Filmnerdness 101
@filmnerdness101.bsky.social
Cinephile, pop-culture enthusiast, former movies/music/comics/games journalist and critic, and sometimes writer, podcasts guest, and filmmaker
There is something magnetic about this film. I actually never saw it until a few years ago. I’ve seen it several times since. Sean Penn and Christopher Walken are explosive together, and the supporting cast is a who’s who. Complementing all that, the script, directing, and music all sear the screen.
At Close Range (1986) ⭐ 6.9 | Crime, Drama
1h 56m | R
m.imdb.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:08 AM
There is something magnetic about this film. I actually never saw it until a few years ago. I’ve seen it several times since. Sean Penn and Christopher Walken are explosive together, and the supporting cast is a who’s who. Complementing all that, the script, directing, and music all sear the screen.
I have joined the legions of people who have fallen in love with the new show Pluribus. Actually, “fallen in love” isn’t accurate. Utterly intrigued. Thought-provokingly fascinated. Humanistically spellbound. The felicitations can go on ad infinitum. Two episodes in, and I can’t wait for more!
Pluribus (TV Series 2025– ) ⭐ 8.9 | Drama, Sci-Fi
1h | TV-MA
m.imdb.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM
I have joined the legions of people who have fallen in love with the new show Pluribus. Actually, “fallen in love” isn’t accurate. Utterly intrigued. Thought-provokingly fascinated. Humanistically spellbound. The felicitations can go on ad infinitum. Two episodes in, and I can’t wait for more!
I savor when I have a first-time watch that checks a long-overdue box in my cinephile repertoire. Today, it’s Martin Scorsese’s 1973 classic Mean Streets.
Mean Streets (1973) ⭐ 7.2 | Crime, Drama, Thriller
1h 52m | R
m.imdb.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:17 PM
I savor when I have a first-time watch that checks a long-overdue box in my cinephile repertoire. Today, it’s Martin Scorsese’s 1973 classic Mean Streets.
Caught this in the theater earlier this year, and it’s brilliant. Even the running time — 2 hours and 17 minutes — is a brilliant nod by director Bong Joon Ho. And Robert Pattinson delivers another stellar, nuanced performance. Plus Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo. This evening, time to revisit it.
Mickey 17 (2025) ⭐ 6.7 | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
2h 17m | R
m.imdb.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Caught this in the theater earlier this year, and it’s brilliant. Even the running time — 2 hours and 17 minutes — is a brilliant nod by director Bong Joon Ho. And Robert Pattinson delivers another stellar, nuanced performance. Plus Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo. This evening, time to revisit it.
Tonight, watching Tugg Speedman, Jeff Portnoy, Kirk Lazarus et al. do their thing. ❤️🤘🏼
Tropic Thunder (2008) ⭐ 7.1 | Action, Comedy, War
1h 47m | R
m.imdb.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Tonight, watching Tugg Speedman, Jeff Portnoy, Kirk Lazarus et al. do their thing. ❤️🤘🏼
From Jef Costello to Lemmy Caution, I’m apparently on a mid-‘60s French cinema kick — though, this time, I’m going New Wave. A bizarre futuristic sci-fi spin on the classic hard-boiled noir subgenre, Alphaville caught my eye years ago in college via the Criterion Collection. Love it.
Alphaville (1965) ⭐ 7.0 | Comedy, Drama, Mystery
1h 39m | Not Rated
m.imdb.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:39 AM
From Jef Costello to Lemmy Caution, I’m apparently on a mid-‘60s French cinema kick — though, this time, I’m going New Wave. A bizarre futuristic sci-fi spin on the classic hard-boiled noir subgenre, Alphaville caught my eye years ago in college via the Criterion Collection. Love it.
With Noirvember in full swing, I’m now watching Le Samouraï. While I’ve seen — and love — many movies strongly influenced by this French neo-noir film, I’ve not seen it until now.
Le Samouraï (1967) ⭐ 8.0 | Crime, Drama, Thriller
1h 41m | GP
m.imdb.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:31 AM
With Noirvember in full swing, I’m now watching Le Samouraï. While I’ve seen — and love — many movies strongly influenced by this French neo-noir film, I’ve not seen it until now.
Tonight, I’m watching one of my favorite westerns, Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch. This Blu-ray is the original director’s cut (a.k.a. the European cut), which I’m not sure whether I’ve seen before. Regardless, I’m jazzed. What a cast. What a script. What direction. It’s brilliant, and a classic.
The Wild Bunch (1969) ⭐ 7.9 | Action, Adventure, Drama
2h 15m | R
m.imdb.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Tonight, I’m watching one of my favorite westerns, Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch. This Blu-ray is the original director’s cut (a.k.a. the European cut), which I’m not sure whether I’ve seen before. Regardless, I’m jazzed. What a cast. What a script. What direction. It’s brilliant, and a classic.
One of my comfort-food movies for nearly 20 years has been Rocky Balboa. I watch it a few times a year, and I’m breaking it out tonight. Such a wonderful viewing experience. Such heart and warmth.
Rocky Balboa (2006) ⭐ 7.1 | Drama, Sport
1h 42m | PG
m.imdb.com
November 1, 2025 at 6:59 AM
One of my comfort-food movies for nearly 20 years has been Rocky Balboa. I watch it a few times a year, and I’m breaking it out tonight. Such a wonderful viewing experience. Such heart and warmth.
31 Days of Horror-HALLOWEEN:
The White Reindeer (1952)
For the second (maybe third) time ever, this year, I completed the 31DoH Challenge of watching a horror film each day this month. Concluding the festivities tonight with this Finnish schism-mode horror-fantasy.
First-time watch
Source: Shudder
The White Reindeer (1952)
For the second (maybe third) time ever, this year, I completed the 31DoH Challenge of watching a horror film each day this month. Concluding the festivities tonight with this Finnish schism-mode horror-fantasy.
First-time watch
Source: Shudder
The White Reindeer (1952) ⭐ 6.9 | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
1h 14m | Not Rated
m.imdb.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:41 AM
31 Days of Horror-HALLOWEEN:
The White Reindeer (1952)
For the second (maybe third) time ever, this year, I completed the 31DoH Challenge of watching a horror film each day this month. Concluding the festivities tonight with this Finnish schism-mode horror-fantasy.
First-time watch
Source: Shudder
The White Reindeer (1952)
For the second (maybe third) time ever, this year, I completed the 31DoH Challenge of watching a horror film each day this month. Concluding the festivities tonight with this Finnish schism-mode horror-fantasy.
First-time watch
Source: Shudder
31 Days of Horror - HALLOWEEN:
Necropolis (1986)
Ten minutes in, I was ready to shut off this Charles Band production. Glad I didn’t. It’s often laughable and confusing, but the parts that pay off PAY OFF. And the synth score slaps. I’ll be revisiting this one.
First-time watch
Source: Prime
Necropolis (1986)
Ten minutes in, I was ready to shut off this Charles Band production. Glad I didn’t. It’s often laughable and confusing, but the parts that pay off PAY OFF. And the synth score slaps. I’ll be revisiting this one.
First-time watch
Source: Prime
Necropolis (1986) ⭐ 3.8 | Fantasy, Horror
1h 17m | R
m.imdb.com
October 31, 2025 at 10:08 PM
31 Days of Horror - HALLOWEEN:
Necropolis (1986)
Ten minutes in, I was ready to shut off this Charles Band production. Glad I didn’t. It’s often laughable and confusing, but the parts that pay off PAY OFF. And the synth score slaps. I’ll be revisiting this one.
First-time watch
Source: Prime
Necropolis (1986)
Ten minutes in, I was ready to shut off this Charles Band production. Glad I didn’t. It’s often laughable and confusing, but the parts that pay off PAY OFF. And the synth score slaps. I’ll be revisiting this one.
First-time watch
Source: Prime
31 Days of Horror - Halloween Eve:
Suspiria (1977)
I’m a giallo fan, and this is my favorite one. Dario Argento’s haunting, often-imitated masterpiece boasts a sumptuous, memorable score by Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin. The 2018 remake is also superb.
Source: Synapse 4K Blu-ray
Suspiria (1977)
I’m a giallo fan, and this is my favorite one. Dario Argento’s haunting, often-imitated masterpiece boasts a sumptuous, memorable score by Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin. The 2018 remake is also superb.
Source: Synapse 4K Blu-ray
Suspiria (1977) ⭐ 7.3 | Horror
1h 32m | R
m.imdb.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:17 PM
31 Days of Horror - Halloween Eve:
Suspiria (1977)
I’m a giallo fan, and this is my favorite one. Dario Argento’s haunting, often-imitated masterpiece boasts a sumptuous, memorable score by Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin. The 2018 remake is also superb.
Source: Synapse 4K Blu-ray
Suspiria (1977)
I’m a giallo fan, and this is my favorite one. Dario Argento’s haunting, often-imitated masterpiece boasts a sumptuous, memorable score by Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin. The 2018 remake is also superb.
Source: Synapse 4K Blu-ray
31 Days of Horror - Day 29:
Candyman (1992)
My love for Candyman knows no bounds. Clive Barker’s masterful nightmare comes to life via the legendary Tony Todd. Virginia Madsen and Xander Berkeley are key to bringing this urban fantasy to life. And the cinematography is incredible.
Source: DVD
Candyman (1992)
My love for Candyman knows no bounds. Clive Barker’s masterful nightmare comes to life via the legendary Tony Todd. Virginia Madsen and Xander Berkeley are key to bringing this urban fantasy to life. And the cinematography is incredible.
Source: DVD
Candyman (1992) ⭐ 6.7 | Horror, Thriller
1h 39m | R
m.imdb.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:11 AM
31 Days of Horror - Day 29:
Candyman (1992)
My love for Candyman knows no bounds. Clive Barker’s masterful nightmare comes to life via the legendary Tony Todd. Virginia Madsen and Xander Berkeley are key to bringing this urban fantasy to life. And the cinematography is incredible.
Source: DVD
Candyman (1992)
My love for Candyman knows no bounds. Clive Barker’s masterful nightmare comes to life via the legendary Tony Todd. Virginia Madsen and Xander Berkeley are key to bringing this urban fantasy to life. And the cinematography is incredible.
Source: DVD
In case there are any Fred Dekker fans here who want to get in on this sale. I just ordered mine. Love me some Tom Atkins, especially as Detective Ray Cameron.
Night Of The Creeps [Collector's Edition] + Exclusive NECA Figure + Ex
'A fantastic horror movie ... There is so much to love about Night Of The Creeps that I have no idea where to begin.' – Bloody DisgustingThrill me! When an alien experiment goes awry, it crashes to Ea...
shoutfactory.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:48 PM
In case there are any Fred Dekker fans here who want to get in on this sale. I just ordered mine. Love me some Tom Atkins, especially as Detective Ray Cameron.
31 Days of Horror - Day 29:
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
This is the most Lovecraft non-Lovecraft film ever. The camerawork has this filtered look like it’s a made-for-TV movie, but nonetheless effectively creepy. And the cast delivers. I’m a longtime fan.
Source: DVD
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
This is the most Lovecraft non-Lovecraft film ever. The camerawork has this filtered look like it’s a made-for-TV movie, but nonetheless effectively creepy. And the cast delivers. I’m a longtime fan.
Source: DVD
In the Mouth of Madness (1994) ⭐ 7.1 | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
1h 35m | R
m.imdb.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:58 PM
31 Days of Horror - Day 29:
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
This is the most Lovecraft non-Lovecraft film ever. The camerawork has this filtered look like it’s a made-for-TV movie, but nonetheless effectively creepy. And the cast delivers. I’m a longtime fan.
Source: DVD
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
This is the most Lovecraft non-Lovecraft film ever. The camerawork has this filtered look like it’s a made-for-TV movie, but nonetheless effectively creepy. And the cast delivers. I’m a longtime fan.
Source: DVD
31 Days of Horror - Day 28:
The Lords of Salem (2012)
Many Rob Zombie fans consider this his worst film. I enjoy some of his other filmmaking efforts, but this is my favorite RZ movie by far. It’s so atmospheric, immersive. I want to live there. Plus Meg Foster wows. And that score.
Source:Blu-ray
The Lords of Salem (2012)
Many Rob Zombie fans consider this his worst film. I enjoy some of his other filmmaking efforts, but this is my favorite RZ movie by far. It’s so atmospheric, immersive. I want to live there. Plus Meg Foster wows. And that score.
Source:Blu-ray
The Lords of Salem (2012) ⭐ 5.2 | Horror, Thriller
1h 41m | R
m.imdb.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:52 PM
31 Days of Horror - Day 28:
The Lords of Salem (2012)
Many Rob Zombie fans consider this his worst film. I enjoy some of his other filmmaking efforts, but this is my favorite RZ movie by far. It’s so atmospheric, immersive. I want to live there. Plus Meg Foster wows. And that score.
Source:Blu-ray
The Lords of Salem (2012)
Many Rob Zombie fans consider this his worst film. I enjoy some of his other filmmaking efforts, but this is my favorite RZ movie by far. It’s so atmospheric, immersive. I want to live there. Plus Meg Foster wows. And that score.
Source:Blu-ray
31 Days of Horror - Day 27:
Night of the Demons (1988)
This is probably my favorite Linnea Quigley film. I say that as a fan of hers since the ‘80s. She brings an intelligent tude and a dark humor to her performances that I greatly admire. Plus, NotD is damn fun.
Source: Scream Factory Blu-ray
Night of the Demons (1988)
This is probably my favorite Linnea Quigley film. I say that as a fan of hers since the ‘80s. She brings an intelligent tude and a dark humor to her performances that I greatly admire. Plus, NotD is damn fun.
Source: Scream Factory Blu-ray
Night of the Demons (1988) ⭐ 6.1 | Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
1h 30m | R
m.imdb.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:40 AM
31 Days of Horror - Day 27:
Night of the Demons (1988)
This is probably my favorite Linnea Quigley film. I say that as a fan of hers since the ‘80s. She brings an intelligent tude and a dark humor to her performances that I greatly admire. Plus, NotD is damn fun.
Source: Scream Factory Blu-ray
Night of the Demons (1988)
This is probably my favorite Linnea Quigley film. I say that as a fan of hers since the ‘80s. She brings an intelligent tude and a dark humor to her performances that I greatly admire. Plus, NotD is damn fun.
Source: Scream Factory Blu-ray
31 Days of Horror -
HALLOWEEKEND Day 3:
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
For me, for the last dozen-plus years, there has been no October without Tucker and Dale. Would’ve loved to see a trilogy (Tucker and Dale vs. Armageddon, etc.), but I’m thankful to have this gem to watch.
Source: Blu-ray
HALLOWEEKEND Day 3:
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
For me, for the last dozen-plus years, there has been no October without Tucker and Dale. Would’ve loved to see a trilogy (Tucker and Dale vs. Armageddon, etc.), but I’m thankful to have this gem to watch.
Source: Blu-ray
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010) ⭐ 7.5 | Comedy, Horror
1h 29m | R
m.imdb.com
October 26, 2025 at 8:16 PM
31 Days of Horror -
HALLOWEEKEND Day 3:
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
For me, for the last dozen-plus years, there has been no October without Tucker and Dale. Would’ve loved to see a trilogy (Tucker and Dale vs. Armageddon, etc.), but I’m thankful to have this gem to watch.
Source: Blu-ray
HALLOWEEKEND Day 3:
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)
For me, for the last dozen-plus years, there has been no October without Tucker and Dale. Would’ve loved to see a trilogy (Tucker and Dale vs. Armageddon, etc.), but I’m thankful to have this gem to watch.
Source: Blu-ray
31 Days of Horror -
HALLOWEEKEND Day 2:
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
A perennial fave for me and my family. Schlocky ‘80s goodness from the Chiodo Brothers that’s legit (intentionally) funny, with superb SFX and a cool, memorable score.
Source: DVD
HALLOWEEKEND Day 2:
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
A perennial fave for me and my family. Schlocky ‘80s goodness from the Chiodo Brothers that’s legit (intentionally) funny, with superb SFX and a cool, memorable score.
Source: DVD
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988) ⭐ 6.2 | Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi
1h 28m | PG-13
m.imdb.com
October 25, 2025 at 6:06 PM
31 Days of Horror -
HALLOWEEKEND Day 2:
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
A perennial fave for me and my family. Schlocky ‘80s goodness from the Chiodo Brothers that’s legit (intentionally) funny, with superb SFX and a cool, memorable score.
Source: DVD
HALLOWEEKEND Day 2:
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
A perennial fave for me and my family. Schlocky ‘80s goodness from the Chiodo Brothers that’s legit (intentionally) funny, with superb SFX and a cool, memorable score.
Source: DVD
31 Days of Horror -
HALLOWEEKEND Day 1:
The Haunting (1963)
A classic. The haunted-house subgenre has no finer example, and Robert Wise masterfully directed this cornerstone of horror cinema.
Source: DVD
HALLOWEEKEND Day 1:
The Haunting (1963)
A classic. The haunted-house subgenre has no finer example, and Robert Wise masterfully directed this cornerstone of horror cinema.
Source: DVD
The Haunting (1963) ⭐ 7.4 | Horror
1h 52m | G
m.imdb.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:09 AM
31 Days of Horror -
HALLOWEEKEND Day 1:
The Haunting (1963)
A classic. The haunted-house subgenre has no finer example, and Robert Wise masterfully directed this cornerstone of horror cinema.
Source: DVD
HALLOWEEKEND Day 1:
The Haunting (1963)
A classic. The haunted-house subgenre has no finer example, and Robert Wise masterfully directed this cornerstone of horror cinema.
Source: DVD
31 Days of Horror -
HALLOWEEKEND Day 1:
The Giant Claw (1957)
Super-schlocky ‘50s sci-fi about a big bird of unknown origin flying around terrorizing the United States. The giant bird SFX are awful, and the writing isn’t a whole lot better, but this is a lot of fun to watch.
Source: Goodtimes VHS
HALLOWEEKEND Day 1:
The Giant Claw (1957)
Super-schlocky ‘50s sci-fi about a big bird of unknown origin flying around terrorizing the United States. The giant bird SFX are awful, and the writing isn’t a whole lot better, but this is a lot of fun to watch.
Source: Goodtimes VHS
The Giant Claw (1957) ⭐ 4.6 | Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi
1h 15m | Approved
m.imdb.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:23 PM
31 Days of Horror -
HALLOWEEKEND Day 1:
The Giant Claw (1957)
Super-schlocky ‘50s sci-fi about a big bird of unknown origin flying around terrorizing the United States. The giant bird SFX are awful, and the writing isn’t a whole lot better, but this is a lot of fun to watch.
Source: Goodtimes VHS
HALLOWEEKEND Day 1:
The Giant Claw (1957)
Super-schlocky ‘50s sci-fi about a big bird of unknown origin flying around terrorizing the United States. The giant bird SFX are awful, and the writing isn’t a whole lot better, but this is a lot of fun to watch.
Source: Goodtimes VHS
31 Days of Horror - Day 23:
Slime City (1988)
The acting sucks. The camerawork is à la the I Once Saw A Movie School of Cinematography. The dialogue contains words. The SFX aren’t. And I enjoyed it. If you appreciate such ostensible cinema, here’s 80 minutes for you.
First-time watch
Source: Tubi
Slime City (1988)
The acting sucks. The camerawork is à la the I Once Saw A Movie School of Cinematography. The dialogue contains words. The SFX aren’t. And I enjoyed it. If you appreciate such ostensible cinema, here’s 80 minutes for you.
First-time watch
Source: Tubi
Slime City (1988) ⭐ 5.2 | Horror
1h 21m | Not Rated
m.imdb.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:51 PM
31 Days of Horror - Day 23:
Slime City (1988)
The acting sucks. The camerawork is à la the I Once Saw A Movie School of Cinematography. The dialogue contains words. The SFX aren’t. And I enjoyed it. If you appreciate such ostensible cinema, here’s 80 minutes for you.
First-time watch
Source: Tubi
Slime City (1988)
The acting sucks. The camerawork is à la the I Once Saw A Movie School of Cinematography. The dialogue contains words. The SFX aren’t. And I enjoyed it. If you appreciate such ostensible cinema, here’s 80 minutes for you.
First-time watch
Source: Tubi
31 Days of Horror - Day 22:
Viy (1967)
This 77-minute work of folk horror flies by, and you won’t look away. It’s a masterpiece with a simple and oft-told tale, boasting gripping visuals and SFX. I break it out at least every few years for October.
Source: Severin Blu-ray
Viy (1967)
This 77-minute work of folk horror flies by, and you won’t look away. It’s a masterpiece with a simple and oft-told tale, boasting gripping visuals and SFX. I break it out at least every few years for October.
Source: Severin Blu-ray
Viy (1967) ⭐ 7.2 | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
1h 17m | Not Rated
m.imdb.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:10 PM
31 Days of Horror - Day 22:
Viy (1967)
This 77-minute work of folk horror flies by, and you won’t look away. It’s a masterpiece with a simple and oft-told tale, boasting gripping visuals and SFX. I break it out at least every few years for October.
Source: Severin Blu-ray
Viy (1967)
This 77-minute work of folk horror flies by, and you won’t look away. It’s a masterpiece with a simple and oft-told tale, boasting gripping visuals and SFX. I break it out at least every few years for October.
Source: Severin Blu-ray
31 Days of Horror - Day 21:
Pontypool (2008)
I’ve banged the drum for this underrated gem since before it came out, when I was a professional pop-culture critic. It’s brilliant both in concept and execution. Stephen McHattie steals the show, and the atmosphere holds you breathless.
Source: DVD
Pontypool (2008)
I’ve banged the drum for this underrated gem since before it came out, when I was a professional pop-culture critic. It’s brilliant both in concept and execution. Stephen McHattie steals the show, and the atmosphere holds you breathless.
Source: DVD
Pontypool (2008) ⭐ 6.5 | Horror, Sci-Fi
1h 33m | Not Rated
m.imdb.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:16 PM
31 Days of Horror - Day 21:
Pontypool (2008)
I’ve banged the drum for this underrated gem since before it came out, when I was a professional pop-culture critic. It’s brilliant both in concept and execution. Stephen McHattie steals the show, and the atmosphere holds you breathless.
Source: DVD
Pontypool (2008)
I’ve banged the drum for this underrated gem since before it came out, when I was a professional pop-culture critic. It’s brilliant both in concept and execution. Stephen McHattie steals the show, and the atmosphere holds you breathless.
Source: DVD