Okay, this one probably deserves to go in the "fucked-up films" thread, but I'm too lazy to find it. I rented this Japanese film called Suicide Club (Suicide Circle) from Tower last night. I think it was made in 2002, but it's considered a "new release".

**The following may count as a spoiler, but it's pretty much all summed up in the plot synopsis on the box.**

It starts in a crowded subway with a bunch of giggling Japanese schoolgilrs (obviously a great start). As the train approaches, they all line up, hold hands, count to three, and jump in front of the train. A literal bloodbath ensues. The rest of the movie is pretty much a murder-mystery with some interesting tangents. The messed up thing, though, is that the initial suicides seem to start a mass suicide trend. There's some graphic stuff here (including some gratuitous animal cruelty), but it's definitely an interesting rent.

not to be off the subject but what is the deal with renting movies from tower? is it worthwhile?

yes, i've seen this movie at video culture and wanted to rent it many times. but after the last japanese film i convinced everyone to rent there*, i'm not allowed to pick out movies anymore. nevertheless, i would still like to see it.

*never rent "flower of flesh and blood"...you'll never live it down, trust me.

I no longer rent from Blockbuster because Tower is such a great deal.

The Pros:
-It's cheaper (New Releases are $3 Friday-Tuesday, $1.50 Wed/Thur; older movies are $1.50)
-The workers are usually cooler (a lot of rock stars work there)
-When they say "New Release", they mean it-- it only takes like a month or two for the price to go down
-They have many more "indie movies" and "cult films"
-You don't pay until you bring it back, so you can pay for the rental and any late fees at the same time

The Cons:
-Most new releases are for one night only
-They rarely get multiple copies of movies, so it's a crapshoot of whether or not you'll get the movie you want
-You have to give them credit card information

Everyone should rent from Tower-- just don't take the movies I want!

cool, i might do just that. thanks carl.

No!!!!!!! Please don't rent Kangaroo Jack before I can! (That's called reverse psychology folks)

(Edited by carligula at 1:29 pm on Feb. 11, 2004)

Yeah, Tower is a much better way to rent movies. But unfortunately, I live too far away from Tower these days, so it's the 'ol Bellevue Blockbuster for me.

(Edited by jamiecarroll at 5:54 pm on Feb. 11, 2004)

well i actually ended up getting a membership to tower last night. in fact, i think i held the door open for you, Carl.
it also turns out that i rented Suicide Club last night as well...and let me say, god damn. my friend and i were left speechless at the end after more than a handful of "what the fuck"s during the actual movie. still, it IS worth seeing.

Holy shit, you're freaking me out, dude. Stop stalking me!

Glad you liked the movie-- good thing I returned it before my show and not after.

This film sounds like something I'd really get into right now. I don't know why, but I haven't been excited about a movie I've seen for a while. I'm on a film low and am itching for something to turn me on to watching them again.

This is actually one of the reasons Japanese Shock Cinema (the genre that this hails from) has succeeded with some... it is fresh and new.

It is also beyond my standards of good taste. I haven't seen Suicide Club, but Visitor Q is creepy. Recommended if you liked Suicide Club I suppose. Those two are at the "top" of the genre.

Will

How about Battle Royale? Are you familiar with that one? It was recommended on imdb. It's about this school where kids are forced to kill each other until one is left standing.

I watched Battle Royale about a month ago. It was pretty fucking weird, but I liked it for some reason. I liked that crazy one, who signed up just for fun. He was cool.