The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (August 17th, 2025)

This series will highlight my weekly journey through previously released films, whether they are rewatches for me or new discoveries. Here are my picks:     

Spider Baby (1967)

Are you ready for a campy and creepy slice of 60s indie cinema? Spider Baby is a micro-budgeted flick (with a budget of just $65,000) that explores “normal” society coming into the spider web of a darker and more twisted family. Not unlike shows including The Addams Family and The Munsters, Spider Baby finds a few straight-laced folks showing up in a creepy, cob-webbed mansion full of eerie and strange young folks. Screen legend Lon Chaney Jr. stars along with a young Sid Haig (long before his time in Rob Zombie horror flicks). The spider imagery, a pair of creepy young women, and some macabre humor makes for a delightfully bonkers experience that satisfies that itch for silly and creepy camp.

This is Spinal Tap (1984)

What is the mockumentary that sets the gold standard for all others to follow? Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer created some comedic alchemy when they came together to craft This is Spinal Tap. Called “The funniest film ever made about Rock’n’Roll”, this fake documentary follows a down on their luck British metal band desperately trying to find a new hit album and go on their first American tour in years. The character work by Guest, McKean, and Shearer is excellent as they each play an absurd, ignorant, and empathetic rocker in this band. Over the course of a film clocking in around the 80-minute range, this team delivers endless laughs with so many great gags that lampoon the rock star lifestyle. But don’t you worry, there is a good, unexpected heart at the center that focuses on the lifelong friendship of St. Hubbins (McKean) and Tufnel (Guest). Impressively paced, this just might be one of the greatest comedies ever created.

Sin City (2005)

What film feels most like the comic book that it is based on? When you have Frank Miller co-directing the film adapting his work, there is a great chance to honor that comic well. That is entirely true about Robert Rodriguez’ Sin City. This film is one of the most interesting looking films of all time with black-and-white cinematography, the impactful use of color, and the cartoonish/comic book-esque visuals. This three-pronged story delivers plenty of great noir film elements that all anchor around the trio of noir protagonists. Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke (in one of his best performances), and Clive Owen all breathe rough, tough, and strong presences to this film. The rest of this cast is stacked with big stars, gorgeous starlets, and talented character actors. This film is stacked with ultra-violence, memorable character designs, and plenty of thrilling elements. This is a unique cinematic experience that is worthwhile to check out.

Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square (1998)

What was it like in China under Chairman Mao? A special documentary experience exists that demonstrates the environment that the prolific leader of Communist China cultivated. Told through the recounting of director Shui-Bo Wang, Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square. This documentary leverages its unique presentation with plenty of actors hanging around waiting to sell some truly human emotion. This opens the world to so many differences that really existed in those times. Wang was loyal to his communist beliefs, but these actions lead him to losing faith. The clever approach to storytelling through animation is fantastic as it takes montages of affecting stills to bring so much out of the situation. There are differing perspectives to explore in this film that might challenge you as an audience. There are so challenging perspectives for both America and China to reckon with. This is a thought provoking and compelling documentary short that is so worthwhile to explore.

Girl Shy (1924)

What made Harold Lloyd one of the all-time great comedians of early cinema? Chaplin and Keaton might get all the press and legacy at this point, but Lloyd’s nerdish charm, glasses, and smile make him the most charming and empathetic of these performers. He had legendary films like Safety Last, but he had plenty of other little gems including Girl Shy. Lloyd’s character is afraid of women (to the point that his chubby little brother makes fun of him as well). But he gets a job in journalism, and he has plenty of women throwing themselves at him. But there is one charming woman who he is drawn to that helps him overcome these fears of his. The first hour is a little slower with plenty of low-key humor (not something common during this era of big physical comedy). But then you have almost 20-25 minutes straight at the end of the film with a wild chase that is full of physical comedy, awkward situational humor, and plenty of entertaining shenanigans that help make Girl Shy such a fun ride.

Gemini (2017)

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Gemini is such an unexpected little thriller that flew under the radar in a big sea of indie releases back in 2017. This Neon film captures the contemporary world that Neon is known for elevating through the projects that they bring to the big screen. Aaron Katz delivers a film with modern sensibilities through the music and contemporary Los Angeles setting. The sleek filmmaking and sharp direction make this a slow burning and engrossing experience. A big movie star murderer…her assistant the prime suspect…we need to know how she proves her innocence. Katz delivers a rock-solid neo-noir with all the trappings you want and some interesting twists along the way. Lola Kirke is a strong standout in the leading role with Zoe Kravitz being electric as always as her best friend and the murdered movie star. Some strong supporting turns and great vibes really tie this little flick together.