Ghosts Both Real and Imagined Haunt Our Pick of the Week

Pick of the Week

Brooklyn 45

What is it? A group of friends reunite, and they’re visited by something from beyond.

Why see it? Ted Geoghegan’s first film, We Are Still Here, remains my favorite, but this 180 degree turn into softer, more emotionally resonant horror is an absolute winner. Five friends reunite after World War II to discuss old times, but as the night wears on those old times come back to haunt them in varying ways. An indie film by every standard, this single location tale brings warm character interactions paired with an unfolding story of betrayal and hidden truths, both joined by wit and supernatural antics. It’s far from a showy film, but its joys are found in its small moments, its silences, and in the performances from some stellar genre faves.

[Extras: Commentary, making of, black & white version]

The Best

Butcher Baker Nightmare Maker [4K UHD, Severin]

What is it? A wild tale of motherly love.

Why see it? Jimmy McNichol is a normal teen suspected of being a murderer, so it’s a good thing he has a psychotic mom in his corner. This thing is ridiculously entertaining thanks to its thriller antics and story turns, but it’s the performances that make it unforgettable. Bill Paxton swings by, and Bo Svenson is on a real tear as the foul-minded detective, but it’s Susan Tyrrell who steal the film as a mother who really, really, really loves her little boy. It’s a standard slasher/exploitation flick by normal standards, a fun one to be sure, but hoo boy is Tyrrell the most valuable player. This is a movie you’ll have a blast with, you’ll share with friends, and you’ll rewatch more than once. Severin’s new 4K release is a banger.

[Extras: New 4K scan, commentaries, interviews]

Cemetery Man [4K UHD, Severin]

What is it? A love story?

Why see it? Michele Soavi made more traditional genre efforts, but this remains his masterpiece. A cemetery worker whose duties include burying the dead, maintaining the property, and killing the undead — you know, the usual — Dellamorte (Rupert Everett) is a man who longs for more. More of the world, more love, more purpose… be careful what you wish for, Dellamorte! This is a zombie horror film, but it’s also something well beyond that. A black comedy, a philosophical journey, a sexy romp. There’s a lot going on here, from the memorable visuals and zombie attacks to questions about the value of love, the danger of isolation, and more. It’s an unforgettable film, and it’s never looked better.

[Extras: New 4K scan, commentary, interviews]

Cry Baby [4K UHD, KL Studio Classics]

What is it? A John Waters production!

Why see it? Johnny Depp isn’t held in high regard these days, but he had a good run where he made for an interesting and charismatic performer. This 1990 film takes full advantage of his looks by casting him as a dreamy bad boy in 50s America. A near spoof of the genre, the film delivers a fun, colorful comedy/musical riffing on bad boy cinema, 50s hijinks, Elvis fanaticism, and more. It’s a good time that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still being a sincere effort. Waters has made far more dangerous films, but this is a purely entertaining one. Kino’s new 4K release highlights the film’s palette while also making it even harder to ignore the power of Depp’s single tear.

[Extras: New 4K scan, commentary by John Waters, featurette, interviews, documentary, deleted scenes]

Invasion U.S.A. [4K UHD, Vinegar Syndrome]

What is it? Terrorists invade!

Why see it? Chuck Norris and Cannon Films were a match made in 80s action heaven, and this ridiculous romp is arguably their finest triumph. Terrorists spill into the country through Florida at Christmas time and begin blowing up innocent Americans. Good thing Chuck Norris is on duty, and soon he’s leading a one-man assault on the bad guys with every weapon at his disposal. It’s a big, explosive blast without a shred of realism to be found, but who cares when it’s this entertaining and satisfying? To be clear, it’s not a comedy, but the damn thing just thrills with its gleeful 80s excesses. Vinegar Syndrome’s new release is a beautiful package, both on and off the discs. Bad guys go boom, and that’s always a good time.

[Extras: New restoration, commentaries, interviews, featurette]

Reptilicus [4K UHD, Vinegar Syndrome]

What is it? A giant monster threatens Copenhagen!

Why see it? Critics, even self-described kaiju/giant monster fans, will tell you that Reptilicus isn’t a good movie, but while their arguments are clear I still fall on the other side of the aisle. Sure, it’s cheesy at times with effects that don’t measure up to bigger films, but that doesn’t stop the scenes of citywide destruction from being thrilling and entertaining stuff. It follows the narrative mold of films that came before, so no surprises there, but its existence as a Danish/American co-production is already enough to make it unique. Vinegar’s new 4K looks fantastic and highlights the miniature use (in a good way) with sharp details, colors that pop, and more. It’s a fun watch, and this release is packed to the gills with informative extras.

[Extras: New 4K restoration, theatrical and Dutch versions, commentary, retrospective, featurette, interview]

Revenge of the Ninja ]KL Studio Classics]

What is it? The best Cannon ninja film!

Why see it? It’s understood that this column’s delineations between the best and the rest all come down to one person’s opinion — mine — so it should not surprise anyone that this 80s gem from the fine folks at Cannon Films is being heralded as a great time. You know what you’re getting here with ninja action, nonsensical choreography, oh so serious dramatic beats, and plenty of ol’ fashion violence. As a teen in the 80s this kind of movie is absolutely my jam, and while adult me is well aware of its numerous flaws, I’m just in the bag for 80s Sho Kosugi.

[Extras: Commentaries, intro]

The Rest

Arthur the King

What is it? A dog is this man’s best friend.

Why see it? Mark Wahlberg’s filmography seems to bounce between action/genre fare and family friendly movies meant to appease his kids and his god. That’s fine, except too many of the latter are pretty darn unmemorable. This tale, purportedly based on a true story, survives on the strength of its canine protagonist who brings heart and soul to a group of sporty types engaged in an endurance race. It’s fine, but Wahlberg just can’t sell sincerity, and that’s an issue for a film wanting us to buy into the bond between man and animal.

[Extras: Commentaries, featurettes]

Cathy’s Curse [4K UHD, Severin]

What is it? A young girl is possessed by an angry aunt.

Why see it? Creepy dolls will always have home in horror, both because they’re creepy and because they’re easy to make creepy. This mid 70s chiller tells the story of a ghost seeking revenge, and the way she goes about it is through her brother’s daughter years later. That’s right, creepy doll and creepy kid. The end result is fine, and it hits the expected beats with its tale, but it never crosses the line into greatness with its gore, horror, or weirdness. Still, fans will absolutely want to pick up this new 4K from Severin.

[Extras: New 4K scan, director’s cut and R-rated, commentary, interviews]

China O’Brien 1 & 2 [4K UHD, Vinegar Syndrome]

What is it? A Cynthia Rothrock double feature!

Why see it? I’m of the (far from unpopular opinion) that Cynthia Rothrock is at her best in her Hong Kong films. Most action fans agree, but I go the extra step of unfortunately not being all that fond of most of her American output. This double feature from director Robert Clouse (Enter the Dragon, Gymkata) puts Rothrock front and center, and while both offer solid enough slices of unassuming action, she’s actually shortchanged and overshadowed by Richard Norton (in rare good guy roles) and Keith Cooke. Rothrock plays a small-town cop facing off against trouble, and we get some fun fights among the generic plotting. Both films get the royal treatment from Vinegar Syndrome ensuring a good picture and loads of extra material to give fans a peek into the production and legacy of the films, Rothrock, and more. Great release of mediocre films!

[Extras: New restorations, commentaries, featurettes, interviews]

Cult Movies, Shows & Classic Comics: The Histories and the Games

What is it? A collection of documentaries on pop culture media.

Why see it? A collection of nine short documentaries explore the origins of popular movies, comics, and the games that followed. Movies like Saw and The Evil Dead, and comics like The Mask and Alien vs Predator, they all started somewhere, and these short featurettes explore those stories with the people and stories about how it all happened. There are some mildly interesting tidbits here, depending on your interest in the titles being explored, but their origin as YouTube shorts is evident.

[Extras: Interviews, commentaries, easter eggs, 3-D maze game]

The Devil’s Honey [4K UHD, Severin]

What is it? Remember the saxophone guy from The Lost Boys? Well he remembers this movie.

Why see it? Lucio Fulci’s best known for his horror romps, from zombie thrills to slasher antics, but this softcore fiasco is almost as memorable. I’m not prepared to say it’s really all that good, but Fulci throws his heart into its visuals ensuring that it won’t easily be forgotten. The big scene everyone goes back to is the beat where a dude makes a lady orgasm via the sweet, sweet sounds of his saxophone — that’s pressed up to her lady bits to maximize those good vibrations. It’s wild stuff, and the film embraces that sexy, saucy, sleazy weirdness throughout. It probably doesn’t deserve to look this good, but thanks to Severin it most definitely does.

[Extras: New 4K scan, interviews, audio essay]

Game of Pleasure

What is it? A sexy virtual reality game gets hacked.

Why see it? Speaking of sexy weirdness, this shot on video softcore extravaganza was a late 90s release when virtual reality films were all the rage. Said rage lasted a minute or two. The budget means it never got much of a release, but SOV fans, particularly those who like their naked skin in soft focus and digitally augmented, will find things to enjoy here. At just over an hour, the time investment is slight.

[Extras: Commentary, interviews, featurettes, deleted scenes]

The Great Alligator [4K UHD, Severin]

What is it? “It’s not an animal. It’s a god!”

Why see it? The Jaws ripoff subgenre gifted fans with all kinds of animal mayhem, and this late 70s entry comes from Italian genre master Sergio Martino. There’s a big resort, an animal going rogue and killing people, arguments that maybe the place should stay open anyway, and a small group of heroes hoping to end the terror. The film does find a fresh angle in the alligator’s connection to a local tribe, but while it offers up some fun in the third act it’s never really developed into anything special. So not great, and far from the best killer gator/croc flick, but a fun enough ride all the same. Severin’s 4K upgrade is the expected delight.

[Extras: New 4K scan, interviews, video essay]

Houseboat Horror [Umbrella]

What is it? An SOV slasher from down under!

Why see it? Australia has delivered some pretty good slashers over the years — Road Games is probably their top spot there — but they can’t all be winners. This shot on video slasher is beloved by some genre fans, and there’s a few reasons to see why given the locale, the obscurity, and such. For the rest of us, though, the iffy take on Friday the 13th never really amounts to much as the film’s look, cast, and kills can’t amount to much. Still, if you’re looking for a slasher set mostly on a houseboat, well, here ya go.

[Extras: Newly remastered, commentary, Q&A, interviews, short film, documentary]

The Old Ones

What is it? A Lovecraft horror film, in this economy?

Why see it? Director Chad Ferrin adapts H.P. Lovecraft here — not a particular tale, but basically the idea of Lovecraft — with unmemorable results. The highlight are some practical effects that remind you how much fun practical effects can be, but everything around them is more often than not a miss, from the performances to the script and beyond. A very low budget doesn’t help, but neither does Ferrin if we’re being honest.

[Extras: Commentary, featurette, deleted scenes]

Also out this week:

Creation of the Gods: Kingdom of Storms, The French, Io Capitano, The Killing: The Complete Series, Kung Fu Panda 4, Monk: Season Seven, Ultramegalopolis, Vacation!, Without Name