Tweet
I finished 2023 with 300 films watched. This is one the best year’s I’ve had for “stellar first time viewings” since starting down this genre film hobbyist path in 2009. These films provided me with some of the best experiences this hobby can provide. I’m glad I’m so late to many of them because I’ve reached the point where I can fully appreciate them. They are standouts in a sea of garbage and mediocrity.
Irreversible (France, 2002) [Theatrical]
I was always nervous about seeing this film based on the reputation. I was blown away. Its an incredible experience.
Interstellar (USA-UK-Canada, 2014)
This film is a heart-wrenching as “The Notebook” but with dense science fiction as the base. I was skeptical about Mathew McConaughey playing an astronaut but he was amazing in the role. His childlike wonder and enthusiasm helped to make a 3-hour film never feel boring.
Brawl in Cell Block 99 (USA, 2017)
I expected cheap trash that would bore me after an hour but ended up being completely mesmerized. It’s exhausting how bleak this film is. Its a unique experience and I’ll never look at Vince Vaughn the same again.
Stiff Competition (USA, 1984)
Easily the most enjoyable 80’s porno I’ve seen. The story is funny. It’s made even funnier by how serious many of the actors, especially John Leslie, are taking it. I found the bj training scenes with the ”trainor” repeatedly calling the Gina Carrera “champ” to be a riot. Looks stunning in 4k.
Red Spirit Lake (USA, 1993)
Often has a fever dream quality which helps keep the momentum going. The story is just compelling enough and the sleaze is top tier. Consistently surprises and shocks throughout. Many attractive ladies showing it all in a near constant parade of flesh. The story and visuals are interesting and characters engaging. There are some moments with some jank but with expectations set to no-budget SOV, its all very impressive. The film more than makes up for its shortcomings with scenes that go well past what I expected to see on my screen.
Extraction (USA, 2020)
The action and fight choreography is some of the best ever. Set-pieces are thrilling to the point of exhaustion. Chris Hemsworth is perfect in his role.
Silip: Daughters of Eve (Daughters of Eve) (Philippines, 1985)
For a 2-hour exploitation film Silip did a surprisingly skillful job of ratcheting up the shocking moments all the way to a jaw-dropping conclusion. Visually interesting and looks terrific. Consistently compelling and shocking. This is why I pay crazy prices to purchase genre films I’ve never heard of. Some are entertaining but many are not. But the bad expierences are worth enduring for the few masterpieces of WTF like Silip.
The Night of the Hunted (France, 1980)
Absolutely haunting and beautiful. I love the understated sci-fi elements. It was very refreshing seeing Rollin work in a strange modern backdrop. Brigitte Lahaie is stunning and delivers an amazing performance. It is disturbing and sad. Surprisingly solid dystopian nightmare.
The Inferno (Hell) (Jigoku) (Japan, 1979)
An incredible fever dream filled with beautiful women that’s very entertaining from beginning to end despite a 130 minute runtime.
The Sinister Dr. Orloff (El siniestro doctor Orloff) (Spain, 1984)
One of Franco’s best. The camera work is consistently entertaining, and the music is very cool. There were many times when I thought, “what a beautiful composition”, and was tempted to pause and take it in fully. There is no shortage of intense exploitation. The story is delightfully strange. I’m so thankful we have Stephen Thrower on most of these Franco discs. It feels like I’m visiting with an old friend at this point. And it’s a treat having a reason to flip through one of his books each time I watch a Franco film.
Irreversible (France, 2002) [Theatrical]
I was always nervous about seeing this film based on the reputation. I was blown away. Its an incredible experience.
Interstellar (USA-UK-Canada, 2014)
This film is a heart-wrenching as “The Notebook” but with dense science fiction as the base. I was skeptical about Mathew McConaughey playing an astronaut but he was amazing in the role. His childlike wonder and enthusiasm helped to make a 3-hour film never feel boring.
Brawl in Cell Block 99 (USA, 2017)
I expected cheap trash that would bore me after an hour but ended up being completely mesmerized. It’s exhausting how bleak this film is. Its a unique experience and I’ll never look at Vince Vaughn the same again.
Stiff Competition (USA, 1984)
Easily the most enjoyable 80’s porno I’ve seen. The story is funny. It’s made even funnier by how serious many of the actors, especially John Leslie, are taking it. I found the bj training scenes with the ”trainor” repeatedly calling the Gina Carrera “champ” to be a riot. Looks stunning in 4k.
Red Spirit Lake (USA, 1993)
Often has a fever dream quality which helps keep the momentum going. The story is just compelling enough and the sleaze is top tier. Consistently surprises and shocks throughout. Many attractive ladies showing it all in a near constant parade of flesh. The story and visuals are interesting and characters engaging. There are some moments with some jank but with expectations set to no-budget SOV, its all very impressive. The film more than makes up for its shortcomings with scenes that go well past what I expected to see on my screen.
Extraction (USA, 2020)
The action and fight choreography is some of the best ever. Set-pieces are thrilling to the point of exhaustion. Chris Hemsworth is perfect in his role.
Silip: Daughters of Eve (Daughters of Eve) (Philippines, 1985)
For a 2-hour exploitation film Silip did a surprisingly skillful job of ratcheting up the shocking moments all the way to a jaw-dropping conclusion. Visually interesting and looks terrific. Consistently compelling and shocking. This is why I pay crazy prices to purchase genre films I’ve never heard of. Some are entertaining but many are not. But the bad expierences are worth enduring for the few masterpieces of WTF like Silip.
The Night of the Hunted (France, 1980)
Absolutely haunting and beautiful. I love the understated sci-fi elements. It was very refreshing seeing Rollin work in a strange modern backdrop. Brigitte Lahaie is stunning and delivers an amazing performance. It is disturbing and sad. Surprisingly solid dystopian nightmare.
The Inferno (Hell) (Jigoku) (Japan, 1979)
An incredible fever dream filled with beautiful women that’s very entertaining from beginning to end despite a 130 minute runtime.
The Sinister Dr. Orloff (El siniestro doctor Orloff) (Spain, 1984)
One of Franco’s best. The camera work is consistently entertaining, and the music is very cool. There were many times when I thought, “what a beautiful composition”, and was tempted to pause and take it in fully. There is no shortage of intense exploitation. The story is delightfully strange. I’m so thankful we have Stephen Thrower on most of these Franco discs. It feels like I’m visiting with an old friend at this point. And it’s a treat having a reason to flip through one of his books each time I watch a Franco film.
Comment