THE DANMAN CAN

"Snow is falling... Falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead." John Huston 's final film (released mere days after he died), 1987's The Dead , based on the final short story (technically a novella) in James Joyce 's 1914 collection Dubliners , is a fittingly poetic bookend to an amazing filmography. It's a lyrical, melancholic, and nostalgic, beautifully lit, delicately scored, and wonderfully performed picture that reminded me a lot of  Ingmar Bergman 's masterful  Fanny And Alexander (1983) [ review ]. John Huston Feature Films Ranked

It's one of my least favorite  Martin Scorsese  films, but Boxcar Bertha (1972) offers more than your average exploitation movie. As per the assignment from Roger Corman , the requisite boxes are checked for this low budget  Bonnie And Clyde   (1967) knockoff: violence, nudity, outlaws. However—though it is a bit rough around the edges—in the hands of Scorsese, there's an energy, visual style, and depth to the main quartet of characters (along with a downbeat ending) that brings the material up a notch. Martin Scorsese Feature Films Ranked Top 20 Directors

I Know Where I'm Going! (1945) is my least favorite  Powell  and  Pressburger  film so far, but I still have many to see. I did greatly enjoy IKWIG , particularly the beautiful Scottish locations and the expressive black and white cinematography, but I found the romance a bit lacking. This might be a film that I appreciate more on a rewatch. Powell & Pressburger Films Ranked

Greetings,  Weirdos ! In this month's installment, hear your favorite Weirdos ( Uncle Spooky ,  Demented Danman , and  Lil Spooky ) dive into the macabre world of Lucio Fulci . Whether you're a casual Fulci consumer or a seasoned gorehound, this episode goes right for the guts . And as a special treat, Uncle Spooky reveals the films to be shown (via Cauldron Films ) at Cinema Obscura Salem ( FB  |  IG ) at  Cinema Salem  on April 25th! Listen to  Weirdo Wednesday Podcast : Episode Eleven  here .     Let us know what topics/films you'd like to hear us talk about!  Follow us  on your favorite streaming platform and on  Instagram . We love feedback and positive reviews too. Don't forget that  Weirdo Wednesday  takes place every Wednesday evening at  Cinema Salem  in Salem, MA at 7:30 PM (tickets  here ). Dates for winter/spring 2026 Freakout Fridays at  The Owl ...

"I guess when we get born, we just all have to take our chances." Elia Kazan 's Splendor In The Grass (1961) plays like a teen-centric cross between  Tennessee Williams  (somehow even hornier) and John Steinbeck . This was a rewatch, but SITG is one of those films that still manages to be shocking and moving. The melodrama is turned up to 11 and the performances are electric. Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty  (in his feature debut) are impossibly attractive and impassioned, Kazan's direction is air tight and assured, and Boris Kaufman 's cinematography is evocative and engaging. Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind Elia Kazan Feature Films Ranked

An entertaining but very weird and random movie, Fade To Black (1980), with its film-obsessed lead, is relatable on some levels, but I wish it was more cohesive and had better characterization (the Cagney references are a bit much after a while too). If the picture was 90 minutes, had stronger supporting characters, more exciting kills, and better editing it could have been pretty special. All that said, Dennis Christopher gives a committed performance and the score/soundtrack is cool.

Cry-Baby   (1990) is one of my Top 3  John Waters  films. While not as subversive as his early work, it's got more bite than its predecessor, 1988's  Hairspray .  That film was a big success, while  C-B  was a box office failure which has gone on to become a cult classic. This  Elvis  musical/ Grease  parody is a blast and easily Waters' most fun film—perfectly cast and wonderfully performed, eminently quotable and rewatchable, full of beautiful costumes and production design, and very funny to boot. This movie's got it. It's got it raw! John Waters Feature Films Ranked

"The American people want somebody to articulate their rage for them." "He's saying that life is bullshit and it is!" "Music up with a swell; final commercial. And here are a few scenes from next week's show." Sidney Lumet Feature Films Ranked Top 20 Directors

Mel Brooks ' Spaceballs (1987) is easily one of the three films I can quote most, behind only my favorite, Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985) [ review ] and The Big Lebowski   (1998) [ review ]. It's not Brooks' best film, but it's a classic nonetheless. Mel Brooks Films Ranked

Ænigma (1987) is a solid latter era  Fulci  film mixing elements of Patrick  (1978) with  Suspiria  (1977) [ review ] and  Phenomena  [reviews  here ,  here ,  here , and  here ]. It's nothing exceptional, but it's well made, has some fun kills and amusing scenes, and is better than I expected. Lucio Fulci Feature Films Ranked