Filmnerdness 101
@filmnerdness101.bsky.social
Cinephile, pop-culture enthusiast, former movies/music/comics/games journalist and critic, and sometimes writer, podcasts guest, and filmmaker
This movie. Damn, this movie. When Se7en came out, my roommate and I went to see it. I vividly recall this theatrical experience. We were riveted. The third act, in particular, we were both leaning forward and literally on the edge of our seats throughout. A masterful cinematic achievement.
Se7en (1995) ⭐ 8.6 | Crime, Drama, Mystery
2h 7m | R
m.imdb.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:29 PM
This movie. Damn, this movie. When Se7en came out, my roommate and I went to see it. I vividly recall this theatrical experience. We were riveted. The third act, in particular, we were both leaning forward and literally on the edge of our seats throughout. A masterful cinematic achievement.
Alligator is generally considered one of the best of the Jaws-knockoff subgenre. And it’s a film I’ve never seen, as I recall. I mean, John Sayles. I’m correcting this rather glaring, longtime oversight right now as a wind-down from the day at work.
Alligator (1980) ⭐ 6.1 | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
1h 31m | R
m.imdb.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Alligator is generally considered one of the best of the Jaws-knockoff subgenre. And it’s a film I’ve never seen, as I recall. I mean, John Sayles. I’m correcting this rather glaring, longtime oversight right now as a wind-down from the day at work.
R.I.P. Udo Kier. The one and only. An inspiration for all who dare to be daring. His kooky awesomeness lives on.
Udo Kier | Actor, Writer, Producer
Known for: OD, The Secret Agent, Hunters
m.imdb.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:40 AM
R.I.P. Udo Kier. The one and only. An inspiration for all who dare to be daring. His kooky awesomeness lives on.
This first-time watch has been on my radar for awhile. I’m a great admirer of long tracking shots, and Too Late comprises 5 of them, on 35mm, for the full 20 minutes per reel. Props to the filmmakers. And it’s crime drama, a big plus in my book. While it lags at times, it’s well worth checking out.
Too Late (2015) ⭐ 6.7 | Crime, Drama, Mystery
1h 47m | Not Rated
m.imdb.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:34 PM
This first-time watch has been on my radar for awhile. I’m a great admirer of long tracking shots, and Too Late comprises 5 of them, on 35mm, for the full 20 minutes per reel. Props to the filmmakers. And it’s crime drama, a big plus in my book. While it lags at times, it’s well worth checking out.
Following a theme this weekend, with Sisu 2 yesterday. Today, it’s Warfare, released earlier this year. I enjoy war movies, and particularly nonfiction ones. This film is based solely on the memories of those who were involved in the event. Add in that it’s an A24 film starring Joseph Quinn, I’m in.
Warfare (2025) ⭐ 7.2 | Action, Drama, War
1h 35m | R
m.imdb.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Following a theme this weekend, with Sisu 2 yesterday. Today, it’s Warfare, released earlier this year. I enjoy war movies, and particularly nonfiction ones. This film is based solely on the memories of those who were involved in the event. Add in that it’s an A24 film starring Joseph Quinn, I’m in.
Not sure what I just watched. Evils of the Night isn’t big on sensical storytelling, decent editing, or women wearing clothes. The nebulous, disposable title is an apropos indicator of quality. But it oozes cult status, and if you enjoy mid-‘80s low-budget sci-fi horror, this checks a lot of boxes.
Evils of the Night (1985) ⭐ 3.7 | Horror, Sci-Fi
1h 25m | R
m.imdb.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Not sure what I just watched. Evils of the Night isn’t big on sensical storytelling, decent editing, or women wearing clothes. The nebulous, disposable title is an apropos indicator of quality. But it oozes cult status, and if you enjoy mid-‘80s low-budget sci-fi horror, this checks a lot of boxes.
Nothing says “I don’t actually give a damn about them” like an AI tribute.
November 23, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Nothing says “I don’t actually give a damn about them” like an AI tribute.
Went to the local theater today to see Sisu 2: Exponentially Sisu on opening weekend. If you liked the first film, you’ll like this one. And it’s made to be seen on the big screen. Set pieces galore. Loved it!
Sisu: Road to Revenge (2025) ⭐ 7.4 | Action, War
1h 29m | R
m.imdb.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Went to the local theater today to see Sisu 2: Exponentially Sisu on opening weekend. If you liked the first film, you’ll like this one. And it’s made to be seen on the big screen. Set pieces galore. Loved it!
There are certain movies that should be watched while high. And Wonderwall is definitely one of them. Some serious muscle behind this 1968 psychedelic romp, most notably musician George Harrison. It may not always make a lot of sense, but it’s no small amount of fun, and a cultural time capsule.
Wonderwall (1968) ⭐ 5.6 | Drama
1h 32m | TV-MA
m.imdb.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:59 AM
There are certain movies that should be watched while high. And Wonderwall is definitely one of them. Some serious muscle behind this 1968 psychedelic romp, most notably musician George Harrison. It may not always make a lot of sense, but it’s no small amount of fun, and a cultural time capsule.
Today’s screening is an obscure and long out-of-print indie from The Year for indie films, 1994. I was fortunate to pick up a used VHS some years ago. Criminal is both a crime drama and an existential contemplation on suburbia that remains timely. Worth checking out if you can find it.
Criminal (1994) ⭐ 5.2 | Crime, Drama
1h 27m
m.imdb.com
November 16, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Today’s screening is an obscure and long out-of-print indie from The Year for indie films, 1994. I was fortunate to pick up a used VHS some years ago. Criminal is both a crime drama and an existential contemplation on suburbia that remains timely. Worth checking out if you can find it.
Tonight, I sat down to watch the new documentary John Candy: I Like Me. Wonderfully produced, and very immersive into his career and life behind the scenes, with lots of new interviews with many of his family and friends. I’ll be watching it again. I love I Like Me.
John Candy: I Like Me (2025) ⭐ 8.1 | Documentary, Biography, Comedy
1h 53m | PG-13
m.imdb.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:51 AM
Tonight, I sat down to watch the new documentary John Candy: I Like Me. Wonderfully produced, and very immersive into his career and life behind the scenes, with lots of new interviews with many of his family and friends. I’ll be watching it again. I love I Like Me.
Like any film nerd worth their salt, I enjoy watching movies with commentary tracks. Today, I’m checking out one of the two such tracks on the Criterion Blu-ray of Anora with director Sean Baker and actors Yura Borisov, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian, Mikey Madison, and Vache Tovmasyan.
Anora
Contemporary cinema’s foremost chronicler of American dreamers and schemers hustling on the margins of capitalist promise, Sean Baker, reaches new heights of mastery with this audacious anti–Cinderell...
www.criterion.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Like any film nerd worth their salt, I enjoy watching movies with commentary tracks. Today, I’m checking out one of the two such tracks on the Criterion Blu-ray of Anora with director Sean Baker and actors Yura Borisov, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian, Mikey Madison, and Vache Tovmasyan.
This checks so many boxes including:
- in-his-prime Van Damme
- “Die Hard in a …” subgenre
- Hockey film
- directed by Peter Hyams
- Big bad played by Powers Boothe
Haven’t revisited Sudden Death in a couple decades. I’m literally excited to be doing so tonight!
- in-his-prime Van Damme
- “Die Hard in a …” subgenre
- Hockey film
- directed by Peter Hyams
- Big bad played by Powers Boothe
Haven’t revisited Sudden Death in a couple decades. I’m literally excited to be doing so tonight!
Sudden Death (1995) ⭐ 5.9 | Action, Crime, Thriller
1h 51m | R
m.imdb.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:52 PM
This checks so many boxes including:
- in-his-prime Van Damme
- “Die Hard in a …” subgenre
- Hockey film
- directed by Peter Hyams
- Big bad played by Powers Boothe
Haven’t revisited Sudden Death in a couple decades. I’m literally excited to be doing so tonight!
- in-his-prime Van Damme
- “Die Hard in a …” subgenre
- Hockey film
- directed by Peter Hyams
- Big bad played by Powers Boothe
Haven’t revisited Sudden Death in a couple decades. I’m literally excited to be doing so tonight!
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