‘Death Squad’ Makes for a Viciously Entertaining Pick of the Week

Pick of the Week

Death Squad [Mondo Macabro]

What is it? A cop goes outside the law in search of justice.

Why see it? While some film fans only know the tough cop movie exploits of Dirty Harry and his ilk, others have long been fans of 70s/80s cinema from countries like Italy and Hong Kong that delivers hard-hitting action and gritty takes on law enforcement. This effort from 1985 makes a strong case that French filmmakers deserve a seat at the table as it’s a mean, violent, and thrilling ride. A porn director’s only non-sex film effort, there’s still plenty of sex here, but Max Pecas also fills the screen with action beats, twisted character choices, sharp acts of brutality, and a tense energy. The film teases some progressive themes before smashing it all to bits with offensive takes on everything and everyone as our hard-ass hero takes on the vicious villains. It’s not a film for all tastes, and I really can’t overstate how mean it gets at times, but if you’re up for some hard-hitting, tough as nails battle between cops and bad guys, this is a Blu worth owning.

[Extras: New 4K transfer, interviews]

The Best

Monster

What is it? A mother suspects her son is being abused.

Why see it? Kore-eda Hirokazu’s latest unfolds in three parts as the same story comes at us from three different perspectives. First the mother, then the teacher she suspects of bad behavior, and finally of her son at the heart of it all. The story grows with new details reminding viewers about perspective, truth, and the weight of our collective experience. There’s suspense, drama, and heartache, but there’s also beauty as the people and the pieces fall into place. It’s no thriller, though, despite the title, so prepare for an engaging slowburn about the best and worst instincts of humanity.

[Extras: None]

Picnic at Hanging Rock [4K UHD, Criterion]

What is it? A haunting tale of a disappearance.

Why see it? Peter Weir’s filmography is filled with absolute bangers, and this masterpiece of quiet horror and mystery is the earliest. The story follows a group of female students in early 20th century Australia who go out for a day trip and never return. There’s a sense of dread hanging over the characters as they explore their surrounding and one rocky area in particular, and Weir executes their disappearance with an eye for beauty and fear. It’s the kind of film that stays with you, in part because of the mystery, but also because the atmosphere it creates unfolds as a rare daytime nightmare. Criterion’s new 4K release captures the film’s gorgeous, hazy visuals while still retaining grain, but it might not be an actual upgrade of the included Blu-ray. Some areas look stronger than others, a result of restoration work that arguably went too far, but it’s far from disastrous. The extras also offer plenty more reasons to find yourself caught up in the story.

[Extras: New 4K restoration, featurettes, interviews, short film]

The Rundown: No Way Out

What is it? The third entry in a fantastically fun action franchise from South Korea.

Why see it? The secret ingredient across all three films (and the recently announced fourth entry slated for 2024) is the presence of the terrifically charismatic Ma Dong-seok (aka Don Lee) as the lead detective. All of the films feature gun play, but the highlight is always Ma busting loose and busting bones with his big, meaty paws. He’s a brawler — you won’t see him breaking out fancy martial arts moves — and the pummeling he unleashes is never less than entertaining and satisfying. To that point, his “boxing” feels improved this time out as his hit choices and defensive bobbing are more varied which keeps the fights from ever growing stale, and the end result is a fun, uncomplicated tale of bad guys being served justice in the form of knuckle sandwiches.

[Extras: None]

Special Silencers [Mondo Macabro]

What is it? Corruption leads to murder leads to revenge.

Why see it? Few movies get everything right, but while the best ones manage most things, some fun ones manage just enough. This Indonesian genre romp belongs in that latter camp as the prestige elements aren’t functioning — but the fun? Well that’s on fire here. Goofy martial arts, over the top baddies, and some terrifically entertaining gore beats make for a movie that leaves you smiling. Vines grow out of people’s torsos! It’s cool and messy and bloody in all the right ways, and we also get villains who are ridiculous and in real need of defeat. This is another winner for Mondo and recommended for party people.

[Extras: Theatrical and extended versions, featurette, commentary]

The Rest

Lisa Frankenstein

What is it? A lonely teen finds love beyond the grave.

Why see it? Diablo Cody writes and Zelda Williams directs this nod to 80s comedies like Teen Wolf, and if that combination of talents appeals then you’ll want to give this one a spin. For the rest of us, though, the film is a comedy that can’t quite balance its humor with its genre elements. The laughs are broad at times, perhaps too broad, and while Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse do good work in general the pieces just don’t come together when they need to. Laughs fall flat, heartfelt moments falter, and it just feels a bit too silly.

[Extras: Deleted scenes, gag reel, featurettes, commentary]

The Looters [KL Studio Classics]

What is it? A plane crash leaves the survivors facing even more danger yet to come.

Why see it? There’s a fun setup here as a plane crash survivors atop a mountain are rescued only to discover a big bag of cash is among the wreckage. Everyone knows it’s there, and soon everyone’s out for themself. Ray Danton and Rory Calhoun lead the mostly male ensemble, and Julie Adams plays the sole woman who becomes the second biggest distraction outside of the money. The film manages some real tension and suspense with a ribbon of social commentary to boot, and it looks good doing it with sharp black & white photography capturing all the drama. This is a tight little dramatic thriller that delivers the goods.

[Extras: New 2K scan, commentary]

The Minus Man [KL Studio Classics]

What is it? An amiable serial killer sets up shop in a small town.

Why see it? The late 90s were awash in crime thrillers rippled through with naval gazing and stabs at dark, quirky comedy. This 1999 effort fits the bill as the writing and cast lean heavy into the oddball atmosphere. It’s no comedy and instead gets pretty dark at times, but it’s clear even in the casting of Owen Wilson that something more than serial killer thrills was on the agenda. The film is solid enough, engaging in part due to its cast which also includes Janeane Garofalo, Brian Cox, and Sheryl Crow, and while it feels every bit a product of the 90s, it delivers well enough even now.

[Extras: New 2K scan, commentary]

Night Swim

What is it? A family’s new home comes with a creepy pool.

Why see it? Blumhouse’s latest horror film takes a simple premise and stretches it to 100 minutes with some repetitive beats and a backstory that doesn’t hold water. The horror within the pool — basically an ancient evil in the water itself — even knows how to turn lights on and off to up the scare factor (for characters, not viewers). It’s silly but played completely straight, and the minor nod to The Shining as the dad (a wasted Wyatt Russell) tips towards a loss of control doesn’t work as well as you’d hope. The film manages a couple effective jump scares, but the atmosphere and narrative just don’t take hold.

[Extras: Featurettes]

Tormented

What is it? A man is haunted by the woman who loved him.

Why see it? Bert I. Gordon is best known for his Food of the Gods films, but his genre dabblings also include this ghostly tale of love, deceit, and supernatural revenge. Richard Carlson plays a guy whose ex “accidentally” dies, but when she returns in ghostly form it forces his hand in some uncomfortable ways. The jazzy score and iffy protagonist help keep things just silly enough to be a little bit fun, and while numerous aspects can’t help but feel dated, the new restoration gives it a clean look. It’s a trifle of a film, but Film Masters has packed the disc with extras making it a film well worth picking up for fans.

[Extras: New 4K restoration, Mystery Science Theater 3000 version, interview, documentary, featurettes, TV pilot, commentary]

Also out this week:

It’s a Wonderful Knife, King Kong [4K UHD], Special Silencers, Winnie the Pooh: Blood & Honey, You Never Can Tell [KL Studio Classics]