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To Kill a Mockingbird, a review by Rich

To Kill a Mockingbird



Robert Mulligan's classic adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, set in the racially charged atmosphere of Macon County, Alabama in the 1930s, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a poignant coming-of-age story. Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Screenplay (written by Horton Foote), and Best Actor (Gregory Peck), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a timeless film packed with beautiful scenes and meaningful life lessons. The story is told from the vantage point of a young girl nicknamed Scout (Mary Badham) whose widowed white father Atticus Finch (Peck), an attorney, decides on principle to defend a black man (Brock Peters) charged with raping a poor white woman. But the bigoted townspeople would rather lynch the accused than try him, and they make life hellish for the lawyer, his daughter, and his son Jem (Philip Alford). While their father is in the throes of the trial, his bright, inquisitive children learn a hard and unforgettable lesson in justice, morality, and prejudice, part of which requires overcoming an unfounded fear of their mysterious neighbour Boo Radley (Robert Duvall).

Twee American classic, for the year it was produced it must have been controversial in some of its delicately handled content, albeit of course set in 30's Alabama.
The book I read back in school many years ago, and I think the adaptation keeps the original authors intent. The black and white production, novel film angles, sympathetic score and intelligent direction are plusses, the only real problem I had with the film was it's overly long length and at times 'finger on fast forward' desire to speed up the pace.
Peck does a credible job as Addicus, but the film is stolen by both children actors, especially the tomboy who played Scout, who narrates the film.
Worth a recommendation 




(From Riches Random Reviews on January 28th, 2009)

Hellboy II: The Golden Army, a review by addicted2dvd

Title: Hellboy II: The Golden Army: Widescreen
Year: 2008
Director: Guillermo Del Toro
Rating: PG-13
Length: 120 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
Ron Perlman
Selma Blair
Doug Jones
John Alexander
James Dodd

Plot:
The fate of mankind hangs in the balance when a ruthless prince awakens an unstoppable army of creatures and wages war with the human world. It's up to Hellboy and his team of paranormal outcasts to face off with the forces of darkness in the ultimate battle of good versus evil!

From the visionary director of Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy II: The Golden Army takes you into fantastical worlds with imaginative creatures and thrilling fight sequences unlike anything you've ever seen before!

Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Animated Comic

My Thoughts:
I been looking forward to watching this one since I recently watched and enjoyed the first one. And I enjoyed this one just as much... like the first one it is just a lot of fun. I really got a kick out of Hellboy and Abe drinking together. And of course they get attacked while they are drunk. I am glad I got this sequel in my collection. It is enough like the first one to pay it homage... while at the same time it is unique enough to give you a whole new story so that you don't feel like it is nothing more then more of the same thing. Though I must admit I didn't care too much for the character of Johann Krauss. But then again... he didn't bother me enough to lower my enjoyment of the movie.



(From Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVDs on December 19th, 2009)

Charmed Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

20. Necromancing The Stone
Halliwell matriarchs who have been summond to bless Piper's baby fall prey to the Necromancer demon who has return to the Spirit Realm to absorb their magical powers.

My Thoughts:
This is a decent, but standard episode. This is actually a pretty big episode for Grams... someone you don't see much of on the series.

21. Oh My Goddess! Part 1 & 2
At the risk of being seduced by their vast new powers, The Charmed Ones are transformed into gorgeous Greek Goddesses possessing the ultimate power to defeat a band of angry Greek mythic gods, the Titans.

My Thoughts:
This was a very good double-length season finale. I really enjoyed every minute of it. This episode started a lot of changes. The biggest which is the introduction of Chris to the show. This is also the episode where Leo becomes an Elder.



(From Charmed Marathon on July 3rd, 2008)