river wind [4K UHD, steelbook]
What is it? A tracker and an FBI agent investigate the death of a woman.
Why watch it? Taylor Sheridan is best known these days for his television empire that includes yellow stone, 1883and more, but his primary work is equally compelling. This thriller sets its sights on a sad truth that still doesn’t receive enough attention: the violence committed against Native American women even to this day. Here, the death of a young woman brings together a game tracker (Jeremy Renner) and an FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) to catch those responsible. There are some memorable, sometimes powerful sequences here, and while Sheridan’s portrayal of the women isn’t great, the end result is still compelling. The film is set in the remote areas of Wyoming and the cinematography captures both the beauty and haunting isolation of it all.
[Extras: Deleted scenes]
The best
The antichrist [4K UHD, KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A man tries to help his paralyzed daughter but instead welcomes evil.
Why watch it? We’ve all been there. Using hypnosis to help a child only to unknowingly invite him into an evil entity that makes her life a living hell. What begins as a character drama of sorts quickly shifts to become a William Friedkin rip-off. The exorcist —Warner Bros. even filed a lawsuit! — comes to life with Italian style. The latter is important since it is what elevates Alberto de Martino’s film above the competition. It’s an over-the-top fest of gooeyness, nudity, and eye-catching visuals (both through special effects and cinematography). Another point to highlight here is the leading performance of Carla Gravina as the goal of possession. It’s no real competition for Friedkin’s film, but in terms of imitations, it’s pretty special.
[Extras: Commentary, featurette]
Inside out 2
What is it? A sequel.
Why watch it? Hello, it’s me, the only person on earth who doesn’t love From the inside out because, and I mean it, sadness is too annoying. She returns for the sequel along with Joy and the others, but this time she’s much less annoying as she focuses on a bunch of other emotions that explore how our brains work despite the chaos. It’s fun, colorful, and occasionally moving, but her greatest strength is her ability to juggle emotions the same way our own brains do. It may be far from my favorite Pixar. The life of an insectobviously, but its charms are undeniable. Now, what are the chances that Pixar will return to a more personal and much more memorable film like Lucas and turning red?
[Extras: Featurettes, deleted scenes]
The rest
Arctic Circle: Seasons 1-3
What is it? A chilling series of murders and mayhem.
Why watch it? It’s been a few years since the invasion of thrillers and procedurals from Norway, Sweden and the like arrived in the United States. We’ve seen some great things since then, some high profile, but most have crept across the border with far fewer eyes. This Finnish series (including all three seasons) is good and follows a policewoman who works her way up to becoming a police chief in the Arctic Circle. The mysteries are compelling, but more than that, the setting makes it a more unique entry in the genre. It’s engaging, well-acted television, and fans of short-season thrills should give it a spin.
[Extras: None]
avenging force [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A former agent fights right-wing terrorists!
Why watch it? Cannon films in the 80s? B-movie fun guaranteed. In this 1986 effort, Michael Dudikoff takes the lead as a former Secret Service agent whose attempt to help a friend gets him and his younger sister into trouble in the Louisiana swamps. Explosions, punches, gunplay: it’s all here alongside the great Steve James and Sam Firstenberg’s competent direction. It won’t blow your mind, but it’s a good time for Cannon fans.
[Extras: Commentary, interview]
Call My Agent: The Complete Series
What is it? A French comedy/drama about actors.
Why watch it? I’ll be the first to admit that international humor doesn’t always translate, but this series delivers more than enough laughs to warrant a return thanks to some sharp writing. The drama is arguably less compelling, but thankfully the heady roster of stars, mostly European but a few Americans slip through, make it even more entertaining. Juliette Binoche, Isabelle Adjani, Monica Bellucci, Jean Reno, Sigourney Weaver, Charlotte Rampling and more play themselves and create a fun moment.
[Extras: None]
gold chains [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A social worker goes undercover.
Why watch it? Chances are you don’t remember this particular John Travolta vehicle, despite it being from 1991, and that’s very understandable. Not only did it not get traction back then, but it’s also a film that rises to the level of okay despite greater ambitions. Travolta plays a social worker trying to save a teenager from a gang, and that means gaining access to the gang itself. Marilu Henner, Bernie Casey, Héctor Elizondo and Joey Lawrence co-star. Travolta is good here, that’s something.
[Extras: None]
fatal vision [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A highly successful miniseries from the 80s.
Why watch it? Do you remember the miniseries? I miss them. Anyway, this 1986 effort offers a true crime story about an army captain accused of murdering his wife and his two daughters. An adaptation of Joe McGinniss’ best-selling true crime book, the case initially failed in a military court only to be reopened based on evidence and in-laws seeking justice. Karl Malden and Eva Marie Saint are those in-laws, Gary Cole is the killer, and more familiar faces appear throughout, giving the proceedings additional weight. They don’t make miniseries like this anymore (nowadays they’re all limited series that last ten episodes) and this is one of the best. Do you want to see it again? That’s the thing, but it’s at least worth a visit.
[Extras: New 4K scan, commentary]
Rolling Revenge [KL Studio Classics]
What is it? A man seeks revenge in a monster truck.
Why watch it? The premise here is pretty good: a young man seeks revenge for the death of his family with the help of a newly built monster truck. He steps over the bad guys and their belongings with abandon, and there’s fun to be had. However, it never seems like enough: the bad guys kill his mother and his younger siblings, kill his father, and rape his girlfriend, and he just crushes them. I want more! Use that drill to skewer the rapists! Make Ned Beatty (never looked cooler) squeal like a pig! Anyway, it’s okay, but he leaves you wanting, something exploitation cinema shouldn’t do!
[Extras: Commentary, interview]
Two weeks in September
What is it? A woman explores an adventure.
Why watch it? Brigitte Bardot is the big name draw here as a young woman who takes an impetuous leave from her relationship with an older man to spend time with a younger man she has just met. There’s not much here in the way of plot, as we simply hang out with the young lovers as they frolic, taking occasional breaks for Bardot to talk to her boy on her phone. The cuckold is Jean Rochefort, while the lucky one is Laurent Terzieff. It’s more of a mood than a story, and it never really amounts to much, but there’s a dreamy “what if” hanging in the air that some can connect with.
[Extras: Commentary]
Zoltan, Dracula’s dog [4K UHD, Kino Cult]
What is it? Dracula’s dog goes hunting.
Why watch it? Albert Band, the man who fathered Charles and Richard, directs this silly tale of a blood-hungry vampire dog. The story sees an unnecessarily complicated relationship between the current prey and the previous master, but who cares: he’s a vampire dog. Reggie Nalder plays the puppy’s handler and Stan Winston provides the puppet prosthetics for close-ups. It’s silly, and while it’s not as fun as it should be, it has its moments. Regardless, we should celebrate the existence of it in 4K.
[Extras: Commentary]
Also available this week:
All of us strangers [Criterion]Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 1, Kill, Knuckles, Naughty Girl, Sorry Not Sorry, The Stepfather [4K UHD]The strangers [4K UHD]