YOU CAN’T RUN FOREVER transforms your standard family drive into a relentless fight for survival, thrusting them into a chilling encounter with a cold-blooded killer. The film opens with a harrowing scene at a gas station where Wade, portrayed with eerie intensity by J.K. Simmons, begins his rampage. Instead of refueling, Wade shoots a man who is criticizing his dog and then proceeds to kill anyone in sight indiscriminately, setting the tone for his sinister character. This introduction establishes Wade as a menacing force, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake.

CRIMSON PEAK emerged in 2015 as a hauntingly beautiful symphony of shadows and suspense, masterfully conducted by Guillermo del Toro. Set against the misty backdrop of 19th-century England, the film draws viewers into a mesmerizing Gothic world where the boundary between the living and the spectral is hauntingly blurred. This is the definitive gothic horror, at least from the “modern-day.” Arrow knew this and packed this release with so many incredible extras and original bonus materials specific to this release. I don’t often order day one of a pre-release, but this was a no-brainer for me.

Take a whimsical journey back to the era of classic burlesque with VARIETEASE and TEASERAMA. In these films, the allure lies in the art of suggestion rather than outright spectacle. These films encapsulate a time when burlesque’s subtlety was its signature, offering viewers a taste of historical entertainment with a touch of grace. You can’t watch or even understand these films without realizing how revolutionary and to what extent they were pushing boundaries of what was acceptable for the time.

Stepping into an entirely different period of comedy experience that was the late 80s and early 90s, BIG MAN ON CAMPUS takes the tale of the hunchback narrative with an aged but heartfelt twist. This movie not only revives and revamps the story for a new generation at the time, making every scene a blend of quirky and lighthearted but still something that wouldn’t be done today.

Prepare to be transported to the ethereal landscapes of Iceland with Rúnar Rúnarsson's latest film, WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS. This experience is a visual journey and an emotional odyssey that captures the heart with its narrative that unfolds under the mystical Icelandic daylight that lasts a summer's day.

With sweeping vistas, heartfelt acting, and a powerful narrative, SIMON OF THE MOUNTAIN crafts this story as emotionally stirring as it is visually arresting. The film introduces us to Simon (Lorenzo Ferro,) a young man who will learn what it means to live outside his world. Yet, the crux of his journey lies in the heartening and transformative relationships he forms with two children, each facing their challenges. This trio's interplay reshapes their understanding of joy and the essence of a fulfilling life, challenging the audience to reevaluate their understanding of how the world functions and what it means to be happy.

If you thought you knew the New York Yankees, BRONX ZOO ’90: CRIME, CHAOS AND BASEBALL will make you think again. This docuseries dives into the chaotic 1990 season, packed with scandal, controversy, and unforgettable moments that set the stage for one of baseball's most incredible comebacks. Directed by DJ Caruso, the docuseries offers a captivating look at a team in turmoil and their fantastic journey to redemption.

LIFE OF BELLE, a found-footage film, captures the eerie unraveling of the seemingly mundane suburbanite Starnes family's life, turning everyday scenes into a canvas of suspense and fear. Written and directed by Shawn Robinson, the film opens with a scene that sets the stakes high: a family tragedy witnessed through police body cameras, weaving a story from the fragments of a shattered domestic life.

Step into the world of today's youth with Bertrand Bonello’s latest film, COMA. This thought-provoking exploration of adolescent life amidst the challenges of a global pandemic serves as a visually striking depiction of young individuals' complexities when their worlds are confined to the digital realm. It shows the reaches of creativity and the darkness of a world apart.

LAUGH PROUD celebrates the stand-up comedy landscape by integrating a rich spectrum of LGBTQIA+ voices, from those new to the stage to seasoned vets like Jason Stuart and the ground-breaking Seven Graham, also known as 7G. This experience is more than just a series of comedy sketches; it's a bold celebration of diversity and a testament to the power of representation.

Dive into the shadowy nexus of Cold War politics and avant-garde art in TAKING VENICE. Director Amei Wallach navigates through a real-life thriller with stakes as high as global cultural dominance. This is a gripping journey into how deeply politics can infiltrate the arts. It’s an intriguing mix you don’t think about at first, but it all connects as the film dives into the reasons behind specific actions.

BACK FROM THE DEAD is an atmospheric horror film from 1957 that explores supernatural possession and sinister cults. Charles Marquis Warren directs and offers a blend of eerie visuals and an intriguing narrative, albeit with some notable flaws and just playing it too safely.

When I think of most modern indie horror films, the first thing that comes to my mind are cheap masks and poor CGI. I always say, “You don’t have to see the scary for something to be genuinely terrifying.” Diving into the shadowy depths of FACELESS AFTER DARK reveals more than just the typical chills and thrills—a gripping narrative spins the horror genre on its head. Directed by Raymond Wood and led by a powerhouse performance from Jenna Kanell, this film explores celebrity life's horrors and real nightmares. More than that, it focuses on how far a person can be pushed until they reach their limits.

The 1994 cult hit NIGHTWATCH, known for its spine-chilling story and atmospheric tension, gets a modern “continuation” in NIGHTWATCH: DEMONS ARE FOREVER. Ole Bornedal returns to the director's chair, cleverly infusing contemporary vibes into the narrative, with some aspects almost too on point but others that accompany a new slew of sinister happenings that echo the original's eerie vibe.

So it's no secret that I wasn’t blown away by the “first” DUNE film (the first of this series.) After watching the 1984 David Lynch film, I was left underwhelmed by Villeneuve’s first part of his epic. It’s not that I thought it was terrible; I just felt like the necessity of the world-building and exposition needed made the film drag. That’s why, walking out of that film, I had high hopes for the second part of DUNE, and I wasn’t let down! We wander deeper into Arrakis's harsh yet mesmerizing landscapes in part two. This film continues the formidable saga of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), along with their journey through the complexities of Fremen society and the relentless struggles for survival versus their instincts and leadership qualities. This sequel promised a riveting cinematic journey, weaving politics, prophecy, and power into a narrative tapestry that grips the audience from start to finish and delivers precisely what I was hoping for. SPOILER (Chalamet riding a giant freaking sandworm!)

From the first frame, LOVE, COURAGE AND THE BATTLE OF BUSHY RUN shocked and impressed while pulling the viewer's attention with its narrative exploration and vivid historical journey. Under the guidance of directors Dave Alan Johnson and Larry A. McLean, a lesser-known yet pivotal historical skirmish is transformed into a cinematic journey of tenacity and courage, even if the title is a mouthful.

In a significant shift from his typical roles, Burt Reynolds brings life to Phil Potter in STARTING OVER, a man piecing together his life amidst the ruins of a failed marriage. This poignant yet humor-laced film is directed by Alan J. Pakula, with a script that captures the essence of romantic rebirth penned by James L. Brooks and Dan Wakefield.

As the night falls over 19th-century Paris, this atmospheric backdrop sets the stage for BLUEBEARD, a film that explores deep into the shadowy psyche of a disturbed artist. Director Edgar G. Ulmer spins a gripping tale of obsession and terror, using the city's fog-draped, gas-lit streets as a canvas for this gothic narrative. John Carradine's portrayal of Gaston Morel, a puppeteer with a sinister secret, anchors the film, delivering a riveting and unsettling performance.

In the bustling cityscape of Chicago, CAT CITY brings to light the complex and controversial approaches to feral cat control through a mix of storytelling, humor, and heartfelt scenes. This documentary, directed by Ben Kolak, explores humane wildlife management with gritty urban realities, examining the city's strategies for coexisting with an estimated 200,000 feral cats.

Set in the serene landscapes of rural England, Ken Russell's THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM tells a captivating tale that combines horror and comedy in an unusual blend. Released in 1988, this film draws from Bram Stoker's last novel to create a narrative that juxtaposes ancient myths with the stark realities of modern life. The diverse cast, featuring Amanda Donohoe, Hugh Grant, and Peter Capaldi, expertly tackles a screenplay that oscillates between the grotesquely bizarre and whimsically surreal.

Step back in time with the Radiance Films collection of the Shinobi series, which encapsulates the turbulent 16th century in Japan through the eyes of its shadow warriors. This box set, featuring BAND OF ASSASSINS, REVENGE, and RESSURECTION, is a time capsule that delves into the intricate lives of samurais and ninjas. Each film highlights narratives that explore tales of honor, betrayal, and the complex socio-political landscape of the era.

As the first frames come into focus in THE BEAUTY OF BEAUTIES, you're instantly whisked away to ancient China, where cunning wins over brute strength. Directed by Li Han-Hsiang, this film dives deep into the turbulent Warring States Period, renowned for its relentless inter-kingdom strife. With a blend of colossal battle scenes and intricate deception, the film revolves around the compelling Xi Si, whose beauty becomes a strategic tool in a dangerous power play.

ADIÓS BUENOS AIRES offers more than a glimpse into Argentina's troubled times; it is a stage for the intense drama of survival and passion. As Julio Färber, a modest shoemaker with a fierce love for music, navigates through personal and national crises, the film captures the raw emotion and turmoil of Buenos Aires in 2001 with striking clarity. This was one of those times when I went into a movie without knowing anything about it beforehand, and I think that was a perfect choice here!

As HARRY WILD launches into its second season, the show whisks us back into its world of mystery with a compelling mix of intrigue and emotionally charged storylines. Jane Seymour returns as the titular Harriet "Harry" Wild, pairing up with Rohan Nedd's Fergus Reid to unravel a series of mysterious cases that balance the spine-chilling with the deeply personal.

Venturing into the heart of where cinematic comedy first took its baby steps, VITAGRAPH COMEDIES emerges as a crucial anthology. It delves into an era rich with an unmistakable charm and laughter that paved the way for giants like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. With a keen eye for the gems of the early 1900s, curator Rob Stone gathered together a sampling of the legacies of unsung comedy pioneers, whose work under the banner of Vitagraph Studios now receives a glorious second chance, some for the first time in any format since their original film presentation.