DVD Collectors Online

Xanadu, a review by Danae Cassandra

Xanadu
Year of Release: 1980
Directed By: Robert Greenwald
Starring: Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, Michael Beck
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Musical

Overview:
Step into a magical world with superstars Olivia Newton-John (Grease) and Gene Kelly (Singin' in the Rain) as they take you through one of the most extraordinary musicals in the beloved film, Xanadu! A beautiful muse is sent from up above to inspire a struggling artist and help motivate him to open a roller-disco. The dazzling soundtrack includes the hit songs "Magic," "I'm Alive," "All Over the World," "Suddenly" and the title song "Xanadu." Throw on your roller-skates, turn up the volume and enjoy this sparkling out-of-this-world fantasy!

My Thoughts:
This isn't as bad as lot of reviews give it, and certainly isn't one of the worst films of all time (despite being the inspiration for the Razzies). There's quite a bit to like here - the dance numbers are lots of fun, though the camera doesn't capture them as well it could. The soundtrack is great. Gene Kelly is wonderful as usual - he has the best dancing, the best lines, and the best character here. Actually, all round he is the best thing in the film. I could probably watch Gene Kelly in anything.

On the other hand, while Olivia Newton-John is pretty, she's not a particularly great actress. She's leaps and bounds over Michael Beck, however. His performance reminds me of the lead in a high school play. He has zero charisma and zero acting ability. Which is a problem for the plot, as it's hard to believe that a Greek muse would fall in love with this boring-ass chump. Actually, the plot could use a lot more development - the romance seems forced and we don't learn nearly enough about the mythology.

Still, I enjoyed it more of it than I didn't. Or maybe I like Gene Kelly rollerskating that much.

Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail

Overall: 2.75/5

(From July Movie Marathon: Musicals (Yes... You read right!) on July 10th, 2016)

Submerged, a review by Rich

Submerged



Chris Kody, the world's best mercenary, is freed from prison -- but there's a catch. Kody must use his lethal weapons and fighting skills to stop a group of terrorists who have taken over a nuclear sub.

Ageing Seagull, dishes out another tedious flick with the guise of an action movie. Overweight, over-rated and over the hill. Very little action on the diesel sub, and not a terrorist in sight, instead they are mind controlled soldiers, so my cover blurb is totally wrong.
Vinnie does his best to add a bit of humour to proceedings, but he is as bad an actor as he was a footballer. This dvd would best be left sunk at the bottom of the ocean.
Under siege wannabe - go enjoy your retirement Steven! 

(From Riches Random Reviews on April 6th, 2009)

"Due South" marathon, a review by Tom

4.07 Mountie Sings the Blues (1998-11-18)
Writer: Paul Haggis (Created By), Gail Collins (Writer), David Cole (Writer)
Director: Larry McLean
Cast: Paul Gross (Constable Benton Fraser), Callum Keith Rennie (Stanley "Ray" Kowalski), Beau Starr (Lt. Harding Welsh), Camilla Scott (Inspector Margaret Thatcher), Tony Craig (Detective Jack Huey), Tom Melissis (Detective Dewey), Ramona Milano (Francesca Vecchio), Gordon Pinsent (Fraser Sr.), Dean McDermott (Constable Turnbull), Michael Hogan (George), Ronnie Hawkins (Muddy Johnson), Shawn Doyle (Dwight Jones), David Keeley (Earl Jeffers), Dan Lett (Carver Dunn), Michelle Wright (Tracy Jenkins), Lynne Deragon (Desk Sergeant), Susan Hamann (MacAfferty), Jamie Williams (Mick), Brad Borbridge (Smith), Justine Campbell (Arlene), Reagan Pasternak (Waitress)

Now that was a fun episode. Also the Turnball courting Francesca is nice.
Even though Gordon Pinsent is in the opening credits, I don't remember seeing him once in this season so far. Though I remember him appearing a lot at the end of this series. So the best episodes should be coming up soon.

Rating:

(From "Due South" marathon on January 1st, 2011)