One man's brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after it's revealed he's a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as Beekeepers.
Director: David Ayer
One man's brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after it's revealed he's a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as Beekeepers.
Director: David Ayer
New student Cady Heron gets welcomed into the top of the social food chain by an elite group of popular girls called the Plastics, ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George. However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina's ex-boyfriend, she soon finds herself caught in their crosshairs.
Director: Samantha Jayne, Arturo Perez Jr.
Monk is a frustrated novelist who's fed up with the establishment that profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, he uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Director: Cord Jefferson
My dear reader(s), it's a common complaint of mine that I never have time for the movies anymore, but when Circus of the Scars turned up somewhere accessible to me, you better believe I found the time immediately.
Circus of the Scars-the Documentary follows the unlikely rise and probably predictable fall of the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow.
There is nothing slick or polished about Circus of the Scars, and I suppose it would be inappropriate if there were. The sideshow itself started out as a bar attraction that picked up performers (and momentum) as it rolled along, ultimately hitting its highest high as a second-stage attraction on the 1992 Lollapalooza tour.
The movie mixes old show footage and new interviews with Jim Rose and his merry band of misfits: Joe Hermann (the Amazing Mr. Lifto), Tim Cridland (Zamora the Torture King), Matt "the Tube" Crowley, and Paul Lawrence (the Enigma). The rifts that ultimately derailed the sideshow are evident, but there's a good-naturedness among the performers that makes the film an easy watch. Many of the interviews look like they were recorded on someone's phone (or via Facetime), giving the film a fitting DIY vibe. If everyone probably saw the ending coming, that does nothing to undermine the electric thrill of watching these unique performers grow from humble beginnings to the biggest, worldwide stages.
Circus of the Scars-the Documentary clocks in at 95 minutes and is unrated. It is not - I repeat NOT - for the faint of heart or weak of atomach.
I was one of the fortunate folks who witnessed the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow on Lollapalooza '92, and the experience is one I'll never forget. You do not want to miss this opportunity to know these amazing artists through this terrific documentary feature. (And look for some of them on tour in a city near you!) Of a possible nine Weasleys, Circus of the Scars-the Documentary gets all nine.
Circus of the Scars-the Documentary is now available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime.
Until next time...
Forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness, former baseball player Ray Waller moves into a new house with his wife and two children. He hopes that the backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for himself. However, a dark secret from the home's past soon unleashes a malevolent force that drags the family into the depths of inescapable terror.
Director: Bryce McGuire
Infinity Pool
Brandon Cronenberg's latest film is the kind of film that reveals is screwing with your mind throughout its runtime. It’s gory, grimy but beautiful in a strange, psychedelic way. Mia Goth turns in another performance that’s cements her status as a rising star in the horror genre.
The Creator
The plot of The Creator covers some well-worn territory in the sci-fi genre, but Gareth Edwards direction elevates it above the predictable plot. Visuals and solid turns from the cast makes this one of the more entertaining sci-fi films in recent memory.
Beau is Afraid
Ari Aster’s Beau is Afraid isn’t made for everyone and he doesn’t really seem to care. It’s a behemoth of themes and ideas with some working far better than others during the film’s three-hour runtime. A committed performance from Joaquin Phoenix as the sad sack who embarks on a cinematic journey that you won’t soon forget.
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning
In any other year, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, would have been one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. Tom Cruise’s latest entry into the long-running series is another bit of well-orchestrated, big screen spy madness that keeps upping the game on the genre.
Barbie
If you had told me at the start of the year Barbie would be on my year end list I probably would have chuckled and said no. I didn’t know what to expect from the film or story, but I didn’t expect much so it was a pleasant surprise such a fun, vibrant and heart felt even if some felt the message was heavy handed.
Oppenheimer
The other half of the cultural phenomenon that was Barbenheimer was even better with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer delivering a serious, adult blockbuster that was built on performances and dialogue. Nolan and his cast are laser focused throughout, making the dialogue heavy film feel brisk even at three hours long.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Martin Scorsese’s long gestating epic is a tragic, heartbreaking journey that ponders on a handful of themes buoyed by some excellent turns from its star-studded cast lead by Leonardo DiCaprio. Lily Gladstone proves to be a revelation as the film’s beating heart fighting through the series of tragedies laid at her feet.
The Holdovers
Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is a throwback on multiple levels as it evokes memories of dramadies from the 70’s and 80’s. Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa each deliver stellar turns as we follow their emotional journeys as part of their pseudo family.
Wonka
Paul King’s prequel, Wonka, proved to be one of the more pleasant surprises of the year. King brings that same sense of joy and optimism to this franchise that’d he’d brought to his Paddington films. Timothée Chalamet proves far more capable and endearing than expected, which results in a film that’s sure to leave a smile on the face of even the biggest cynic.
Poor Things
Yorgos Lanthimos’ unapologetic, gothic fantasy is bold on multiple levels. Its stark, inventive visuals give it a distinctive style that makes it a visual feast for the eyes. Emma Stone’s fearless performance makes the whole thing work as she deftly creates a multifaceted character from start to finish. Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe are just as good in memorable supporting turns.