Catnip Reviews: DEADMAN'S BARSTOOL, TMNT TRILOGY (4K) and HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS

Snack-sized opinions from the frisky felines at Free Kittens…

DEADMAN’S BARSTOOL (Blu-Ray) - This ain’t your daddy’s Anchor Bay. Those of a certain age might fondly recall this boutique label was renowned as purveyors of B-movie horror and cult classics. These days, the label’s been putting out quirky, low-budget indies, most of which are an acquired taste. The black comedy, Deadman’s Barstool, is no exception. This one involves the disgruntled wife of a philandering televangelist who plots with his mistress to rob him blind, only to have their plans go up in smoke when he turns up dead. And that’s just the beginning of their problems. Not bad for a microbudgeted film by a writer-director (Dean Dempsey) with obvious cult aspirations, though he clearly loves his eclectic assortment of  characters more than you’re likely to. (2018/78 min/Anchor Bay). KITTY CONSENSUS: 😼😼

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES TRILOGY (4K UHD) - I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact there are people pushing 50 who grew up watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on TV, then dragged their beleaguered parents to theaters to catch these - the original live-action trilogy - on the big screen. If you’re one of them, here’s a big ol’ box of nostalgia. This set collects Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, all given good 4K restorations. These films are definitely products of their time, and their crude charm will likely be lost on anyone raised on the later (and better) films. However, if they were a part of your childhood, it’s an enjoyable trip down memory lane. You also might end up chuckling at what you used to think was awesome (like Vanilla Ice). This three disc set also comes with a generous selection of new and archival bonus features, as well as some physical goodies to re-establish your fandom.  (1990-1993/278 min min/Arrow Video). KITTY CONSENSUS: 😺😺😺

HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS (Blu-ray/DVD) - Though I’ve occasionally enjoyed my share of punk rock over the years, I never really delved into the hardcore stuff, and prior to watching this film, had never heard of Harley Flanagan (founder of the band, Cro-Mags). But it’s also been my experience that the most interesting music docs have been those about artists I’m not familiar with. That being said, Wired for Chaos is a fascinating (and sometimes harrowing) look at the life of a guy who has lived, eaten and breathed the genre all his life. Flanagan himself candidly tells his own story, which includes a childhood I wouldn’t wish upon anybody. The film also features interviews and testimonials from a variety of musicians, artists and people who know him well. The movie didn’t make me want to rush out and buy a Cro-Mags record, but Flanagan’s perseverance and dedication to his craft is admirable. We also get the impression he’s lucky to still be alive. (2025/99 min/Lightyear Entertainment). KITTY CONSENSUS: 😼😼😼😼

THE POOP SCOOP: Battle & Boogie Edition

BOOGIE NIGHTS on 4K on 12/16 from Warner Bros. The film features an all-star ensemble cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Heather Graham, Nicole Ari Parker, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Written and directed by Anderson, the film is produced by Lloyd Levin, John Lyons, Anderson, and JoAnne Sellar. Boogie Nights will be available to purchase on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc online and in-store at major retailers and available for purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Fandango at Home and more. 

BATTLE ROYALE 25th Anniversary 4K/Blu-ray SteelBook Coming 12/9 from Lionsgate. In the near future, the economy has collapsed, unemployment has soared, and juvenile crime has exploded. Fearful of their nation’s youth, the Japanese government passes The BR Law: Each year, a 9th grade class is sent to a remote island where they will be locked into exploding neck collars, given a random weapon, and forced to hunt and kill each other until there is only one survivor left. Chiaki Kuriyama (Kill Bill) and screen legend Takeshi Kitano (Ghost in the Shell) star in the movie that has been argued, acclaimed, and banned around the world. Presented in 4K for the first time on its 25th anniversary, it remains one of the most savage, shocking, and emotionally powerful films of all time.

The Original TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Trilogy on 4K and Blu-ray 12/16 from Arrow Video. Martial arts mayhem rises from the sewers when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy makes its global 4K UHD debut. The three films are live action with realistic animatronic costumes created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles features a brand 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative by Arrow Films approved by director Steve Barron. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III feature 4K restorations of the films from the 35mm interpositives by Arrow Films. The Limited Edition boxset is overflowing with hours of special features, collectible packaging, and newly commissioned extras. There is also a Blu-ray release.

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER on Digital 11/14 and Blu-ray, 4K & DVD 1/20/2026 from Warner Bros. Written, directed and produced by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Academy Award and BAFTA winners Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro, and Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti. 

PRIDE & PREJUDICE 20th Anniversary Edition Coming 11/23 on 4K from Universal. The exclusive Pride & Prejudice 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition includes a beautifully curated 42-page book filled with behind-the-scenes photos, a foreword written by Director Joe Wright, excerpts from cast and crew, behind-the-scenes photos, and much more!

HOWARD’S END on Blu-ray & DVD 11/18 from Cohen Media Group. A gorgeous 4K restoration from the original negative, overseen and approved by director James Ivory and cinematographer Tony Pierce-Roberts. 

DANTE’S PEAK is Finally Coming to 4K/Blu-ray on 12/16 from Kino Lorber. Who will survive when the inferno unleashes its fury? The answer will leave you breathless, and the special effects will blow you away! 

CHAIN REACTIONS Blu-ray Mediabook Blu-ray December 2 from Dark Sky Films. Fifty years after Tobe Hooper’s classic shocked the world, CHAIN REACTIONS charts the film’s profound impact and lasting influence on five great artists – Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller- Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama. 

THE BLACK PHONE 2 on Digital Now and Blu-ray and 4K December 23 from Universal. Director Scott Derickson (Sinister, The Exorcism of Emily Rose) continues the nightmare with darker, deadlier, and more terrifying scenes than ever before as Ethan Hawke (First Reformed) returns to his most disturbing role as deranged serial killer The Grabber..

BEAST OF WAR on Blu-ray and DVD December 9 from Well Go USA. When their boat is sunk while crossing the Timor Sea during World War II, a young troop of Australian soldiers must find a way to survive the harsh seas on a quickly shrinking life raft. Hundreds of miles from anywhere, they must confront interpersonal conflicts, enemy attacks, and the advances of one very large, very hungry great white shark. 

GOOD FORTUNE arrives 11/7 on Premium Digital and 12/9 on 4K and Blu-ray from Lionsgate. In Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, GOOD FORTUNE, a well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) observes a struggling gig worker, Arj (Aziz Ansari), and intervenes to show him that money can't solve all his problems. 

Stephen King’s THE LONG WALK on Digital October 21 and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD November 25 from Lionsgate. The highly anticipated adaptation of master storyteller Stephen King’s first novel is an intense, chilling, and emotional thriller that challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: how far could you go?

PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE on 4K & Blu-ray December 16 from Criterion Collection. One of the most eccentric comedies of the 1980s, this is a pop-culture touchstone that helped make a manic oddball named Pee-wee Herman into an icon for outsiders of all ages.

Catnip Reviews: BETTER OFF DEAD (4K), WATSON Season One & SPAWN (4K)

Snack-sized opinions from the frisky felines at Free Kittens…

BETTER OFF DEAD 40th Anniversary Edition (4K UHD) - 1985 was a pretty damn good year for John Cusack, with a couple of films that put him directly in the spotlight. One of them, Better Off Dead, didn’t make much of an impression when it was first released, but has since become something of a cult film. 40 years later, it at least deserves a few kudos for its quirkiness and black comedy elements, which helped distinguish the film from countless other ‘80s era teen comedies. But as an obvious product of its time, how much one enjoys it today depends largely on nostalgic reverence for that decade, and so small amount of tolerance for director “Savage” Steve Holland’s sense of humor. Considering this release touts the film’s 40th Anniversary, the 4K video/audio quality is merely average and there are no additional bonus features. Fans who already own the film in other formats have little reason for an upgrade. (1985/96 min/Paramount). 

KITTY CONSENSUS: 😼😼

WATSON Season One (DVD) - Just when you think they’ve run out of ways to serve up iconic characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, along comes the first season of Watson. As the title indicates, the focus is on Sherlock Holmes’ longtime loyal sidekick. However, it’s set in the present day, with the title character (Morris Chestnut) as the head of a Pittsburgh clinic. Not the worst idea as these things go, but it doesn’t necessarily need to feature characters we’re already familiar with (including Holmes’ nemesis, Moriarity). With a few name changes here and there, this could be any typical TV detective series. Still, Chestnut is good in the lead role, and if not quite bingeworthy, the show has its moments. This 4-disc DVD includes a few featurettes, deleted scenes and a gag reel.  (2025/560 min/Paramount). 

KITTY CONSENSUS: 😺😺

SPAWN Limited Edition (4K and Blu-ray) - Spawn was a garbage truck movie back in 1997 and time hasn’t been any kinder to it. Too bad, really, because the basic premise has the makings of a compellingly dark and brutally bloody comic book movie. But instead of appealing to the same older audience that made Blade a sleeper hit a year later, Spawn aims for the mallrat crowd. But even that doesn’t excuse the shipshod direction, bad writing (with eye-rolling dialogue) and tremendous overacting. Speaking of which…if they gave out awards for the most irritating performance of all time, John Leguizamo (who apparently improvised a lot of his dialogue) would be a strong contender. Instead of rebooting Batman over and over, how about somebody try to give this character a decent movie? However, fans of the film will certainly appreciate Arrow Video’s excellent restoration and big batch of all new bonus features, including two commentaries and interviews with several primary cast members. It also features both the theatrical and director’s cut (a marginal improvement). (199798 min/Arrow Video). 

KITTY CONSENSUS: 😼😼

SUPERMAN Under the Gunn

SUPERMAN (Blu-ray)

2025 / 129 min

Warner Bros

Review by Princess Pepper😺

This is the best Superman film since Robert Donner’s 1978 classic. That might be considered faint praise, since sequels to the original got increasingly worse. Then there are the dumpster fires by Zack Snyder, who had the misguided idea to make the Man of Steel as brooding as Batman. 

Certainly, a fresh start was in order, but thank God this isn't another origin story. At this point, who isn’t aware of Superman’s origins and early days? And we sure as hell don’t need to see the planet Krypton explode again. So who better to rescue the franchise from itself than writer-director James Gunn? He's not only responsible for the best trilogy in the MCU (Guardians of the Galaxy), but made the best DC do-over with The Suicide Squad.

Gunn’s Superman remembers this stuff is supposed to be fun, and sets that tone right away with our titular hero (David Corenswet) getting his ass handed to him by a “metahuman” foe, only to be rescued and dragged home by his rambunctious, CG-created dog, Krypto. Typical of Gunn’s style, the scene is funny without descending into campy self-awareness, displaying a playful sense of humor that pops up throughout the rest of the film, and seldom gratuitously. 

"I don't care how cold it is. You do your business outside."

But Superman isn’t a comedy, nor so awestruck by its hero that he can’t be depicted as uncertain and vulnerable. While never particularly jawdropping or groundbreaking, what makes the film enjoyable is the attention paid to its characters, how they’re written, and just as importantly, how they’re performed. Corenswet is a compassionate, likable Man of Steel, while Nicholas Hoult makes Lex Luthor’s obsessive hatred/envy of Superman almost understandable (especially when one considers the paranoid state of the world right now), stopping just short of being sympathetic.

The movie is occasionally stolen by the “Justice Gang,” consisting of self-absorbed Green Lantern (Nathon Fallon), snarky Hawkgirl (Isabella Merced) and beleaguered Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), who provide a considerable amount of comic relief. I wouldn’t mind seeing these guys in their own movie. Interestingly, the weakest character might be Louis Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), mainly because there isn’t a whole lot of difference between her and other depictions of the character. Still, the scenes between Lois and Clark/Superman are engaging (and she’s well played by Brosnahan). 

There’s a new story, of course, and it’s a pretty good one that includes some relevant social commentary on how easily the media can be manipulated by those in powerful positions with an agenda. It also culminates in the usual destructive, CGI-laden climax, which is arguably the least interesting aspect of the film, mainly because we've seen it all before. But until then, the new Superman is a breezy breath of fresh air after a decade of dour debacles. This franchise finally appears to be in the right hands.

And as for the mouthbreathers, Kool-Aid drinkers and Zack zealots getting all butthurt over a supposed “woke” Superman…go home and clean the poo-poo out of your Underoos. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

ADVENTURES IN THE MAKING OF SUPERMAN - This is an excellent making-of doc that runs nearly an hour.

FEATURETTES - Breaking News: The Daily Planet Returns; Lex Luthor: The Mind of a Master Villain; The Justice Gang (these guys should get their own movie); Paws to Pixels: Krypto is Born (James Gunn based this charming pooch on his own dog); The Ultimate Villain; Icons Forever: Superman’s Enduring Legacy; A New Era: DC Takes Off; Kryptunes: The Music of Superman. These features run 5-10 minutes each.

ANIMATED SHORT - “School Bus Scuffle,” featuring Krypto.

AUDIO COMMENTARY (Digital Copy Only) - By director James Gunn.

THUNDERBOLTS*: A Breath of Fresh Air

THUNDERBOLTS* (Digital)

2025 / 127 min

Marvel Studios

Review by Princess Pepper😺

Thunderbolts* is now available on Digital, and will be released on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD July 29.

At the very least, Thunderbolts* doesn’t hinge its entire narrative on events which occurred in previous Marvel films or TV shows. Its main protagonists are lesser known, previously introduced MCU characters, but the film does a decent job re-establishing them for newbies. So unlike Marvel’s recent attempts to extend its increasingly rote universe, this one actually works quite well as a stand-alone story.

It’s also pretty damn funny. I know that probably sticks in the craw of militant fanboys who take their superheroes way too seriously, but there’s a good reason Deadpool & Wolverine and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 have been among Marvel’s few recent financial bright spots. And like Guardians, the ample amount of humor throughout Thunderbolts* feels organic, mostly stemming from the characters’ distinctive personalities rather than an abundance of jokey one-liners. Ultimately, it’s the kind of Marvel movie one might recommended to those who profess to hate them (save for the DC emos still worshiping at the alter of Zack Snyder).

The story itself is perfunctory. Yelena (Florence Pugh) is a Black Widow assassin who regularly does dirty work for CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), as does John Walker (Wyatt Russell), who was once slated to be the next Captain America. Facing impeachment for her questionable experiments trying to create a super-human hero (called the Sentry project), Valentina instructs Yelena to go to Malaysia and destroy the lab containing all the evidence, while ordering Walker to kill Yelena, and ordering Ava Starr (aka Ghost, played by Hannah John-Kamen) to kill Walker. Instead, they discover an amnesiac young man named Bob, the result of Valentina’s experiment. Now she wants everyone but Bob dead.

"I told you if we parked here we'd get towed."

Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), now a rookie congressman, is trying to expose Valentina’s illegal activies, while Yelena’s estranged father, Alexei (aka Red Guardian, played by David Harbour) saves her, Walker and Ghost. All of them reluctantly (since they have no love for each other) team up to save Bob, though his emerging God-like powers, hastened by Valentina, prove too formidable. But really, the story is of secondary importance. What really matters here are the characters. Though most were introduced in other films, Thunderbolts* makes them engaging and likable…even Parker with all his cockiness. Their antagonistic relationships and bickering banter are often very funny, occasionally kind of touching.

Additionally, this is a surprisingly low-key affair for a Marvel movie. There’s still plenty of action, but comparatively speaking, it’s fairly grounded and never threatens to take over the entire film, not even during the climax. And even though these characters all have dark pasts (especially Bob, it turns out), the overall tone is breezy and fun, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I especially liked the origins of the Thunderbolts name, as well as the story's amusing denouement.

Does Thunderbolts* rank among the best MCU films? No, but it’s certainly the most purely entertaining one in quite awhile. In a way, it’s not unlike a triumph-of-the-underdog sports movie: These guys are initially branded losers, but over the coarse of the story, they overcome personal individual shortcomings to find strength as a team, part of what makes it kind of a breath of fresh air.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - Around the World and Back Again; Assembling a Team to Remember; All About Bob, Sentry and the Void.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Jake Schreier.

BLOOPERS - As usual, it’s mostly the cast clowning in up for the camera.

3 DELETED SCENES

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD Clings To The Past

CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD (Digital)

2025 / 118 min

From Marvel/Disney

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😼

Available on Digital NOW and 4K, Blu-ray & DVD 5/13

Of all the Marvel movies, the first two Captain Americas are my personal favorites. The third one? Not so much, mainly because it felt like more of a transitional Avengers episode than a movie that can be appreciated on its own terms. 

I also really enjoyed The Falcon and the Winter Soldier during the short time I had Disney+. Yeah, it was sad that Steve Rogers was gone, but Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) was a worthy heir to the shield and the (mostly) stand-alone story was really good. It also introduced a few interesting new characters along with some familiar faces…Familiar if you’ve been keeping up, that is.

Captain America: Brave New World certainly assumes you have. In fact, you might need a masters degree from MCUniversity to appreciate half of it. Not only does it operate on the conceit that the audience is well familiar with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but also Eternals, Black Widow, Ant-Man, all the Avengers movies and even 2000’s The Incredible Hulk (you know, the one with Edward Norton). 

The narrative depends on the past more than any other MCU film to date. Starting at the top, viewers who’ve never subscribed to Disney+ might find themselves asking,“When and how did Sam Wilson become Captain America?” Haven’t revisited the mostly forgotten Incredible Hulk movie from 25 years ago? Well, that’s on you, even though the film isn’t even considered part of the MCU. Newcomers will likely find the movie lacking in overall character exposition because a lot of them were established in other movies and TV shows.

Cap forgets where he parked.

Obviously, Brave New World isn’t intended for newcomers, an attitude that has torpedoed some recent Marvel movies. But the good news is that it’s better than The Marvels, Wakanda Forever & Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Much of that is due to the performances. Mackie earnestly demonstrates resolve and vulnerability, while Harrison Ford as now-President Thaddius Ross (assuming the role played by the late William Hurt) indulges in a rare bit of scenery chewing. Giancarlo Esposito is fun as Sidewinder, though he’s underused compared to the far less interesting main antagonist, Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson).

The serviceable story never approaches the throwback fun of The First Avenger or the intrigue of The Winter Soldier, but is fairly entertaining in the moment (and maybe just forgettable enough to seem new again during repeated viewings). There’s also plenty of action throughout, though sometimes a little too dependent on CGI (which is pretty wonky at times). But on the plus side, here’s a rare Marvel movie that’s comparatively light on rampant mass destruction. I like citywide mayhem as much as the next guy. I also love lasagna…just not for every damn meal.

Additionally, Captain America: Brave New World does not have the look or tone of the other three movies, which I think is by design since it gives us a new Captain. But I don’t think it goes far enough. At this point, a fresher move would’ve been to ditch the MCU baggage with a stand-alone story that doesn’t cling to the past or offer hints about the future. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - Assuming the Mantle; Old Scores, New Scars.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Julius Onah and cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau.

BLOOPERS - It’s mostly just actors dancing for the camera.

3 DELETED SCENES