Firstly, I just want to say, thank you SO MUCH to my readers. I’m so glad you’re willing to tolerate me in your inbox so often, it means so much to me. Tell your friends!
I was in prison from late 2014-early 2023. I didn’t have a lot of friends, I didn’t have a ton of support. I fought every day. It was extremely difficult. I don’t know how I survived, and in good health too. To be able to get out and see that people appreciate my voice, a voice that went silent for so long, is a gift I can never fully repay.
As such, it’s so exciting that you’re on this journey with me. As I have mentioned, this is about the great (and sometimes awful) movies I missed while I was down. Since I left custody in March, 2023, I have just been MAINLINING movies (and shows) from that period, force-feeding myself stuff I spent years dreaming about while I was behind bars. So much content. How did you guys manage out here??
I encourage any and all feedback, please. I have a considerable master list of films from this period of August 2014 to March 2023. Let me know if there’s anything you think I should tackle, anything I may have missed. I have enough movies to keep this going for a few years but I’m always on the lookout for something I may have missed.
Next week is SCARETOBERFEST. All October will be horror-related. Please hide the kiddies, and be aware of bloody NSFW embedded trailers. I hope we can all get in a scary mood together. With that in mind, I’ve only been doing this for a couple of months, but here are some of the horror reviews I’ve already published.
In S. Craig Zahler’s “Bone Tomahawk”, a gnarly gang of cowboys face off against the meanest cannibals you’ve ever seen. Come for the disembowling, and stay for the musings on how Republican viewers feel about crime.
In Mati Diop’s enchanted “Atlantics”, Dakar is haunted by the ghosts of dead day laborers. It’s a soothing, deceptively seductive tale, and it’s also where I talk about UNICOR and prison slave labor.
With Ana Asensio’s no-budget deep-dive into the New York City underworld, “Most Beautiful Island”, we see what it truly means to be willing to do anything for a quick dollar. Read about this peculiar and spooky indie that’s also sort of a “Madame Web” prequel, and also learn about gambling in prison.
The anthology film “The ABC’s Of Death 2” has enough blood and gore for everyone. You’ll learn about the 26 ways to die, but also about the national menu they offer when you are incarcerated.
Dan Trachtenberg’s “Prey” is the latest in the “Predator” series. A young Comanche warrior throws down with an ancient evil. Join in for the discussion as to whether or not ex-cons should be forgiven in a work environment.
Nicolas Cage gets Satanic in Panos Cosmatos’ “Mandy”. Avenging his girlfriend’s fate at the hand of a cult, Cage reaches Peak Insanity. which allows for a conversation about religion in prison.
Cage again, in Kevin Lewis’ “Willy’s Wonderland”, as he shows up as a silent badass throwing down with animatronic killers. Cage kills, and we talk about the gang affiliations of “Dungeons And Dragons”.
Finally, it’s Morbin Time with Daniel Espinosa’s “Morbius”. The Living Vampire become a “New Marvel Legend” and also exactly how much you can sleep in prison.
And since my favorite show, “Saturday Night Live”, is premiering it’s fiftieth season, here’s something really fun for longtime SNL fans.
And with the SNL sendoff! I’m here for it!
I started reading your reviews a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed your insight and your personal experiences. I think what you are doing is brave and important. I have added your film reviews into my rotation with other writers like Vern, Scott Tobias/Keith Phipps, Nathan Rabin, Megan Nevarro, Katie Rife, Rachel Reeves, AA Dowd, and others. These critics are some of the best at writing about movies today IMO and I mention this because I think you’re just as strong in your writing as these guys. Glad I’ve been able to catch your site early and I have recommended you to friends. Appreciate all your hard work.