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Us (2019)

Directed by: Jordan Peele

Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex

Rated: R for Violence/Terror, and Language

Running Time: 1 h 56 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Acting, Message

WEAKNESSES: -

Us (2019)

March 26, 2019

A family on vacation is terrorized by a group of doppelgangers.

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In Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Horror, Thriller Tags Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, R, 5 Stars, Jordan Peele, 2019
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The Skin I Live In (2011)

Directed by: Pedro Almodovar

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Elana Anaya, Jan Cornet, Marisa Paredes

Rated: R for Disturbing Violent Content Including Sexual Assault, Strong Sexuality, Graphic Nudity, Drug Use and Language.

Running Time: 2 h

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Direction, Story Structure, Some Acting

WEAKNESSES: Fails to Really Make A Connection, Rough Themes

The Skin I Live In (2011)

February 26, 2019

A plastic surgeon, haunted by past tragedies, holds a mysterious woman prisoner in order to perfect a new type of synthetic skin that can withstand damage. 

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In Art House, Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Pedro Almodovar, Antonio Banderas, Elana Anaya, Jan Cornet, Marisa Paredes, R, 3.5 Stars, Spain
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Velevet Buzzsaw (2019)

Directed by: Dan Gilroy

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Zawe Ashton, Toni Collette, Natalia Dyer, Daveed Diggs, John Malkovich

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 53 m

TMM Score: 2.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Theme

WEAKNESSES: Unlikeable Characters, Finding a Tone

Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

February 8, 2019

After a series of paintings by a recently deceased unknown artist are discovered, a group of artists try to get rich off the artist’s work, only to find the artwork fighting back.

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In Art House, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Horror, Sci Fi, Fantasy Tags Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Zawe Ashton, Toni Collette, Natalia Dyer, Daveed Diggs, John Malkovich, Dan Gilroy, R, 2.5 Stars, 2019
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Take Shelter (2011)

Directed by: Jeff Nichols

Starring: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain

Rated: R

Running Time: 2h

TMM Score: 5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Direction, Writing, Acting

WEAKNESSES: None

Take Shelter (2011)

January 30, 2019

Plagued by visions which foretell of an apocalyptic storm, Curtis struggles to convince his family and the community around them, that he isn’t going insane as he sinks everything into building a storm shelter.

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In Drama, Horror Tags Michael McDonald, Take Shelter, 20111, 2011, Jeff Nichols, R Rated, Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain
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Suspiria (2018)

Directed by: Luca Guadagnino

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Chloe Grace-Moretz

Rated: R for Disturbing Content Involving Ritualistic Violence, Bloody Images and Graphic Nudity, and For Some Language Including Sexual References

Running Time: 2 h 32 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Writing, Story, Acting, Atmosphere, World Building

WEAKNESSES: Ending Might Not Work for Everyone

Suspiria (2018)

January 28, 2019

An American dancer travels to Berlin to join a mysterious dance troupe. 

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In Art House, Crime, Coming of Age, Drama, Epic, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Chloe Grace-Moretz
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The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos

Starring: Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, Nicole Kidman, Sunny Suljic

Rated: R

Running Time: 2h 1m

TMM Score: 5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Acting, Concept, Themes

WEAKNESSES: Story, Slow

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

January 23, 2019

When a confident and in-control surgeon, Steven’s young mentee, Martin, informs him that Steven’s son’s mysterious illness can only be stopped by a horrifying act, he must make the hardest choice he has ever had to make.

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In Art House, Coming of Age, Horror Tags Michael McDonald, Yorgos Lanthimos, 2017, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, Nicole Kidman, Sunny Suljic, R Rated, 5 Stars
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The House that Jack Built (2018)

Directed by: Lars von Trier

Starring: Matt Dillon, Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman, Riley Keough

Rated: R

Running Time: 2 h 32 m

TMM Score: 2 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Matt Dillon, Some Writing

WEAKNESSES: Direction, A Majority of the Writing

The House that Jack Built (2018)

January 14, 2019

Serial killer Jack recounts twelve years of of his life.

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In Art House, Anthology, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Epic, Thriller Tags Lars von Trier, Matt Dillon, Bruno Ganz, Uma Thurman, Riley Keough, 2 Stars, 2018, R
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The Nun (2018)

Directed by: Corin Hardy

Starring: Taissa Farminga, Jonas Bloquet, Demian Bichir

Rated: R for Terror, Violence, and Disturbing/Bloody Images

Running Time: 1 h 36 m

TMM Score: 1.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Aesthetic

WEAKNESSES: Plot, Writing, Lack of Scares

The Nun (2018)

December 17, 2018

A priest and a woman on the threshold of her final vows are sent to Romania to investigate a mysterious death at a monastery. 

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In Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Taissa Farminga, Jonas Bloquet, Demian Bichir
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Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)

Directed by: Panos Cosmatos

Starring: Eva Bourne, Michael Rogers, Scott Hylands

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 50 m

TMM Score: 2 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Visual Aesthetic

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Story

Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)

December 16, 2018

Under heavy sedation in the spiritual, new age / scientific Aboria Institue, young lady Elena tries to escape her obsessed captor.


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In Sci Fi, Thriller, Horror, Art House Tags 2010, R, 2 Stars, Panos Cosmatos, Beyond the Black Rainbow, Eva Bourne, Michael Rogers, Scott Hylands
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Cries and Whispers (1972)

Directed by: Ingmar Bergman

Starring: Harriet Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Kari Sylwan, Ingrid Thulin

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 31 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Acting, Themes

WEAKNESSES: -

Cries and Whispers (1972)

December 13, 2018

Two women return home to visit their dying sister, only to have repressed tensions come to light.

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In Art House, Drama, Fantasy, Foreign Film, Horror Tags Harriet Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Kari Sylwan, Ingrid Thulin, Ingmar Bergman, 1972, R, 5 Stars, Sweden
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Hour of the Wolf (1968)

Directed by: Ingmar Bergman

Starring: Max Von Sydow, Liv Ullman, Ingrid Thulin

Rated: NR (Suggested PG-13 for Some Disturbing Themes and Brief Violence)

Running Time: 1 h 30 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Acting, Directing, Cinematography

WEAKNESSES: Pacing (Maybe? I mean, it’s Bergman, what do you expect?)

Hour of the Wolf (1968)

November 29, 2018

An artist and his younger pregnant wife retreat to an island, where the husband can paint. While there, the artist confronts secrets from his past that slowly drive him mad.

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In Art House, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Mystery, Thriller, Foreign Film Tags Hour of the Wolf, 1968, Ingmar Bergman, Max Von Sydow, Liv Ullman, Ingrid Thulin, 4 Stars, NR, Sweden
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Overlord (2018)

Directed by: Julius Avery

Starring: Wyatt Russell, Jovan Adepo, Mathilde Ollivier

Rated: R for Strong Bloody Violence, Disturbing Images, and Brief Sexual Content

Running Time: 1 h 50 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Action, Story, Fun, Writing

WEAKNESSES: Somewhat Predictable Third Act, Some Plotholes, Some CGI

Overlord (2018)

November 19, 2018

A group of American soldiers stumble upon a Nazi experiment after being dropped behind enemy lines on the eve of D-Day. 

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In Action, Adventure, Horror, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Overlord, 2018, Julius Avery, Wyatt Russell, Jovan Adepo, Mathilde Ollivier, R, 3.5 Stars
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Alien (1979)

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Starring: Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt, Harry Dean Anderson, Ian Holm, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Yaphet Kotto

Rated: R for Sci-Fi Violence/Gore and Language

Running Time: 1 h 56 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Pacing, Production Design, Atmosphere, Writing, Directing

WEAKNESSES: Wide Shots of Xenomorph

Alien (1979)

November 8, 2018

The crew of the merchant space vessel Nostromo lands on a moon to investigate a distress call, only to find something they weren’t ready for waiting for them. 

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In Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Alien, 1979, Ridley Scott, R, Sigourney Weaver, John Hurt, Harry Dean Anderson, Ian Holm, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Yaphet Kotto, 5 Stars
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Trick’r Treat (2007)

Directed by: Michael Dougherty

Starring: Dylan Baker, Brian Cox, Anna Paquin

Rated: R for Horror Violence, Some Sexuality/Nudity and Language

Running Time: 1 h 22 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Halloween Spirit

WEAKNESSES: Some Uneven Pacing

Trick'r Treat (2007)

November 2, 2018

A flower shop worker comes across an unusual species of plant that brings him great fortune, but at a great cost.

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In Anthology, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Trick'r Treat, 2007, Michael Dougherty, Dylan Baker, Brian Cox, Anna Paquin, R, 4 Stars
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Black Swan (2010)

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassell

Rated: R

Running Time: 1h 48m

TMM Score: 5 Stars (loved it)

STRENGTHS: Acting, Cinematography

WEAKNESSES: Weak Dialogue in Moments

Black Swan (2010)

November 2, 2018

Nina is one of the most dedicated and technical dancers in her ballet company. When their star retires all the girls vie for her position and Nina is granted the role, if, and it’s a big if, she can tap into her less controlled and naturally talented side.

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In Art House, Drama, Fantasy, Horror Tags mjamesmcdonald, Black Swan, 2010, Darren Aronofsky, Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassell, R Rated, 5 Stars
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The Mummy (1932)

Directed by: Karl Freund

Starring: Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners

Rated: Approved

Running Time: 1 h 13 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Production Design, Old Hollywood Charm

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Reuse of Shots, Expositional Dialogue, Dues Ex Machina

The Mummy (1932)

October 31, 2018

A resurrected mummy searches for the reincarnation of his lost love.

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In Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller Tags Karl Freund, Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, 3 Stars, 1932, Universal Monsters, Approved
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The Invisible Man (1933)

Directed by: James Whale

Starring: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan

Rated: NR (Suggested PG for Mild Violence)

Running Time: 1 h 11 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Cinematography, Special Effects, Fun, Story, Old Hollywood Charm

WEAKNESSES: Unsympathetic Protagonist/ Villain

The Invisible Man (1933)

October 31, 2018

A scientist is driven to insanity after he becomes invisible, and he spends his days terrorizing a town. 

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In Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags 1933, 4 Stars, James Whale, HG Wells, Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan
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Dracula (1931)

Directed by: Tod Browning

Starring: Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye

Rated: NR (Suggested PG for Some Scary Images)

Running Time: 1 h 15 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Old Hollywood Charm, Production Design, Story

WEAKNESSES: It's Kind of Boring, Lack of Soundtrack/Atmosphere, Acting

Dracula (1931)

October 31, 2018

Count Dracula leaves his castle in Transylvania to prey on a woman who lives in London.

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In Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Tod Browning, Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye, NR, 3 Stars, 1931
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The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Directed by: James Whale

Starring: Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Elsa Lanchester, Ernest Thesiger

Rated: NR (Suggested PG for Violence and Some Scary Imagery)

Running Time: 1 h 15 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Characters, Story Structure, Moral Dilemmas, Effects, Technically Superior to Original, Acting, Pacing

WEAKNESSES: -

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

October 31, 2018

The continuing misadventures of Frankenstein and his monster.

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In Action, Art House, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags James Whale, Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Elsa Lanchester, Ernist Thesiger, NR, 1935, 5 Stars, Universal Monster
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The Phantom of the Opera (1943)

Directed by: Arthur Lubin

Starring: Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster, Claude Rains, Edgar Barrier

Rated: Approved

Running Time: 1 h 32 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Production Design, Music, Directing, Cinematography, Excitement

WEAKNESSES: Some Lengthy Songs

The Phantom of the Opera (1943)

October 31, 2018

A disfigured violinist stalks a young operetta.

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In Drama, Horror, Musical, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags 4.5 Stars, 1943, Arthur Lubin, Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster, Claude Rains, Edgar Barrier, Approved
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