Carlisle Cult Cinema Club presents its monthly film recommendations, by Paul PD Donaldson.
Attention all film and TV lovers! The Carlisle Cult Cinema Club is excited to bring you our new monthly film review column.
PD will be scouring the streaming services to find the hidden gems and must-see titles that you won't want to miss.
From the latest releases on Netflix and Amazon Prime to the classic films on Disney+ and beyond, we'll do the searching so you don't have to. Get ready to discover your new favorite show or movie as we bring you honest and insightful reviews every month.
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
EYE OF THE TIGER (1986)
Eye of the Tiger, directed by Richard C. Sarafin and starring the always-cracking Gary Busey,
Yaphet Kotto, Seymour Cassel, William Smith, and more, kick off with the iconic song "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, famously known as the theme tune to Rocky III.
Yes, it follows the typical 80s style of action revenge films, but let me tell you, it's an absolute belter with a fantastic cast and story elements reminiscent of the Walking Tall films.
Gary Busey, in cracking form as Buck Matthews, delivers a great performance, showcasing his undeniable talent as an actor.
It's worth noting that this film marked his second collaboration with director Richard C. Sarafin, following their previous work together in The Bear (1984).
It boasts an exceptional cast, with each member bringing their A-game to the table. Their performances enhance the overall quality of the film and make it a truly enjoyable watch. The film's pumping score serves as the driving force behind the action, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity.
It perfectly complements the action and keeps you engaged throughout. One of the standout elements of Eye of the Tiger is the amazing truck that Buck receives, equipped with impressive weaponry and gadgets, resembling a Backwoods version of Kitt.
This adds to the madness and it’s kitted out with rocket launchers and guns perfect for taking out Biker Gangs. All in all, Eye of the Tiger is a great 80s action revenge film that is definitely worth a watch.
With its fantastic cast, a decent storyline, and adrenaline-fueled action, it delivers a thoroughly satisfying watch. So, if you're in the mood for an exciting and entertaining film, Eye of the Tiger is the perfect choice.
THE PRINCIPAL (1987)
The Principal, directed by Christopher Cain, is another excellent 80s action film that delivers a perfect blend of humor and action.
James Belushi shines as Rick Latimer, a hard-bitten and disillusioned teacher who finds himself in a fish-out-of-water situation as the new principal of a rundown and crime-ridden school.
The film kicks off with a memorable scene where we see Belushi's character drunkenly smashing his ex-wife's new boyfriend's Porsche, setting the tone for the tough and unconventional approach that Rick brings to his new job.
One of the notable aspects of the film is the talented cast, including actors who have continued to have successful careers, such as Kelly Jo Minter and Easi Morales.
Their performances, along with Belushi's, bring depth and authenticity to the portrayal of the troubled students in the film.
Belushi, in particular, proves his acting prowess once again, masterfully portraying the gritty and determined Principal Rick Latimer.
His portrayal of a teacher given one last chance to make a difference in the most violent and crime-ridden school in the district is compelling and engaging to watch. The pacing of the film is well-executed, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
The 80s soundtrack adds an extra layer of nostalgia and energy, enhancing the film. Additionally, the film features a classic 80s montage as Rick attempts to clean up the school, a scene that perfectly captures the spirit of the era as most 80s Films had one.
While there were several films during this time with a similar premise of a teacher changing the lives of disadvantaged students, The Principal stands out by infusing humor and action into the story.
It strikes a perfect balance between entertaining the audience and delivering a message about the value of education and the potential for change.
It’s a cracking watch that combines humor, action, and an engaging storyline. With its talented cast, memorable performances, and a great 80s soundtrack, it is a film that captures the essence of the era while delivering an entertaining and thought-provoking story.
So, if you're in the mood for a dose of 80s nostalgia and an exhilarating viewing, The Principal is a must-watch.
NETFLIX
LESSON PLAN (2022)
Lesson Plan, directed by Daniel Markowicz and starring Piotr Witkowski, is a Polish remake of the 1996 film The Substitute.
This gripping action film can be found on Netflix, providing a cracking watch. Fans of The Substitute can find the original film on Amazon Prime.
One thing that I loved was Damian's choice of car—a white Ford Capri, a British classic. A proper car that brings back memories of The Professionals and Minder, Two classic slices of British TV. According to Netflix, Lesson Plan was in the Top Ten in 63 countries upon its release.
Personally, I came across this film after watching The Substitute films and it did not disappoint. The fact that Lesson Plan is dubbed into English, as well as several other languages, allows a wider audience to enjoy this gritty and action-packed film.
The pacing of the Lesson Plan is well-executed, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. The film is filled with intense and adrenaline-fueled fight scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the inevitable ending.
It’s a must-watch for fans of The Substitute and those who enjoy gritty action films. Its availability on Netflix, along with its international dubbing, allows a broader audience to appreciate this well-paced and action-packed movie. So, if you're looking for an exciting and thrilling film, make sure to check out Lesson Plan.
SKY CINEMA
RENFIELD (2023)
Renfield, directed by Chris McKay and featuring an exceptional cast including Nicholas Holt, Nicolas Cage, Awkwafina, and Ben Schwartz, is a must-watch for horror fans and lovers of the original 1931 Dracula film, as it serves as a captivating sequel to the classic.
Chris McKay has skillfully crafted a comedy horror classic that pays homage to the legacy of the original Dracula while injecting a fresh dose of dark humor.
The film strikes a perfect balance between honoring the source material and adding its own twist, making it a truly enjoyable film. One aspect that stood out to me is how Renfield connects to the original 1931 Dracula film by recreating certain iconic scenes.
This attention to detail adds an air of nostalgia for fans of the classic while still offering something new and exciting.
Both Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Holt deliver outstanding performances in their respective roles. Cage's portrayal of Dracula is a true delight, as he expertly hams it up, bringing an extra level of entertainment to the character.
Meanwhile, Holt shines as Renfield, capturing the essence of the character. Renfield possesses a cracking sense of fun and doesn't take itself too seriously, with a tongue-in-cheek approach that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
Awkwafina also adds to the enjoyment of the film with her portrayal of Renfield's love interest, Rebecca.
I particularly appreciated the little attention to detail in the film, such as Renfield's laughter, which perfectly mirrors that of the original film.
Additionally, the special effects, including both practical and CGI, are fantastic, especially in scenes where Cage's Dracula recovers from the vampire hunters' attack. It’s packed with Easter eggs, making it a treat for eagle-eyed viewers who enjoy spotting hidden references.
The film's pacing is well-executed, providing a balanced mix of gory action and side-splitting humor. It's a horror comedy that manages to strike the perfect balance, making it one of my favorite films of the year.
It’s a must-see for horror enthusiasts and fans of the original 1931 Dracula film. Chris McKay's direction, coupled with the exceptional performances of the cast, creates a memorable and enjoyable film.
With its clever humor, attention to detail, and fantastic special effects, Renfield is a true gem that warrants multiple viewings.
DISNEY PLUS
CULPRITS (2023)
In the 2023 Disney Plus TV series Culprits, written and directed by J. Blakeson and starring the talented Gemma Artherton, the story takes us beyond the typical ending of most crime stories.
After a high-stakes heist, the crew of elite criminals tries to leave their old lives behind, but their past and present collide in a gripping and mysterious way.
The narrative unfolds through cleverly executed flashbacks, adding intrigue to the storytelling. As the plot develops, a relentless assassin starts targeting the crew members one by one. The central question remains: why are they being stalked, and who is behind the mayhem?
The mystery aspect of Culprits keeps us guessing and eagerly anticipating each new revelation. I really liked its neo-noir vibe, which sets the perfect tone for this dark and twisted crime series.
The synth wave score, combined with an eclectic soundtrack, enhances the atmosphere and immerses viewers in this gritty world.
The attention to detail in the production design and cinematography further elevates the series' aesthetic style. Additionally, it embraces a dark and twisted sense of humor, which adds a nice flavor to the story.
It balances the tension and suspense with well-placed moments of wit and irony, creating an engaging and multi-dimensional series.
The series is exceptionally well-acted, and Gemma Arterton delivers, as always. It's a pleasure to see her in this role, and she excels at bringing depth and complexity to her mysterious character.
It’s a dark and thrilling crime series that will captivate you from start to finish. With its clever storytelling through flashbacks, the gripping mystery of the killer targeting the crew one by one, and the neo-noir vibe complemented by a synth-wave score and eclectic soundtrack.
Combined with a dark and twisted sense of humor and excellent performances, Culprit is a must-watch for fans of quirky crime shows.
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