THE FABELMANS: Spielberg Gets Personal

THE FABELMANS (Blu-ray)

2022 / 151 min

FROM UNIVERSAL

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😺

Directors drawing inspiration from their formative years is nothing new, nor is creating an entire film based on their childhood. But those movies tend to come from independent-minded filmmakers whose work is almost always personal. But Steven Spielberg? Mr. Summer Blockbuster? The most successful director of all time? That’s sort of a surprise.

The fact that The Fabelmans even exists might ultimately be a testament to his Hollywood clout. Personal narratives have never been sure things at the box office. In this era of superheroes and FX-driven spectacles, it’s doubtful even Universal thought this film had a shot at turning a profit, no matter how many accolades it racks up. But I’m sure they forked-over the budget without batting an eye. Hell, it’s the least they could do after all the cash he’s made for them.

The Fabelmans is Spielberg’s own coming-of-age story. Though somewhat fictionalized, it features characters who - despite different names - clearly represent his family and friends. The narrative chronicles the early life of Sammy Fabelman (Gabrielle LaBelle) from the moviegoing experience that changed his life to his first step into the film business. In between, he develops a growing love and talent for making movies with friends, which his mother, Mitzi (Michelle Williams), encourages while self-absorbed dad Burt (Paul Dano) repeatedly dismisses as a hobby. 

Sam's experiences a 'close encounter.'

Sammy’s parents grow increasingly estranged over the years, especially when Burt keeps moving the entire family around the country as his career advances, and Mitzi reveals her love for family friend, ‘Uncle’ Bennie (Seth Rogan). In addition to facing the reality that his parents are fallible human beings, Sammy eventually experiences anti-semitism and the hands of classmates, meets his first love in high school and even considers following Dad’s suggestion to forget aspirations of being a filmmaker.

Affectionate and nostalgic without being overly sentimental, The Fabelmans is obviously Spielberg’s most personal film, but still has his aesthetic stamp all over it. There’s great attention to period detail, right down to depicting the filming and editing techniques Sammy employs while making his grassroots little movies. Those segments are easily the most charming aspects of the film and we get the impression Spielberg relished the opportunity to recreate them.

At times, the episodic structure of the narrative renders the movie a little too meandering, particularly during the final act. But for the most part, The Fabelmans is a heartfelt journey featuring a likable protagonist, relatable family dynamics and strong performances by the entire cast (which includes brief, scene-stealing turns from Judd Hirsch and none other than David Lynch). 

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - “The Fabelmans: A Personal Journey”; “Family Dynamics”; Creating the World of The Fabelmans.”

DVD & DIGITAL COPIES

Saying Goodbye in BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (Digital Release)

2022 / 161 min

FROM MARVEL/DISNEY

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😽

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was stuck with an insurmountable task...not only moving forward after the loss of its irreplaceable star, but acknowledging the death of the previous film’s main character in a manner that pays respect to both…all while still giving audiences what they’ve come to expect from a Marvel movie. By and large, it succeeds, though there ain't much in the way of surprises.

The prologue offers some closure in the form of a wake intended for us to mourn both T’Challa and Chadwick Boseman. As expected, it's a moving tribute, mostly dialogue free and aided by a suitably somber score that punctuates a sense of finality: Wakanda has lost its king, the world has lost a hero and a franchise has lost its main character. It’s also the most emotionally engaging part of the movie.

To Marvel’s credit, they didn’t simply stick another guy in a Black Panther suit and charge full speed ahead. There’s a big void to fill here, which the narrative acknowledges as it unfolds. Though T-Challa’s brilliant sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright) emerges as the main protagonist, the film is more of an ensemble piece, which has Wakanda at-odds with Talokan, a water-breathing race led by Namor (Tenoch Huerta Meji). Like Wakanda, Talokan’s society is made powerful by vibranium, the mineral coveted by every other country in the world. 

Kitty's favorite sandbox.

When vibranium is discovered on the ocean floor by the U.S. using a device designed by MIT student Riri (Dominique Thorne), the Talokans kill everyone on the ship. Soon after, Namor implores Wakanda to join him in keeping vibranium out of the wrong hands, which involves killing Riri. After some kidnappings, soul searching and the prerequisite quota of Marvel-brand spectacle - including an attack on Wakanda’s capital - Namor’s plea becomes an ultimatum: join forces to wage war against the rest of the world, or be destroyed.  

For the most part, Wakanda Forever is enjoyable, meeting expectations without ever actually exceeding them. The poignant changing-of-the-guard notwithstanding, it follows Marvel's established formula pretty closely. Those who love that formula will have no complaints, but it’s too bad there’s no real attempt to shake things up with a few narrative curveballs. In the end, it’s just another Marvel movie...and a looong one at that.

Still, the film boasts imaginative, colorful production design, especially the sequences depicting Talokan’s underwater kingdom. Elsewhere, the returning characters don't completely fill the void left by T’Challa, but it's nice getting to know them all a little better. And of course, Wakanda Forever bids a heartfelt farewell to a character (and actor) taken away too soon. As for the action and story…well, you know what to expect. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - Coming of Age; Envisioning Two Worlds; Passing the Mantle.

BLOOPER REEL

4 DELETED SCENES

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Ryan Coogler, writer Joe Robert Cole & cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw.

THE POOP SCOOP: Awards Season Edition

😺ROCKY I-IV FILM COLLECTION Arrives on 4K Ultra HD February 28 from Warner Bros

Get knocked out by the new 4K contender – the ROCKY I-IV 4K 4-Film Collection newly remastered in stunning 4K Ultra HD. Sylvester Stallone stars in the greatest boxing saga of all time and triumphs as one of the most inspirational characters in cinematic history. Witness every epic, action packed fight and unforgettable moment as Rocky punches his way to the top against impossible odds when the ROCKY I-IV 4K 4-Film Collection is released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack on 02/28/23. The ROCKY I-IV 4K 4-Film Collection includes the MGM feature films ROCKY, ROCKY II, ROCKY III and ROCKY IV, along with the ROCKY IV Ultimate Director’s Cut, ROCKY VS. DRAGO.  This collection contains a Blu-ray disc featuring the hour-long behind the scenes documentary on the making of this extended director’s cut of ROCKY IV, ROCKY IV: ROCKY VS. DRAGO as well as a selection of previously existing EC. The Ultra HD Blu-ray will include an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with each feature film in 4K with HDR, a bonus Blu-ray disc with the documentary and a selection of pre-existing special features, and a Digital version of the feature films.

🐋THE WHALE arrives March 14 on Blu-ray + Digital and DVD from Lionsgate.

From Darren Aronofsky comes The Whale, the story of a reclusive English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. Brendan Fraser’s captivating performance as withdrawn but sweet-natured English teacher Charlie in The Whale arrives on Blu-ray, Digital and DVD March 14 from A24 and Lionsgate. Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, mother!), and based on the play by Samuel D. Hunter, The Whale is an intimate and gut-wrenching exploration of forgiveness, redemption, and humanity. Also starring Golden Globe nominee Hong Chau (2018, Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, Downsizing), Academy Award nominee Samantha Morton (2003, Best Actress, In America), and Sadie Sink (TV’s “Stranger Things”). As of January 24, the film has earned three Academy Award® nominations, including Best Actor for Fraser, Best Supporting Actress for Chau, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling for Adrien Morot, Judy Chin, and Anne Marie Bradley.

🙀BABYLON Arrives on Premium VOD & Digital January 31st and on 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray March 21st from Paramount.

BABYLON follows an ambitious cast of characters -- The Silent Film Superstar (Brad Pitt), the Young Starlet (Margot Robbie), the Production Executive (Diego Calva), the Musical Sensation (Jovan Adepo) and the Alluring Powerhouse Performer (Li Jun Li) -- who are striving to stay on top of the raucous, 1920s Hollywood scene and maintain their relevance at a time when the industry is moving on to the next best thing. Called “an absolute spectacle of filmmaking from start to finish” (Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly) and “extravagant, decadent…phenomenal” (Jazz Tangcay, Variety), writer/director Damien Chazelle’s glittering tale of Hollywood glamour and excess BABYLON arrives for fans to watch at home on Premium Video-On-Demand and to purchase on Digital January 31, 2023 from Paramount Home Entertainment.  Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design, BABYLON is a must-see spectacle featuring outstanding work from a world-class cast and filmmaking team.  Fans who buy the film on Digital will have access to over 40 minutes of behind-the-scenes interviews and deleted scenes to further illuminate how the cinematic tour-de-force was brought to life.  

🐉DRAGONSLAYER debuts on 4K Ultra HD March 21st from Paramount.

Newly restored in eye-popping 4K Ultra HD under the supervision of director/co-writer Matthew Robbins, the fan-favorite classic DRAGONSLAYER arrives for the first time ever on 4K Ultra HD, in a Limited Edition Collector’s 4K Ultra HD SteelBook, and on Blu-ray March 21, 2023 from Paramount Home Entertainment. An essential cinematic adventure with groundbreaking and Oscar®-nominated visual effects*, DRAGONSLAYER has been restored with exceptional picture and sound to bring the spectacular fantasy to life for a new generation.  Legendary visual effects supervisor Phil Tippett (Star Wars, Jurassic Park) created the film’s special effects, pioneering a new technique called “go motion” that incorporates blurring into each frame for more realistic images.  Vermithrax Pejorative, the fire-breathing creature at the center of the story, was created using a combination of go motion and 16 massive dragon puppets. Guillermo del Toro joins director and longtime collaborator Matthew Robbins for an entertaining and illuminating new commentary.  The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray releases also include more than an hour of additional new special features.

CHICAGO (SteelBook) Twenty Years Later

CHICAGO 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray SteelBook)

2002 / 113 min

FROM PARAMOUNT

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😺

20 years after being indignant and resentful over its Oscar win for Best Picture over Gangs of New York, perhaps it was time to give Chicago another shot. Admittedly, I never sat through the film in its entirety - mostly snippets here & there over the years - but based on what I saw, no way was it superior to what I deemed another Scorsese masterpiece.

While my enthusiasm for Gangs of New York has waned since then, I’ve developed more of an appreciation for musicals than I used to. Though still not among my preferred genres, there have been some pretty great ones in recent years. I probably should thank my daughter, Natalie, for that. She absolutely loves modern musicals - the more fabulous, the better - which includes Chicago. So she was curious about my assessment after finally reviewing the film in its entirety.

“So what’d you think?” she enthusiastically asked the next day.

I was honest, conceding that it was ultimately more enjoyable than I once gave it credit for. The musical numbers themselves are cool and I like the fact the actors don’t actually break into song in the middle of a scene. The numbers exist as cutaway scenes outside of the setting, concurrently driving the narrative as it unfolds and performed by an impressive cast, some of whom I didn’t know could actually sing (like Richard Gere). The choreography, performances and Rob Marshall’s exuberant direction go a long way in making us forget most of these characters are terrible people.

Frederick's of Hollywood: The Musical

I also told Natalie that although Chicago is indeed a good movie, I didn’t really find it all that emotionally engaging. The film is an entertaining piece of eye & ear candy, but still didn’t deserve an Oscar over Gangs of New York…or even Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

“Yeah,” she retorted. “But did those movies have the ‘Cell Block Tango?’”

Natalie was referring to an early scene in the film where several convicted women confess to murder through song and dance. Admittedly, it's a show-stopping sequence, among the sexiest musical numbers ever produced and easily one of the film’s sultry highlights. Something tells me seeing Gandalf or Bill the Butcher perform the same number wouldn’t have been quite as visually appealing.

 

But regardless, we gotta give some props to Chicago. As the first live-action musical since Grease to become a genuine blockbuster, it showed there was still life in the genre. Without it, there’s a chance we never would have gotten such modern musicals as Mamma Mia!, The Greatest Showman or West Side Story. 

Natalie and legions of other fans will probably appreciate this attractive 20th Anniversary SteelBook. There are no new bonus features and I can’t tell you if the picture or sound are an improvement over previous Blu-rays (I’m actually kind of surprised there’s no 4K release for this one). Still, SteelBooks are the hardcover books of physical media and great for those ‘special’ movies that represent more than just another disc in your collection. 

EXTRA KIBBLES

CHICAGO IN THE SPOTLIGHT - A nearly two-and-a-half hour look back at the film, featuring interviews with most of the cast and crew.

EXTENDED MUSICAL PERFORMANCES - Of several numbers, including a few rehearsals.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By director Rob Marshall & screenwriter Bill Condon.

DIGITAL COPY

THE 10 BEST MOVIES WE FOUND AT DOLLAR TREE

A Subjective List of Cheap Kibbles by MR. BISCUITS🐈

Shopping at Dollar Tree is always a crapshoot. Sometimes they carry those tongue-swelling salt rings known as Onyums (which I’m strangely addicted to),  sometimes not. 

The same thing goes for DVDs and Blu-rays. And even when they do choose to stock a few, more often than not, it's easy to see why they’re a dollar (or $1.25 these days). There are always a lot of Jesus flicks and cheap cartoon compilations at the Dollar Trees we frequent most. 

But it pays to be vigilant because we score some absolute gems from time to time. The following is a list of the best Dollar Tree deals we have found by just being there at the right time. Some provided a cheap opportunity to upgrade a movie we love from DVD to Blu-ray, while others are titles we would have happily paid full price for but simply got lucky. 

1. HOTEL MUMBAI (Blu-ray) - This is a gripping, disturbing and tension-filled retelling of the 2008 terror attack on the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, featuring an excellent ensemble cast led by Dev Patel. I’m ashamed to admit that I wasn’t even aware of the incident until I saw this movie. 

 

2. STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT (Blu-ray) - The best Star Trek film to feature the “Next Generation” cast, I would even argue it’s one of the best in the entire franchise. Star Trek Insurrection was also available during the same visit, but since that one ranks among the series' worst, we opted to double up on pork rinds instead. 

3. ROCKY (Blu-ray) - Most of Sly’s filmography belongs in a budget bin, so it’s sort of ironic that the one Stallone film we did find at Dollar Tree ranks among his greatest. Too bad the other Rocky movies weren’t available. The family room could use a few new drink coasters.

4. THE BELKO EXPERIMENT (Blu-ray) - This unapologetically violent satire of office politics gone insane may not win any awards for subtlety, but it’s gobs of disreputable fun, featuring a great cast. 

5. BLACK HAWK DOWN (Blu-ray) - Until Dunkirk came along, Black Hawk Down was the best war movie of the 21st Century…certainly the bloodiest. Though pretty light on characterization, almost the entire movie is as intense and harrowing as the opening 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan. 

6. D.O.A. (DVD) - The original 1949 D.O.A. is a terrific little slab of film noir. I’d rather have a Blu-ray restoration, but for a buck at Dollar Tree? How can anyone pass that up? It comes with the forgettable 1988 remake with Dennis Quaid & Meg Ryan, a useless bonus feature I’d never be compelled to watch again (I don't care how cute they were together).

7. ELYSIUM (Blu-ray) - Like he did with District 9, director Neil Blomkamp examines the dichotomy between the haves and have-nots with another smart, gritty science-fiction film. Elevated expectations may be a reason for its muted critical reception, but considering the real-life fuckery of so many one-percenters, this one is just as topically relevant.

8. KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE (Blu-ray) - Sometimes it pays to check Dollar Tree first. Just as I was considering shelling out $25 for Arrow Video’s special edition on Amazon, I found the original MGM Blu-ray buried under a few Kevin Sorbo fartfests. Sure, the Arrow video is remastered and loaded with extras, but we ain’t talking Seven Samurai here. Killer Klowns for a buck will do just fine.

9. VIRUS (DVD) - The only thing better than watching the world come to an end is watching it all go down for the same price as a frozen Dollar Tree egg roll. In light of COVID, this 1980 Japanese global disaster movie is particularly timely right now, especially in early scenes depicting dumbasses in denial.

10. UNKNOWN (Blu-ray) - Liam Neeson is the Charles Bronson of the 21st Century. Surely, a dollar is a paltry price to pay to enjoy watching him once again kick some ass in the name of senior citizens everywhere. Unknown isn't as much fun as Taken, but a masterpiece compared to the shit he’s cranked out lately.

A WOMAN KILLS and the 40 Year Wait

A WOMAN KILLS (Blu-ray Review)

1968 / 69 min

FROM RADIANCE FILMS

Review by Fluffy the Fearless🙀

The hot poop about A Woman Kills is that it was produced in 1968 but sat unreleased for over four decades, which makes the backstory of this French obscurity as interesting as the film itself. Perhaps more so.

Context is probably important to fully appreciate this one, about the director and the era during which the film was made. An awareness of Jean-Denis Bonan’s penchant for stirring the pot - thematically and stylistically - certainly helps, since A Woman Kills is unconventional, to say the least. Fortunately, this new Blu-ray from Radiance Films includes supplements that provide a wealth of information about Bonan and the cultural climate at the time. You might even want to watch them first.

The basic premise suggests a thriller…a few years after a notorious female serial killer is executed for her crimes, a series of similar murders has Paris terrified all over again. The lead detective, Solange (Solange Pradel), briefly worries they executed an innocent woman. However, the man who actually performed the execution, Louis (Claude Merlin), assures her the recent killings are the work of a copycat. 

Louis is a creepy guy. Not only is he really into his work, Louise deceptively insinuates himself into Solenge’s life, eventually revealing details about his past that have really screwed him up. Still, the two end up in a relationship. But it doesn’t take a detective to figure out how Louis knows the killer is a copycat. Before anyone screams ‘spoiler,’ A Woman Kills makes no pretense of being a mystery. Almost from the get-go, the story practically screams “It’s this guy!”

Very Casual Friday.

Until the final act, it isn’t really a thriller, either. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. Unfolding like a docudrama - with (intentionally?) stiff voiceover narration - most supporting characters come and go in brief scenes that almost seem randomly sequenced with little or no transition. Some of these sequences tend to be voyeuristic, even exploitative (such as lengthy, lingering shots of Solenge showering or lying nude in bed). Other scenes depicting murders are kind of unnerving, mostly because of the vérité style in which they’re shot. Punctuating the story is an unusual score and atonal songs with bizarre, twisted lyrics. The climax features a rooftop and street chase, which is the only time the narrative approaches anything we’d consider conventional, but it’s also the best part of the movie.

One can certainly notice the influences of French New Wavers like Goddard, though Bonan obviously doesn’t have the same resources at his disposal. The film has an interesting premise, and if one didn’t know better, we'd suspect it served as partial inspiration for Brian De Palma’s Dressed to Kill. However, A Woman Kills is another one of those movies that’s easier to admire than enjoy. Bonan’s visual and narrative style can be off-putting, which could also be said about his dialogue and aloof characters. Viewers in tune with his sensibilities will find a lot to love, especially with some contextual background. Others will think it plays almost like an interminable, pretentious student film. There ain’t likely to be much middle ground.

EXTRA KIBBLES

INTRODUCTION BY VIRGINIE SELAVY

ON THE MARGIN: THE CURSED FILMS OF JEAN-DENIS BONAN - An excellent retrospective doc featuring director Bonan and some of the cast & crew he worked with. Provides nice context regarding the era where he made A Woman Kills and some of the other films leading up to it.

SHORT FILMS BY JEAN-DENIS BONAN - 6 shorts Bonan made before A Woman Kills, most of them equally weird and provocative. If nothing else, his output was consistent. Be advised that one of the, “Tristesses des anthropophages,” includes poop eating. Proceed at your own peril.

TRAILER

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET - Includes some informative essays by various authors/historians.

REVERSIBLE COVER - With new and vintage artwork.

THE VAGRANT Squats at Home

THE VAGRANT (Blu-ray Review)

1992 / 91 min

FROM ARROW VIDEO

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😾

Bill Paxton (RIP) was just one of those guys. You know…the kind of actor who may not have displayed a ton of range, but there was always an endearing sincerity to his performances, even when playing slimeballs. Most of his career consisted of supporting roles, but they were almost always memorable. He even managed to steal a movie or two from under the noses of his bigger co-stars. 

In retrospect, it’s too bad he wasn’t cast as a leading man more often. Those films are out there, of course, Twister being his biggest, A Simple Plan his best. There’s been some other good ones, too. However, The Vagrant ain’t one of ‘em.

Barely released to theaters back in 1992, The Vagrant later found a bit of cult success on home video. But while the film certainly has its share of fans, it’s mostly a misguided attempt at horror-comedy. A shame, really, considering the talent on both sides of the camera. In addition to Paxton as paranoid homeowner Graham Krakowski, there’s Marshall Bell as the titular character who makes the man’s life a living hell, going so far as to murder a few people and setting up Krakowski to take the fall. Enter Michael Ironside as Barfuss, an intimidating cop who really has it in for Krakowski. But despite their efforts, Krakowski isn’t an engaging protagonist (nor is he very sympathetic) and the other two are broadly drawn caricatures.

"No, Bill...game NOT over!"

Elsewhere, make-up artist-turned-director Chris Walas’ previous film, The Fly II, was superfluous but better than it had a right to be, while screenwriter Richard Jeffries co-wrote one of the best ‘80s horror movies hardly anyone saw (Scarecrows). However, The Vagrant is a tonal and narrative mess, noisily grinding gears between horror and black comedy but ultimately failing at both, compounded by screenplay that’s never as clever as everyone involved seem to think it is. The story grows increasingly outlandish - and implausible - as it goes along, with only Christopher Young’s evocative score to remind us the whole thing is supposed to be funny. 

The film has its admirers, though, perhaps enjoying its exaggerated approach to the story. Those fans will certainly prefer this new Blu-ray from Arrow over the bare-bones disc Shout Factory released a few years ago. I don’t know if the picture or sound is an improvement, but it includes several charming and informative interviews with Walas, Ironside, Bell and actor Colleen Camp, who all take the time to express their admiration for the late Bill Paxton. While we all miss him, too, The Vagrant is hardly one of his essential films.

EXTRA KIBBLES

INTERVIEWS - All new, individual interviews with director Chris Walas, actor Michael Ironside, actor Marshall Bell and actor Colleen Camp.

TRAILER

IMAGE GALLERY

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET (Not reviewed)