DVD Collectors Online

10 Things I Hate About You, a review by DJ Doena

March, 11th


Director: Gil Junger

Heath Ledger    ...    Patrick Verona
Julia Stiles   ...    Kat Stratford
Joseph Gordon-Levitt   ...    Cameron James
Larisa Oleynik   ...    Bianca Stratford
David Krumholtz   ...    Michael
Andrew Keegan   ...    Joey Donner
Larry Miller    ...    Walter Stratford

Synopsis: Cameron has a strong crush on Bianca but he's not the only contender for her attention. His opponent Joey is not only a model but also financially well equipped. To make matters worse Bianca is only allowed to go on a date if her older sister Kat has one, too. And Kat has no intentions to date in the near future and she's also not the most uncomplicated person.
Cameron needs to find someone who isn't afraid of the challenge and that's were Patrick Verona comes into play.

My Opinion: It's a nice, modern day adaption of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and Heath (RIP) and Julia make a great couple. They have to because even though this is a movie about a triangle and a couple only the couple really works. Especially Cameron and Bianca pale in comparison, Cameron even more so than Bianca who has at least a few good scenes with her sister and the Prom scene.
But it's still very watchable and has a cool soundtrack.

(From DJ Doena's movie watchings 2010 on March 12th, 2010)

The Old Dark House, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Old Dark House
Year of Release:  1932
Directed By:  James Whale
Starring:  Boris Karloff, Melvyn Douglas, Charles Laughton, Lilian Bond
Rating:  Not Rated

Overview:
Weary travelers find shelter in a mysterious Welsh manor in this definitive "Old Dark House" thriller and cult movie favorite by horror pioneer James Whale (the director of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and The Bride of Frankenstein, and subject of the recent film Gods and Monsters).

Greeted with an animal-like grunt by the mansion's hideously scarred butler (Boris Karloff), three disoriented voyagers (Melvyn Douglas, Raymond Massey and Lillian Bond) find themselves in the unwelcoming company of the psychotic Femm family, whose members include a religious fanatic obsessed with mortality and other matter of the sinful flesh (Eva Moore), her browbeaten brother (Ernest Thesiger), and a scripture-quoting homicidal pyromaniac (Brember Wills)... all watched over by their androgynous, 102-year-old father (Elspeth "John" Dudgeon). Relieving the story's overwhelming weirdness are Charles Laughton and a young Gloria Stuart (Titanic) as two confused visitors to the strange estate.

As witty and surprising as it is darkly unsettling, The Old Dark House is a ghoulishly delightful treat, a one-of-a-kind macabre comedy blanketed with rain-soaked, gothic eeriness orchestrated by one of the foremost directors of the American horror film.

My Thoughts:
Another great little film.  I enjoyed this one as much as Island of Lost Souls, though I think Island is the better film (if by a slim margin).  We have Laughton here again, in a completely different character.  He was a great, versatile actor.  We also have another classic horror heavyweight, Boris Karloff, doing a wonderfully menacing turn as Morgan.  In fact the entire ensemble cast is good, creating unique, and often eccentric characters, even if I did think Gloria Stuart's character was incredibly silly and stupid and I didn't sympathize with her at all. The really great things about the film are the cinematography (this really is an old, dark house), and the dry, witty, darkly humorous dialogue.  Highly recommended if you like old films or classic horror.

Bechtel Test:  Pass

Overall:  4/5

(From Danae's 2012 Horror on October 2nd, 2012)

Arrested Development Marathon, a review by Rick

I was one of the many who did not watch this show while it was on the air. I'm just glad I found it on DVD. It was a blind buy that I purchased only because it hit my magig number for TV sets - $19.99. I am so glad I did. It is one of the most enjoyable comedy series I have had the pleasure to watch.

Following Pete and Karsten's lead I'm going to post my thoughts here, one episode at a time. I going to format this a bit differently. I'll continue to edit this first post with new episodes as I watch them so they will all be in one post when I am done. I will add a new post whe I update this one so you can tell when something was added. Make sense?

To start off I should point out the entire series is narrated by Ron Howard (who happens to be an executive producer as well). He does a great job setting the scene as well as adding to the comedic value of the script.

SEaSoN OnE

EXTENDED PILOT / PILOT
Moments after Michael Bluth decides he's leaving the family business because he was passed over for a promotion, his father is arrested for shady bookkeeping.
What I Thought:
This episode just begins to let you into the world of the Bluth Family. It introduces the characters and their quirks and sets the stage for the series. It was one that the first time I watched it I said  Trust me. You have to continue to watch the series. It grows on you (a bit like a fungus  )

TOP BANANA
Michael realizes that running the company isn't going to be as easy as he thought, especially since his father seems to be pulling some strings from inside the joint.
What I Thought:
Alright, now we're getting into it. The flashbacks, the cut scenes when a reference is made. Great work. It's the little things that make the show funny. This episode has Tobias crying in the shower as Lindsay gets the job he wanted. Gob defies Michael when asked to mail a letter. His futile attempt to throw it into the ocean (against the wind that is) is only made funnier at the end of the episode, when you find out what was in the envelope.

BRINGING UP BUSTER
Buster moves in with Michael after their mother kicks him out of her penthouse and a distraught George-Michael realizes he has to kiss a boy in the school play.
What I Thought:
George-Michael's obsession with his cousin continues. The character is played by Michael Cera. This kid does a great job. I'd like to see him in something else to see if this is his natural demeanor or if he really can act. While this episode is titled Bring Up Buster it is actually more about Michael and his relationship with George-Michael. OF course we end with Tobias once again crying in the shower.

KEY DECISIONS
Jealous when his girlfriend is nominated for a "daytime Desi," Gob decides to stage a publicity stunt for his magic act by breaking out of the same prison where George Sr. is being held.
What I Thought:
Buster gets himself a girlfriend...He's so happy she's nothing like his mother.    Gob's escape goes just how you thought it would go.  Loved the "Ta Da" when he does escape. A nice guest appearance from Clint Howard. IMO this was not the best episode of the season. Only laughed out loud a couple times.

VISITING OURS
Sex is in the air as Gob seduces his father's former secretary, Lindsay and Tobias go see a marriage counselor, and George Sr. and Lucille have a bizarre conjugal visit.
What I Thought:
Ahh... Kitty. Gob trying to get her to look just right in the storage room.  Again we have a character that will obviously play a part in the Bluth family story. So.... is Tobias gay after all? Lindsey's calling the "scene" at the marriage counselor's office was great. "Now there's two Men I want to leave" Good stuff. More of the Maeby and George Michael story in this episode. That's always great. Great episode. Lot's of wheeling and dealing between family members.

CHARITY DRIVE
Lucille's scheme to upstage her rival, Lucille Austero, at a bachelorette auction backfires when Gob mistakenly bids $10,000 on the wrong Lucille.
What I Thought:
All I can say is I love the way these stories revolve around a theme, sometimes hidden, but always comes together at the end. On to disc two. 


SEASON ONE - DISK TWO

MY MOTHER, THE CAR
If Lindsay is disappointed that none of the inmates yell out obscene catcalls when she visits her father, Lucille is outraged when none of her children show up at her surprise birthday party.
What I Thought:
Just how dysfunctional is this family. Words can't describe this episode.

IN GOD WE TRUST
The family attorney announces that if $20,000 in bail money is raised, George Sr. can be released from prison in time for the Christmas "Living Classics Pageant."
What I Thought:
Henry Winkler reprises his role as Barry Zuckerkorn. Personally I don't like the character. He's too normal to be bizarre but to bizarre to be normal. There are times in future episode where he is just plain bizarre. That would have worked better throughout the series. We learn a bit more about Tobias this episode as well. That storyline continues.... and continues... and continues.

STORMING THE CASTLE
Michael is so smitten with Gob's girlfriend that he decides to let her know that Gob has been cheating on her, and Lucille tries to break up Buster and Lucille Austero.
What I Thought:
OK Episode. Not great. Tobias goes yet another step closer to.....

PEER PRESSURE
When Buster asks George-Michael to score him some marijuana, Michael asks some male "cop" strippers to stage a phony bust to help scare his son straight.
What I Thought:
Now this is an episode. Would love to say more but would spoil it.

PUBLIC RELATIONS
Convinced that the family's image is hurting his son's future, Michael hires an attractive publicist who proceeds to write a scathing article after Michael rebuffs her advances.
What I Thought:
Oh Tobias... you wacky wacky guy. 

MARTA COMPLEX
Despite his crush on Marta, Michael agrees to help Gob figure out if she has a new lover while George-Michael tries to figure out his feelings for his cousin Maeby.
What I Thought:
Enjoyable episode but not the funniest. The George-Michael/Maeby relationship gets a nice new direction though. 

BEEF CONSOMME
As Tobias struggles to overcome his nude phobia so he can accept the movie role of "Frightened Inmate #2", Michael, Buster and Gob fight over who gets to go out with Marta.
What I Thought:
Good Episode. George-Michael continues his new quest regarding his relationship with Maeby. Very funny story arc (in a bizarre sort of way). Great interaction between the Bluth brothers this episode. Almost a genuine moment between Gob and Michael at one point, but will anyone actually remember to show up for George Senior's Court date? 

SHOCK AND AWW
Things get awkward after Michael dates George-Michael's ethics teacher then learns his son has a crush on her. George Sr. receives a visit from Cindi, a fan of his "Caged Wisdom" tapes.
What I Thought:
Great episode, although adding Heather Graham doesn't hurt. We are also introduced to yet another member of the Bluth family.


SEASON ONE - DISK THREE

STAFF INFECTION
After discovering that most of the family picks up weekly paychecks from Bluth Company even though they don't have jobs, Michael trys to put them all to work.
What I Thought:
These guys are so inept at life it's comical. This episode however is a bit too much. Definitely not one of the best.

MISSING KELLY
Michael finally stands up to George Sr. and fires his old secretary, and Gob performs the ultimate magic trick when he makes the family yacht disappear.
What I Thought:
Lot's of family twists and set ups for future twists. An episode not to be missed.

ALTAR EGOS
While Michael experiences the first one-night stand with a blind woman named Maggie, George Sr. learns that Cindi is actually an undercover agent who has fallen in love with him.
What I Thought:
Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Amy Poehler (real life wife of Gob (Will Arnet)) both guest star in this episode. Love the stroll through the park. Good episode

JUSTICE IS BLIND
Michael attempts to do the right thing and end his relationship with Maggie, the prosecutor on George Sr.'s case, but sex keeps getting in the way.
What I Thought:
Another good episode.

BEST MAN FOR THE GOB
Gob tries to scare a company accountant who notices a discrepancy in the company's bank account and threatens to reveal the truth if asked to testify in court.
What I Thought:
watched it and can't think of anything to say... 

WHISTLER'S MOTHER
When the family begins fighting over company funds that have recently become available Michael decides it would be best to invest the money in land their Uncle Oscar is selling.
What I Thought:
The Tobias references hinting at a sexual preference really begin to take root here. They get better as the show continues. Great stuff. Another character introduction, George Senior's brother (twin brother actually). Good episode.

NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER
While Michael is questioned by the police about Kitty's disappearance, Gob takes George-Michael shoplifting at the department store where Lindsay just got a job.
What I Thought:
Great episode. Has all the pieces that make this show great.

LET THEM EAT CAKE
After learning that his father is in prison for doing business with the old Iraqi government, Michael decides to wash his hands of the whole family and leave town for good.
What I Thought:
Tobias reading his book was great. He is clueless that's for sure. The use of the "scene switching" to reinforce or contradict what was just said is really use a lot in this episode. Love the "footage not found" shots. Very good ending to the season. Leaves you wanting more next season.

SEASON ONE - RECAP
What I Thought:
Unlike many TV shows that take a season or so for the characters to fully develop this one nails them from the 1st episode. The casting is superb. The writing is great. This is either another case of a network screwing around with the shows schedule so it doesn't have a chance at grabbing an audience or it's just a bit too bizarre for the mainstream. Either way it's a shame this series didn't last. It's definitely off to a great start.



SEaSoN TwO

(From Arrested Development Marathon on August 8th, 2007)