Like its subject, The Secret Lives of Bill Bartell is far more than it seems at first glance. Although not well-known outside of LA punk and alternative music circles, the film makes the case that Bill Bartell had a far-reaching influence.
It's fun to watch Bartell as a contrarian young punk in his band White Flag, as his friends tell stories of his antics and behind-the-scenes machinations. The film does a great job of capturing the vibrant, chaotic energy of…
An Indonesian horror film from the '80s, Mystics in Bali has an eccentric charm that transcends its modest budget and occasionally wooden acting. It combines local folklore and critiques of Western cultural exploitation in a very satisfying way. Like Juan López Moctezuma's Alucarda, it frames its story for an American audience, but still marches to the beat of its own drum. Recommended for fans of horror and the unusual.
This is one of those rare movies that's about process rather than formula. It digs deep into the characters and how they cope as their world changes. The film is beautifully shot against the coastal Maine landscape, with strong performances from Spacek and Wilkinson. It can get intense and dark at times, but it keeps you engaged, wondering where the plot will turn next.
