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Movie recommendation: THE BOY AND THE BEAST (2015)
A beastly swordsman adopts a young runaway human as his protege. The film is sweet without being saccharine and full of specular animated action. Imagine THE IRON GIANT, THE JUNGLE BOOK, and DRUNKEN MASTER thrown into a blender.
A beastly swordsman adopts a young runaway human as his protege. The film is sweet without being saccharine and full of specular animated action. Imagine THE IRON GIANT, THE JUNGLE BOOK, and DRUNKEN MASTER thrown into a blender.
Movie Recommendation: THE KILLER (1989)
John Woo's seminal action film stars Chow Yun-Fat as a hitman stricken with guilt when a job results in the blinding of a beautiful singer. Woo establishes much of his visual aesthetic and his use of violence as poetry in the film.
John Woo's seminal action film stars Chow Yun-Fat as a hitman stricken with guilt when a job results in the blinding of a beautiful singer. Woo establishes much of his visual aesthetic and his use of violence as poetry in the film.
Movie Recommendation: ABOUT A BOY (2002)
Hugh Grant stars as a man who matures thanks to his friendship with a young boy. Features an amazing soundtrack by Badly Drawn Boy. I went through a big Nick Hornby faze in the early '00s and this and HIGH FIDELITY meant a ton to me.
Hugh Grant stars as a man who matures thanks to his friendship with a young boy. Features an amazing soundtrack by Badly Drawn Boy. I went through a big Nick Hornby faze in the early '00s and this and HIGH FIDELITY meant a ton to me.
Movie Recommendation: THE BEASTMASTER (1982)
Coming to UHD thanks to the folks at Vinegar Syndrome, this Don Coscarelli-directed fantasy stars Marc Singer as Dar, a muscle-bound animal whisper out for revenge! Filled with cute animals, nightmare fuel in equal measures. F*U*N!
Coming to UHD thanks to the folks at Vinegar Syndrome, this Don Coscarelli-directed fantasy stars Marc Singer as Dar, a muscle-bound animal whisper out for revenge! Filled with cute animals, nightmare fuel in equal measures. F*U*N!
Movie Recommendation: SPELLCASTER (1988)
Coming soon to Blu-ray from @VinegarSyndrome, this '80s horror spin on WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTOR is a Charles Band-produced MTV riff featuring rubber-suited monsters, Adam Ant as a warlock. Fun kitchen sink approach to horror.
Coming soon to Blu-ray from @VinegarSyndrome, this '80s horror spin on WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTOR is a Charles Band-produced MTV riff featuring rubber-suited monsters, Adam Ant as a warlock. Fun kitchen sink approach to horror.
Movie Recommendation: SHOCK CORRIDOR (1963)
Samuel Fuller's stylish and emotional film blurs the line between art and exploitation in the best way possible. A reporter goes undercover at an asylum and, in the process, loses his own dang mind. Unlike anything else you've seen!
Samuel Fuller's stylish and emotional film blurs the line between art and exploitation in the best way possible. A reporter goes undercover at an asylum and, in the process, loses his own dang mind. Unlike anything else you've seen!
Movie Recommendation: DONNYBROOK (2018)
Tim Sutton (DARK NIGHT) directs this very bloody, very good arthouse spin on FIGHT CLUB, if brought to you by Wal-Mart. A sobering look at the state of our country, the film features incredibly strong performances, a bleak as hell ending.
Tim Sutton (DARK NIGHT) directs this very bloody, very good arthouse spin on FIGHT CLUB, if brought to you by Wal-Mart. A sobering look at the state of our country, the film features incredibly strong performances, a bleak as hell ending.
Movie Recommendation: GONE WITH THE POPE (2010)
Duke Mitchell writes, directs, and stars in this super fun 1976 mobsploitation film. A gangster kidnaps the pope and holds him for ransom - charging a dollar from every Catholic in the world. Went unfinished, unreleased until 2010.
Duke Mitchell writes, directs, and stars in this super fun 1976 mobsploitation film. A gangster kidnaps the pope and holds him for ransom - charging a dollar from every Catholic in the world. Went unfinished, unreleased until 2010.
Movie Recommendation: HORROR NOIRE (2019)
Many film documentaries being released today feel like DVD extras on steroids. That's why, when we get something like this, it's damn refreshing. A smartly curated overview of the black horror, the film nixes nostalgia for real insight.
Many film documentaries being released today feel like DVD extras on steroids. That's why, when we get something like this, it's damn refreshing. A smartly curated overview of the black horror, the film nixes nostalgia for real insight.
Movie Recommendation: THE DAY SHALL COME (2019)
A black radical group led by a mentally unstable man who believes God talks to him through animals, he can summon dinosaurs via an air horn is preyed upon by the FBI looking for a bust. Chris Morris' pitch-black satire is aces!
A black radical group led by a mentally unstable man who believes God talks to him through animals, he can summon dinosaurs via an air horn is preyed upon by the FBI looking for a bust. Chris Morris' pitch-black satire is aces!
Movie Recommendation: UNDOCUMENTED (2011)
Chris Peckover's harrowing film follows indie filmmakers doing a doc on illegal border crossings. A sadistic racist played by Peter Stormare and his militia capture the illegals, filmmakers. Hard to watch but extremely well-done horror.
Chris Peckover's harrowing film follows indie filmmakers doing a doc on illegal border crossings. A sadistic racist played by Peter Stormare and his militia capture the illegals, filmmakers. Hard to watch but extremely well-done horror.
Movie Recommendation: MONSTERS (2010)
Gareth Edwards' monstercore jam takes the aesthetic of kaiju films and mixes in a healthy dose of relationship drama. Beautifully shot and featuring great performances from its leads, MONSTERS is a love story set at the end of the world.
Gareth Edwards' monstercore jam takes the aesthetic of kaiju films and mixes in a healthy dose of relationship drama. Beautifully shot and featuring great performances from its leads, MONSTERS is a love story set at the end of the world.
Movie Recommendation: FRAILTY (2001)
Bill Paxton achieved anything he set his mind to - whether it's being killed by a Terminator, Alien, or Predator. For his job as director on FRAILTY, Paxton created an amazingly taut, emotionally grounded horror film that absolutely kills..
Bill Paxton achieved anything he set his mind to - whether it's being killed by a Terminator, Alien, or Predator. For his job as director on FRAILTY, Paxton created an amazingly taut, emotionally grounded horror film that absolutely kills..
Movie Recommendation: HIGHWAY TO HELL (1991)
From the director of DROP DEAD FRED, this film stars Rob Lowe's little brother journeying to hell to rescue his girlfriend from a demonic highway patrolman. Gilbert Gottfried plays Hitler. Amazing makeup effects, weird humor.
From the director of DROP DEAD FRED, this film stars Rob Lowe's little brother journeying to hell to rescue his girlfriend from a demonic highway patrolman. Gilbert Gottfried plays Hitler. Amazing makeup effects, weird humor.
Movie Recommendation: LEVIATHAN (1989)
The George P. Cosmatos undersea horror was one of three similar films released in 1989, but it might just be my favorite. Peter Weller leads the ensemble in this ALIEN-rip-off about a parasite that infects, mutates a deep-sea drilling crew.
The George P. Cosmatos undersea horror was one of three similar films released in 1989, but it might just be my favorite. Peter Weller leads the ensemble in this ALIEN-rip-off about a parasite that infects, mutates a deep-sea drilling crew.
Movie Recommendation: GILBERT (2017)
A surprisingly sweet documentary about the famously loud comedian. Not only do you get to hear Gottfried's real voice, but you also discover he collects monster art, washes his socks in hotel sinks, tours by bus, and has a loving family.
A surprisingly sweet documentary about the famously loud comedian. Not only do you get to hear Gottfried's real voice, but you also discover he collects monster art, washes his socks in hotel sinks, tours by bus, and has a loving family.
Movie Recommendation: THE VAGRANT (1992)
Bill Paxton stars as a yuppie who buys a house, discovers that the homeless man who had been squatting in it refuses to leave. Wild, over-the-top tonally - like Tim Burton meets Matthew Bright's FREEWAY. Chris Walas (THE FLY 2) directs.
Bill Paxton stars as a yuppie who buys a house, discovers that the homeless man who had been squatting in it refuses to leave. Wild, over-the-top tonally - like Tim Burton meets Matthew Bright's FREEWAY. Chris Walas (THE FLY 2) directs.
Movie Recommendation: AIRBAG (1997)
Featuring an early performance from Javier Bardem, this Spanish comedy follows a dork who is dragged to a wild bachelor party. When he loses his wedding ring inside of a sex worker, his attempts to retrieve it get him involved in a gang war.
Featuring an early performance from Javier Bardem, this Spanish comedy follows a dork who is dragged to a wild bachelor party. When he loses his wedding ring inside of a sex worker, his attempts to retrieve it get him involved in a gang war.
Movie Recommendation: GHOST WARRIOR (1984)
A thawed out samurai awakens in modern times and fucks shit up. Gratuitous sword violence, outrageously stupid characters, and a ten-minute barrage of racial slurs. In other words, a pretty fun '80s action flick. Features no ghosts.
A thawed out samurai awakens in modern times and fucks shit up. Gratuitous sword violence, outrageously stupid characters, and a ten-minute barrage of racial slurs. In other words, a pretty fun '80s action flick. Features no ghosts.
Movie Recommendation: THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN (1957)
This Hammer horror stars Peter Cushing & Forest Tucker as two explorers on the trail of the yeti. Giant, hairy telepaths, the abominable snowmen do not want to be found. This movie is not the snow bigfoot film you're expecting.
This Hammer horror stars Peter Cushing & Forest Tucker as two explorers on the trail of the yeti. Giant, hairy telepaths, the abominable snowmen do not want to be found. This movie is not the snow bigfoot film you're expecting.
Movie Recommendation: MAN VS SNAKE (2015)
I like it more than KING OF KONG! This documentary follows two people competing for the world record on Nibbler. Full of pathos and cringe in equal measures. It's a super funny look at chasing a dream over the decades.
I like it more than KING OF KONG! This documentary follows two people competing for the world record on Nibbler. Full of pathos and cringe in equal measures. It's a super funny look at chasing a dream over the decades.
Movie Recommendation: LIZA THE FOX FAIRY (2015)
A nurse thinks she's a fox-fairy, doomed to hurt any man who falls in love with her. This delusion is brought on by the mechanicians of a dead Japanese pop star who has a crush on her. One of my top twenty movies of all time.
A nurse thinks she's a fox-fairy, doomed to hurt any man who falls in love with her. This delusion is brought on by the mechanicians of a dead Japanese pop star who has a crush on her. One of my top twenty movies of all time.
Movie Recommendation: THE LITTLE HOURS (2017)
Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, and Kate Micucci star in this hilariously anachronist tale of naughty nuns getting into mischief. There's a scene involving a turtle and a candle that makes me giggle every time I think about it. Super fun!
Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, and Kate Micucci star in this hilariously anachronist tale of naughty nuns getting into mischief. There's a scene involving a turtle and a candle that makes me giggle every time I think about it. Super fun!
Movie Recommendation: JIMMY TUPPER VS THE GOATMAN OF BOWIE (2010)
Holy cryptid, I love this movie so much. A found footage film about a drunken asshole trying to prove the existence of the mythological Goatman using Taco Bell as bait. Geatest third act in any found footage ever.
Holy cryptid, I love this movie so much. A found footage film about a drunken asshole trying to prove the existence of the mythological Goatman using Taco Bell as bait. Geatest third act in any found footage ever.
Movie Recommendation: EASY WHEELS (1989)
Sam Raimi wrote this parody starring Paul LeMat, Eileen Davidson. Davidson is a tough-as-shit biker raised by wolves who kidnaps babies so they can also be wolf raised. LeMat has a steel plate that gives him visions. Silly, stupid, fun.
Sam Raimi wrote this parody starring Paul LeMat, Eileen Davidson. Davidson is a tough-as-shit biker raised by wolves who kidnaps babies so they can also be wolf raised. LeMat has a steel plate that gives him visions. Silly, stupid, fun.
Movie Recommendation: MAD TIGER (2015)
A documentary about Peelander-Z, an insane Japanese punk band whose live shows are the thing of monster-costumed legend. After one of the band members quits, the other musicians face an existential crisis as they figure out what to do next.
A documentary about Peelander-Z, an insane Japanese punk band whose live shows are the thing of monster-costumed legend. After one of the band members quits, the other musicians face an existential crisis as they figure out what to do next.
Movie Recommendation: GOOD MANNERS (2017)
The best werewolf film of the last five years, easily. This Brazillian drama follows a nurse who finds herself carrying for a lonely rich pregnant woman with a dark secret. Sad, beautiful, scary - this movie even has musical numbers!
The best werewolf film of the last five years, easily. This Brazillian drama follows a nurse who finds herself carrying for a lonely rich pregnant woman with a dark secret. Sad, beautiful, scary - this movie even has musical numbers!
Movie Recommendation: THE DAY OF THE BEAST (1995)
Álex de la Iglesia's masterpiece. A priest learns the antichrist is set to be born and only a death metal music nerd and an Italian paranormal TV host can help him kill the baby. Stop-motion monsters, evil goats, holiday hijinx.
Álex de la Iglesia's masterpiece. A priest learns the antichrist is set to be born and only a death metal music nerd and an Italian paranormal TV host can help him kill the baby. Stop-motion monsters, evil goats, holiday hijinx.
Movie Recommendation: CATCH MY SOUL (1974)
Released in the wake of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, this rock opera adaptation of Othello is wild, blissful hippie freakout energy directed by Patrick McGoohan, with incredible songs, wild cinematography, and a desolate New Mexcian desert.
Released in the wake of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, this rock opera adaptation of Othello is wild, blissful hippie freakout energy directed by Patrick McGoohan, with incredible songs, wild cinematography, and a desolate New Mexcian desert.
Movie Recommendation: PIECES OF APRIL (2003)
I will never stop recommending this movie. Katie Holmes is a black sheep daughter trying to put together a Thanksgiving dinner for a family that just doesn't like her very much. Sad, funny, hopeful. This movie is just about perfect.
I will never stop recommending this movie. Katie Holmes is a black sheep daughter trying to put together a Thanksgiving dinner for a family that just doesn't like her very much. Sad, funny, hopeful. This movie is just about perfect.
Movie Recommendations: WHEN ANIMALS DREAM (2014)
This Danish coming-of-age tale follows a girl working in a fish processing plant who finds her body changing - and not in the ways they teach in sex education. Stylish, scary, smart. LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, but with werewolves.
This Danish coming-of-age tale follows a girl working in a fish processing plant who finds her body changing - and not in the ways they teach in sex education. Stylish, scary, smart. LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, but with werewolves.
Movie Recommendation: FLESH AND BULLETS (1985)
Hallucinatory, low-budget, low-intellect riff on STRANGERS ON A TRAIN. Two assholes meet in Vegas, agree to kill each other's wife except they fall in love with their targets. RUNAWAY NIGHTMARE's Mike Cartel is second-unit director!
Hallucinatory, low-budget, low-intellect riff on STRANGERS ON A TRAIN. Two assholes meet in Vegas, agree to kill each other's wife except they fall in love with their targets. RUNAWAY NIGHTMARE's Mike Cartel is second-unit director!
Movie Recommendation: THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE (1991)
Rolfe Kanefsky's meta-delight. A group of teens have a weekend cabin getaway interrupted by an alien manta ray. There's a scene in the film where a dude, in order to get away from the alien, swings on a dangling boom mic.
Rolfe Kanefsky's meta-delight. A group of teens have a weekend cabin getaway interrupted by an alien manta ray. There's a scene in the film where a dude, in order to get away from the alien, swings on a dangling boom mic.
Movie Recommendation: BRIGSBY BEAR (2017)
Kyle Mooney stars a man who was kidnapped as a child and raised on a homemade TV show put together by his kidnapper (Mark Hamill). Released, the man becomes obsessed with filming a proper end for the show. Funny, poetic, beautiful.
Kyle Mooney stars a man who was kidnapped as a child and raised on a homemade TV show put together by his kidnapper (Mark Hamill). Released, the man becomes obsessed with filming a proper end for the show. Funny, poetic, beautiful.
Movie Recommendation: PREDESTINATION (2014)
Ethan Hawke stars in this Robert Heinlein adaptation. Time travel is taken to extremes. I love how weird this film is willing to get. What should be silly is earnest and touching. The film that made me a Sarah Snook fan for life.
Ethan Hawke stars in this Robert Heinlein adaptation. Time travel is taken to extremes. I love how weird this film is willing to get. What should be silly is earnest and touching. The film that made me a Sarah Snook fan for life.
Movie Recommendation: HARD CANDY (2005)
In a just world, David Slade would have directed a dozen masterpieces over the last two decades. HARD CANDY, Slade's debut film, is a masterpiece of agonizing mental torture. Ellen Page plays a teen girl who turns the tables on a predator.
In a just world, David Slade would have directed a dozen masterpieces over the last two decades. HARD CANDY, Slade's debut film, is a masterpiece of agonizing mental torture. Ellen Page plays a teen girl who turns the tables on a predator.
Movie Recommendation: I THINK WE'RE ALONE NOW (2008)
A documentary that follows two Tiffany super-fans as they stalk and obsess over the '80s pop star. A glimpse inside the mind of the lonely and mentally-ill - equal parts empathetic and exploitative.
A documentary that follows two Tiffany super-fans as they stalk and obsess over the '80s pop star. A glimpse inside the mind of the lonely and mentally-ill - equal parts empathetic and exploitative.
Movie Recommendation: CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO (2007)
Matthew Ogens' tragically funny doc follows folks attempting to make a living panhandling for photos on Hollywood Boulevard, dressed as superheroes. Most are chasing stardom, some are mentally ill, all are unforgettable.
Matthew Ogens' tragically funny doc follows folks attempting to make a living panhandling for photos on Hollywood Boulevard, dressed as superheroes. Most are chasing stardom, some are mentally ill, all are unforgettable.
Movie Recommendation: APRIL AND THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD (2015)
One of my favorite films of the '10s. This animated adventure follows a woman in search of her missing parents in steampunk 19th century France. Lizard-people, talking cats, a celebration of science. The film rules.
One of my favorite films of the '10s. This animated adventure follows a woman in search of her missing parents in steampunk 19th century France. Lizard-people, talking cats, a celebration of science. The film rules.
Movie Recommendation: L.A. STORY (1991)
Steve Martin's romantic comedy is equal parts silly and profound. A weatherman is guided by talking traffic signage towards his destiny. Martin remixes Shakespeare, Enya, and Los Angeles satire to create a magical movie about finding love.
Steve Martin's romantic comedy is equal parts silly and profound. A weatherman is guided by talking traffic signage towards his destiny. Martin remixes Shakespeare, Enya, and Los Angeles satire to create a magical movie about finding love.
Movie Recommendation: ALL THE GODS IN THE SKY (2018)
A factory worker in France devotes his life to two things: taking care of a severely disabled sister who was injured during a childhood game gone wrong, trying to communicate with the aliens he believes are coming to save him.
A factory worker in France devotes his life to two things: taking care of a severely disabled sister who was injured during a childhood game gone wrong, trying to communicate with the aliens he believes are coming to save him.
Movie Recommendation: DINA (2017)
Are you a fan of LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM? Check out this wonderfully sweet documentary about a 49-year-old Philadelphia woman with autism who wants nothing more than an intimate relationship with her autistic, emotionally-stunted boyfriend.
Are you a fan of LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM? Check out this wonderfully sweet documentary about a 49-year-old Philadelphia woman with autism who wants nothing more than an intimate relationship with her autistic, emotionally-stunted boyfriend.
Movie Recommendation: 13 TZAMETI (2005)
Géla Babluani's super bleak thriller follows a young man looking for quick cash. He happens on a secret game in which the rich gamble on the lives of other men. This movie is what we call in the industry a real "butt-clencher."
Géla Babluani's super bleak thriller follows a young man looking for quick cash. He happens on a secret game in which the rich gamble on the lives of other men. This movie is what we call in the industry a real "butt-clencher."
Movie Recommendation: THE GHOUL (2016)
Mind-trip British film that blurs the lines tween folk horror, psychological thriller, and police procedural. Cop goes undercover to investigate a psychotherapist with ties to a series of murders and begins to lose grip on his own reality.
Mind-trip British film that blurs the lines tween folk horror, psychological thriller, and police procedural. Cop goes undercover to investigate a psychotherapist with ties to a series of murders and begins to lose grip on his own reality.
Movie Recommendation: 3:15 - THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
Adam Baldwin and Deborah Foreman star in this teen violence rager about a gang banger turned jock who gets dragged back into the world of drug dealing and cop stomping when he's wrongfully fingered as a snitch. Cobras forever!
Adam Baldwin and Deborah Foreman star in this teen violence rager about a gang banger turned jock who gets dragged back into the world of drug dealing and cop stomping when he's wrongfully fingered as a snitch. Cobras forever!
Movie Recommendation: BACKCOUNTRY (2014)
Adam MacDonald's bearsploitation film is one of the most impressive killer bear movies I've ever seen - and I've watched more than a few. Missy Peregrym is left stranded in the wilderness, hunted by a hungry bear. Scary bear carnage!
Adam MacDonald's bearsploitation film is one of the most impressive killer bear movies I've ever seen - and I've watched more than a few. Missy Peregrym is left stranded in the wilderness, hunted by a hungry bear. Scary bear carnage!
Movie Recommendation: NURSE BETTY (2000)
Renée Zellweger stars as a small-town waitress who breaks from reality and begins stalking the soap opera star she has a crush on. Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock are fantastic as a pair of bounty hunters. An underrated gem from the '00s.
Renée Zellweger stars as a small-town waitress who breaks from reality and begins stalking the soap opera star she has a crush on. Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock are fantastic as a pair of bounty hunters. An underrated gem from the '00s.
Movie Recommendation: 5150 ELM'S WAY (2009)
This French-Canadian horror film has it all: Found footage, shocking torture, grotesque uses of corpses, climatic chess games in which human lives are at stake. This suburban shocker follows a kid held hostage by a deranged cab driver.
This French-Canadian horror film has it all: Found footage, shocking torture, grotesque uses of corpses, climatic chess games in which human lives are at stake. This suburban shocker follows a kid held hostage by a deranged cab driver.
Movie Recommendation: MODERN VAMPIRES (1998)
A late '90s sleazefest from Richard Elfman & Matthew Bright, MODERN VAMPIRES stars Casper Van Dien as a cool-as-shit vampire and Rod Steiger as the vampire hunter determined to kill him. Kim Cattrell, Udo Kier, Natasha Lyonne appear.
A late '90s sleazefest from Richard Elfman & Matthew Bright, MODERN VAMPIRES stars Casper Van Dien as a cool-as-shit vampire and Rod Steiger as the vampire hunter determined to kill him. Kim Cattrell, Udo Kier, Natasha Lyonne appear.
Movie Recommendation: ACHOURA (2018)
Stylish Moroccan pic about a group of childhood friends who reunite as adults to battle a kid-eating monster. No clowns in this one. Really cool creature design and fascinating look at another culture’s folklore. @DarkStarPics has US rights.
Stylish Moroccan pic about a group of childhood friends who reunite as adults to battle a kid-eating monster. No clowns in this one. Really cool creature design and fascinating look at another culture’s folklore. @DarkStarPics has US rights.
Movie Recommendation: THE TWELVE CHAIRS (1970)
I definitely feel not enough people have seen this 1970 Mel Brooks-directed comedy. Ron Moody stars as a fallen aristocrat who teams with a con artist (Frank Langella) to steal back his stolen fortune. So funny it hurts to watch.
I definitely feel not enough people have seen this 1970 Mel Brooks-directed comedy. Ron Moody stars as a fallen aristocrat who teams with a con artist (Frank Langella) to steal back his stolen fortune. So funny it hurts to watch.
Movie Recommendation: DEATH WISH CLUB (1984)
A college kid falls in love with a porno star, tracks her down, and then begins going to nightly games of chance with her, where the rich and powerful play variations of Russian Roulette for kicks. Edited into NIGHT TRAIN TO TERROR.
A college kid falls in love with a porno star, tracks her down, and then begins going to nightly games of chance with her, where the rich and powerful play variations of Russian Roulette for kicks. Edited into NIGHT TRAIN TO TERROR.
Movie Recommendation: HEAVY TRIP (2018)
Imagine PITCH PERFECT, but about a Finish metal band. An amateur band, Impaled Rektum, attempts to break into the business by crashing a Norwegian heavy metal music festival. Sweet, raunchy, with a big ol' heart beneath the black makeup.
Imagine PITCH PERFECT, but about a Finish metal band. An amateur band, Impaled Rektum, attempts to break into the business by crashing a Norwegian heavy metal music festival. Sweet, raunchy, with a big ol' heart beneath the black makeup.
Movie Recommendation: I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND (1978)
Before BACK TO THE FUTURE, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale collaborated on this film about Beatles-superfans trying to crash their first US concert. Right up there with AMERICAN GRAFFITI, SUPERBAD, and DAZED AND CONFUSED.
Before BACK TO THE FUTURE, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale collaborated on this film about Beatles-superfans trying to crash their first US concert. Right up there with AMERICAN GRAFFITI, SUPERBAD, and DAZED AND CONFUSED.
Movie Recommendation: HEARTS BEAT LOUD (2018)
I'm always in the mood to watch this film. Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons star as a dad and daughter making peace with the fact that change in life is constant. The film's music is beyond wonderful. Cinematic salve for the soul.
I'm always in the mood to watch this film. Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons star as a dad and daughter making peace with the fact that change in life is constant. The film's music is beyond wonderful. Cinematic salve for the soul.
Movie Recommendation: MOM AND DAD (2017)
Bryan Taylor's horror film about a sudden event that causes parents to want to kill their children is surprisingly deep. Nic Cage is in full Cage Rage mode, but the smash cut between over-the-top violence and emotional poignancy is A+.
Bryan Taylor's horror film about a sudden event that causes parents to want to kill their children is surprisingly deep. Nic Cage is in full Cage Rage mode, but the smash cut between over-the-top violence and emotional poignancy is A+.
Movie Recommendation: OTHER PEOPLE (2016)
Jesse Plemons stars in Chris Kelly's semi-autobiographical film about a gay comedy writer who moves back home to take care of his dying mother (played with extreme gusto by Molly Shannon). Train's "Drops of Jupiter" used to perfection.
Jesse Plemons stars in Chris Kelly's semi-autobiographical film about a gay comedy writer who moves back home to take care of his dying mother (played with extreme gusto by Molly Shannon). Train's "Drops of Jupiter" used to perfection.
Movie Recommendation: BETWEEN WORLDS (2018)
Nic Cage goes full Tommy Wiseau in a film that obliterates subtleness and is constantly on the verge of becoming a hardcore porno. A trucker begins dating a woman whose daughter becomes possessed by the ghost of his jealous dead wife.
Nic Cage goes full Tommy Wiseau in a film that obliterates subtleness and is constantly on the verge of becoming a hardcore porno. A trucker begins dating a woman whose daughter becomes possessed by the ghost of his jealous dead wife.
Movie Recommendation: THE OUTING (1987)
I have a soft spot for genre films shot in Houston. So you can realize why I go positively weak in the knees for a movie about a genie terrorizing teens spending the night at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Goofy, gory, local fun.
I have a soft spot for genre films shot in Houston. So you can realize why I go positively weak in the knees for a movie about a genie terrorizing teens spending the night at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Goofy, gory, local fun.
Movie Recommendation: THE SUNLIT NIGHT (2019)
YMMV. I enjoyed it, but it got bad Sundance reviews. In the vein of GARDEN STATE or ELIZABETHTOWN, Jenny Slate stars as an artist who finds herself in Norway. There's a Viking funeral, Gillian Anderson plays a Russian. Now on Hulu.
YMMV. I enjoyed it, but it got bad Sundance reviews. In the vein of GARDEN STATE or ELIZABETHTOWN, Jenny Slate stars as an artist who finds herself in Norway. There's a Viking funeral, Gillian Anderson plays a Russian. Now on Hulu.
Movie Recommendation: THE CATECHISM CATACLYSM (2011)
An absolutely wild slice of anti-comedy from Todd Rohal. Steve Little stars as a perpetually put-upon priest who embarks on a canoe trip from hell in this aggressively weird and in-your-face celebration of human frustration.
An absolutely wild slice of anti-comedy from Todd Rohal. Steve Little stars as a perpetually put-upon priest who embarks on a canoe trip from hell in this aggressively weird and in-your-face celebration of human frustration.
Movie Recommendation: GATE II (1990)
I know Tibor Takács original is more beloved but I have a soft spot in my heart for the sequel. Stephen Dorf's buddy takes center stage, summoning a demon to do his bidding, turn cars into shit. A+ post-credits scene. Pamela Adlon co-stars.
I know Tibor Takács original is more beloved but I have a soft spot in my heart for the sequel. Stephen Dorf's buddy takes center stage, summoning a demon to do his bidding, turn cars into shit. A+ post-credits scene. Pamela Adlon co-stars.
Movie Recommendation: PASTORELA (2011)
Why isn't Emilio Portes' film a staple in the world of Christmas cult films yet? Joaquin Cosio stars as a federal agent who wages a war against a new priest when he's fired from his role as the devil in the Nativity play. Funny, wild stuff.
Why isn't Emilio Portes' film a staple in the world of Christmas cult films yet? Joaquin Cosio stars as a federal agent who wages a war against a new priest when he's fired from his role as the devil in the Nativity play. Funny, wild stuff.
Movie Recommendation: MAKE WAY FOR TOMORROW (1937)
Leo McCarey's devastating film follows an elderly couple as they are shuffled around like unwanted burdens between their middle-aged children. You'll feel the need to call your parents after watching this beautiful bummer.
Leo McCarey's devastating film follows an elderly couple as they are shuffled around like unwanted burdens between their middle-aged children. You'll feel the need to call your parents after watching this beautiful bummer.
Movie Recommendation: JUAN OF THE DEAD (2011)
I often experience zombie fatigue, where I can't stomach another movie about the living dead, but then a film like Alejandro Brugués' razor-sharp satire comes along and I'm Back Baby! Cuban Bugs Bunny vs zombies. What's not to love?
I often experience zombie fatigue, where I can't stomach another movie about the living dead, but then a film like Alejandro Brugués' razor-sharp satire comes along and I'm Back Baby! Cuban Bugs Bunny vs zombies. What's not to love?
Movie Recommendation: BEAST (2017)
Jessie Buckley and Johnny Flynn are already on their way to being huge stars, so if you haven't seen BEAST yet, get on that ASAP. A woman begins dating a local weirdo who may or may not be a serial killer. Brutal performances, beautifully shot.
Jessie Buckley and Johnny Flynn are already on their way to being huge stars, so if you haven't seen BEAST yet, get on that ASAP. A woman begins dating a local weirdo who may or may not be a serial killer. Brutal performances, beautifully shot.
Movie Recommendation: GRAND PIANO (2013)
How the hell has Eugenio Mira not directed a film since '13? Elijah Wood stars in this Damien Chazelle-written film. A sniper terrorizes a concert pianist. This razor-sharp thriller hurtles down its 90-minute runway at a breakneck speed.
How the hell has Eugenio Mira not directed a film since '13? Elijah Wood stars in this Damien Chazelle-written film. A sniper terrorizes a concert pianist. This razor-sharp thriller hurtles down its 90-minute runway at a breakneck speed.
Movie Recommendation: RELAXER (2018)
How the hell do I describe this film? Um, a dude refuses to leave his couch until he beats an unbeatable Pac-Man level. Meanwhile, Y2K is happening. Meanwhile, there's a lot of milk, puke, and milk puke. Super funny, super gross. You'll howl.
How the hell do I describe this film? Um, a dude refuses to leave his couch until he beats an unbeatable Pac-Man level. Meanwhile, Y2K is happening. Meanwhile, there's a lot of milk, puke, and milk puke. Super funny, super gross. You'll howl.
Movie Recommendation: SOUND OF MY VOICE (2011)
God, I love this movie. Zal Batmanglij's film follows a journalist who tries to infiltrate a cult led by an enigmatic woman who claims to be from the future (played by Brit Marling). Slow burn, killer of an ending. Seek it out!
God, I love this movie. Zal Batmanglij's film follows a journalist who tries to infiltrate a cult led by an enigmatic woman who claims to be from the future (played by Brit Marling). Slow burn, killer of an ending. Seek it out!
Movie Recommendation: BREWSTER MCCLOUD (1970)
Keep Austin Weird? Get outta here. Houston knows how to keep it just as weird, thank you very much. Robert Altman directs this live-action Mad Magazine issue about a boy (Bud Cort) who lives in the Astrodome with his homemade wings.
Keep Austin Weird? Get outta here. Houston knows how to keep it just as weird, thank you very much. Robert Altman directs this live-action Mad Magazine issue about a boy (Bud Cort) who lives in the Astrodome with his homemade wings.
Movie Recommendation: SHATTERED GLASS (2003)
Hayden Christensen is fantastic in Billy Ray's drama about a reporter whose career is built from fabricated stories, fake sources. A mesmerizing journey into the mind of a pathological liar. This movie made me want to be a journalist.
Hayden Christensen is fantastic in Billy Ray's drama about a reporter whose career is built from fabricated stories, fake sources. A mesmerizing journey into the mind of a pathological liar. This movie made me want to be a journalist.
Movie Recommendation: THE HISTORY OF FUTURE FOLK (2012)
An utterly delightful musical featuring real musical act Future Folk, a duo of aliens who came to conquer Earth but wound up becoming folk musicians instead. Fantastic songs. This movie should be a much bigger cult hit.
An utterly delightful musical featuring real musical act Future Folk, a duo of aliens who came to conquer Earth but wound up becoming folk musicians instead. Fantastic songs. This movie should be a much bigger cult hit.
Movie Recommendation: ALICE (2019)
A woman is drawn into the world of escort service while investigating her missing husband, a man who drained their savings on call girls. Morally complex, beautifully humane, and featuring tremendous performances. One of the year's best.
A woman is drawn into the world of escort service while investigating her missing husband, a man who drained their savings on call girls. Morally complex, beautifully humane, and featuring tremendous performances. One of the year's best.
Movie Recommendation: MAN FROM RENO (2015)
Dave Boyle's neo-noir stars Ayako Fujitani as a crime novelist in the middle of a real mystery. About lonely people desperate for a larger meaning to their own life, the film cheekily plays with tropes. Pepe Serna is fantastic!
Dave Boyle's neo-noir stars Ayako Fujitani as a crime novelist in the middle of a real mystery. About lonely people desperate for a larger meaning to their own life, the film cheekily plays with tropes. Pepe Serna is fantastic!
Quick Pepe Serna story. He did a tour of a few theaters I was working at when the movie came out. We were doing an event in Lubbock and didn't have a ton of tickets sold. Pepe rolled up his sleeves, walked into the theater's bar, and convinced 20 people to see his movie. Legend.
