DVD Collectors Online

Whiteout, a review by Dragonfire

Whiteout

(From Whiteout on September 19th, 2009)

THE EAGLE, a review by VirtualScot

THE EAGLE




This Years Sleeper Hit?

There few periods of history that really intrigue me in film, WWI and the Roman Empire are two them. Mainly because story's don't relove around these two periods of history very often, so it's very rare to see them be realised on film. This is what initially attracted to go see The Eagle in cinema, and boy was i impressed with how well realised it was.

Staring Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell. Marcus (Tatum) is posted to Roman occupied southern Britain, in the hope of regaining his family's honour. After under the command of his father, the ninth legion disappeared in North Britain twenty years early. Losing the Eagle standard, Rome's most sacred symbol of honour and five thousand men. Shamed by the defeat Emperor Hadrian orders Hadrian's wall to be built, marking the the end of the known world.

After saving the life of a young Briton slave called Esca (Bell), who in thanks swears his life in a bond to Marcus. Marcus sets off with Esca beyond the wall to find the Eagle standard and restore his family's honour.

From the opening where Marcus arrives at his first post to the ending. Every detail of Roman Britain is brilliantly brought to life, and all this on a budget of twenty five million dollars.

There's no gas can powered chariots in this film (wink wink).

The only issue i had with the historical aspect, was the highlands not being as leafy as they where back then. The highlands only lost it's forests in the 18th century thanks to the Royal Navy. But this is forgiveable, and only another couple of issues pop up here and there.

Such as the action scenes do suffer from the fast is apparently more realistic idea. And the plot does get a little slow at certain points. Overall though Tatum and Bell both put in strong well rounded performances. Bell coming off better as it's safe to say he is the better actor (no offence to Mr Tatum).

There are also two small parts from Donald Sutherland and Mark Strong which are very much welcome.

Mixing full on violence with a more profound story of honour and courage. The Eagle is a solid film, and the sleeper hit of this year i think.



(From Watch, Absorb and Deconstruct: A Saga of Film Watching by Virtual Scot on April 2nd, 2011)

Miracles Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

5. The Bone Scatterer
A teenager's nightmares seem to lead to the deaths of those around him, prompting Paul to pay him a visit. Upon his arrival, Paul is concerned about the behavior of the boy's controlling father and tries to figure out the disturbing truths about this family before more lives are lost.

Guest Stars:
Michele Greene
Christopher Marquette
John Walcutt
Matthew Newton

My Thoughts:
While watching this one I kept thinking I know this teen from somewhere. About half way through the episode I remembered where I knew him from. Christopher Marquette is one of the main stars of the TV Series Joan of Arcadia which lasted for 2 years. Another series I enjoy but haven't watched in a while. It is a good story. Very entertaining. Though I did find it somewhat predictable. Even though it went in the direction I thought it would... that didn't take away from the story.

My Rating:

(From Miracles Marathon on December 30th, 2009)