New Release Tuesday

 

Swamp Thing- After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster.  I have not seen this since it was on HBO back in the day and I own a copy of the Shout Factory release that is collecting dust.  I need to open this and give it a spin sometime.

Enter the Dragon- A Shaolin martial artist travels to an island fortress to spy on an opium lord - who is also a former monk from his temple - under the guise of attending a fighting tournament.  Wow, this movie is 50.  When I think of this movie I first think if what could have been with Bruce Lee.  We all missed out on something very special.  Warner Brothers has not been putting much love into their physical releases lately so I think I will stick with my Criterion release box set from a few years ago.  This is a classic and highly recommended.

1923- The Duttons face a new set of challenges in the early 20th century, including the rise of Western expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression.  There is some great story telling here as this story not only takes place in the West but Africa too.  Taylor Sheridan lines up some great established actors and introduces us to some new ones that play these characters great.  Bring on season 2.  And because of the strikes that’s gonna be awhile.

Fast X- Dom Toretto and his family are targeted by the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes.  Oh, I missed this one at the theater because the series is still missing something.  Oh yeah, The Rock.  The guy that made this a billion-dollar franchise.  I read this movie fixes that issue as he shows up in a cameo at the end that basically announces he is back in the Fast fold.  Bring it!

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars- The July 3rd, 1973 historic concert of the 'leper Messiah'. This was to be David Bowie's last concert with the Ziggy persona and the Spiders from Mars. I have been diving into Bowie’s music and films over the last few years and have much more appreciation for them.  Also be sure to check out Criterion’s Moonage Daydream.

Movie Poster Monday- High Fidelity

 

R.I.P. William Friedkin 1935-2023

 

Gym Shirt Truth

 

New Release Tuesday

 

One False Move- A small town police chief awaits the arrival of a gang of killers.  This is probably the release of the year because this has been out of print a long time and teased over the last few years and Criterion finally put it out.  Some might argue this is Billy Bob Thorton’s best screenplay compared to Slingblade but is has been so long since I have seen this I need to spin it to decide for myself.  I sure miss Bill Paxton.  Highly recommended.  

Needful Things- A mysterious new shop opens in a small town which always seems to stock the deepest desires of each shopper, with a price far heavier than expected.  Stephen King movies were coming out in bundles in the 90s and I have not seen this since it was in theaters, but I remember liking it quite a bit.

Justice League: Warworld- Warworld, a place of unending brutal gladiatorial combat, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and others must unite to form an unbeatable resistance to lead the entire planet to freedom.  DC is being rebooted so it will be interesting to see if these animated movies will continue to be released.  Most of these have been better than the live action stuff.  Looking at you Blue Beetle.

My Best Friend is a Vampire- After a sexual encounter with a beautiful client, a teenage delivery boy finds himself being turned into a vampire.  I have been loving these Vestron releases and I do not recall this one at all but the original poster art does look familiar.  If Wal Mart has this it is coming home.

The Anderson Tapes- After ten years in prison to protect a mafia family, Duke Anderson is released and he cashes in a debt of honor with the mob to bankroll a caper.  Sean Connery in the mob?  I am all in on this action flick that I never saw.

Movie Poster Monday- Oppenheimer

 

My Thoughts on Crossfit...