Columbia Noir - Criterion Channel / Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures
Noirvember is upon us, and The Criterion Channel is celebrating this month with a spotlight on the 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures. Filmmakers Samuel Fuller (“The Crimson Kimono”), Charles Vidor (“Gilda”), and Fritz Lang (“The Big Heat”) were among the luminaries who worked on the lot to craft modestly budgeted and classic film noirs. Check out the Columbia noirs availabe to stream on The Criterion Channel!
On the latest episode of CinemAddicts, I reviewed Liam Neeson’s new feature “Absolution.” Since a healthy share of Neeson’s resume can be deemed as action thrillers, that label might be perfectly suited for this film. If you are looking for a shoot ’em up revenge thriller, you have come to the wrong place. “Absolution” focuses on an entirely different element of storytelling, so you might be disappointed if you are expecting another “Taken.”
Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” is a live-action, kids centric adventure that launches December 3 on Disney+. Check out the trailer and share your thoughts!
If you love jazz and an inspired editing style, “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat” is definitely worth a look. Director Johan Gimonprez gives an in-depth look at the 1961 assassination of Congolese prime minister Patrice Lumumba. There are a lot of players in this 150 minute documentary, but watching this feature was, at least to me and Bruce Purkey, an immeasurably immersive experience.
Filmmaker Vaughn Stein’s previous movies “Inheritance” and “Every Breath You Take” explore different facets of the suspense thriller. He returns to the genre once again with “Cellar Door,” finding a new creative element to explore. All of these movies feature cinematographer Michael Merriman, and in the past four years the pair have crafted standout thrillers. Stein talked to Deepest Dream about his approach to “Cellar Door” and why he saw it as a “dark fairy tale.”
I have Two Blu-rays of “The Beast Within,” a thriller starring Kit Harington, up for grabs. Blu-rays are courtesy of Well Go USA. Check my post for entry details!
Filmmaker Lowell Dean’s “Die Alone” is billed as a horror thriller and although that description is apt, the narrative also has a ton of humanity amidst all that darkness. Dean and actor Douglas Smith talked to Deepest Dream about their feature which is now out in theaters and available on Digital and On Demand.
Efren Ramirez stars in “Seven Cemeteries” as Miguel, a zombie who teams up with parolee (Danny Trejo) to take on a ruthless drug lord (Sal Lopez). Directed by John Gulager, “Seven Cemeteries” is basically a zombiefied version of “The Magnificent Seven.” Ramirez, whose credits include “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Due Justice,” talks about his latest feature.
“Bogart: Life Comes In Flashes” is a documentary that explores the life and career of Hollywood actor Humphrey Bogart. Bogart’s own words as well as unseen archives, letters and interviews are featured in the documentary.
