The magic of 1980s horror lies in its unique ability to combine the campy and the creepy, creating a formula that feels nostalgic and exciting, even when revisited decades later. This film is no exception. It’s a quintessential slasher that leans on classic tropes while finding ways to innovate. Its blend of humor and suspense keeps audiences entertained. However, it has imperfections and an undeniable charm that resonants resonates decades later, making it a standout in a genre that thrives on thrills.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s CURE offers a suspenseful journey into the uncharted depths of the human mind. It lingers with you, teasing control, morality, and identity themes. Atmospheric and intensely psychological, the story is an exercise in discomfort, steadily pulling viewers into its enigmatic tale. The film’s unique tone and intricate storytelling ensure it will leave an impression—whether good, bad, or unsettling.

Walking into a genre you’ve barely explored is like stepping into a world you’ve never seen—everything feels unfamiliar, yet there’s an undeniable sense of intrigue. That’s how it felt to experience HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY’s latest album, SCORCHED EARTH. My knowledge of metal has been limited primarily to mainstream acts, but this album invited me into a world that’s equal parts unrelenting and deeply emotional.

The way artificial intelligence is reshaping our world feels less like a sci-fi fantasy and more like a reality that challenges what it means to be human. Directed by Moritz Riesewieck and Hans Block, ETERNAL YOU takes viewers on an exploratory journey into the heart of AI, unraveling its ability to redefine life, death, and connection in ways that are as intriguing as they are unsettling. This documentary doesn’t just observe the evolution of technology—it dissects its influence on the most personal aspects of our lives.

Some films manage to fully immerse you from the first scene, pulling you into a world where time feels like a ticking bomb. This movie is a brilliant example of how a simple premise, combined with creative direction, can evolve into something genuinely captivating. With its blend of high stakes and raw emotion, it crafts a story about human resilience, love, and the choices we make when the clock is against us. I can’t, for my life, understand how this didn’t become the cult classic it deserves to be!

Revisiting the past often feels like flipping through an old scrapbook—you’re hit with flashes of joy, pain, and everything in between. ROCKY’S captures this experience with sincerity, telling a story about the bonds we forge and how life inevitably reshapes them. Set against the backdrop of a neighborhood deli, the film invites viewers to reflect on how the people and places from our past continue to define us, even when we’ve moved on.

Few films balance ridiculousness as effectively as ZOMBIE STRAIN. This independent production, directed by Michael Seabolt, turns its modest budget into an advantage. Instead of relying on flashy effects or large-scale set pieces, it focuses on character-driven storytelling and inventive plotting. The result is a darkly comedic exploration of survival that leans as much on interpersonal drama as on its apocalyptic setting. And this is very much an indie horror flick, but I’ll be damned if there wasn’t some magnetic pull here that I can’t explain!

A new voice in the genre emerges with a film that isn’t afraid to take risks. Combining body horror with critiques of expected “norms,” it crafts a narrative as bold as imperfect. The result is a unique viewing experience that occasionally falters but remains deeply engaging for those willing to embrace its ambitious storytelling.

Indie filmmaking surprises me nearly every week, and this was another prime example! Time travel has always been a fascinating concept, igniting endless possibilities for storytelling and imagination. THROUGH THE DOOR transforms this complex idea into a profoundly human narrative, balancing theoretical intrigue with emotional depth. Directed by Matt Kincses, this film navigates the challenges of its genre, trading grandiose effects for thought-provoking storytelling and nuanced performances. The result is a gripping and original take on the time travel trope that explores the mechanics of bending time and its impact on those who dare to try.

Stories that pit humans against the raw power of nature often carry a weighty message, and this film turns that clash into a tale of grief and revenge with remarkable intensity. With Michael Anderson in the director’s chair, the film takes a dramatic approach to exploring the aftermath of humanity’s missteps. Combining action, suspense, and emotional undertones makes this a notable, imperfect entry into 1970s cinema. Make no mistake, if it weren’t for JAWS, this film would never have existed, but I’m thrilled that it does!

Few sports combine grit, speed, physical prowess, and pure adrenaline like Supercross, yet it often exists outside the mainstream spotlight. PAY DIRT: THE STORY OF SUPERCROSS seeks to change that, delivering a high-energy and informative look at this demanding motorsport. With Josh Brolin lending his distinctive voice as narrator and filmmaker Paul Taublieb steering the creative vision, the film strikes a balance between thrilling action and reflective storytelling, inviting audiences into a world defined by courage and resilience.

Before we delve into the review, I want to express my deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. My thoughts and heart are with all who are suffering unparalleled horrors during this tragic time! The glamour of stardom often hides a harsher truth, and TINSELTOWN BLUES is a stark reminder of how relentless ambition can be when it collides with personal demons. Director Samuel B. has crafted a deeply introspective experience that examines identity, addiction, and the price of fame with a rare level of honesty. This film not only captivates but also challenges its audience to look beyond Hollywood's superficial allure.

Roy Wood Jr. has a knack for turning life’s everyday irritations into moments of connection and insight, and his latest stand-up special showcases this in strides. Blending sharp social observations with relatable humor, the special delves into the contradictions of living in a hyper-connected yet emotionally distant world. Filmed at the historic Lincoln Theatre, this performance feels as relevant as it is entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on the nuances of modern life.

LOVE & CRIME is a bold anthology directed by Teruo Ishii that reimagines infamous crimes with an unflinching eye. This collection captures human depravity through a vision that is as unsettling as it is compelling. The film transforms real-life history into dramatic retellings, often straying from the facts to amplify the shock factor. It is a series of stories that push boundaries and challenge viewers to confront the darker corners of history and human nature.

In what ended up being one of the most unexpected treats of the year for me, we get a somewhat forgotten piece of cinema that’s a little strange and provocative in Paul Bartel’s SHELF LIFE. This offbeat dark comedy-musical combines humor, experimental storytelling, and a chillingly relevant look at human behavior under isolation. Restored after years of obscurity, Bartel’s final film is an inventive blend of satire and psychological exploration, crafted with a raw theatricality that gives it an edge unlike anything I’ve seen before.

Some films feel as though they’re made out of a passion for filmmaking, and EXTREMELY UNIQUE DYNAMIC embraces this energy wholeheartedly. Blending humor, emotion, and an ambitious meta-structure, this gem offers a unique take on friendship and filmmaking. Directed by Katherine Dudas, Ivan Leung, and Harrison Xu, the movie takes the age-old concept of making a film within a film and turns it into a heartfelt exploration of identity and creative expression. It resonates with the audience, even throughout some minor growing pains, delivering an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

Now and then, a documentary emerges that doesn’t just tell us about history but makes you feel the weight of lost possibilities. GEORGE A. ROMERO'S RESIDENT EVIL closely examines one of Hollywood’s most compelling “what could have been” stories, blending nostalgia, ambition, and heartbreak. The film, directed by Brandon Salisbury, delves into Romero’s unrealized adaptation of a legendary video game franchise, exploring how creativity often clashes with corporate caution.