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The Ninth Gate (1999)

Directed by: Roman Polanski

Starring: Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin, Emmanuelle Seigner

Rated: R for Some Violence and Sexuality

Running Time: 2 h 13 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Directing

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Tone

The Ninth Gate (1999)

October 19, 2019

A rare books dealer is drawn into a conspiracy with supernatural overtones after accepting a new job offer from a mysterious and wealthy patron. 

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In Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin, Emmanuelle Seigner, Roman Polanski, 1999, 3 Stars
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Child’s Play (1988)

Directed by: Tom Holland

Starring: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent, Brad Dourif, Dinah Manoff

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 27 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: It’s Pretty Funny, Some Special Effects

WEAKNESSES: Wildly Inept Characters, Giant Leaps in Logic, Silly Story, Pacing

Child's Play (1988)

October 18, 2019

A single mother gives her son the latest toy craze- a Good Guys doll- for his birthday, only to find out that her particular doll has been possessed by the soul of a serial killer. What a bummer…

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In Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Tom Holland, Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Cincent, Brad Dourif, Dinah Manoff, R, 3 Stars
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The Midnight Meat Train (2008)

Directed by: Ryuhei Kitamura

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Vinnie Jones, Leslie Bibb

Rated: R for Sequences of Strong Bloody Gruesome Violence, Grisly Images Involving Nudity, Sexual Content and Language

Running Time: 1 h 40 m

TMM Score: 2.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Slasher Scenes

WEAKNESSES: Acting, Plot Holes

The Midnight Meat Train (2008)

October 17, 2019

A photographer becomes obsessed with a man whom he thinks is a serial killer who preys on late night commuters.

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In Action, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller, Mystery Tags Ryuhei Kitamura, Bradley Cooper, Vinnie Jones, Leslie Bibb
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Candyman (1992)

Directed by: Bernard Rose

Starring: Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Venessa Williams, Kasi Lemmons

Rated: R for Violence and Gore

Running Time: 1 h 39 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Themes, Twist on Familiar Story

WEAKNESSES: Acting, Cheesy and Dated Moments

Candyman (1992)

October 17, 2019

A skeptical grad student accidentally summons a murderous urban legend.

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In Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Virginia Madsen, Tony Todd, Venessa Williams, Kasi Lemmons, Bernard Rose, 1992, 3 Stars, R
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Basket Case (1982)

Directed by: Frank Henenlotter

Starring: Kevin Van Hentenryck, Teri Susan Smith, Beverly Bonner

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Comic Horror Violence and Gore and Some Nudity)

Running Time: 1 h 31 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS:Writing, Creature Design, Story

WEAKNESSES: Definitely Not for Everyone

Basket Case (1982)

October 14, 2019

A young man travels to New York with his deformed Siamese-twin brother in a basket with plans for vengeance on the doctors that separated them against their will.

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In Art House, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Kevin Van Hentenryck, Teri Susan Smith, Beverly Bonner, Frank Henenlotter, 4 Stars, 1982
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Basket Case II (1990)

Directed by: Frank Henenlotter

Starring: Kevin Van Hentenryck, Judy Grafe, Annie Ross

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 30 m

TMM Score: 2.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Creature Design, Bizarre Turns

WEAKNESSES: Different Tone Than The First

Basket Case II (1990)

October 14, 2019

Following the events of Basket Case, Duane and his Siamese-twin brother, a mutant named Belial flee the hospital where they are taken and join up with a troupe of wayward freaks.

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In Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Kevin Van Hentenryck, Judy Grafe, Annie Ross, Frank Henenlotter, R, 2.5 Stars, 1990, Basket Case II
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The Perfection (2018)

Directed by: Richard Shepard

Starring: Allison Williams, Logan Browning, Steven Webber

Rated: TV-MA

Running Time: 1 h 30 m

TMM Score: 2.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Themes

WEAKNESSES: Acting, Execution

The Perfection (2018)

October 13, 2019

A musical prodigy seeks out the star pupil of her former school, and the encounter sends both musicians down a dark path.

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In Art House, Crime, Coming of Age, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Allison Williams, Logan Browning, Steven Webber, TV-MA
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Housebound (2014)

Directed by: Gerard Johnstone

Starring: Morgana O’Reilly, Rima Te Wiata, Glen-Paul Waru, Ryan Lampp

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Some Language and Comic Violence)

Running Time: 1 h 47 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Tone, Comedy

WEAKNESSES: Pacing

Housebound (2014)

October 12, 2019

After being arrested and put on house arrest, Kylie must learn how to live with her mother Miriam and her stepfather Graeme in the house she grew up in, which, Miriam is convinced, is haunted.

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In Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Morgana O’Reilly, Rima Te Wiata, Glen-Paul Waru, Ryan Lampp, Gerard Johnstone, 2014, 3 Stars
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Evil Dead (2013)

Directed by: Fede Alvarez

Starring: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas, Elizabeth Blackmore

Rated: R for Strong Bloody Violence and Gore, Some Sexual Content and Language

Running Time: 1 h 37 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Practical Effects, Atmosphere, Themes

WEAKNESSES: Thin Story, Acting

Evil Dead (2013)

October 11, 2019

Five friends go to a cabin in the woods where they find a book that unleashes demons.

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In Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller Tags Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas, Elizabeth Blackmore, Fede Alvarez
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Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman

Starring: Paul Sorvino, Anthony Stewart Head, Alexa PenaVega, Paris Hilton, Sarah Brightman

Rated: R for Strong Bloody Violence and Gore, Some Drug and Sexual Content

Running Time: 1 h 38 m

TMM Score: 1.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Anthony Stewart Head, Some Songs, General Concept, Practical Effects

WEAKNESSES: Paris Hilton, Most Songs, Overall Execution, Visual Effects

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

October 9, 2019

After a wave of organ failures sweeps through the human populous, a genetics company begins manufacturing artificial organs. But if the recipients of those organs can’t pay, the company sends in a Repo Man to take their product back. A musical!

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In Action, Crime, Coming of Age, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci Fi, Musical, Thriller Tags 2008, Darren Lynn Bousman, Paul Sorvino, Anthony Stewart Head, Alexa PenaVega, Paris Hilton, Sarah Brightman, 1.5 Stars, R
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The Frozen Ground (2013)

Directed by: Scott Walker

Starring: Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Vanessa Hudgens

Rated: R for Violent Content, Sexuality/Nudity, Language and Drug Use

Running Time: 1h 45m

TMM Score: 2.5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Nic Cage, Atmosphere, True Story

WEAKNESSES: Vanessa Hudgens, Cinematography, Safe Writing

The Frozen Ground (2013)

October 8, 2019

A detective hunts down the famous serial killer Robert Hansen.

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In Drama, Mystery Tags Karl Nagurski, The Frozen Ground, Nicolas Cage, Vanessa Hudgens, John Cusack, Rated R, 2.5 Stars, Drama, Myster, Mystery
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The Woman in Black (2012)

Directed by: James Watkins

Starring:Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciaran Hinds

Rated: PG-13 for Thematic Material and Violence/Disturbing Images

Running Time: 1 h 35 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Production Design, Pacing, Atmosphere, Ending

WEAKNESSES: Some Acting, Lack of Real Scares, Too Many Jump Scares

The Woman in Black (2012)

October 8, 2019

A young lawyer travels to an isolated village to settle the estate of a client, only to find a vengeful spirit is haunting the occupants of the village. 

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In Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy Tags Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciaran Hinds, James Watkins, 3.5 Stars, 2012, PG-13
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The Wolfman (Director’s Cut) (2010)

Directed by: Joe Johnston

Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, Asa Butterfield, Max Von Sydow (Only In Director’s Cut Only)

Rated: R For Bloody Horror Violence and Gore

Running Time: 1 h 59 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Some Acting, Production Design, Special Effects, Makeup, Gore Effects

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Climax

The Wolfman (2010)

October 7, 2019

After his brother goes missing, Lawrence Talbot returns to his home in Blackmoor, England where the town lives in fright of what they suspect is a werewolf. 

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In Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, Asa Butterfield, Max Von Sydow, Joe Johnston, 2010, 3 Stars
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Shivers (1975)

Directed by: David Cronenberg

Starring: Paul Hampton, Joe Silver, Lynn Lowry, Allan Kolman

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 27 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Practical Effects

WEAKNESSES: Content Will Deter Viewers, A Little Sloppy

Shivers (1975)

October 6, 2019

A strain of parasites infects a high-rise apartment complex and turns the residents into sex-crazed fiends. 

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In Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci Fi, Thriller Tags Paul Hampton, Joe Silver, Lynn Lowry, Allan Kolman, David Cronenberg, 3.5 Stars
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Joker (2019)

Directed by: Todd Phillips

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz,Shea Whigham, Frances Conroy, Marc Maron, Glenn Fleshler

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

Running Time: 2 h 1 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Joaquin Phoenix, Themes, Writing

WEAKNESSES: Some Heavy-Handedness, Mild Pacing

Joker (2019)

October 4, 2019

A character study of Arthur Fleck, a man widely ignored and beat down by society. 

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In Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Superhero Tags Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Shea Whigham, Frances Conroy, Marc Maron, Glenn Fleshler, R, 4.5 Stars
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Joy Ride (2001)

Directed by: John Dahl

Starring: Steve Zahn, Paul Walker, Leelee Sobieski, Jessica Bowman

Rated: R for Violence/Terror and Language

Running Time: 1 h 37 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Acting, Tone

WEAKNESSES: Predictable

Joy Ride (2001)

October 3, 2019

A psychotic trucker harasses three young people after they play a cruel joke on him. 

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In Action, Adventure, Crime, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Joy Ride, 2001, John Dahl, Steve Zahn, Paul Walker, Leelee Sobieski, Jessica Bowman, R, 3.5 Stars
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The Little Stranger (2018)

Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson

Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Ruth Wilson, Will Poulter, Charlotte Rampling

Rated: R for Some Disturbing Bloody Images

Running Time: 1 h 51 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Some Acting, Some Directing, Twist

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Uneven Writing, Some Acting, How Twist Was Handled

The Little Stranger (2018)

October 2, 2019

After a doctor is called to a crumbling manor, strange things begin to happen to him and the family that lives there.

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In Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Lenny Abrahamson, Domhnall Gleeson, Ruth Wilson, Will Poulter, Charlotte Rampling, 3 Stars, 2018, R
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Solaris (1972)

Directed By: Andrei Tarkovsky

Starring: Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet

Rated: PG

Run Time: 2h 47m

TMM Score: 4 Stars

Strengths: Directorial Vision, Concept

Weakness: Some Special Effects

Solaris (1972)

October 2, 2019

Dr. Kelvin is sent to a space station orbiting the planet Solaris to discover why everyone on board went insane.

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In Art House, Drama, Foreign Film, Mystery, Sci Fi Tags Michael McDonald, 4 Stars, PG, Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet, Andrei Tarkovsky, 1972, Solaris
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Lizzie (2018)

Directed by: Craig William Macneill

Starring: Chloe Sevigny, Kristen Stewart, Fiona Shaw, Jamey Sheridan, Denis O’Hare

Rated: R for Violence and Grisly Images, Nudity, a Scene of Sexuality, and Some Language

Running Time: 1 h 45 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Acting, Writing, Directing

WEAKNESSES: A Few Shaky Scenes

Lizzie (2018)

October 2, 2019

A retelling of the infamous Borden murders of 1892. 

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In Art House, Biographical, Crime, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller Tags Chloe Sevigny, Kristen Stewart, Fiona Shaw, Jamey Sheridan, Denis O’Hare, Craig William Macneill, R, 3.5 Stars, 2018
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The Fog (1980)

Directed by: John Carpenter

Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, John Houseman, Tom Atkins, Hal Holbrook

Rated: R

Running Time: 1 h 29 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Special and Visual Effects, Creepy Atmosphere and Images, POV

WEAKNESSES: Thin and Predictable Story

The Fog (1980)

October 1, 2019

A mysterious fog rolls in over a small coastal town on the centennial anniversary of a shipwreck which occurred just off the shore. 

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In Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Monster Film Tags John Carpenter, Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, John Houseman, Tom Atkins, Hal Holbrook, R, 3.5 Stars, 1980
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