What did you watch today?

[Ain_Uussaar]

Russkies (1987)

[Noor_Razzak]

Valley of the Dolls - The Criterion Collection Blu-ray, a melodramatic almost soap opera look at the dangers of Hollywood on young women, 52 years before the #metoo movement, it's kind of ground breaking in a cheesy over the top way, 6/10.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Snatchers (2019)

[Noor_Razzak]

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls - The Criterion Collection blu-ray, advertised as not being a sequel to Valley of the Dolls, this Russ Meyer exploitation picture was made by a major studio, quite the feat. It's about as opposite a picture as Valley of the Dolls can get while sharing similar themes, in this film the sex, drugs, exploitation, the at the time "taboo" homosexuality, the overall Debauchery of Hollywood is celebrated to excess rather than being a cautionary tale. Finally the film ends the way it starts, with a shocking bit of violence, 6/10.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Solar Crisis (1990)
Artemis Fowl (2020)
Da 5 Bloods (2020)

[Noor_Razzak]

Overlord - The Criterion Collection blu-ray, a film that was never released in North America for decades finally gets a great release. Stuart Cooper teamed up with the Imperial War Museum and used archival footage taken during WWII and intercut a narrative story about a young solider leading up to the D-Day invasion. It's a striking piece of cinema, 7/10.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Becky (2020)
Anya (2019)

[Noor_Razzak]

Walkabout - The Criterion Collection blu-ray, beautifully photographed Nicolas Roeg film about two young children abandoned in the Australian outback after their father commits suicide, while out there they encounter a young aboriginal man on his walkabout as he helps them survive. 9/10.

[Noor_Razzak]

Hearts and Minds - The Criterion Collection blu-ray, a deeply affecting and occasionally shocking documentary of America's involvement in Vietnam, essential viewing. 10/10.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Them That Follow (2019)

[Noor_Razzak]

Ace in the Hole - The Criterion Collection blu-ray, a washed up newspaper reporter ends up in New Mexico with a story that catches National attention, the amoral newsman will do anything to keep the headlines going. It's definitely a product of its time, while the film is a criticism of American culture and sensationalism but frankly Kirk Douglas's Charles Tatum is one hell of an unlikable character, he's a bully, has no morals, and treats women like garbage, in three separate scenes he slaps, grabs by the hair, and chokes the same woman. Hard to sell a movie with a lead that's despicable, but maybe that's the point. 6/10.

[Ain_Uussaar]

7 Men from Now (1956)

[Noor_Razzak]

The Breaking Point - The Criterion Collection blu-ray, excellent thriller from Michael Curtiz post-Casablanca. John Garfield gives a great performance as a boat captain in debt and takes some shady deals to make money, 9/10.

[Ain_Uussaar]

There Are Monsters (2013)

[Noor_Razzak]

Picnic at Hanging Rock - The Criterion Collection blu-ray, a haunting and meditative film about the disappearance of young girls in 1900 in Australia, it presents the mysteries but provides no answers, which can be frustrating, I didn't mind this and thought for the most part the film was beautiful, engaging, and frustrating that it has no resolution. 9/10.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953)

[Noor_Razzak]

The Naked Kiss - The Criterion Collection blu-ray, classic Sam Fuller pulp, inventive camera and visual work matched with razor sharp acting that has no place in a B-movie pulp noir, 8/10.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Marmaduke (2010)

[Ain_Uussaar]

Võta või jäta / Take It or Leave It (2018)

[Ain_Uussaar]

Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)