Okay, here’s the first installment in what I hope becomes a regular feature. Most of you who read this page probably don’t have access to cool video stores that specialize in weird films. Most of us are stuck with Blockbuster or maybe if we’re lucky, Hollywood Video. Well, this column is dedicated to weird films you can find at a store near you. I found the three films below at my local Blockbuster. If you do a little searching on some of the lower shelves you might be surprised. Enjoy the tasty offerings for this month.
 

The Illustrated Man (dir. Jack Smight, act. Rod Steiger, Claire Bloom)
This film is an adaptation of a series of short stories written by Ray Bradbury. It’s actually pretty good for a film that connects unrelated material together to create a cohesive whole. Rod Steiger brings his usual ham and cheese to the proceedings, but I dig him. I’m sorry; I love his intensity and bluster. But, Clair Bloom is a lot more low key and balances out some of his more overwrought moments. The best story is the wrap around of how Steiger became the Illustrated Man. A lot of the material is dated, but still has resonance and entertainment value.

Angel Heart (dir. Alan Parker, act. Mickey Rourke, Lisa Bonet)
Angel Heart was pretty controversial when it came out. Lisa Bonet lost all privileges to appear on "The Cosby Show" and was banished to the nether regions of "A Different World". Looking back at the film now it’s actually a pretty decent movie. You can get it at Blockbuster in a "non-rated" version that shows the love scene where Mickey Rourke and Lisa Bonet get covered in blood that rains down from the roof. The film has a standard gumshoe plot that’s not anything new. But, the cast is interesting and Alan Parker does a good job with the material.

Polyester (dir. John Waters, act. Divine, Tab Hunter)
This was John Water’s first film that wasn’t completely dismissed by America. It’s the story of one woman hoping to have a normal family. She fails miserably and gets involved with slimy Todd Tomorrow. This film with all its melodrama and overwrought situations is Waters’ valentine to one of his favorite directors, Douglas Sirk. Many of his regulars are in the film and Divine plays the role of Francine Fishpaw well. He was truly a gifted actor that is dearly missed. Try to get an Odor-rama card and experience the film on a whole other level.