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Never Say Never Again, a review by Rich

Never Say Never Again



In this remake and updated version of the 1965 THUNDERBALL, James Bond (Sean Connery), who has been primarily teaching for the last few years, is quite happily yanked out of semiretirement to deal with the deadly SPECTRE organization's newest plan for the destruction of the planet. (The Bond story line mimics Connery's semiretirement from the role, which he had last played in 1971's DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.) Agent Number 2, also known as Maximilian Largo (Klaus Maria Brandauer), has managed to steal two cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads, and Agent Number 1, Blofeld (Max von Sydow), has threatened to explode them in areas with large populations if a huge, and almost impossible, ransom demand from the NATO countries is not met. The film features an excellent gaming battle between Largo and Bond, as well as stunning turns by Barbara Carrera and Kim Basinger. Technically not an offical Bond movie, NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN was released around the same time as OCTOPUSSY, starring Roger Moore.

Looks like a Bond, smells like a Bond, sounds like a Bond, but it isn't a Bond!
Despite the ingredients being similar, they could not quite replicate the winning formula that is 007. Connery does his best to pull the film through, Bassinger was a convincing Bond girl, and the sexy Barbara Carrera raised temperatures especially when dressed as a nurse with long leather boots. There were exotic locations, plenty of action and fights, and I am sure a fairly hefty budget.
But now the negatives and why it cannot be considered in the same breath as the 007 series. The theme tune is weak, the opening titles (minus the sexist girls) are run of the mill, M is a disaster with Edward Fox, Q is basically absent, lack of flirting with Moneypenny, 007's glib remarks lack the typical punch and cheesiness, the action is below par, the effects disappointed several times (notably the missile scenes), distinct lack of gadgets, and a different and inferior feel to the whole production compared to the mainstream Bonds.
Close - but no cigar
 


(From Riches Random Reviews on April 30th, 2009)

Ghost Stories, a review by addicted2dvd

Ghost Stories (2017/United Kingdom) Wikipedia |Trailer | Shout! Factory (United States) Director: Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman Writing: Jeremy Dyson (Writer), Andy Nyman (Writer) Length: 98 min. Video: Widescreen 2.40:1 Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 5.1 Subtitles: English, Spanish

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Stars:
Samuel Bottomley as Young Goodman
Deborah Wastell as Mrs Goodman
Amy Doyle as Esther Goodman
Daniel Hill as Mr Goodman
Ramzan Miah as Esther's Boyfriend

Plot:
Experience three spine-tingling tales of terror to haunt your dreams. A debunker of all things paranormal, Professor Goodman (Andy Nyman, Black Death) has devoted his life to exposing phony psychics and fraudulent supernatural shenanigans. His skepticism is tested, however, when he receives a case file on three chilling and inexplicable incidents: a night watchman (Paul Whitehouse, Corpse Bride) haunted by disturbing visions as he patrols an abandoned asylum; an edgy young man (Alex Lawther, Freak Show) involved in a hellish car accident deep in the woods; and a wealthy former banker (Martin Freeman, Sherlock, Black Panther) visited by the spirit of his unborn child. Even more disturbing is that each of these macabre stories seems to have a sinister connection to Professor Goodman's own life. Will they make a believer of him yet?

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Bonus Trailers

I originally bought this one because of the plot I read and the fact that Martin Freeman is in it. I was really hoping to like this one but it fell way short for me. I found it to be very slow and I just didn't care for any of the characters. A couple scenes made me think it would start to get better but alas not so much.



(From That Time of Year Again: Halloween/Horror Reviews 2018! on October 20th, 2018)

Charmed Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

"The Witch Is Back"
Original Airdate: December 16, 1998
Prue is attacked by a powerful 300-year-old warlock (Billy Wirth) who is furious about having been trapped in a locket by an ancestor of the Halliwell sisters. The vengeful warlock can copy others' powers and the Charmed Ones must stop him.

My Thoughts:
This was a really good episode. One where we learn more about the Halliwell line of witches since we get to meet the witch that started it all... Melinda Warren.

"Wicca Envy"
Original Airdate: January 13, 1999
Prue's devious boss and secret warlock Rex (Neil Roberts) frames Prue for stealing a priceless tiara and puts her in jail. The sisters plot a jailbreak to catch the sly Rex in action.

My Thoughts:
Finally... the end of the storyline with Pru's bosses being warlocks trying to steal their powers... I was never very fond of that storyline or the characters of her bosses.

"Feats Of Clay"
Original Airdate: January 20, 1999
Phoebe's ex-boyfriend Clay (Victor Browne) breezes into town looking for a reconciliation but, as usual, there are strings attached. This time, Clay brings with him a mortal curse in a stolen Egyptian urn.

My Thoughts:
This is a fair episode... not one of my favorites and more of a filler episode. We do find out a little about Phoebe's life in New York and meet one of her ex's.

"The Wendigo"
Original Airdate: February 3, 1999
When a hideous supernatural creature attacks Piper, she begins to make a strange transformation - with similar traits to her attacker. Prue and Phoebe must save her by vanquishing the beast. But at night in the woods, how will they know for sure if it's the creature, or if it's Piper?

My Thoughts:
This one I love... it is not only one of my favorites of the first season... but one of my all-time favorites for the entire 8 year run.  A Wendigo seems to be a creature similar to a werewolf. Of course I enjoy this episode so much... is a big Piper episode!

(From Charmed Marathon on February 27th, 2008)