THE POOP SCOOP: Upcoming Classic Kibbles

The Original FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX on Blu-ray from Criterion 3/22/22

A downed airplane is a motley group of men’s only protection from the relentless desert sun, in this psychologically charged disaster epic, one of the all-time great survival movies. James Stewart is the veteran pilot whose Benghazi-bound plane—carrying passengers played by an unshaven ensemble of screen icons including Richard Attenborough, Ernest Borgnine, Ian Bannen, Dan Duryea, Peter Finch, and George Kennedy—crash-lands in the remote Sahara. As tensions simmer among the survivors, they find themselves forced to trust a coldly logical engineer (Hardy Krüger) whose plan to get them out may just be crazy enough to work—or could kill them all. Directed with characteristic punch by Hollywood iconoclast Robert Aldrich, The Flight of the Phoenix balances adventure with human drama as it conducts a surprising and complex examination of authority, honor, and camaraderie among desperate men. In addition to a 2K digital restoration, bonus features include: New conversation between filmmaker Walter Hill and film scholar Alain Silver; New interview with biographer Donald Dewey on actor James Stewart and his service as a bomber pilot; Trailer. PLUS: An essay by filmmaker and critic Gina Telaroli.

THE TOOLBOX MURDERS 4K UHD coming 1/18 from Blue Underground

Blue Underground invites you to ring in the New Year with one of the most sadistic and controversial slashers of all time. On January 18, the cult distributor plans to dust off the old toolshed with a brand-new release of The Toolbox Murders. Dennis Donnelly's notorious exploitation classic makes its debut on 4K Ultra HD with a new Blu-ray combo that has been scanned in 4K 16-bit from the uncut original negative. A violent string of murders terrorizes a small apartment complex in Los Angeles. The culprit is a mysterious masked man determined to use every tool at his disposal to make "immoral" women pay. Rooted in the Italian giallo, The Toolbox Murders quickly earned a reputation for its brutal violence and was labeled a "Video Nasty" in the UK. Despite this failed attempt at censorship, The Toolbox Murders has developed a devoted cult following in the decades following its release. Jacob Knight of Birth.Movies.Death wrote that the film is sure to "please even the most hardcore horror hounds" with its "blitzkrieg of brutal, Biblical violence."

 

THE GREAT ESCAPE on 4K Coming 1/11/22 from Kino Lorber

The Great Escape is one of the most ingenious and suspenseful adventure films of all time! As Word War II rages on, the Germans open Stalag Luft III, a maximum security prisoner-of-war camp, designed to hold even the craftiest escape artists. In doing so, however, the Nazis unwittingly assemble the finest escape team in military history. Together, under the guidance of the brilliant Bartlett (Richard Attenborough, Brighton Rock), the resourceful Hendley (James Garner, Support Your Local Sheriff) and the steely, determined Hilts (McQueen), the men plot, scheme and dig their way to freedom…at any cost! Charles Bronson (Breakheart Pass), James Coburn (A Fistful of Dynamite), Donald Pleasence (The Black Windmill), James Donald (The Bridge on the River Kwai) and David McCallum (Mosquito Squadron) fill out the iconic cast of this spectacular, true-life blockbuster. The 4K disc comes with a NEW Audio Commentary by Filmmaker/Historian Steve Mitchell and Combat Films: American Realism Author Steven Jay Rubin. The Blu-ray comes with a wide selection of vintage bonus features.

THE PUNISHER on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook exclusively at Best Buy 1/25

The Punisher walks through the world we all know, a world darkened by war, crime, cruelty, and injustice. He has no superpowers to battle the evil he sees — only his fierce intelligence, his years of combat experience and, above all, his iron determination to avenge those wronged by society’s villains. One of the most popular Marvel vigilantes, The Punisher arrives January 25 on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook from Lionsgate, exclusively at Best Buy. Featuring Golden Globe® Award nominee Thomas Jane (2012, Best Television Actor – Musical/Comedy Series, “Hung”), Academy Award® nominee John Travolta (1994, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Pulp Fiction), Will Patton (Armageddon, The Postman, No Way Out), and Academy Award nominee Roy Scheider (1979, Best Actor in a Leading Role, All That Jazz). Featuring all-new artwork from Orlando Arocena, The Punisher will be available on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook at Best Buy.

LE CERCLE ROUGE on 4K/Blu-ray from Criterion 3/15/22

Alain Delon plays a master thief, fresh out of prison, who crosses paths with a notorious escapee (Gian Maria Volontè) and an alcoholic ex-cop (Yves Montand). The unlikely trio plot a heist, against impossible odds, until a relentless inspector and their own pasts seal their fates. With its honorable antiheroes, coolly atmospheric cinematography, and breathtaking set pieces, Le cercle rouge is the quintessential film by Jean-Pierre Melville—the master of ambiguous, introspective crime cinema. In addition to a new 4K restoration from STUDIOCANAL of the uncut version of the film, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack, bonus features include: Segments from a 1971 episode of Cinéastes de notre temps featuring director Jean-Pierre Melville; Interviews with assistant director Bernard Stora and Rui Nogueira, author of Melville on Melville; On-set and archival footage, featuring interviews with Melville and actors Alain Delon, Yves Montand, and André Bourvil; Trailer. PLUS: Essays by film critics Michael Sragow and Chris Fujiwara, excerpts from Melville on Melville, a 2000 interview with composer Eric Demarsan, and an appreciation by filmmaker John Woo.

Movie Night with Dave & Stinky: SEVEN (1995)

The Real MVP of IVANHOE

IVANHOE (Blu-ray Review)

1952 / 107 min

FROM WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😸

With all due respect to Robert Taylor…he starred in a lot of great films, but I don’t necessarily think they were great because of him. He was always a decent actor and perfectly serviceable leading man. However, there was never anything remarkable or distinctive about him. In his best films - I would argue Quo Vadis tops the list - Taylor was surrounded, often upstaged, by remarkable talent on both sides of the camera.

Arguably the most famous adaptation of Sir Walter Scott’s classic novel, Ivanhoe remains one of Taylor’s better films released during the height of his popularity. Really though, the titular character could have been played by anybody. Here, he assumes the role of loyal Saxon knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe, who discovers King Richard is being held for ransom by Austria. Richard’s conniving brother, Prince John (Guy Rolfe), refuses to pay and assumes the throne, maintaining power with the help of Norman knight De Bois-Guilbert (George Sanders). 

After nearly being killed in a joust with Guilbert, Ivanhoe is joined by estranged father Cedric (Finlay Currie), Robin Hood’s (Harold Warrender) band of 'merry' men and a growing number of angry Saxons to storm Guilbert’s fortress (the best action sequence in the film). Meanwhile, enough money is collected to pay King Richard’s ransom. While the siege is successful, Guilbert and his men take Rebecca (Elizabeth Taylor) hostage and retreat to John’s castle. Holding her for the same ransom as Richard’s, John decides to put her on trial for witchcraft, much to Guilbert's chagrin. 

A tale of two Taylors.

After a relatively slow start, Ivanhoe becomes more engaging as it goes along, with an intriguing story and villains who are more interesting than its heroes. Again, Taylor is perfectly fine, but not particularly dynamic. Playing Ivanhoe’s love interest, Rowena, Joan Fontaine is wasted in a fairly thankless role, given little to do but be jealous of Rebecca (who’s equally smitten with Ivanhoe). Conversely, Sanders absolutely shines as Guilbert. Like the best antagonists, we may be rooting against him, but he’s not entirely unsympathetic. His affection for Rebecca is genuine, even if his efforts to keep her are nefarious.

As historical epics go, Ivanhoe benefits from a comparatively brisk 107 minute running time, as well as Miklos Rozsa’s sweeping score, which greatly enhances much of the action and drama. The cast is uniformly decent and Taylor provides the prerequisite stoicism his role requires. But ultimately, Sanders is the film’s MVP, being the only one in the cast to give his character any real depth.

EXTRA KIBBLES

TOM & JERRY SHORT - “The Two Mouseketeers”

TRAILER

The Good Half of BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION

BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION (Blu-ray Review)

2021 / 104 min

FROM DARK SKY FILMS

Review by Fluffy the Fearless😼

It’s a shame Broadcast Signal Intrusion doesn’t make-good on the promise of its inherently intriguing concept. The film is well made and often really creepy, but the narrative begins to unravel during the second half and culminates in an abrupt, disappointing conclusion.

But it still might be worth checking out. For a while, the story is pretty compelling. Taking place in 1999, widowed Chicago TV station archivist James (Harry Shum Jr) works a graveyard shift cataloging old broadcasts. He comes across an old airing of a program interrupted by a pirate signal, showing a masked figure droning unintelligibly. After coming across another, he becomes intrigued when learning each ‘broadcast signal interruption’ occurred the day after a woman went missing. This turns to obsession when James is told of a mysterious third ‘interruption,’ which supposedly happened the day after his own wife died.

James anxiously awaits his belly-rub.

At first, a lot of this is pretty compelling. The story does an excellent job establishing James as a sympathetic character trying to come to terms with his wife’s untimely death. Quietly desperate, he’s hell-bent on locating the third intrusion - and who’s behind it - despite the increasingly ominous implications. Elsewhere, director Jacob Gentry achieves the look and tone of an atmospheric horror film. The videos James acquires are particularly unnerving, and even though we aren’t yet sure what they mean, they certainly hint at something terrifying to come…

…that is, until the film turns into more of a scavenger hunt, with James and new acquaintance Alice (Kelley Mack) chasing down a succession of clues which lead them to a series of ‘revelations’ and plot twists that are either nonsensical or, worse yet, underwhelming. And while we’re invested in James, Alice is clumsily inserted into the story for the sole purpose of giving him someone to speak with. Once James is done providing all the exposition the viewer’s gonna get, she completely disappears.

Capping it off is a final scene that makes absolutely no sense, even after reflecting long and hard on the previous 90 minutes. I don’t mind films which conclude on a WTF note, but such an ending should be earned, not casually tacked-on without throwing the audience a bone or two. Too bad, really, because until then, Broadcast Signal Intrusion is a darkly compelling little thriller.

EXTRA KIBBLES

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Jacob Gentry and actor Harry Shum Jr.

THE MONKEY KING REBORN and the Sullen Simian

THE MONKEY KING REBORN (Blu-ray Review)

2021 / 96 min

FROM WELL GO USA

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😾

I know nothing about Sun Wukong, other than that it’s a centuries-old Chinese legend that has inspired countless books, stories, movies, TV shows, manga and video games. But I do know a character this old and revered deserves better treatment.

As depicted in The Monkey King Reborn, Sun Wukong is an arrogant, sullen, staff-wielding simian who perpetually scowls throughout the entire film. When he’s not verbally belittling every other character - including his friends - he exists in service of himself, which includes eating a rare forbidden fruit that unleashes an ancient demon capable of destroying the world. Even then, the only reason he decides to battle the demon & its legions is to save his own soul (well, the demon did capture his monk & mentor, Bajie, but Sun Wukong seldom expresses any real concern over that).

Future S'mores.

None of the other characters fare much better. Despite being colorful and elaborately animated, there’s nothing unique about them or their one-note personalities. They appear more inspired by video games than any kind of folklore, and most of their dialogue consists of ongoing expositional commentary or - regarding the numerous bad guys - introducing themselves with smirks & chutzpah. Even in computer animation, engaging characters matter.

I couldn’t tell you if the plot itself is based on an ancient tale or not, but it unfolds like generic fantasy hoopla. The same applies to the action. There’s a ton of it, but despite all the visual fireworks - which are admittedly well done - the main thing the viewer feels is deja vu. While The Monkey King Reborn is pretty to look at, I can’t help but feel that such a legendary character deserves more than surface sheen.

ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES: A Tale of Two Besties

ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES (Blu-ray Review)

1939 / 97 min

FROM WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😹

Classic crime films don’t get much better than this…

Raised in the slums, lifelong friends “Rocky” Sullivan & Jerry Connolly are a couple of streetwise kids who eventually end up on opposite sides of the law. As an adult, Rocky (James Cagney) becomes a powerful gangster. Returning to the old neighborhood after a stint in jail, he’s admired by many of the locals, especially a group of impressionable young hoods. Conversely, Jerry (Pat O’Brien) becomes a priest, remaining in the neighborhood as a mentor for troubled teens (including the same kids hoping to emulate Rocky’s quick road to riches).

Meanwhile, Rocky’s former partner, crooked lawyer Jim Frazier (Humphrey Bogart), has since hooked up with powerful mob boss Mac Keefer (George Bancroft). Both want Rocky eliminated, not just because of the money they owe him, but because he’s getting too big for his britches, blackmailing his way into a new partnership. However, the crux of the story is the relationship between the two friends. Though they’ve chosen different paths, these guys share mutual love and respect, even as Jerry tries to steer the kids clear of Rocky’s influence. Similarly, when Jerry leads a public anti-corruption campaign, Rocky won’t allow Keefer & Frazier to silence him, despite the immediate threat to their organization.

Apparently, Rocky enjoyed a burrito for his last meal.

Like the greatest epic crime sagas, Angels with Dirty Faces works on many levels. First, it’s a moving - ultimately poignant - tale of friendship. The complexity of Rocky & Jerry’s relationship is thoroughly explored, it’s stars providing extra punch with a couple of knock-out performances. Perhaps as a result of the burgeoning Hays Code, it’s also a cautionary tale of redemption, a theme punctuated by the stirring, intriguingly ambiguous final act (Rocky’s “death row” walk is arguably Cagney’s greatest screen moment).

But most importantly, the film remains massively entertaining all these years later. Director Michael Curtiz deftly juggles a compelling story, dynamic characters, hard-hitting action and an unforgettable climax, making Angels with Dirty Faces an undisputed classic. With an outstanding Blu-ray transfer and some great vintage bonus features, it’s a must-own for any self-respecting film fan.

EXTRA KIBBLES

WARNER NIGHT AT THE MOVIES - Leonard Maltin introduces a batch of vintage goodies that used to play in theaters before the feature, including a newsreel, “Out Where the Stars Begin” (musical short), “Porky and Daffy (cartoon short) and some trailers. Includes a ‘view all’ option.

ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES: WHADDYA HEAR? WHADDYA SAY? - Severa; historian discuss the film’s production and influence.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By historian Dana Polan.

LUX RADIO THEATER - An hour-long radio adaptation, featuring Cagney and O’Brien.

THE POOP SCOOP: New Year's Kibbles

LA DOLCE VITA on Blu-ray 2/8/22

Federico Fellini, the most popular Italian filmmaker of all time, had his biggest hit with LA DOLCE VITA, an exquisite meditation on personal morality, wealth and fame, societal decay, and the perpetual search for meaning.  Equal parts provocative and breathtaking, LA DOLCE VITA stands the test of time, remaining one of the most influential films in cinematic history more than 60 years after its debut. On February 8, 2022, Paramount Home Entertainment will release LA DOLCE VITA on Blu-ray for audiences to once again experience this compelling and engrossing masterpiece.  The release will include a brand-new introduction by renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who shares his thoughts on the film and its indelible impact on cinema. Both a critique of the culture of stardom and a look at the darkness beneath the seductive lifestyles of Rome’s rich, LA DOLCE VITA follows a notorious celebrity journalist over one crazy week.  Starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimée, and Yvonne Furneaux, the film is lauded for its complicated and rich story wrapped in extravagant visuals that have become as iconic as the film itself.

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM on 4K Ultra HD Steelbook, exclusively at Best Buy 1/18

One of the most powerful psychological films ever made, Requiem For A Dream arrives January 18th on 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from Lionsgate, exclusively at Best Buy. From Academy Award®-nominated director Darren Aronofsky (2010, Best Director, Black Swan), the critically acclaimed film features cinematography by two-time Academy Award® nominee Matthew Libatique (2010, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Black Swan; 2018, Best Achievement in Cinematography, A Star is Born), music by Golden Globe nominee Clint Mansell (2006, Best Original Score, The Fountain), and stars Academy Award® winners Ellen Burstyn (1974, Best Actress, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore), Jared Leto (2013, Best Supporting Actor, Dallas Buyers Club), and Jennifer Connelly (2001, Best Supporting Actress, A Beautiful Mind), as well as Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie franchise, White Chicks). Featuring all new artwork from Vance Kelly, Requiem For A Dream will be available on 4K Ultra HD Steelbook at Best Buy.

 

THE SUPERDEEP - Available on VOD, Digital HD, DVD & Blu-ray 1/4/22

RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, has picked up select rights to THE SUPERDEEP from Shudder, AMC Networks’ streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural. THE SUPERDEEP will be available on January 4, 2022 on VOD, Digital HD, DVD and Blu-ray. Directed by Arseniy Sukhin (Lockout), written by Victor Bondaryuk (Deadly Still), and inspired by true events, THE SUPERDEEP stars Milena Radulovic (The Balkan Line), Nikita Dyuvbanov (Abigail), Kirill Kovbas (Ikariya), Vadim Demchog (Son of a Rich) and Sergey Ivanyuk (Z’olushka). In THE SUPERDEEP, the Russian Kola Superdeep Borehole is the largest drilling project in the world, attempting to drill as far as possible into the Earth’s crust. After reaching depths of nearly seven miles below the surface, unexplained sounds resembling the screams and moans of numerous people were reported and the borehole was shut down. But when a small team of scientists and military personnel set out to unearth the source of the strange sounds, they end up discovering the greatest threat that humanity has ever faced.

 

JOHN CARPENTER’S ESCAPE FROM L.A. arrives on 4K Ultra HD 2/22/22

Snake Plissken is back in the high-octane thrill-ride JOHN CARPENTER’S ESCAPE FROM L.A., arriving on 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever February 22, 2022 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Released in 1996, JOHN CARPENTER’S ESCAPE FROM L.A. was the highly anticipated follow up to the fan-favorite hit Escape from New York.  Kurt Russell returns as anti-hero Snake Plissken, who is called upon to save the world from a doomsday device after a 9.6 quake levels most of Los Angeles. Experience every outrageous and eye-popping moment of the post-apocalyptic classic in stunning 4K Ultra HD, including Snake surfing Wilshire Blvd., shooting hoops at the Coliseum, and dive bombing the Happy Kingdom theme park.  The film also features a wild assortment of friends, fiends and foes from a supporting cast that includes Steve Buscemi, Peter Fonda, Pam Grier, Stacy Keach, Cliff Robertson and Bruce Campbell. The 4K Ultra HD release features exceptional picture quality with Dolby Vision and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. The disc also includes access to a Digital copy of the film and the original theatrical trailer.

CRY MACHO: The Energizer Bunny & the Chicken

CRY MACHO (Blu-ray Review)

2021 / 104 min

FROM WARNER BROS

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😼

#InPartnershipwithWB

Every time Clint Eastwood comes out with a new movie - whether he’s directing, starring, or both - I always wonder if it’ll be his last. The guy’s remained relevant my entire life (I won’t disclose how long that is). Surely, he’s bound to run out of gas eventually. But like the Energizer Bunny, he keeps going.

Clint spends more time behind the camera these days, but when he does choose to act, he has the good sense to cast himself in roles reflective of his age. Once again, he’s doing double duty in Cry Macho, and if this one ends up being his last, at least he’s going out with quiet dignity.

The ‘macho’ of the title refers to the film's overall theme (the definition of which has probably changed for Eastwood himself over the years). At the behest of his former boss, Howard Polk (Dwight Yoakam), retired & widowed ex-rodeo star Mike Milo (Eastwood) agrees to drive to Mexico and bring back Polk’s 13-year-old son, Rafael (Eduardo Minett). Living down there with his unloving, indifferent mother, Leta (Fernanda Urrejola), Rafael is involved in a variety of illegal activities he considers ‘macho,’ such as boosting cars and entering his rooster in cockfighting contests. 

This is essentially a road movie where, predictably, Mike and Rafael initially do not get along, but eventually form a close bond as they develop mutual respect. We learn much about their pasts after they become stranded in a small Mexican village. Rafael has been subjected to abuse by some of Leta’s various ‘uncles’ - most of whom are criminals themselves - while Mike eventually reveals he was a husband & father himself, but lost both in a car accident. During this time, they also befriend some of the locals and Mike teaches the kid how to ride a horse. Meanwhile, Leta wants her son back, sending henchmen to track the pair down. It turns out she and Howard are simply both using Rafael as a bargaining chip to get a financial advantage over the other.

An Oscar-worthy performance. Eastwood's pretty good, too.

Such external conflict, however,  is minimal and usually resolved in a scene or two. Cry Macho is mostly about the growth of its two main characters. As such, the film moves in fits and starts. Sometimes it’s engaging and sweet-natured, other times too languidly paced for its own good. Eastwood is suitably laconic, delivering an affecting, low-key performance, which adds a lot of charm to the romantic subplot between Mike and kindly restaurant owner Marta (Natalia Traven). Conversely, Minett is distractingly drab as Rafael, exacerbated by the abundant amount of screen time he shares with Eastwood. A few other ineffective supporting performances range from overwrought (Urrejola) to downright lazy (Yoakam).

By the way, ‘macho’ also refers to the name of Rafael’s rooster who comes along for the ride. Whether seated with them at a diner, riding shotgun with Clint or - in one instance - saving the day, Macho steals every scene he’s in. Chickens are inherently funny creatures and how he endears himself to Mike is quietly amusing.

Clint Eastwood’s glory days as both an actor and director are likely behind him, but he seems comfortable with that. While Cry Macho offers no real narrative surprises, watching him more-or-less play an extension of his own aging persona is fairly enjoyable. The pace and tone may be off-putting to some, but for those who’ve watched Clint evolve from iconic anti-hero to Hollywood’s elder statesman, it’s somewhat reassuring that he can still carry a film…even when being occasionally upstaged by a chicken.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - “Back in the Saddle: The Making of Cry Macho”; “Macho and the Mustangs” 

DIGITAL COPY

WEREWOLVES WITHIN: A Hairy Whodunit

WEREWOLVES WITHIN (Blu-ray Review)

2020 / 96 min

FROM RLJ ENTERTAINMENT

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Recently dumped by his girlfriend, congenial forest ranger Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson) relocates to the small town of Beaverfield. On his very first day, he meets an interesting assortment of oddballs, as well as perky mail carrier Cecily Moore (Milana Vayntrub), who shows him around town and brings him up to speed on everyone’s eccentricities. They also appear a bit smitten with each other.

His second day, however, is more of a challenge. Someone is brutally killed. Worse yet, a snowstorm cuts off the entire town from the outside world. Wheeler and most of the characters we met during the first act converge in the local resort lodge. At first, everyone believes the murderer might be Emerson Flint (Glenn Fleshler), a gun-toting recluse who threatens anyone setting foot on his property. But it soon becomes apparent that one of them is a werewolf.

Apparently, juggling axes isn't Finn's forte.

As horror-comedies go, Werewolves Within ain’t bad. The characters and dialogue provide most of the humor, which is mildly amusing as opposed to laugh-out-loud funny, but at least isn’t heavy-handed or juvenile. The film is never particularly scary, but the whodunit aspects keep things interesting. We’re made to suspect almost everyone at one point or another. Not everyone is one they initially seem to be, which sets up a few genuine surprises during the climax, without any pesky red herrings crashing the party.

Anchored by earnest performances, a likable protagonist and a well-crafted story, Werewolves Within is unassumingly entertaining. It isn’t likely to resonate much once the end credits roll, but it’s certainly enjoyable in the moment.

MALIGNANT: James Wan Unchained

MALIGNANT (Blu-ray Review)

2021 / 111 min.

FROM WARNER BROS

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

#InPartnershipwithWB

If nothing else, director James Wan’s first horror film in several years is certainly audacious.

In Malignant, Annabelle Wallis plays Madison, who’s pregnant but miscarries after her abusive husband slams her against a wall. Later that night, he’s brutally murdered by a shadowiy figure that entered their house. With the help of her younger sister, Sydney (Maddie Hasson), she tries to put her life back together while coming to terms with losing another child (she has miscarried several times before). Concurrently, the shadow figure slaughters a few other victims, which Madison is able to visualize as they’re occurring. 

At first, I was briefly reminded of The Eyes of Laura Mars, which had a similar premise. But then, the film takes more than a few wild narrative turns, some of which would spoil the party if elaborated here. Of course, the police suspect Madison is the killer, especially after the investigation reveals her connection to the victims. As a child, Madison was a mental patient at a psychiatric hospital, sent there after her birth mother gave up custody. Learning why is one of the film’s gruesome surprises, but it has something to do with Madison’s nasty "imaginary friend," Gabriel, who’d coerce her into doing terrible things.

As you might have guessed, this scene was directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Presently, the shadowy killer appears to be Gabriel, who not only has the ability to manipulate electricity, but communicate with her through phones and radios. One needlessly stupid cop, Detective Moss (Michole Briana White) thinks she’s nuts, while the other, Detective Kekoa Shaw (George Young) learns the hard way that Gabriel - or at least someone claiming to be - is definitely real. Doing some investigating of her own, Sydney uncovers horrific information about Madison and Gabriel’s connection to each other, as well as the horrors she experienced as a child at the hands of the doctors charged with treating her.

Malignant has Wan throwing caution to the wind with a wild, fast-paced and unapologetically gory story that may not be as chilling or atmospheric as his more lauded horror films (i.e. Insidious, The Conjuring), but is a hell of a lot of fun. Considering Wan has lately been transitioning to other genres, one gets the impression that he’s trying to get what's left of those horror urges out of his system in one fell swoop. If that’s the case...well, mission accomplished. 

Punctuated by (mostly) solid performances and a cleverly-rendered antagonist, Malignant is no masterpiece, nor is it particularly scary (despite an abundance of familiar jump scares). However, the film is entertaining, uninhibited and culminates in a bonkers final act that - whether one finds it thrilling or ridiculous - is certainly memorable. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

MALIGNANT: JAMES WAN’S VISIONS - Pretty interesting 15 minute interview with director/co-writer James Wan and other cast & crew, as well as behind-the-scenes footage.

DIGITAL COPY