Cruising, 1980.
Listened to the Rewatchables podcast about this one, and lo and behold it’s on HBO Max.
Let’s just say this one is definitely a product of its time. Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Nancy Allen star in a movie about Al’s journey into the ‘S&M gay underworld’ of 1980 New York City to catch a killer. I can’t figure out if this is the most homoerotic or homophobic mainstream film released thus far, but it’s definitely one or the other. Or both.
Tetris on Apple TV+. The first ten minutes or so is a clunky exposition dump in an office and very nearly caused me to turn it off. Fortunately it gets better. Would recommend.
If I watch this, am I going to have that obnoxious earworm gnawing at my brain for the next six months?
Shazam: Fury of the Gods: Did you like the first one? Did you find it funny? Then you will like this one and find it funny too. I did. Not much to say about it otherwise.
The mid-credits scene involved probably the most unexpected crossover in the DCCU, between the most and least family-friendly franchises, Shazam and Peacemaker.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Wow, this was terrific and was a huge surprise for me as I wasn’t sure it would live up to its reputation. It does and more. It was gripping and honestly, kind of terrifying. I loved it.
If you haven’t seen this movie, you need to. No, I haven’t seen the hilarious Nic Cage remake nor do I intend to.
100% recommended.
Highlander
One of the best movies of the 1980’s and it looks terrific in 4K, which you can now get on Amazon Prime. It’s comical how most people involved in this movie did not have success after this movie. The director has declined tremendously, Chris Lambert never had much real success, and even the screenwriter has not had much success. The famously horrible sequels are examples of how this movie was just magic.
I keep hearing they will remake this movie, but I really don’t want them to. It’s pretty much perfect as it is and I think it is a rare one-hit-wonder masterpiece.
Probably the creepiest film I’ve ever seen. I’m just annoyed I knew the ending before I saw it!
This is a genius movie that very much benefits from the early 70s feel of the filming.
I actually saw this one in the theaters when it was first run, and it creeped me out for years. No, I didn’t watch the Nic Cage version either.
Britt Eklund’s little wall-fuck was a bit silly though.
Yeah, I knew as well and I would agree that it serves as a great plot twist or reveal if you don’t know. Movie worked entirely, though, even knowing it.
I’ll add another creepy movie for you to see if you haven’t:
Possession (1981) - stick with it past the opening, which seems like a relationship drama. Yeah…there’s more.
Loved it all the way through. Just kind of a hug surprise for me how great it was.
I’m not kidding; it’s they way they swing their arms while singing at the end. The whole happy(?) song while swinging arms in motion while he cries out, “Christ! Save me!” is just so shocking. It’s kind of incredible.
I’ve never heard of that, thanks for the tip. IMDB agrees with you, has good scores from critics and audiences alike. I’ll have to keep an eye out for it.
Streams on Shudder, but my library has DVD and Blu-ray copies, so your library might as well.
Holy christ, that movie. I recommended that to my son (who likes Yorgos Lanthimos, so it’s not a crazy suggestion), then told him maybe not, then told him go for it…part of me doesn’t want to be on the hook for recommending it.
Sam Neill recently talked about some of it in an interview. Spoilered because the headline gives away a tiny plot element.
Yes, I think if you like Yorgos Lanthimos, Possession fits the bill pretty well. It’s…I only saw it once and I still think about several moments in it. The final moment…the meltdown in the subway tunnel…really a lot of little moments.
Before Possession, I always thought of Sam Neil from Jurassica Park first. Now…well, both JP and Possession.
Christopher Lee’s favorite film that he did (this from an interview in 2005, after LotR). An excellent pick IMHO, probably my all-time favorite British horror film and I love British horror films.
I ‘watched’ (had it on in the background) a very, very bad film. Now, I knew it was going to be bad. It was on Elvira’s Movie Macabre. It was Werewolf in Washington. Starring Dean Stockwell! Had another reasonably ‘famous’ actor, too.
At first, it seemed like some misguided soul set out to make a real, albeit horrible, movie. Terrible camera work, bad effects, poor lighting… the works. But about 3/4 of the way in, it takes a HARD turn into the ridiculous. Ridiculous by Werewolf standards even. I mean, like What The Fuck??? It was like someone took an abandoned project, and tacked on a satirical or comedic ending. And what was the preoccupation with Men’s rooms??? It was an experience. 
Hopefully soon forgotten. Not one of Mr. Stockwell’s finer moments.
You watch that show for the movie?
Umm… How’s your weather?
Watched The Last Manhunt tonight. Enjoyed it Biggly! Beautiful to look at, not a lot of obvious stoopid. Evoked a vibe of Picnic at Hanging Rock *, which I also enjoyed. Not a whole lot of character development or deep storytelling, but you could follow it easily. Lots of Style over Substance, but it works. The scenery! Love that shit! Like my back yard.
Based on a ‘true story’.
*Speaking of Australian films, I’ve found I like them more than not. Kinda the opposite for Canadian flicks.