Garv’s Pick of the Week: Brian and Charles (Universal)
For the release week of August 30th:
Brian and Charles [Blu-ray / Universal]: I rarely award my “pick of the week” spot to a new release title, but this 2022 UK comedy looks like it’s something special. The feature debut of director Jim Archer stars David Earl as Brian, a lonely inventor, who builds a robot, Charles (Chris Hayward), to keep him company. I was charmed by the trailer, but it didn’t open in a theater near me. Reviews were very positive, so I’m looking forward to catching up with this low-budget comedy. The Blu-ray isn’t currently listed on Amazon, but you can find it at most other movie retailers.
Additional Titles of Interest —
Cinema’s First Nasty Women [Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: This four-disc set features 99 rare silent films (more than fourteen hours worth) that cover the subjects of feminist protest, rebellion, and gender identity. The included shorts range from slapstick comedy to thrillers.
Symphony for a Massacre [Blu-ray / Cohen Film Collection]: I love French noir. I haven’t seen this one, though.
Giallo Essentials – Black Edition [Blu-ray / Arrow Video]: This collection of Italian thrillers includes Smile Before Death (1972), The Weapon, the Hour, the Motive (1972), and The Killer Reserved Nine Seats (1974). I haven’t seen these flicks either, but I rarely find the giallo genre boring.
Forgotten Gialli: Volume 5[Blu-ray / Vinegar Syndrome]: The gialli in this collection are a bit more obscure — A White Dress for Mariale (1972), Tropic of Cancer (1972), and Nine Guests for a Crime (1977). You may have to purchase this set directly from the Vinegar Syndrome website, as I don’t see it listed on Amazon.
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