Time for my near-perennial viewing of the holiday action classic Die Hard 2: Die Harder. Watched the first entry last week, showing it to a friend who hadn’t seen it.

Nerdmas came early this year. This arrived yesterday from Vinegar Syndrome. I was one of the fortunate folks to snag a copy of this limited-edition 4K box set, which sold out within hours of its release last month. I’ve posted about At Close Range here before, and for good reason. #atcloserange

I’d not heard of Rapture til I picked up this Blu-ray this summer. Finally watching it today. There’s a lot of wow here. Melvyn Douglas and — in what is now my favorite performance by him — a young Dean Stockwell. But Patricia Gozzi steals the show with a raw zeal. The camerawork is also impressive.

If you like micro-budget indie horror-comedy, then A Cadaver Christmas is must-see. I first saw it at a filmfest years ago, and it’s been an annual holiday watch since. Done in a grindhouse-homage style with strong performances and writing, and a memorable score, it’s on several streaming platforms.

Those who listen to movie podcasts likely know where I got the inspiration to watch Bullitt today. Haven’t seen it in at least a decade. Time for a re-appreciation of this Steve McQueen/Jacqueline Bisset-starring, Peter Yates (pardon the pun) vehicle that won an Oscar for editing.

This holiday horror film deserves more attention. Dead End has flaws, mainly some moments of questionable character motivation that are hard to buy into. But the mystery and atmosphere hold your attention, there are several spooky moments, and Ray Wise, as always, gives a fun, engaging performance.

Rob Reiner changed my life. This Is Spinal Tap, and his alter-ego Marty DiBergi, in itself remains one of my favorite movies, like top 10, and has been a constant inspiration. His jovial personality and wit are something Hollywood and the world need more of, now more than ever. R.I.P. to a legend.

Linda Blair turns badass avenger in this more female-oriented cult exploitation flick with Linnea Quigley. The music is also a big plus, as is character actor John Vernon. And the bridge sequence is truly brutal and memorable. It’s a shame Savage Streets is out of print. #savagestreets #lindablair

Despite how disgusted I am at the comments and recent headlines being made by its director, I’m legit excited to now be at my local theater, seated, and waiting to watch Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair.

Tonight, checking out the reboot of one of my favorite franchises. Deathstalker rules.

This could come off as a dirty little secret. But it’s not dirty or a secret. While I love watching films and TV and all related visual art, my lifelong true love is reading. Be it text or graphic literature, reading is where I hang my hat at the end of the day. ❤️

I’ve not seen any of the Lone Wolf and Cub films (nor read the manga). But I do love me some Toho, and I’ve heard this series, and in particular, the first two entries, are excellent, especially regarding the fight sequences.

R.I.P. Tom Stoppard. His plays and screenplays have been a personal inspiration since I was in college. In particular, I love the play, screenplay, and movie (which he also directed) of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.

One tradition I started several years ago is that I watch The Hateful Eight during the first blizzard of each winter. Since where I live is in the middle of an expected 12-18 inch drubbing today, here we go.

Today’s theme apparently is 2025 horror films by directors I’ve long been thankful for. Ryan Coogler might be the best director working today. Unlike Oz Perkins, he’s not prolific, but his every punch lands perfectly and hits hard. Looking forward to how Sinners fares in the upcoming awards season.

I’ve been an Oz Perkins fan since The Blackcoat’s Daughter several years ago, and have seen all his directorial efforts except for the new Keeper. The Monkey is very Final Destination-y, but significantly better. With the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade having way too many ad breaks, I’m watching this.

In the decades since its release, First Blood has become recognized for its gravitas. It’s not just a template for testosterone-enhanced actiony shit. There’s weight here, and it matters. It. Matters. It means something, as it should, and I’m relieved that time has made that apparent. Now watching …

This movie. Damn, this movie. When Se7en came out, my roommate and I went to see it. I vividly recall this theatrical experience. We were riveted. The third act, in particular, we were both leaning forward and literally on the edge of our seats throughout. A masterful cinematic achievement.

Alligator is generally considered one of the best of the Jaws-knockoff subgenre. And it’s a film I’ve never seen, as I recall. I mean, John Sayles. I’m correcting this rather glaring, longtime oversight right now as a wind-down from the day at work.

R.I.P. Udo Kier. The one and only. An inspiration for all who dare to be daring. His kooky awesomeness lives on.

This first-time watch has been on my radar for awhile. I’m a great admirer of long tracking shots, and Too Late comprises 5 of them, on 35mm, for the full 20 minutes per reel. Props to the filmmakers. And it’s crime drama, a big plus in my book. While it lags at times, it’s well worth checking out.

Following a theme this weekend, with Sisu 2 yesterday. Today, it’s Warfare, released earlier this year. I enjoy war movies, and particularly nonfiction ones. This film is based solely on the memories of those who were involved in the event. Add in that it’s an A24 film starring Joseph Quinn, I’m in.

Not sure what I just watched. Evils of the Night isn’t big on sensical storytelling, decent editing, or women wearing clothes. The nebulous, disposable title is an apropos indicator of quality. But it oozes cult status, and if you enjoy mid-‘80s low-budget sci-fi horror, this checks a lot of boxes.

Nothing says “I don’t actually give a damn about them” like an AI tribute.

Went to the local theater today to see Sisu 2: Exponentially Sisu on opening weekend. If you liked the first film, you’ll like this one. And it’s made to be seen on the big screen. Set pieces galore. Loved it!

There are certain movies that should be watched while high. And Wonderwall is definitely one of them. Some serious muscle behind this 1968 psychedelic romp, most notably musician George Harrison. It may not always make a lot of sense, but it’s no small amount of fun, and a cultural time capsule.

Today’s screening is an obscure and long out-of-print indie from The Year for indie films, 1994. I was fortunate to pick up a used VHS some years ago. Criminal is both a crime drama and an existential contemplation on suburbia that remains timely. Worth checking out if you can find it.

Tonight, I sat down to watch the new documentary John Candy: I Like Me. Wonderfully produced, and very immersive into his career and life behind the scenes, with lots of new interviews with many of his family and friends. I’ll be watching it again. I love I Like Me.

Like any film nerd worth their salt, I enjoy watching movies with commentary tracks. Today, I’m checking out one of the two such tracks on the Criterion Blu-ray of Anora with director Sean Baker and actors Yura Borisov, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian, Mikey Madison, and Vache Tovmasyan.

This checks so many boxes including: - in-his-prime Van Damme - “Die Hard in a …” subgenre - Hockey film - directed by Peter Hyams - Big bad played by Powers Boothe Haven’t revisited Sudden Death in a couple decades. I’m literally excited to be doing so tonight!

There is something magnetic about this film. I actually never saw it until a few years ago. I’ve seen it several times since. Sean Penn and Christopher Walken are explosive together, and the supporting cast is a who’s who. Complementing all that, the script, directing, and music all sear the screen.

I have joined the legions of people who have fallen in love with the new show Pluribus. Actually, “fallen in love” isn’t accurate. Utterly intrigued. Thought-provokingly fascinated. Humanistically spellbound. The felicitations can go on ad infinitum. Two episodes in, and I can’t wait for more!

I savor when I have a first-time watch that checks a long-overdue box in my cinephile repertoire. Today, it’s Martin Scorsese’s 1973 classic Mean Streets.

Caught this in the theater earlier this year, and it’s brilliant. Even the running time — 2 hours and 17 minutes — is a brilliant nod by director Bong Joon Ho. And Robert Pattinson delivers another stellar, nuanced performance. Plus Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo. This evening, time to revisit it.

Tonight, watching Tugg Speedman, Jeff Portnoy, Kirk Lazarus et al. do their thing. ❤️🤘🏼

From Jef Costello to Lemmy Caution, I’m apparently on a mid-‘60s French cinema kick — though, this time, I’m going New Wave. A bizarre futuristic sci-fi spin on the classic hard-boiled noir subgenre, Alphaville caught my eye years ago in college via the Criterion Collection. Love it.

With Noirvember in full swing, I’m now watching Le Samouraï. While I’ve seen — and love — many movies strongly influenced by this French neo-noir film, I’ve not seen it until now.

Tonight, I’m watching one of my favorite westerns, Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch. This Blu-ray is the original director’s cut (a.k.a. the European cut), which I’m not sure whether I’ve seen before. Regardless, I’m jazzed. What a cast. What a script. What direction. It’s brilliant, and a classic.

One of my comfort-food movies for nearly 20 years has been Rocky Balboa. I watch it a few times a year, and I’m breaking it out tonight. Such a wonderful viewing experience. Such heart and warmth.

31 Days of Horror-HALLOWEEN: The White Reindeer (1952) For the second (maybe third) time ever, this year, I completed the 31DoH Challenge of watching a horror film each day this month. Concluding the festivities tonight with this Finnish schism-mode horror-fantasy. First-time watch Source: Shudder

31 Days of Horror - HALLOWEEN: Necropolis (1986) Ten minutes in, I was ready to shut off this Charles Band production. Glad I didn’t. It’s often laughable and confusing, but the parts that pay off PAY OFF. And the synth score slaps. I’ll be revisiting this one. First-time watch Source: Prime

31 Days of Horror - Halloween Eve: Suspiria (1977) I’m a giallo fan, and this is my favorite one. Dario Argento’s haunting, often-imitated masterpiece boasts a sumptuous, memorable score by Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin. The 2018 remake is also superb. Source: Synapse 4K Blu-ray

31 Days of Horror - Day 29: Candyman (1992) My love for Candyman knows no bounds. Clive Barker’s masterful nightmare comes to life via the legendary Tony Todd. Virginia Madsen and Xander Berkeley are key to bringing this urban fantasy to life. And the cinematography is incredible. Source: DVD

In case there are any Fred Dekker fans here who want to get in on this sale. I just ordered mine. Love me some Tom Atkins, especially as Detective Ray Cameron.

31 Days of Horror - Day 29: In the Mouth of Madness (1994) This is the most Lovecraft non-Lovecraft film ever. The camerawork has this filtered look like it’s a made-for-TV movie, but nonetheless effectively creepy. And the cast delivers. I’m a longtime fan. Source: DVD

31 Days of Horror - Day 28: The Lords of Salem (2012) Many Rob Zombie fans consider this his worst film. I enjoy some of his other filmmaking efforts, but this is my favorite RZ movie by far. It’s so atmospheric, immersive. I want to live there. Plus Meg Foster wows. And that score. Source:Blu-ray

31 Days of Horror - Day 27: Night of the Demons (1988) This is probably my favorite Linnea Quigley film. I say that as a fan of hers since the ‘80s. She brings an intelligent tude and a dark humor to her performances that I greatly admire. Plus, NotD is damn fun. Source: Scream Factory Blu-ray

31 Days of Horror - HALLOWEEKEND Day 3: Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) For me, for the last dozen-plus years, there has been no October without Tucker and Dale. Would’ve loved to see a trilogy (Tucker and Dale vs. Armageddon, etc.), but I’m thankful to have this gem to watch. Source: Blu-ray

31 Days of Horror - HALLOWEEKEND Day 2: Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988) A perennial fave for me and my family. Schlocky ‘80s goodness from the Chiodo Brothers that’s legit (intentionally) funny, with superb SFX and a cool, memorable score. Source: DVD

31 Days of Horror - HALLOWEEKEND Day 1: The Haunting (1963) A classic. The haunted-house subgenre has no finer example, and Robert Wise masterfully directed this cornerstone of horror cinema. Source: DVD