Well we are only one more column away from finally ending 2020. So why not kick off the week with one of the most mind bending movies I have seen, Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. An unnamed CIA operative (John David Washington) is selected for a mission by a mysterious organization known as Tenet. Using a cutting edge technology that allows people to manipulate how they interact with time, the operative must follow clues and stop a Russian oligarch from using the same technology to start World War III.
Christopher Nolan is known for films made on a huge scale with stories that bend traditional storytelling such as Inception and Interstellar, but with Tenet he has taken his imagination to a whole new level. I found myself confused but fascinated throughout Tenet trying to figure out the intricate plot, but once I really became immersed in the mechanics of how everything worked, Tenet was an experience like no other. The visual effects are staggering and mind blowing and really delivered something unlike anything I have ever seen. And John David Washington proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. After his powerhouse performance in BlacKkKlansman and now Tenet, he is easily cementing his place as one of the most exciting new actors out there. Robert Pattinson also puts in a fantastic supporting performance but it is Nolan’s revolutionary storyline and visual effects that will really keep you entranced. Highly recommended for repeat viewings.
Next up this week is The Beach House. A young couple, Randall (Noah Le Gros) and Emily (Liana Liberato) head to Randall’s father’s beach house for some alone time, but their weekend is soon interrupted by some unexpected guests, Mitch (Jake Weber) and Jane (Maryann Nagel), old friends of Randall’s dad’s. But when a mysterious fog rolls in and all of them start feeling strange, a mysterious infection starts to change them all as they try to find out what is happening and find a way to survive the weekend alive.
The Beach House masterfully creates a sense of dread that is present as soon as the young couple arrives at the beach house. When they start talking about biology and the formation of life when discussing Emily’s education, we are given clues as to what is happening and how nature can turn on a dime and attack us. All the performances are solid throughout, especially by veteran actor Jake Weber, and the writing and direction by Jeffrey A. Brown are pretty damn impressive considering this is his feature film debut. For a great slow burn, creepy and thought provoking horror/thriller, check out The Beach House. Definitely recommended.
Lastly this week is another creepfest to keep you curled up on the couch by the fireplace, The Dark and the Wicked. Louise (Marin Ireland) and Michael (Michael Abbott Jr.) are siblings returning to their family farm after news of their father’s ailing health. But upon their return they find their mother acting very strangely and telling them they should never have come. She seems to be haunted by an unseen presence that Louise and Michael soon begin feeling as well. Soon their very lives may be in danger as the presence begins to make itself known in increasingly disturbing and violent ways.
The Dark and the Wicked is a wonderful example of a slow burn psychological horror that really makes its way under your skin quickly and wriggles around in there until the end credits roll. Filled with a palpable feeling of bleak dread and some truly unsettling imagery, The Dark and the Wicked is a beautifully filmed nightmare with wonderfully understated performances. Very highly recommended for fans of the genre.
Also of note this week is a beautiful new 4K box set of all four Ip Man movies featuring Donnie Yen in his iconic performance of Bruce Lee’s teacher, and a great new comedic horror film called The Wolf of Snow Hollow.
Until next week movie lovers, stay safe!
DVD and Blu-ray Releases for Tuesday December 15, 2020
A Night in Casablanca (1946)*
Abrakadabra (2018)*
Adventures Into The Woods
Alice In Deathland – Wild Eye Raw & Extreme
Alone
American Driller Killer
American Rickshaw (1989)*
Amores Perros (2000)* - Criterion Collection
Avenue 5: The Complete First Season
Aviva
Barbie & Kendra Save The Tiger King
Battle of the Bulge: Winter War (2020)
Beasts Clawing at Straws
Bikini Apocalypse
Blood Sisters (1987)*
Boboiboy: The Movie
Bodies, Rest & Motion (1993)*
Castle In The Sky [Limited Edition Steelbook]
Christmas Mountain - The Story Of A Cowboy Angel
Coward Of The County & Wild Horses [Double Feature]
Curious George: Go West, Go Wild
Devilman (2004)*
Diary of a Mad Housewife (1970)*
Dragon Ball Z Season 4 (1991-1992) Steelbook Edition
Dragon Ball Z: Season 5 (1992) Steelbook Edition
Echo Boomers
Finding Jesus
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)*
Gold Digger Killer
Guncrazy (1992)* - MVD Rewind Collection
High Risk
Hollywood High + Teenage Mother (Drive-In Double Feature #9)
Infidel (2019)
Ip Man Complete Collection 4K
Ladybug Ladybug (1963)*
LEGO Jurassic World: Double Trouble
Marseille: The Complete Series
Monster Force Zero
Mortuary Massacre – Wild Eye Raw & Extreme
Orgy of the Living Dead (1973)*
Puzzle of a Downfall Child (1970)*
Say You Love The Devil
Spirited Away (2001) Steelbook
Tampa Bay Lightning 2020 Stanley Cup Champions
Tenet
The 300 Year Weekend
The Beach House (2019)
The Call (2020)
The Dark and the Wicked
The Expanse: Season Four
The Hex
The Opening Act
The Reason
The Wolf of Snow Hollow
Tremors (1990) 4K
Vigilante (1983)* 4K
Waiting for the Barbarians (2019)
Werewolf Island
WWE: Undertaker The Last Ride
*Catalog Blu-ray debut