Congratulations. 2021 is finally here and it’s gonna be a circus.
Now in my opinion, movie theaters are “done” indefinitely until further notice and streaming will be the future. I understand Hollyweird doesn’t see it this way… because, they(studio execs, producers and some directors and actors) are overfed pigs who are detached from normal life and the perspectives of average people. So, let the piggy’s whine, bitch and moan.
Here is the small list of Retro themed films that are worth of being on a years end list from Me.
In no particular order.

Color Out of Space:

The Richard Stanley adaptation to a story by the infamous and visionary H.P.Lovecraft. Color Out of Space is a surreal and unnerving horror film that is as far away and so much better than the sludge and shit that big studios and more specifically Blumhouse has produced in years. A well made and beautifully photographed film that brings you back to the days of creepy/disturbing horror rather than the, shoved down your throat, hot-topic, horror junk food and jump scares of commercial cinema (Ha! remember movie theaters? seems like a long time ago). Nic Cage churns out an over the top performance that is second, in recent years, to his performance in MANDY .. This is Richard Stanley’s coming out party and a wonderful return to form for the director after walking away from the industry after Hollyweird sabotaged and mutilated his adaptation to The Island of Dr. Moreau.

Wolf of Snow Hollow:

Directed by and starring Jim Cummings. It also stars Riki Lindhome, Chloe East, and Jimmy Tatro, as well as Robert Forster in his final film role. A fresh werewolf story set in a small town in Utah terrorized by one of these supernatural creatures. A funny and entertaining film and the final performance by Robert Forster (Jackie Brown, Delta Force).

. Dorohedoro:

Are you noticing a trend here? Yes. I was quarantined a lot during Covid and lucky for me I had 5G and Netflix. Dorohedoro was something I discovered on instagram, if you must know. A short clip of the weirdest shit I’ve ever seen. If it weren’t for the slight computer animations on illustrations, I would’ve thought this was an anime from a decade ago that I somehow missed on my radar.
Based on a manga by Q Hayashida – this a genreblending masterpiece of cyberpunk, fantasy, body-horror, comedy and visceral action. If you like gyoza, hot blondes, assertive women with muscles, lizards, wizards, witches, knives, alternate dimensions and bizarre shit, YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS.

Altered Carbon : Resleeved:

Cyberpunk 2077 may or may not have left a bad taste in your usb ports but, CYBERPUNK is back.
Altered Carbon was a popular NETFLIX series that had a strong first season and a polarizing second season ultimately leading to the series cancellation by streaming site. Sad, I know. But, they did drop an anime / prequel  in 2020 that was a monster of cg-anime. So friggin good. Everything is here, corporate crime bosses, cybernetic thugs, neon future landscapes and questions of identity and tradition. Resleeved is still on Netflix and worth your attention.

. Da 5 Bloods:

Spike Lee managed to squeeze something interesting here. A poignant depiction of the Vietnam experience from a point of view that isn’t often seen on the screen. Carried by a wonderful ensemble cast with a stand out and award worthy performance by Delroy Lindo. I was not a fan of the previous couple of films by Lee. But, Bloods was such a nice and welcomed effort by its production and all involved.
Still available of Netflix.

. Sonic the Hedgehog:

I honestly didn’t want to watch this. I avoided it at all costs. I told people not to bring it up in conversation because, I didn’t care enough. However, I was in my local FRY’s and I saw it was on sale in the DVD shelf and said, “Fuck it” and purchased it for my girlfriend.
Boy was I surprised. I did not expect to like this at all. I actually liked it. The big grumpy old bastard in me liked this. The effects were good but, the humor and story was good enough to really entertain me. Jim Carrey is awesome in this. It is one of those movies that kids can enjoy along side adults during a family night in front of the television. I hope there is a sequel and the ending of this film sure as shit leaves the door open for a part 2; and when that film premiers online or for streaming, I’m there to watch it.

Once again – there will be some errors in the paragraphs above. And once -again IDGAF, I’ll correct what I can. It’s four in the morning in Covid country.

Stay SAFE. Stay Secored. Save your money. If you got that cheap ass six hundred dollars from the government – bury it. Stay cool and keeep your fingers on that REWIND BUTTON.

NEWS FLASH
SamHaiNe presents: Hainesville
“Natural City” is now playing and still available.
For fans of Joe Frank Radio, Charles Bukowski, Jim Thompson, Jack Kerouac, Jim Carroll, Edward Bunker, Roc Marciano, KA, Gil Scott Heron, Ed Brubaker, Miguel Pinero, Vaporwave, Neo-noir, 90’s hiphop, nostalgia and Trip-hop.
samhaine.bandcamp.com

#10: CrossCode (Radical Fish)

This one was years in the making, and boy did it live up to expectations. Development started back in 2012, and the game was crowdfunded on Indiegogo in 2015. Finally this year we got the end result, and it stands tall among other RPGs of its flavor. Visually rich, wonderful story… worth checking out if you’re a fan of the RPG genre!

#9: Log Jammers (Mega Cat Studios)

I wrote about these guys earlier in the year; their main deal is producing physical cartridges for the NES and other senior platforms, providing exciting new games for old systems. Though any of their releases would belong on this list, Log Jammers really is their flagship title for me. Fast-paced, exciting, and with a play style like deadly tennis, Log Jammers will remind you of your reflexes and provide a hefty challenge worthy of any thumb-fu master.

#8: Dusk (David Szymanski)

A retro-style FPS game released early this year, Dusk gained a lot of traction as 2018 went on… for good reason. Gameplay is immersive but surprisingly light for the theme, and the mood is weird and spooky. It’s a great piece of work, well balanced between action and story. Following in the tradition of its forebears, Dusk puts the bloody meat of solid single-player FPS action back on the menu.

#7: The Messenger (Sabotage Studio)

This title made a huge splash on Steam, and was released for many consoles as well. An oldschool platformer with a ton of delightful new twists, The Messenger has a nice storyline to chew on, artfully lush use of pixel graphics, and addictive gameplay that will keep you hooked. Really worth a look if you want a supercharged game in the vein of the original Ninja Gaiden series.

#6: Octopath Traveler (Square Enix)

All I should need to say is, “Square Enix released an RPG this year.” This lives up to the legacy and more. Visually, it is absolutely GORGEOUS. True to the tradition, the turn-based combat will seem familiar enough to veterans, but hold enough new aspects to retain interest. Yet another absolutely worthwhile title from the vaunted halls of Square.

#5: Celeste (Matt Thorson/Noel Berry)

Celeste is a masterwork video game. There is so much evidence of the love that went into this platformer, from the delightful graphics to the tight gameplay that leaves you nearly breathless. The prototype for this title was developed in four days, but this was no rush job – Celeste bears out as a game lovingly made by skilled hands.

#4: Into The Breach (Subset Games)

Released in February by the same folks who brought us the fantastic starship game FTL, this giant robot strategic pound-em-up holds all the same epicness, and more! While strategy-style games are rarely my bag, I still found myself sucked into this one. Wonderful depth and options lend real weight to this exciting mecha-pulse pounder.

#3: Megaman 11 (Capcom)

Capcom released another entry into the Megaman series this year, and they didn’t try to modernize it or doctor it up; they just stuck with the same filthy-rich side-scrolling action we know and love. 11 could sit right on your gaming shelf alongside all those having come before it, and belong there. I was doubly impressed by Megaman 11, since I’ve never really loved the series like so many do, and yet I was blown away by it. It has helped warm me to the franchise. That’s saying something!

#2: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon (Inti Creates)

Another long-awaited indie game that went through the crowdfunding paces before hitting home, Curse of the Moon is like the Castlevania 3 we all wanted in our heart of hearts. Multiple characters, multiple endings and paths, and insane CV-style gameplay. As a longtime Castlevania fan, I was deeply impressed with this love letter to not only the franchise but the style. If you love this stuff like I do, you must play this one.

#1: Dead Cells (Motion Twin)

I have a friend I play D&D with, who tends to pick up these games before I do. I’m a hard sell sometimes, but he stayed on me about this one (thank you, Ben). I’m infinitely thankful. I could gush about Dead Cells all day. Procedurally-generated levels, action-packed stealth combat gameplay that demands both reflexes and cleverness, and a soundtrack to die for. This one’s picked up quite a few awards already, and when you lay eyes and hands upon it, you’ll see why immediately. Dead Cells has become a “daily” for me. I put in at least a half-hour daily. I’m helpless not to. Check it out ASAP!

2018. Another year into the future. The years seem to fly by, especially as we get older… but we’re always young so long as we remember how to play. Don’t you ever forget! And may 2019 be all you wish it to! Stay retro!