FOLLOWING FILMS

Conclave, the 2024 adaptation of Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, is a tense and cerebral thriller that trades action for atmosphere, set against the cloistered, hallowed halls of the Vatican. Directed by Edward Berger, the film marks a bold departure from the splashy spectacles that dominate contemporary cinema, opting instead for tightly wound intrigue, intellectual sparring, and hushed suspense. Featuring a restrained yet magnetic performance from Ralph Fiennes and a supporting cast of veteran character actors, Conclave navigates questions of faith, power, and morality with an impressive sense of gravitas. It’s a film as much about the fragility of institutions as it is about the men who uphold them. The story unfolds in the wake of the sudden death of the Pope, an event that sends shockwaves through the Catholic Church and sets in motion the secretive process of electing his successor. Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lomeli, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, tasked with overseeing the conc...

Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959) is a breathless concoction of thrills, romance, and wry humor, deftly blended into one of the most exhilarating specimens of Hollywood’s Golden Age. This stylish caper stands out as a quintessential exercise in controlled chaos in a filmography rife with masterful suspense. Starring Cary Grant at his debonair best, alongside Eva Marie Saint and James Mason, Hitchcock crafts a cat-and-mouse game that careens from Manhattan’s concrete jungle to the windswept plains of South Dakota. From its kaleidoscopic Saul Bass opening titles to Bernard Herrmann’s pulsating score, North by Northwest announces itself as a film in perpetual motion. The screenplay, penned with razor-sharp wit by Ernest Lehman, is an ingenious series of escapades sparked by mistaken identity. Grant’s Roger Thornhill, a Manhattan ad man in perpetual command of quippy rejoinders and martini orders, is mistaken for George Kaplan, a non-existent government agent, by a cabal of sua...

  This is part 3 of my dive into the much-anticipated Shawscope Volume 3, a Limited-Edition Blu-ray box set poised to thrill martial arts aficionados and cinephiles alike. Today we'll be looking at Jade Tiger, Sentimental Swordsman, The Avenging Eagle, Killer Constable, Buddha’s Palm, and Bastard Swordsman. Jade Tiger (Disc 6) Jade Tiger (1977), directed by the legendary Chu Yuan and produced by Shaw Brothers, is a compelling blend of martial arts action and intrigue, offering a visually stunning and thematically rich story. Starring the charismatic David Chiang, Jade Tiger delivers an intense and atmospheric journey filled with betrayal, vengeance, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice. While the plot may seem like a familiar tale of revenge, the execution—driven by strong performances and meticulously choreographed fight sequences—elevates the film, making it an underrated gem in the wuxia genre. The film follows the story of a skilled swordsman, Mu Ren (David Chiang), whos...

  This is part 2 of my dive into the much-anticipated Shawscope Volume 3, a Limited-Edition Blu-ray box set poised to thrill martial arts aficionados and cinephiles alike. Today we'll be looking at The Lady Hermit, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan, The 14 Amazons, The Magic Blade, and Clans of Intrigue. The Lady Hermit (Disc 3) The Lady Hermit, directed by Ho Meng-hua and released by Shaw Brothers Studio in 1971, is a refreshing entry in the wuxia genre, spotlighting powerful female leads in an era often dominated by male-centric martial arts narratives. This action-packed tale centers on a skilled swordswoman in hiding, her quest for vengeance, and the eager young protégé who insists on following in her footsteps. With top-notch performances from Cheng Pei-pei and Shih Szu, The Lady Hermit combines rich character development with intense fight sequences, offering audiences a wuxia classic that brings an intriguing mix of strength, mentorship, and revenge. The story foll...

Over the next three days, I’ll dive into the much-anticipated Shawscope Volume 3, a Limited-Edition Blu-ray box set poised to thrill martial arts aficionados and cinephiles alike. This collection packs a punch with 14 classic titles pulled straight from the vaults of Hong Kong’s legendary Shaw Brothers Studio, including fan-favorites The One-Armed Swordsman, Return of the One-Armed Swordsman, The New One-Armed Swordsman, The Lady Hermit, Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan, The 14 Amazons, The Magic Blade, Clans of Intrigue, Jade Tiger, Sentimental Swordsman, The Avenging Eagle, Killer Constable, Buddha’s Palm, and Bastard Swordsman. The One-Armed Swordsman (Disc 1) The One-Armed Swordsman, directed by Chang Cheh and released in 1967, is an iconic Hong Kong martial arts film that reshaped the genre and established Shaw Brothers Studio as a leader in wuxia and kung fu cinema. This film tells the story of Fang Gang, a young swordsman who, after losing his arm, must find the will ...

Sam Raimi's A SIMPLE PLAN takes audiences on a chilling descent into greed and moral decay, underscored by a haunting sense of inevitability that is equal parts tragedy and thriller. Adapted from Scott B. Smith's novel by the author, the film is a stark departure from Raimi’s usual dynamic horror fare, revealing a new layer of sophistication to the director's toolkit. Here, Raimi exercises restraint, trading his signature freneticism for a measured approach that illuminates and amplifies the story's psychological darkness. Set in a small, frozen Midwestern town, A SIMPLE PLAN follows Hank Mitchell (Bill Paxton), his dim-witted brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton), and their friend Lou (Brent Briscoe) as they stumble upon a crashed plane in the woods containing over four million dollars in cash. What begins as an idle curiosity quickly shifts to a life-altering opportunity. The men are tempted to keep the money, reasoning that no one would ever know — a plan that initially...

What is the greatest movie year of all time? Let's take a look at some of the most often cited years: 1974  highlights the creativity of the “New Hollywood” era, a period defined by directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Roman Polanski who pushed the boundaries of storytelling and genre. It’s known for blending popular appeal with artistic ambition. A few highlights from 1974: The Godfather Part II, Chinatown, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1994 was a renaissance for mainstream and indie cinema with its mix of highly successful popcorn and art house films. 1994 brought Quentin Tarantino’s irreverent style to the mainstream while introducing classics that resonated with audiences of all types. It’s often cited for its variety and quality across genres. A few highlights from 1994: Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, The Lion King, Clerks 1999 was a year defined by visionary filmmaking with films like The Matrix, Fight Club, Being ...

Few films embody the chaotic spirit of Halloween quite like Michael Dougherty's Trick 'r Treat. Released in 2007 after a long, perplexing delay, the anthology horror flick delivers a gleefully sinister tribute to the holiday that is as playful as it is macabre. Its narrative structure—four intertwined stories set on a single Halloween night—echoes the great horror anthologies of the past while injecting the genre with a fresh, modern bite. In doing so, Trick 'r Treat cements itself as an essential October watch for horror enthusiasts and Halloween die-hards alike. Dougherty, making his feature directorial debut after penning X2: X-Men United, demonstrates a keen understanding of both horror and Halloween tradition. He weaves together a tapestry of urban legends and holiday myths that feel deeply rooted in the folklore surrounding the holiday. From the mischievous trick-or-treaters to the lurking presence of a masked, pint-sized Halloween enforcer named Sam, the film explore...

HBO’s Succession is a riveting, darkly comic drama that captures the cutthroat dynamics of a wealthy media empire and the dysfunctional family that runs it. Across its four seasons, the series artfully dissects the corrosive impact of wealth and power on the Roy family, led by the imperious Logan Roy (Brian Cox), as his children vie for control of the global media conglomerate, Waystar Royco. Created by Jesse Armstrong, Succession blends biting satire with Shakespearean drama, making each season an intricate, suspense-filled chess match between the siblings—Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Roman (Kieran Culkin), Shiv (Sarah Snook), and Connor (Alan Ruck)—as they jockey for dominance. The show’s deft writing, meticulous performances, and unpredictable plotting make it one of the best TV dramas in recent memory. Season 1: The Rise of Dysfunction The first season introduces the Roy family, with patriarch Logan Roy at the helm of Waystar Royco, a global media empire. Logan’s failing health sparks ...

Curb Your Enthusiasm is a landmark in television comedy, renowned for its innovative, improvisational style that sets it apart from traditional sitcoms. Created by Larry David, the co-creator of Seinfeld, the show masterfully blends semi-scripted dialogue with spontaneous interactions, adding an unmatched level of authenticity to its humor. What truly makes Curb groundbreaking is its exploration of social conventions, often poking fun at the absurdities of everyday life. By shining a spotlight on unwritten social rules, it prompts viewers to reflect on their own experiences, while making them laugh at the awkward and cringeworthy moments that ensue when those rules are broken. A key reason for the show’s significance lies in its complex characters and sharp cultural commentary. Larry David’s character, a fictionalized version of himself, is equal parts relatable and infuriating. His neurotic nature and unfiltered honesty often put him at odds with the world around him, resonating with...

In a welcome return to the stormy skies of disaster cinema, Twisters reinvigorates the genre with a fresh perspective while paying homage to its iconic predecessor, Twister . This sequel, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, navigates the turbulent waters of character-driven storytelling amidst the awe-inspiring chaos of nature's fury. The film centers on a new generation of storm chasers, led by a determined and resilient scientist, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Her character grapples with the physical dangers of extreme weather in addition to personal demons stemming from her family's legacy in the field. Edgar-Jones delivers a nuanced performance that balances vulnerability with fierce determination, making her the film's emotional anchor. The ensemble cast also features a standout performance by Glen Powell, who embodies the role of a cocky but skilled storm chaser. The relationship between Edgar-Jones and Powell attempts to add a layer of romantic tension to complement the hig...

Eli Roth’s  Borderlands  catapults audiences into a riotous, post-apocalyptic universe where chaos reigns supreme, humor runs rampant, and action is relentless. Based on the immensely popular video game franchise, Roth attempts to blend the franchise's signature style with a cinematic experience that aims to resonate with both fans and newcomers alike. While the film showcases the director's penchant for visceral thrills, it also grapples with the complexities of translating video game storytelling to the big screen. From the film's opening moments, viewers are thrust into a world brimming with vivid colors and exaggerated characters, encapsulating the essence of the game. The narrative centers around a motley crew of treasure hunters, led by the fierce and enigmatic Lilith, portrayed with remarkable energy by Cate Blanchett. As they embark on a perilous quest to locate a legendary vault rumored to hold unimaginable power, audiences are introduced to a plethora of eccentric...

At the core of the Hellraiser franchise is a distinct, disturbing mythos that explores human desires, pain, and pleasure in a way few other horror films do. It introduces a world where sadomasochism, hellish realms, and supernatural entities are intertwined, particularly through the puzzle box (the Lament Configuration) that summons the Cenobites, demonic beings led by Pinhead. This blend of horror and philosophical reflection on human suffering and desire sets it apart from traditional slasher films. Clive Barker, who wrote and directed the original Hellraiser (1987), brought a new perspective to horror. His vision, which came from his novella The Hellbound Heart, merged cosmic horror, body horror, and psychological terror. Barker’s deep, complex world-building—focused on the Cenobites and their perverse yet intriguing sense of morality—captured the imagination of audiences looking for something more intellectually engaging than standard horror fare. The character of Pinhead (played b...