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Zatoichi and the Chess Expert, a review by Antares

Zatoichi and the Chess Expert (1965) 76/100 - After watching eleven films in this series, the one thing I'm definitely looking for is the name of director Kenji Misumi in the opening title credits. Misumi was one of the more talented and prolific directors on the Daiei lot, and sadly, hasn't been given his due when lists of good Japanese directors are compiled. What I like most about his Zatoichi films is that he takes an "Action be damned, I'm going to tell you a story too" stance, that makes his Zatoichi films the best of the series. Now he doesn't eschew the swordplay that makes a Zatoichi film fun to watch, but his philosophy tends to be that he's going to give the viewer the necessary action, but it will be done with more creativity and only when the situation calls for it. Misumi is like a baker, kneading the dough that is his screenplay, with the right amount of character development, comedy and action set pieces required to make a well rounded film. Once again, this is one of the better films in the series as Misumi starts to peel away some of the layers of the man that has become almost mythical in this series. Twice, Ichi is almost captured and his skill with dice, his sole means of support, fails him in a key moment. By highlighting Ichi's weaknesses, he makes his strengths all the more dazzling and believable, thus making Misumi's films more credible and definitely more entertaining.

Teal = Masterpiece
Dark Green = Classic or someday will be
Lime Green = A good, entertaining film
Orange = Average
Red = Cinemuck
Brown = The color of crap, which this film is

(From Antares' Short Summations on April 17th, 2014)

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, a review by addicted2dvd

Title: Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
Movie Count: 93
TV Ep Count: 45
Other  Count: 2
Time Started: 2pm
Plot:
The body count continues in this vivid thriller, the fourth -- but not final -- story in the widely successful 'Friday The 13th' series. Jason, Crystal Lake's least popular citizen, returns to wreak further havoc in 'Friday The 13th - The Final Chapter'. After his revival in a hospital morgue, the hockey-masked murderer fixes his vengeful attention on the Jarvis family and a group of hitherto carefree teenagers. Young Tommy Jarvis is an aficionado of horror films with special talent for masks and make-up. Has the diabolical Jason finally met his match?

My Thoughts:
I never realized it before watching the credits this time around... but on of the teens is played by a young Crispin Glover. Of course as soon as I seen him on there I knew it was him and wondered why I never realized it before. This one I really enjoyed. I liked the characters. Especially liked Tommy (played by a young Cory Feldman).



(From My Month Long Horror/Halloween Marathon: 2008 on October 29th, 2008)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

JAMIE AT HOME - THE COMPLETE SERIES 1 - TOMATOES!



Over the last few years Jamie has been spending most of his spare time at home, growing things in his garden and becoming totally inspired to cook with all his own produce. Good food starts with good ingredients and what could be more exciting than cooking something you`ve grown yourself?
This brand new DVD includes all 12 episodes from the series. From potatoes and tomatoes to pumpkin and game, in each episode Jamie make sone ingredient the hero of the show. And if you fancy getting your hands dirty in the garden, there`s some basic planting information and tips that he learnt along the way too.
Full of sunshine, some (occasionally heavy!) showers, and lots of laughter, Jamie At Home sees Jamie where he loves to be, surrounded by good food and full of inspiration for cooking up a whole load of simple, delicious, seasonal and no-nonsense recipes.

Although I am not a great fan of Jamie Oliver personally, I do appreciate his style of no fuss cooking, outdoor barbequing, and the use of fresh local ingredients. Why are cooking programmes like this so popular?, I have no idea but will admit to being an avid follower. This original episode (and at least the next 3 which I also watched) are great viewing leading into summer and I will try several of the recipes and especially the barbequed salmon 
Good viewing if you like that sort of thing.


(From My PILOT Marathon on May 28th, 2008)