But the reviews were bad. (Patreon)

This week's request poll produced our first tight 51-49 finish in a while, with repeat finalist But I'm a Cheerleader holding off a strong challenge from first-timer The Steel Helmet. I skipped this film in 2000, as critics weren't particularly kind, but am aware that it's since become a cult favorite—exactly the sort of thing I encourage y'all in the requesting tiers to nudge me toward. Currently streaming just about everywhere: the Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime, Tubi, Freevee, etc. 

For July's random drawing, the algorithm selected Highlander, which had a briefly interrupted 23-week run maybe a year or two ago (surprised in hindsight that it didn't properly win, given that I've never seen it), and Los olvidados, a very old request (eight weeks years ago) that was just recently resurrected (the past six weeks). Haven't seen the latter in over 30 years—it was among the first movies I saw in repertory (specifically, at Theatre 80 St. Marks) after I moved to NYC in 1992. Interested parties can find Highlander at any of a zillion streaming/digital platforms; the Buñuel seems to be on hiatus right now. 

Quick note while I'm here regarding recent eagerly-awaited theatrical releases: I'm gonna be a bit slow getting to Dead Reckoning, Barbie and Oppenheimer, as some kind of switch has flipped and I now feel zero urgency about anything. I mean, you'll almost certainly be seeing reviews of all three within the next month or so. But time was when I'd have dashed out to the Nolan this very evening, and that time has apparently passed—now, I think "It'll be cheaper on Tuesday," followed by "Maybe I'll wait a couple of weeks and let the crowds thin out." What has happened to me in my opinion, who have I become, etc. Anyway, pending.

As always, my thanks to each of you for being here and keeping me financially solvent. As a token of my gratitude, y'all are about to get a whole bunch of extra (albeit brief) reviews, at no additional cost. More on that very soon. 

(I've redacted/changed the name of the individual I ridiculed in this ancient nerd-group post. Some of you will remember him, though.)