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Spider-Man 3, a review by Tom

Title: Spider-Man 3
Year: 2007
Director: Sam Raimi
Rating: 12
Length: 134 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.40
Audio: English: Dolby Digital TrueHD, English: PCM 5.1, English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Czech: Dolby Digital 5.1, Hungarian: Dolby Digital 5.1, Russian: Dolby Digital 5.1, Polish: Dolby Digital 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital Surround
Subtitles: Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Other, Polish, Romanian, Slovenian, Swedish, Turkish

Stars:
Tobey Maguire
Kirsten Dunst
James Franco
Thomas Haden Church
Topher Grace

Plot:
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. (Kirsten Dunst) and his duties as a superhero. But when his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it also transforms Peter, bringing out a dark, vengeful side that he struggles to control. He must now battle his inner demons as two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) and Venom (Topher Grace), gather unparalleled power and a thirst for revenge which threatens Peter and everyone he loves.

Extras:
Commentary
Featurettes
Music Videos
Outtakes
Photo Gallery
Scene Access

This movie had the potential to be so much more. Three villians which could probably carry a film each get reduced to some few minutes each. Also the sequences where Peter is possessed by the symbiont were ridiculous (going through the streets like an idiot, dancing like an idiot? Is this the aggressive Peter Parker?). This also parallels Superman 3, where Superman is affected by red kryptonite and has behaving unlike his usual self. And to think that there (one of the lesser Superman movies) it was even handled better than in such a critically highly praised franchise as the Spider-Man movies.
I also remember how the audience was laughing in the cinema where MJ breaks up with Peter, and Peter started crying. Of course this scene was not intended to be funny. And why do we have to have, just before the showdown, Spider-Man in front of a big American flag? Do the filmmakers still have no idea, that this may be received well to some of the American audiences, but outside of the USA it is just groan-worthy.

I hope the next Spider-Man movie is more balanced like the first two were.

Rating:

(From Tom's Random Reviews on January 3rd, 2009)

Hamlet, a review by Rich

Academy Award Best Picture winner 1948

Hamlet



Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Sir Laurence Olivier's 'Hamlet' continues to be the most compelling version of Shakespeare's beloved tragedy. Olivier is at his most inspired - both as director and as the melancholy Dane himself - as he breathes new life into the words of one of the world's greatest dramatists. Criterion is proud to present 'Hamlet' in a luminous black-and-white digital transfer.

Thoust twatched thine grandee purveyance beyond thy western star etc etc 

Broody short adaptation of Hamlet, in comparison to Branaghs which was several hours long. The B&W production, eerie music, and specifically the spirit of Hamlets father who stalks the castle make for an imposing movie. This is said to be the best acted Hamlet ever, I can't compare so I take their word for it, I can confirm that many scenes were compelling and the interactions at times superb. A little direction was annoying as we constantly were lead in POV mode down countless empty corridors.
I struggle to understand Shakespeare, and I don't really like it, but I would say this movie is pretty accessible and not particularly hard to follow, and does allow us to view possibly one of the best Shakespearian actors in his prime.
Not my cup of tea, perhaps I am a peasant?
 

(From Riches Random Reviews on February 5th, 2009)

Firefly Marathon, a review by Tom

03. Bushwhacked
Writer: Tim Minear (Writer)
Director: Tim Minear
Cast: Nathan Fillion (Mal), Gina Torres (Zoe), Alan Tudyk (Wash), Morena Baccarin (Inara), Adam Baldwin (Jayne), Jewel Staite (Kaylee), Sean Maher (Simon), Summer Glau (River), Ron Glass (Shepherd Book), Doug Savant (Commander Harken), Branden Morgan (Survivor), Jared Poe (Ensign), Lancer Dean Shull (Radio Operator)

Though they are only a few small scenes with her, River (Summer Glau) had some great moments. Like how they hid outside the ship and she is admiring the stars.
Also it's fun how Jayne was tricking Simon into suiting up. The interrogation scenes were also funny.

Rating:

(From Firefly Marathon on February 25th, 2010)