Abigail (2024) – Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, and Tyler Gillett

After I enjoyed Radio Silence’s Ready or Not, Abigail climbed my list of things to watch in the immediate future. And It definitely entertains. Once again, a group of people find themselves trapped in a mansion (this time it’s the Guiness Manor in Ireland). This time it’s for twenty-four hours while they hold a young…

Overboard (1987) – Garry Marshall

The 80s were a different time, and there are definitely some issues in this film that wouldn’t work today, some gender roles and sexism issues. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a lot of fun watching Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn play with one another on screen. Russell plays Dean, a single father of four…

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021) – Dean Fleischer Camp

Dean Fleischer Camp directed this faux documentary that follows a tiny shell, named Marcel, as he discovers a measure of internet fame, its upside and down, and a measure of loss and the importance of family and change. Filled with beautiful stop-motion animation blended brilliantly with live action, the story finds Camp playing a version…

Get Out (2017) – Jordan Peele

With his directorial debut, Jordan Peele became a horror writer/director to watch, and cemented me as a fan. Crafting an unnerving and terrifying story layered in social commentary, Peele used the genre to deliver a powerful story about race, one that is executed with precision and perfection. Balancing mystery, truly horrific moments, and a sense…

Ninth House (2019) – Leigh Bardugo

Galaxy Stern isn’t like other people. She can see ghosts, and Yale has recruited her for the fabled Ninth House, Lethe. They watch over the other Eight Houses on campus, houses which delve into areas of magic that aren’t taught in regular classes. Galaxy, Alex for short, was recruited by the Dean, and is paired…

The Iron Giant (1999) – Brad Bird

  The Sci-Fi Chronicles now brings me Brad Bird’s now classic animated tale of a young boy, Hogarth Hughes (Eli Marienthal) who meets a robot (Vin Diesel) from outer space, and the government agent, Kent Mansley (Christopher McDonald) who is trying to capture them. Set in the late 50s, the film gives adult viewers an…

I Am ZoZo (2014) – Scott Di Lalla

  I am ZoZo releases today from Anchor Bay, cashing in on the resurgence of Ouija board movies. To differentiate itself from the theatrical films dealing with the same subject matter, the entire thing was shot on Super 8mm. This gives the film a rather enjoyable, almost old-fashioned look, but, sadly, is the only redeeming…