MIX/VHS | Week 069
Week 069
Yikes, the week isn't over yet?? Don't let the bummer of your work week continuing stress you out. Chill out! And watch these great films recommended by your friends from MIX/VHS to ease your tired eyes.
Hereditary
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
I almost want to preface this with "Don't watch the trailer." I went into Hereditary completely blind - I had only heard of the buzz it was getting (stereotypical critic buzzword write-ups like "The New Exorcist," or "Scarier than The Exorcist" or "This generations' Exorcist" - like, WE GET IT, The Exorcist was great), and I had also seen the poster, which is vague as hell. The only other insight I had into this movie was from a phone call with a dear friend of mine, another horror-film fanatic, who said that the trailer depicted a chaotic, insane, terrifying film. That's all the preparation I had for this movie, and ultimately, that's all I needed. Because in the end, I had no clue what I was going into. It's a bold statement to say that this is the best horror film in decades, because it's kinda impossible to categorize this movie without feeling that way. It's scary, yes, but there are little to no jump scares - instead, there is some of the most disturbing imagery I have ever seen. There is drama, there is humor, there is campy-B-Movie tropes. Yet, this potluck of a film is perfectly executed. It's remarkably directed, written, performed, shot, and composed. Every arc has a perfect little bow-tie; every reveal or twist is not gimmicky, but rather fulfilling and grandly alters the film before it. I fear that going on about it, or setting any expectations here on out, would be removing you of the setting I had for this - little to nothing. Go in to it blind if you can, and let it wrap you over. One last little thing to even try to explain my love for this movie - I haven't felt this enraptured by a horror film since probably the first time seeing The Shining.
- Jake
Won't You Be My Neighbor? [TRAILER]
WATCH IT HERE!
Been going to see films at the Alamo Drafthouse more frequently as of late. Every screening I've gone to, they play this trailer. And every time they play this trailer, I cry like a god damn idiot. I haven't seen the film yet, nor do I actually remember growing up watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood on a frequent basis at all. But man. This two and a half minute trailer just really gets the waterworks going. The art of crafting trailers to entice people to see a film is an often disrespected craft, let alone trailers made for documentaries, a medium often overshadowed by ficition filmmaking. Cannot WAIT to finally see this film, but for now, I'll just keep openly weeping at the Alamo Drafthouse.
- Spencer
Y Tu Mamá También
WATCH IT ON NETFLIX!
Alfonso Cuarón co-wrote, co-produced, and co-edited this masterpiece of Mexican cinema, in addition to directing it! Crazy. It's known for being a sexy road movie, which it surely is, but on my most recent viewing I was struck by the omnipresence of its secondary narrative. Through factual details given in the emotionally vacant voiceover narration, Cuarón's film tells a story of a country absorbed in civil unrest and societal dissonance. The main plot's personal revelation and emotional rawness is complimented by these interjected portraits of the events and atmospheres surrounding the road trip, adding a dimension of social realism to an incredibly sexy road movie.
- Morgan
Thunder Road
WATCH IT HERE!
No one is perfect. In this one-take, basically one-man-show-short actor/director Jim Cummings takes us on an emotional ride. His character is totally captivating, lovable, but also just a mess. He plays the hurt and the comedy in equal parts that just make you want to walk up and make him stop. I caught the feature length version of this film at SXSW (shot right here in ATX), and it's certainly worth keeping an eye out for, but for now, enjoy!
- Carrie
Bloodsuckers From Outer Space
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
Blood Suckers From Outer Space isn't good, it's fun. It's a horror spoof made in the 1980's, and before you write this off for being a spoof, let me say, that this isn't one of those spoofs. The filmmakers are not filling the runtime with a cheap joke every 5 seconds. They actually show some level of self-control, sticking instead to a fairly existent sci-fi zombie plot. Speaking of which, the plot - it's your average "the wind is an alien that turns people into intelligent, philosopher-esque zombies" kind of plot. Yes, that says wind, and yes, that means zombies having a deep conversation with other characters, and man is it gloriously low budget. For being as low budget as it is, I do give props to the filmmakers for being able to create such decent looking makeup effects. So if you liked the idea of The Happening having smart zombies and a kick-ass theme song, then check out this film distributed by the great folks at Vinegar Syndrome.
- Joey
Scooby Doo (2002)
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
In case someone has forgotten, by the time this post goes up it will be the 16th anniversary of one of the greatest live-action reworks of any franchise at any time. Scooby Doo, the live-action movie from 2002, is a masterful work with hip young stars...such as Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy...the Vampire Slayer not that she’s buffy), Freddy Prinze Jr. (cool name, that’s it really), Linda Cardellini (you’ve seen her face) and Matthew Lillard (not-so-famous Jim Carrey). Together, with a cheaply animated Scooby Doo for the movie’s centerpiece, the gang have to battle a...ghost? I think? Some sort of evil entity on stilts. A must watch for any fan.
- Alek
Baby Boom
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
Recommending an oldie this week. However, it was my first time seeing this film and as a fan of late 80’s and early 90’s romantic comedies, I highly recommend Baby Boom (1987) starring Diane Keaton and Sam Shepard. This hilarious film follows Keaton’s character, a young and savvy career-woman who, when thrust unexpectedly into motherhood, must balance her job and a baby simultaneously. If you have already seen this film, I recommend re-visiting it again as it touches upon a lot of vital issues regarding office gender dynamics as well as strives to answer the question: can women really do it all? (the answer: YES).
- Zoe
Jane B for Agnès V.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
I recently saw this at the Bullock Museum and really enjoyed this unconventional film that explores identity in Jane Birkin who was just turning 40 at this time. It explores her apprehension in turning 40 along with exploring her past and present through various fantasy narratives and characters that Varda creates and encourages Birkin to explore. I particularly enjoyed the arbitrary nature of it, because through it, Varda illustrates the various dimensions of humanity in one single person's life.
- Janet
Like this mix? Tell us what you think in the comments below, and let us know what you’re recommending for us to watch this week!