Every Monday, each of us will suggest a film that we feel too few people have seen.

Melissa’s Pick of the Week: A Band Called Death

I’m a sucker for a good documentary, and this is a good one that just recently hit the streaming services. Back in 1973, a trio of young black men from Detroit formed a proto-punk band called Death. Influenced by hard rockers like The Who and Alice Cooper, they worked hard to gain virtuosity with their instruments and break new ground in music, but were stymied by the music industry, racism, and one brother’s unwillingness to compromise his vision. This film examines the brief life of the band and the fascinating 40 years that followed.

Windy’s Pick of the Week: Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)

Back in the heyday of making spooky science fiction movies for family entertainment (see also The Watcher in the Woods), this 1975 charmer is mysterious, tense, and exciting – whether you’re under 10 years old or over 40. Starring screen legends Eddie Albert and Ray Milland, with a very weaselly Donald Pleasance oozing all over the place, this film is anchored by surprisingly strong performances by the two child stars, as well as a very haunting film score. One of my favorite movies from childhood that holds up fantastically.

Every Monday, each of us will suggest a film that we feel too few people have seen.

Windy’s Pick of the Week: Footloose (2011)

I am – naturally, OBVIOUSLY – a huge fan of the original film.  But this remake has several things working in its favor.  First, director Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow, Black Snake Moan).  Second, a Ren who can actually dance – not much of an actor, but his dancing is top notch and he’s pretty likeable.  Third, and best of all for my personal prejudices – NO LORI SINGER.  Instead, you get the charismatic and talented Julianne Hough.  Also, Dennis Quaid is an excellent Reverend 2.0 and the tweaks they make to the storyline are interesting and believable.  I’m happy that now Footloose can be a double-feature in my house!

Melissa’s Pick of the Week: Black Out

This Dutch crime film is a hoot. It starts when a retired criminal wakes up next to a dead body on the day before his wedding day. He has no idea how he got there or what happened, but he has to plunge back into the world of crime to find out before his bride-to-be is put in danger. For as dark as that sounds, the film is a lovely mix of crime film and black comedy. It’s a little derivative of Tarantino’s work, but there are some truly creative moments here and there. Bonus points for how the film passes the Bechdel Test.