BEFORE DAWN: Familiar Fighting & Episodic Engagement

BEFORE DAWN (Blu-ray)

2024 / 101 min

FROM WELL GO USA

Review by Princess Pepper😼

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like war movies come in waves, especially when a specific type ends up being very successful. In this case, the Australian film, Before Dawn, arrives in the wake of such recent (and masterful) World War I epics as 1917 and All Quiet on the Western Front. 

It’s also one of those moderately budgeted war movies that generally find an audience at home, either through a streaming service or going direct-to-video…the kind that almost always preface the title with “based on a true story.”

In the film, Jim Collins (Levi Miller) defies his father by leaving sheep farming behind, enlisting in Australian army with two buddies during World War I. The episodic narrative follows him and his battalion over the course of a few years. Early on, his buddies are killed, as is the brother of Private Nickels (Travis Jeffrey), setting up the only discernible story thread, in which Nickels holds Collins responsible for his brother’s death.

"You DO know we dug a latrine for that, right?"

Beyond that, it’s essentially a series of wartime incidents, some involving actual fighting, others depicting life in the trenches. Considering the budget, the battle scenes are well-staged, while the production and costume design look authentic. However, other than Collins’ compassion for others and increasing feelings of guilt, there’s nothing particularly compelling about any of these thinly-written characters, despite good overall performances.

Elsewhere, Before Dawn conveys the usual expected “war is hell” message. The film is efficiently directed and certainly watchable, though there’s nothing especially remarkable about it. True story or not, we’ve seen it all before. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

BEHIND THE SCENES - Several short promotional spots running around a minute each.

TRAILER

THE POOP SCOOP: Pulp Fiction Turns 30 & Other Coming Kibbles

😺PULP FICTION Celebrates 30th Anniversary With A Return to Theaters In October & A New 4K Ultra Collector’s Edition December 3 from Paramount.

In 1994, writer-director Quentin Tarantino blew away audiences and critics with his brazenly brilliant tribute to hard-crime capers, PULP FICTION. 30 years later, the acclaimed and award-winning film continues to thrill new generations of fans with its infinitely quotable dialogue, superb cast, ingenious plot, and chart-topping soundtrack. In celebration of the cinematic masterpiece’s 30th anniversary, PULP FICTION will return to the big screen in October for special presentations featuring pristine new 35mm prints in select theatres across the U.S.  In addition, the film will be released on 4K Ultra HD in a 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition on December 3, 2024 from Paramount Home Entertainment. PULP FICTION will be presented on both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray in a new Limited-Edition set that also includes extensive legacy bonus content and access to a Digital copy of the film in a collectible premium slipcase, a new slipcover with pop-up artwork, lobby card reproductions, photography select sheet, and decals.

🙀SPEAK NO EVIL Arrives 10/1 To Own Or Rent On Digital; On Blu-ray & DVD 11/19 from Universal.

After befriending a British couple with a mute son, Americans Ben and Louise accept an unusual invitation to bring their daughter for a weekend at an idyllic country estate. Yet when they discover their hosts are hiding sinister motives, Ben and Louise fear their family may be pawns in a disturbing plot. Led by James McAvoy as a charismatic man masking unspeakable darkness, a dream holiday warps into an unnerving nightmare in this shocking thriller. Continuing to terrify audiences in its theatrical run, the new Blumhouse thriller, SPEAK NO EVIL, will be available exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent October 1, 2024, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on November 19, 2024. James McAvoy stars in a “career-best” (Slash Film) riveting performance as the charismatic, alpha-male host whose untrammeled hospitality masks an unspeakable darkness. Own the suspenseful horror, SPEAK NO EVIL, with never-before-seen extras featuring the filmmakers and cast discuss the making of the film, only when you purchase from participating retailers nationwide including Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox Microsoft Movies & TV, and Movies Anywhere.

🧟SHAUN OF THE DEAD arrives 12/3 in 4K UHD and Limited-Edition Steelbook from Universal.

There comes a day in every man’s life when he has to get off the couch…and kill some zombies. When flesh-eating zombies are on the hunt for a bite to eat, it’s up to slacker Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his best pal Ed (Nick Frost) to save their friends and family from becoming the next entrée. Satisfy your bloodthirsty appetite with the movie that masters of horror and film critics alike are hailing as a screamingly hilarious zomedy that will have you dying with laughter. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Focus Features and Studiocanal have partnered with director Edgar Wright to remaster the movie in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision and immersive Dolby Atmos sound. Fans can own the remastered version on digital and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and access a new, never-before-seen bonus piece featuring Edgar Wright along with stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Hours of existing bonus will also be made available for the first time on participating digital platforms, including Apple TV, Movies Anywhere, and Fandango at Home.

🙀BLINK TWICE on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital 11/5 from Warner Bros.

When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks fly. He invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. It's paradise. Wild nights blend into sun soaked days and everyone's having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place. She'll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive. Blink Twice co-stars Christian Slater (“Unfrosted”), Simon Rex (“Red Rocket”), Adria Arjona (“Hit Man”), Kyle MacLachlan (“Inside Out 2”), Haley Joel Osment (“The Sixth Sense”), Geena Davis (“Thelma & Louise”), Alia Shawkat (TV’s “Arrested Development”). Zoë Kravtiz’s (“The Batman,” TV’s “Pretty Little Lies”) directorial debut Blink Twice, from Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Pictures, will be available for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD on November 5.  

Some Peculiar Picks For PARAMOUNT SCARES, VOLUME 2

PARAMOUNT SCARES, VOLUME 2 (4K UHD)

1981-2022 / 393 min (4 movies)

FROM PARAMOUNT

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

This is Paramount’s second horror-themed 4K collection following last year’s stellar boxed set, which featured an eclectic selection of five classic and recent titles. With a beautifully designed box, loads of additional collectible goodies and creative new slipcovers, it was one of 2023’s best releases.

Paramount Scares Volume 2 offers another great batch of physical goodies (outlined below), some similar to Volume 1, some different. This set is also nicely packaged, the box sporting a similarly designed collage representing the four included titles (no ‘mystery title’ this time), as well as great new slipcovers. But this time around, I’m a little perplexed over some of the films chosen for this collection.

Though it has its naysayers, including World War Z is kind of a no-brainer. Famously bastardizing Max Brooks’ original novel - essentially tossing everything but the title - the film is a superlative example of the zombie film elevated to epic proportions. Dark, serious and smartly written, what the film lacks in the usual gore is compensated by its overall intensity, believable characters and an excellent performance by Brad Pitt. From a box office standpoint, it’s Paramount’s most successful horror film, as well as the biggest of the entire zombie subgenre. Additionally, the Blu-ray features the unrated version. Running seven minutes longer, the differences appear minor, though the violence seems to pack more of a punch.

Roger Ebert once said his negative review of Friday the 13th Part 2 could apply to any other film in the franchise, and he wasn’t entirely wrong. But I’m still at a loss why Part 2 was selected for this set. The original Friday the 13th was no great shakes either, but was the one that started it all and is widely considered the classic. Part 2 is similarly artless, but also the blandest of the entire franchise. Though the body count remains high, it’s largely bereft of the graphic, gory kills that made the first such a hit with teenagers. And while it marks the first appearance of Jason as the killer, this is before he donned his iconic hockey mask. So…why?

1997’s Breakdown is the best film in the collection and you can read our summary & review HERE. It’s also one of most underappreciated thrillers Paramount has released over the past 30 years. However, calling it a horror film is really a stretch. This tension-filled thrill ride features a great story, some excellent action sequences and a supremely sinister batch of antagonists led by the late J.T. Walsh, to say nothing of Kurt Russell’s dedicated performance in the lead role. But while there certainly are some anxiety-loaded moments, Breakdown is more of an action thriller along the lines of Duel. 

Rounding out the set is Orphan: First Kill (you can read our original review & summary HERE). For a prequel to 2009’s sleeper hit, at least it manages to justify its existence. Sure, we’re aware of Esther’s secret (the big reveal in the original), but without giving too much away, other characters are hiding much worse skeletons in their closet…enough to turn Esther into sort-of an anti-hero. While not a great film - and more of a black comedy - its inclusion makes a little more sense than Friday the 13th Part 2 (since the original Orphan was distributed by Warner Bros). Still, I can think of some true classics that would better round out this collection (such as Don’t Look Now, The Dead Zone or Cloverfield, to name a few). Oh well…there’s always Volume 3.

Every film looks and sounds great in 4K, However, it’s all the physical swag that sells this set and its another fun batch. As for the films themselves, Paramount Scares Volume 2 is worth picking up for World War Z and Breakdown if you’ve never added them to your collection. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K, BLU-RAY & DIGITAL COPIES

FANGORIA MAGAZINE - Features new and reprinted articles/reviews.

COLLECTIBLE POSTER - A colorful collage of all four films.

IRON-ON PATCHES - One for each film.

“PARAMOUNT SCARES” LOGO PIN - A green one his time.

“PARAMOUNT SCARES” DOMED STICKER

WORLD WAR Z

THEATRICAL (4K) AND UNRATED VERSIONS (Blu-ray)

FEATURETTES - Origins; Looking to Science.

WWZ PRODUCTION - A four-part behind-the scenes doc.

FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2

FEATURETTES - Inside “Crystal Lake Memories” (the book's author discusses putting it together); Friday's Legacy: Horror Conventions; Lost Tales from Camp Blood Part II is a horror short inspired by the franchise (others are available on other F13 titles); Jason Forever is a Q&A featuring four guys who’ve previously played Jason Voorhees.

TRAILER

BREAKDOWN

FEATURETTES - Filmmaker Focus features director Jonathan Mostow; Victory is Here features actress Kathleen Quinlan; A Brilliant Partnership features producer Martha De Laurentis.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Jonathan Mostow and actor Kurt Russell.

ISOLATED SCORE

ALTERNATE OPENING - With optional commentary by Jonathan Mostow.

TRAILERS

THE MILLION EYES OF SUMURU: Crazy & Campy

THE MILLION EYES OF SUMURU (4K UHD)

1967 / 89 min

FROM BLUE UNDERGROUND

Review by Mr. Paws😺

Crazy, campy and comedic - intentionally & unintentionally - The Million Eyes of Sumuru is a movie that could only have sprung from the ‘60s, when spy spoofs were as plentiful as the spies they were spoofing. Better yet, Blue Underground has once again resurrected this British relic with a sparkling new 4K transfer.

But best of all, a RiffTrax version is also included. The movie is nothing if not riff-worthy, and Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett & Kevin Murphy are in fine form here. For their fans, including Mysties, this feature alone (included on the Blu-ray disc) makes the set worth picking up.

In the film, former Bond beauty Shirley Eaton stars as the title character, who commands an army of skilled and lethal sexpots. They’re plan is to assassinate the most powerful men in the world and take over. As if The Million Eyes of Sumuru didn’t already have enough cult credentials, one of their targets is Hong Kong’s playboy president, played by none other than kooky Klaus Kinski.

"That's two references. I asked for three."

All that stands in their way are two devil-may-care CIA agents, Nick West (George Nader, he of Robot Monster fame) and Tommy Carter (the Beach Party boy himself, Frankie Avalon). Though top billed, Avalon is mostly on hand for comic relief and to trade wisecracks with Nader, though this film does provide the opportunity to witness the guy who crooned “Venus” lobbing grenades. Meanwhile, Nader has the more enviable job of making out with most of the female cast.

I wouldn't necessarily say the cast delivers great performances, but they all look like they’re having a great time. And their mood is kind of infectious. Only a curmudgeon wouldn’t have fun with its silly plot, cartoony characters, goofy dialogue and bevy of babes. The Million Eyes of Sumuru is undoubtedly a product of groovy decade from which it sprang, but that’s also part of its charm.

Not only does the film look and sound great in 4K, Blue Underground provides a wonderful introduction to its relatively unknown director, Lindsay Shonteff, with a feature length documentary that showcases his lengthy career (and affection for James Bond rip-offs). But really, this one had me at RiffTrax.

EXTRA KIBBLES

4K & BLU-RAY COPIES

THE SCHLOCK-CINEMA LEGACY OF LINDSAY SHONTEFF - This feature length documentary might be the longest, most comprehensive and affectionate tribute to an obscure director I’ve ever seen. Great fun.

RIFFTRAX EDITION

2 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1) By David Del Valle & Dan Marino (not the guy you’re thinking); 2) By Nathaniel Thompson & Troy Howarth.

TRAILER

GALLERY - A collection of posters and stills.

REVERSIBLE COVER

BLACKOUT and the Sad Werewolf

BLACKOUT (Blu-ray)

2023 / 103 min

FROM DARK SKY FILMS

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

As classic movie monsters go, werewolves haven’t been terrifying in decades. Perhaps writer/director Larry Fessenden is aware of this, opting to make Blackout more of a tragedy than a horror film. However, it's not very interesting as a tragedy either.

Charley Barrett (Alex Hurt) is a depressed alcoholic artist who's been transforming into a werewolf on full moon nights and killing some of the small town locals. This is an ongoing crisis as the film begins and Charley already knows he's the monster. However, most of the town suspects Hispanic construction worker Miguel (Rigo Garay), a rumor perpetuated by greedy, racist resort developer Jack Hammond (Marshall Bell). 

Since he’s aware that the only solution to his - and the town’s - problem is to die, Charley is getting his affairs in order. This includes making peace with ex-girlfriend Sharon (Addison Timlin) and arranging for his buddy, Earl (Motell Gyn Foster), to shoot him with silver bullets. Meanwhile, the local sheriff (Joseph Castillo-Midyett) is stymied by the killings while trying to keep the locals from taking the law into their own hands with Miguel.

"Believe it or not, I found silver bullets on Amazon."

Fessenden’s attempts to work themes of racism, environmental issues and corporate greed into his story are admirable (and unfortunately timely). Considering what looks like a limited budget, the death scenes and make-up effects are fairly impressive. However, in between are long, rambling passages of characters engaging in dull banter, much of which sounds like the actors are improvising. And despite a few earnest performances, none of these characters are particularly engaging, including Charley. It's hard to sympathize with a protagonist's plight if you don't really care about him to begin with.

From a technical standpoint, Blackout is well made and sometimes delivers the gore goods. And I suppose Fessenden should be lauded for adhering to horror conventions first established by Universal’s The Wolf Man (this film’s most obvious inspiration). That he manages to accomplish it with such limited resources is commendable. However, the erratic pace, bland characters and drab dialogue undermine his good intentions.

EXTRA KIBBLES

BLACKOUT BEHIND THE SCENES - This is an excellent 75 minutes documentary with an introduction by writer/director Larry Fessenden. Features extensive behind-the-scenes footage and plenty of interviews.

FEATURETTES - Larry Fessenden’s Monsterverse (a montage of clips from three of the director’s horror films); Monster Mash Photoshoot Timelapse.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By writer/director Larry Fessenden.

BLACKOUT AUDIO DRAMA

TRAILERS

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET

LONGLEGS: Good...Almost Great

LONGLEGS (Blu-ray)

2024 / 101 min

FROM NEON/DECAL RELEASING

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

My daughter and I are big horror fans, especially those which offer something more unique and challenging than your typical high-concept Blumhouse film. So it was with some anticipation that we checked out Longlegs in theaters this past summer. The moody, disturbing trailer made it look right up our alley.

We left the theater a few hours later, not quite sure what to think. Disappointment is too strong a word, since we both enjoyed the dark tone and beautifully bleak aesthetic, both which certainly suited the story. We also appreciated the deliberate pace and effective performances, especially Maika Monroe as protagonist Lee Harker, a young FBI agent with a talent which suggests a little psychic ability.

While we both agreed Longlegs was a good film, we were oh-so-slightly underwhelmed. But what exactly were we expecting it to be? Something more? Something less? Or was it one of those films that gets better upon repeated viewings? Well, we got that chance for this review.

Longlegs is about an ongoing FBI investigation into a series of brutal murders that have been committed over the years, all involving families. Their primary suspect is mysterious man who calls himself “Longlegs” (Nicholas Cage), yet he’s not actually present for these killings. The only thing these families have in common is that the daughters in each one share the same birthday.

Lead investigator Agent Carter (Blair Underwood) recruits Harker to study the evidence. She quickly decodes Longlegs’ cryptic messages and finds further clues, including some related to Satanism. Longlegs also seems to be aware of Harker herself, who not only begins to believe he’s a literal monster, but she and her eccentric mother (Alicia Witt) are somehow connected with his actions.

When you hate what's on TV but can't find the remote.

Refreshingly, much of the story is told through Harker’s investigation and several hallucinatory sequences, which could either be interpreted as supernatural or products of her imagination. If nothing else, the film is filled with truly haunting imagery, imaginatively captured by writer/director Osgood Perkins (this is arguably his best film). 

But upon second viewing, I think I’m able to determine why Longlegs isn’t entirely successful. Despite a cavalcade of unnerving imagery and unexpected plot turns, these elements sometimes feel forced into the story, and not always seamlessly. For example, the point when Longlegs’ dolls become key to the narrative seems to belong in another movie…and to be honest, is somewhat derivative. Speaking of which, the film occasionally wears its influences almost too proudly. More-than-a-few moments - and characters - draw obvious inspiration from such classics as The Silence of the Lambs and Se7en (albeit with supernatural overtones).

As for Nicholas Cage…with the unique quirkiness he brings to most of his roles, casting him as a demonic serial killer should be a slam dunk. However, he’s not in the film nearly as much as the promotional campaign suggests, and despite a couple of scenes where he does let loose, he’s buried under so much prosthetic make-up that Longlegs could have been played by anybody capable of screaming.

But I did enjoy Longlegs more with a second viewing, catching certain visuals and subtleties that escaped me the first time. I also have a greater appreciation for the overall look of the film, which certainly enhances its grim, ominous tone. While the whole ultimately doesn’t equal the sum of its parts (or its influences), it is a good horror film…almost a great one.

EXTRA KIBBLES

INTERVIEWS - Individual promotional interviews featuring director Osgood Perkins, actors Blair Underwood, Maike Monroe & Alicia Witt.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By writer/director Osgood Perkins.

"THE CLUES" - A few half-minute segments from the film related to the narrative puzzle. Weird but superfluous.

“EVIDENCE” - I far as I’ve been able to figure out, this is just a single still of the farmhouse where some of the movie takes place. 

3 TRAILERS - Including a really strange one subtitled “Dirty/Sweet.”