DVD Collectors Online

Black Dog, a review by addicted2dvd

Black Dog
Patrick Swayze, Randy Travis and Meat Loaf team up to deliver explosive nonstop high-speed action in this adrenaline-pumping highway road war. A 40-ton truck is a lethal weapon and veteran driver Jack Crews (Swayze) knows how to use it. Desperate for cash, he's got one last delivery to make. The trip's barely begun when he and his partner Earl (Travis) discover they've been set up and are being chased by Red (Meat Loaf), a relentless fanatic who's as deadly as he is greedy. Now, with his family, his life and his freedom on the line, Jack's going to buckle up, put the pedal down and show Red and the Feds a thing or two about road rage. After being double-crossed and rudely underestimated, Jack and Earl shift gears, becoming a two-man wrecking crew, trucking down the highway blazing a trail of diesel-powered destruction.

My Thoughts:
I bought this movie several years ago... and only watched it once. I am not sure why since I remember I enjoyed it at the time. And I remembered right... I did enjoy it. I have seen better... but this is a good way to waste an hour and a half. I mean you have the big rigs speeding down the road playing bumper cars... regular car chases... gun fights as well as a couple fist fights thrown in for good measures. Randy Travis' character didn't cut it for me... but I did like the character of Sonny Played by Gabriel Casseus. I like the legend of the Black Dog they talk about on here. It is the first I ever heard of it and see no mention of such a urban legend online from my short search so I imagine it is one the writers made up for this movie. But it was pretty cool.



(From What Movies I Been Watching on July 19th, 2009)

The Secret of Kells, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Secret of Kells
Year of Release: 2009
Directed By: Tomm Moore
Starring: Evan Mc Guire, Christen Mooney, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally
Genre: Fantasy, Animation

Overview:
Magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes in a sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times.

In a remote medieval outpost of Ireland, young Brendan embarks on a new life of adventure when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying a book brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan's determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against evil?

My Thoughts:
This is one of the most spectacular animated films you'll ever watch. No, seriously, the art is that good. It does justice to its inspiration, the stunning, intricate art of The Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated Gospel. It's geometric and stylish, rather than realistic, with a rich, gorgeous color palette, echoing the insular art of the original Book.

The story itself is a mixture of Pagan fantasy and Christian faith, and can be watched by either faith - though it may take an educated viewer to fully appreciate it. The filmmakers could have developed the story a bit more, especially in regards to the cultural differences between Aisling and Brendan, and in regards to the importance of the Book. Those quibbles aside, this is a wonderful film and I would highly recommend it for lovers of animation.

Bechdel Test: Fail

Overall: 4/5

(From Within My (Mom's) Lifetime Marathon on August 14th, 2015)

Veronica Mars Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

17. Debasement Tapes
An ex-rock star living off nostalgia and his deceased partner's talent arrives at Hearst -- but his backing tapes don't. Mac's romantic relationships become almost as tangled as Veronica's.

My Thoughts:
A good episode... as I liked the mystery.... but not one of my favorites. What with my dislike of music and this being about a rock star really is wasted on me.

My Rating:

18. I Know What You'll Do Next Summer
Veronica's new case involves a fellow student, a Ugandan who authored a memoir about his heart-rending experiences as a child soldier. Everybody's making summer plans, from internships to jobs to surfing.

My Thoughts:
An interesting episode. The mystery wasn't that hot in my opiniion. But I liked that this episode started telling us what is happening in the future for some of our favorite characters.

My Rating:


19. Weevils Wobble
A bum knee and a bum rap. Weevil injures his knee on the job, then is fingered as the mastermind of a campus fraud ring. Luckily, he knows this smart blonde who just got her PI license.

My Thoughts:
This is an awesome episode. I enjoyed every minute of it. From beginning to end Weevil proves to be the same old Weevil from beginning to end.

My Rating:

20. The Bitch is Back
When someone starts circulating a compromising video of Veronica, she gets mad, she gets even and she gets a harrowing blast from the past.

My Thoughts:
Another excellent epsiode! Personally I would have liked to seen some more of the video that was talked about... but that is neither here nor there. But I enjoyed everything about this episode. Well everything except the ending for Keith Mars... while it is the ending that had to be for the episode... it is not the ending I would have preferred to see.

My Rating:




Bonus Material:
Season 4 Presentation - This is the idea they had for the fourth season. It is a jump into the future... and Veronica Mars is an agent in the FBI. It is not the length of a full episode... it is only about 12 minutes long. But I really enjoyed where they were planning to go... I would have loved to of seen it!

Pitching Season 4 - 18 minute featurette about the hopeful 4th season. I only watched a portion of this tonight.

Going Under Cover with Rob Thomas - a 9 part featurette for the third season. Once again... only watched a portion tonight.

Webisode Gallery - pretty self explanitory... there is 5 different web features here.

Additional Scenes with Introduction by Show Creator Rob Thomas - several deleted scenes for season 3. Some of which I wish stayed in the show... some I can see why they were cut.

Gag Reel - One of my all time favorite DVD extras... I just think it is a lot of fun seeing the actors goof off or messing up their lines. This one lasts 7 minutes.

Not bad collection of extras... but I would have liked to have seen a bit more... maybe a few cast commentaries or something. I must say my favorite of the extras has to be the Season 4 Presentation followed by the Gag Reel.

(From Veronica Mars Marathon on April 20th, 2010)