Author Archives
My name is AJ Friar. I am a critic and journalist wanting, wanting to expand my horizons rather it be written reviews or conducting interviews showcasing filmmaking.
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“Secret Mall Apartment” on Blu-ray stores its special features in plain sight.
Secret Mall Apartment is one of those stories that feels far too strange, too rebellious, and too imaginative to be real — yet somehow it is. Set in Rhode Island, the documentary revisits the unbelievable true account of a group of… Read More ›
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“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” takes the stage on home video.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues arrives with the kind of baggage only a decades-delayed sequel can carry. The original This is Spinal Tap (1984) didn’t start life as a blockbuster or even much of a mainstream success; rather, it built its… Read More ›
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Spend more time with “The Roses” via digital release with special features.
The Roses is a fine example of how two fantastic comedic leads can elevate material that might not fully deserve them and how a movie can still stumble when its supporting cast and pacing can’t keep up. Benedict Cumberbatch (The… Read More ›
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Ti West and Mia Goth’s “X” horror trilogy gets a fitting box set treatment from A24.
X, Pearl, and MaXXXine together form one of the most distinctive and ambitious horror trilogies of the modern era — films that dared to bring intelligence, style, and emotional heft back to a genre that had been drowning in soulless jump scares. These… Read More ›
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Genre-mashing “Mr. K” joins the hallowed ranks of nightmare hotel feature films.
Mr. K has a lot going for it and most of that energy comes from the always-captivating Crispin Glover (Back to the Future). In one of his most fascinating performances to date, Glover embodies a spiraling character trying desperately to… Read More ›
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“Anniversary” masterfully utilizes misdirection and on-screen chemistry to deliver a full theatrical experience.
Anniversary is one of those rare movies that completely defies the expectations set by its own marketing. At first glance, it looks like your typical chick flick noir psychological thriller, the kind of film that might blend romance and mystery with… Read More ›
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Arrow Video maintains the grindhouse aesthetic of “Ms .45” in its 4K release.
Arrow Video once again delivers a lovingly restored, feature-packed version of a cult classic with a new collector’s edition 4K of Ms .45 (1981). This is one of those deep-cut grindhouse features that may not be to everyone’s tastes, but… Read More ›
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“Better Off Dead” has a first-time 4K UHD edition, so you better have your two dollars handy.
The cult classic Better Off Dead (1985) has finally received an upgrade with its new 4K release and for longtime fans as well as newcomers, the question naturally arises: is this new edition worth the jump from the previously available… Read More ›
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Celebrate 75 years of Billy Wilder’s “Sunset Boulevard” with a first-time 4K UHD edition.
Sunset Boulevard (1950) is often regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made, and after finally sitting down to watch it for the first time, I can honestly say that reputation is fully earned. Billy Wilder’s (The Apartment) masterpiece… Read More ›
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The Criterion Collection goes to 11 with its 4K “This is Spinal Tap” release.
This Is Spinal Tap remains one of the funniest and most influential comedies ever made, a true landmark in both the mockumentary format and cinematic comedy as a whole. Directed by Rob Reiner (The Princess Bride; Stand by Me) in… Read More ›
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Western “The Unholy Trinity” arrives on home video devoid of bonus features.
The Unholy Trinity (2024) is a film that, at first glance, seems tailor-made for fans longing for a return to the gritty, dust-caked charm of old-school westerns. With its barren landscapes, tense shootouts, and a score that leans into the… Read More ›
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A Conversation with “Red Sonja” director MJ Bassett and actor Matilda Lutz.
Known in some circles as “The She-Devil with a Sword,” author Robert E. Howard’s Red Sonja has been adapted from his novels into comics and, until recently, only one theatrical title. Director MJ Bassett has changed this with her Matilda… Read More ›
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“Mother of Flies” is a poetic and unsettling horror tale from one of indie cinema’s most distinctive filmmaking families. [Fantasia]
Mother of Flies is another remarkable entry from this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival, and a testament to the uniquely haunting and heartfelt filmmaking voice of The Adams Family — the indie horror power trio made up of Zelda Adams,… Read More ›
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“Every Heavy Thing” doesn’t care if you enjoy it or not as it defies industry norms with abandon. [Fantasia]
Every Heavy Thing is the gonzo movie of the year — a chaotic, brain-bending descent into madness that feels like a dream you half-remember after waking up, unsure if it was brilliant or just bizarre. Director Mickey Reece (Agnes), known… Read More ›
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“Stans” delves deep into the way fans found their voices through Eminem’s music, lyrics, and personal struggles.
Stans is a compelling and emotional new documentary that explores the powerful connection between legendary rapper Eminem (The Slim Shady LP; The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)) and the devoted fanbase inspired by his music. Directed by Steven… Read More ›
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Dramatic thriller “Lurker” dives into the enticement of fame and its poison. [Fantasia]
Lurker is one of those rare films that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Much like The Surfer starring Nicolas Cage, which also dropped earlier this year, it’s a film that demands repeat viewings not just for… Read More ›
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Bubblegum horror “Foreigner” is a pitch-perfect genre mashup where every emotional note sticks the landing. [Fantasia]
Foreigner is one of the standout films from this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival, offering a stylish and subversive take on teenage horror through the lens of the immigrant experience. Set during the early 2000s, a time of low-rise jeans,… Read More ›
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A24’s home release of “Warfare” maintains the intensity of the theatrical experience.
Warfare is now available on physical media thanks to A24, and it’s a release that absolutely deserves a place in any serious film collector’s library. As a film, Warfare is one of the most heart-stopping, emotionally jarring war movies in… Read More ›
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“The Amateur” works its way into your home through modernized techniques and thrills.
The Amateur is that rare remake that not only justifies its existence but surpasses its source material in nearly every way. In an era overflowing with soulless sequels and shallow reboots, this film reminds us what a remake should be:… Read More ›
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Double De Niro is not enough to make “The Alto Knights” memorable.
The Alto Knights features a dual performance from the legendary Robert De Niro (The Irishman) who portrays both of the main characters in a bold creative choice that might serve as a selling point for fans or as a distraction… Read More ›