DVD Collectors Online

The Changeling, a review by addicted2dvd

Title: The Changeling
Movie Count: 51
TV Ep Count: 15
Time Started: 8:30am
Plot:My Thoughts:
This is another I bought blind for this marathon. I bought it because I have had several friends rave about this movie for quite a while... and finally decided to take a chance on it. Unfortunately I think my expectations was a bit too high on this one. Even thought this is a good haunted house movie... I found it to be only slightly above average. First of all it is a bit slow for my taste... plus it seems that even though they did try hard with the atmosphere of the movie... for me at least... they fell a bit short. I did however enjoy the scenes with the wheelchair in the attic.



(From My Month Long Horror/Halloween Marathon: 2008 on October 14th, 2008)

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)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

GREY'S ANATOMY - SERIES ONE - PILOT - A HARD DAY'S NIGHT



Meet Meredith Grey. Daughter of famous surgeon Ellis Grey and currently recovering from a one-night stand. She shoos away her evening's companion, saying she'll be late for her first day of work. She is a first year intern at Seattle Grace Hospital and is working alongside some colorful characters. Cristina Yang is a highly competitive Stanford graduate who befriends Meredith. George O'Malley is a quirky warm hearted man who learns a lesson or two on his first day. Izzie Stevens is a former model who doesn't get any special treatment on her first day. And Alex Karev is an arrogant jerk who misdiagnoses a patient on his first shift. Overseeing them is Miranda Bailey, (not-so-) affectionately dubbed 'The Nazi'. Meredith also gets a surprise when she realizes that her friend from the night before is a co-worker, and even worse, her boss.

At the point of watching, this was winning my poll, and all I can say is thanks guys and gals! 
An excellent way to start a series, characters constructed with belief and artistry, touches of humour, drama and suspense.
This show appears gripping right off the bat. Well written, well acted and crafted to hook the viewer.
The strength of any series for me are the characters, and this is jam packed full of quality roles. George is funny with no idea with the ladies. Meredith a strong main character, and her relationship with Shepard will be interesting to watch develop. Miranda (Hitler) looks like a character I will enjoy watching.
Overall a great start, and is now at the top of my 'must see more' pile.
Only concern is how skinny Ellen Pompeo looks - is she anorexic??







(From My PILOT Marathon on May 18th, 2008)