DVD Collectors Online

Amityville Dollhouse, a review by addicted2dvd

Title: Amityville Dollhouse
Movie Count: 33
TV Ep Count: 7
Time Started: 4:30pm
Plot:
A young girl and her parents become the latest victimes of the Amityville curse when they are terrorized by the evil spirits living within her dollhouse in this chilling supernatural thriller.

My Thoughts:
I didn't remember ever seeing this one before... but I remembered a few scenes... so I am sure I seen it. It is unfortunate that I didn't remember as this one really is only fair at best. If I would have remembered it I would have picked a different title. But that is ok... as it is not terrible... just not good either. I can see myself watching it again... just not that often.



(From My Month Long Horror/Halloween Marathon: 2008 on October 10th, 2008)

The Brave Little Toaster, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Brave Little Toaster
Year of Release: 1987
Directed By: Jerry Rees
Starring: Jon Lovitz, Tim Stack, Timothy E. Day, Thurl Ravenscroft, Deanna Oliver
Genre: Adventure, Animation

Overview:
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of the classic animated tale of friendship, loyalty and courage with the award-winning family favorite, The Brave Little Toaster.

Five electrical appliances suddenly feel "dumped" when their young master mysteriously disappears. The dejected toaster rounds up the vacuum cleaner, electric blanket, bedside lamp and radio, and together they set off for the big city in search of their beloved owner.

Featuring a host of catchy songs and the voices of Saturday Night Live alumni Phil Hartman and Jon Lovitz, The Brave Little Toaster is a humorous and heartwarming tale you'll never forget.

My Thoughts:
This is a lovely little film.  Full of heart and charm, loyalty and friendship.  It's a bit darker than most films aimed at children, with the scenes in the junkyard and what happens with the old cars, but everything turns out alright in the end.

One great message that comes through clearly is that newer isn't always better, and buying something new can't always replace something old.  Fixing things, caring for things, remembering that everything has a story and a history, creates a richer life.  Everything has a spirit, and deserves to be cared for. 

The animation is very simple, especially as compared to newer films, but that's just part of the charm here.  Recommended for anyone like 5 and up.  This isn't a film for the really little ones, but there is plenty to enjoy even after you're well grown up.

Bechdel Test: Fail

Overall: 3.5/5

(From Within My (Mom's) Lifetime Marathon on February 2nd, 2015)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

The Royle Family - Series 1

Bills, Bills, Bills
Jim is annoyed when the latest phone bill arrives, before his daughter's wedding, and finds out someones been calling Aberdeen. Cheryl brings over the catalogue, and she and Denise decide to buy leather jackets. Meanwhile, Barbara is nervous about starting her new job at the bakers.




Sit down, put your feet up, light a fag and join Britain's first family in their sitting room, for the complete first series of The Royle Family.
The Royle Family is a real-life comedy set in a Manchester council house. Imagine a secret camera placed in the living room of an average working class family. The intense drama and emotions of everyday life, such as whose turn it is to go to the off-licence, is set against the continuous hum of the television. The rosy hue of their life is yellowed only by a nicotine haze.

When series 1 first aired on TV in UK I didn't bother with it, the whole premis of a 'sitcom' that was 99% based in a families front room sounded ridiculous. Fortunately I was convinced to watch series one on dvd and ever since I have been hooked and could not praise this masterpiece in British comedy enough. It rates only slightly below Fawlty Towers in my book, and similar to that series you can watch it again and again, and every time find something new to amuse.
The writing is inspired, the characters are so deep and convincing you recognise parts of yourself, family or friends in each one. The actors, each and every one of them, are top drawer and appear made for the roles. Their timing, facial expressions, appearance and demeanour oozes class and polish. You feel by series 2 that you know them very well, and fully relate to so many scenarios.
The first episode is a good introduction to the characters and the 'feel' of the series, but it is only after a few more episodes that you realise you are fully addicted.
Pure understated humour that will have you laughing for years, if you have never given this series a chance you are missing out on perhaps the best UK comedy in decades.
 

(From My PILOT Marathon on September 16th, 2009)