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DVD Reviews => The "Marathon" reviews => Topic started by: addicted2dvd on April 18, 2008, 05:21:14 PM

Title: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 18, 2008, 05:21:14 PM
Weekend Movie Marathon
Unwatched DVD Collection
This weekend I felt like watching some of the movies I never seen before. (at least not on DVD) Besides... with my Birthday coming up next month I am pretty sure I will be needing to make some more room on my unwatched shelf. So... this weekend I decided to watch...

(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097361179445f.jpg)
Bee Movie
Everyone is buzzing for 'BEE MOVIE', the hit comedy from creator and comic icon Jerry Seinfeld. Ambitious young worker bee Barry B. Benson soars out into the world with the high-flying pollen jocks in search of nectar and adventure. But when he breaks one of the cardinal rules of beedom and speaks to humans, Barry sets off an un-bee-lievable chain of events that prove even a little bee can make a big difference!

My Thoughts:
I normally wait till I can watch the animated films so I can watch them with my daughter. This time however I decided to go ahead and watch this one without her. A friend gave me this disc so I wanted to be sure to watch it and let him know what I thought of it as soon as possible. I thought this was a very cute movie. I enjoyed it... and it was a nice change from what I usually watch. And it was good seeing (or hearing) Jerry Seinfeld in something new. I believe this is the first thing I seen (or heard) him in since his sitcom was canceled. Even though I watched this one now... I will still probably watch it again when Brittany decides she wants to watch it. To my friend Roger, Thanks again for the disc... I am sure Brittany will enjoy it just as much (if not more) as I did.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 18, 2008, 08:32:32 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396008380f.jpg)
Big Fish
An adventure as big as life itself.

Throughout his life, Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor) has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, portrayed by five-time Best Actor Oscar nominee Albert Finney (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Erin Brockovich, 2000), he remains a huge mystery to his son, William (Billy Crudup). Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures in this marvel of a movie.

My Thoughts:
OK... bear with me on this one. As I just finished watching it... and I sit here still not 100% sure what I thought of this one... well aside from the fact that I did enjoy it. This movie is definitely on the weird side... but it is a fun watch. That being said I am not sure this one has very much replay value... atleast not to me. It just felt like something that was fun to watch once... but I don't  think I could enjoy it as much the second time around. But who knows... if I let enough time go by I may enjoy it again.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 01:10:54 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/787364448098f.jpg)
Lady Frankenstein
When Dr. Frankenstein is killed by a monster of his own creation, his daughter and his lab assistant Marshall continue his experiments. The two fall in love and attempt to transplant Marshall's brain into the muscular body of their servant Stephen. Meanwhile, the first monster seeks revenge on the grave robbers who sold the body parts used in it creation.

My Thoughts:
This is one of the movies in one of those Low-Budget 10 movies on 5 DVDs horror boxsets... in this case the Tales of Terror box set. This one is an ok movie... nothing that really struck me as anything special. Was a bit on the slow side for my taste.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Najemikon on April 19, 2008, 03:53:01 PM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on April 18, 2008, 08:32:32 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396008380f.jpg)
Big Fish
An adventure as big as life itself.

Throughout his life, Edward Bloom (Ewan McGregor) has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, portrayed by five-time Best Actor Oscar nominee Albert Finney (Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Erin Brockovich, 2000), he remains a huge mystery to his son, William (Billy Crudup). Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures in this marvel of a movie.

My Thoughts:
OK... bear with me on this one. As I just finished watching it... and I sit here still not 100% sure what I thought of this one... well aside from the fact that I did enjoy it. This movie is definitely on the weird side... but it is a fun watch. That being said I am not sure this one has very much replay value... atleast not to me. It just felt like something that was fun to watch once... but I don't  think I could enjoy it as much the second time around. But who knows... if I let enough time go by I may enjoy it again.

I think it's definitely worth your while having another crack at this, Pete. In a way, your reaction to the story is like the son, at least initially. Maybe if you see it again, the weirdness will fit in better.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 04:16:51 PM
Oh yeah... it is a fun movie. And even just over night I feel like... well may not be soon but I can see myself watching it again.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 07:11:09 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543004493f.jpg)
Damien: Omen II
Since the sudden and highly suspicious death of his parents, 12-year-old Damien has been in the charge of his wealthy aunt and uncle (Lee Grant and William Holden).

Widely feared to be the Antichrist, Damien relentlessly plots to seize control of his uncle's business empire -- and the world. Meanwhile, anyone attempting to unravel the secrets of Damien's sinister past or fiendish future meets with a swift and cruel demise.

In this chilling sequel to 'The Omen', the forces of good and evil battle each other to a taut and terrifying end.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this sequel... was a good one... but do prefer the original movie to it. It was pretty interesting to see him in his teen years. And it did have a couple pretty cool death scenes. I have The Omen Collection boxset that includes all 4 movies. I have heard many times that parts 3 and 4 are worthless... but think I will find out today and finish off the boxset.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Jimmy on April 19, 2008, 08:21:24 PM
Quote from: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 07:11:09 PM
I have heard many times that parts 3 and 4 are worthless... but think I will find out today and finish off the boxset.
The third part is not really bad, but I don't think that it was a really good end for the trilogy. Never seen the part 4, I don't considerate it as a part of the series.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Najemikon on April 19, 2008, 09:35:35 PM
Omen part 3 was at least an attempt to be a little different, though I didn't like it. Part 4 is just horrendous!

Strange. I never noticed the similarities with the Alien films before...

Part 1: Creepy, subtle, old fashioned film making. Good solid story, building on genre conventions.
Part 2: Takes the strong foundation of the first part, and raises the bar. Has more fun set-pieces without losing integrity,and expands on the mythology.
Part 3: Brave new direction, but ultimately a failure. Seems to forget what made the first two films truly great.
Part 4: Bloody awful. An utter mockery and a complete sell out. Not required viewing, even by die-hard fans.


 :P

Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 09:35:35 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543004509f.jpg)
Omen III: The Final Conflict
Damien Thorn (Sam Neill) has helped rescue the world from a recession, appearing to be a benign corporate benefactor. When he then becomes U.S. Ambassador to England, Damien fulfills a terrifying biblical prophecy. He also faces his own potential demise as an astronomical event brings about the second coming of Christ.

Determined to thwart his holy arch-nemesis, as well as a group of priests intent on killing him, Damien begins his most destructive rampage yet.

This story of a modern-day Armageddon will keep you riveted until its shocking end!

My Thoughts:
OK... I have heard in the past where this one and Omen IV: The Awakening pretty much sucked. So I went into this one not expecting much of anything. It turned out to be ok.... but nothing special at all... I even found myself getting bored with certain scenes. At this point it is my least favorite of the sequels. And I have to say... the ending did leave some to be desired... it definitely could be better.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Najemikon on April 19, 2008, 09:36:44 PM
Whoa! Pete, check out our post times! SNAP!  :hysterical:

Here, have five snap points! :laugh:
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 09:43:42 PM
LOL.... Right back at ya!

I bet we will never see that again!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Najemikon on April 19, 2008, 09:51:11 PM
At least we know Eric's shiny new server can handle such a cataclysmic event!   :dance:
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 10:02:33 PM
Sure it can! :D

I say now we have 2 at the same exact time.... lets see 3!   :P
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 10:47:13 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543004523f.jpg)
Omen IV: The Awakening
Gene and Karen York are the living embodiment of the American dream. Rich, influential attorneys, they have everything a couple could want...except a child.

When the Yorks learn of a beautiful baby girl wanting to be adopted, they instantly fall in love with baby Delia and adopt her. But terror and destruction seem to follow Delia wherever she goes. The priest who baptized her mysteriously dies, and her nanny falls from a second-story window, impaling herself on a merry-go-round.

Soon, Delia's mother begins to question the coincidence of these catastrophes. Her thoughts can't help turn toward the biblical prophecy of Armageddon...the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil, beginning with the birth of Satan in human form.

My Thoughts:
OK... I have seen that most everyone feels that this is the worst of the entire series. So I went into it expecting nothing at all. But what I found here is a movie that I personally enjoyed very much! STEP BACK!... everyone put away your pitch-forks away... And don't even think of stringing me up. I found that this movie (at least the majority of the movie) was more of a retelling of the original movie... only with a girl... so that is how I looked at it while watching it. I didn't look at it as a continuation at all. The first thing I noticed when I watched this movie is that it starred Faye Grant... who I enjoyed in everything I have seen her in since the TV Series The Greatest American Hero. I can definitely see myself watching this one again.

OK... Now should I turn in my membership... never to return? :P
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Najemikon on April 19, 2008, 10:51:08 PM
:stars: :slaphead: :suicide:

Pete, you have every right to your opinion and you can watch whatever you like. However, I regret to inform you that on this occasion you are wrong. And possibly insane.


 :devil:

Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 19, 2008, 10:55:45 PM
 :laugh: Thats ok... if everyone liked all the same movies... this would be a very boring place!  :P
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Jimmy on April 19, 2008, 11:06:55 PM
Maybe it's your method Pete that did that : you don't seem to have any expectation for a movie before watching it (that's the only explication that I can find for "Superman 3"). Its the same for me when I watch an older movie like the majority of the one that I reviewed, most of the time my deception are with the new one (The Lost, The Mist,...) maybe because of the hype.

But I don't understand why you don't like Lady Frankenstein, since this is a  ;D movie for me. A new dvd is suppose to be release this year (zone 2 I think) with all the cut replace in the movie, it will certainly make the film better. It's been a while since I've watch it, but a lot of thing are missing and the end cut very abrutly.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 20, 2008, 12:50:29 AM
Yeah... I do believe that your state of mind when going into a movie definitely effects how much you enjoy a movie. I believe if you can go into a movie without any preconceptions what so ever you are more likely to enjoy a movie.

Here is what I TRY to do before watching any movie....

1. Go into it without any preconceptions... if you expect nothing you are much less likely to be disappointed.
2. Suspend all disbelief... When I watch a movie I look at it as a movie is taking place in an all together different universe of sorts. A place where anything is possible. So if I see something that looks impossible... in my mind it is impossible here.. but not where this movie is taking place.
3. Watch a movie for what it is... no more and no less. Not compare it to other movies or even to earlier versions or if a sequel to earlier parts.

Of course at times this is easier said then done. But most of the time it works for me. As you can probably tell as I do tend to enjoy more movies then I don't. Some of which I am sure surprises some of you.  :P
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Najemikon on April 20, 2008, 02:21:43 AM
I agree with you, Pete, all the way up to point 3. I cannot forgive those who disregard what went before. The only thing I insist on in any film is integrity and logic; respect for the story, the characters and the rules of whatever universe they happen to live in. By part 4 of the Omen films, all that had been lost. It was a soulless cash-in and I find that offensive. Part 3 wasn't good, but they were trying to do something interesting to round out the story. But part 4? The most they could come up with was "Let's make it a girl" and they ignored all what went before.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 20, 2008, 02:08:00 PM
Well I didn't mean storyline wise... I agree that the storyline of the series should not be messed with. What I basically meant with my #3 is if I watch a movie and really enjoy it... then part 2 comes out and I hate it... if there is a part 3 I will give part 3 just as much of a chance as I did part 1 and 2... not dismiss it because part 2 was bad. A Nightmare on Elm Street comes to mind in this subject... my least favorite of all of them is part 2.... but yet I really enjoyed part 3 on up. If I would have thought well part 2 was bad.... it will only get worse I would not of gotten to enjoy the many to follow.

As for The Omen 4... yes it was a stretch but I do see it just as much of a continuation as I do a retelling.

Here is how...
(click to show/hide)

Now... like in part 3... with part 4 they tried something new. Most people despised it... ok so I am on of the probably very few that enjoyed it. Personally I enjoyed it more then what they tried with part 3... but I guess that just goes by my tastes... I always disliked (in all the omen movies) the political aspect of the films... as I am not a political minded person in any way. In part 4 they downplayed the politics and concentrated more on the girl. That made it more enjoyable for me. So looking at it that way it makes sense that I enjoyed part 4 in this case.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 20, 2008, 02:28:56 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/014381870329f.jpg)
Robot Monster
Starring George Nader, Claudia Barrett, Selena Royle, John Mylong, Gregory Moffett, Pamela Paulson, George Barrows. Screenplay by Wyatt Ordung. Special effects by Jack Robin and David Commons. Music by Emma Bernstein. Produced by Al Zimbalist. Co-produced and Directed by Phil Tucker.

Ro-Man, a sex-starved robot monster (dressed in a gorilla suit and diving helmet) has destroyed all of humanity with the exception of a small band of survivors. It's up to these last brave souls to repopulate the human race and destroy the mighty Ro-Man and his commander, The Great Guidance.

If Ed Wood's PLAN NINE FROM OUTER SPACE speaks to you, Phil Tucker's Golden Turkey Award-winning film will scream. Scored by the legendary Acadamy Award winning composer Elmer Bernstein (maybe his finest score other then CAT-WOMEN OF THE MOON) and photographed on-location at scenic Bronson Canyon, ROBOT MONSTER leaves it's residue in the Hollywood Hall of Fame. Exciting 2-Dimensions. No special glasses needed!

My Thoughts:
OK... first let me say I did not pay much at all for this movie... if it cost anything much I would have left it sitting right there. But all I paid was a measly 10ยข... That's right... just one thin dime. going by the cover I would not of spent more then a dollar for this disc... and then I think I would of had to think about it. Looking at this one's cover I saw Low budget and cheesy. And I was not wrong about it... but all the same the storyline was a bit enjoyable... far from what I would call a favorite... and no more then a fair movie... but it is one of those ones that you can enjoy making fun of when watching with a group of people. So that right there gives it some value. And with the price I paid I certainly can't complain. Watching this movie actually makes me want to throw a movie watching party just so we can sit there and laugh at this movie before watching the real movies.  :P
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 20, 2008, 04:55:18 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/03/031398701033f.jpg)
The Dentist 2: Brace Yourself
Years ago demented dentist Dr.Alan Feinstone (Corbin Bernsen) was sentenced to spend his life in a maximum security mental hospital. Now, he's escaped and determined to practice -AGAIN. Resettling in the tiny farm town of Paradise, the good doctor conveniently disposes of the local dentist and he's open for business! within moments of wielding a scalpel on his first patient, he is transformed into his former deranged self. The more patients Alan sees, the more brutal his cleaning techniques become. When a few residents suspect something peculiar about the town's new dentist, Alan vows to treat them all before they drill up his chilling past.

My Thoughts:
Every since I heard of the first Dentist movie coming out I thought it was a good idea as it plays on a lot of people's fear of dentists. Even though I never had that fear myself I did enjoy the first movie. I have had the sequel for a couple years now... it was a birthday gift and was looking forward to seeing it... but for some reason kept getting pushed back on my "To Watch" list.  Now that I have watched it I can say I did enjoy it... is a decent sequel. But I did enjoy the first one much more then this one. Unfortunately even though this was a decent sequel... the ending kinda ruined it for me... as it had a ridiculous (for the story told) ending. This is a decent DVD release.. nothing to special but nothing bad either. The only extras we get is some trailers and bios/filmographies for stars and the director.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 20, 2008, 07:20:12 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/I4/I4CD40CFC204A7494f.jpg)
Scarecrow
Pushed to the edge, lonely teenager Lester finally makes a friend in the Sheriff's daughter Judy. But when he sees her kiss another boy that's the last straw. He pick's a fight with his mom's boyfriend, and Lester is brutally slain and left hanging from a tree.

One year later, Judy discovers that Lester's spirit, trapped in the cornfield's Scarecrow, is wreaking vengeance on the town. Haunting the cornfields, the Scarecrow slices a path of blood thru his former tormentors. As the bodies pile up, Judy fights tooth and nail to destroy the sinister creature before he makes her his next kill.

My Thoughts:
Naturally going into this one I was expecting much of nothing. After all... it is definitely low-budget cheesy horror. The acting leaves a lot to be desired... and I think they may have tried a little hard making it more then what it is. Even though it is not what I would call a really good movie... it did have it's moments. Some decent kills... and they really gave the Scarecrow some character (gave me the impression of a want-to-be Freddy). So I do think this movie series has some potential Just that this first one did not quite live up to that potential. It has 2 sequels... one of which is on this double feature dvd. The other I do not have. So I think I will give the second one (Scarecrow Slayer) a try... and see if there is still enough potential to warrant a purchase of part 3 (Scarecrow Gone Wild).
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: Najemikon on April 20, 2008, 07:39:29 PM
Scarecrow sounds similar to a TV film my mum told me about years ago. Dark Night of the Scarecrow (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082235/).
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 20, 2008, 07:47:21 PM
hmmmm.... never seen that one... but I would like to. Too bad it isn't on DVD yet.
Title: Re: Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVD Collection
Post by: addicted2dvd on April 20, 2008, 09:54:35 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/I4/I4CD40CFC204A7494f.jpg)
Scarecrow Slayer
When Dave and Karl steal the Scarecrow from Farmer Caleb, Dave is shot and his soul is given new life as the Scarecrow. One by one he dispatches anyone who stands between him and the object of his desire -- Mary, his former girlfriend. The Scarecrow kidnaps Mary, dragging her back to the field to resurrect her soul inside a Scarecrow body. Karl races to the rescue but is killed -- then resurrected as another Scarecrow! Now as the two Scarecrows battle, Mary must stop the creature determined to make her his bride!

My Thoughts:
This is one of the rare instances where the sequel is better then the original movie.  Not a whole lot better... but there is a definite improvement. For the most part the acting is better (except a character here and there).Storyline is a quite a bit better this time around. And I have to wonder if they realized that the Scarecrow was coming off as I put it... A Wannabe Freddy... as they did change his character up some... most notably the fact that he doesn't even talk at all this time around. Even with these improvements the movie still leaves some to be desired. But at least it does give me reason to consider getting the 3rd film in the series (Scarecrow Gone Wild) to what I believe would conclude the series. I also wanted to mention a big plus in this movie was they got one of my favorite genre actors to play Caleb... Tony Todd of Candyman fame.