Synopsis from the Press Release:
‘A debunker of all things paranormal, Professor Goodman (Andy Nyman, Black Death) has devoted his life to exposing phony psychics and fraudulent supernatural shenanigans. His skepticism is tested, however, when he receives a case file on three chilling and inexplicable incidents: a night watchman (Paul Whitehouse, Corpse Bride) haunted by disturbing visions as he patrols an abandoned asylum; an edgy young man (Alex Lawther, Freak Show) involved in a hellish car accident deep in the woods; and a wealthy former banker (Martin Freeman, Sherlock, Black Panther) visited by the spirit of his unborn child. Even more disturbing is that each of these macabre stories seems to have a sinister connection to Professor Goodman’s own life. Will they make a believer of him yet?’
Adam Says:
This is a really interesting, original little ghost tale. It’s well constructed and spooky and Martin Freeman’s presence adds star power while making the film somehow even more unnerving. I don’t think it’s right to call it an anthology as the components don’t really feel like distinct, complete tales. I would say they are more as sub-sequences within the larger narrative, but make of it what you will. Also, it’s unforgivable that a movie this good gets a disc release without decent extra features.
Special Features Include:
None, nothing (A TRAILER FOR THE MOVIE YOU’VE ALREADY BOUGHT OR RENTED DOES NOT COUNT), you’re lucky you got the movie
Synopsis from the Press Release:
Terror invades an upper-class New York community as 17-year old Christie Cromwell cleverly uncovers her stepfather’s horrifying plot to murder her wealthy mother. She’s on to him, yet no one will believe her because she’s just a kid: smart, imaginative, maybe she’s just taken a crazy idea to the limit. Suspense builds when a series of shocking events confirms her worst fears. Alone, afraid and helpless, terrified Christie and her mother are held prisoner in their own home at the mercy of ruthless killers.
Adam Says:
This is just awful; it should have stayed buried in the 80’s. Tom Holland script notwithstanding (even his excessive character narration is a no no), the direction is terrible, the lead can’t deliver a single line convincingly, and the John Paul Jones score is grating and overly bombastic. You find yourself thinking ‘This is a pretty okay TV movie for 1975’ and then you realize the film played theatrically in 1984. They charged people money for this dated monstrosity.
Special Features Include:
- NEW 2K scan from the original film elements
- NEW Audio Commentary by the Hysteria Lives
- NEW Cruel Intentions – an interview with writer Tom Holland
- NEW Stepfather of the Year – an interview with actor David Allen Brooks
- Theatrical Trailer
Izzy Gets the F*ck Across Town
Synopsis from the Press Release:
In Izzy Gets The F*ck Across Town, riot grrrl rocker and shameless hot mess Izzy wakes up hungover AF to find out that her ex-boyfriend is celebrating his engagement to her ex-best friend tonight at a bougie party across town. Enraged and desperate, Izzy embarks on a frenetic quest across Los Angeles to break up the party in order to fulfill what she believes to be her destiny … before it’s too late.
Adam Says:
‘Izzy’ isn’t the genre I normally go for but I have to say this film kind of won me over. It’s filled with wonderful cameos (you’ll recognize faces from all over playing Izzy’s friends and family) and Mackenzie Davis is just absolutely captivating as the determined and slightly unhinged Izzy. Overall, the film is something of 90’s throwback and some of the scenes feel a little contrived, but it is well worth the trip to follow Izzy the fuck across town.
Special Features Include:
- Audio commentary with writer/director Christian Papierniak and director of photography Alexandre Naufel
- Behind the scenes featurette “A Look at the Making of Izzy” featuring interviews with the cast and crew
- Deleted scenes
- Theatrical trailer
Adam Ruhl is a writer and life long Cinephile. He is the Executive
Cinema Editor of Pop Culture Beast’s Austin branch; covering festivals,
conventions, and new releases. When not filing reports, Adam can be
found stalking Alamo Drafthouse Programmers for leads on upcoming
DrafthouseFilms titles. Adam once blocked Harry Knowles entrance to a
theater until he was given extra tickets to a Roman Polanski movie.