THE DRAMA: When Confession is Bad for the Soul

THE DRAMA (4K UHD)

2026 / 106 min

A24

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😼

I’ll give The Drama props for one thing…it serves up a story that’s unlike anything I recall seeing before, at least in the romantic comedy genre. Actually, this one is probably more accurately described as a romantic black comedy, built around a premise that, in lesser hands, might be considered in bad taste.

It’s also one of those movies that’s best going into cold, so I’m refraining from going into much detail about the plot. The set-up has young couple Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya) in the midst of finishing up plans for their upcoming wedding. They’re an attractive, charming couple, as shown through flashbacks that summarize their relationship thus far (including how they met and amusing details of their first date). Right from the get-go, we genuinely like these two.

Then during a night of drinking with their two best friends, married couple Rachel (Alana Hain) and Mike (Mamoudou Athie), each takes a turn confessing something horrible they did in their past, to the amusement of the others…at least until it’s Emma’s turn. What she reveals is not only shocking, it immediately outrages Rachel and, more significantly, impacts how Charlie perceives her. Much of the following narrative involves Charlie trying (and mostly failing) to come to terms with this new knowledge of her past.

Zendaya discovers that Batman does indeed smell.

At this point, writer-director Kristoffer Borgli approaches the internal and external conflicts in some interesting ways, often blurring the line between fantasy and reality from Charlie’s perspective. Considering the nature of Emma’s confession, Borgli manages to mine genuine humor from the situation, but also ventures into some dark territory. The story is also given a considerable boost by its two stars, who deliver excellent performances. 

But conceptually, a little of this goes a long way. Once the premise is established, the film struggles with maintaining a consistent level of interest, with certain plot and character developments being a little superfluous. Throughout the film (mostly the middle act), I wavered between amused, uncomfortable and impatient for the story to just get on with it. I also gotta confess that I wasn’t nearly as shocked by Emma’s revelation as the other characters are, and did find myself questioning whether or not something from her childhood would truly trigger such extreme reactions. On the other hand, I’m no psychoanalyst, so what do I know?

What I do know is The Drama is well crafted and features some terrific moments (both humorous and dour). But despite the incendiary subject matter and Borgli’s creative narrative approach, it’s also kind of meandering. Not your typical romantic comedy by any stretch, the film is worth checking out - especially for fans of its two stars - but once is probably enough.

EXTRA KIBBLES

MAKING-OF FEATURETTE - Unpacking the Drama includes interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By costume designer Katina Danabassis, production designer Zosia Mackenzie and editor Joshua Raymond Lee.

WARDROBE & CAMERA TEST - With optional commentary by  Katina Danabassis.

CHARLIE & EMMA WEDDING VIDEO

“RELATIONSHIP HOTLINE” PROMO

6 POSTCARDS - Artwork by Kristina Tzekova.

THEY WILL KILL YOU Strikes a Familiar Blow

THEY WILL KILL YOU (4K UHD)

2026 / 94 min

Warner Bros. 

#InPartnershipwithWB 

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat😼

Asia Reeves (Zazie Beetz) has just been released from prison after a 10 year stint for shooting her father to project younger sister Maria (Myha’la). Now she’s found a job as a live-in maid at the Virgil, an elegant downtown apartment with a sinister past. She finds out how sinister on her first night, when she’s violently attacked by the hooded tenants, led by building superintendent Lily Woodhouse (Patricia Arquette). They’re a satanic cult who regularly sacrifice unsuspecting victims in an exchange for immortality.

But Asia has a few surprises of her own (and a pleasant surprise to the audience as well). A decade in prison has made her a consummate ass-kicker, and she immediately fights back with fists, kicks, knives and anything else in the vicinity that happens to be handy. It also turns out that Asia didn’t actually arrive looking for employment; she’s there to find her sister, who disappeared shortly after being hired. Most of the remaining narrative consists of one bloody clash after another, punctuated by the occasional flashback providing background to most of the main characters.

Though They Will Kill You is obstinately a horror film, there’s a big emphasis on comedy, action and ‘splatstick’ violence. For the most part, it’s a pretty entertaining ride, with director//co-writer Kirill Sokolov wearing his influences proudly. It quickly becomes obvious he was clearly inspired by the likes of Ready or Not, From Dusk ‘till Dawn, the Evil Dead franchise and maybe a little Kill Bill thrown in for good measure. There are a few surprises here and there, but for the most part, we’ve seen most of this before, both narratively and visually.

That duck didn't stand a chance.

On the other hand, originality has never been a prerequisite for entertaining horror, otherwise fans would spend their entire lives in a perpetual state of disappointment. They Will Kill You may be derivative, but it’s certainly enjoyable in the moment. Sometimes it’s genuinely funny, and aside from occasionally clumsy CGI, the special effects and violence are pulled off with panache. The chase through air vents involving a wayward eyeball is especially amusing. The film also benefits from good performances. Reeves is great in a physically demanding role, while Arquette appears to be having fun playing against type.

At the same time, I don’t know how well They Will Kill You would hold up to repeated viewings. I watched this one with my daughter (who loves horror), and we agreed that it’s one of those movies that genre fans probably won’t regret seeing. But since it will mostly just remind them of other movies, once is probably enough. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - Director’s Log: The Making of They Will Kill You features interviews and behind-the-scenes footage; Developing the Virgil focuses on the elaborate production design of the setting; Asia Reeves’ Attacks is about the star’s action scenes; Crafting Carnage covers the bloody special effects.

DIGITAL COPY

THE POOP SCOOP: Blockbusters Edition

UPCOMING KIBBLES THAT MAKE US PURR!

The Surprise Horror Hit, OBSESSION, in Digital NOW and Blu-ray, 4K & DVD July 14 from Universal. After breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price. The critically acclaimed breakout from Focus Features and rising horror auteur Curry Barker, is an unsettling, nightmare fueled psychological thriller unlike anything the genre has seen in years. With an A CinemaScore and Certified Fresh and Verified Hot Rotten Tomatoes scores anchored by standout performances, OBSESSION has become a cultural phenomenon and is the must-watch horror event of the year. Take the Obsession further with an exclusive look behind-the-scenes and discover why some obsessions are impossible to escape.

BARBARIAN Coming to 4K + Blu-ray August 11 from 20th Century Studios.  Traveling to Detroit for a job interview, a young woman books a rental home. But when she arrives late at night, she discovers that the house is double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgment, she decides to spend the evening, but soon discovers that there's a lot more to fear than just an unexpected house guest. The film opened in first place at the domestic box office when it was released in September, 2022, shocking and captivating audiences with its bizarre twists, violence, carnage, and delightfully subversive sense of humor. "Barbarian," which stars Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long and is written and directed by Zach Cregger (Weapons). 

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 on Digital NOW from 20th Century Studios. Bring the runway to your living room with 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2 on digital June 30, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Celebrate the box office smash, which took the worlds of fashion and media by storm when it opened in theaters this past May, on its way to grossing more than $677 million worldwide. The Devil Wears Prada franchise recently crossed the $1 billion mark. From Dior, Versace, Armani, Givenchy, and Cartier to Dolce, Tiffany, and Fendi, the film features avant-garde fashions and is packed with celebrity cameos and luminaries from the worlds of fashion and music.

FORBIDDEN PLANET Limited Edition on 4K September 28 from Arrow Video. For the very first time, Forbidden Planet is presented in its original Cinemascope aspect ratio of 2.55:1 with its theatrical "Perspecta" stereo soundtrack in an eye-popping brand new 4K restoration. 

PROJECT HAIL MARY on Blu-ray, 4K and DVD August 11 from Alliance Entertainment. Based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, screenwriter Drew Goddard adapted Project Hail Mary for the screen, and it was brought to life by directors Phil Lord & Christopher Miller. 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray releases of Project Hail Mary include out of this world bonus content.

THE COMPLETE KUBRICK Coming to 4K + Blu-ray October 20 from Criterion Collection. The Complete Kubrick brings together the entirety of a body of work that opened popular cinema up to new realms of moral profundity and metaphysical mystery. Collected here for the first time are Kubrick’s thirteen features and three shorts, all restored in 4K, over twenty-five hours of interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes materials; and deluxe packaging.

MARS ATTACKS! on 4K August 11 from Warner Bros. The newly remastered film will also include new bonus content featuring the behind-the-scenes filmmakers reflecting on the making of Mars Attacks! 30 years later. 

SOYLENT GREEN, Proud Owner of the Second Greatest Plot Twist in Sci-fi History, Coming to 4K UHD and Blu-ray July 28 from Arrow Video.  The Limited Edition release features a brand new 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative by Arrow Films, hours of special features and newly commissioned extras. A Blu-ray edition will also be available. 

Every angry man’s wet dream, FALLING DOWN, Coming to 4K UHD and Blu-ray 7/21 from Arrow Video. The Limited Edition release features a brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films approved by cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak, hours of special features and newly commissioned extras. A Blu-ray edition will also be available. 

The International western classic, THE RED SUN, Coming to 4K UHD & Blu-ray July 14 from Arrow Video. The Limited Edition release features a brand new definitive 4K restoration, hours of special features and newly commissioned extras. A Blu-ray edition will also be available. The loaded cast includes Charles Bronson Alain Delon, Tishiro Mifune and Ursula Andress.

KILL BILL: THE WHOLE BLOODY AFFAIR 4K/Blu-ray Combo Pack Coming July 28 from Lionsgate. This release also comes with an assortment of physical extras, including posters, collectors cards and a 40 page booklet.

An Underseen Gem from the 70s, THE OUTFIT, on Blu-ray July 28 from Arrow Video. The Outfit is as tough, taut, and relentless as its protagonist. This release includes numerous new bonus features.

MORTAL COMBAT II on Digital Now and Blu-ray, 4K and DVD July 28 from Warner Bros. From New Line Cinema, the latest high-stakes installment in the blockbuster video game franchise in all its brutal glory. 

MICHAEL on digital Now and Blu-ray, 4K and DVD July 17 from Lionsgate. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music.  

Lee Cronin’s THE MUMMY on Digital Now and Blu-ray, 4K and DVD July 14 from Warner Bros. The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace—eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.

DEEP WATER Coming to Blu-ray July 14 from Magenta Light Studios. Of course you’re ready for another shark movie directed by Renny Harlin (Deep Blue Sea). Well, so are we.

STRANGE JOURNEY Indeed

STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR (Blu-ray)

2025 / 89 min

Magenta Light Studios

Review by Princess Pepper😺

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been playing every weekend in my hometown of Portland for nearly 50 years. Back when the film was just beginning to become a cult phenomenon, I had the opportunity to catch one of those legendary midnight shows, a “virgin” among a sea of dedicated fans. Most of them were costumed and supplied for the occasion, including the friend who insisted I accompanied her in order to experience it myself.

And what an experience it was. Though I felt out of place, I never felt uncomfortable or unwelcome. To be perfectly frank (no pun intended), I didn’t think the movie itself was particularly great, but sitting among hundreds of people verbally and physically participating turned the whole thing into an enjoyable event. If you’ve ever attended one of these shows, you’re already aware of this. 

And even if you haven’t, the history of Rocky Horror’s worldwide cult fandom has been well documented in the media over the years. Maybe that’s why I felt revisiting the film’s cult history were the least interesting aspects of Strange Journey, a new documentary by Lucas O’Brien, the son of Rocky Horror creator, Richard O’Brien.

Richard reveals the size of the trout he caught.

However, I’m a sucker for documentaries about the making of specific films, and Rocky Horror has a fascinating history, from its origins as a London stage musical through the initial release of the movie in 1975 (when it flopped). Much of this is fondly recalled by Richard O’Brien, along with collaborators that include director Jim Sharman and composer Richard Hartley. Most of the cast members from both the play and film are also featured in revealing interviews. Everyone's recollections and anecdotes, accompanied by clips and behind-the-scenes footage, are also wonderfully entertaining.

But Strange Journey is just-as-much the story of O’Brien himself, who started off as a struggling London actor with a family to support. In addition to creating the musical that would ultimately become his legacy, O’Brien candidly discusses struggles with his own sexuality before finally embracing who he really is. Among this film’s many charming moments is his emotional reaction to hearing how important Rocky Horror has been to fans who’ve endured similar struggles in their own lives. 

The rest of Strange Journey covers more familiar ground, which is entertaining but features little that longtime fans don’t already know or feel. Still, this film makes an excellent companion piece for those same fans, and worth checking out for anyone curious about how a humble little stage musical became the longest running film in history.

THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO: When War Was Swell

THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO (Blu-ray)

1944 / 138 min

Warner Archive Collection

Available at MovieZyng.com

Review by Mr. Paws

It goes without saying that American war pictures were once a lot different. They were generally optimistic, bursting with patriotism and unblemished by anything resembling the cynicism or introspection that would soon creep its way into the genre. To coin a cliche, they don’t make them like they used to. But when it comes to war movies, they really can’t make them like they used to.

I state the obvious more as a reminder to myself than anything else. Revisiting a World War II epic from the ‘40s with any sense of revisionism is to do that film a great disservice, especially if it’s a good one. At the time Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo was released, Americans were still reeling from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and hadn’t yet ended the argument with a couple of nukes. Viewed in that context, the film is not-only an exciting, heroic depiction of the air attack on Japanese cities, it even manages to be somewhat cathartic.

Based on the book by Captain Ted Lawson (a pilot who took part in the Doolittle Raid), the film works best when focusing on the particulars of the mission…planning, preparation, the attack itself and the aftermath. These sequences look, sound and feel authentic, boosted by excellent aerial photography and special effects (both of which won Oscars that year). Even today, those aspects of the film hold up quite well. In fact, some scenes would be repurposed for Midway, 22 years later).

"And here, gentlemen, is my ex-wife's house. Bomb that first."

Less interesting are the characters themselves, all of whom are depicted as stoic, fearless and salivating over the chance to stick it to the “Japs” (their words, not mine). Elsewhere, frequent scenes of Lawson (Van Johnson) and bubbly wife Ellen (Phyllis Thaxter) chirping sweet nothings tend to drag things down, and it doesn’t help that neither actor has ever been particularly dynamic. But worst of all is John R. Reilly as brash yokel “Shorty,” whose performance is obnoxious and cringeworthy. I’m kinda surprised nobody behind the camera suggested 86ing all of his scenes.

On the other hand, you’ve got Robert Mitchum in an early role, and though he doesn’t have a ton of screen time, anyone could see he was destined to be a star (one of the greatest of the era, in my opinion). Then there’s the great Spencer Tracy as Lt. Colonel Doolittle himself, the mission’s mastermind. His role largely consists of motivating the troops, but he does it with such earnestness that I felt compelled to bomb Tokyo, too.

Emblematic of Hollywood war movies of the era, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo is arguably one of the better ones, especially its technical aspects. Sure, it’s thematically archaic - as it should be - but I doubt anyone today watches these things expecting enlightenment on the human condition. As a gung-ho retelling of a historic military mission, made while World War II was still raging, it’s the movie we needed at the time. 

With Warner Archive recently getting into the 4K business, I would’ve thought a 4K UHD release of this one would’ve been a no-brainer, especially since it’s still held in pretty high regard by classic war movie fans. That being said, this Blu-ray disc features a solid video transfer and comes with a handful of bonus features from the era (though nothing but the trailer is actually related to the film itself).

EXTRA KIBBLES

MGM SHORTS - Ode to Victory and A Lady Fights Back.

TOM AND JERRY CARTOON - Mouse Trouble

TRAILER

DESTINATION MOON with a Side of MARS

DESTINATION MOON and FLIGHT TO MARS

1950-1951 / 163 min (2 movies)

Film Masters

Review by Mr. Paws😽

Film Masters serves up another double feature of nicely restored ancient artifacts, this time pairing two sci-fi films from the early 1950s. One might be of considerable historical interest, while the other is simply frivolous fun.

1950’s Destination Moon is the first sci-fi film from legendary producer George Pal, best known for such classics as War of the Worlds, When Worlds Collide and The Time Machine (kind of making him the George Lucas of his day). It’s also one of the earliest attempts to take the concept of space travel seriously by speculating the first lunar mission.

The film was somewhat groundbreaking for its time, and if one keeps in-mind the era in which this was made, there’s a lot to appreciate here…the efforts to offer plausible science, impressive production design, its depiction of the voyage itself and the lunar surface (the latter realized through wonderful matte paintings). Even legendary sci-fi author Robert A. Heinlein had a hand in the screenplay. Considering the budget (which wasn't much), it’s a great looking piece of speculative sci-fi.

However, appreciating a film, no matter how influential, isn’t always the same as actually enjoying it. Setting aside the aesthetics and believable science (again, for the time), Destination Moon is dramatically slight, even kinda dull at times. There’s little in the way of conflict or engaging characters, most of whom exist to provide urgent exposition (except for some obnoxious comic relief courtesy of Dick Wesson). 

Spaceballs: The Prequel.

1951’s Flight to Mars has a budget so low that Cameron Mitchell earns top billing. But even though this ain’t exactly a George Pal production and its depiction of what awaits us on the angry red planet was probably chuckleworthy even in the ‘50s, it’s an entertaining little film…if sometimes at its own expense. 

On the first mission to Mars, a five person crew - including intrepid wise-cracking reporter Steve Abbott (Mitchell) - crash lands. They meet its leaders, who are outwardly congenial and offer to help with repairs. But in reality, their society is dying and they plan on using the ship to create their own fleet and conquer Earth. A gratuitous romantic subplot is also introduced, mostly an excuse to exploit Marguerite Chapman’s considerable visual assets.

Speaking of visuals...despite the obvious tiny budget, the film features some interesting special effects. The scenes of the rocket in-flight are goofy as hell, but the underground Martian city - a combination of forced perspective, matte paintings and colorful set design - is pretty impressive, drawing obvious inspiration from the 1939 British classic, Things to Come.

Both films boast good restorations, with vivid overall picture quality and serviceable audio tracks. Additionally, each disc comes with entertaining and informative bonus material. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

DESTINATION MOON

FEATURETTE - Man’s Greatest Adventure: Making Destination Moon is an entertaining new 23 minute documentary, featuring Justin Humphreys.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By historian Justin Humphreys.

TRAILER

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET - Features an essay, One Small Step/One Giant Leap, by Sloan De Forest.

FLIGHT TO MARS

FEATURETTES - Interstellar Travelogues: Extended Edition; Walter Mirish: From Bomba to Body Snatchers.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By historian Justin Humphreys.

TRAILER