DVD Collectors Online

Tartarus, a review by Jimmy

Title : Tartarus (2005)

Overview
A horror/sci-fi film, Tartarus is about how man lives in two worlds - one that controls his physical being and one that commands his soul.

My Impression
The description isn't really perfect again, but almost... In fact John is stuck in a bizarre world (Tartarus) who looks like an alien abduction nightmare (what it isn't but I can't spoil it). While he go through some weird "medical" testing he succeed to escape for some time. The film despite is obvious lack of money (the CGI effects are really low quality, the score is annoying and the sets are really cheap looking) pass the test. The subject is original, Juan Fernandez can really act frighten and you are surprised when you finally understand what is really this place.

Rating :

(From Jimmy's 2009 Horror Marathon on October 7th, 2009)

Unknown, a review by DJ Doena

(german title: Unknown Identity)

Actors:
Liam Neeson
January Jones (Mad Men)
Bruno Ganz (Der Untergang / Downfall)
Diane Kruger (Inglourious Basterds)
Frank Langella (Masters of the Universe, Dave)

Plot:
Dr. Martin Harris (Neeson) and his wife (Jones) arrive in Berlin to attend a bio-tech conference. He has to return to the airport because he left a briefcase there and his cab has a crash. When he wakes up in the hospital four days later he's not Dr. Harris anymore. Someone else is Dr. Harris and even his wife doesn't recognize him anymore. What the hell is going on?

My opinion:
I watched this in the theatre (german dubbing) yesterday. I liked that the whole picture took place in my hometown (Berlin) and that it actually was Berlin (and not just a canadian stand-in ). I found it amusing that in the dubbed version the only person speaking with an accent was Gina (Kruger) - a german actress.

When I first saw the character played by Bruno Ganz (I never saw Downfall and didn't recognize him) I immediately said "I bet he was with the Stasi" (former east-german secret service) and I was proven right that very minute. What I also liked about this character was that he pointed out that the whole plot didn't make much sense - until the reveal.

The Germans were a bit "too german" sometimes, like when Dr. Harris had to ID himself just to get into the conference room, even though he was on the guest list. The same thing with the cheap hotel just to keep him from getting a place to sleep. And the nurse: "Gretchen Erfurt". Seriously?

When I saw Langella I also instantly knew that he was the baddie. Except for Superman Returns (Perry White) I can't remember him not playing a baddie (He was Skeletor AND Nixon!!!).

The plot reveal had his ups and downs, for example
The other big plot holes I noticed where these:

I found Jones' character in general rather useless, which is kind of the same way I feel about her Mad Men character Betty Draper.

Everything considered it was an OK movie which I will watch on DVD again, mainly to watch it in english and check how they did the whole english/german mix.

And for us Germans: The doctor is Stockinger from Kommisar Rex.

(From Unknown on April 2nd, 2011)

"Friends" Marathon, a review by Rogmeister

Finishing up season one of Friends...

The One Where The Monkey Gets Away--Rachel petsits Ross' monkey Marcel but leaves the apartment door open and the monkey escapes.  This episode has some good moments including an appearance by goofy neighbor Mr. Heckles.

The One With The Evil Orthodontist--Rachel has an encounter with her ex-fiance Barry.  Jennifer Grey guests as Mindy, Rachel's one-time friend who is now Barry's fiance.

The One With Fake Monica--Monica's credit card is stolen and she then realizes that the "fake" Monica is doing everything she wishes she could...so she finds her and becomes friends with her.  This is okay, nothing special in my opinion.

One of these episodes (I forget which one now) has Phoebe going to work temporarily for Chandler where she reveals no one at the office likes Chandler and says "They even do you" and we are introduced to Chandler's unique way of speaking..."Could that report be any later?" 
The One With The Ick Factor--Monica discovers that the guy she's dating, who she thought was a senior in college really is a senior...in high school.  Another okay episode which ends with the impending birth of Ross and Carol's son.

The One With The Birth--Yes, it's time for a birth...always a hit on sitcoms.  Things get a bit complicated when Ross, Phoebe and Susan wind up getting locked in a supply room as Carol is about to give birth.  Guest-stars include Leah Remini as a pregnant woman Joey assists. 

The One Where Rachel Finds Out--While Ross is leaving on a trip to China, Chandler lips slip out to Rachel that Ross is in love with her.  This is the season finale and sets the stage for the whole Ross-Rachel situation for seasons to come.  At the end, Rachel is off to the airport to see Ross who is returning from China...not realizing that Ross is not returning alone. 

(From "Friends" Marathon on July 16th, 2009)