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A Dark Song (2016)

Directed by: Liam Gavin

Starring: Catherine Walker, Steve Oram, Mark Huberman

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Thematic Material and Some Disturbing Imagery)

Running Time: 1 h 40 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Pacing, Message

WEAKNESSES: Ending Won’t Work For Everyone, Not Scary for Genre Hardened Fans

A Dark Song (2016)

October 8, 2018

A young woman teams up with an occultist to attempt a dangerous but powerful ritual; in doing so they risk their lives and souls.  

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In Art House, Fantasy, Drama, Horror, Thriller Tags A Dark Song, 2016, 4.5 Stars, Liam Gavin, Catherine Walker, Steve Oram, Mark Huberman, NR
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Kwaidan (1964)

Directed by: Masaki Kobayashi

Starring: Rentaro Mikuni, Michiyo Aratama, Miskako Wantanabe, Tatsuya Nakadai, Keiko Kishi

Rated: NR (Suggested PG-13 for Some Frightening Moments)

Running Time: 3 h 3 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Cinematography, Stories, Culture, Mis-en-scene

WEAKNESSES: -

Kwaidan (1964)

October 7, 2018

An anthology film of four Japanese folk tales with supernatural themes.

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In Art House, Crime, Drama, Epic, Fantasy, Foreign Film, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Kwaidan, 1964, Masaki Kobayashi, Rentaro Mikuni, Michiyo Aratama, Miskako Wantanabe, Tatsuya Nakadai, Keiko Kishi, 5 Stars, NR, Japan
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Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

Directed by: E Elias Merhige

Starring: John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Cary Elwes

Rated: R for Some Sexuality, Drug Content, Violence and Language

Running Time: 1 h 32 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Production Design, Atmosphere, Writing

WEAKNESSES: Cinematography, Small Target Audience (?)

Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

October 6, 2018

The filming of Nosferatu (1922) is complicated by the demands and habits of lead actor Max Schreck.

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In Art House, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Biographical Tags 2000, R, E. Elias Merhige, John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Cary Elwes, F.W. Murnau, Max Schreck, Bram Stoker, Eddie Izzard, 4 Stars
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Venom (2018)

Directed by: Ruben Fleischer

Starring: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed

Rated: PG-13 for Intense Sequences of Science-Fi Violence and Action, and For Language

Running Time: 1 h 52 m

TMM Score: 2.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: It’s Hilarious, Some Action

WEAKNESSES: Acting, Writing, Directing, Logic, Story, Plot Holes

Venom (2018)

October 5, 2018

While journalist Eddie Brock is working on a story he encounters a powerful symbiote and becomes an anti-hero. 

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In Action, Adventure, Crime, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci Fi, Superhero, Thriller Tags Venom, 2018, Ruben Fleischer, Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, PG-13, 2.5 Stars
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Spring (2014)

Directed by: Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead

Starring: Lou Taylor Pucci, Nadia Hilker, Francesco Carnelutti

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Disturbing Images, Some Sexuality/Nudity and Language)

Running Time: 1 h 49 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Cinematography, Story, Some Effects

WEAKNESSES: Some Acting, Some Effects

Spring (2014)

October 5, 2018

After Evan looses his Mom and his job in the same week, he heads to Italy, where he meets Louise, a seemingly perfect girl. But underneath her skin, Louise hides a secret.

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In Art House, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Not Rated, Lou Taylor Pucci, Nadia Hilker, Francesco Carnelutti, 4 Stars, Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead
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The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973)

Directed by: Wojciech Has

Starring: Jan Nowicki, Tadeusz Kondrat, Irena Orska, Halina Kowalska

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Some Nudity and Sexual Situations, and Foreboding Images and Themes)

Running Time: 2 h 4 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Production Design, Writing, Directing, Acting, Editing, Ingenuity

WEAKNESSES: May Be Difficult to Follow First Time Through

The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973)

October 4, 2018

A man named Jozef visits a sanatorium where his father is staying, only to find that within its walls, time doesn’t behave the way it should. 

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In Adventure, Art House, Biographical, Drama, Epic, Fantasy, Horror, Foreign Film, Mystery, Thriller Tags Poland, Wojciech Has, 1973, Jan Nowicki, Tadeusz Kondrat, Irena Orska, Halina Kowalska, NR, 5 Stars
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Jacob's Ladder (1990)

Directed by: Adrian Lyne

Starring: Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Pena, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Jason Alexander

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 53 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Acting, Atmosphere, Effects

WEAKNESSES: -

Jacob's Ladder (1990)

October 4, 2018

A Vietnam veteran struggles to maintain his sanity as he’s bombarded with delusions that might be the result of something that happened while he fought in the war. 

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In Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Adrian Lyne, Tim Robbins, Jason Alexander, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Elizabeth Pena, Ving Rhames, R, 4.5 Stars
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eXistenZ (1999)

Directed by: David Cronenberg

Starring: Jude Law, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Willem Dafoe, Ian Holm, Christopher Eccleston

Rated: R for Strong Sci-Fi-Fi Violence and Gore, and For Language

Running Time: 1 h 37 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Originality, Directing, Writing, Story, Themes

WEAKNESSES: Pacing in First Act

eXistenZ (1999)

October 2, 2018

Allegra Geller, a world famous game designer and Ted Pikul, a marketing trainee, go on the run after reality-enthusiast assassins try to kill Allegra.

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In Action, Art House, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags David Cronenberg, Jude Law, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Willem Dafoe, Ian Holm, Christopher Eccleston, R, 4 Stars
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Phenomena (1985)

Directed by: Dario Argento

Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Daria Nicoldi, Donald Pleasance

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 56 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Direction, Style, Practical Effects, Weird Story, Some Acting

WEAKNESSES: A Bit Farfetched at Points, Some Acting, Some Writing

Phenomena (1985)

October 1, 2018

A young girl who is both a psychic with a strong connection to insects and the daughter of a famous actor is sent to a boarding school in Switzerland, where her unusual abilities may help her to solve a string of gruesome murders. 

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In Adventure, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Dario Argento, 1985, Jennifer Connelly, Daria Nicoldi, Donald Pleasance, 3 Stars
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Two Evil Eyes (1990)

Directed by: George A Romero, Dario Argento

Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, Ramy Zada, Bingo O'Malley, Harvey Keitel, Madeleine Potter

Rated: R

Running Time: 2 h

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Atmosphere, Creepy Images, Harvey Keitel

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Dated Visual Effect in Romero's Segment, Some Acting, Depiction of Animal Cruelty

Two Evil Eyes (1990)

October 1, 2018

Two horror stories from Edgar Allan Poe, directed by horror auteurs George A Romero and Dario Argento.

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In Anthology, Crime, Horror, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller Tags 1990, R, George A Romero, Dario Argento, Adrienne Barbeau, Ramy Zada, Bingo O'Malley, Harvey Keitel, Madeleine Potter, 3 Stars
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Suspiria (1977)

Directed by: Dario Argento

Starring: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Udo Kier

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 38 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Music, Atmosphere, Giallo Goodness, Production Design, Color Usage

WEAKNESSES: -

Suspiria (1977)

October 1, 2018

An American ballerina attends a prestigious ballet academy, only to realize that something sinister is happening within its walls. 

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In Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Dario Argento, Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, R, 1977
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The Holy Mountain (1973)

Directed by: Alejandro Jodorowsky

Starring: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Horacio Salinas, Zamira Saunders

Rated: R

Running Time: 1h 54m

TMM Score: 5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Production, Cinematic Technique, Theme

WEAKNESSES: Some Disturbing Imagery

The Holy Mountain (1973)

September 25, 2018

Dissatisfied with an average life an thief, along with seven other seekers, consult an alchemist and pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain in order to gain enlightenment.

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In Art House, Fantasy Tags mjamesmcdonald, Alejandro Jodorowsky, 1973, Haracio Salinas, Zamira Saunders, R Rated, 5 Stars, The Holy Mountain
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The Shining (1980)

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers

Rated: R

Running Time: 2 h 26 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Writing, Acting, Cinematography, Atmosphere

WEAKNESSES: -

The Shining (1980)

September 20, 2018

A writer takes his wife and child to be a caretaker for an isolated hotel during the winter, only to find that there might be an evil presence lurking in the hotel.  

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In Drama, Epic, Fantasy, Horror, Kubrick Retrospective, Mystery, Thriller Tags Stanley Kubrick, Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, 1980, The Shining, R, 5 Stars
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King Kong (2005)

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Starring: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Colin Hanks, Andy Serkis, Jamie Bell, Kyle Chandler

Rated: PG-13 for Frightening Adventure Violence and Some Disturbing Images

Running Time: 3 h 7 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Ambition, Direction, Production Design, Most Visual Effects, Character, Story, Doesn’t Take Itself Seriously

WEAKNESSES: Some Dated Visual Effects, Length, Somewhat Episodic

King Kong (2005)

September 19, 2018

A movie director convinces his cast and crew to travel to a mysterious island where he plans to shoot his next film. The inhabitants of the island complicate the shoot. 

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In Action, Adventure, Drama, Epic, Fantasy Tags King Kong (2005), 2005, Peter Jackson, Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Colin Hanks, Andy Serkis, Jamie Bell, Kyle Chandler, PG-13, 3.5 Stars
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A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates

Rated: R

Running Time: 2 h 16 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Direction, Story, Irony, Writing, Production Design

WEAKNESSES: Content, Some Acting (?)

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

September 18, 2018

After a couple nights of ‘ultra-violence’ Alex DeLarge is sent to prison, where he undergoes an experimental surgery that will curb his more devious impulses.

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In Adventure, Art House, Biographical, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Kubrick Retrospective, Horror, Thriller Tags A Clockwork Orange, 1971, R, 5 Stars, Stanley Kubrick, Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates
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Mandy (2018)

Directed by: Panos Cosmatos

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, Richard Brake

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Strong Bloody Violence, Disturbing Images, Drug and Sexual Content, Graphic Nudity and Some Language)

Running Time: 2 h 1 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Aesthetic, Cinematography, Uniqueness, Acting, Inventiveness

WEAKNESSES: Some Pacing, Some Themes

Mandy (2018)

September 17, 2018

Set in alternative world in 1983. Red Miller hunts a religious cult after they murder the love of his life, Mandy.

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In Action, Art House, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller Tags Mandy, 2018, Panos Cosmatos, Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, Richard Brake, NR, 4 Stars
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The Predator (2018)

Directed by: Shane Black

Starring: Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Sterling K Brown, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Yvonne Strahovski

Rated: R for Strong Bloody Violence, Language Throughout, and Crude Sexual References

Running Time: 1 h 47 m

TMM Score: 1.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Some Dialogue, Some Action

WEAKNESSES: Direction, Lack of Story, Characters, Writing

The Predator (2018)

September 14, 2018

A young boy accidentally calls Predator to earth and soldiers have to fight off the alien. 

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In Action, Fantasy, Horror, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags The Predator, 2018, 1.5 Stars, R, Shane Black, Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Sterling K Brown, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Yvonne Strahovski
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Reign of Fire (2002)

Directed by: Rob Bowman

Starring: Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Izabella Scorupco, Gerard Butler

Rated: PG-13 for Intense Action Violence

Running Time: 1 h 41 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Concept, First and Second Acts, Acting, Some Visuals

WEAKNESSES: Third Act, Stupid Character Choices, Unbelievable Coincidences, Some Visuals

Reign of Fire (2002)

September 11, 2018

A post apocalyptic action thriller set in a world where dragons have wiped out much of the human population.

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In Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Thriller Tags Christian Bale, Matthew McConaughey, Gerard Butler, Izabella Scorupco, PG-13, 2002, Reign of Fire, 3 Stars, Rob Bowman
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Sita Sings the Blues (2008)

Directed by: Nina Paley

Starring: Annette Hanshaw, Assem Chhabra, Bhavana Nagulapally

Rated: NR

Running Time: 1h 22m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directorial Conviction, Music, Design

WEAKNESSES: Pacing and Simple Animation

Sita Sings the Blues (2008)

September 7, 2018

Sita and Rama, figures from the Vedas and Upanishads, are banished to a wild land of demons and monsters. When Sita is kidnapped by the king of the Rakshasa, Ravana, Rama must rescue her, but will he believe that she remained faithful during her stay with Ravana.

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In Animated, Biographical, Fantasy, Musical, Romance Tags mjamesmcdonald, Annette Hanshaw, Assem Chhabra, Bhavana, Bhavana Nagulapaly, 3 Stars, NR, Nina Paley, Sita Sings the Blues, 2008, Hinduism, Religious, Mythology
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Why Don't You Play in Hell? (2013)

Directed by: Sion Sono

Starring: Jun Kunimura, Fumi Nikaido, Hiroki Hasegawa

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Frenetic Bloody Violence and Strong Language)

Running Time: 2 h 9 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Practical Effects, Crazy Story, Unique Chracters

WEAKNESSES: CGI Effects, Pacing

Why Don't You Play in Hell? (2013)

September 3, 2018

An independent film crew becomes entangled in a yakuza war.

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In Action, Adventure, Art House, Comedy, Crime, Epic, Fantasy, Foreign Film, Thriller Tags Sion Sono, Jun Kunimura, Fumi Nikaido, Hiroki Hasegawa, Japan, 2013, NR, 3.5 Stars
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