The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (August 31st, 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:     

Chicken People (2016)

Who doesn’t like getting to see people just loving their passions and hobbies? Chicken People is quite an engaging documentary that highlights the passion of a wide range of different people who breed chickens. You have your standard chicken fair while others are some of the weirdest, fanciest, and most elaborate chickens you have ever seen. There is warmth and earnestness in the way this documentary portrays these people. Some of them are quite impassioned and this film never judges them. But the film highlights these people in such a humanizing way. There are challenging stories presented with trauma and heartbreak for sure. But getting to see them in their element is such a wonderful and engaging experience.

Always Tell Your Wife (1923)

What would you expect from the first film that Alfred Hitchcock ever directed? Always Tell Your Wife is not a complete film at this point (as about half of the film is lost). There is no real set up at this point, but we witness a man (with camera in hand) attempts to capture a picture of a couple having an affair. What ensues is a well-staged, well-choreographed, and well-shot series of physical shenanigans. Hitchcock incorporated mistaken identity, circular apartments, and plenty of physical gags to capitalize on this fun set up. Simple yet effective, Always Tell Your Wife still offers enjoyment over 100 years later.

Lady Snowblood (1973)

What is the samurai revenge flick that made such a massive impact on Quentin Tarantino? Kill Bill has the fingerprints of Japanese director Toshiya Fujita whose classic flick Lady Snowblood made endless impressions on Tarantino’s film. Meiko Kaji is a haunting protagonist whose intensity lights a fire on screen. Her swordsmanship is elite and the number of limbs that go flying in this film is wild. But the limbs are only second to the sprays of blood that fly every time our protagonist slices and dices some goons. Seeking revenge from the time she was a child; the titular warrior seeks revenge for the death of her family and will pull out all the stops to brutally slaughter those responsible. The music is iconic with its 70s tinges filling the film with energy. The visuals are striking, including the final sequence shot in the snow with the blood red in such stark contrast. Iconic and visceral, this is a revenge thriller for the ages.

Wicker Kittens (2014)

Aren’t puzzles such a relaxing and engaging activity? For some, they can be much more significant than that. There are plenty of puzzle competitions across the country and many people spend hours preparing for such a competition. Wicker Kittens is an engaging little documentary that highlights such people. This midwestern crew of people are an interesting and empathy group from different walks of life. This is less than an hour of runtime and doesn’t quite dig too deep, but it is an engaging experience. Seeing passion for this hobby is a cathartic experience for those who have their own passions. A small investment leads to a moving little experience worth your time.

Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

How crazy are beauty pageants? Society has reached the point that only those obsessed with pageants think these are normal. But back in 1999, director Michael Patrick Jann and writer Lona Williams took them to task with this hilarious satire and dark comedy, Drop Dead Gorgeous. This mockumentary captures the obsession and toxicity around these competitions for sure. But the film does not stop there as the story gets deadly and seriously dark (in the best way possible). This film also captures the midwestern vibes so accurately while showing the darkness simmering underneath. The whole group of young women is cast to the gills with future stars like Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Amy Adams, Brittany Murphy, and more. There are plenty of fantastic supporting turns as well with Kirstie Alley, Allison Janney, and Ellen Barkin delivering incredible performances that are wholly realized. This film is hilarious, biting, and well made. Few mockumentaries work so well, and it captures all the absurdity so earnestly.