It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since we’ve seen a proper “Evil Dead” movie. After the fantastic remake—boot (?), Warner brought in newcomer Lee Cronin to lend a new flavor to the universe. What was originally intended as an exclusively streaming release on their subscription service, Warner chanced it by bringing their movie to theaters exclusively. Thankfully their risk pulled off beautifully as their low budget return to the horror universe that Sam Raimi built ended up being a box office and crucial powerhouse. For good reason, too.
“Primo” Has Potential to be a Family Sitcom Classic
“We’re gonna fill this house with joy or I swear to God I will slit all of your throats.” – Drea
Shea Serrano’s “Primo” is probably one of the better TV shows I’ve seen all year, and in a period where we’re flooded with new series, “Primo” stands out. Serrano’s series is a classic single camera family sitcom in the tradition of shows like “Modern Family” and “Blackish,” except “Primo” revolves around a contemporary Mexican family. This family in particular is unusual but tight knit, and often times they manage to be their own worst enemy, more than their best ally. But that’s all apart of what makes “Primo” such a great , funny series. And at eight episodes clocking in at a half hour each, it’s also a very easy watch.
No Hard Feelings (2023)
It’s been a minute since we’ve had a good raunchy adult comedy in the theaters. In the early aughts, the raunchy sex comedies were everywhere and they’ve since been slowly dying out. “No Hard Feelings” is a refreshing return to the good old days where comedies weren’t afraid to be risqué and offensive. And it happens to be led by none other than Jennifer Lawrence of all people. Lawrence, who is mostly known for her dramatic performances, leads the charge in what is basically a vehicle for her. While most actresses would opt for a drama or romance, Lawrence dips her toes in the National Lampoons arena with a movie that feels ripped straight out of 1987. And whether you like her or not, Jennifer Lawrence goes all in on the raunchy sex comedy.
The Bootleg Files: Should Wives Work?
BOOTLEG FILES 834: “Should Wives Work?” (1937 Oscar-nominated comedy short starring Leon Errol).
LAST SEEN: On YouTube.
AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.
REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It fell through the cracks.
CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Maybe as part of an anthology of comedy shorts.
Unless you are too-serious student of film comedy, there is a good chance that you either never heard of Leon Errol or you may only know of him through a few supporting performances in other comics’ movies. But during the 1930s Errol became a prominent as the star in a series of comedy shorts made at RKO. These films are mostly forgotten today, although one of them – the 1937 “Should Wives Work?” – secured a niche in movie history through its Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject (Two-Reel).
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Raymond Griffith: The Silk Hat Comedian [Blu-ray/DVD]
During the mid-1920s, Raymond Griffith was among the most popular stars of feature-length comedy films. With his silk top hat and crispy tailored tuxedo, the self-confidence and urbane Griffith was a suave alternative to the beleaguered characters played on screen by Chaplin, Keaton and Lloyd.
T.H.O.T? (2022)
For men dating can be about the finality of it, while with women it can be about the prospects and aspirations of relationships. “T.H.O.T?” isn’t a completely blanket commentary on the sexes as both genders are capable of garnering those mind sets, but director Jayson Johnson ventures in to the ideas of dating, sex, and how every single confrontation can dictate one’s future. Johnson conceives a pretty fascinating relationship drama, first delving in to how main character Kev dictates the way his night might go with prospect Stacy.
The Disaster Art of “The Room” And Making Movies
Returning to theaters with a special “celebration” screening for one night only on June 27th; tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Events in participating theater box offices. Some locations are subject to change.
Back in 1999, my uncle was clearing out his old stuff and decided to give me his old camcorder. At that time, I was probably seventeen. I decided I wanted to become a filmmaker. He’d had this old camcorder from the early 1980’s that had no sound, was color (I use the word loosely), and could only really attach to the VCR if you wanted to film with it. In either case, I’d decided to play with it for a while and then staged a short film with my brother and sister. It was the three of us in the middle of the night filming a horror movie in my small bed room. We ended up with about a four minute video. The four minute “short film” had taken us about eight hours to film, overall.