CUCKOO: Creepy & Crazy

CUCKOO (Blu-ray)

2024 / 102 min

FROM NEON/DECAL RELEASING

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Cuckoo is a crazy film, and the less you know going in, the more fun you’re likely to have. I first caught the trailer during a screening of NEON’s bigger horror release this year, Longlegs, and it was just enough to pique my interest without revealing anything significant about the plot. I wish more trailers were put together this way, especially those promoting horror films.

So I went into this review not really knowing what Cuckoo was about, and I gotta say, this is the NEON film I thought Longlegs was going to be: unusual, unpredictable and unnerving. Not to disparage Longlegs, which was very good for what it was, but ultimately reminiscent of other movies. This one, on the other hand, is consistently engaging, not only because it’s very well made on a technical level, but the narrative is full of surprises. Had I been privy to the story and characters beforehand, I don’t think I’d have enjoyed it as much.

Hence, I’ll do readers a solid and refrain from providing to much story detail aside from the set-up: Teenage girl Gretchen (Hunter Schafer), still mourning the dead of her mother, is sent to the German Alps to live with her father (Marton Csokas), his second wife Beth (Jessica Henwick) and their daughter Alma (Mila Lieu). They’re in Germany to help build a new resort hotel run by Herr König (Dan Stevens)...

Guess who just tried to give their cat a pill.

…and this is when things get weird, in ways the viewer isn’t likely to expect. I'll also say that Cuckoo’s title not-only applies to a major thematic component, but the overall tone, writer-director Tilman Singer’s creepy stylistic touches and disorienting sequences of hallucinatory psychological horror (along with a few well-earned jump scares). Best of all, narrative never resorts to spoonfeeding the audience, instead inviting us to come along for the ride, even if we’re never sure of the destination. 

The film benefits immensely from a compelling - and sympathetic - main protagonist, as well as a terrific primary villain. If there’s one aspect of the film that’s a little lacking, it’s some of the thinly-conceived secondary characters, including some we’re led to believe are important, only for them to more-or-less disappear from the story. However, the overall performances are very good, with Schafer & Stevens being particular stand-outs. 

All these elements combined make Cuckoo a terrific surprise and one of the more original horror films I’ve seen recently. While NEON has distributed some that have gotten more attention this year, I think this might (unexpectedly) be the best of them.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTE - The Making of Cuckoo

VIDEO DIARIES

ON-SET INTERVIEWS

DELETED SCENES

TRAILERS

CATNADO: More Actual CATS Would've Been Nice

CATNADO (DVD)

2022 / 87 min

FROM WILD EYE RELEASING

Review by Bonnie, the Barometer😾

Given the premise, we here at Free Kittens Movie Guide were really rooting for Catnado to be good. 

Okay…maybe ‘good’ is not right the word. No movie blatantly drawing inspiration from Sharknado was ever going to be good. But considering our ongoing infatuation with felines & films - to say nothing of felines in films - fun was a reasonable expectation.

But there’s only one fun aspect of Catnado, and that’s the wonderful DVD cover art. If it was a poster, we’d definitely throw that shit up on the Catcave wall. And like most other B-movies with crazy titles and crazier promotional artwork, there’s absolutely nothing in Catnado as awesome as that cover…

…not that we had any illusions. We knew going-in that Catnado would be cheap, but Jesus Christ, no movie should have the viewer suspecting more effort was put into selling it than actually making it. 

This cat has a word with his agent.

Sort of an anthology film, this is the work of nine directors, each tasked with creating a story centered around, as the title says, a tornado raining killer cats. Yet at no point does Catnado even rise to so-bad-it’s-good territory. Shot on video, it’s amateur night on every level...the performances, the dialogue, the production values and the eye-rolling attempts at humor. Deadly dull right from the get-go, the movie doesn’t even have the courtesy of being self-aware.

But the biggest sin? There are hardly any actual cats in the movie. Granted, they generally aren't the most cooperative actors on Earth, but aside from inserted shots of felines that are obviously not even at the same location, the animal action is all done with stuffed animals, puppets and shitty CGI (you could probably create more convincing effects with your I-Phone). And since there are plenty of funnier videos on YouTube featuring real cats, why waste your time?

Too bad…we really wanted to like this one.

HELLRAISER: QUARTET OF TORMENT: Three Classics and a Coaster

HELLRAISER: QUARTET OF TORMENT (Blu-ray)

1987-1996 / 371 min (4 movies)

FROM ARROW VIDEO

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Several years ago, Arrow Video released The Scarlet Box, which collected the first three Hellraiser films. A bit later, they re-released Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II individually, but not Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, which was kind of a disappointment because I missed out on grabbing the boxed set (which had since gone out of print) and the third one was always one of my guilty pleasures.

Now Arrow’s got a new boxed set available, Hellraiser: Quartet of Torment, which features great looking 4K restorations of the first four films…I’m guessing either they don’t own the rights to the entire series, or because these four were actually given a theatrical release. And that’s fine because everything after Hellraiser III was a dumpster fire anyway. If you don’t believe me, just pop in Hellraiser: Bloodline.

But this set is more than a repackaging of The Scarlet Box with Hellraiser: Bloodline thrown in to make die-hards double dip. In addition to a bevy of archival bonus features, it includes a lot of new supplements. Most of them are retrospective discussions regarding Hellraiser’s cultural impact, as well as original author (and director) Clive Barker’s importance to the genre. Even the fourth poo-poo platter has a new audio commentary. 

As for the films themselves…

The original Hellraiser was unique for its time. Author Clive Barker was still a relatively new kid on the block, but even as a first-time director, no one was better-qualified to put his lurid imagination on the big screen. Considering the relatively low budget, the film is atmospheric and stylish, with gruesomely imaginative make-up effects and violence. Three decades later, the film holds up remarkably well, only a few wonky visual effects disrupting the overall tone. Though Pinhead (Doug Bradley) is a horror icon today, he and his Cenobites don’t actually have all that much screen time in this one. However, Claire Higgins as Julia and Sean Chapman/Oliver Smith as her lover, Frank, make a wonderfully contemptible pair of antagonists.

I might be in the minority on this, but I always felt Hellbound: Hellraiser II was a better film. Gorier and more disturbing than Hellraiser, this one pushes into the realm of dark fantasy rather than pure horror. Ambitious and visually imaginative, Hellbound eschews the claustrophobic atmosphere of the original to finally show us a concept of Hell that was previously only hinted at. The film also features the most twisted villain in the entire franchise: Dr. Channard (Kenneth Cranham), whose detached sadism makes Frank Cotton look a poster boy for empathy. But the most intriguing aspect of the film is Pinhead’s backstory. Revealing without being over-explanatory, we’re provided just enough knowledge about his past to add a surprising touch of poignancy to the climax.

E.T. phone Hell.

Ol’ Pinhead experiences a little of the New York nightlife in Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, arguably the first film in the series where he’s the undisputed, balls-out bad guy (as opposed to being sort-of an antihero in the first two). This one’s a little sillier and more contrived, but also bigger, flashier and a hell of a lot of fast-paced, gory fun…so who really cares if it’s mostly a Pinhead killing spree? It’s even kind of funny at times - on purpose - especially when some of the goofy new Cenobites are introduced. This was also the last good work by late director Anthony Hickox, who once showed great promise with his two Waxwork films. The unrated version is also included.

After Hellraiser III, the Law of Diminishing Returns dealt the franchise a savage blow from which it wouldn’t recover (at least until that interesting reboot a few years ago). Hellraiser: Bloodline is a drab, depressing dung heap with a dull story, bland characters and cheap visual effects. Hell, even Pinhead looks bored in this one. The whole thing reeks of post-production tampering, resulting in a choppy narrative with hamfisted editing. The fact that part of it takes place in space (a bad sign for any horror sequel) and was directed by Alan Smithee (a pseudonym used by directors who want their name left off the credits) tells you all you need to know. On the plus side, the disc will make a decent coaster in my mancave.

Still, this is a good overall collection. The restorations and newly added bonus features make Quartet of Torment a better set than The Scarlet Box. For this writer, it’s another chance to grab Hellraiser III on Blu-ray (unfortunately, it’s still unavailable separately). For others, three horror classics and a drink coaster is a pretty good deal.

EXTRA KIBBLES

NOTE: Free Kittens Movie Guide was provided with promo discs for review purposes. Physical supplemental material included with the final product (booklets, artwork, inserts, etc) were not available for review.

HELLRAISER

POWER OF IMAGINATION - This is a new hour-long conversation/appreciation by Sorcha Ni Fhlainn and Karmel Kniprath.

2 VIDEO ESSAYS - Unboxing Hellraiser, by author Alexandra Benedict; Flesh is a Trap, by author Guy Adams.

THE PURSUIT OF POSSIBILITIES - Another new hour-long conversation between authors Pula D. Ashe & Eric LaRocca, who discuss the queer aspects of Hellraiser, as well as Clive Barker’s influence on the queer community.

3 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1 (NEW) By historian Stephen Jones and critic/author Kim Newman; 2) By writer-director Clive Barker; 3) By Clive Barker and actor Ashley Laurance.

EPK INTERVIEWS - These aren’t new, but have never been available on home video before. Featuring Clive Barker, actors Ashley Laurence, Clare Higgens & Andrew Robinson, RX artist Bob Keene. Also includes a new intro by Stephen Jones & Kim Newman.

INTERVIEWS - Individual archival interviews featuring actors Sean Chapman & Doug Bradley, musician Stephen Thrower (who worked on the unused Hellraiser score).

TRAILER/TV SPOTS

IMAGE GALLERY

DRAFT SCREENPLAYS

HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II

HELL WAS WHAT THEY WANTED - A new 80-minute appreciation/discussion by authors Daniel Lea & Kit Power.

THAT RAT SLICE SOUND - A new video essay about Christopher Young’s score for both films by author Guy Adams.

3 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1 (NEW) By historian Stephen Jones and critic/author Kim Newman; 2) By director Tony Randell and writer Peter Atkins; 3) By director Tony Randell, writer Peter Atkins and actor Ashley Laurence.

INTERVIEWS - Individual archival interviews featuring actors Sean Chapman & Doug Bradley, author Clive Barker.

MORE INTERVIEWS - A collection of interviews with Clive Barker, director Tony Randell, FX artist Bob Keen, writer Peter Atkins and som of the cast.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES FOOTAGE

TRAILER/TV SPOTS

IMAGE GALLERY

HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH

THEATRICAL AND UNRATED VERSIONS - Unrated version features scenes not remastered or in the same aspect ratio.

3 AUDIO COMMENTARIES - 1 (NEW) By historian Stephen Jones and critic/author Kim Newman; 2) By director Anthony Hickox and actor Doug Bradley; 3) By writer Peter Atkins. 

INTERVIEWS - Individual interviews featuring actors Paula Marshall and Doug Bradley, director Anthony Hickox.

EPK INTERVIEWS - These aren’t new, but have never been available on home video before. Featuring Clive Barker and Doug Bradley.

TRAILER

IMAGE GALLERY

HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE

WORKPRINT VERSION - Apparently, this was closer to what original director Kevin Yagher had in mind.

THE BEAUTY OF SUFFERING - A new documentary about Hellraiser’s impact on the BDSM and fetish culture, as discussed by some of its practitioners.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - 1 (NEW) By historian Stephen Jones and critic/author Kim Newman.

ARCHIVAL DOCUMENTARIES - Hellraiser: Evolutions features several directors who discuss the entire franchise, many of them who directed some of the films; Books of Blood and Beyond: The Literary Works of Clive Barker is an appreciation of Barker’s work by author David Gatwalk.

TRAILER

IMAGE GALLERY

EASTER EGG

Something's Wrong with Dad in THE BEAST WITHIN

THE BEAST WITHIN (Blu-ray)

2024 / 97 min

FROM WELL GO USA

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Here’s a werewolf movie that tries to do something a little different with the concept, which is appreciated since these beasties haven’t really been all that scary in years. The Beast Within isn’t particularly scary either, but director Alexander J. Farrell obviously has loftier intentions than serving-up another lycan on the rampage. However, the film is a mixed bag and requires more patience than some horror fans might have.

Willow (Caoilinn Springall) is a little girl living at a remote farmhouse in the forest with her parents, Imogen (Ashleigh Cummings) & Noah (Kit Harrington), and grandad Waylon (James Cosnmo). It seems like an idyllic existence, save for one thing…Imogen frequently drives Noah into the deep woods, bringing along a caged pig each time. He returns the next day, clothes covered in blood. 

Though they try to keep it a secret from her, Willow follows them one night and discovers Dad’s a werewolf (though he’s never referred to as one). Of course, she’s initially horrified, but Noah assures her she’s safe. The only one who’s not quite so optimistic is Waylon. For good reason, it turns out. Though the farmhouse is fortified with fencing and a massive gate, it may not be enough to protect them from Dad.

"Dad, they put mayo on my sandwich. Go kill them."

Atmospheric and somber in overall tone, The Beast Within is deliberately paced, taking its time - maybe too much - revealing the family secret and Dad’s true nature, which the audience will have figured out within minutes. Still, we’re invested in Willow’s character, who’s nicely played by Springall. The same can’t be said about her parents, who seem protective and loving one minute, cold and aloof the next…especially Dad. As the narrative unfolds, it suggests that he might actually be pretty abusive.,,even when he's not transformed

The scenes depicting this unusual family dynamic become pretty meandering after awhile, especially after Noah’s curse is revealed. In fact, aside from a few effective dream sequences, the movie doesn’t really venture into full-blown horror territory until the final act, which ultimately makes the first two-thirds worth enduring. With more of an emphasis on tension than special effects, we hear the creature long before we actually see him, which is a nice touch. And when he is finally revealed, at least we aren’t laughing.

While an air of inevitability hangs over the entire film - meaning it ends the only way it really can - Farrell does attempt a little slight-of-hand with the final scene, which could be seen as either clever or a cheap shot. But for the most part, The Beast Within is a decent werewolf film that might be worth checking out for patient viewers.

THE POOP SCOOP: Classics & New Classics

👽ALIEN: ROMULUS Available on Digital Now and Coming to 4K, Blu-ray and DVD 12/3 from 20th Century Studios.

The legendary Alien franchise gives birth to an all-new terrifying sci-fi horror thriller when 20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus arrives to digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) on October 15 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on December 3. Alien: Romulus is the start of a new chapter with a brand-new story unlike any other Alien movie that came before it, featuring all-new creatures and characters that are “tense enough to grab you by the throat” (Owen Gleiberman, Variety). Fans can delve deeper into the Alien franchise with all-new exclusive bonus features, including featurettes with filmmakers Fede Alvarez and Ridley Scott, behind the scenes content, and alternate and extended scenes. The 4K UHD will be available in a collectible limited edition SteelBook with custom artwork and packaging.

🤖THE WILD ROBOT on Digital NOW and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray 12/3 from Universal.

Continuing to bring families together in theaters, DreamWorks Animation’s THE WILD ROBOT arrives exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent tomorrow, October 15, 2024, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. It will also be available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray on December 3, 2024. Own THE WILD ROBOT with never-before-seen extras when you purchase from participating retailers nationwide including Apple TV, Fandango, Xfinity, Cox Microsoft, and Movies Anywhere. THE WILD ROBOT is an epic adventure staring Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o as Roz, a robot that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must adapt to the harsh surroundings. Gradually Roz starts building relationships with the animals on the island, including a clever fox voiced by Pedro Pascal, and becomes the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling named Brightbill voiced by Kit Connor. THE WILD ROBOT is a powerful story about self-discovery, a thrilling examination of the bridge between technology and nature, and a moving exploration of what it means to be alive and connected to all living things.

😺ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE ICONIC FILM COLLECTION on 4K and Digital 11/26 from Universal.

From one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema comes the all-new ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE ICONIC FILM COLLECTION, releasing on 4K Ultra HD disc and Digital on November 26, 2024 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. This must-own collection consists of some of the most unforgettable and groundbreaking films of all time including Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, Vertigo, North By Northwest, Psycho, and The Birds. In partnership with Warner Bros. and Paramount Home Entertainment, the collection features the newly released 4K Ultra HD remasters of North by Northwest and To Catch a Thief. It’s the very first time you can own all six films together on 4K Ultra HD disc and includes digital codes. The premium book style-packaging consists of rare photos, bios, trivia, and original cover art by renowned artist Tristan Eaton. It features over 15 hours of revealing bonus features including Psycho Uncut (the extended version of the movie originally seen in theaters), audio interviews with Alfred Hitchcock, behind-the-scenes featurettes, rare production photographs, creative storyboards, insightful feature commentaries, and so much more! 

🎄Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS 70th Anniversary on 4K Ultra HD November 5 from Paramount.

A dazzling and delightful holiday treat, Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen in a joyous showbiz story filled with song and dance and featuring the timeless music and lyrics of legendary composer and songwriter Irving Berlin whose artistry defined American popular songs for much of the 20th century. WHITE CHRISTMAS premiered on October 14, 1954, and was the first film to be released in Paramount’s widescreen format, VistaVision, which played a pivotal role in shaping the future of cinematic technology and laid the groundwork for IMAX. In anticipation of its 70th anniversary, WHITE CHRISTMAS was lovingly restored from the original VistaVision negative and looks more vibrant than ever for home viewing in 4K Ultra HD.  This limited release includes the film on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc, a second Blu-ray Disc with the film, including a sing-along option, as well as extensive legacy bonus content, and access to a Digital copy of the film, packaged in a collectible slipcover based on the original theatrical poster. 

🙀Silent Horror Classic, THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI, Coming to 4K UHD + Blu-ray October 22 from Kino Lorber.

In 1920, one brilliant movie jolted the postwar masses and catapulted the German Expressionist film movement into history. That movie was The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a plunge into the mind of insanity that severs all ties with the rational world. Director Robert Wiene and a team of visionary designers crafted a nightmare realm in which light, shadow and substance are abstracted, a world in which a demented doctor and a carnival sleepwalker perpetrate a series of ghastly murders in a small community. On October 22, 2024, Kino Lorber releases the authoritative edition of the original 1920 horror classic The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, available in a meticulous 4K restoration by the F.W. Murnau Stiftung, with a new orchestral score by Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal, which had its premiere performance at Carnegie Hall on June 3, 2024. This edition also features the 2014 orchestral score (4K and Blu-ray), and a score by Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky (Blu-ray). Special features include in the documentary Caligari: How Horror Came to the Cinema, a restoration demonstration, and audio commentary by composer Jeff Beal.