Yep! This time they're basing the story on the werewolves we saw in the first one. It's called "We're Wolves." So it's a "sequel" in a way but I'm sure they'll run into Viago and the crew
The animated film adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns is an extremely well made film that has never had a theatrical release and unfortunately is highly overlooked due to its medium.
Although it DID get a limited cinema release (not sure about the UK but it played across the pond) but Batman Mask of the Phantasm is the best Batman movie ever made.
The 2008 horror movie Splinter, directed by Toby Wilkins. I believe it had a brief theatrical run in the US but went direct-to-DVD in the UK, where I saw it. Hugely indebted to the works of John Carpenter, Splinter is a bloody, tautly paced, tightly executed creature feature with inventive special effects and superb character work. Highly recommended and well worth the bargain price of £5 i spent on it.
Snowpiercer is one that stands out but a real favourite in recent memory has to be 'Hello, I Must Be Going' with Melanie lynskey. A simple yet brilliantly performed piece, which really echoed true that feeling of getting your life back on track and piecing yourself back together.
Tucker & Dale Versus Evil. I know it played at a few horror festivals but never got a UK cinema release and it is excellent. lots of fun and shows how to do a fun horror/comedy that manages to be intelligently dumb.
A film that just came out called Hush. a home invasion thriller about a writer who is deaf and mute. The killer decides to torture her physcologically and slightly physically. Really good thriller and available on Netflix right now in the UK and US
+James Wilson That was one of the few Blumhouse films I was extremely impressed with. Really interested take on the home invasion thriller without the deafness becoming a gimmick.
yeah, another one I just saw that also surprised me was Circle. could be done really badly but the journey was just so much fun and the ending wasnt insulting at all and actually surprising for all of it
Hard to be a God, I think it got a limited cinema release in a handful of London screens, but I watched it at home and it blew me away, I didn't think a B&W Russian film could engage me for 3 hours, but it was the most cinematic and visceral experience I've ever had watching a film at home. (also bizarre in that it was the first time I'd heard of Aleksey German's work and sadly it is now the last film he will ever make as he died close to the completion of the film)
I was at the sole UK showing of 'Cop Car' at the Edinburgh Film Festival. It really was made for the big screen - lots of long shots, clear, panned and dynamically stunning SFX etc - and most notably, a full audience that laughed and shrieked at the right points in the film. I came away from the screening knowing that it wouldn't appeal to mass audiences, but would undoubtedly win a "cult" following - unusually for me, I hyped the film to friends and associates. So imagine my disarray upon discovering that 'Cop Car' wasn't to return to the screen, but instead go straight to DVD. The indication I (and I guess many in the audience) got was that 'Cop Car' would be getting an Autumn release and bring an end to Bacon waffling on in adverts about 4G. I still think the film will find it's core audience in the years to come - hopefully to gain status as a "midnight movie".
"Spectacular Now" was such a great coming of age film, and contains probably Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley's best work. Shame it didn't play in UK cinemas
'Children of Heaven' a 1997 Iranian film nominated for the best foreign picture oscar, Kermode and or anyone else I highly recommend this beautiful film
it's a few years old now but there is a Korean film called Castaway On The Moon. I think it may only be available as a region 3 dvd but it is absolutely worth it. Beautiful film.
+john pooleey Oooooh I have been itching to get back on my Korean movie craze, I was addicted to them after seeing OldBoy many years ago, only watched Korean movies for a long while, then I fell off. I'll definitely go seek out Castaway on the Moon!
+NaijaCINE if you like park chan wook then there is a film he wrote called Boy Goes To Heaven (may be translated slightly differently) that is worth checking out too.
End of the tour. It didn't play in one cinema in Ireland, yet it had 2 of the best performances in a biopic I have seen in recent memory. No Jason Segall doesn't look or sound like David Foster Wallace but his depiction of a genius going through crushing depression is incredibly melodramatic yet grounded. One of the best films I've seen that sadly I couldn't see on the big screen.
Cop Car was an awesome movie I don't know if it counts but Under the Skin wasn't released in Cinemas in Australia, just straight to DVD. I wish I could have seen that in the cinema
+graboid78 It had a limited release in Melbourne. I saw it in cinema a couple times. I wish it had a wide release though, it's a visual feast that deserves the big screen!
+graboid78 It was released theatrically in Australia on May 29th 2014, albeit, but not unexpectantly in a limited national release. A wide multi screen release was not financially viable. Perhaps you have a repertory cinema nearby, that might screen it as part of a double bill. Otherwise, if you have a decent home theatre set-up, the Blu-ray is the way to go.
By far the best film that went straight to DVD in UK has got to be 'Mr Nobody.' A science fiction drama film from 2009 staring Jared Leto, people know it for it's non-linear structure often comparing it to 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'Cloud Atlas'. However I believe it surpasses both those movies, still being chocked full of so many intelligent and thought-provoking ideas yet never in my view getting baggy or over wrought, even with such a multilayered narrative. The movie should have been a clear winner, being a serious film with incredible visuals and a very newsworthy budget of €33 million (reportedly making it the most expensive movie ever to be produced in Belgium to date) and with Jared Leto in the lead (though not the biggest A-list star) still should have pulled in audiences. The fact that it did so well on the festival circuit, picking up a variety of awards, further baffles me as to why it didn't receive theatrical distribution in the UK. Not to mention, that though it was a mostly European film (being a co-production between Belgium, France, Germany and Canada) it was specifically made to be in English with an English speaking cast. Sensational acting, brilliant music, wonderful visuals, sublime direction and for my money the best screenplay ever written!! The movie hold's a very special place in my heart and it saddens me that the film didn't receive the exposure the it so richly deserves. A truly overlooked masterpiece!!!
Stretch with Patrick Wilson was an incredible Home Ent film which should have been seen by more people. Would highly recommend it for fans of warped Hollywood satires. Cop Car was a brilliant film and I caught it on DVD based on its good reviews.
+Punkster Daddy I loved the director Joe Carnahan's second film Narc, and I think Patrick Wilson is a very skilled and talented actor as his turn in Fargo proves. This film was a great showcase for him as well as the comic talents of Chris Pine
Cop Car's great, couldn't agree more. Gives me great hope for the Spider-Man reboot. The best film I've seen recently that never went to UK cinemas, still hasn't even been released on DVD over here, it's Snowpiercer. I got a copy of the Blu-Ray via a Castilian distributor for Christmas in 2014, and it's one of my absolute favourite films, and is a really bizarre occurrence of a film that never got a cinema release, particularly when you consider how many great names are in the film.
I don't think Enemy got a theatrical release in the UK, but I thought it was fantastic. Two great performances from Jake Gyllenhaal, and further evidence that Denis Villeneuve is one of the best directors working today
There's been a number of fantastic horror movies over the last few years none of which made into UK cinemas except for playing a few festivals. The best of these is probably Spring which was co-directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead who also brought us the brilliant Resolution which also skipped UK cinemas. Proxy, Starry Eyes, Housebound, Honeymoon, Coherence, Afflicted, The Taking of Deborah Logan, Borderlands, Haunter and Wer were all brilliant too. Better than most of the mainstream horror nonsense which pollutes cinemas these days. There are others. It's absolutely worth paying attention to what is playing horror festivals and listening to word of mouth on social media. There are some real gems out there.
I always felt Unthinkable with Samuel L. Jackson should've gotten a theatrical release. It's an intelligent, tense and inflammatory political thriller.
I saw Kevin Smith's Tusk, which never got a UK cinema release. Whilst not being entirely cohesive it had a fantastic central performance by the great Michael Parks and was enjoyably grizzly. I actually really love the film now.
Possibly Final Fantasy 7 advent children, i remember watching it when i was around 8 or 9 when it appeared in the blockbuster store down the road from where i live, i was mind blown of how beautiful the score and animation was despite the fact i haven't seen it for years and a video game remake is on the way, it seems like i need to catch up with my childhood
I saw Cop Car on Netflix recently after having heard about it. I usually put movies on a watch list and sometimes forget about them. Not so with Cop Car. I saw it was available and watched it straight away. Despite being annoyed by one or two aspects of the characters (I quickly understood these aspects were important to those characters) I was blown away by much of it, and I’m truly stunned by it not having had a cinematic release. It’s a taught thriller with minimal back-story only hinted at in some of the dialogue. I understand how it reminds some one of Stand By Me. I would also suggest it’s a little bit like Duel, the Steven Spielberg movie, at least in terms of the way it’s told. I was so impressed with it, I immediately put it on my top 100 list on IMDB at number 76. I also have it on my ‘must purchase’ which is very short indeed. As far as other films I’m surprised were apparently straight-to-video - I’m not sure if this is right - ‘Frozen Ground’ with Nicholas Cage. Certainly, it was a bit stale, and I think John Cusack was maybe miscast, but it was generally a worthy movie and surely deserve some kind of cinema release.
I haven't managed to see Cop Car yet. But one of the best films I've seen in recent memory that didn't receive a theatrical release was Snowpiercer. A tremendous vision of socio-political satire reminding us of what science-fiction is supposed to be. Blended with stunningly visceral fight choreography and precision performances from a phenomenal cast that includes Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, Jamie Bell, Ed Harris and many more. Not only did this would-be blockbuster not receive a cinema release, I actually had to go so far as to order an Australian blu-ray copy of the film just so I could have it on my shelf. Talk about singing for your supper!
I really enjoyed Cop Car. until this, I had no idea it never played in cinemas. I watched it based on the fact that The Bacon was in it and wasn't disappointed. Madness to think it was straight to home entertainment.
Although quite a short film, I'm surprised Trick r Treat didn't get a proper release. A very fun horror, that for the past few years have been watching every Halloween. Perhaps with it becoming so popular on DVD and Blu-Ray , the sequel will get a cinema relaease.
I saw Cop Car last year and was really impressed. It was a really entertaining thriller. It didn't come to any of my theaters, because even in the US I think it was only a limited release. So I couldn't see it when it came out. I just recently seen a really thrilling home invasion film where the home owner is deaf and mute! I believe it did not get a theatrical release. Instead it released on April 8 on streaming sites like Netflix. I saw it on Netflix and might be giving it a 4.5 out of 5 when I review it. It's called Hush.
Both the latter Universal Soldier movies were excellent for vastly different reasons. I know I know, but hear me out. One was just a really solid action movie that has a pretty solid subtext running throughout. The last one though was a full on Hearts of Darkness-esque journey into what it means to be a 'dead' soldier. I was so pleasantly surprised by them both.
The last yellow (1999), which was not only over looked at the time and thrown in a bargain bin but seems to have been over looked forever. it's a beautiful buddy movie of unexpected characters confiding in Each others oddities. perfect acting from Mark Addy and Charlie Creed - Miles, both characters making a subtle and sweet transisition. samantha morten is outstanding as is kenneth cranham as a miserable old sod. This even relates to one of your most recent posts about the cinema jukebox. I found an adoration I never thought I would in Englebert Humberdink thanks to that film. honestly any British person who hasn't seen the last yellow should be induced clockwork orange style....tastefully
I've always wanted to know what you thought of Europe Report. A really fantastic and intelligent piece of science fiction that never made it to cinemas. Have you seen it?
'Hush' a horror film that has recently gone straight to Netflix, with no theatrical release in the UK. Great atmospheric horror film, with a very clever use of sound! The director recently made 'Oculus', which I didn't find nearly as good...
James White. I was waiting for ages for this to come to cinemas, and then suddenly it just turns up on DVD? Fantastic reviews, lots of hype, then no theatrical release? How?
Where I live pretty much everything is straight to dvd, because there's only 1 cinema and it only plays the big blockbusters (more or less), anything else either doesn't get played, or only gets played briefly. There are exceptions, such as The Raid, but usually anything niche isn't getting shown.
The way Iron Sky was robbed of theatrical release, though fans were asking for it, was a crying shame. It might not have been the best movie ever, but those visuals definitely deserved wide screen - and you just don't get comedies with an epic sweep like that, it seems most just have some drunken dudes (sometimes shedudes) and a lot of poop jokes, and that's it for content.
There's a film that came out last year called The Voices starring Ryan Reynolds, Gemma Arterton and Anna Kendrick which never got a proper UK cinema release and pretty much went straight to DVD, and that movie is one of the best films I've ever seen purely because of how weird and unique it is. The Voices is a must-see and I'm so sad that I never got the chance to see it in theatres.
+AgentNico Reviews Are you sure? It received a theatrical release here in Ireland. I know there are differences in distribution between UK and Ireland, I'm just surprised that particular film slipped through the cracks over there.
predestination, I saw this film due to "nothing else to watch" and was blown away at how excellent this was, superb story with some brilliant twist and turns!
Donnie Darko.. I got it in DVD almost a YEAR if not longer before it eventually arrived in the uk. So, not technically a straight to DVD , but certainly all my friends and I had seen it way before it got here.
Outsourced about a man going to India to help to run a call centre which I liked which was on Amazon for a while. It's about a decade old, but I only saw it about a year ago.
I recently watched "Fruitville Station" because I was impressed by Michael B Jordan in Creed. For me, its an excellent movie, well told (based on a true story) well acted and moving. Its well worth your time. www.imdb.com/title/tt2334649/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_7
He Never Died starring Henry Rollins. Admittedly he is not a great actor but I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this film. It was quite dark but the whole thing was made lighter thanks to some of the humour that was pumped into it. I never heard of it being released in cinemas as it only recently came onto Netflix, but it was well worth a watch. A cannibal who plays bingo, what more could you want?
I'm starting to notice a trend. That when up and coming actors/ directors get signed to big movie deals that the they often make a smaller before hand. As a kind of litmus test. Anyone else noticing this?
Not quite Straight To DVD but Straight to Netflix they've added a intriguing horror film called Hush. I'd love to see you give it a chance viewing or maybe review it. Always love hearing your take on horrors and I think this one definitely on the good side of the spectrum.
universal solder regeneration and universal solder day of reckoning were both very clever action movies that caught me off guard how good that was for more entertaining than pretty much 90% of what comes out at the cinema these days
Hands down The Ridiculous Six is the best movie i have seen not released in the cinema, maybe even the best comedy i have seen, maybe even the best movie ever
Universal Soldier Regeneration. A genuinely great action movie with fantastic choreography and fight sequences that put a lot of big budget action movies to shame. It also has a surprisingly excellent low-key performance from Van Dam. Check it out if you haven't.
+Andrew Hanley Agreed, I felt that if it had gotten a wider release, Jason Segel might have been a serious Oscar contender. At least, he should have been.
May have made it in theatres but if so I missed it: Mr Brookes (or Brooks). Available on Netflix, where I stumbled over it, with Kevin Costner starring. Excellent little thriller, I will say no more.
KERMODE ;-) My top pick would be: the ugly swans from 2006. (otherwise known as Gadkie lebedi) Stumbled across this film after reading a short review which noted a tonal link to the work of Tarkovsky. It is a brilliant adaptation of a book by the Strugatsky brothers. No UK release as far as i'm aware and it was a nightmare to get hold of a DVD, but really worth it.... Seriously if you haven't seen it you need to check it out. Its very immersive and rich. 2nd place: Snowpiercer
I live in Germany, and it´s worse here. It´s not unusual, that some Indie, that I´ve had my eye on since its festival run a) doesn´t get a theatrical release, and b) gets the DVD release sometimes a year or two later. Cop car caught my attention last summer, when I saw the What The Flick review, and I was just happy, when it got a DVD release relatively soon last October. Another movie, that didn´t get a theatrical release in Germany was Grandma, which I´ve been dying to see, ever since I first heard about it. Finally got the DVD release last month. And sometimes even great mainstream movies like Warrior (2011) don´t get released in the cinema. Even the brilliant A Most Violent Year, that had some Oscar buzz going didn´t get a theatrical release. And then you see all those shitty found footage horror flicks getting a theatrical release #sounfair
There's a lot to be said about American TV films that just come out on DVD as well, like Death Train or Stephen King's IT. Both made for television films that I see a lot on DVD and forget that they are TV films.
I'm pretty sure it got a UK theatrical release but it sure as hell didn't get a theatrical release here in Sweden, Ex Machina. I was looking forward to that movie and was just waiting for it to get released then I realized that it wouldn't release and I had to wait for it to hit Blu-Ray.
+TheMrKlump and what did you think once you saw it? Its one of my Top Ten movies of 2015. Alex Garland is currently working on Annihilation with Oscar Issac again.
Transformers Dark of the Moon. I don't think it was released in cinemas right? Anyway it really surprised me. I didn't think the franchise could get any worse but it did.
A film called Suck (2009) A horror-comedy-musical that is very funny, very bloody and has a fantastic rock soundtrack! Also stars Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop and Malcolm McDowell in the same film... Can't go wrong :)
Cop Car was superb.
Unlike so many films these days... it was just 87mins long, and how could anyone not like a film with Bacon in it?
So the only time Kevin Bacon is allowed on cinema screens in the UK is in those insufferable EE commercials.
No justice.
What We Do In The Shadows had a really limited release and it's hilarious, it's now on Netflix, would definitely recommend!
+Jamie Kelly cracking film.
+Jamie Kelly I think the "sequel" is coming out this December :)
+Carol R I din't know they were making one, fantastic!
Yep! This time they're basing the story on the werewolves we saw in the first one. It's called "We're Wolves." So it's a "sequel" in a way but I'm sure they'll run into Viago and the crew
+Carol R Werewolves not Swearwolves?
The animated film adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns is an extremely well made film that has never had a theatrical release and unfortunately is highly overlooked due to its medium.
+Corbin March Yes. Good choice!
+Corbin March Agree 100%. Only watched this yesterday. Would love to see it on the big screen. It's my favourite Batman movie so far.
Although it DID get a limited cinema release (not sure about the UK but it played across the pond) but Batman Mask of the Phantasm is the best Batman movie ever made.
+frymillstrum Mask of The Phantasm did have a theatrical release.
The 2008 horror movie Splinter, directed by Toby Wilkins. I believe it had a brief theatrical run in the US but went direct-to-DVD in the UK, where I saw it. Hugely indebted to the works of John Carpenter, Splinter is a bloody, tautly paced, tightly executed creature feature with inventive special effects and superb character work. Highly recommended and well worth the bargain price of £5 i spent on it.
I very much enjoyed it. I especially liked the fact the boys in it weren't mini adults like in so many films, they came over as genuine children.
predestination is my favorite film not to get a theatrical release where I live and I really enjoyed it.
Snowpiercer is one that stands out but a real favourite in recent memory has to be 'Hello, I Must Be Going' with Melanie lynskey. A simple yet brilliantly performed piece, which really echoed true that feeling of getting your life back on track and piecing yourself back together.
Tucker & Dale Versus Evil. I know it played at a few horror festivals but never got a UK cinema release and it is excellent. lots of fun and shows how to do a fun horror/comedy that manages to be intelligently dumb.
+Ronnie Bradley The only problem with Tucker and Dale is that the trailer is one huge spoiler! Best to see it without knowing anything about it.
***** Yes I would agree there that the trailer gives away a lot of the best gags.
Cop Car was fantastically underrated, I was so surprised when I saw it went straight to DVD.
Cop Car was fantastic.
These Kermode Uncut videos are really, really good. Except the bits with Kermode.
Conspiracy, the film about the Wansee Conference. Amazing film, yet hardly anyone has ever heard of it.
'Beyond The Black Rainbow' great film, never saw the light of day over here in the UK
A film that just came out called Hush. a home invasion thriller about a writer who is deaf and mute. The killer decides to torture her physcologically and slightly physically. Really good thriller and available on Netflix right now in the UK and US
+James Wilson That was one of the few Blumhouse films I was extremely impressed with. Really interested take on the home invasion thriller without the deafness becoming a gimmick.
yeah, another one I just saw that also surprised me was Circle. could be done really badly but the journey was just so much fun and the ending wasnt insulting at all and actually surprising for all of it
I enjoyed Coherence, fairly certain that didn't get to cinemas.
Hard to be a God, I think it got a limited cinema release in a handful of London screens, but I watched it at home and it blew me away, I didn't think a B&W Russian film could engage me for 3 hours, but it was the most cinematic and visceral experience I've ever had watching a film at home. (also bizarre in that it was the first time I'd heard of Aleksey German's work and sadly it is now the last film he will ever make as he died close to the completion of the film)
I was at the sole UK showing of 'Cop Car' at the Edinburgh Film Festival. It really was made for the big screen - lots of long shots, clear, panned and dynamically stunning SFX etc - and most notably, a full audience that laughed and shrieked at the right points in the film. I came away from the screening knowing that it wouldn't appeal to mass audiences, but would undoubtedly win a "cult" following - unusually for me, I hyped the film to friends and associates. So imagine my disarray upon discovering that 'Cop Car' wasn't to return to the screen, but instead go straight to DVD. The indication I (and I guess many in the audience) got was that 'Cop Car' would be getting an Autumn release and bring an end to Bacon waffling on in adverts about 4G.
I still think the film will find it's core audience in the years to come - hopefully to gain status as a "midnight movie".
"Spectacular Now" was such a great coming of age film, and contains probably Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley's best work. Shame it didn't play in UK cinemas
Maybe doesn't count but Beasts of No Nation
Saw Cop Car last weekend, solid film and certainly surprised me how good it was after reading the premise.
'Children of Heaven' a 1997 Iranian film nominated for the best foreign picture oscar, Kermode and or anyone else I highly recommend this beautiful film
It's on Netflix
Snowpiercer, mainly due to its budget and the high grade casting.
+Thalice95 Wuuuut? It didn't get a theatrical release in UK? That's a crying shame.
It's a weird one. It got a limited theatrical release and went to VOD simultaneously.
+steve cheevers I don't think it has! I was only able to get a Catalan version when I bought it online
it's a few years old now but there is a Korean film called Castaway On The Moon. I think it may only be available as a region 3 dvd but it is absolutely worth it. Beautiful film.
+john pooleey Oooooh I have been itching to get back on my Korean movie craze, I was addicted to them after seeing OldBoy many years ago, only watched Korean movies for a long while, then I fell off. I'll definitely go seek out Castaway on the Moon!
+NaijaCINE if you like park chan wook then there is a film he wrote called Boy Goes To Heaven (may be translated slightly differently) that is worth checking out too.
+john pooleey Oh awesome, I'll seek it out, many thanks!
+john pooleey castaway on the moon brilliant especially the end
+professor4444 I really like his earlier film "aurevoir ufo" as well. Brilliant and underrated director
Primer 2010, always, one of my favourite films ever, just amazing.
The 2008 Jennifer Lynch directed film Surveillance..A great thriller that went under the radar..
End of the tour. It didn't play in one cinema in Ireland, yet it had 2 of the best performances in a biopic I have seen in recent memory. No Jason Segall doesn't look or sound like David Foster Wallace but his depiction of a genius going through crushing depression is incredibly melodramatic yet grounded. One of the best films I've seen that sadly I couldn't see on the big screen.
Cop Car was an awesome movie
I don't know if it counts but Under the Skin wasn't released in Cinemas in Australia, just straight to DVD. I wish I could have seen that in the cinema
+graboid78 It had a limited release in Melbourne. I saw it in cinema a couple times.
I wish it had a wide release though, it's a visual feast that deserves the big screen!
+graboid78 It was released theatrically in Australia on May 29th 2014, albeit, but not unexpectantly in a limited national release. A wide multi screen release was not financially viable. Perhaps you have a repertory cinema nearby, that might screen it as part of a double bill. Otherwise, if you have a decent home theatre set-up, the Blu-ray is the way to go.
It Follows, it might have a limited release in the UK/Ireland but it disappeared as quick as it first appeared.
"The Signal" directed by William Eubank was a great, brain scrambler that I believe went straight to Dvd not that long ago.
By far the best film that went straight to DVD in UK has got to be 'Mr Nobody.'
A science fiction drama film from 2009 staring Jared Leto, people know it for it's non-linear structure often comparing it to 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'Cloud Atlas'. However I believe it surpasses both those movies, still being chocked full of so many intelligent and thought-provoking ideas yet never in my view getting baggy or over wrought, even with such a multilayered narrative.
The movie should have been a clear winner, being a serious film with incredible visuals and a very newsworthy budget of €33 million (reportedly making it the most expensive movie ever to be produced in Belgium to date) and with Jared Leto in the lead (though not the biggest A-list star) still should have pulled in audiences. The fact that it did so well on the festival circuit, picking up a variety of awards, further baffles me as to why it didn't receive theatrical distribution in the UK. Not to mention, that though it was a mostly European film (being a co-production between Belgium, France, Germany and Canada) it was specifically made to be in English with an English speaking cast.
Sensational acting, brilliant music, wonderful visuals, sublime direction and for my money the best screenplay ever written!! The movie hold's a very special place in my heart and it saddens me that the film didn't receive the exposure the it so richly deserves. A truly overlooked masterpiece!!!
Stretch with Patrick Wilson was an incredible Home Ent film which should have been seen by more people. Would highly recommend it for fans of warped Hollywood satires. Cop Car was a brilliant film and I caught it on DVD based on its good reviews.
+Punkster Daddy I loved the director Joe Carnahan's second film Narc, and I think Patrick Wilson is a very skilled and talented actor as his turn in Fargo proves. This film was a great showcase for him as well as the comic talents of Chris Pine
Cop Car's great, couldn't agree more. Gives me great hope for the Spider-Man reboot.
The best film I've seen recently that never went to UK cinemas, still hasn't even been released on DVD over here, it's Snowpiercer. I got a copy of the Blu-Ray via a Castilian distributor for Christmas in 2014, and it's one of my absolute favourite films, and is a really bizarre occurrence of a film that never got a cinema release, particularly when you consider how many great names are in the film.
The studio ghibli movie only yesterday. Proof that not all animated movies need fantasy in order to be great.
The Man from Earth
Never Cry Wolf
I don't think Enemy got a theatrical release in the UK, but I thought it was fantastic. Two great performances from Jake Gyllenhaal, and further evidence that Denis Villeneuve is one of the best directors working today
+Dingo Thornton I saw it in the cinema in filmhouse in edinburgh, dude
+Kenny Bother ah fair enough. Was just never listed where I live then...
There's been a number of fantastic horror movies over the last few years none of which made into UK cinemas except for playing a few festivals. The best of these is probably Spring which was co-directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead who also brought us the brilliant Resolution which also skipped UK cinemas. Proxy, Starry Eyes, Housebound, Honeymoon, Coherence, Afflicted, The Taking of Deborah Logan, Borderlands, Haunter and Wer were all brilliant too. Better than most of the mainstream horror nonsense which pollutes cinemas these days. There are others. It's absolutely worth paying attention to what is playing horror festivals and listening to word of mouth on social media. There are some real gems out there.
Probably Mary and Max, it only got played at Sundance, about 50 theaters in Australia was it's widest release, but it's brilliant.
The Glasshouse is a fantastic documentary about a women's shelter in Iran that deserved a theatrical release in my opinion...
'The Little Prince', an incredibly beautiful piece of animation and story telling... and went straight to Netflix, should have been shown in cinemas.
I always felt Unthinkable with Samuel L. Jackson should've gotten a theatrical release. It's an intelligent, tense and inflammatory political thriller.
I saw Kevin Smith's Tusk, which never got a UK cinema release. Whilst not being entirely cohesive it had a fantastic central performance by the great Michael Parks and was enjoyably grizzly. I actually really love the film now.
Possibly Final Fantasy 7 advent children, i remember watching it when i was around 8 or 9 when it appeared in the blockbuster store down the road from where i live, i was mind blown of how beautiful the score and animation was despite the fact i haven't seen it for years and a video game remake is on the way, it seems like i need to catch up with my childhood
I saw Cop Car on Netflix recently after having heard about it. I usually put movies on a watch list and sometimes forget about them. Not so with Cop Car. I saw it was available and watched it straight away. Despite being annoyed by one or two aspects of the characters (I quickly understood these aspects were important to those characters) I was blown away by much of it, and I’m truly stunned by it not having had a cinematic release. It’s a taught thriller with minimal back-story only hinted at in some of the dialogue. I understand how it reminds some one of Stand By Me. I would also suggest it’s a little bit like Duel, the Steven Spielberg movie, at least in terms of the way it’s told. I was so impressed with it, I immediately put it on my top 100 list on IMDB at number 76. I also have it on my ‘must purchase’ which is very short indeed.
As far as other films I’m surprised were apparently straight-to-video - I’m not sure if this is right - ‘Frozen Ground’ with Nicholas Cage. Certainly, it was a bit stale, and I think John Cusack was maybe miscast, but it was generally a worthy movie and surely deserve some kind of cinema release.
I haven't managed to see Cop Car yet. But one of the best films I've seen in recent memory that didn't receive a theatrical release was Snowpiercer. A tremendous vision of socio-political satire reminding us of what science-fiction is supposed to be. Blended with stunningly visceral fight choreography and precision performances from a phenomenal cast that includes Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, Jamie Bell, Ed Harris and many more. Not only did this would-be blockbuster not receive a cinema release, I actually had to go so far as to order an Australian blu-ray copy of the film just so I could have it on my shelf. Talk about singing for your supper!
I really enjoyed Cop Car. until this, I had no idea it never played in cinemas. I watched it based on the fact that The Bacon was in it and wasn't disappointed. Madness to think it was straight to home entertainment.
The Spectacular Now
There's a Japanese film called 'Fish Story' which is beautiful and moving and new got a UK release - now own the DVD and one of my faves!
My choices are pretty limited, but I really enjoyed Dog Soldiers.
+Michael McNally Saw that in a theatre.
Although quite a short film, I'm surprised Trick r Treat didn't get a proper release.
A very fun horror, that for the past few years have been watching every Halloween.
Perhaps with it becoming so popular on DVD and Blu-Ray , the sequel will get a cinema relaease.
I saw Cop Car last year and was really impressed. It was a really entertaining thriller. It didn't come to any of my theaters, because even in the US I think it was only a limited release. So I couldn't see it when it came out.
I just recently seen a really thrilling home invasion film where the home owner is deaf and mute! I believe it did not get a theatrical release. Instead it released on April 8 on streaming sites like Netflix. I saw it on Netflix and might be giving it a 4.5 out of 5 when I review it. It's called Hush.
Hush. Went straight to Netflix recently. Really gripping and innovative home invasion thriller.
Both the latter Universal Soldier movies were excellent for vastly different reasons. I know I know, but hear me out. One was just a really solid action movie that has a pretty solid subtext running throughout. The last one though was a full on Hearts of Darkness-esque journey into what it means to be a 'dead' soldier. I was so pleasantly surprised by them both.
We watched this a few nights ago- all commented that it was great
The last yellow (1999), which was not only over looked at the time and thrown in a bargain bin but seems to have been over looked forever. it's a beautiful buddy movie of unexpected characters confiding in Each others oddities. perfect acting from Mark Addy and Charlie Creed - Miles, both characters making a subtle and sweet transisition. samantha morten is outstanding as is kenneth cranham as a miserable old sod. This even relates to one of your most recent posts about the cinema jukebox. I found an adoration I never thought I would in Englebert Humberdink thanks to that film. honestly any British person who hasn't seen the last yellow should be induced clockwork orange style....tastefully
I've always wanted to know what you thought of Europe Report. A really fantastic and intelligent piece of science fiction that never made it to cinemas. Have you seen it?
'Hush' a horror film that has recently gone straight to Netflix, with no theatrical release in the UK. Great atmospheric horror film, with a very clever use of sound! The director recently made 'Oculus', which I didn't find nearly as good...
James White. I was waiting for ages for this to come to cinemas, and then suddenly it just turns up on DVD? Fantastic reviews, lots of hype, then no theatrical release? How?
I was never a fan of the original Universal Soldier but Universal Soldier: Regeneration really impressed me with its stunt work and gritty moodiness.
Where I live pretty much everything is straight to dvd, because there's only 1 cinema and it only plays the big blockbusters (more or less), anything else either doesn't get played, or only gets played briefly. There are exceptions, such as The Raid, but usually anything niche isn't getting shown.
Kidnapping Mr. Heineken was a good start to dvd film
The way Iron Sky was robbed of theatrical release, though fans were asking for it, was a crying shame. It might not have been the best movie ever, but those visuals definitely deserved wide screen - and you just don't get comedies with an epic sweep like that, it seems most just have some drunken dudes (sometimes shedudes) and a lot of poop jokes, and that's it for content.
Iron Sky definitely had a UK cinema release - I saw it in the cinema.
John Connolly It did, but it was a super limited one.
Predestination - the Ethan Hawke time-travel movie was the makers of Daybreakers was better than a lot of genre pics that get to the cinema.
Dom Hemingway with Jude Law, did I just expose myself as a fool?
There's a film that came out last year called The Voices starring Ryan Reynolds, Gemma Arterton and Anna Kendrick which never got a proper UK cinema release and pretty much went straight to DVD, and that movie is one of the best films I've ever seen purely because of how weird and unique it is. The Voices is a must-see and I'm so sad that I never got the chance to see it in theatres.
+AgentNico Reviews Are you sure? It received a theatrical release here in Ireland. I know there are differences in distribution between UK and Ireland, I'm just surprised that particular film slipped through the cracks over there.
Now that I think of it, the film did get a theatrical release here in the UK, but it was very limited. I think only about 15 cinemas showed it...
Indeed it did.
predestination, I saw this film due to "nothing else to watch" and was blown away at how excellent this was, superb story with some brilliant twist and turns!
Donnie Darko.. I got it in DVD almost a YEAR if not longer before it eventually arrived in the uk. So, not technically a straight to DVD , but certainly all my friends and I had seen it way before it got here.
I don't think Ashghar Farhadi's About Elly had a UK theatrical release in 2009, it had a couple of festival screenings but that would be my pick.
Outsourced about a man going to India to help to run a call centre which I liked which was on Amazon for a while. It's about a decade old, but I only saw it about a year ago.
The first thing I do when I get on a plane, I check where the exits are
I recently watched "Fruitville Station" because I was impressed by Michael B Jordan in Creed. For me, its an excellent movie, well told (based on a true story) well acted and moving. Its well worth your time.
www.imdb.com/title/tt2334649/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_7
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. The best interpretation of Batman in any media ever. I hope you've seen it Mark..
Fantastic film was lucky to check it out at a Film Festival
Black dynamite. Should of won an Oscar
Cop Car is pretty good, I'm surprised it didn't get a cinema release.
The Voices is a fantastic straight to DVD/VOD picture
He Never Died starring Henry Rollins. Admittedly he is not a great actor but I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this film. It was quite dark but the whole thing was made lighter thanks to some of the humour that was pumped into it. I never heard of it being released in cinemas as it only recently came onto Netflix, but it was well worth a watch. A cannibal who plays bingo, what more could you want?
I'm starting to notice a trend. That when up and coming actors/ directors get signed to big movie deals that the they often make a smaller before hand. As a kind of litmus test. Anyone else noticing this?
I did really love the australian horror movie called "Lake mungo", it was very creepy and very well made in a documentary style.
Not quite Straight To DVD but Straight to Netflix they've added a intriguing horror film called Hush. I'd love to see you give it a chance viewing or maybe review it. Always love hearing your take on horrors and I think this one definitely on the good side of the spectrum.
universal solder regeneration and universal solder day of reckoning were both very clever action movies that caught me off guard how good that was for more entertaining than pretty much 90% of what comes out at the cinema these days
Hands down The Ridiculous Six is the best movie i have seen not released in the cinema, maybe even the best comedy i have seen, maybe even the best movie ever
Universal Soldier Regeneration. A genuinely great action movie with fantastic choreography and fight sequences that put a lot of big budget action movies to shame. It also has a surprisingly excellent low-key performance from Van Dam. Check it out if you haven't.
The End of the Tour, Creep and The One I Love to name a few.
+MissMangoMovies The End of the Tour was one of my favourites of last year. Exceptional performances from both leads.
+Andrew Hanley Agreed, I felt that if it had gotten a wider release, Jason Segel might have been a serious Oscar contender. At least, he should have been.
Beast of no nation
the new horror film Hush was released straight to Netflix and its better than most horror films that get wide releases.
Predestination, I'll See You In My Dreams, Grand Piano
May have made it in theatres but if so I missed it: Mr Brookes (or Brooks). Available on Netflix, where I stumbled over it, with Kevin Costner starring. Excellent little thriller, I will say no more.
I'm pretty sure Winter on Fire went straight to Netflix, fantastic Documentary.
KERMODE ;-) My top pick would be: the ugly swans from 2006. (otherwise known as Gadkie lebedi)
Stumbled across this film after reading a short review which noted a tonal link to the work of Tarkovsky. It is a brilliant adaptation of a book by the Strugatsky brothers. No UK release as far as i'm aware and it was a nightmare to get hold of a DVD, but really worth it....
Seriously if you haven't seen it you need to check it out. Its very immersive and rich.
2nd place: Snowpiercer
I live in Germany, and it´s worse here. It´s not unusual, that some Indie, that I´ve had my eye on since its festival run a) doesn´t get a theatrical release, and b) gets the DVD release sometimes a year or two later.
Cop car caught my attention last summer, when I saw the What The Flick review, and I was just happy, when it got a DVD release relatively soon last October. Another movie, that didn´t get a theatrical release in Germany was Grandma, which I´ve been dying to see, ever since I first heard about it. Finally got the DVD release last month. And sometimes even great mainstream movies like Warrior (2011) don´t get released in the cinema. Even the brilliant A Most Violent Year, that had some Oscar buzz going didn´t get a theatrical release. And then you see all those shitty found footage horror flicks getting a theatrical release #sounfair
Cop Car was great, I almost forgot about it, Bacon was so menacing about it and it had just the right amount of comedy
There's a lot to be said about American TV films that just come out on DVD as well, like Death Train or Stephen King's IT. Both made for television films that I see a lot on DVD and forget that they are TV films.
I'm pretty sure it got a UK theatrical release but it sure as hell didn't get a theatrical release here in Sweden, Ex Machina. I was looking forward to that movie and was just waiting for it to get released then I realized that it wouldn't release and I had to wait for it to hit Blu-Ray.
+TheMrKlump and what did you think once you saw it? Its one of my Top Ten movies of 2015. Alex Garland is currently working on Annihilation with Oscar Issac again.
I was very pleased with it. Definitely in my top 5 of 2015. Loved it so much!
Transformers Dark of the Moon. I don't think it was released in cinemas right? Anyway it really surprised me. I didn't think the franchise could get any worse but it did.
Chromeskull: laid to rest 2 is a great little horror film and a decent follow up to the brilliant first movie.
Turbo Kid. Mad Max on bicycles. Great fun.
A film called Suck (2009) A horror-comedy-musical that is very funny, very bloody and has a fantastic rock soundtrack! Also stars Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop and Malcolm McDowell in the same film... Can't go wrong :)
unthinkable (2010) was pretty good
basically ANYTHING with Benicio Del Toro in!