Recent theatrical viewings

Rev. Powell · February 11, 2026, 10:10:04 AM

SEND HELP (2026): A mousy, unassertive corporate drone---who's obsessed with becoming a contestant on "Survivor"---turns the tables on her untalented but ruthless boss when they find themselves stranded on an island together. Fairly ridiculous thriller that turns reasonably fun in the bloody cat-and-mouse battles of the final hour. I am guessing most people here will like this Sam Raimi production better than me; no need to rush to the cinema, it should play just fine on the small screen. 3/5.

Rev. Powell · February 17, 2026, 09:42:38 AM

NIRVANA: THE BAND, THE SHOW, THE MOVIE (2025): Two delusional losers, who for years on end think their band will hit it big (by playing the Rivoli in Toronto), accidentally invent a time machine that sends them back to 2008. Begins as a low-rent "Spinal Tap," turns into a "Back to the Future" parody, but at heart it always remains a funny and sweet buddy comedy. From a web series that was adapted into a Canadian cable TV show, but the premise and characters are so simple you won't need any background to enjoy this comedy (maybe you'll even end up joining its weird cult). Includes a few improvised "Candid Camera"-style scenes with unsuspecting passersby. 3.5/5.

Dr. Whom · February 26, 2026, 04:02:20 PM

Junk World

The second part of Takahide Hori's trilogy that began in 2017 with the absolutely brilliant Junk Head. It is impossible to summarise the plot, but it involves mutants, SM cultists, cyborgs, robots and mecha in several time loops, set some centuries before Junk Head in the same universe;
The budget apparently was twice that of Junk Head and it shows. There are more special effects and the whole thing looks less homegrown than Junk Head. Also, it has actual dialogue and voice acting. It doesn't have the raw passion of Junk Head but makes up for it by more sophisticated storytelling. Most of the tropes in the movie you have seen before (at least if you watch the same kind of stuff as I do) but Takahide Hori blends it into a wonderful cocktail.
Reverend, if you haven't already, you should seek this out.

Rev. Powell · February 26, 2026, 04:05:48 PM

Quote from: Dr. Whom on February 26, 2026, 04:02:20 PMJunk World

The second part of Takahide Hori's trilogy that began in 2017 with the absolutely brilliant Junk Head. It is impossible to summarise the plot, but it involves mutants, SM cultists, cyborgs, robots and mecha in several time loops, set some centuries before Junk Head in the same universe;
The budget apparently was twice that of Junk Head and it shows. There are more special effects and the whole thing looks less homegrown than Junk Head. Also, it has actual dialogue and voice acting. It doesn't have the raw passion of Junk Head but makes up for it by more sophisticated storytelling. Most of the tropes in the movie you have seen before (at least if you watch the same kind of stuff as I do) but Takahide Hori blends it into a wonderful cocktail.
Reverend, if you haven't already, you should seek this out.

I haven't seen it but my colleague reviewed it. I should check it out. Did you see it at some kind of festival or did some crazy person actually program it at a cinema there?

Dr. Whom · Reply #1309 - Re: Recent theatrical viewings

Quote from: Rev. Powell on February 26, 2026, 04:05:48 PM
Quote from: Dr. Whom on February 26, 2026, 04:02:20 PMJunk World

The second part of Takahide Hori's trilogy that began in 2017 with the absolutely brilliant Junk Head. It is impossible to summarise the plot, but it involves mutants, SM cultists, cyborgs, robots and mecha in several time loops, set some centuries before Junk Head in the same universe;
The budget apparently was twice that of Junk Head and it shows. There are more special effects and the whole thing looks less homegrown than Junk Head. Also, it has actual dialogue and voice acting. It doesn't have the raw passion of Junk Head but makes up for it by more sophisticated storytelling. Most of the tropes in the movie you have seen before (at least if you watch the same kind of stuff as I do) but Takahide Hori blends it into a wonderful cocktail.
Reverend, if you haven't already, you should seek this out.

I haven't seen it but my colleague reviewed it. I should check it out. Did you see it at some kind of festival or did some crazy person actually program it at a cinema there?

I saw it at Anima, the Brussels festival for animation movies. They do kid friendly stuff during the day and weirder films in the evening

Rev. Powell · Reply #1310 - Re: Recent theatrical viewings

I figured.

EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert: It begins with a quick documentary overview of Elvis' career through the period where his movie career ended, then segues into a series of previously unseen Las Vegas performances with the King at the height of his showmanship, intercut with rehearsals and interviews. Baz Luhrman atones for his limp "Elvis" biopic with this peppy, smartly-edited concert documentary that oozes charisma. 3.5/5.