I think with the massive reputation James Wan has built, as well as the large success he’s had with genre films, the modern horror icon’s weaker works have aged well. “Dead Silence” was initially considered one of Wan’s lesser genre fare, but in light of a lot of his contemporary entries, “Dead Silence” has come full circle. It’s now become a somewhat underrated genre gem, and I think in spite of its obvious flaws, it’s another of James Wan’s ace horror films.
Category Archives: Collector’s Den
Phenomena (1985) [Two Disc Special Edition 4K UHD]
One of the latter day Dario Argento movies is a mind melding, bizarre series of inexplicable plot points that amount to one twisted slasher film. “Phenomena” is Argento at his wildest, directing a script that feels concocted by someone on an acid bender. “Phenomena” is one part “Carrie,” one part giallo slasher, one part revenge thriller, and a whole lot plot elements that make zero sense. Everything that unfolds is so inexplicable and out of left field that I was absolutely baffled most times. And it speaks a lot to the reputation of Dario Argento because a movie like this would have prompted me to shut it down mid-way. But the movie begs the audience to keep going, even though we’re never quite sure what other nonsensical plot point is going to be tossed in at the last second.
Fear (1996): Retro VHS Collection [Blu-Ray]
In a decade filled to the brim with thrillers, James Foley’s “Fear” is one of my absolute favorites. It’s schlocky in certain instances, but it’s a satisfying twist on the “obsession thriller” by injecting it in to something of a young adult novel framework. “Fear” is one of the debut performances by Mark Wahlberg, who was previously known mainly for being a hip hop star. His take on sociopathic maniac David is much more in keeping with Wahlberg’s sensibilities and he’s able to bring to life a pretty terrifying villain.
Training Day (2001) [4K UHD/Blu-Ray/Digital]
No matter how many times I watch “Training Day,” it remains one of my favorite crime thrillers of all time. It’s not only a stunning and mesmerizing crime film, but one of Denzel Washington’s most brilliant performances. In a career filled with roles where he portrayed mostly nice guys, his performance as Alonzo Harris is a departure that he fits in to beautifully. Alonzo Harris has to be one of the conniving and vindictive movie villains of all time. He’s a cop that’s not only been corrupted by the system but has unapologetically embraced his role as a slimy bastard who twists the system for his benefit.
Legion of Super-Heroes (2023) [Blu-ray/Digital]
It’s weird that after “Battle of the Super Sons” that DC and Warner would choose to adapt “Legion of Super Heroes” as their new feature. It feels like one of their least consequential animated movies in years. It doesn’t take place during the timeline of the Super Sons, and it rushes through the entire introduction of Supergirl. Plus, there seems to be a whole chunk of story missing as Superman seems to have a boom tube device that can warp in to the future to visit the Legion of Super Heroes. When did he get that? How exactly did he get that? Why did he assume Supergirl would have an easier time in the far future than she would in present Earth?
The Son of The Stars (Fiul Stelelor/Ultima Misiune) (1987)
One of the advantages of boutique physical releases is that American audiences are able to check out films that they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to before. This year, the never before officially released in the U.S. “The Son of the Stars” makes its way to American shores. The animated adventure described as a “wild mid-80s mash-up of The Empire Strikes Back, Alien and Tarzan” was directed by the creative team of Călin Cazan and Mircea Toia, and features a pretty trippy original score by synth-rock pioneer Stefan Elefteriu. I can safely say while you can see the “Star Wars” influences dripping all over it, it’s a wild experience for any animation buff.
History is Made at Night (1937): Criterion Collection [Blu-Ray]
Frank Borzage’s hybrid of genres has apparently been a film that has been neglected for a long time and not given a proper restoration. With Criterion they ensure a long lasting release of what is a pretty engaging mix of drama, comedy, romance, and yes, a disaster film. I’m not sure if I was as wild about “History is Made at Night” as most movie buffs seem to be, but Frank Borzage’s film is a success at being entertaining and engaging. Borzage is able to bounce between themes rather well, balancing out dread and whimsical romance well.