meet with Jordan’s parents. Vaccaro assures Michael’s mother, Deloris (Viola Davis), that Nike will provide everything the competition can’t. Despite Jordan’s agent David Falk’s (Chris Messina) warning, Vaccaro and Robby Strasser (Jason Bateman) start working on their pitch. They ask designer Peter Moore (Matthew Maher) to develop a shoe specifically for Michael Jordan, which they call “Air Jordan.” The future of Nike’s basketball division depends on whether or not this deal will go through.

     

    Review

    Much like Ford v Ferrari, Air is a fantastic biopic you can enjoy whether or not you’re a sports fan. I don’t claim to be a sports expert, but I found the story captivating and was riveted throughout. It helps that everyone in the cast is giving a phenomenal performance, and the script is incredibly well-written. Matt Damon is relatable as the middle-aged, slightly overweight guy trying to do a successful job at work. His scenes with Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck are among the film’s many highlights as they exchange tons of banter. Like every other film she’s been in, Viola Davis gives an outstanding performance as Michael Jordan’s mother. Marlon Wayans does an excellent job in the few scenes he has, as do Chris Tucker and Chris Messina. Honestly, there isn’t a single bad actor in the entire cast.

    Returning to James Mangold’s 2019 film about the rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, the film touched on the American Dream. Similarly, Air exemplifies how anyone can succeed with the drive and perseverance to overcome larger-than-life obstacles. Some might see this as a giant advertisement for Nike, but the film is more about proving your worth. Not only is Vacarro’s job on the line but so are the livelihoods of his coworkers and his entire department. The fast pace can sometimes be overwhelming, but the movie keeps the story engaging. At slightly under two hours, there isn’t a spot that drags, and even the slower scenes are entertaining. It’s hard to say since 2023 isn’t halfway over, but this might be one of the year’s best films. Overall, Air works, thanks to its fantastic cast, solid direction, snappy writing, and riveting story.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Buy Your Tickets on Sale to watch ” Air” playing in theaters starting April 5th[/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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