I have a friend on Bluesky who I used to know in real life. And by used to know I mean he was a coworker some fifteen years back. We were friendly back then but not exactly friends. I mean we didn’t hang out outside of work or anything. We’ve stayed in touch via social media and once in a while, we’ll have a little chat.
The other day, he messaged me asking if I’d seen The Substance and what I thought. I still haven’t, but as soon as I do, I’ll give him my notes.
I love that. I love that someone I worked with for over a decade is still asking me my opinion on social media. There is a lot wrong with the world right now (and certainly social media is a large part of that) but there is still plenty of cool things.
The Substance is a horror movie about an aging actress using some kind of specialized drug to make herself appear more young and beautiful. Demi Moore has been getting rave reviews. It also stars Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. That’s all I want to know about it but I can’t wait to finally get to watch it.
Also out this week that looks interesting:
Love and Crime: Radiance Films keeps putting out really good films that I’ve never heard of all wrapped up in beautifully produced packages. This one tells four short stories about four famous Japanese murders.
Kill Bill Vol. 1&2, Jackie Brown: Three Quentin Tarantino films are getting cool-looking 4K UHD releases.
Smile 2: This fun horror sequel is getting a cool-looking 4K UHD steelbook release.
The Cell: Arrow Video is releasing this visually arresting thriller in 4K UHD. I don’t remember much about it other than was visually interesting but kind of confusing. So this might be the perfect time to revisit it.
The Grifters: John Cusack stars in this Crime Drama as a man torn between his mother (Angelica Huston) and his girlfriend (Anette Benning) both of whom are notorious grifters. Criterion has the release.
themidnightcafe.org 