Post by: KinkyCyborg on February 27, 2011, 02:21:06 PM
Doctor Detroit
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192491528f.jpg)
Title:Doctor Detroit (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1983
Director: Michael Pressman
Rating: R
Length: 90 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Dan Aykroyd
Howard Hesseman
Donna Dixon
Lydia Lei
T. K. Carter
Plot:
Comedy superstar Dan Aykroyd stars as a mild-mannered professor of chivalry and infamous underworld pimp in the hilarious comic romp Doctor Detroit. When Professor Clifford Skridlow (Aykroyd) accidentally gets conned into taking on the persona of "Doctor Detroit," he soon finds himself up to his neck in luscious ladies, the Chicago Mob, and a notorious crime czar called "Mom" (Kate Murtagh). It's comedic chaos all the way as Aykroyd attempts to juggle two very different career paths without losing his life or his mind. From the producers of The Blues Brothers, and co-starring Donna Dixon and Fran Drescher, comes the laugh-out-loud film about a man committed to making the world safe for insanity.
Extras:
Scene Access
My Thoughts:
Mostly silly comedy with a few laugh out loud moments. I liked the Southern lawyer bit in the courthouse and the big pimp/whore group dance with James Brown near the end was great too. I think Akyroyd is better when he has one of his comedy brethren from his era to play off like Chevy Chase in Spies Like Us or John Candy in The Great Outdoors. Aykroyd on his own is just a little too vanilla.
Interesting to note that Fran Dreschner was just as annoying long before she became The Nanny. :voodoo:
KC
Rating:
Post by: addicted2dvd on February 27, 2011, 02:35:52 PM
Post by: Rogmeister on February 27, 2011, 05:58:54 PM
Kinky, welcome to 2011! :laugh:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on February 28, 2011, 08:03:56 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/67/678149173420f.jpg)
Title:Collateral (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2004
Director: Michael Mann
Rating: R
Length: 120 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: DTS: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Tom Cruise
Jamie Foxx
Jada Pinkett [Jada Pinkett Smith]
Mark Ruffalo
Peter Berg
Plot:
Vincent (Tom Cruise) is a cool, calculating contract killer at the top of his game. Max (Jamie Foxx) is a cabbie with big dreams and little to show for it. Now, Max has to transport Vincent on his next job – one night, five stops, five hits and a getaway. And after this fateful night, neither man will ever be the same again. Tonight everything is changing...
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Bonus Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Even though I had seen this before I put it on late in the evening and ended up watching the whole thing keeping me up until past 1 am. :yawn:
Great movie and I think one of Cruise's better performances. As thrilling as the action was, just as fascinating were the discussions in the cab between Vincent and Max as they psychoanalyzed each other while passing the time, traveling from one hit to the next. The third kill,
(click to show/hide)
Michael Mann is masterful at telling stories of men who have been pushed to their limits and finally push back which Jamie Foxx's character does here and like James Caan did in Thief.
Loved how it ended, with Vincent
(click to show/hide)
KC
Rating:
Post by: addicted2dvd on February 28, 2011, 09:09:59 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on February 28, 2011, 10:01:29 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 01, 2011, 02:12:26 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/027616813022f.jpg)
Title:The World Is Not Enough (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1999
Director: Michael Apted
Rating: PG-13
Length: 128 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: French, Spanish
Stars:
Pierce Brosnan
Sophie Marceau
Robert Carlyle
Denise Richards
Robbie Coltrane
Plot:
When the suave Agent 007 (Pierce Brosnan) is assigned to protect a beautiful oil heiress (Sophie Marceau), he is catapulted into a passionate, adrenaline-charged adventure that pits him against one of his most deadly adversaries: Renard (Robert Carlyle), a ruthless anarchist whose total imperviousness to pain makes him a virtually unstoppable enemy. The unrelenting suspense, breathtaking action and sly wit never let up in this explosively entertaining thriller.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Music Videos
Closed Captioned
Secrets of 007; Alternate Video Option, 4-Page Booklet
My Thoughts:
Just an average entry in the Bond franchise. Some good individual performances stand out against a story that has been rewarmed many times over, even within the 007 saga itself.
Robert Carlyle was great as the dying villain who feels nothing physically but is inflamed emotionally by the evil Elektra played by Sophie Marceau. She is undoubtedly gorgeous but I found the french arrogance shining through and it put me off somewhat. Always great to see Robbie Coltrane play someone, anyone other than Hagrid, ala Harry Potter. He reprised the character he played in Goldeneye but signed out after this one. And then there is Denise Richards, looking as sexy as she ever has, playing a nuclear physicist which is just wrong on so many levels.... ::) Pierce Brosnan was a serviceable Bond but doesn't hold a candle to Connery, my favorite.
Still haven't watched either of the Daniel Craig Bond movies yet which I hear are unlike anything that came before in the 007 series. Looking forward to watching them.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 02, 2011, 03:13:26 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097363303046f.jpg)
Title:Shooter (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2007
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Rating: R
Length: 126 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Mark Wahlberg
Michael Peña
Danny Glover
Kate Mara
Elias Koteas
Plot:
Get ready for edge-of-your-seat thrills as Mark Wahlberg ignites the screen in his most compelling role yet: the Shooter. When respected former Marine scout sniper Bob Lee Swagger (Wahlberg) is pressed into service to stop an assassination attempt against the President, the unthinkable occurs: he's double-crossed and framed for the attempt. Determined to prove his innocence, the rogue shooter is now in a high-tension race from every law enforcement agency in the country and a shadowy organization that wants him dead. From Training Day director Antoine Fuqua comes a gripping film co-starring Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon 4) and Michael Peña (World Trade Center). Joel Siegel of Good Morning America proclaims that Shooter is a "thriller...with a ton of white-knuckle action."
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Mark Wahlberg is the guy with all the cool guns and man, can he sure use them!! (http://www.kinkycyborg.com/forum/images/smilies/PDT_gun.gif)
Thrilling movie about a black OP agency with no name that chooses the wrong guy to be their patsy. Top notch action, great story and great performances.
I noticed early, even before the characters made reference to it, how after the assassination the similarities between this kill and the JFK assassination, how quickly information was available about the shooter mere minutes after the deed was done. Michael Pena's FBI role surmised this but he had difficulty finding people to listen or believe him.
Danny Glover was ok but the part he was playing started to look a little foolish considering the amount of swagger and confidence he had but whose actions never panned out or justified the bravado.
Two beauties in this one, Kate Mara & Rhona Mitra. Kate was great and gorgeous even with those sunken eyes. Rhona has always been a favorite of mine and although her character was a little uptight and fierce at first she redeemed herself with a simple scene... her answering the phone in her home with her hair let down and showing off her well toned midriff... deadly sexy! ;)
Wahlberg is quickly becoming one of my favorite action stars. He's no nonsense, leveled and more down to earth than most of the puffed up action stars of today. Curious to see him in the new action comedy The Other Guys, oddly paired up with the one dimensional Will Ferrell.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on March 02, 2011, 08:00:42 PM
Post by: Dragonfire on March 02, 2011, 09:22:34 PM
Post by: Achim on March 03, 2011, 05:06:08 AM
I saw The Other Guys last night and really enjoyed it. Right up my street and I found it very funny. Not in the same league as Anchorman but so much better than Talledega Nights and Step Brothers.Saying something is better than Step Brothers is not really saying much, is it...? :devil:
Post by: Dragonfire on March 04, 2011, 03:59:48 AM
Saying something is better than Step Brothers is not really saying much, is it...? :devil:
I haven't seen Step Brothers, but I've heard it is pretty bad...so..possibly not.
Post by: Achim on March 04, 2011, 05:41:58 AM
I haven't seen Step Brothers, but I've heard it is pretty bad...so..possibly not.I watched it on an airplane, you know, free-of-charge, nothing-netter-to-do and all, and had to turn it off after about 20min. :shrug:
Post by: Najemikon on March 04, 2011, 09:30:01 PM
I saw The Other Guys last night and really enjoyed it. Right up my street and I found it very funny. Not in the same league as Anchorman but so much better than Talledega Nights and Step Brothers.Saying something is better than Step Brothers is not really saying much, is it...? :devil:
Don't know how I missed this! But yes, you're right. :laugh:
I haven't seen Step Brothers, but I've heard it is pretty bad...so..possibly not.
It passes by rather harmlessly, just without being particularly funny and a couple of basics really annoyed me: http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,5216.msg88451.html#msg88451
But in the interests of balance, Emma did like it: http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,5601.msg99945.html#msg99945
Post by: samuelrichardscott on March 04, 2011, 10:23:37 PM
Post by: Tom on March 04, 2011, 11:17:03 PM
My problem lies with the fact Will Ferrell can't carry a film. As a supporting actor I like him but as a lead, only Anchorman and The Other Guys have been good watches for me.
Have you seen "Stranger Than Fiction"? In my opinion it proves that he can very well carry a movie.
Post by: samuelrichardscott on March 04, 2011, 11:35:30 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 06, 2011, 05:14:45 PM
Post by: Najemikon on March 06, 2011, 06:22:01 PM
Or Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Carrey is marvellous in both of these as Ferrell is in Stranger Than Fiction as Tom mentioned.
Otherwise both of these men are comedians first, actors second. So it's a moot point that they don't change from film to film, just as a stand up comic Doesn't alter between gigs. You either like them or you don't.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 06, 2011, 07:43:03 PM
Otherwise both of these men are comedians first, actors second. So it's a moot point that they don't change from film to film, just as a stand up comic Doesn't alter between gigs.
Exactly. If you watched a comedian stand up on stage giving gig after gig delivering the same jokes over and over again would you keep watching? As it relates to their acting, these guys desperately need new material.
Post by: hal9g on March 06, 2011, 09:05:46 PM
That's the opposite of the way I define a good/great actor.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 07, 2011, 04:17:36 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/06/065935207627.3f.jpg)
Title:P.S. (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2004
Director: Dylan Kidd
Rating: 14A
Length: 89 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Laura Linney
Topher Grace
Paul Rudd (1969)
Lois Smith
Gabriel Byrne
Plot:
Laura Linney and Topher Grace shine in this bittersweet tale of love lost, and how far we will go to get a second chance. When divorced, thirty-something Columbia University admission's officer Louise Harrington meets one of the school's young applicants; she is floored by his uncanny resemblance to her deceased high school sweetheart. And as the similarities continue to reveal themselves, Harrington is haunted by the notion that he may be her love reincarnated. Faced with what she sees as a last opportunity, Harrington struggles with a past she clings to, and the future that stands before her.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
My Thoughts:
A nearly 40 year old woman, lonely and lost in her work encounters a young artist who looks, sounds and acts like her high school sweetheart who died in a car accident 20 years before. This leads to a mismatched love affair that is brilliantly played and exciting to watch.
All I can say is WOW! Laura Linney knocked my socks off! I thought her totally incapable of a role like this as she mostly plays ultra serious, often fiercely miserable characters. Here she has achieved a complete unbridled sexual awakening and for the first time on film, for me at least, came across as a hot sexual creature. She shows us intense passion and vulnerability as she envelopes herself in this young man played by Topher Grace who was surprisingly up to the challenge of Linney's performance. Anyone who has ever had a tidal wave of lust, longing and obsession wash over them can't help but feel something for this movie.
Great supporting roles for the trio of Gabriel Byrne, Paul Rudd and Marcia Gay Harden who was fun as a saucy trollop.
The ending leaves you with a gigantic unanswered question that I believe was intentional so as to let the viewer create their own fanciful conclusion.
Highly recommended! :clap:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 12, 2011, 02:07:51 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/03/031398218890f.jpg)
Title:Night Of The Living Dead 3D (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2006
Director: Jeff Broadstreet
Rating: R
Length: 80 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Brianna Brown
Joshua DesRoches
Sid Haig
Greg Travis
Johanna Black
Plot:
In this all new 3-D remake o the popular 1968 horror classic, Barb and her brother Johnny arrive late for the burial of their aunt and walk straight into a nightmare!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
Interviews
Outtakes/Bloopers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
DIE 3D DIE!!! :voodoo: I loathe 3D and it disturbs me greatly that it's so wildly popular at the moment. I hope that it is a fad that dies off quickly but it bothers me that James Cameron is such a booster of it as people tend to listen to him.
I bought this because like most 3D dvd releases the 2D version is always included and that's the version I always watch. As it turns out this disc was only in 3D and they released a standard version separately. I decided to watch it anyway and planned to pick up the 2D version to replace it when I come across it. After watching the film I don't think I'll bother. :thumbdown:
The 3D aside, this sucked royal ass. They couldn't decide if they were going to pay homage to Romero's original classic or try to emulate it. Either way, for a modern remake this was piss poor, amateur garbage. Even horror mainstay Sid Haig couldn't help this. The acting was so terrible from the leads that I started to look to the zombies for a bit of personality. This was also relatively light on gore.
Gee, I always wondered what a debacle would look like in 3D. ::) :surrender:
KC
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on March 12, 2011, 02:32:41 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 12, 2011, 02:36:48 PM
Post by: RossRoy on March 12, 2011, 03:19:14 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 22, 2011, 12:33:53 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012569836068f.jpg)
Title:The Ant Bully (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2006
Director: John A. Davis
Rating: PG
Length: 89 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Julia Roberts
Nicolas Cage (1964)
Meryl Streep
Paul Giamatti
Zach Tyler Eisen
Plot:
When you're as small as an ant, the world is big - and adventure is bigger! That's what young Lucas learns after he aims his water pistol at some hapless ants. They retaliate with a secret potion the shrinks "the Destroyer" to their size...and turns an anthill into a mountain of thrills, action and laughs! 'Julia Roberts', 'Nicolas Cage', 'Meryl Streep' and 'Paul Giamotti' head the voice cast of this rollicking, warm-hearted family treat.
Extras:
Scene Access
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
Seven Animated Shorts
My Thoughts:
Amusing story of a young boy, forever tormented with wedgies and noogies from the neighborhood kids, turns his frustration on an anthill in his front yard. He soon learns humility as he finds himself shrunk down to ant size and sees things from the insect's point of view.
Highly entertaining, plenty of adult humor and some equally hilarious and disgusting moments. Eating the 'honeydew' drops, aka, worm poop, got a loud chuckle out of me, a groan out of my wife and a bevy of giggles from my daughter. :laugh:
Always fun to pick out the voice talent and truly a star studded cast in this one. Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep and Paul Giamatti were all easy to pick out. I surprised myself by guessing Regina King's voice. Bruce Campbell was an easy spot too and his Fugax character was a scene stealer, easily the funniest in the film. I also picked out Larry Miller and Ricardo Montalban who have distinctive voices but I did miss Lily Tomlin as Mooma, the crazy grandmother.
Plenty of good messages for kids in this one. How not to lash out when you are frustrated, being thoughtful towards others and a sense of community and sharing. I don't know that these messages got through to my 5 year old daughter as after the movie was over she snatched the dvd out of my hand and declared it was now 'hers'. ::) Fortunately, with the help of the Tickle Monster, I was able to retrieve the movie.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Rogmeister on March 22, 2011, 02:38:23 AM
Post by: Kathy on March 22, 2011, 05:26:39 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on March 29, 2011, 03:40:01 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/027616909381f.jpg)
Title:Amityville II: The Possession (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1982
Director: Damiano Damiani
Rating: R
Length: 105 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1, Pan & Scan 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
James Olson
Burt Young
Rutanya Alda
Jack Magner
Andrew Prine
Plot:
Before the residence at 112 Ocean Avenue became infamous in The Amityville Horror, its supernatural legacy of terror had already begun. Inspired by a true story, this chilling prequel is a bloodcurdling, special effects-laden encounter with all-powerful, all-consuming evil.
Although the Montellis are not exactly the "perfect family," at least they've found the perfect home. And even though a liquid that looks like blood gushes from the kitchen faucet and every window has been nailed shut, it still qualifies as their dream house – until all hell breaks loose! A local priest tries to rid the house of unclean spirits, but what he doesn't yet suspect is that teenage son Sonny Montelli has been possessed, body and soul, by a murderous demon bent on total destruction.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
First of many prequels, sequels and remakes that would follow the '79 original. This doesn't stray too far from the possession/exorcism formula that was bench marked with The Exorcist. This just rehashes the true events of the DeFeo murders, combined with a possession of the eldest son who then mimics those murders with his own family. Of course the friendly neighborhood priest feels obligated to exorcise the demon out of the young man.
So all in all there was nothing too terribly original here but there were a few scenes that were genuinely creepy. The table cloth flying off the dining room table to land covering the crucifix was neatly done and likely a highlight for the film makers of this early 80's production. The make-up of the possessed teenager was also nicely done.
Was surprised to see Burt Young in this as horror movies are rare for him although I wasn't surprised to see him playing an abusive husband and father. Was he really ever meant to play any other role? (http://www.kinkycyborg.com/forum/images/smilies/PDT_sumo.gif)
More than adequate for a horror fix, just don't expect to have your socks knocked off.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Jimmy on March 29, 2011, 06:12:35 AM
Was surprised to see Burt Young in this as horror movies are rare for him
Carnival of blood was his first movie. This is an horror movie and he plays an hunchback... That, was a surprise :laugh:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 02, 2011, 03:16:43 PM
Certainly better than the first part is, too bad it became an Exorcist rip-off in the second act without it this movie would have been one of the best horror movie sequel.Was surprised to see Burt Young in this as horror movies are rare for him
Carnival of blood was his first movie. This is an horror movie and he plays an hunchback... That, was a surprise :laugh:
I'll be looking to add that to my collection if for no tother reason so I can see Young's turn as a hunchback! :laugh: He certainly has the stature for the part.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 02, 2011, 03:26:40 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/027616920287f.jpg)
Title:Rocky Marciano (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1999
Director: Charles Winkler
Rating: R
Length: 100 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Jon Favreau
Penelope Ann Miller
Judd Hirsch
Tony Lo Bianco
Duane Davis
Plot:
Step into the ring with one of America's greatest legends... and stand a couple of rounds with greatness! "Pulling no punches" (LA Daily News) Jon Favreau (Swingers) and Oscar winner George C. Scott give TKO performances in this outstanding biography of the only undefeated world heavyweight champion in the history of boxing!
In the small blue-collar town of Brockton, Massachusetts, young Rocky Marciano (Favreau) turns to the ring as his ticket out. Training twice as hard and twice as long as anyone else, he pounds his way to victory and his reputation quickly spreads as "the guy to beat." But behind the gloves Rocky is unhappy with his gift and he's thinking of retiring. So, with the fate of his career hanging in the balance, he finds a way to unleash his thunder again - this time against his biggest hero - Joe Louis!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I actually put off watching this for a few days because I am not a big fan of Jon Favreau and the mostly obnoxious, loud mouthed characters he portrays but while I was at work yesterday I began to think that Rocky Marciano who was loud mouthed, aggressive and brimming with confidence in life might be well served by Favreau.
I was right. I thought he captured the essence of Marcino excellently, nailing the emotions during the highs and lows of his tumultuous career and life. While I have yet to see all of his movies I doubt Favreau will ever achieve anything near as good a performance as this, nor will he ever look as buff.
Like so many athletes from those bygone days, they essentially competed for nothing as they often fell prey to crooked managers and agents who squandered their fortunes. At the end of their careers that had little more than their memories left. This movie gives some insight into the descent of the Brown Bomber, Joe Louis' career as he too had nothing left to show a marvelous boxing career.
George C. Scott is great and likable as Pierro, Rocky's immigrant father who always kept his son grounded and humble.
Great drama for anyone and a must see for boxing fans. (http://www.kinkycyborg.com/forum/images/smilies/61.gif)
KC
Rating:
Post by: m.cellophane on April 03, 2011, 05:43:21 AM
Collateralhmm. I'll have to check this out. I expected it to be bad for some reason.
Great movie and I think one of Cruise's better performances.
The World Is Not EnoughI grew up with Roger Moore as James Bond (sorry to the Connery crew). I loved Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. And then...I found Daniel Craig to be awesome as James Bond! :thundergod:
Still haven't watched either of the Daniel Craig Bond movies yet which I hear are unlike anything that came before in the 007 series. Looking forward to watching them.
ShooterI agree. More often than not, I like Mark Wahlberg's films and I enjoyed Shooter.
Wahlberg is quickly becoming one of my favorite action stars. He's no nonsense, leveled and more down to earth than most of the puffed up action stars of today.
P.S.She's nearly always incredible. If you can see The Big C, I highly recommend it. She's beyond peer in that role.
All I can say is WOW! Laura Linney knocked my socks off!
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 03, 2011, 06:04:27 PM
Collateralhmm. I'll have to check this out. I expected it to be bad for some reason.
Great movie and I think one of Cruise's better performances.The World Is Not EnoughI grew up with Roger Moore as James Bond (sorry to the Connery crew). I loved Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. And then...I found Daniel Craig to be awesome as James Bond! :thundergod:
Still haven't watched either of the Daniel Craig Bond movies yet which I hear are unlike anything that came before in the 007 series. Looking forward to watching them.I agree. More often than not, I like Mark Wahlberg's films and I enjoyed Shooter.
Thanks for all your thoughts James. I have heard good things about The Big C from others as well so it is definitely on my radar. :thumbup:
Shooter
Wahlberg is quickly becoming one of my favorite action stars. He's no nonsense, leveled and more down to earth than most of the puffed up action stars of today.P.S.She's nearly always incredible. If you can see The Big C, I highly recommend it. She's beyond peer in that role.
All I can say is WOW! Laura Linney knocked my socks off!
Thanks for all your thoughts James. I have heard good things about The Big C from others as well so it is definitely on my radar. :thumbup:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 03, 2011, 06:10:14 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396016811f.jpg)
Title:Only You (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1994
Director: Norman Jewison
Rating: PG
Length: 108 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1, Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Marisa Tomei
Robert Downey, Jr.
Bonnie Hunt
Joaquim de Almeida
Fisher Stevens
Plot:
A love story written in the stars.
An irresistibly romantic comedy from the director of Moonstruck, Only You stars Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. as lovers destined to meet and fall in love. Tomei stars as Faith Corvatch, who, at age 11, asks her Ouija board the name of the man she would marry. As a teen, she asks a carnival gypsy, and receives the same answer: Damon Bradley. But when Damon Bradley never shows, the grown Faith decides to marry an earniest podiatrist. Just 10 days before the wedding, Faith's fiance receives a message from a high school alum- Damon Bradley. On a wing and a prayer, Faith flies to Italy with her best friend in search of Damon.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Silly romantic comedy with Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr.
The highlights... Marisa Tomei is deliciously gorgeous in this early role of hers, more so than in any other movie I have seen her in. Bonnie Hunt plays her best friend and I've always liked her and her ability to deliver witty quips and biting retorts. The backdrops, Rome, Venice and the beautiful rolling countrysides of Italy are amazing and I'd love to visit there some day.
The lows... Marisa Tomei's silly performance counters her beauty as she is flippant, ditzy and ultimately annoying. Fisher Stevens inclusion in any film automatically tarnishes it to a a certain degree and lastly, while I don't mind romantic comedies this one was just way too sappy for me.
Won't be revisiting this one again any time soon...
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 04, 2011, 03:53:27 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543588672f.jpg)
Title:Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Rating: PG-13
Length: 97 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Kristin Kreuk
Chris Klein
Neal McDonough
Robin Shou
Moon Bloodgood
Plot:
Brace yourself for the hard-hitting action and high-flying excitement of Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. including an all new unrated cut! Based on the wildly popular Street Fighter video game series, this powerful martial arts adventure explores the origins of the Street Fighter universe through Chun-Li (Kristen Kreuk), who avenges her father’s death at the hands of Bison (Neil McDonough) and his evil Shadaloo Empire. Now the stage is set, the challenge is clear, the legend will be forged...but who will prevail? Round One. Fight!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
Theatrical and unrated versions
My Thoughts:
I was never a fan of any of the generations of Street Fighter games but I thought this screen adaptation was decent action fare.
Excellent fight choreography and an interesting enough story although they could have better explained the magical forces or 'powers' that some of the combatants had.
Kristen Kreuk played Chun-Li... a looker and an ass-kicker! I had never heard of her before this and I'm quite impressed... a Canadian no less too! Chris Klein, whom I'm used to playing those Aww shucks, straight arrow type characters seemed out of place as the sweaty, macho Interpol Agent Nash. Michael Clarke Duncan was fun as the brawny thumper Balrog. I though Moon Bloodgood would be one of the fighters but she was rather pedestrian... albeit yummy eye-candy! Finally Neal McDonough was great as the evil Bison. He's pulled off the villain roll more than a few times in convincing fashion with those weird eyes and his silver tongued talk.
Given the wide array of different characters from the Street Fighter world the possibility of follow-up flicks is quite likely. If they are comparable to this one I'll be eager to check them out.
Fight!!! (http://www.kinkycyborg.com/forum/images/smilies/61.gif)
KC
Rating:
... and a half.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 06, 2011, 02:40:51 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/67/678149195224f.jpg)
Title:Surviving Christmas (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2004
Director: Mike Mitchell
Rating: PG-13
Length: 91 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1, Pan & Scan 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Ben Affleck
James Gandolfini
Christina Applegate
Catherine O'Hara
Josh Zuckerman
Plot:
It's madness, mischief and mayhem when rich executive Drew Latham (Ben Affleck) decides to rent himself a family for the holidays. Tired of spending Christmas alone, Drew makes the Valcos (James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate and Catherine O'Hara) an offer they should have refused. Now their annoying guest and his outrageous demands are turning their Noel into a nightmare in this hilarious slapstick comedy that puts the fun in family dysfunction.
Extras:
Scene Access
Bonus Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Gallery
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Atrociously bad movie through the first hour that only improves a smidgen in the last half hour. While I realize that Ben Affleck's performance was intentionally over the top in his portrayal of a weird rich guy who rents a family for Christmas, it was so detestable that you pray for it to end.
A great supporting cast including James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara and Christina Applegate who provide the few and far between laughs that were to be had but it wasn't even remotely enough to salvage an even average movie watching experience.
Terrible! :thumbdown:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 07, 2011, 04:47:12 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/783722727829f.jpg)
Title:Monkey Love (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2002
Director: Mark Stratton
Rating: R
Length: 95 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles:
Stars:
Jeremy Renner
Séamus Dever
Amy Stewart
Mary Margaret Robinson
Jesse Vint
Plot:
College senior Amy (Amy Stewart) is stuck-in-a-rut and about to discover there's nothing like sex to mess with your head and throw a monkey wrench into your life. Living at home with her annoying parents and trapped in a platonic triangle with her two best pals since the 3rd grade. Dil (Jeremy Renner) and Aaron (Seamus Dever), Amy decides to make a drastic change. Convinced that the only way to open her life up to new and exciting experiences is to get rid of her best friends, she decides to sleep with both of them and then dump them. Unfortunately, her "best-laid" plans for more excitement turn their comfortable friendship into a tangled web of super-charged emotions with hilarious but life-changing consequences for everyone.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
My Thoughts:
There are only two things notable about this movie. The inclusion of Jeremy Renner, early in his career with much better things ahead of him and seeing William Sanderson again, best known as Larry from Newhart. 'I'm Larry, this is my brother Daryl, this is my other brother Daryl..." :laugh:
Other than those mere trivia bits this movie is a complete and utter joke. Couldn't wait for it to be over. Avoid at all costs.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 09, 2011, 01:39:00 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/026359885723f.jpg)
Title:Carnivàle: The Complete First Season (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2003
Director: 1. MilfayRodrigo Garcia, 2. After the Ball Is OverJeremy Podeswa, 3. TiptonRodrigo Garcia, 4. Black BlizzardPeter Medak, 5. BabylonTim Hunter, 6. Pick a NumberRodrigo Garcia, 7. The RiverAlison MacLean, 8. Lonnigan, TexasScott Winant, 9. InsomniaJack Bender, 10. Hot and BotheredJeremy Podeswa, 11. Day of the DeadJohn Patterson, 12. The Day that Was the DayRodrigo Garcia
Rating: NR
Length: 632 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
1. MilfayMichael J. Anderson
Adrienne Barbeau
Patrick Bauchau
Clancy Brown
Plot:
1934. The Dustbowl. The Last Great Age of Magic.
In a time of titanic sandstorms, vile plagues, drought and pestilence - signs of God's fury and harbingers of the Apocalypse - the final conflict between good and evil is about to begin. The battle will take place in the heartland of an empire called America, where a traveling carnival harboring Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), a troubled healer, will clash with an Evangelical ministry led by Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown). And when it is over, man will forever trade away wonder for reason.
Episodes:
1. Milfay
2. After the Ball Is Over
3. Tipton
4. Black Blizzard
5. Babylon
6. Pick a Number
7. The River
8. Lonnigan, Texas
9. Insomnia
10. Hot and Bothered
11. Day of the Dead
12. The Day that Was the Day
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I find myself gravitating to the HBO/Showtime type of tv series rather than the scads of unwatched network tv shows I have probably because in general they are much edgier and bold than those shows subject to the sensors.
This time I picked Carnivàle.
Taking place during the depression of the 30's, this traveling band of performers cross dust bowl after dust bowl trying to eek out a meager living. I immediately drew comparisons to The Grapes Of Wrath as the hardships and the misery come across almost identical.
There is a supernatural element to this series with certain characters possessing powers of varying degrees. Among them is Ben Hawkins, played by Nick Stahl. He can heal and give life but at a terrible price. He is destined to collide with another man, a priest called Brother Juston, played by Clancy Brown, best remembered as the sadistic Captain Hadley in The Shawshank Redmption. Despite being a man of the cloth he is filled with sinful thoughts and ambitions. What exactly is the crux or reason these men will eventually square off against one another is never really revealed at any point in this first season. That revelation, and as it turns out, it's conclusion, will all play out in the second and final season of the series.
This was likely HBO's shortest running series and while I find it very interesting it's not hard to see why it might lose an audience quickly as it can at times be weird and hazy, full of confusing dreams and visions by the two main characters.
Some excellent additions to the cast include Adrienne Barbeau, older but still beautiful as a snake charmer, Amy Madigan, as Brother Justin's sister and accomplice Iris and the diminutive Carnivale boss Samson, played brilliantly by Michael J. Anderson.
I'm looking forward to season 2 if not for the great acting and interesting side stories that take place, then because I'm hoping that it will all start to make more sense. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will but I have a sneaky suspicion I'm going to find out why this show ended after two short seasons.
KC
Rating:
Post by: goodguy on April 09, 2011, 04:06:24 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 11, 2011, 03:37:42 AM
This was one of the most wonderful TV series I've ever seen and it is a shame that even on HBO it couldn't run its course. In S2, the pace picks up a bit and the show becomes more forthcoming in revealing its secrets.
We are a few episodes in to season 2 now and you're right, things are slowly starting to come together now and the tension is building quite nicely. I can tell that I too am going to be disappointed to see it end.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 11, 2011, 03:40:23 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/013132137094f.jpg)
Title:The Men Who Stare At Goats (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director: Grant Heslov
Rating: R
Length: 94 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
George Clooney
Ewan McGregor
Jeff Bridges
Kevin Spacey
Stephen Lang
Plot:
In this comedic look at real life events that are almost too bizarre to believe, reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) discovers an experimental top-secret wing of the U.S. military called The New Earth Army, trained to change the ways wars are fought through New Age psychic power. In search of his next big story, Wilton tracks down Lyn Cassady (Academy Award winner George Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be a member of this legion of "Warrior Monks" with unparalled psychic powers who can read the enemy's thoughts, pass through walls, and even kill a goat by staring at it.
Marshall Fine of the Huffington Post states Academy Award nominee "Grant Heslov's wild comedy is a delicious and funny trip through the powers of the mind - and the powers of suggestion."
Inspired by Jon Ronson's non-fiction bestseller of the same name, this is an eye-opening and hilarious story of the government's attempts to harness soldiers' paranormal abilities in order to combat its enemies. Also stars Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey and Academy Award nominee Jeff Bridges.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Purportedly based on true events, this movie boasts that only the most bizarre facts are true. There were many bizarre and humorous moments but I guess without doing a bit of research it would be hard to garner which ones to believe.
The military looking into psychic and paranormal applications for combat is not unheard of in either fiction or real life. Every nation has at one time or another looked into alternative methods of fighting wars with the superpower nations leading the way I'm sure. If this movie is indicative of their success they obviously have a long way to go as making goats drop dead with a stare and dissipating clouds with your mind can't possibly tip the scales in favor of one side or another. Still, it was an insightful look into the attempt to tap into alternative combat applications brought to life by an excellent cast including George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor and Kevin Spacey. Stephen Lang, trying to run through a wall only to knock himself on his ass was a great, hilarious opening salvo, letting you know right away this movie is going to be a bit off the beaten track. :laugh:
Weird but entertaining.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Rogmeister on April 11, 2011, 05:33:17 AM
Post by: Najemikon on April 11, 2011, 09:04:36 PM
It has such an understated delivery. Kevin Spacey is bloody funny too. I swear, the simple scene where he channels his spirit guide to reveal the contents of a box had me in stitches! Kevin, did you see the deleted scenes? There's another Spacey clip in there I thought was great, where he attacks Clooney during a self-defence class. I understand why they cut these things, but such a shame to lose Bridges' line! :laugh:
Post by: Dragonfire on April 12, 2011, 03:25:28 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 12, 2011, 04:32:41 AM
I thought of getting The Men Who Stare At Goats recently. There were several copies at my local Blockbuster which is going out of business...but I didn't and I think that store may have finally closed it's doors by now. Is this something like a Coen Brothers film? I always had that idea...but perhaps I was wrong.
I think you could easily get the impression this is a Coen film given it's offbeat nature, and it's inclusion of Clooney.
Kevin, did you see the deleted scenes? There's another Spacey clip in there I thought was great, where he attacks Clooney during a self-defence class. I understand why they cut these things, but such a shame to lose Bridges' line! :laugh:
I just popped the dvd in and checked out the deleted scenes. It was a shame to see that cut. The flying chair was a nice touch too! :D
KC
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 12, 2011, 04:37:52 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192048555f.jpg)
Title:The Hurt Locker (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Rating: R
Length: 131 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Jeremy Renner
Anthony Mackie
Brian Geraghty
Guy Pearce
Ralph Fiennes
Plot:
War is a drug. Nobody knows that better than Staff Sergeant James, head of an elite squad of soldiers tasked with disarming bombs in the heat of combat. To do this nerve-shredding job, it's not enough to be the best: you have to thrive in a zone where the margin of error is zero, think as diabolically as a bomb-maker, and somehow survive with your body and soul intact. Powerfully realistic, action-packed, unrelenting and intense. The Hurt Locker has been hailed by critics as "an adrenalin-soaked tour de force" (A.O. Scott, The New York Times) and "one of the great war movies." (Richard Corliss, Time )
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
My Thoughts:
So here it is... the movie that went up against the behemoth Avatar at the Oscars and came out on top. I think both movies are great and equally deserving of the Best Picture nod but they are obviously geared towards different audiences. I don't think Cameron was too upset about losing out on the Oscar... he already has one for Best Picture and he can console himself with the booby prize, that being a $2.6 billion worldwide box office...
The Hurt Locker is about as gritty and intense as a movie can get. Every day of this unit's rotation and every insane, deadly scenario they are thrust into is breathtaking and hypnotic. It was as if my entire body was clenched throughout the movie. Jeremy Renner was simply awesome as the bomb disposal expert who gives new meaning to the expression 'adrenaline rush'. Even when he wasn't playing beat the clock with killer ordinance he was off rushing blindly into dangerous situations, many times putting his other unit members in harm's way.
A few telling moments for me in this film. When James's (Renner) tour is up and he goes home to his wife and son you can see it in his eyes and body language. He hates it, just loathes that ordinary existence. He has a complete indifference to his home and family. If anything, that life scares him more than the bombs do.
The on screen countdown that pops up day to day to show how many days remain of their tour was so meaningful for as that number got smaller the missions and the threats became all the more terrifying and suspenseful. Then when in the final scene,
(click to show/hide)
I think why this film didn't receive the accolades it should have prior to it's Oscar win is that the subject of IEDs and suicide bombers was for too real for many of the viewers in North America. Americans and Canadians alike have seen and heard far too many times about good men and women losing their lives to these cowardly devices in Iraq & Afghanistan. A movie like this would be like rubbing salt in an open, raw wound. It's because of exactly that reaction why I applaud Kathryn Bigelow for bringing that menacing world and shoving it in our faces.
Everyone casually says they support our troops. Watch this movie and you will have a new born appreciation for what these men and women do for us in these miserable countries abroad.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on April 12, 2011, 06:01:17 AM
Bigelow is back in form and puts her action experience to good use here.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 13, 2011, 05:42:31 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543041900f.jpg)
Title:The Desert Rats (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1953
Director: Robert Wise
Rating: NR
Length: 88 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, English: Dolby Digital: Mono, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Richard Burton (1925)
Robert Newton
Robert Douglas
Torin Thatcher
Chips Rafferty
Plot:
The story of the men who stopped Rommel!
RICHARD BURTON stars in this exciting film about the courageous men who held off notorious German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, despite being hopelessly outnumbered. The year is 1941, and all that stands between Rommel and the Suez Canal is the fortress of Tobruk, which is manned only by a small Australian battalion whom Captain MacRoberts (BURTON) must whip them in to shape - fast! JAMES MASON co-stars in a stunning portrayal as Rommel in this stirring, action-packed story of the World War II heroes known as THE DESERT RATS.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
B&W
My Thoughts:
Everyone knows I love my war movies, especially ones that recount actual events. This one tells the story of the Australian 9th Division Infantry unit that was asked to hold the city of Tobruk, Libya in Northern Africa against German Field Marshall Rommel's forces for two months! In fact they held it for 8 months, never giving up the position.
While the story was great and the acting credible, this has to be one of the most poorly shot war movies I have ever watched. Dark grainy footage throughout, it was difficult at times to figure out what exactly was transpiring. Even by 1953 standards this could and should have had a better quality of picture. Another major gaffe was the exclusion of subtitles during the German speaking parts which just added to the puzzlement of what was going on.
Richard Burton played the English Captain in charge of the Aussies who is duty bound to perform but morally conflicted which is a rather standard, cliched premise in war movies. He was good as was James Mason playing Rommell although he didn't get nearly enough screen time. The rest of the cast was fleshed out with mostly unknowns.
I didn't mind this movie but Fox War Classics has put out much better.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Antares on April 13, 2011, 03:12:00 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 13, 2011, 10:01:59 PM
Post by: Najemikon on April 13, 2011, 10:44:48 PM
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobruk-German-DVD-CategoryArthouse/dp/B001L284J0
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 13, 2011, 10:58:49 PM
Post by: m.cellophane on April 13, 2011, 11:07:05 PM
Unfortunately that sort of doesn't quite work for me. Why is it that the dvds that I want the most and never got an NTSC dvd release always get a UK release? Same thing for Tough Guys with Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster. I can get an R2 of it but Touchstone doesn't see fit to give it a North American release.... :voodoo:$50 USD can buy you a multi-region NTSC/PAL progressive scan DVD player. I have an earlier version of this player (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DVD-S48-Multi-Region-Progressive-Player/dp/B004Q77150/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1302728546&sr=1-1) and it's helped me enjoy some DVDs that haven't made it yet to R1.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 13, 2011, 11:15:11 PM
Unfortunately that sort of doesn't quite work for me. Why is it that the dvds that I want the most and never got an NTSC dvd release always get a UK release? Same thing for Tough Guys with Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster. I can get an R2 of it but Touchstone doesn't see fit to give it a North American release.... :voodoo:$50 USD can buy you a multi-region NTSC/PAL progressive scan DVD player. I have an earlier version of this player (http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DVD-S48-Multi-Region-Progressive-Player/dp/B004Q77150/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1302728546&sr=1-1) and it's helped me enjoy some DVDs that haven't made it yet to R1.
I have been leaning towards making such a purchase as me just holding out until these movie studios come to their senses is apparently not working... :slaphead: Thanks for the link James.
Post by: m.cellophane on April 13, 2011, 11:28:37 PM
I have been leaning towards making such a purchase as me just holding out until these movie studios come to their senses is apparently not working... :slaphead: Thanks for the link James.I went through the same frustration. I don't have a large collection of non-R1 titles, but just enough to satisfy my desires while I wait. If it's any consolation, it seems that as I give up and buy non-R1 titles, they are soon released in R1. :laugh: It's happened at least half a dozen times so far.
Post by: Najemikon on April 13, 2011, 11:41:24 PM
Still since the advent of Blu-Ray, a couple of other high quality labels have appeared like Bfi.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 13, 2011, 11:47:46 PM
Same thing has happened to me regards importing r1. Apart from Criterion. I buy less since upgrading to blu which isn't feasible as multi region, which annoys me because I can't get the new Criterions. :(
Still since the advent of Blu-Ray, a couple of other high quality labels have appeared like Bfi.
I'm sure multi-region bluray players are just around the corner. ;) Enough people start squawking about the inability to get their hands on movies, particularly Criterion titles, it should happen sooner rather than later.
Post by: Antares on April 14, 2011, 02:04:22 AM
Same thing has happened to me regards importing r1. Apart from Criterion. I buy less since upgrading to blu which isn't feasible as multi region, which annoys me because I can't get the new Criterions. :(
Still since the advent of Blu-Ray, a couple of other high quality labels have appeared like Bfi.
I'm sure multi-region bluray players are just around the corner. ;) Enough people start squawking about the inability to get their hands on movies, particularly Criterion titles, it should happen sooner rather than later.
I've said this before, Oppo's Blu-Ray player can be made region free through the use of a kit. Go to the AVForum and search for OPPO Blu-Ray Multi-Region.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 14, 2011, 04:25:42 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396075719f.jpg)
Title:Lone Star State of Mind (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2002
Director: David Semel
Rating: PG-13
Length: 88 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1, Pan & Scan 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai
Stars:
Joshua Jackson
James King
Matthew Davis
Ryan Hurst
John Mellencamp
Plot:
Joshua Jackson (The Skulls, TV's "Dawson's Creek") and Jamie King (Pearl Harbor) star in a hysterically rowdy look at small-town life and big-time trouble... deep in the heart of Texas. Also starring DJ Qualls (The New Guy, Road Trip), Matthew Davis (Blue Crush), Ryan Hurst (We Were Soldiers, Remember the Titans) and recording artist John Mellencamp (Falling From Grace).
With a couple grand in the bank and a dream in their hearts, Earl Crest (Jackson) and his girlfriend Baby (King) plan their escape to Los Angeles from their hometown of Bennett, Texas. But a dim-witted cousin (Qualls), an ex-con and an angry drug lord threaten to derail their plans. Now, with just 48 hours to straighten things out, Earl finds himself in the middle of a mess - bigger than the entire state of Texas!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Here's another I got of SwitchPlanet that I had little expectations from but it turned out to be a hilarious comedy about small town living.
Bennett, Texas sets the scene of a young couple, Earl & Baby played by Joshua Jackson & Jamie King who dream of getting out of the dead-end town and head for Los Angeles. A series of unfortunate but uproarious events threaten to delay their departure.
While this does get to be a little too silly near the end, there are many laugh out loud moments that more than make up for it. Dj Qualls & Ryan Hurst as the ex-con Tinker are comic genius as the conniving dimwits who stir up trouble for everyone. I've yet to watch a comedy with DJ Qualls that he didn't make me laugh. Ryan Hurst, whom I've never heard of, is way over the top but in all the right ways, stealing scene after scene.
Some interesting bit parts for both John Cougar Mellencamp and Thomas Hayden Church as well round out a great cast.
For a movie I knew little about I was pleasantly surprised as this movie will get more viewings down the road I'm sure. :thumbup:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 17, 2011, 12:50:07 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543130703f.jpg)
Title:Man Trouble (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1992
Director: Bob Rafelson
Rating: PG-13
Length: 100 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1, Pan & Scan 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Jack Nicholson
Ellen Barkin
Harry Dean Stanton
Beverly D'Angelo
Michael McKean
Plot:
In this wild, romantic comedy with a decidedly offbeat sense of humor, JACK NICHOLSON stars as Harry, a wisecracking con-man who owns a guard dog agency. When Joan (ELLEN BARKIN), an opera singer, seeks his aid after her house is broken into, Harry inadvertently makes them the target of hit men – and puts them at the mercy of Harry's out-of-control canines. HARRY DEAN STANTON as a less-than-honorable businessman and BEVERLY D'ANGELO as Joan's eccentric sister also star.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Offbeat romantic comedy with Jack Nicholson that is pretty much a carbon copy of a half dozen other of his movies. Story of a mostly sleazy, womanizing individual who loses control of all the balls he has in the air which include women, lies, debts et al.
This time Ellen Barkin and her 'smile gone awry' plays the leading lady. You know you have stretched even the boundaries of fiction when you cast Ellen Barkin as an opera singer. ::) While her voice was a wee bit softer in this early role of hers you still can't miss the huskiness of it which all but necessitated a voice over during the singing scenes.
Classic case of been there done that. Even for 1992 Nicholson sure does look old and tired. (http://www.kinkycyborg.com/forum/images/smilies/PDT_old.gif)
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 17, 2011, 06:00:42 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097360289343f.jpg)
Title:Island In the Sky (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1953
Director: William A. Wellman
Rating: NR
Length: 110 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English
Stars:
John Wayne
Lloyd Nolan
Walter Abel
James Arness
Andy Devine
Plot:
The frozen, unforgiving terrain of subarctic Canada is the setting as screen giant JOHN WAYNE heads an all-star cast in this meticulously restored adventure drama. Set after World War II, Wayne plays Dooley, a former army pilot flying transport missions, who is forced to crash-land his fuel-starved plane on a frozen lake after it strays from its course. A desparate game of survival begins as Dooley and his men confront a meager food supply, limited shelter, inadequate clothing, a primitive emergency radio transmitter and an impending arctic storm. Meanwhile, Dooley's fellow pilots and their crews launch a seemingly overwhelming air search of the bleak, uncharted landscape - grimly realizing that the rescue of the missing men diminishes with each tick of the clock. LLOYD NOLAN, WALTER ABEL, JAMES ARNESS, ANDY DEVINE and HARRY CARRY, JR. also star in this engrossing tale of bravery, hope and survival of the human spirit.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
True story about a transport plane that goes down in the frozen tundra of then uncharted Northern Quebec and the fight for survival of it's 5 crew.
First time watching this and it was a refreshing change of pace for John Wayne in a performance that was rather astonishing in contrast to the roles we are used to seeing him in. The Duke will always be remembered for the confidence and swagger of his many western persona throughout his career but as the Corsair's pilot, Dooley, we see a man clearly showing his fear and despair as he tries to keep the spirits up of his men while waiting for rescue. Next to True Grit, I think this is one of his finest performances.
I could not help but think of this as an earlier, dated version of the movie Alive, both films demonstrating hope that sometimes wavered but was never given up on. The difference between the two films is the men in Island In The Sky showed much more restraint when it came time to eat.... :-\
I spotted Carl Switzer in this, better known as Alfalfa from the little rascals, still covered with freckles and just as sheepishly goofy as he was when he was a kid. :laugh:
Great movie that I highly recommend!
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on April 17, 2011, 09:34:42 AM
I spotted Carl Switzer in this, better known as Alfalfa from the little rascals, still covered with freckles and just as sheepishly goofy as he was when he was a kid. :laugh:That makes me want to see it...
Is Full Frame the proper AR though...? :hmmmm:
Post by: hal9g on April 17, 2011, 04:41:54 PM
Is Full Frame the proper AR though...? :hmmmm:
Unfortunately, yes! However, it is also the OAR. ::)
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 17, 2011, 06:44:23 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 17, 2011, 06:48:53 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192052927f.jpg)
Title:The Dream Team (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1989
Director: Howard Zieff
Rating: PG-13
Length: 112 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Michael Keaton
Christopher Lloyd (1938)
Peter Boyle (1935)
Stephen Furst
Dennis Boutsikaris
Plot:
Michael Keaton heads an all-star cast in this wild and crazy comedy about four mental patients who get separated from their therapist on the way to a baseball game.
Billy (Keaton), a pathological liar with a violent streak, finds himself on the loose in New York City with his fellow group therapy patients: Henry (Christopher Lloyd), a neat freak; Jack (Peter Boyle), a former advertising executive who thinks he's Christ; and Albert (Stephen Furst), a near catatonic couch potato. Faced with the task of rescuing their missing doctor from a pair of crooked cops, the group finds themselves sharing a series of hilarious adventures in this farce The Washington Post calls an "irresistibly nutty buddy movie."
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Comedy about 4 mental patients out on a day pass to go to a Yankees game but never make it as their doctor goes missing.
Not bad, but not great. The movie isn't nearly as good as some of the individual performances. Peter Boyle, who thinks he is Jesus Christ is a hoot! :laugh: Christopher Lloyd was the perfect choice to play the obsessive compulsive neat freak. He was funny but also had a touching moment or two as well. While there was nothing special about Lorraine Bracco's performance she is gorgeous in this early role, the first time I've seen her without the BIG hair.
Michael Keaton headlines this but he was the same as he was in so many of his comedies from the 80's... hyper, outlandish, smart ass and also with BIG hair.
This was ok but if you want to see a better comedy about mental patients gone awry I recommend Crazy People with Dudley Moore. ;)
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on April 17, 2011, 07:05:52 PM
Unfortunately, yes! However, it is also the OAR. ::):hysterical:
Yes, OAR is obviously what I was after.
I was also bummed to discover that this only received a Full Screen release.No need o be bummed here. As Hal pointed out, the film was filmed in 1.37:1, so Full Frame is apparently correct in this case, with nothing getting lost...
Post by: m.cellophane on April 17, 2011, 07:36:40 PM
I was also bummed to discover that this only received a Full Screen release. I do still have some Full Screen movies in my collection that I have slowly been replacing with WS editions but I'm afraid there is no alternative for this movie. :(While 1953 is the beginning of widescreen, there weren't that many that were made that year. I only have 4 (out of 42 1953 films in my collection):
- How to Marry a Millionaire (Marilyn Monroe)
- The Robe (Richard Burton)
- Miss Sadie Thompson (Rita Hayworth)
- Torch Song (Joan Crawford)
All were released in the last quarter of 1953.
Post by: Achim on April 18, 2011, 06:16:22 AM
While 1953 is the beginning of widescreen, there weren't that many that were made that year. I only have 4 (out of 42 1953 films in my collection):Thanks of that James! I had thought it began a year earlier or two...
Post by: Rogmeister on April 18, 2011, 06:30:57 AM
By the way, I don't remember spotting Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer in Island In The Sky...though I did spot Fess Parker!
Post by: hal9g on April 18, 2011, 11:54:13 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 19, 2011, 05:48:06 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 19, 2011, 05:51:53 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51o1MCFX8XL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title:Black Hawk Down (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2001
Director: Ridley Scott
Rating: R
Length: 144 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: Chinese, English, French, Thai
Stars:
Josh Hartnett
Ewan McGregor
Tom Sizemore
Eric Bana
William Fichtner
Plot:
From acclaimed director Ridley Scott (GLADIATOR, HANNIBAL) and renowned producer Jerry Bruckheimer (PEARL HARBOR, ARMAGEDDON) comes a gripping true story about bravery, camaraderie and the complex reality of war. BLACK HAWK DOWN stars an exceptional cast including Josh Hartnett (PEARL HARBOR), Eric Bana (CHOPPER), Ewan McGregor (MOULIN ROUGE), Tom Sizemore (SAVING PRIVATE RYAN), William Fichtner (THE PERFECT STORM), Ewen Bremmer (SNATCH) and Sam Shepard (ALL THE PRETTY HORSES).
In 1993, an elite group of American Rangers and Delta Force soldiers are sent to Somalia on a critical mission to capture a violent warlord whose corrupt regime has lead to starvation of hundreds of thousands of Somalis. When the mission goes quickly and terribly wrong, the men find themselves outnumbered and literally fighting for their lives.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Bluray #4.
Black Hawk Down
Gawd I sure do love my war movies! :thumbup:
When I first watched this movie most of it's relatively young cast were unknowns to me. I had heard of Josh Hartnett and recognized him but lost among all the copycat, jarhead brush cuts were Eric Bana, Ewan McGregor, Ioan Gruffudd & Orlando Bloom who are all household names now. It's easy to spot them during this second viewing and I marveled how I could not have known they were in this great movie! Complimenting them were familiars Sam Shepard, William Fichtner, Zeljko Ivanek (from OZ!), Jeremy Piven and Tom Sizemore who was seemingly born to be in these epic war movies... re: Saving Private Ryan, Pearl Harbor, etc...
Awesome cast!!
This is such an incredible true story of how what was supposed to be a simple in and out mission turns into a horrific fight for survival after one stroke of bad luck triggers a domino effect of deadly events. The credo 'No man gets left behind' is often mentioned in this film and it's that pledge that ultimately leads to an eventual 17 KIAs before it was all said and done as the ticking time bomb, known as the city of Mogadishu, Somalia rains downs on these Rangers and Delta Force units with unchecked hatred... wave after wave.
After about the first 25 minutes this has about the most sustained battles sequences of any war movie I have ever watched, all very intense and often very graphic. I very much like the part where the two snipers drop down to defend the pilot of one of the downed Black Hawks, fending off hundreds of swarming 'skinnies' as they were called, eventually paying the ultimate price. These two soldiers were posthumously given the Medal Of Honor for their bravery... the first that has happened since the Vietnam War.
The output in Bluray was phenomenal. Details are so precisely vivid that you could see the individual grains of sand as shell casings hit the ground in slow mo... and perhaps it's just me but it seems that the motion blur that I noticed when watching my first few blurays seems to have disappeared! I don't know if there is such a thing as 'breaking in' your bluray/HD TV but I'm just not seeing it anymore.
Hooyah!! ;D
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on April 19, 2011, 06:18:20 AM
Interestingly, I had also reviewed Island In The Sky recently.I had a feeling there was another review just recently. I was just too lazy to look it up :bag:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 25, 2011, 05:21:31 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097363409564f.jpg)
Title:Extremeops (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2002
Director: Christian Duguay
Rating: PG-13
Length: 93 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen :1, Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Devon Sawa
Bridgette Wilson
Rupert Graves
Rufus Sewell
Heino Ferch
Plot:
On a remote Austrian mountain, a filmcrew, three daredevil American snowboarders, and a professional downhill skier have gathered to shoot a spectacular stunt for a TV commercial. The stunt is perilous, but an even greater danger soon appears - known terrorists are hiding near the crew's camp. Now the extreme athletes must use their extraordinary skills for their greatest challenge: to stop a terrorist threat...and escape a treacherous mountain with their lives.
Extras:
My Thoughts:
Extreme sports nuts decide to outrun an avalanche on snowboards and skis to film a commercial but accidentally happen upon an exiled war criminal in hiding who now wants them all dead.
Fans of extreme sports will probably love this, but I only found it mildly entertaining. Too many of the stunts looked staged and contrived so it's hard to assess how much is believable. Some great scenery though, both from the landscape and one of the female leads, Bridgette Wilson, aka the wife of tennis star Pete Sampras. ;) Rufus Sewell and Devon Sawa also star.
Definitely produced by fans of this genre of sports as the terrorist plot was quite secondary to all the high speed, dangerous aerials from these adrenaline junkies.
Just ok.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 26, 2011, 04:06:08 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012569722668f.jpg)
Title:The Morning After (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1986
Director: Sidney Lumet
Rating: R
Length: 103 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Jane Fonda
Jeff Bridges
Raul Julia
Diane Salinger
Richard Foronjy
Plot:
Who's the guy lying next to her? How did they meet? All Alex knows is that he's as dead as a toe-tagged John Doe. "He had a heart attack?" Alex's ex asks over the phone. "From a knife in the chest," she retorts.
Two-time Academy Award® winner Jane Fonda earned her seventh Oscar® nomination as Alex, an alcoholic has-been actress cast in the real-life role of Suspect #1. Panicked at facing the police, Alex runs for it... right into the battered convertible of a washed-up former cop (Jeff Bridges). Their uneasy alliance draws them nearer each other and closer to the startling truth behind the murder. Director Sidney Lumet (THE VERDICT) draws strong performances from his leads and an ensemble that includes Raul Julia and Kathy Bates. The murder happened the night before. But the real mystery begins THE MORNING AFTER.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Excellent Sidney Lumet thriller with Jane Fonda at the top of her game as a washed up actress who is now a lush and wakes up next to a dead man in bed. Fonda, a younger, still boyishly looking Jeff Bridges and a favorite actor of mine, Raul Julia all give solid performances.
Fonda, who would have been 49 when this was filmed sure could pull off sexy, even at that age. The scene where Bridges slams her against the wall and she looks up at him, diabolically licking her lips was hot!!
I could see where it was heading as to who the culprit was although I guessed wrong at his reason for doing it. A very satisfying ending.
A few knocks... Fonda's scenes where she was stumbling drunk were a bit too overplayed and the musical score at times seemed too uplifting and happy-go-lucky considering the theme of the movie and the morbid subject matter but those bits can be overlooked when appraising the film as a whole.
Great watch!
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on April 26, 2011, 06:08:46 AM
I could see where it was heading as to who the culprit was although I guessed wrong at his reason for doing it. A very satisfying ending.This came out at a time in the 80s when Whodunit seemed a popular concept :shrug:. There was quite a few films floating around at the time. Jagged Edge (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089360/) being another one with Jeff Bridges in it. Or even in some way No Way Out with Kevin Costner.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on April 27, 2011, 01:58:47 AM
I could see where it was heading as to who the culprit was although I guessed wrong at his reason for doing it. A very satisfying ending.This came out at a time in the 80s when Whodunit seemed a popular concept :shrug:. There was quite a few films floating around at the time. Jagged Edge (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089360/) being another one with Jeff Bridges in it. Or even in some way No Way Out with Kevin Costner.
I haven't watched Jagged Edge in many a year... I'm do for a re-watch. No Way Out had a great unexpected twist at the end. :thumbup:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 02, 2011, 03:54:53 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543403111f.jpg)
Title:Bandidas (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2006
Director: Joachim Roenning, Espen Sandberg
Rating: PG-13
Length: 92 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1, Pan & Scan 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Penélope Cruz
Salma Hayek
Steve Zahn
Dwight Yoakam
Denis Arndt
Plot:
Salma Hayek and Penélope Cruz have never been sexier as they team up for this hilarious, action-packed western! Determined to avenge the deaths of their fathers, Sara Sandoval (Hayek) and Maria Alvarez (Cruz) vow to seize the ill-gotten gains of robber baron Tyler Jackson (Dwight Yoakam). So, with help from a retired bank robber (Sam Shepard) and a jittery criminologist (Steve Zahn), these two beauties become unlikely outlaws, blazing a trail of larceny and laughter across Mexico!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Two Mexican girls, one a spoiled rich girl, the other a tom boy farm girl, decide to rob banks to avenge the violence against their fathers and the plundering of their peoples lands by the money men.
This storyline has been done to death but this time with some interesting twists, them being the female heroines and their nationality, Mexican rather than American. Made for an relatively entertaining western comedy.
For the most part I much prefer Salma Hayek over Penelope Cruz, both as an actress and as a looker but in this movie I preferred Cruz over Hayek in both regards. Cruz was super sexy and had a much more interesting and engaging character. These BFFs always wanted to do a movie together and while it's no High Noon I enjoyed it.
Steve Zahn provides the comic relief as a nerdy crime investigator and Dwight Yoakam, who never gets as much credit as he should for his acting, plays the nefarious front man for the greedy banks.
This movie will appeal to fans of westerns, comedies & gorgeous women. ;)
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 03, 2011, 02:01:01 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/87/872322005199f.jpg)
Title:Amnesia (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1996
Director: Kurt Voss
Rating: R
Length: 88 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: :
Subtitles:
Stars:
Nicholas Walker
Dara Tomanovich
Sally Kirkland
Vincent Berry
Ally Sheedy
Plot:
Paul Keller is a minister who has found himself heavily involved in a illicit affair with his son's teacher. Unable to see an end to his deceptive and sinful path, he concocts a scheme to fake his own death. However, his cunning plan goes awry and he is left with no recollection of himself or his former life.
Ally Sheedy (The Breakfast Club, Short Circuit, War Games) John Savage (The Deer Hunter, Hair, TThe Thin Red Line), and Sally Kirkland (General Hospital, Bruce Almighty, JFK) star in this film about unholy love and the consequences it can bring about.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Save for an inspired performance by Sally Kirkland as a demented Motel owner who holds captive a philandering pastor who has lost his memory, this is a major crapfest. Short, clipped dialogue throughout, and awful performances from Ally Sheedy and John Savage whom you would expect better from.
As the title would recommend, best to 'forget' about this one. :thumbdown:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 05, 2011, 04:08:39 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/013131235692.3f.jpg)
Title:Near Dark (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1987
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Rating: NR
Length: 94 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: DTS: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:
Stars:
Adrian Pasdar
Jenny Wright
Lance Henriksen (1940)
Bill Paxton
Jenette Goldstein
Plot:
In the dusty heart of the American southwest, innocent country boy Caleb Colton (Adrian Pasdar of MYSTERIOUS WAYS) is seduced by a beautiful girl (Jenny Wright) into joining a roving pack of vicious drifters led by the enigmatic Jesse (Lance Henriksen of THE TERMINATOR and ALIENS). But this is no ordinary band of outlaws; Caleb is now trapped in a nightmare of soulless evil that waits in the shadows, hellish mayhem that thrives on blood and absolute horror that begins NEAR DARK.
Bill Paxton (TWISTER) and Jenette Goldstein (ALIENS) co-star in this extraordinary shocker co-written and directed by Kathryn Bigelow (STRANGE DAYS) that Entertainment Weekly calls "ultrastylish, ultraviolent and altogether brilliant." This is more than simply the most ferociously original vampire movie of our generation; NEAR DARK is one of the best horror movies of all time.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Closed Captioned
THX
My Thoughts:
My first time watching this... how embarrassing. :-[
Not my most favorite vampire movie but I think it cracks my top 5.
What makes this movie great is it's simplicity. There is no shape shifting, no elaborate coffins, no lengthy history about how they came to be. These are just bloodthirsty, marauding vampires who are flying by the seat of their pants and despite their obvious strengths & advantages they are very much living life (death!) on the edge.
Lance Henriksen has always been a favorite of mine and it's great to see him in a meaningful role of yesteryear as he has now pretty much evolved into a STV (Straight To Video) whore. He is the cynical leader of the pack. Bill Paxton was phenomenal as a monster among monsters, stylish with a sense of humor.
Loved the bar scene as you knew what was coming as soon as they walked in. Reminded me of the restaurant scene in Natural Born Killers where a collection of strangers, victims of wrong place wrong time, wait for their deaths in muted horror and myself as the viewer all pumped up to see how it will play out. :thumbup: I also liked the means for a cure of vampirism, again for how simplistic it was.
Interesting film from Bigelow as this is about as different in content and direction from Hurt Locker as it can possibly be but it presents to us an insightful evolution of a director's work.
Great stuff!
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 06, 2011, 05:23:22 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929105984f.jpg)
Title:Edge of Darkness (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2010
Director: Martin Campbell
Rating: R
Length: 117 Min.
Video: Widescreen :1
Audio:
Subtitles:
Stars:
Mel Gibson
Ray Winstone
Danny Huston
Bojana Novakovic
Shawn Roberts
Plot:
The bullet that killed his daughter was meant for Boston cop Thomas Craven. That's what police brass and Craven himself think, but that's not what the investigation finds. Clue after clue and witness after witness, the search leads him into a shadowy realm where money and political intrigue intersect. If Craven wasn't a target before, he – and anyone linked to his inquiry – now is. Mel Gibson stars in his first screen lead in eight years, making Craven's grief palpable and his quest for payback stone-cold and relentless. Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) directs from a screenplay written by Andrew Bovell and The Departed's William Monahan. Gibson is back, taking us to the edge...and into the sinister darkness.
Extras:
My Thoughts:
Thought I would check out Edge Of Darkness which is Mel Gibson's latest and it has been a long time coming. Mel is violent, profane, abusive, says exactly what's on his mind.... all that and the movie hasn't even started! :laugh:
Jokes aside, in spite of all his troubles in the tabloids, Mel can still act and very much commands presence on screen. He is starting to show the wear and tear of life with stark, craggy features that suited him perfectly for this role as a grieving father who is investigating the murder of his daughter in a nothing to lose fashion.
This was riveting and despite how long Gibson had been out of the game he can still cut the mustard in action/thriller roles. Several WOW moments and constant thrills that hurtle you towards a traumatic ending make this a great watch. Ray Winstone was also great as the dapper 'fixer' whose own ironic dilemma makes his end move so poetic.
Gibson's still got it. I'd love to see more movies out of him. Even more so I'd like to see some more directorial efforts from him. C'mon Mel... get your shit together... :drunk:
KC
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on May 06, 2011, 12:07:10 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 06, 2011, 12:26:09 PM
Not unlike Mel's Payback. Have you seen that? The director's cut is fantastic.
Oh yes... I've seen Payback and loved it. Kris Krisofferson was diabolical in that one. I'll never forget his line 'It's starting to look like roast beef...' as they swung the ball peen hammer again. :o
Post by: Najemikon on May 06, 2011, 09:41:35 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 06, 2011, 10:11:53 PM
Post by: Najemikon on May 07, 2011, 01:46:34 AM
Kristofferson is not in the Director's Cut?! His character had such an integral role in that movie. I'll definitely have to track it down so I can see the difference.
The story goes that Mel disagreed with the direction Brian Helgeland was taking the film and so fired him. Kristofferson and the whole kidnapping plot was introduced to make the film Gibson had wanted. And the result is good, but not what was originally intended.
I think I prefer the Straight Up cut because it's darker and more honest, feels even more like it's straight out of the 70s. This is what I said at the time: http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,597.msg68102.html#msg68102
Post by: Achim on May 07, 2011, 04:18:08 AM
I hate it when actors get to meddle with the Director's vision like that. Especially when, like here, the product doesn't necessarily become better. I believe Edward Norton is infamous for doing that as well...?
Post by: Najemikon on May 07, 2011, 01:11:38 PM
Suffice to say, Gibson was the producer and was paying for a film he didn't think was commercial. And he was probably right to be fair. Also it was he who gave Brian the chance to do his cut.
Post by: Achim on May 07, 2011, 04:59:36 PM
Suffice to say, Gibson was the producer and was paying for a film he didn't think was commercial. And he was probably right to be fair. Also it was he who gave Brian the chance to do his cut.I forgot he was producing too. Fair point.
It's been a while since I watched it (maybe a rematch is in order). I suppose the features may indeed have explained it (assuming they match between R1 and R2 versions).
Post by: Najemikon on May 07, 2011, 05:58:22 PM
Suffice to say, Gibson was the producer and was paying for a film he didn't think was commercial. And he was probably right to be fair. Also it was he who gave Brian the chance to do his cut.I forgot he was producing too. Fair point.
It's been a while since I watched it (maybe a rematch is in order). I suppose the features may indeed have explained it (assuming they match between R1 and R2 versions).
It's the R1 of Straight Up I have! ;D For anyone interested, the Blu includes both cuts, I think, but the extras in this case are a big selling point to me. Gibson's perspective and the emotion of others in particular is great to see.
By the way, Achim, not to detract too far from Kevin's review, have you seen Edge of Darkness?
Post by: Achim on May 07, 2011, 08:36:47 PM
By the way, Achim, not to detract too far from Kevin's review, have you seen Edge of Darkness?No, I haven't. I think I'd catch it on TV if it was on, but I don't consider it a DZvD I want to own.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 08, 2011, 02:47:07 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396018617f.jpg)
Title:Red Water (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2003
Director: Charles Robert Carner
Rating: R
Length: 92 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai
Stars:
Lou Diamond Phillips
Kristy Swanson
Coolio
Jaimz Woolvett
Rob Boltin
Plot:
Dive into this carnivorous adventure when a massive man-eating Bull Shark takes over the quiet waters of the Mississippi.
Nobody knows what or who is leaving behind mangled remains on the banks of a Louisiana River until it is revealed that there is one breed of shark that can live in fresh water - a giant carnivore, stalking the living under the surface.
Now, as workers search the river for a source of natural gas, and criminals are hunting a buried treasure, it is up to a small group of hunters to find and destroy the murderous beast, bent on killing anything that leaves the shore...
Extras:
Scene Access
Bonus Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Jaws this ain't... :slaphead:
A nasty freshwater Bull shark goes on a feeding frenzy in creole country, Louisiana. The ravenous fish had a virtual buffet of tasty tidbits to choose from including tourists, fishermen, criminal treasure hunters and oil prospectors. Pretty predictable fare but at least the shark looked half ways real.
Cast was rounded out by has beens Lou Diamond Phillips, Kristy Swanson (whom much to the shark's delight has packed on a few pounds), and Coolio who desperately needs to be introduced to a hair stylist.
Probably as good as a made for TV shark movie is going to get.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 09, 2011, 01:16:00 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391400028f.jpg)
Title:Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1991
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Rating: PG-13
Length: 144 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Kevin Costner
Morgan Freeman (1937)
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Christian Slater
Alan Rickman
Plot:
Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner triumphs as the legendary Sherwood Forest outlaw leader in this epic adventure bringing a 12th-century medieval world to spectacular screen life. Enhancing the sheer fun of this audience rouser are 12 added minutes of footage not seen in theatres, especially more of the juicy malevolence and sinister background of Robin Hood's archenemy, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman). Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio also star in this lavish production lensed in Britain and France, where historic structures, majestic forests and vividly realistic recreations of Olde England combine to create a world at once ancient and ageless.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Always liked this movie, as this was probably my 5th or 6th viewing now but I found myself being a bit more critical of it this time around.
This came out during Costner's 'vain' period where he felt he would do us all a favor by portraying every figure of historical prominence as he possibly could... Robin Hood, Wyatt Earp, Elliot Ness, Jim Garrison... I found he came across a bit arrogant in all those roles.
Loved Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham... intensely wicked with a dash or smartass in him. He steals scenes. For me this is probably the most fun role of Morgan Freeman's career as the swashbuckling moor Azeem. Had he hit his stride at a much younger age I think Freeman could have been a great action star. Mary Elizabeth Mostrantonio never got as much credit as an actress as she should have. She's great as the Maid Marian and I loved her in The Abyss and Class Action. Unknowns Nick Brimble and Michael McSheen were great as Little John and Friar Tuck respectively. I wouldn't have cared this time around if Christian Slater as Hood's half brother Will Scarlett was left out of the story as I find his character getting annoying.
All in all it's still good entertainment although it seems to be a bit more silly with each viewing. Looking forward to a darker take on this story with Ridley Scott's version, Robin Hood.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on May 10, 2011, 06:19:10 AM
Loved Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham..."...and call off Christmas." is still one of my favorite lines in any movie :laugh:
I rewatched it myself sometime last year and found that it had aged not as good as it could. But as far as non-stop action adventure movies go this is still heaps of fun.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 11, 2011, 03:35:08 AM
Loved Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham..."...and call off Christmas." is still one of my favorite lines in any movie :laugh:
I rewatched it myself sometime last year and found that it had aged not as good as it could. But as far as non-stop action adventure movies go this is still heaps of fun.
I loved that part too. That and... 'At least I didn't use a spoon...' :hysterical:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 11, 2011, 03:48:10 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396226777f.jpg)
Title:Spider-Man 3 (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2007
Director: Sam Raimi
Rating: PG-13
Length: 139 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish, Commentary
Stars:
Tobey Maguire
Kirsten Dunst
James Franco
Thomas Haden Church
Topher Grace
Plot:
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) finally has the girl of his dreams, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), and New York City are in the throes of Spider-mania! But when a strange alien symbiote turns Spider-Man's suit black, his darkest demons come to light - changing Spider-Man inside as well as out. Spider-Man is in for the fight of his life against a lethal mix of villians - the deadly Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), Venom (Topher Grace), and the New Goblin (James Franco) - as well as the enemy within himself.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Gallery
Music Videos
Outtakes/Bloopers
My Thoughts:
Finally got around to watching the 3rd installment and while I didn't dislike the movie it was a bit of a disappointment and by far my least favorite of the trilogy.
The action was great and I was stoked to see Venom introduced into the series but I didn't like the way they handled it. For starters, the meteorite that hits Earth that just happened to be carrying the essence (goo) of Venom was retarded and way too convenient. Then, when Parker is infused with it I liked how it brought out his dark side but they could have done without the macho, Saturday Night Fever persona that it spawned in Parker. Extremely stupid effort to add some comedy in a movie that required none.
Thomas Haden Church was the standout for me in this as Sandman. Was great to see him in a role other than the screwball flakes he usually plays and I thought he handled himself well. Kirsten Dunst was the same in this like in all her other movies.... adequate but always with an air of haughtiness. I've yet to see her in a role where she could convince me of being humble. Her characters always act like they are all that and a bag of chips which I think comes natural to Dunst... just part of who she is off camera. ::)
After seeing this I'm glad they are ending this rendition of Spider-Man and makes me look forward to the announced reboot of the series with all new personnel. Jeebers... how do you reboot/remake something that is only 8 years old?!?! In a lot of ways Hollywood is getting to be very pathetic...
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 21, 2011, 04:42:29 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/096009473297f.jpg)
Title:Memory (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2005
Director: Bennett Davlin
Rating: R
Length: 98 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: DTS: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:
Stars:
Billy Zane
Tricia Helfer
Ann-Margret
Dennis Hopper
Terry Chen
Plot:
Imagine accidentally ingesting a strange powder and being haunted by nightmarish visions—memories of a shadowy predator who abducts young girls. That's what happens to Dr.Taylor Briggs (Billy Zane — BloodRayne, Titanic) when he is exposed to a mysterious drug while lecturing in Brazil. Forced to relive the dark, twisted memories of a killer, Dr. Briggs embarks upon a lone journey to unlock the mystery of a past that is not his own—and find a killer whose horrifying work may not be over...
A mind-bending, psychological thrill-ride, Memory will make you question everything you experience— right up to a surprise twist ending that will rock the very core of your reality. Co-starring Tricia Helfer, Ann-Margret, and Dennis Hopper.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I made two wrong assumptions with this movie. The first being that I thought it was a horror movie, when in fact it was a whodunnit thriller and the second being I thought this would be a crap STV movie, and while it was straight to video it was actually quite good.
Excellent cast with Billy Zane, Ann Margaret, Dennis Hopper & Tricia Helfer who looks so much more gorgeous as a brunette! This deals with the belief that with some help, memories can be passed on to children through aspects of DNA so that they may see things that happened well before they were born. Enter Taylor Briggs (Zane) who starts having disturbing visions that reveal a string of child abductions dating back over 30 years. Slowly he starts connecting the dots, mostly on his own as he finds few who will believe his strange 'second sight' or who will help him.
This was low budget but graced with tense storytelling. The light bulb doesn't go on until minutes before the ending which was great as I love movies that leave you guessing right up to the end. :thumbup:
For a cheapie movie that I picked up for next to nothing, it was an impressive film.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 24, 2011, 02:05:32 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097360661743f.jpg)
Title:The Greatest Show on Earth (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1952
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Rating: NR
Length: 152 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Betty Hutton
Cornel Wilde
Charlton Heston
Dorothy Lamour
Gloria Grahame
Plot:
Step right up for Cecil B. DeMille's spectacular Academy Award®-winning Best Picture* – The Greatest Show On Earth. The master showman brings the thrills, chills and exhilaration of the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus to the screen via an Oscar®-winning story and an all-star cast that includes Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde, Charlton Heston, Dorothy Lamour, Gloria Grahame, James Stewart and Lyle Bettger -- plus a few surprises! It's action, romance, laughs and treachery all under the big top, culminating in an incredible train disaster that threatens the very lives and livelihood of the traveling troupe. Grab a bag of popcorn, take a ringside seat and get ready to experience the excitement and drama of The Greatest Show On Earth!
*Best Picture, 1952; Best Writing, Motion Picture Story, 1952.
Extras:
Scene Access
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This movie doesn't quite live up to it's lofty title but it was a very entertaining watch nonethless. More of a documentary style tribute to the Ringling Barnum & Bailey Circus, you get a fascinating behind the scenes look at the machinations of circus life and the incredible amount of time and effort that went into these big top productions which sadly have given away to indoor performances at arenas & stadiums.
Charlton Heston was good as Brad Braden, leader of the circus and Cornell Wilde was great as trapeze star, The Great Sebastien. I would have taken just about any other female lead over Betty Hutton as Holly, another high flyer. I didn't understand how this woman's character could be the object of both these mens affections as I found her unattractive and annoying, incessantly whining throughout the movie. On the other hand Gloria Grahame as Angel, part of the elephant act, was a complete knockout! ;) James Stewart as Buttons the Clown was good also as a man on the run from the law, hiding in obscurity behind the painted face and goofy clothes. All in all these sidebar stories took a back seat to the goings on of the circus itself.
I spotted Bing Crosby, Bob Hope & Van Johnson as uncredited crowd spectators. I'm sure there are others I missed.
The rest of the cast was filled out with the actual circus performers which brought total authenticity to the acts. The crowd may have been actors but the wonderment on their faces, especially the children would have been as real as can be as I remembered my first trip to a circus as a young boy which was minuscule in comparison to these grand spectacles. The elephant acts were nothing short of majestic! :clap:
A little research revealed that the circus is still going strong, still riding the trains of the eastern seaboard with two parallel tours offering different shows at different times of the year so that people could take in both should they so choose. It's a shame this traveling phenomena doesn't make it's way up into Canada as I would love to take the family to see it.
A great movie to watch where the Circus itself if by far the star of the show.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Antares on May 24, 2011, 02:17:37 AM
A little research revealed that the circus is still going strong, still riding the trains of the eastern seaboard with two parallel tours offering different shows at different times of the year so that people could take in both should they so choose. It's a shame this traveling phenomena doesn't make it's way up into Canada as I would love to take the family to see it.
Sorry to rain on your parade, but...
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 24, 2011, 02:36:31 AM
Post by: Antares on May 24, 2011, 02:41:47 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 24, 2011, 02:58:30 AM
Sorry about that, but people need to know about this shit. Just think what you would feel if you watched someone training a puppy using a ruler with a thumbtack on the end of it. And every time they did something wrong, they hit him with it.
It certainly is awful. You could see the scars from the hook behind their ears.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 29, 2011, 10:49:18 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543060734f.jpg)
Title:How Green Was My Valley (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1941
Director: John Ford
Rating: NR
Length: 118 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Walter Pidgeon
Maureen O'Hara
Anna Lee
Donald Crisp
Roddy McDowall [Master Roddy McDowall]
Plot:
Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Donald Crisp), this "Hollywood milestone" (Halliwell's Film Guide) from producer Darryl F. Zanuck and director John Ford is "one of the finest" pictures ever made (Variety).
Seen through the eyes of a boy (Roddy McDowall), How Green Was My Valley is the inspiring yet heartbreaking story of young parents (Donald Crisp and Sara Allgood) struggling to keep their family together as they endure severe hardship in a small Welsh mining town. Co-starring Maureen O'Hara and Walter Pidgeon, this acclaimed classic captures the sentiments and issues of its time while reminding us of the dreams, struggles and triumphs every family that can touch every family.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Another golden oldie. This time it's the Best Picture winner for 1941, beating out the revered Citizen Kane. I haven't watched Citizen Kane so I can't make a comparison but most who have seen both feel that CK was robbed for the Oscar. That said, I thought How Green Was My Valley a terrific watch!
Some comparisons can be made between this film and Ford's other classic story of family hardship, The Grapes Of Wrath. This time a small Welsh coal mining town sets the stage for a look at the dismal trials and tribulations of a simple but proud family. We see a slow, downward spiral of this family and, in many ways, the entire community as it is beset by changing times, greed, old prejudices and gossip.
The story is told by the youngest brother, played by a 12 year old Roddy McDowell, now grown up, reflecting on his early years. He watches his family, happy and proud at first, gradually splinter as their gloomy prospects take their toll. Some of the young men leave to go to America, some continue to work the mines while their wages are continually cut, tragedy strikes others.
The only sister, played by a very young and beautiful Maureen O'Hara, falls for the town minister (Walter Pidgeon). Their impossible love eventually drives them apart as she would then unwillingly marry into money by way of the mine owner's son. Even in this early role for O'Hara already we can see the fiery disposition she would carry on through so many more films in her career.
They would give O'Hara and Pidgeon top billing for this but the true stars are Donald Crisp (he won Best Supporting Actor) and Anna Lee who greatly reminds me of Jane Darwell in The Grapes Of Wrath. These two play the traditionalist parents who can no longer keep their idealistic flock of children in check. I thought Crisp gave the most dignified performance I have ever seen.
Great movie, though not quite as good as The Grapes Of Wrath.
KC
Rating:
and a half
Post by: Najemikon on May 29, 2011, 11:01:42 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 29, 2011, 11:35:25 PM
Post by: Antares on May 30, 2011, 02:32:29 AM
They would give O'Hara and Pidgeon top billing for this but the true stars are Donald Crisp (he won Best Supporting Actor) and Anna Lee who greatly reminds me of Jane Darwell in The Grapes Of Wrath. These two play the traditionalist parents who can no longer keep their idealistic flock of children in check.
Actually, Anna Lee played a wife of one of the sons killed in mining accident. The mother was played by Sara Allgood.
Post by: Antares on May 30, 2011, 02:37:08 AM
You must look up Citizen Kane, Kevin. I think I saw this film years ago and remember thinking it was good. Kane though is a different matter. Regardless of how much you enjoy it, it was a vital milestone in American cinema. I love it anyway. It's so rich and powerful, I can't believe it wasn't recognised.
Have you ever seen the documentary The Battle Over Citizen Kane (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115634/)? In it, it explains that the moguls were afraid of getting Hearst even madder, so they sabotaged it at the Oscars.
Post by: Najemikon on May 30, 2011, 02:52:31 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on May 30, 2011, 03:31:54 AM
They would give O'Hara and Pidgeon top billing for this but the true stars are Donald Crisp (he won Best Supporting Actor) and Anna Lee who greatly reminds me of Jane Darwell in The Grapes Of Wrath. These two play the traditionalist parents who can no longer keep their idealistic flock of children in check.
Actually, Anna Lee played a wife of one of the sons killed in mining accident. The mother was played by Sara Allgood.
My bad. :-[ I got mixed up when I was extracting names from IMDB. Thanks for the correction.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 06, 2011, 01:07:22 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396101449f.jpg)
Title:Relentless (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1989
Director: William Lustig
Rating: R
Length: 92 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Judd Nelson (1959)
Robert Loggia
Leo Rossi
Meg Foster
Patrick O'Bryan
Plot:
A sadistic serial killer holds Los Angeles in the grip of unspeakable fear in this hard-hitting action-thriller.
Rejected from the police force on psychological grounds, Buck Taylor (Judd Nelson) exacts revenge by committing a string of brutal murders and taunting the LAPD. The only clues are pages torn from a telephone book and victims who appear to have somehow participated in their own deaths. But when a brash rookie detective (Leo Rossi) pairs up with a cynical veteran (Robert Loggia) to track down the killer, the cat-and-mouse game ends in a deadly fight to the finish.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
There are three notable Judd Nelson movies from his career that should be watched. Forget the Brat Pack movies... watch New Jack City, From The Hip, and this movie, Relentless.
Here he plays young Buck Taylor, abused as a child by his domineering cop father who, now grown up, recently has his enrollment to the police academy rejected based on his failed psych evaluation. Already in a frail mental state, his perceived failure causes him to crack and go on a random killing spree in which he makes his victims participate in their own murders.
First time I watched this years ago I said WOW! Serial killer movies are nothing new but I liked the unique twist of Nelson's character forcing his helpless victims to actual hold the instruments of their death all the while cooing softly "C'mon... you can do it. See... it's easy!" Wicked! Nelson nailed the calm, simple demeanor of a man who knows exactly what he is doing which utter confidence as he taunts the police.
Leo Rossi and Robert Loggia are the detectives trying to nail him while trying not to kill each other as they bicker on how to go about it. Meg Foster is in this as Rossi's wife and she has the absolute creepiest eyes I have ever seen. :-\ Combined they make a strong supporting cast.
There were three sequels to this, all starring Leo Rossi and they were all rubbish compared to the original. If you have never seen Relentless I highly recommend it!
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on June 06, 2011, 03:58:38 AM
First time I watched this years ago I said WOW! Serial killer movies are nothing new but I liked the unique twist of Nelson's character forcing his helpless victims to actual hold the instruments of their death all the while cooing softly "C'mon... you can do it. See... it's easy!" Wicked! Nelson nailed the calm, simple demeanor of a man who knows exactly what he is doing which utter confidence as he taunts the police.:o I seemed so original when they did it in Dexter on TV... So this is where that came from.
William Lustig is quite the interesting film maker. I will see if I can find this on DVD.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 06, 2011, 04:29:24 AM
First time I watched this years ago I said WOW! Serial killer movies are nothing new but I liked the unique twist of Nelson's character forcing his helpless victims to actual hold the instruments of their death all the while cooing softly "C'mon... you can do it. See... it's easy!" Wicked! Nelson nailed the calm, simple demeanor of a man who knows exactly what he is doing which utter confidence as he taunts the police.:o I seemed so original when they did it in Dexter on TV... So this is where that came from.
William Lustig is quite the interesting film maker. I will see if I can find this on DVD.
I never really made that connection but you are right... perhaps Relentless did provide some inspiration there. :clap:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 10, 2011, 05:10:07 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396305052f.jpg)
Title:The Human Contract (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Jada Pinkett Smith
Rating: R
Length: 107 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French
Stars:
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jason Clarke
Paz Vega
Idris Elba
Steven Brand
Plot:
Corporate player Julian Wright (Jason Clarke) stands on the verge of the deal of his career. But his life just crossed paths with a woman (Paz Vega) who will turn his world upside down, triggering emotions Julian never knew he had. As he pursues her in a dangerous game of seduction, he is forced to confront his past. Ultimately, Julian must face the dark family secrets that continue to haunt him and his troubled sister (Jada Pinkett Smith). Jada Pinkett Smith makes her directorial debut with this sophisticated, stylish and suspenseful film.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
My Thoughts:
Directorial debut of Jada Pinkett Smith which was much better than I was expecting. The ending left a boatload of unanswered questions but it was compelling to watch throughout. :popcorn:
An arrogant, hotshot corporate prick named Julian, played by an ugly Jason Clarke (he's the spitting image of Quentin Tarantino) after meeting up with a beautiful free spirit named Michael, played by Paz Vega, has his wall of defenses, born of a troubled childhood, slowly begin to disintegrate.
Very slow pace to this film but not in a bad way as the time is used to deftly develop the interesting characters. Some intensely erotic scenes make things interesting as well.
Jason Clarke, despite a face that only a mother could love, is a very intense, good young actor whom I'd like to see more from. Paz Vega is a gorgeous woman but it's unfortunate she has to speak. I've always found her rapid, clipped dialogue rather exasperating and difficult to understand at times although here she does manage to convey a lot of emotion.
Good supporting roles from Idris Elba, Jada Pinkett Smith and Ted Danson along with an excellent musical score make this a surprising good pick up of a movie that I knew little to nothing about. I'd recommend this for a watch.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 17, 2011, 04:09:46 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936209723f.jpg)
Title:Bad Company (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1995
Director: Damian Harris (1958)
Rating: R
Length: 0 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Ellen Barkin
Laurence Fishburne
Frank Langella (1938)
Michael Beach
Gia Carides
Plot:
Dynamic stars and edge-of-your-seat suspense electrify 'Bad Company', the sexy thriller that's charged with red-hot erotic energy! Laurence Fishburne ('What's Love Got to Do With It', 'The Matrix') is Nelson Crowe, a deep-cover CIA operative with a deadly assignment: infiltrate a highly secret industrial espionage firm. Once inside, he teams with Margaret Wells (Ellen Barkin - 'Sea of Love', 'Someone Like You') a master spy and seductive manipulator, in a plot to overthrow the organization's sinister president (Frank Langella - 'Dave'). It's an explosive situation as the dangerous power play leads Crowe and Well into a darkly mysterious web of intrigue - and shocking murder!
Extras:
My Thoughts:
Great movie! Absolutely no loyalties as every one double crosses and is double crossed in turn. Ellen Barkin is a spectacle to watch in this one as she is sexy scary and perpetually horny throughout the film. I also love it in a movie when a seemingly afterthought of a character ends up being a focal point to the plot as was the case here. Laurence Fishburne and Frank Langella are solid and it was good to see David Ogden Stiers again. Wicked ending!!
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 26, 2011, 03:16:07 AM
Hot Fuzz
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025193321824f.jpg)
Title:Hot Fuzz (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2007
Director: Edgar Wright
Rating: R
Length: 121 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital EX: 5.1 (Matrixed 6.1), Spanish: Dolby Digital EX: 5.1 (Matrixed 6.1), French: Dolby Digital EX: 5.1 (Matrixed 6.1), Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Commentary, Trivia
Stars:
Simon Pegg
Martin Freeman
Bill Nighy
Robert Popper
Joe Cornish
Plot:
Get ready for a gut-busting, outrageous comedy from the guys that created Shaun of the Dead. Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is a big-city cop who can't be stopped - but he's making everyone else on the force look bad. When he is reassigned to a small, quiet town, he struggles with this new, seemingly idyllic world and his bumbling partner (Nick Frost). But their dull existence is interrupted by several grisly and suspicious accidents, and the crime-fighting duo turn up the heat and hand out high-octane, car-chasing, gun-fighting, big-city justice in this hilarious hit critics are calling "Outrageous! Uproariously funny!" (Thelma Adams, US WEEKLY).
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Bonus Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Storyboard Comparisons
Outtakes/Bloopers
My Thoughts:
This movie is a personal favorite of my son who has a penchant for adoring truly stupid and ridiculous comedies so I started watching this with a bit of apprehension while trying to keep in mind how much I did enjoy Shaun Of The Dead.
I must give my son credit this time... he picked a winner. :clap: While this doesn't quite ascend to the heights achieved by SOTD it still scores high marks equally for both comedy and action.
Pegg and Frost definitely have chemistry and play well off each other. For me, Frost is the funnier of the two in his clueless, bumbling manner. If they ever produced a UK tribute/rendition of the movie BIG, Frost would be my automatic choice. :thumbup:
Hot Fuzz keeps you involved with some perfectly timed moments of humor, good doses of action and a collection of twisted characters, each of whom come with their own distinctive and quirky traits. Timothy Dalton is in his element as the ever charming villain who could talk his way out of straight jacket. He had fun with this one you could tell.
Much of what you see would be completely implausible but it works anyways, dragging you into the thrill of the moment. Some outrageous scenes of gore might seem a bit excessive but not surprising given director Edgar Wright's other efforts.
Great movie that I shall look to revisit from time to time.
KC
Rating:
and a half.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 26, 2011, 03:20:14 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/783722719121f.jpg)
Title:My Brother The Pig (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1999
Director: Erik Fleming
Rating: PG
Length: 92 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:
Stars:
Nick Fuoco
Scarlett Johansson
Judge Reinhold
Romy Windsor [Romy Walthall]
Eva Mendes [Eva Mendez]
Plot:
Being a teen is tough enough for Kathy Cauldwell (Scarlett Johansson) without having to be the target of her little brother George's constant practical jokes. But life really gets crazy when Dad (Judge Reinhold) and Mom leave for France and George is magically transformed into a pig via some ancient rocks belonging to their nanny Matilda (Eva Mendes). Only Matilda's Mexican Grandmother's voodoo can break the spell, and Kathy, Matilda, George the Pig, and George's friend Freud (Alex D. Linz) take off on a madcap adventure south of the border to find her. But things go from bad to worse when George is pignapped by the local butcher. Now, the race is on for the group to save George from becoming bacon, turn him back into a boy, and get back home before their unsuspecting parents return. "My Brother The Pig" is a funny and heart-warming tale for the whole family.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Adequate family fare that will work for it's intended audience, kids in the 5-12 year old range. Personally I found it a bit boring and my mind kept wandering. A brat of a younger brother gets turned into a pig and the siblings plus the nanny must turn him back before the parents come home from France. ??? Ho hum... The most eye catching feature of this film is a younger Eva Mendes looking as sexy as sexy can be. ;) A cute Scarlett Johansson, 16 years old at the time, already shows us the beauty she will become but man did I find her snotty teenage character annoying. Judge Reinhold makes an appearance as well, goofy looking and clueless as usual.
I'll likely throw this on again for my daughter to watch but once is enough for me.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on June 26, 2011, 03:24:35 AM
Post by: Antares on June 26, 2011, 05:11:08 PM
Hot Fuzz gets better every time I see it. The basic joke of having an all action thriller in a sleepy English village is fantastic!
Just added to my library queue.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 26, 2011, 06:24:47 PM
Hot Fuzz gets better every time I see it. The basic joke of having an all action thriller in a sleepy English village is fantastic!
To find out that a good many of the denizens of said sleepy English village were of an evil inclination was quite splendid as well. :thumbup:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 26, 2011, 06:27:58 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391637523f.jpg)
Title:The Man With Two Brains (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1983
Director: Carl Reiner
Rating: R
Length: 90 Min.
Video: Pan & Scan 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles:
Stars:
Steve Martin (1945)
Kathleen Turner
David Warner
Paul Benedict
Richard Brestoff
Plot:
Anyone who doesn't think Steve Martin is one of the funniest fellows on the planet should have his head examined. As The Man With Two Brains, madman Martin is just the guy to do it, playing Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr, famed originator of zip-lock, screw-top brain surgery. The good doctor pines for his late wife – but slinky siren Dolores Benedict (Kathleen Turner) sashays into his life and changes all that. They're soon married but the truth quickly emerges: Dolores' beauty hides a calculating heart of stone. The situation is hopeless – until another brain specialist's oddball research offers a bizarre ray of hope. Anyone with half a brain will rejoice in the sheer lunacy of this sublimely silly farce, directed and co-written by frequent Martin collaborator Carl Reiner (The Jerk, All of Me).
Extras:
Scene Access
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Been a long time since I've seen this and while some of the funny slapstick moments have held up pretty good an almost equal amount are now pretty stale. Before I began watching this I instantly remembered the scene where the hooker throws open her coat to show Martin her gorgeous body that would be perfect for the brain of his beloved and then she starts to speak... haha! Loved that part! :laugh:
Kathleen Turner sure was a sexy vixen back then and it was rather ironic how this ended with her character looking rather plump as she admits to Martin that she is a compulsive eater. Definitely a harbinger of things to come for Turner.
(http://images.zaazu.com/img/full-full-food-fat-smiley-emoticon-000646-large.gif)
KC
Rating:
Post by: addicted2dvd on June 26, 2011, 07:17:03 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on June 27, 2011, 02:01:29 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/717951000989f.jpg)
Title:Don't Be a Menace to South Central while Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1996
Director: Paris Barclay
Rating: R
Length: 89 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Shawn Wayans
Marlon Wayans
Tracey Cherelle Jones
Chris Spencer
Suli McCullough
Plot:
From the creator of TV's "In Living Color," this outrageous comedy hit had critics and audiences roaring with laughter! From block parties and beepers to high tops and high-powered weapons, it's everything that's funny about growing up in the 'hood... the Wayans Brothers' neighborhood, that is! Marlon, Shawn (both from TV's "The Wayans Brothers") and Keenen Ivory Wayans (A Low Down Dirty Shame, TV's "In Living Color") get together and deliver a series of hilarious situations that all move to a hot hit soundtrack! Get ready for a good time, because there are plenty of laughs in this neighborhood!
Extras:
Scene Access
My Thoughts:
Yes... the title is reflective of the movie... stupid, too long and fails to make any sense.
A perfect example of why the Wayan brothers need to vacate Hollywood. Supposed to be a parody of black gang movies but it was just a collection of one stupid scene after another that barely resemble the movies they are supposed to spoof.
What a waste of time.
KC
Edit : Just in keeping with the theme of stupid and outrageous I just noticed that this movie scores a 6.2 on IMDB which asks the question... what the hell is wrong with people?!? :shrug:
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 02, 2011, 04:53:16 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192037122.3f.jpg)
Title:Robin Hood (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2010
Director: Ridley Scott
Rating: 14A
Length: 156 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Audio Descriptive: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Russell Crowe
Cate Blanchett
Max von Sydow
William Hurt
Mark Strong
Plot:
Academy Award® winner† Russell Crowe and visionary director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) reunite for the untold story of the man behind the legend. In an age of oppression and shameless tyranny, an outlaw becomes the unlikely hero that saves a nation and inspires generations to fight for freedom. In this thrilling action adventure, "Russell Crow and Ridley Scott are at their most entertaining since Gladiator" (Dan Jolin, Empire UK). Also starring Academy Award® winner† Cate Blanchett.
†Russell Crow: 2000 Best Actor, Gladiator. Cate Blanchett, 2004 Best Supporting Actress, The Aviator.
Extras:
Scene Access
Bonus Trailers
My Thoughts:
Not your typical telling of the Robin Hood legend as the events in this version all take place before he became an outlaw. It more so had to do with his time with King Richard 'The Lionheart' and his crusade followed by the subsequent treachery between the countries of England & France as they wrestled for power.
I enjoyed this movie for the action, excellent battle scenes and overall production values despite how vastly different this is when compared to other Robin Hood movies. There were by no means any merry men to be found and while familiar names Friar Tuck, Little John and Will Scarlett were there they had little to contribute to the unfolding events. Only Little John was somewhat distinctive given his massive size and the monstrous poleaxe he wielded in battle. Even the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham had all of about 2 minutes of screen time.
The more I think about it I think another reason I like this so much is because it is so different from every other version. Russell Crowe portrays Robin Longstride as a brooding, cynical man who only gets his back up when the injustice he bears witness to becomes so intolerable that his anger leads him to take up arms. This is a far cry from Kevin Costner's turn, ever optimistic, rah rah GO TEAM! personage in Prince Of Thieves.
I shall enjoy future viewings of this.
KC
Rating:
Post by: goodguy on July 02, 2011, 05:23:44 AM
(http://i2.listal.com/image/2011060/500full.jpg)
Post by: Dragonfire on July 03, 2011, 09:01:10 AM
Post by: goodguy on July 03, 2011, 10:03:44 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 08, 2011, 03:10:33 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543377726.3f.jpg)
Title:Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2006
Director: Carlos Saldanha
Rating: PG
Length: 91 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Ray Romano
John Leguizamo
Denis Leary
Seann William Scott
Josh Peck
Plot:
'Your favorite sub-zero heroes are back' for another incredible adventure in the super-cool sequel to the global hit 'Ice Age!' The action heats up - and so does the temperature - for 'Manny, Sid, Diego and Scrat'. Trying to escape the valley to avoid a flood of trouble, the comical creatures embark on a hilarious journey across the thawing landscape and meet Ellie, a female woolly mammoth who melts Manny's heart. With its all-star voice cast, including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary and Queen Latifah, 'Ice Age The Meltdown' is laugh-out-loud fun for the whole family!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Interactive Games
Multi-angle
Outtakes/Bloopers
DVD-ROM Content
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I continue to marvel at how entertaining full length animated features are these days. Part of it is the cutting edge technology that goes into animation but it's mostly because the writers for these so called 'kids movies' are comic genius.
This movie is one of those cases where the visuals are meant to entertain the young ones while the dialogue is largely targeting the adult audience. Knowing the stars behind the voices, in this case Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Dennis Leary & Queen Latifah, add to the humor as you can picture them getting into their roles.
Scrat, and his never ending quest to acquire the holiest of holy grails, an elusive acorn, is by far the star of the show despite his quest being irrelevant the the central story. Loved the scene where he does battle with the prehistoric piranhas. :laugh: The part with all the mini-sloths worshiping Sid before they throw him into a volcano was a knee slapper too.
I watched this today while home sick from work so my daughter missed out but I will gladly sit and watch it again with her as this kind of well done family movie never gets boring.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 08, 2011, 03:15:24 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/79/794043106835f.jpg)
Title:Martian Child (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2007
Director: Menno Meyjes
Rating: PG
Length: 106 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
John Cusack
Bobby Coleman
Amanda Peet
Sophie Okonedo
Joan Cusack
Plot:
John Cusack stars in this “inspirational and uplifting journey” (Cynthia Wickenkamp, Starz Entertainment) as a lonely science-fiction writer who adopts a boy who claims to be from Mars. With the help of his quirky friend (Amanda Peet) and his sister (Joan Cusack), this new father discovers that being a parent means anything is possible.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
DVD-ROM Content
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Pretty predictable but I liked it very much nonetheless. Hard not to like those heart felt movies with happy endings.
John Cusack plays a widower who tries to fill the void in his life by going through the process of adopting a troubled young boy who thinks he is a Martian. The boy, played by an inspiring Bobby Coleman, uses his made up fantasy world as a coping mechanism in trying to understand why his parents disappeared.
The ups and downs of their relationship are often comical, sometimes frustrating and at times very sad. This movie does very much convey the message of never giving up.
Amanda Peet is the most amazing, beautiful woman on the planet as although she hasn't been told yet, she needs to be with me. :-[
Much deeper than one would expect at first glance and a great movie for a lazy afternoon.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 09, 2011, 06:13:18 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543575184f.jpg)
Title:S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director: Chris Fisher
Rating: PG-13
Length: 103 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Daveigh Chase
Briana Evigan
James Lafferty
Ed Westwick
Walter Platz
Plot:
Daveigh Chase (Donnie Darko, The Ring) stars in the riveting follow-up to the smash cult hit Donnie Darko! Co-starring Ed Westwick (TV's Gossip Girl) and Briana Evigan (Step Up 2: The Streets), this edgy and intriguing psychological thriller takes you through the wormhole into a world where time means nothing and the end is near!
Seven years after her brother's death, Samantha Darko (Chase) is on the run...from her shattered home, from her bizarre past, and even from herself past. But when she and her friend Corey (Evigan) are stranded in a desert town, they witness a meteorite crash that fractures time...and begins a countdown to the end of the world. Now Sam must rely on the frightening visions that plague her dreams to overcome her own dark destiny and set time back on course before everything she knows is destroyed!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I was not a huge fan of the original Donnie Darko despite its near cult status. In fact my favorite part of the movie is the haunting song that plays during the final moments leading into the credits, Mad World by Gary Jules. It's also featured during the trailer for The Crazies (remake).
So needless to say I was correct in assuming that I wouldn't care much for this follow up film with a no-name cast. Just way too bizarre for me. It's like a cross between Groundhog Day and Deep Impact with a bit of The Abyss thrown in for good measure only S. Darko has none of the redeeming qualities of any of those films. Don't get me wrong, I'll give a movie kudos for being different and off the beaten track but it has to at least make some sense which this one doesn't. This tries to cash in on the success of the original Darko film by employing some strategic name dropping. 'My brother Donnie' was mentioned as was Roberta Sparrow, the woman who wrote the time travel book. Even the grisly rabbit head makes an appearance but it's all so contrived and meaningless in terms of the story.
Three major things bothered me about this movie. First all the town folk are so casually indifferent to a nasty string of tragic events unfolding among them. Never once did I spot an expression of concern. Second, a menace who was abducting people and killing them, including a small boy, has their identity strongly hinted at, but it's never confirmed before the film ends. Duh... :slaphead: Lastly the meteor storm that is supposed to be the end of all things is pathetically lame as each meteor strikes the earth with a massive explosion and then POOF, up and vanishes like a fart in the wind... no massive hole in the ground, not a blade of grass disturbed. BOOO! HISSS! :thumbdown:
Fingers crossed that this is the last entry to this strange story.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on July 09, 2011, 06:39:49 PM
A couple of comments you made though intrigued me; how the townspeople don't seem to react, how the menace is not revealed and how the meteors don't leave a mark. Considering the remark about "visions" in the synopsis, could it be they were hinting it wasn't real? Like I say, I haven't seen it, but I liked Donnie Darko for being very ambiguous. It was never made absolutely clear if he was nuts, on drugs, having visions, or whatever.
However from what you've said, this does sound awfully contrived. The original was already about the end of the world in a roundabout method, so this feels like a typical dishonest sequel.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 09, 2011, 07:08:44 PM
The original Donnie Darko did keep my interest, carried by a strong cast and bizarre events but I fully expected all things to be explained at the end and I frankly just didn't get it, nor did I expect it to make any more sense with additional viewings. Just simply a case of not my cup of tea. :shrug:
Post by: Najemikon on July 09, 2011, 08:00:04 PM
Post by: samuelrichardscott on July 09, 2011, 09:08:14 PM
I watched Ice Age: The Meltdown yesterday and dug it. Thought the included short was better than the main movie though.
I saw Martian Child July 25th 2009 and my note was:- John Cusack is very good in this but unfortunately the boy who plays the 'martian child' just wasn't a good choice for the role. Decent story if formulaic. 3/5
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 10, 2011, 01:26:47 AM
I love Donnie Darko and think it's one of the best films of the last ten years. I watched it with several friends at the cinema and we all had different ideas about what had actually happened, discussed it in detail and went and watched it again the next night and had different opinions on what had happened on that viewing. Director's Cut spoilt it in my opinion and I haven't seen S. Darko yet.
Perhaps a second viewing is in order to see if I can achieve some enlightenment. Ironically I just picked up the Bluray for Donnie Darko, not so much because I really wanted it but at the $5 used price tag it seemed too good of a deal to pass up.
I saw Martian Child July 25th 2009 and my note was:- John Cusack is very good in this but unfortunately the boy who plays the 'martian child' just wasn't a good choice for the role. Decent story if formulaic. 3/5
I thought the young actor Bobby Coleman did pretty good. He may have appeared a bit robotic but I think that was the point early in his role as he had pretty much cut off his emotions but as his character opens up later in the film so does the scope of his performance.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 10, 2011, 01:44:18 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/05/057373152607f.jpg)
Title:Sirens (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1994
Director: John Duigan
Rating: NC-17
Length: 94 Min.
Video: Pan & Scan 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:
Stars:
Hugh Grant
Tara Fitzgerald
Sam Neill
Elle MacPherson
Portia De Rossi [Portia De Rossi]
Plot:
A young reverend and his wife are on the way from England to Australia to minister to their flock. The bishop asks him to visit an eccentric artist prone to sexual depiction's and request that he voluntarily withdraw a controversial work call "Crucified Venus" from his show. The minister, who considers himself a progressive, is shocked at the amoral atmosphere surrounding the painter, his wife, and the three models living at his estate. The minister's wife is troubled also, and has to deal with latent sexual urges while trying to remain loyal to her husband.
Extras:
Scene Access
Production Notes
My Thoughts:
Erotic tale about a woman who travels with her husband to meet an eccentric Australian artist who paints nudes much to the chagrin of the Catholic Church of the 1930s. During her stay she discovers her intense sexuality that had lain dormant inside her.
Gratuitous amounts of full frontal nudity, including super model Elle Macpherson but this movie is painfully slow and at times I found myself bored stiff.
I'm sure given his exposure to these beautiful but morally challenged women this must have been Hugh Grant's inspiration to go off some years later in search of prostitutes. :laugh: A very young Portia De Rossi has a line in this movie where she declares 'I am through with men!!' If she only knew!! Sam Neill plays the crackpot artist.
If you are into voyeuristic movies or just plain like looking at boobies you should enjoy this.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on July 10, 2011, 03:37:22 AM
S. Darko is the attempt go cash in a little more with the fans and from what I can see simply retells the story :slaphead:. I am certain it is regarded highly inferior by pretty much everybody.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 11, 2011, 02:01:18 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085391158585f.jpg)
Title:Cahill: United States Marshal (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1973
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Rating: PG
Length: 103 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Stars:
John Wayne
George Kennedy
Gary Grimes
Neville Brand
Clay O'Brien
Plot:
Lawman J.D. Cahill can stand alone against a bad-guy army. But as a widower father, he's on insecure footing raising two sons. Particularly when he suspects his boys are involved in a bank robbery...and two killings.
Filmed on location in the high desert of Durango, New Mexico, this suspensful saga offers a hearty helping of the stoic charisma that made John Wayne a long-time box-office champion. Summer of '42 discovery Gary Grimes — as Cahill's rebellious older son — joins a cast of tough-guy favorites (Neville Brand, Denver Pyle, Harry Carey Jr., and George Kennedy) and such other Hollywood greats as Marie Windsor and Jackie Coogan in a deft blend of trigger-fast action and heroic sentiment.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Enjoyable Duke film which sees his two young boys getting mixed up with a gang of bank robbers led by bad ass George Kennedy.
Good story and some fun along the way. There are so many things to admire about John Wayne. His presence and swagger, his macho confidence and even his style but I've noted from the last couple of his movies that I've watched is that he is can also be a real smartass too! :laugh: Some of his biting quips and insults are classic.
Neville Brand is great as the half-breed tracker Litefoot. He too is very humorous and my oh my what big teeth he has!!
Been a long time since my last view of this but I hope to revisit it sooner rather than later for my next viewing.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 17, 2011, 01:52:17 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/026359265921f.jpg)
Title:Carnivàle: The Complete Second Season (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2005
Director: 1. Los MoscosJeremy Podeswa, 2. Alamogordo, NMJack Bender, 3. Ingram, TXJohn Patterson, 4. Old Cherry Blossom RoadSteve Shill, 5. Creed, OKJeremy Podeswa, 6. The Road to DamascusTucker Gates, 7. Damascus, NEAlan Taylor, 8. Outskirts, Damascus, NETim Hunter, 9. Lincoln Highway, UTRodrigo Garcia, 10. Cheyenne, WYTodd Field, 11. Outside New CanaanDan Lerner, 12. New Canaan, CAScott Winant
Rating: TV-MA
Length: 634 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
1. Los MoscosMichael J. Anderson
Adrienne Barbeau
Clancy Brown
Debra Christofferson
Plot:
As the final war between Good and Evil looms, two powerful avatars divided by fate share one mission. For Ben Hawkins and Brother Justin, the race is on to find the mysterious and elusive Henry Scudder -- and the fate of the world depends on who finds him first.
EPISODES:
1. Los Moscos
2. Alamogordo, NM
3. Ingram, TX
4. Old Cherry Blossom Road
5. Creed, OK
6. The Road to Damascus
7. Damascus, NE
8. Outskirts, Damascus, NE
9. Lincoln Highway, UT
10. Cheyenne, WY
11. Outside New Canaan
12. New Canaan, CA
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Going into Season 2 of Carnivale I was expecting to be disappointed, discovering why it ended after just 2 seasons. I was disappointed... but not because of the show... it was great! I'm just terribly disappointed that it's now over with but left completely wide open with much more story to tell!!
This prompted me to do some Googling which revealed that the first two seasons were only one third of the story arc that was planned but HBO pulled the plug on it for a perceived lack of interest. What makes this somewhat surprising is that I thought only the networks were so heavily influenced and swayed but the fickle audience but I guess HBO looks at ratings as well. Damn pity as this was a great series.
The final episode was climactic with some shocking twists and a favorite character of mine getting bumped off. The closing scene plays like the beginning of a new chapter but there won't be any. Shame on you HBO!!! :redcard:
This doesn't get a perfect score due to the cruel cliffhanger. :thumbdown: However, I did enjoy it thoroughly.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 17, 2011, 06:26:26 PM
(http://img.amazon.ca/images/I/51GOrjEFH-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title:Signs (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2002
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: PG-13
Length: 106 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital EX: 5.1 (Matrixed 6.1), French: Dolby Digital EX: 5.1 (Matrixed 6.1)
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Mel Gibson (1956)
Joaquin Phoenix
Rory Culkin
Abigail Breslin
Cherry Jones
Plot:
From M. Night Shyamalan, the writer/director of The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, comes the story of the Hess family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. One morning they wake up to find a 500-foot crop circle in their backyard.
Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) and his family are told extraterrestrials are responsible for the sign in their field. They watch the news as crop circles are soon found all over the world.
Signs is the emotional story of one family on one farm as they encounter the possibility the world is being invaded.
Extras:
Scene Access
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Gallery
Multi-angle
Storyboard Comparisons
Closed Captioned
THX
Night's First Alien Film
My Thoughts:
Crop circles explained!!
Some view this movie as the beginning of the decline of M. Night Shyamalan's films after his brilliant debut with The Sixth Sense followed by the comic book magic he weaved with Unbreakable. Personally I didn't find Signs to be a let down at all, it likely being my 2nd favorite of his films, a close second behind Sixth Sense. The Village definitely marked a steep drop off in quality for him followed by an equally weak Lady In The Water.
Signs delivers intense suspense and thrills without an overbearing presence of action or violence which is a notable accomplishment in itself. As events unfold and the dawning realization of what this Alien presence could mean sets in, you are ultimately dragged towards the scary conclusion, needing, craving to see what it is knowing full well it might scare the shit out of you. I thought it was masterfully done.
Important questions of faith are raised in this film, centralizing on Mel Gibson's character, a former priest who stopped believing after the death of his wife. He pulled off the square, somewhat naive personality of his character in fine fashion. Joaquin Phoenix as his younger brother is fantastic as he plays a man whose own confidence and beliefs has always been directly been tied to his brother and now seeing his rock in life crumbling, he now finds himself on uneven ground and scared.
Great acting, great story, great eerie atmosphere, great movie.
Rating:
Post by: Najemikon on July 17, 2011, 06:54:09 PM
(click to show/hide)
Film4 here in the UK are showing two of his films on TV next week. The promo advertised Sixth Sense for Friday and The Happening for Saturday, and follows up with an interview with Shyamalan, the "Auteur". Their words.
Post by: Achim on July 17, 2011, 07:26:55 PM
(click to show/hide)
It did show that it was the beginning of the decline. What was next...? The Village (one good act and then falls apart from the second onwards), Lady in the Water and The Happening. :laugh:
I absolutely adore The Sixth Sense (throws dust in my eyes every time) and agree that Unbreakable was a very interesting twist (SPOILER) on the superhero genre.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 17, 2011, 07:29:32 PM
I like Signs and don't think it was the start of the decline. But that's only because Shyamalan's flaws were always there! Signs was the first film that couldn't hide them. When I first saw Unbreakable I thought it was a fantastic twist on the superhero formula and the determination not to use a set-piece or extravagant action was so refreshing. But in Signs there is a scene that reveals he simply can't do action or hold tension within a shot. For me the sequence wherejust doesn't work. They just seem to stare at each other until a near zombified Phoenix finally reacts! That always annoyed me. Still, his films look great and I loved the early glimpses of the creatures.(click to show/hide)
Film4 here in the UK are showing two of his films on TV next week. The promo advertised Sixth Sense for Friday and The Happening for Saturday, and follows up with an interview with Shyamalan, the "Auteur". Their words.
The moment you speak of in your Spoiler tag didn't bother me as it played out more like a Mexican standoff with
(click to show/hide)
I too loved how little you see of the invaders up until that moment which greatly built up the suspense which I think helps set Signs apart from most other Alien type movies where their scary visages are front and center.
Would be curious to hear some of Shyamalan's thoughts of his early movies. I still haven't watched The Happening yet.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 17, 2011, 07:38:03 PM
I like the first two acts of Signs very much, but think that it falls apart in the third.(click to show/hide)
It did show that it was the beginning of the decline. What was next...? The Village (one good act and then falls apart from the second onwards), Lady in the Water and The Happening. :laugh:
I absolutely adore The Sixth Sense (throws dust in my eyes every time) and agree that Unbreakable was a very interesting twist (SPOILER) on the superhero genre.
To speculate on your Spoiler tag I would offer, without of course having hear the aliens side of the story,
(click to show/hide)
Post by: Najemikon on July 17, 2011, 08:59:23 PM
The moment you speak of in your Spoiler tag didn't bother me as it played out more like a Mexican standoff with(click to show/hide)
I too loved how little you see of the invaders up until that moment which greatly built up the suspense which I think helps set Signs apart from most other Alien type movies where their scary visages are front and center.
Would be curious to hear some of Shyamalan's thoughts of his early movies. I still haven't watched The Happening yet.
It wasn't so much why the scene happened, so much as how. A Mexican stand-off should brim with tension, but it seemed to drag.
I like the first two acts of Signs very much, but think that it falls apart in the third.(click to show/hide)
:laugh: At least the
(click to show/hide)
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 18, 2011, 02:10:26 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/717951001627f.jpg)
Title:Holy Man (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1998
Director: Stephen Herek
Rating: PG
Length: 114 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Eddie Murphy
Jeff Goldblum
Kelly Preston
Robert Loggia
Jon Cryer
Plot:
The always hilarious Eddie Murphy (Dr. Dolittle) stars with Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) and Kelly Preston (Jerry Maguire) in a refreshingly funny hit that elevates shopping to a near religious experience! A stressed-out senior executive at the Good Buy home shopping channel, Rick Hayman (Goldblum) is praying for a miracle that will lift the network's lousy ratings and save his job. Then, from out of nowhere, "G" (Murphy) walks into his life! An outrageous, self-styled inspirational guru with a knack for showing up where he isn't exactly wanted, "G" proceeds to wander in front of the cameras 'just long enough' to exude the irrestable star quality that will make him the sales-boosting savior Ricky's network has been looking for! Also featuring a host of well-known celebrities in a sidesplitting series of comic infomercials - you're bound to be another satisfied customer with nothing but praise for Holy Man!
Extras:
Scene Access
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This wasn't bad with some entertaining bits. Eddie Murphy is actual pretty good in this one in an engaging, understated way. Jeff Goldblum on the other hand is quickly becoming my least favorite actor. This guy has like ZERO range. He looks, talks and acts the same way in every movie and now I am starting to notice how much he resembles a Vulcan. (http://www.tdu2online.com/images/smilies/vulcan.gif) Kelly Preston is predictably sexy and gorgeous once again. ;)
Very average, very middle of the road.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Dragonfire on July 18, 2011, 06:46:47 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 23, 2011, 03:48:27 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192851025f.jpg)
Title:Repo Man (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1984
Director: Alex Cox
Rating: R
Length: 92 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Harry Dean Stanton
Emilio Estevez
Tracey Walter
Olivia Barash
Sy Richardson
Plot:
The explosive, action-packed cult classic returns in this all-new special edition. Emilio Estevez and Harry Dean Stanton star as "repo men" who get caught up in a series of bizarre adventures involving G-men, a nuclear scientist, UFO cultists and revolutionaries. Put your seat belt on and enjoy the wild ride in this groundbreaking, punk-rock, sci-fi black comedy with all-new bonus materials!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
My Thoughts:
First time watching this movie which has achieved cult status but count me out as a faithful follower as I thought it was cheesy (not in a good way), ridiculous and unsure of what it wanted to be. I did like how everything was so generic in this seemingly alternate world. I got a good laugh when Estevez started to eat out of the tin can labeled FOOD. :laugh:
Emilio was so young in this movie. Where the hell has he disappeared to? :shrug:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 24, 2011, 01:52:21 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/017078981827f.jpg)
Title:A Boy and His Dog (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1975
Director: L. Q. Jones
Rating: R
Length: 91 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles:
Stars:
Don Johnson (1949)
Susanne Benton
Jason Robards
Tim McIntire
Alvy Moore
Plot:
This classic sci-fi tale follows the exploits of a young man and his telepathic dog as they struggle to survive in a post-atomic wilderness. World War Four has ravaged Earth, and its survivors must battle for food, shelter and companionship in the desert-like wasteland. As Vic and his dog Blood eke out a meager existence foraging for food and fighting gangs of cutthroats, a beautiful young woman lures Vic into a bizarre underground city, where he is to be used against his will to impregnate dozens of young ladies.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Now this is a movie worthy of the cult status it has achieved. :bow:
A post apocalyptic world where the survivors scavenge for food while avoiding the likes of mutants and marauders. Vic, a scavenger himself played by a young Don Johnson does his best to get by with his erstwhile companion Blood, a telepathic dog. Vic finds himself drawn to an underground commune of cult like fanatics called Topeka, led by a pasty Jason Robards and the rest of his evil Committee. They tell Vic they want him to impregnate all of their women which he thinks is a dream come true until he discovers their means of extracting his lusty seed. :laugh:
This is cheesy in all the right ways with a simple plot that is grandly delivered. Thick with ironies, this movie has one of the most memorable endings I've ever seen and having watched this before long ago I almost couldn't wait to get to the end to see it again. :popcorn:
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on July 24, 2011, 03:11:19 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 24, 2011, 03:27:42 PM
This movie pops up every once in a while when cult film safe discussed. I should seek it out and finally see it.Make no mistake, it is low budget and looks cheap but for it's time (1975) it was outrageously provocative and creative. :clap:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 25, 2011, 02:13:53 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192005626f.jpg)
Title:McHale's Navy (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1997
Director: Bryan Spicer
Rating: PG
Length: 109 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: French, Spanish
Stars:
Tom Arnold
Dean Stockwell
Debra Messing
David Alan Grier
Tim Curry
Plot:
Set sail on a hilarious voyage to outrageous adventure as Tom Arnold, Debra Messing, David Alan Grier, Dean Stockwell, Tim Curry and Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine (the original McHale in a madcap cameo appearance) take to the high seas in this laugh-packed, big screen adaptation of the wildly popular 60's television series.
Arnold stars as laid-back retired Naval Lieutenant Commander Quinton McHale, whose days of leisure are jeopardized when his former nemesis Major Vladikov (Curry) unexpectedly surfaces with a scheme that threatens his beloved Caribbean Island base. Returning to uniform, McHale, assisted by Penelope Carpenter (Messing), his lovely, fun-loving First Lieutenant, guides his crazy crew of misfits through a series of madcap maneuvers that has the enemy scrambling for cover and the audience roaring with delight!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Drab comedy made worse by the inclusion of David Alan Grier. I just never got his brand of comedy. Tom Arnold is ok but he's done better. The original McHale, Ernest Borgnine makes an appearance and even the inclusion of Tim Curry does little to improve this.
Much better comedy fare to be found out there. This is one of those watch it and forget about it type of movies.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 27, 2011, 12:04:38 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097368958647f.jpg)
Title:Dexter: The Fourth Season (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director: 1. Living the DreamMarcos Siega, 2. Remains to be SeenBrian Kirk, 3. Blinded by the LightMarcos Siega, 4. Dex Takes a HolidayJohn Dahl, 5. Dirty HarryKaith Gordon, 6. If I Had a HammerRomeo Tirone, 7. Slack TideTim Hunter, 8. Road KillErnest Dickerson, 9. Hungry ManJohn Dahl, 10. Lost BoysKeith Gordon, 11. Hello, Dexter MorganS. J. Clarkson, 12. The GetawaySteve Schill
Rating: NR
Length: 632 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles:
Stars:
1. Living the DreamMichael C. Hall
Julie Benz
Jennifer Carpenter
Desmond Harrington
Plot:
The Fourth Season brings not just one, but two new arrivals - a baby, and The Trinity Killer! The groundbreaking and critically acclaimed original series from Showtime, starring Golden Globe® winner Michael C. Hall, returns on DVD with all 12 thrilling and riveting episodes.
America's favorite serial killer has gone from freewheeling bachelor to responsible husband and doting dad. Maintaining an average-guy facade while satisfying his need to kill has never been easy. But now, with wife and kids in tow, Dexter's got more to lose then ever, as he gets drawn into a deadly game with a killer every bit as dangerous — and conflicted — as he is.
1. Living the Dream
2. Remains to Be Seen
3. Blinded by the Light
4. Dex Takes a Holiday
5. Dirty Harry
6. If I Had a Hammer
7. Slack Tide
8. Road Kill
9. Hungry Man
10. Lost Boys
11. Hello, Dexter Morgan
12. The Getaway
Extras:
My Thoughts:
All I can say is.... Holy-shit-goddam that was good!!! By far the best and most thrilling season so far. And what an ending!
I must spend some time talking about the brilliant acting genius of John Lithgow. The Golden Globe he earned for this role was most deserving. He conveyed such a range of emotional states as the Trinity Killer... in turns calm, family oriented, helpful, then childlike, docile, fearful... and near the end of the series, menacing, haughty, driven... a deadly tactician. In many ways he was far superior to Dexter in their deadly pursuits. I could not help think of his role in the movie Raising Cain while watching this. Always loved his performance in that movie as well.
Dexter is starting to show more emotion with every season and at the end of this season, in the last scene
(click to show/hide)
Speaking of Season 5, which is already in the books, I believe this series is going to end after the conclusion of Season 6. My rationale behind this is how Debra is steadily coming closer to the truth about her brother. Every season she unlocks another secret that inches her closer to the big reveal about Dexter and she is already very close. I've predicted very early in my Dexter experience that his end is going to come at the hands of his sister in one way, shape or form. Combine that with the pending real life divorce of Michael C. Hall & Jennifer Carpenter, there now has to be tension on the set. Unless they kill off Debra I don't see the series going much farther beyond a 6th season.
Not enough screen time for Masuka played by C.S. Lee. He is hilarious and I think he should have his own show. Quinn is turning into another Doakes with his ever growing suspicions of Dexter. You can bet your ass he is going to be all over Dexter in season 5.
Easily one of my top 3 favorite shows on television right now. Looking forward to watching Season 5 which I see includes Julia Stiles and Peter Weller which is a good thing but I have a hard time imagining how it will meet or exceed the success of season 4.
I had the Dexter theme music turned into my ring tone on my new iPhone. I'm officially now an unabashed Dexter fanboi.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on July 27, 2011, 04:17:34 AM
Even you're just speaking your mind there, I do agree that this show should get a proper ending and 6 seasons seems a good time to do so.
Post by: Dragonfire on July 27, 2011, 07:11:55 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 31, 2011, 06:41:20 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543575085f.jpg)
Title:Bride Wars (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director: Gary Winick
Rating: PG
Length: 90 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Kate Hudson
Anne Hathaway
Bryan Greenberg
Chris Pratt
Steve Howey
Plot:
Lifelong best friends Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) have shared a dream since childhood: Each yearns for the perfect June wedding at New York’s famed Plaza Hotel. But when a clerical error puts them both down for nuptials on the same day at the same time, one of them will just have to switch the date, right? As if! More than the bouquet goes flying when these desperate brides-to-be “duke it out” for matrimonial supremacy! Full of fun, fashion and heartwarming moments, Bride Wars “will keep you laughing all the way down the aisle" (Maryland Gazette).
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
My Thoughts:
BFFs Kate Hudson & Anne Hathaway square off against one another when their weddings get double booked at The Plaza Hotel on the same day. Good movie with a predictable finish. The back and forth treachery between the two was quite humorous.
In the battle of the babes Anne Hathaway wins hands down. She is gorgeous! Kate Hudson is nothing to sneeze at either but for me brunette is best. :thumbup:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on July 31, 2011, 06:46:33 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/05/057373212530.3f.jpg)
Title:Kick-Ass (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2010
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Rating: 18A
Length: 118 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital EX: 5.1 (Matrixed 6.1), French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Aaron Johnson
Garrett M. Brown
Clark Duke
Evan Peters
Deborah Twiss
Plot:
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
My Thoughts:
My pick last night and I've been seeing nothing but great reviews for Kick-Ass so it was time to watch it.
Wild comic book action and fantastic characters. I really liked the movie but it's not quite the 5 out of 5 stars I see most people giving it. Probably a 4 and a half for me. I like the idea of ordinary people wanting to fight injustice because they are tired of society turning a blind eye to it but I think I would have liked this even more if it had a bit of a darker, harder edge to it. All of the phony social media hoopla surrounding Kick Ass and the other superheroes made it a bit corny for me.
The young Kick-Ass was likable because his heart was in the right place and he had determination if not any real skills. He kept getting his ass kicked but never bowed out of the game. Luck was probably his greatest asset.
Big Daddy was cool despite the apparent rip off of the Batman image. He delivered justice in brutal, bloody fashion, terminating with extreme prejudice. I'm sorry we won't be seeing any more of him.
The real star of course is Hit Girl. Death never came in such a cute, innocent looking package before. Chloe Moretz plays this young phenom who can kill you a thousand different ways in an acrobatic blink of an eye. Awesome kill sequence as she made her way down the long book lined corridor towards the kingpin. I played it back twice. :thumbup: Loved the rockin' music during that scene and throughout the movie actually.
Will be watching this again soon on Bluray. The success of this along with the closing remarks from Red Mist all but guarantee this is heading to a sequel.
Now, watch this video below and tell me this joker didn't recently watch Kick-Ass. Just a matter of time before he gets the shit beat out of him too... :laugh:
KC
Rating:
and a half
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 01, 2011, 08:29:35 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097363455844f.jpg)
Title:World Trade Center (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2006
Director: Oliver Stone
Rating: PG-13
Length: 128 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Maria Bello
Connor Paolo
Anthony Piccininni
Alexa Gerasimovich
Morgan Flynn
Plot:
From three-time Academy Award® winner Oliver Stone comes this inspiring true story about courage, family and our nation's unyielding spirit. Oscar® winner Nicolas Cage and Michael Peña (Crash) star as John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno, two New York City Port Authority policemen who were trapped in the rubble of September 11, 2001. As McLoughlin and Jimeno bond together in a fight for survival, the events of an unimaginable day unfold through the eyes of the two policemen, their loving wives (Maria Bello and Maggie Gyllenhaal), survivors and rescuers throughout the city.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I need to stop watching these 9/11 movies and documentaries as they never fail to boil up emotions in me. The World Trade Center attacks changed many peoples lives and mine too. I started looking at things differently since that day and I no longer take so many things for granted. While some will say these 9/11 movies were meant to profit from a truly tragic event I don't see it as such. Movies and film help us to not forget these world changing events and we need to remember because some day, some time in the future some despicable bastard will say that this never happened just like there are people today who say the Holocaust never happened. To them I say F@#k You, your ignorance and/or deceitful agendas.
Oliver Stone's story focuses on two Port Authority officers who were trapped in the rubble but were miraculously saved. They very much kept each other alive by talking intimately about their lives and the reasons they had to keep on living. While this is a story of hope and courage I could still not shake off the unbearable weight of the bigger picture and the thousands of lives lost in such a short span of time.
Also inspiring is the courage of the two marines, Karnes & Thomas who needed to do something and went into the smoky and dangerous rubble to look for survivors when no one else would risk it so soon after the towers fell. Sgt. Thomas, an African American was wrongfully portrayed as a white man I later found out as Stone was unable to locate or properly identify him before shooting started.
Nicholas Cage did a sufficient job in this one although I felt his Bronx accent was a bit overdone. Also his gaunt appearance was rather shocking as he must have went on a crash diet to slim down for this role.
There are important lessons to be learned from movies such as this, United 93 and Schindler's List. I will have my kids watch them some day so that they may understand them and perhaps give them some perspective to their carefree lives.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Kathy on August 02, 2011, 04:46:46 PM
I know that VHS tapes eventually get ruined so I just bought a VHS > DVD player so that I could transfer the material to DVDs.
Once I do that and if you are interested, I'll be happy to make you copies too.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 03, 2011, 02:35:54 AM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 06, 2011, 04:26:20 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/77/774212205439f.jpg)
Title:The Hole (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2001
Director: Nick Hamm
Rating: PG-13
Length: 102 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:
Stars:
Thora Birch
Desmond Harrington
Daniel Brocklebank
Laurence Fox
Keira Knightley
Plot:
Four young students, two girls and two boys go missing from an exclusive English private school. After an 18 day search nobody expects to see them alive again, but one of the girls reappears. Liz has survived the ordeal. As she relives the experience of being trapped for two weeks in a dark, underground bunker, it becomes clear that she is so traumatized by what happened that she can’t sort fact from fiction. But what really happened in the hole?
As detectives dig through the bunker, a terrible truth begins to emerge, where each piece of the puzzle threatening to expose the full horror of the actual events; an obsession that became the ultimate nightmare.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Production Notes
My Thoughts:
Slick little British thriller/whodunnit which explores the depths of obsession and the tragic turns it can take.
Four friends escape from dreary school life by partying in an old WWII bunker near the school campus but get accidentally locked in. Or was it an accident? The story unfolds in a series of flashbacks from the only survivor whom you don't know whether to believe or not.
Great cast with Thora Birch, Keira Knightley in an early role along with Desmond Harrington (Quinn from Dexter) and the classy Embeth Davidtz. The conclusion is pretty well mapped out for you but the crafty way in which you get there is neat to watch.
For a low budget movie that has flown under the radar I thought this was pretty good.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on August 06, 2011, 06:02:28 AM
Only concern I have is, that whodunits usually have a low rewatchability. How about here?
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 06, 2011, 12:27:41 PM
Post by: goodguy on August 07, 2011, 02:45:28 AM
I won "The Hole", but not this one :laugh: (I have Joe Dante's film from last year, which hasn't found it's way into the US yet, I believe.)
There is also this one (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0156610/), which recently came to my attention. Haven't seen it yet, but you should be familiar with it for obvious reasons. ;) Here's a clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miXv2yXhl_w).
Post by: Achim on August 07, 2011, 09:36:33 AM
There is also this one (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0156610/), which recently came to my attention. Haven't seen it yet, but you should be familiar with it for obvious reasons. ;) Here's a clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miXv2yXhl_w).I am not familiar with it, but I recognize the beer can on the poster :laugh: Taiwanese movies, especially from that era, tend to be terribly slow and trying to be all arthouse; as even one of my local friends keeps pointing out. The video is funny, but a music clip (apparently a dream sequence) is probably not representative of the movie. However, the photo of the poster is rather interesting, actually. Do you know how to obtain it?
Post by: goodguy on August 07, 2011, 11:37:31 AM
Do you know how to obtain it?
Oops, I hadn't gotten that far. I only put a couple of movies on my watch list for an Asian interlude and didn't expect it to be so difficult to get a hold of them, especially since Tsai Ming-liang is one of the more famous Taiwanese directors of whom even I had heard before.
That's my list btw, prompted by a post on another board:
Dong (TW 1998, Ming-liang Tsai) [The Hole]
Tian bian yi duo yun (TW 2005, Ming-liang Tsai) [The Wayward Cloud]
Yukinojô henge (JP 1963, Kon Ichikawa) [An Actor's Revenge, AKA Revenge of a Kabuki Actor]
Hausu (JP 1977, Nobuhiko Ôbayashi) [House]
The Hole seems to be the only really problematic title, though.
Post by: Achim on August 08, 2011, 06:07:14 AM
I'll see if I find out whether there's a Taiwanese release of The Hole. If there is and it has English subtitles, I'll let you know.
EDIT:
Well, that was faster than I thought. I found a Taiwanese DVD release here (http://dvd.jsdvd.com/product_info.php?products_id=6242). As you can see, no English subtitles :(. If it helps your further research, here is the entry in the HKMDb (http://hkmdb.com/db/movies/view.mhtml?id=11223&display_set=eng).
Post by: goodguy on August 08, 2011, 12:10:27 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 11, 2011, 04:44:18 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543104148f.jpg)
Title:Le Divorce (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2003
Director: James Ivory
Rating: PG-13
Length: 117 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1, Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Kate Hudson
Jean-Marie Lhomme
Naomi Watts
Esmée Buchet-Deàk
Jean-Jacques Pivert
Plot:
Kate Hudson (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) lights up the screen as Isabel, a film school dropout who jets off to Paris when her pregnant step-sister Roxy (Naomi Watts, Mulholland Drive) is abandoned by her husband. Soon, Isabel has a scandal of her own when she falls for an older man who's related to Roxy's cheating husband! This stylish romantic comedy by the acclaimed Merchant Ivory team (The Remains of the Day) features a top cast, including Stockard Channing, Glenn Close, Matthew Modine and Bebe Newirth.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I thought this was going to be a comedy and it turned out to be a dismal look at betrayal, deception and divorce. With France as the backdrop Kate Hudson rushes to the aid of her sister played by Naomi Watts who was abandoned by her husband for another woman. While trying to be supportive to her sister Hudson also becomes the mistress to an older married man herself.
This was ok but I had a hard time getting into it likely because of the fact that I was setting myself up to watch a comedy. At times it's very slow and plodding and I was wishing for something, anything to happen. Unique role for Watts who I am used to playing strong women but here she is emotionally crippled, desperately hoping she can reconcile with her husband who no longer gives a shit about her. Matthew Modine whom I've always liked as an actor plays the crazed husband of another cheating spouse and I thought it was an embarrassing role for him.
While there were a few thoughtful scenes I was mostly bored with this effort.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 12, 2011, 10:38:20 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/013131307498f.jpg)
Title:The Stone Boy (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1984
Director: Christopher Cain
Rating: PG
Length: 91 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:
Stars:
Robert Duvall
Jason Presson
Glenn Close
Susan Blackstone
Dean Cain
Plot:
One summer morning, 12-year-old Arnold Hillerman and his 17-year-old brother Eugene wake at dawn to pick peas and perhaps shoot a wild duck on their family’s Montana farm. In a nearby pasture, Arnold’s gun fires accidentally. His brother is killed instantly.
Isolated by emotions he can’t comprehend, Arnold (Jason Presson) must now come to terms with his grieving family - including his angry father (Academy Award®-winner Robert Duvall), his frightened mother (Oscar®-nominee Glenn Close), his antagonistic uncle (Oscar®-nominee Frederic Forrest) and his gentle, straight-talking grandfather (Wilford Brimley) - while his family must come to terms with Arnold. Linda Hamilton and Dean Cain co-star in this haunting drama that critic Richard Freedman of Newhouse Newspapers calls "profoundly moving - a magnificently acted tribute to the human spirit!"
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Sad story about a 12 year old boy who while hunting ducks with his older brother has his gun accidentally go off while squeezing through a barb wire fence, killing his sibling. The devastated family then tries to pick up the pieces while inadvertently shunning the young boy due to his apparent inability to show remorse or emotion over his brothers death.
Make no mistake, the young boy is shredded at the death of his brother but a prolonged state of shock keeps his grief well bottled up. Only after running away from his apparently distant family who couldn't even look in him in the eyes anymore did he finally break down and cry in the arms of a stranger (Linda Hamilton) on the bus ride home.
Strong but very subdued performances by Robert Duvall and Glenn Close as the parents who are both heartbroken over the loss of their first born but also baffled and even angry by the detachment of their youngest boy. The always likable Wilford Brimley plays the boys understanding grandfather, who tries to get the boy to open up but never pushes. Brief appearance by a young Dean Cain as the older brother.
It has been many years since I'd seen this but I never forgot the very touching moment when the young boy lets the tears and his anguish flow, which finally gives some closure to the rest of his family.
The Stone Boy is a great movie.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 14, 2011, 02:24:40 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543047698f.jpg)
Title:Mrs. Doubtfire (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1993
Director: Chris Columbus
Rating: PG-13
Length: 125 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.0, English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, French: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Robin Williams (1951)
Sally Field
Pierce Brosnan
Harvey Fierstein
Polly Holliday
Plot:
How far would an ordinary father go to spend more time with his children? Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is no ordinary father, so when he learns his ex-wife (Sally Field) needs a housekeeper, he applies for the job. With the perfect wig, a little makeup and a dress for all occasions, he becomes Mrs. Doubtfire, a devoted British nanny who is hired on the spot. Free to be the "woman" he never knew he could be, the disguised Daniel creates a whole new life with his entire family.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Quite possibly Robin Williams' crowning achievement in comedy and a favorite of mine. The laughs still hold up well even after 17+ years.
Mrs. Doubtfire allowed Williams to showcase all his brilliant comedic strengths. His rapid fire jokes, his wide variety of imitations and mimicry and his wildly animated body language. Despite the obvious showcase of his talent this movie also takes a thoughtful look at the nastiness of divorce and the heartbreak of a broken home.
Some favorite scenes... setting his tits on fire in the kitchen, juggling two dinner dates, one in his Doubtfire getup and his interactions with the lonely and horny old bus driver. :laugh:
Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan and Robert Prosky were all good but were really just set decorations to surround Williams with. Never get tired of watching this.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 14, 2011, 07:17:09 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012569698628f.jpg)
Title:The Cincinnati Kid (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1965
Director: Norman Jewison
Rating: NR
Length: 102 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Steve McQueen (1930)
Edward G. Robinson
Ann-Margret
Karl Malden
Tuesday Weld
Plot:
A few words for anyone who sits at the poker table with the Kid: Read 'em and weep.
Steve McQueen brings his cool fire to the role of the Cincinnati Kid, a small-timer eager to take his chances in high-stakes poker. He gets his chance. Regal, ruthless Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson), the elite gambler called the Man, accepts the Kid's challenge. Norman Jewison (In The Heat Of The Night, Moonstruck) directs this taut exploration of back-room gaming, building suspense with each turn of a card. And Ann-Margaret, Karl Malden, Rip Torn, National Board of Review Best Supporting Actress Award winner Joan Blondell and many more comprise a full house of talent. Grab a chair and ante up.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Absolutely loved this movie! Great story that some would perhaps draw comparisons with The Hustler... and chock full of great performances.
Steve McQueen, one of the coolest actors who ever lived was great, confident and exuberant in his quest to become The Man when it comes to stud poker. McQueen mastered the look of annoyance in his facial expressions and he employs it often in The Cincinnati Kid.
Edward G. Robinson is Lancey Howard who holds the current title of 'The Man', aged, wizened and unflappable. He's seen it all. I thought he gave a grand and dignified performance. Karl Malden plays Shooter, the troubled friend of The Kid and card dealer of the ill-fated final game. He was stellar as well.
I was utterly shocked to see an almost indistinguishable Rip Torn, just a young pup, playing the scoundrel Slade, a heavy trying to lean on Shooter to fix the game. Quite an unseemly role when compared to most of his crazed comedic roles he is mostly known for today.
Finally I've never been a huge fan of Ann-Margaret as I find she is only a marginal actress at best but I have to admit that she is stunningly sexy in this movie as Shooter's temptress wife Melba. She used that coy, inviting smile of hers to full advantage here.
While the movie took the turn I was expecting during the huge game I was surprised to see the movie abruptly end afterward. I was fully expecting a huge comeback in the form of a rematch but instead it ended, which while surprising, it was not disappointing. It concluded with a satisfying lesson in humility.
Five stars!!!
KC
Rating:
Post by: Achim on August 15, 2011, 06:57:20 AM
Steve McQueen, one of the coolest actors who ever lived was great, confident and exuberant in his quest to become The Man when it comes to stud poker. McQueen mastered the look of annoyance in his facial expressions and he employs it often in The Cincinnati Kid.[/quote]
I just watched a documentary about Close Encounters of the Third Kind yesterday (after seeing the film the day before). In it Spielberg revealed that McQueen was actually his first choice for the leading role. McQueen read the script and when they met told the slightly star struck Spielberg that he really liked it, but he won't play it. Spielberg asked why, of course, and McQueen explained that the role required the actor to cry, which was something he couldn't do on set. Spielberg said he could changed, but McQueen said he shouldn't because that was one of the parts he liked the most.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 16, 2011, 05:27:42 AM
Cincinatti Kid has always been greatly admired by me. I never thought about the similarity to The Hustler, a film I like even more...Steve McQueen, one of the coolest actors who ever lived was great, confident and exuberant in his quest to become The Man when it comes to stud poker. McQueen mastered the look of annoyance in his facial expressions and he employs it often in The Cincinnati Kid.
Quote
I just watched a documentary about Close Encounters of the Third Kind yesterday (after seeing the film the day before). In it Spielberg revealed that McQueen was actually his first choice for the leading role. McQueen read the script and when they met told the slightly star struck Spielberg that he really liked it, but he won't play it. Spielberg asked why, of course, and McQueen explained that the role required the actor to cry, which was something he couldn't do on set. Spielberg said he could changed, but McQueen said he shouldn't because that was one of the parts he liked the most.
Now that's a really cool piece of trivia which I was unaware of. Not sure if I could imagine McQueen in that role being fully satisfied with the job that Dreyfuss did but I think it's awesome that Spielberg considered him for it!
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 17, 2011, 02:31:51 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/013131615692f.jpg)
Title:Noise (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Henry Bean
Rating: NR
Length: 88 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio:
Subtitles:
Stars:
Tim Robbins
William Hurt
Bridget Moynahan
William Baldwin
Plot:
Academy Award winner Tim Robbins stars as David Owen, a Manhattan husband and father so unhinged by the noise outside his window that he declares a one-man war on car alarms. But when David goes over the edge and becomes a citywide noise-vigilante known as 'The Rectifier', he incurs the wrath of New York's sleazy blowhard Mayor (a hilarious performance by Oscar winner William Hurt) who vows to stop him. How much damage will one guy inflict for a little peace and quiet?
Extras:
Audio Commentary
Interviews
My Thoughts:
When looking at the cover art and after reading the movie synopsis I was expecting to see something along the lines of Falling Down where the central character snaps and goes on a rampage. While Robbins' as the Noise Vigilante of New York does in fact lose control several times it had more of a comic feel to it. Then the movie tapers off into a political and legal battle which was rather unexpected. I mean it was still pretty good but I think it could have been elevated to much loftier heights.
Robbins is convincing as the man who takes the noise problem into his own hands by brute force. I could certainly relate to this man as I am easily irritated by too much noise myself and have ofter imagined doing many of the things his character does in fact do.
During his quest to implement strict noise ordinance for the city an idiot, asshole Mayor played marvelously by William Hurt stands in his way by using a legal maneuver to have the 'Noise Bill' thrown off the ballot. How Robbins gets around it was both hilarious and ingenious, even if it is only fiction.
His actions of course alienate him from his wife, played by sexy Bridget Moynahan. I realize I'm always needlessly mentioning the gorgeous women in the movies I watch but I can't help myself, horny toad that I am. After watching this, sweet Bridget has cracked my top 5 of hot actresses! :thumbup:
A very good watch for a straight to video flick. My only pet peeve was some cheesy first person narration near the beginning that was completely unnecessary but overall I'd recommend this film for a watch.
KC
Rating:
Post by: Antares on August 17, 2011, 02:38:47 AM
Finally I've never been a huge fan of Ann-Margaret as I find she is only a marginal actress at best but I have to admit that she is stunningly sexy in this movie as Shooter's temptress wife Melba. She used that coy, inviting smile of hers to full advantage here.
Kitten with a Whip!!!
Post by: KinkyCyborg on August 17, 2011, 03:04:09 AM
(http://www.moviegoods.com/Assets/product_images/1020/144106.1020.A.jpg)
Post by: KinkyCyborg on September 05, 2011, 09:22:27 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097360705140f.jpg)
Title:Echelon Conspiracy (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director: Greg Marcks
Rating: PG-13
Length: 105 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Shane West
Edward Burns
Ving Rhames
Jonathan Pryce
Sergey Gubanov
Plot:
When Max Peterson (Shane West) receives a series of mysterious cell phone messages that promise him untold wealth, he soon finds himself the victim of a deadly international plot. Chased by a lethal team of government operatives, Max races across the planet in a desperate attempt to unravel a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the entire world. Edward Burns, Ving Rhames and Martin Sheen co-star in this techno-charged edge-of-your-seat action thriller!
Extras:
Scene Access
Bonus Trailers
My Thoughts:
Good cast and above average action but when watching the trailer for this movie you can't help think it's a poor man's Eagle Eye which ironically was one of the preview trailers on the dvd. Same premise of an unknown entity making mysterious calls to an apparently random victim and pulling their strings.
Again it was entertaining enough but I thought the way the computer geek played a Jedi mind trick on the super computer that became self aware was a little too convenient and cheesy. Almost like it was playing homage to the ending of Wargames. Also the Russian bit at the end made for a muddled conclusion that just raised some unanswered questions.
Good popcorn action but completely bereft of originality.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on September 07, 2011, 01:10:32 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396351264f.jpg)
Title:Youth in Revolt (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2010
Director: Miguel Arteta
Rating: R
Length: 90 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Michael Cera
Portia Doubleday
Jean Smart
Zach Galifianakis
Erik Knudsen
Plot:
Youth in Revolt is a coming-of-age comedy that puts a fresh and outrageous stamp on a tale of adolescent obsession and rebellion. Michael Cera (also of the 2007 Oscar®-winning film Juno, for Best Original Screenplay, and Superbad) stars as Nick Twisp - a unique but affable teen with a taste for the finer things in life, like Sinatra and Fellini - who falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful, free-spirited Sheeni while on a family vacation. With Sheeni's encouragement, Nick abandons his dull, predictable life and develops a rebellious alter ego: Francois. With his ascot, his moustache and his cigarette, Francois will stop at nothing to be with Sheeni, and leads Nick down a path of destruction with unpredictable and uproarious consequences.
Extras:
Audio Commentary
Deleted Scenes
My Thoughts:
Funny comedy that manages to evenly space out the most humorous parts to help sustain the whole movie. Michael Cera is actually very good in an understated way. He slickly serves up sarcasm. Some fun appearances by Justin Long, Steve Buscemi & Ray Liotta but the best LOL moments came from Fred Willard who just isn't in movies enough. No one plays brainless better than him. :laugh:
This won't crack my top 10 comedies but it is well above average.
KC
Rating:
...and a half.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on September 07, 2011, 05:19:36 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396228498f.jpg)
Title:American Crude (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2007
Director: Craig Sheffer
Rating: R
Length: 98 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Portuguese: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Other: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: Chinese, English, French, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai
Stars:
Raymond J. Barry
Amanda Detmer
Michael Clarke Duncan
Jennifer Esposito
Ron Livingston
Plot:
Tonight seemed like a good idea at the time...
Michael Clarke Duncan (School For Scoundrels), Jennifer Esposito (Taxi), Ron Livingston (Office Space) and Rob Schneider (Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo) give hilarious performances in this offbeat comedy!
For years, Johnny (Livingston) has been successfully devising schemes that would help him achieve the American Dream. Until the night he throws a bachelor party for his best friend. Now, before the frantic evening is over, all his best-laid plans comes crashing down as the paths of several highly eccentric characters (including a transsexual prostitute, a runaway virgin, a gorgeous gun-wielding ex-con and a porn king) converge in this seriously twisted comedy where no deed - good or bad - goes unpunished.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Decent cast in a real shitball of a movie. I thought this was going to be a slapstick comedy about a bachelor party gone out of control and it does attempt this but also tries to be a half dozen other things as well. There were a couple of mildly humorous moments but for the most part this was a stupid dud. :thumbdown:
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on September 08, 2011, 04:54:40 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543671992f.jpg)
Title:Predators (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2010
Director: Nimrod Antal
Rating: R
Length: 107 Min.
Video: Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Adrien Brody
Topher Grace
Alice Braga
Walton Goggins
Oleg Taktarov
Plot:
Robert Rodreguez presents Predators, a bold new chapter in the Predator universe. Adrien Brody stars as Royce, a mercenary who reluctantly leads a group of elite warriers in a mysterious mission on an alien planet. Except for a disgraced physician, they are all cold-blooded killers – mercenaries, mobsters, convicts and death squad members – human "predators." But when they begin to be systematically hunted and eliminated by a new predator breed, it becomes clear that suddenly, they are the prey!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I was entertained by great action as one comes to expect from the Predator franchise but really it's just more of the same. I get it already... the Predators love the thrill of the hunt and are always raising the bar in terms of the skills of their prey but from a race of highly skilled, highly intelligent beings with sensational technology there has to be some other story to explore there. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a Predator love story but there has to be some other yarn to spin besides the same old trophy hunting plot.
I have a hard time envisioning Adrien Brody as a badass. I can never quite shake the image of him playing a truly pathetic sap in The Pianist. They should have went with a different lead there. Also I would have enjoyed a more prolonged battle between the Predator & The Yakuza. It was over too fast and was a little too dark to really enjoy.
Overall still quite entertaining although I believe a little re-invention is required in this franchise.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on September 09, 2011, 02:52:12 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097360877441f.jpg)
Title:Death Wish (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1974
Director: Michael Winner
Rating: R
Length: 93 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Olympia Dukakis
Marcia Jean-Kurtz
Charles Bronson
Hope Lange
Vincent Gardenia
Plot:
In this explosive story of revenge and urban violence, Charles Bronson plays Paul Kersey, a bleeding-heart liberal who has a change of opinion after his wife and daughter are violently attacked by a gang of thugs in their apartment. His daughter is raped, and his wife is raped and murdered. Bronson then turns vigilante as he stalks the mean streets of New York on the prowl for muggers, hoodlums and the like. Death Wish is a violent, controversial film that is frank and original in its treatment of urban crime and the average citizen’s helplessness in dealing with it. Herbie Hancock wrote the musical score. And watch for a young Jeff Goldblum in his film debut as one of the thugs.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
The mother of all vigilante movies starring Charles Bronson as the iconic Paul Kersey. This was the movie that I gained my true appreciation for Bronson as an actor. Having now watched this again after so many years I focused more on the character and less on his actions this time around. It was incredible to watch his metamorphosis from a gentle loving husband with liberal views into a fed up terminator of the criminal dregs of New York City. He has a difficult time at first coming to terms with this new dark passenger of his who drives him to lure thugs into arms reach of his bullets but by the end he is quite comfortable with what he has become which of course opened the door for 4 sequels, some good, some not so good.
Some thoughts... the opening beach scene where he frolics with his wife revealed he was in pretty good shape back in 1974 at age 53!
Early role for Christopher Guest and the screen debut of Jeff Goldblum as one of the thugs. He only has a few minutes of screen time and only a couple lines which is just the way I like him! :voodoo:
I'm sure many of people had interesting thoughts running through their heads after watching this movie. The thought of taking matters into your own hands has a lot of appeal and while I don't know if I'd have the gumption to do it myself I certainly don't discourage the idea of ordinary citizens taking out the trash. It would certainly be harder in this day and age to do it without getting caught with so much video surveillance and such these days.
I'll try to take in the sequels in the near future to see how they hold up as I don't remember much about them anymore except for a character in either part 2 or 3 called The Giggler who can outrun anyone all the while laughing while he runs. Turns out he couldn't outrun a bullet! :laugh:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on September 16, 2011, 03:37:16 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192849121f.jpg)
Title:House M.D.: Season One (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2004
Director: 1. PilotBryan Singer, 2. PaternityPeter O'Fallon, 3. Occam's RazorBryan Singer, 4. MaternityNewton Thomas Sigel, 5. Damned If You DoGreg Yaitanes, 6. The Socratic MethodPeter Medak, 7. FidelityBryan Spicer, 8. PoisonGuy Ferland, 9. DNRFrederick K. Keller, 10. HistoriesDaniel Attias, 11. DetoxNelson McCormick, 12. Sports MedicineKeith Gordon, 13. CursedDaniel Sackheim, 14. ControlRandy Zisk, 15. Mob RulesTim Hunter, 16. HeavyFred Gerber, 17. Role ModelPeter O'Fallon, 18. Babies and BathwaterBill Johnson, 19. KidsDeran Sarafian, 20. Love HurtsBryan Spicer, 21. Three StoriesParis Barclay, 22. HoneymoonFrederick King Keller
Rating: NR
Length: 966 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
1. PilotHugh Laurie
Lisa Edelstein
Omar Epps
Robert Sean Leonard
Plot:
Go deeper into the medical mysteries of 'House', TV's most compelling new drama. Hugh Laurie stars as the brilliant but sarcastic Dr. Gregory House, a maverick physician who is devoid of bedside manner. While his behavior can border on antisocial, Dr. House thrives on the challenge of solving the medical puzzles that other doctors give up on. Together with his hand-picked team of young medical experts, he'll do whatever it takes in the race against the clock to solve the case. It's the intriguing new series 'TV Guide's' Matt Roush hails as "...the uncommon cure for the common medical drama."
EPISODES:
1. Pilot
2. Paternity
3. Occam's Razor
4. Maternity
5. Damned If You Do
6. The Socratic Method
7. Fidelity
8. Poison
9. DNR
10. Histories
11. Detox
12. Sports Medicine
13. Cursed
14. Control
15. Mob Rules
16. Heavy
17. Role Model
18. Babies & Bathwater
19. Kids
20. Love Hurts
21. Three Stories
22. Honeymoon
Extras:
Scene Access
Featurettes
My Thoughts:
The wife and I found ourselves faced with the prospect of watching a different television series while we wait for the arrival of Dexter Season 5 on dvd so we decided to start watching House which more than a few of our friends simply beam about. It was a departure of sorts, being the first network TV show we have watched for quite some time as we normally stay within out HBO/Showtime comfort zone.
I must say it was very enjoyable and we hurtled through the first season in no time. We are both usually quite busy and we find it difficult to arrange time to watch our shows together but with House we found ourselves somewhat scheduling our other activities around our evening episode right after dinner.
Hugh Laurie is a marvel worthy of the Golden Globes he has received for his role as the acerbic, sarcastic and miserable Dr. Gregory House. Despite his not so sunny disposition he is a brilliant diagnostic physician with a crack team of young and eager specialists. What makes Laurie's performance even more resplendent is his mastery of Western English as not a hint of his native British tongue can be heard.
The episodes are equally funny, shocking, informative and at times tense and gut wrenching. A concern of mine early in the series was that I wasn't seeing enough character development as each episode played like a story on it's own with no real background. Just past the half way point we start to see some history, particularly from House as the mystery of his bum leg unfolds and we begin to understand the root cause of his bitter nature.
Excellent supporting cast with Lisa Edelstein as hospital administrator Dr. Cuddy who is about the only one who can match House barb for witty barb. Robert Sean Leonard, whose performance in Dead Poet's Society is one of the best acting performances I have ever watched, plays Dr. Wilson, House's sounding board and only real friend. Omar Epps, Jennifer Morrison and Shane Spencer make up the three young doctors of House's diagnostic team. Morrison's Dr. Cameron has a thing for House which should play out more in season 2.
House now finds itself into Season 8 on TV now and I have heard from some of the shows faithful that they are beginning to tire a bit from the series and I can already see why as I think the network executives banked on Laurie's character to sustain the show through thick and thin but I can see it losing it's appeal in the absence of some major developments to the show's core. From what I can tell most of the main characters are still around in season 8. Part of the success and longevity of a show like ER was the ever changing landscape as they were bold enough to either move along or kill off regulars, even the most popular, only to bring in fresh faces with different strengths and stories to tell. Maybe that is the kind of shot in the arm that House now needs.
Looking forward to Season 2 as for us it is still new and we are hungry for more.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 01, 2011, 03:04:45 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097360620443f.jpg)
Title:Roman Holiday (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1953
Director: William Wyler
Rating: NR
Length: 118 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Gregory Peck
Audrey Hepburn
Eddie Albert
Hartley Power
Harcourt Williams
Plot:
Roman Holiday was nominated for ten Academy Awards®, and Audrey Hepburn captured an Oscar® for her portrayal of a modern-day princess rebelling against her royal obligations who explores Rome on her own. She meets Gregory Peck, an American newspaperman who, seeking an exclusive story, pretends ignorance of her true identity. But his plan falters as they fall in love. Eddie Albert contributes to the fun as Peck's carefree cameraman pal. Stylishly directed by William Wyler, this romantic comedy ranks as one of the most enjoyable films of all times.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Likable but predictable story of a Royal princess (of an unknown country that is never mentioned!) who, tired of her sheltered life, runs away to experience everyday normal mundane things as if they were all wonders to behold. The beautiful Audrey Hepburn plays this wild spirit with both parts elegance and fun. While on her sabbatical, she runs into Gregory Peck, a journalist with a small American news agency who quickly deduces who she is but doesn't let on he knows. Instead he decides to show her the wonders of Rome while secretly getting the scoop on her flight from the hierarchy.
It was a cute movie and you'll find no bigger fan of Audrey Hepburn than me but I'm not sure why it received as many accolades as it did and a Best Actress Oscar for Hepburn. Perhaps this story was told for the first time back in 1953 and I've just seen too many more current renditions of that theme. Regardless, the movie was good but did not leave any profound impressions upon me.
Peck, who always seemed to play goody-two-shoes type characters seemed initially to be a deceitful scoundrel in the early goings but predictably he does the right thing at the end to extend his moral virtues.
A good finale which I thought was going to be a fairy tale ending turned out to be a bittersweet parting of ways.
A solid golden oldie!! (http://www.kinkycyborg.com/forum/images/smilies/PDT_old.gif)
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 02, 2011, 03:03:01 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097368955745f.jpg)
Title:The Cry of the Owl (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2009
Director: Jamie Thraves
Rating: R
Length: 100 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles:
Stars:
Paddy Considine
Julia Stiles
Karl Pruner
Phillip MacKenzie
Gordon Rand
Plot:
Obsession, betrayal, suspicion and murder. A young woman (Julia Stiles, The Omen, Passage) finds herself inexplicably attracted to a mysterious stranger (Paddy Considine, The Bourne Ultimatum) who has been stalking her. But when her boyfriend suddenly disappears and her enigmatic stranger becomes the prime suspect, she gets caught in an intense and dangerous game of deadly deception. Based on the novel by suspense master Patricia Highsmith (The Talented Mr. Ripley), this powerful psychological thriller will keep you guessing right up to its mind-blowing conclusion.
Extras:
Scene Access
Bonus Trailers
Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Quirky Canadian made film about obsession and how events can spiral out of control because of it. It was decent with some interesting twists but ended horribly with a huge unanswered question.
A troubled man (Paddy Considine), fresh off a recent divorce begins spying on a woman (Julia Stiles) who turns out to be even more creepy than he is. She quickly turns the tables of obsession on him much to the chagrin of her friends and ex-boyfriend. A confrontation between the two men leads to a disappearance which casts a shadow of suspicion on the peeping tom.
This is quite riveting in parts and begins to get scary in subtle ways. My wife had watched this and said she didn't care for it but I give it more credit for telling a good story and retaining interest without an abundance of action. Again, I would have preferred a more enlightening ending but overall it's a solid, low budget, straight to video drama.
The small town scenery was very familiar and reading the IMDB dossier on the movie I was not surprised to see that some of the filming locations included Pickering, Port Perry and Milton Ontario... all places I have frequented at various times.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 02, 2011, 05:03:24 PM
Again, I won't be able to commit to a full blown horror marathon but I wanted to get in at least one favorite of mine from the genre.
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192028625f.jpg)
Title:The Frighteners (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1996
Director: Peter Jackson (1961)
Rating: R
Length: 110 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Michael J. Fox
Trini Alvarado
Peter Dobson
John Astin
Jeffrey Combs
Plot:
In the sleepy little town of Fairwater, a monstrous evil has awakened... an evil so powerful, its reach extends beyond the grave. Director Peter Jackson and Executive Producer Robert Zemeckis unleash a riveting thriller with the most spectacular special effects this side of the hereafter.
For Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox), death is a great way to make a living: ridding haunted houses of their unwelcome "guests." But he's in cahoots with the very ghosts he promised to evict! It's the perfect scam... until Frank finds himself at the center of a dark mystery. A diabolical spirit is on a murderous rampage... and the whole town believes Frank is behind it.
Boasting music by Danny Elfman, co-starring Trini Alvarado, Jeffrey Combs and John Astin, this supernatural chiller is so fiendishly entertaining, it's scary!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
Film Highlights
My Thoughts:
Fun early film from Peter Jackson before he went on to make films about Hobbits and such. I remember when I first started collecting dvds this is one I wanted bad but had a hell of a time finding it. Was like wrapping my fingers around the Holy Grail when I finally tracked it down.
A man (Michael J. Fox) who can communicate with the dead has his ghostly friends spook people into hiring him for exorcisms. Eventually the spirit of a serial killer from years ago starts claiming victims prompting him to become the unwilling hero.
While there are some fun moments and cameos this is actually quite action packed and intense. Some excellent effects for the time (1996) and hugely memorable characters enhance this horror/action hybrid into near cult classic territory.
Almost forgot Chi McBride was in this as one of Fox's accomplice apparitions. R. Lee Ermey reprises his Gunnery Sergeant persona from Full Metal Jacket to a tee as the cemetery boot camp leader. :laugh: One ironic and sad scene showed Fox being interrogated about the recent murders and as he sits there all emotional and upset his hands shake uncontrollably which as it turns out was a harbinger of his impending fight with Parkinson's Disease. :(
Some might consider this movie silly, even mocking of the horror genre but I find it to be a fun guilty pleasure of mine that I like to revisit from time to time. Time to start hunting this one down on Bluray now! :thumbup:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 02, 2011, 10:13:42 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396149915f.jpg)
Title:Shadow Man (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2006
Director: Michael Keusch
Rating: R
Length: 95 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Steven Seagal
Eva Pope
Imelda Staunton
Vincent Riotta
Michael Elwyn
Plot:
Steven Seagal stars in this pulse-pounding thriller about an ex-C.I.A operative who must unravel a lethal web of international espionage to save his daughter and stop a deadly virus from falling into enemy hands. When rogue operatives within the C.I.A. smuggle a lethal virus out of the U.S. and use ex-intelligence officer Jack Foster (Seagal) as their courier, they have no idea the fury that they’re about to unleash! Unaware of the plot he’s involved in, Jack takes his daughter on a trip to Europe, where she’s kidnapped by a mysterious foreign agent. Now to save her and take down her kidnappers, Jack must blast his way into the shadowy world of international espionage, where enemies lurk at every corner and friends can turn on you in an instant!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
What a certified piece of shit this was. Ridiculous on so many levels starting with the cover art showing a slimmer Seagal with about 12 pounds of jowls missing from his face. What was the point? Did they think I wouldn't notice the difference once I popped in the DVD and started playing the movie?! He's the same porker he's been in the last half dozen or more movies he's been in. (http://www.kinkycyborg.com/forum/images/smilies/PDT_sumo.gif) I can understand he's getting older and putting on weight but don't try to fit that body into the role of an action star! Time to start picking roles that are more suited to your age and physical appearance. I don't understand how he cannot be embarrassed with himself on screen now. He has about one move left that he still does himself... the clothesline. All the other really hard stuff like running and jumping he uses a stunt double. ::) You can't even understand him as he mumbled most of his dialogue.
Enough about Seagal. Let me now slam the movie. His daughter gets abducted by baddies as leverage to recover a biological virus that was hidden among his possessions. Very little made sense throughout the movie including who was on what side and why their guns never emptied of bullets. The only positive I can glean from this fiasco was the presence of British actress Eva Pope who made for some delicious eye candy.
I'm baffled why anyone would even briefly consider investing in the production of such a stupid movie until I saw in the credits that Seagal was a co-producer and then it made sense. His next project should be as a celebrity guest on The Biggest Loser. Seriously....
KC
Rating:
Post by: Jimmy on October 02, 2011, 11:51:20 PM
I can understand he's getting older and putting on weight but don't try to fit that body into the role of an action star! Time to start picking roles that are more suited to your age and physical appearance.I have a good feeling that any other kind of role are out of his acting range :laugh:
Post by: Dragonfire on October 03, 2011, 12:08:12 AM
I can understand he's getting older and putting on weight but don't try to fit that body into the role of an action star! Time to start picking roles that are more suited to your age and physical appearance.I have a good feeling that any other kind of role are out of his acting range :laugh:
:laugh: You're probably on to something there. Oh wait...he could start playing dead bodies in cop shows..he's already got the blank expression down. :laugh:
The bullet thing has bugged me too.. I developed a theory years ago after watching one of Segal's other stinker movies... his characters have special, top secret, self replicating bullets.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 03, 2011, 12:15:21 AM
I can understand he's getting older and putting on weight but don't try to fit that body into the role of an action star! Time to start picking roles that are more suited to your age and physical appearance.I have a good feeling that any other kind of role are out of his acting range :laugh:
So true!
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 03, 2011, 03:20:03 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YW6Nx%2Bf2L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title:Cop Land (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1997
Director: James Mangold
Rating: R
Length: 105 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Sylvester Stallone
Harvey Keitel
Ray Liotta
Robert De Niro (1943)
Peter Berg
Plot:
This tense action-thriller explodes with nonstop excitement and riviting star performances! Syslvester Stallone stars as Freddy Heflin, the sheriff of a place everyone calls "Cop Land" – a small and seemingly peaceful town populated by the big-city police officers he's long admired. Yet something ugly is taking place behing the town's peaceful facade. And when Frddy uncovers a massive, deadly conspiracy among these local residents, he is forced to take action – and make a dangerous choice between protecting his idols...and upholding the law! Robert DeNiro (Heat), Harvey Keitel (Pulp Fiction) and Ray Liotta (GoodFellas) head an incredible cast in this critically acclaimed and unforgettable motion picture!
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Another movie I love to revisit from time to time. Here we get to see Sly Stallone shine amongst many other stars. I'm quite comfortable in saying this was the best performance of his career playing the simple, decent Sheriff of Garrison, NJ, a town filled with cops, many of them dirty. It's because of his simple, naive nature that the corrupt officers never take him seriously and end up going down because of it.
Outstanding cast including Harvey Kietel & Robert Patrick, two of the dirtiest cops, Ray Liotta, friend to Sheriff Heflin but also on the take and Robert DeNiro as the frustrated IA officer trying to bring down the tower of corruption in the NYPD but often handcuffed and completely frustrated by the sheer immenseness of the nefarious network. Michael Rapaport, Annabella Sciorra, Frank Vincent and even Edie Falco in a small role round out the cast.
There is nary a weak performance to be found anywhere in Cop Land but Stallone stands head and shoulders above the rest. His character at times seems unbearably dense and docile but there is a sleeping giant in him that awakens, leaving him disgusted with all the unscrupulous deeds he has turned a blind eye towards from his law enforcement brethren over the years and he decides to take action. From the scene where he leaves the station with Superboy to bring him in only to be ambushed by a trio of baddies, then staggering up the street deaf and stunned, leading right up to the final shootout was one of the best and most compelling segments of film making I have ever watched. Awesome!
As High Def is now becoming the norm for me I find I am less awestruck with each additional Bluray I watch and so nothing picture wise stood out for me. The story of Cop Land is so brilliant and fascinating you would be drawn in even if watching it on a 13 inch B&W tv. That being said I'll stick with my current setup. ;)
A Five Star Movie!!!!!! :clap:
KC
Rating:
Post by: Dragonfire on October 03, 2011, 04:31:17 AM
Post by: Jimmy on October 03, 2011, 05:11:10 AM
I'm quite comfortable in saying this was the best performance of his career playing the simple, decent Sheriff of Garrison, NJ, a town filled with cops, many of them dirty.Try to watch F.I.S.T. he did just after Rocky in 78 he gave quite a performance in this one. He is also not too bad in Capone.
In fact most of the acting works he did before First Blood is excellent (First Blood is his last good role before he became a charicature of himself).
And you're right he is excellent in Cop Land :thumbup:
Post by: Achim on October 03, 2011, 07:07:20 AM
(First Blood is his last good role before he became a charicature of himself).Which is is now caricaturing himself splendidly with The Expendables :laugh:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 16, 2011, 02:50:58 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/65/658149782624f.jpg)
Title:Spanish Judges (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2000
Director: Oz Scott
Rating: R
Length: 99 Min.
Video: Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Vincent D'Onofrio
Matthew Lillard
Valeria Golino
Mark Boone Junior
Tamara Mello
Plot:
Mayhem breaks loose when Jack (Matthew Lillard), a ruthless con man, talks his way into a scam involving Max (Vincent D'Onofrio) and Jamie (Valeria Golino), two professional thieves specializing in stolen antiques. But when the deal goes down in a hail of bullets, Jack begins playing mind-games, determined to pit the two lovers against each other. As loyalties disintegrate and trust is pushed over the edge, Jack's real purpose - to get his hands on the Spanish Judges, a pair of antique dueling pistols worth millions of dollars - becomes clear. But they are hidden somewhere in Max and Jamie's apartment, and only one person will walk out alive.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Another awful, retarded movie with Matthew Lillard, Vincent D'Onofrio and Valerie Golina. The only thing notable was D'Onofrio's apparent attempt to relive his glory days in Full Metal Jacket as his character greatly resembles Pyle from FMJ with both equally having more than a few screws loose.
Pass on this one.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 16, 2011, 02:55:39 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/05/053939673425f.jpg)
Title:Gilligan's Island: The Complete First Season (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1964
Director: 1. Two on a RaftJohn Rich, 2. Home Sweet HutRichard Donner, 3. Voodoo Something to MeJohn Rich, 4. Goodnight Sweet SkipperIda Lupino, 5. Wrongway FeldmanIda Lupino, 6. President GilliganRichard Donner, 7. The Sound of QuackingThomas Montgomery, 8. Goodbye IslandJohn Rich, 9. The Big Gold StrikeStanley Z. Cherry, 10. Waiting for WatubiJack Arnold, 11. Angel on the IslandJack Arnold, 12. Birds Gotta Fly, Fish Gotta TalkRod Amateau, 13. Three Million Dollars More or LessThomas Montgomery, 14. Water Water EverywhereStanley Z. Cherry, 15. So Sorry, My Island NowAlan Crosland, Jr., 16. Plant You Now, Dig You LaterLawrence Dobkin, 17. Little Island, Big GunAbner Biberman, 18. X Marks the SpotJack Arnold, 19. Gilligan Meets Jungle BoyLawrence Dobkin, 20. St. Gilligan and the DragonRichard Donner, 21. Big Man on a Little StickTony Leader, 22. Diamonds Are an Ape's Best FriendJack Arnold, 23. How to Be a HeroTony Leader, 24. The Return of Wrongway FeldmanGene Nelson, 25. The MatchmakerTony Leader, 26. Music Hath CharmsJack Arnold, 27. New Neighbor SamThomas Montgomery, 28. They're Off and RunningJack Arnold, 29. Three to Get ReadyJack Arnold, 30. Forget Me NotJack Arnold, 31. Diogenes, Won't You Please Go Home?Christian Nyby, 32. Physical FatnessGary Nelson, 33. It's MagicJack Arnold, 34. Goodbye Old PaintJack Arnold, 35. My Fair GilliganTony Leader, 36. A Nose by Any Other NameHal Cooper
Rating: NR
Length: 916 Min.
Video: Full Frame 1.33:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Mono
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
1. Two on a RaftBob Denver
Alan Hale, Jr. [Alan Hale]
Jim Backus
Natalie Schafer
Plot:
A three-hour tour? No way! Not when you have all 36 Season-One episodes of Gilligan's Island plus a cargo of DVD extras that include the originally unaired pilot.
The S.S. Minnow first sailed into living rooms on September 26, 1964, and from there steered into legend. Certainly much credit for the show's three-year run and amazing afterlife goes to the remarkable cast whose characters managed to endure life on the island while never losing their comic timing. Bravo to Bob Denver, Alan Hale, Jim Backus, Natalie Schaefer, Tina Louise, Russel Johnson and Dawn Wells. It's a joy to be stranded with them time and again – here on Gilligan's Isle.
EPISODES:
[1] Two on a Raft
[2] Home Sweet Hut
[3] Voodoo Something to Me
[4] Goodnight Sweet Skipper
[5] Wrongway Feldman
[6] President Gilligan
[7] The Sound of Quacking
[8] Goodbye Island
[9] The Big Gold Strike
[10] Waiting for Watubi
[11] Angel on the Island
[12] Birds Gotta Fly, Fish Gotta Talk
[13] Three Million Dollars More or Less
[14] Water Water Everywhere
[15] So Sorry, My Island Now
[16] Plant You Now, Dig You Later
[17] Little Island, Big Gun
[18] X Marks the Spot
[19] Gilligan Meets Jungle Boy
[20] St. Gilligan and the Dragon
[21] Big Man on a Little Stick
[22] Diamonds Are an Ape's Best Friend
[23] How To Be a Hero
[24] The Return of Wrongway Feldman
[25] The Matchmaker
[26] Music Hath Charms
[27] New Neighbor Sam
[28] They're Off and Running
[29] Three to Get Ready
[30] Forget Me Not
[31] Diogenes, Won't You Please Go Home?
[32] Physical Fatness
[33] It's Magic
[34] Goodbye Old Paint
[35] My Fair Gilligan
[36] A Nose by Any Other Name
Extras:
Audio Commentary
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
Unaired Pilot Episode, Trivia, Survival Guide
My Thoughts:
Decided to watch some of TV's golden oldies and where better to start than with everyone's 7 favorite stranded castaways.
Gilligan's Island reruns were a staple in my house growing up and it didn't seem to matter what time it was or whatever else you were doing when it came on, you sat down and watched it. The silly humor has held up well over the years and you can't help but laugh at some of the antics even though you know what's coming in most cases.
Some interesting things about Season 1... it is comprised entirely of Black & White episodes which does change to color somewhere later in it's run, Season 2 I am guessing. The first season's theme song does not mention The Professor or Mary Anne, instead singing '...and the rest...'. I learned that the song was changed at the insistence of Bob Denver (Gilligan) who threatened to leave the show if all cast members didn't get equal recognition. Good for him!
A few favorite episodes from Season 1... the one where they encounter the Japanese soldier who doesn't know the war was over was a riot! The Jungle Boy episode was interesting because the young boy was played by none other than Kurt Russell!!
I can't say that I have a favorite character from Gilligan's Island. I have always admired Alan Hale Jr. (Skipper) and have been actively seeking out some of his early and few movie roles. I was never stuck on Mrs. Howell who is terribly one dimensional and Ginger (Tina Louise) I find annoying with her constant preening and posturing. I know it is supposed to be characterization but they went overboard with her. And while I like Russell Johnson as The Professor I find it preposterous that this pre-Maguyver genius can make a nuclear reactor out of a couple of coconuts if he wanted to but can't build a lousy raft... ::)
Fun stuff... season 2 is out and ready to go!
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 17, 2011, 02:25:02 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/79/796019812818f.jpg)
Title:Wasted (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2006
Director:
Rating: R
Length: 96 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Plot:
Eddie Kaye Thomas '(Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay)', Kip Pardue '(The Wizard of Gore, Thirteen)' and Josh Cooke (TV's 'Big Day' and 'Committed)' star as twenty-something pals circa 1996 who revisit their small-town roots to attend the funeral of their high school friend Bender. The guys spend a wild weekend reminiscing over football, booze and babes while struggling with one buddy's self-destructive lifestyle, another's seemingly perfect life and the other's humiliating insecurities. Hilariously funny yet genuinely thought-provoking, 'Wasted' is a 90's alt-rock reminder that sometimes the hardest part of growin up is having to let go.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Gallery
My Thoughts:
Very good movie about small town life as three friends reunite and reminisce while attending the service and funeral of another good friend who died in an accident. There are no thrilling sub-plots or startling revelations in Wasted. Just a raw look at the every day lives of every day people which I found very compelling.
Kip Pardue and Danny Kaye Thomas headline a group of young actors & actresses who comprise the notables. Thomas' character, with his insecurities & vulnerabilities embodies the theme of teenage/20something angst.
If you get the chance, give this underrated gem a look.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on October 24, 2011, 03:18:59 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/68/687797454096f.jpg)
Title:Across the Tracks (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1991
Director: Sandy Tung
Rating: R
Length: 96 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles:
Stars:
Rick Schroder (1970)
Brad Pitt
Carrie Snodgress
David Anthony Marshall
Thomas Mikal Ford
Plot:
A fast-paced and emotional story of sibling rivalry where a family learns that life is about making choices...and standing by them.
Billy (Rick Schroder) has just returned home from reform school after being implicated in a car theft. His mother is overjoyed that he's home but Billy is now an outsider - especially to his brother Joe (Brad Pitt), a track star in school. When Billy can't find an outlet for his energies, he decides to try out for the track team at a rival high school. Meanwhile Billy's friend Louis tries to lure him into his old ways hoping to involve him in illegal business.
The conflict between the brothers ultimately brings them together as they learn each other's ways and come to respect what they find.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Early film for Pitt which sees him and Ricky Schroder playing estranged brothers who try to rebuild their relationship after Schroder's character comes back from reform school. Their bond quickly grows with track & field being the common interest that brings them together.
This was pretty good for what I was sure must be a made for TV movie until about a half hour in when the profanity started. This was a no budget, moral of the story type flick that gave it a network television kind of feel but upon looking at the IMDB jacket on the film it appears that this was what must be one of the earlier straight-to-video movies... circa 1995.
Regardless, I liked it and I thought Schroder's performance was pretty good in spite of all the praise and hype given to Pitt on the dvd artwork. Carrie Snodgrass plays the mother, probably best known for her role as the miner widow in Pale Rider. I've never cared for this actress as she always plays these holier-than-thou, goody two shoes type characters and comes off as arrogant every time. Even her last name bugs me... Snodgrass. If ever there was a case to take on a stage name this is it. :-\
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on November 06, 2011, 02:05:47 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/014381487527f.jpg)
Title:Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2007
Director: Sidney Lumet
Rating: R
Length: 117 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Ethan Hawke
Albert Finney
Marisa Tomei
Aleksa Palladino
Plot:
Master filmmaker Sidney Lumet (The Verdict, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico) scores big with this absorbing suspense thriller. Oscar®-winner* Philip Seymour Hoffman is Andy, an overextended payroll executive who lures his younger brother, Hank (Ethan Hawke), into a larcenous scheme: the pair will rob a suburban mom-and-pop jewelry store that appears to be the quintessential easy target. The problem is, the store owners are Andy and Hank's real mom and pop, and when the seemingly perfect crime goes awry, the damage sends them hurtling toward a shattering climax.
*Best Actor: Capote, 2005
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
My Thoughts:
This has been a brutally busy and hectic week for me and I've literally gone 8 or 9 days without watching a movie which is unheard of for me but I finally took some time for myself and watched a movie this evening.
Interesting Lumet film about desperate brothers who decide to rob their own parents jewelery store to make some quick cash. What seems foolproof quickly falls apart as they scramble to cover their tracks.
I generally don't care for films that hop back and forth through a time line of events but Lumet makes it work here, often repeating entire scenes from different camera angles which amazingly gives varying vantage points to the unfolding events. While it was easy to telegraph that it was going to end badly for those involved it was still riveting to watch how it would happen.
Great cast with Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke as the brothers who are obviously cut from different cloths. While both major screw-ups in their own right, one is slick and calculating whose confidence is his downfall and the other stupid and naive, blindly trusting his sibling. The delicious Marisa Tomei plays the wife to one and lover to the other brother... she showed me a knockout bod! ;) Albert Finney plays the brothers father whose grief leads him down a dark and unexpected path. Michael Shannon was good also in a brief role as a heavy.
As things start to spin out of control each event proves more shocking than the last. I think Lumet was an underrated master of his craft in telling stories of the human condition. I definitely recommend this one.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on November 15, 2011, 04:27:16 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/79/796019815611f.jpg)
Title:Vice (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Raul Inglis
Rating: R
Length: 98 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: :
Subtitles:
Stars:
Plot:
KILL BILL stars Michael Madsen and Daryl Hannah reunite for this gritty crime thriller. Along with Mykelti Williamson (FORREST GUMP), the pair plays cops who are involved in a drug bust gone wrong. After they discover a large quantity of heroin--which then goes missing--the detectives involved begin dying off, and it appears that there may be a traitor in their midst. VICE marks the directorial debut of screenwriter Raul Inglis.
Extras:
Scene Access
My Thoughts:
Straight to video flick starring Michael Madsen and Darryl Hannah, both of whom must be praying that Tarantino or any other director of note gives them a call. It's really sad to see how so many A-List stars from not that long ago are now nothing more than STV or reality TV fodder. :-\
This wasn't half bad considering the low expectations I went into watching it with. Story about a unit of Vice cops, some dirty, trying to find out who swiped a bunch of drugs from a bust while they gradually get rubbed out one by one. I guessed correctly very early on who the elusive figure was and while the story was nothing original I thought it held up pretty good.
Madsen, who is obviously now a firm believer in quantity over quality, seems to crop up in 1 out of every 4 STV movies and in fact I heard that he has signed on for no less than 28 films for 2011, apparently desperate for cash as he fights money troubles with the IRS. Here's to hoping that someone notable will view him as a reclamation project and give him another chance as happened for the likes of Mickey Rourke & Robert Downy Jr.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on November 15, 2011, 04:31:31 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929033164f.jpg)
Title:Gran Torino (http://www.invelos.com/images/BluRayLogo.png)(http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Clint Eastwood
Rating: R
Length: 116 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Clint Eastwood
Christopher Carley
Bee Vang
Ahney Her
Brian Haley
Plot:
Korean War vet and retired autoworker Walt Kowalski doesn't much like how his life or his neighborhood has turned out. He especially doesn't like the people next door, Hmong immigrants from Southeast Asia. But events force Walt to defend those neighbors against a local gang that feeds on violence and fear. For the first time since Million Dollar Baby, Clint Eastwood works on both sides of the camera, winning the National Board of Review Award as Best Actor for his bone-deep playing of Kowalski, burnished with experience, grace and gravitas into a "prime vintage Eastwood performance" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).
Extras:
Scene Access
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
My Thoughts:
My pick last night and I chose Clint's most recent acting effort, Gran Torino, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even at his advanced aged Clint still has it... a complete ability to capture an audience that when looking closely at it, has really little to do based on his reputation. He took a character, Walt, who is a crotchety old bastard, mean and bigoted but tough as nails and made it believable as he didn't exceed the limits of what an old man could do. Masterful!
What I found remarkable was how I found myself laughing out loud to many parts of this film, more so than any recent comedy I have watched. Mostly at his colorful ethnic jabs to any and all cultures and then later to his gradual acceptance of his Asian neighbors as he soon discovers the benefits of these kind people who mysteriously take a liking to him. While an underlying message of overcoming prejudices of all sorts is to be found I thought there was a good even balance of humor and drama to be had. Again, I knew how this would end thanks to various loudmouths but really I would have seen it coming anyway as old Walt knew his time on earth was fleeting, making his sacrifice poetic, somewhat satisfying and touching.
And oh! How could I not mention that gorgeous car! What a beaut! :thumbup:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on November 21, 2011, 03:44:24 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/06/065935220145f.jpg)
Title:Danny the Dog (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2005
Director: Louis Leterrier
Rating: R
Length: 102 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Jet Li
Morgan Freeman (1937)
Bob Hoskins
Kerry Condon
Vincent Regan
Plot:
Raisedito beia mindless killer,ia man escapes his masterito liveia normal life. But when his master returns, he must returnito his violent ways if he wantsito stay free.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Music Videos
My Thoughts:
Great action with a decent story to go with it. The fight sequences are outstanding! While Li is known more for his martial arts prowess I thought his acting was above average in this one, more from his body language and facial expressions as his Danny character has limited dialogue at first.
Seemed like an odd combination with Jet Li, Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins as three vastly different types of actors you'll likely never find but each performed well in their respective comfort zones. Hoskins in particular was superior as a vicious gangster with colorful vernacular. Always been a big fan of his.
This is a can't miss for action fans.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on November 27, 2011, 05:35:53 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/013131296891f.jpg)
Title:Off Limits (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1988
Director: Christopher Crowe
Rating: R
Length: 102 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles:
Stars:
Willem Dafoe
Gregory Hines
Fred Ward
Amanda Pays
Kay Tong Lim
Plot:
Saigon, 1968: Someone – possible a high-ranking American officer – is brutally murdering Vietnamese prostitutes with children by American fathers, and plainclothes military cops Sgt. Buck McGriff (Academy Award® Nominee – 1987 Best Actor in a Supporting Role – 'Willem Dafoe', PLATOON) and Sgt. Albaby Perkins (Tony Nominee 'Gregory Hines', COTTON CLUB) are put on the case that no one wants solved. But things are never what they seem in the 'Nam, including a novice nun ('Amanda Pays'), a deranged Colonel ('Scott Glenn') and a twisted trail of clues that takes McGriff and Perkins from back alleys to battlefields in search of a serial killer who's ready to make them the next victims. Fighting incredible odds, placed in impossible situations, can they solve the case before they lose their sanity or their lives?
'Fred Ward, Keith David' and 'David Alan Grier' co-star in this explosive action thriller that the 'The Washington Post' calls "LETHAL WEAPON in Vietnam," where everyone is a suspect, anything can be covered up and no crime or place is ever OFF LIMITS.
Extras:
Scene Access
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
My Thoughts:
Tale of a serial killer on the loose in Singapore during the Vietnam War. Prostitutes with G.I. children keep turning up dead and military investigators played by Willem Dafoe & Gregory Hines must track down the killer.
Great movie with an excellent cast! I enjoy thrillers and to give it a military twist is a welcome bonus! Dafoe & Hines play well off each other with Hines at his wild cannon best. Fred Ward and Amanda Pays are also good in supporting roles. David Alan Grier, never a favorite of mine, was bearable in a short but pedestrian role. Look for Scott Glenn in a brief, but memorable appearance as a crazed Colonel which some may view as an off kilter tribute to Apocalypse Now, the classic in which he also had a brief role. His final words and acts here in Off Limits were shocking and riveting.
I guessed early on who the killer was without really knowing why... just seemed to fit.
I had never seen this movie before but I'm quite pleased I have managed to add this out of print beauty to my collection! :thumbup:
KC
Rating:
Post by: Jimmy on November 27, 2011, 08:07:21 PM
Amazon Canada link (http://www.amazon.ca/Gordons-War-Off-Limits/dp/B004RBC5H4/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1322420533&sr=1-1)
Post by: KinkyCyborg on November 27, 2011, 08:25:52 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on December 02, 2011, 02:52:17 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192960024f.jpg)
Title:House M.D.: Season Two (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2005
Director: 1. AcceptanceDaniel Attias [Dan Attias], 2. AutopsyDeran Sarafian, 3. Humpty DumptyDaniel Attias [Dan Attias], 4. TB or Not TBPeter O'Fallon, 5. Daddy's BoyGreg Yaitanes, 6. SpinFred Gerber, 7. HuntingGloria Muzio, 8. The MistakeDavid Semel, 9. DeceptionDeran Sarafian, 10. Failure to CommunicateJace Alexander, 11. Need to KnowDavid Semel, 12. DistractionsDaniel Attias [Dan Attias], 13. Skin DeepJim Hayman, 14. Sex KillsDavid Semel, 15. CluelessDeran Sarafian, 16. SafeFelix Alcala, 17. All InFred Gerber, 18. Sleeping Dogs LieGreg Yaitanes, 19. House vs. GodJohn F. Showalter, 20. Euphoria (Part 1)Deran Sarafian, 21. Euphoria (Part 2)Deran Sarafian, 22. ForeverDaniel Sackheim, 23. Who's Your Daddy?Martha Mitchell, 24. No ReasonDavid Shore
Rating: NR
Length: 1050 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Stars:
1. AcceptanceHugh Laurie
Lisa Edelstein
Omar Epps
Robert Sean Leonard
Plot:
Golden Globe® winner Hugh Laurie is on call as sardonic Dr. Gregory House in Season Two of the smash-hit House, television's most intelligent and provocative drama. This 6-disc collection features all 24 innovative episodes, exclusive bonus materials and some of today's brightest guest stars, including Sela Ward, Ron Livingston, LL Cool J and Cynthia Nixon. Be a part of this medical mystery-solving team as House and his staff take on baffling cases in the gripping show critics are calling "both hilarious and heartbreaking; this could be network TV's best current series." — David Kronke, Los Angeles Daily News.
EPISODES:
1. Acceptance
2. Autopsy
3. Humpty Dumpty
4. TB or Not TB
5. Daddy's Boy
6. Spin
7. Hunting
8. The Mistake
9. Deception
10. Failure to Communicate
11. Need to Know
12. Distractions
13. Skin Deep
14. Sex Kills
15. Clueless
16. Safe
17. All In
18. Sleeping Dogs Lie
19. House vs. God
20. Euphoria (Part 1)
21. Euphoria (Part 2)
22. Forever
23. Who's Your Daddy?
24. No Reason
Extras:
Audio Commentary
Bonus Trailers
Featurettes
Outtakes/Bloopers
Alternate Takes: The Valley Girl Version
My Thoughts:
Breezed through season 2 of House and are still firmly hooked even if each episode seems to follow a similar pattern. I think the major fascination comes from waiting to see what rude but witty comment that will come out of House's mouth next.
We saw out first two part episode which involved one of his team members brushing close with death which I predicted early to my wife was bound to happen eventually. The early seeds of a relationship between House and Cuddy are planted about mid season which I saw from commercials for Season 7 of House which eludes to a full blown romance between the two.
The season finale was an odd episode in which House gets shot by one of his many disgruntled former patients and it was hard to determine how much was real or hallucinations and I'm just hoping the first episode of Season 3 sheds some light on it.
I currently own the first 5 seasons of House and predict we will be through them all in no time. :thumbup:
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on December 04, 2011, 10:07:13 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936192469f.jpg)
Title:Escape to Witch Mountain (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1975
Director: John Hough
Rating: G
Length: 97 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.75:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Eddie Albert
Ray Milland
Donald Pleasence
Kim Richards
Ike Eisenmann
Plot:
A vehicle floats in midair ... a coat rack comes to life and attacks a sheriff ... and wild animals are putty in the hands of Tony and Tia Malone in Disney's thrilling fantasy adventure about the psychic powers of two young orphans.
Their clairvoyance prompts evil millionaire Aristotle Bolt (Ray Milland) to lure them to his mansion to exploit their powers. While escaping, they meet a friendly camper (Eddie Albert) and begin to unravel the mystery of their origin. Soon, all three are fleeing townspeople who have branded the children witches. But then IT happens! Someone with even greater powers takes over and leads the children -- and the audience -- into a dazzling and unexpected experience ... one that is truly out of this world!
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Featurettes
Gallery
Closed Captioned
THX
Cartoon "Pluto's Dream House"
My Thoughts:
Mid 70's Disney tale about two siblings with magical powers being chased by greedy tyrants (Ray Milland and Donald Pleasence) who would like to exploit their powers. A gruff old man (Eddie Albert) picks up the young kids and brings them to Witch Mountain, the place of their origin.
Severely dated and corny but still fun. My daughter watched it with me and was quite excited through some of the chase scenes. The always unflappable Donald Pleasence seemed quite miscast as one of the henchmen hunting down the kids and I attribute that to them just wanting to attach a name to this film.
Interesting to note that the two young kids who played the brother and sister, Ike Eisenmann and Kim Richards both had small roles in the Race To With Mountain remake of 2009!
A simple but refreshing look at an action/adventure movie of yesteryear.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on December 31, 2011, 06:39:46 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/08/085393707323f.jpg)
Title:Masters of the Universe (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 1987
Director: Gary Goddard
Rating: PG
Length: 105 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Stars:
Dolph Lundgren
Frank Langella (1938)
Meg Foster
Billy Barty
Courteney Cox
Plot:
Planet Eternia and the Castle of Greyskull are under threat from the evil Skeletor, who wants to take over the planet. A group of Freedom Fighters led by the heroic He-Man are accidentally transported to Earth by a mysterious Cosmic Key which holds the power to make Skeletor all-powerful. Once on Earth, He-Man joins alliances with two teenagers as they attempt to find the key and return home.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Production Notes
Closed Captioned
Character Profiles
My Thoughts:
Big screen adaptation of the old He-man cartoon I used to watch occasionally after school as a kid. While most of the central characters were re-created for this it was mostly a laughable, cornball movie. ::)
Dolph Lundgren makes for a good likeness of He-Man although his thickly accented dialogue was rather atrocious. Man At Arms, Teela, Evil-Lyn (played by Meg Foster with her freakish eyes!) and Skeletor (Frank Langella) all make an appearance. The only one missing was the green tiger that used to follow Man At Arms around... can't remember his name. Langella as Skeletor was surprising as I wouldn't think he'd lower himself to be included in the likes of a film like this. A very young Courtney Cox is in this too.
For die hard fans of the old cartoon series only...for which I'm not.
KC
Rating:
Post by: KinkyCyborg on December 31, 2011, 04:47:33 PM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097363476542f.jpg)
Title:Stop-Loss (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2008
Director: Kimberly Peirce
Rating: R
Length: 111 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1
Subtitles:
Stars:
Ryan Phillippe
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rob Brown
Channing Tatum
Victor Rasuk
Plot:
Ryan Phillippe leads an all-star cast in Stop-Loss, the inspirational film about family, friends, loyalty and camaraderie. After completing his tour of duty, Brandon King (Phillippe) faces an unexpected new challenge that will put him at odds with former soldiers and test the bonds with old friends. Featuring rising stars Channing Tatum, Abbie Cornish and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Stop-Loss is the must own DVD that critics are hailing as "a generation-defining film." (Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer)
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
My Thoughts:
Decent drama about U.S. soldiers who after their tours in Iraq are up they are forced back into action by fine print in their service agreements. Those who refuse to go back go on the run, living as fugitives, often leaving their country to start over in another.
This has been newsworthy over the years during the Iraqi conflict with some making international headlines. We still have some of these soldiers up here in Canada, some of which who have had to fight extradition orders. Apparently this 'stop-loss' practice is employed quite often, with over 81,000 men and women soldiers affected according to the factoid at the end of the movie.
Ryan Phillipe and Channing Tatum give great performances as good ol' boy best friends from Texas who enlist and survive their tours in Iraq. Upon their return home Phillipe's character gets stop-lossed and goes on the run. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also very good as a third soldier and friend who battles demons that keep him from going back which is what he wants as it becomes the only life that makes sense to him anymore.
More of a statement than a movie really but entertaining none the less. There is about 15 minutes of great gun play in the early going for war fans such as myself. The rest of the film unfolds at a slow pace but still keeps the viewer interested. I was a bit disappointed with the ending which is one of those head scratchers that leaves you asking what was the point of the rest of the film if this is how it's to end?! :shrug:
KC
Rating:
and a half.
Post by: KinkyCyborg on January 01, 2012, 03:27:00 AM
(http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/06/065935207504.3f.jpg)
Title:Stander (http://www.invelos.com/images/DVDLogo.png)
Year: 2003
Director: Bronwen Hughes
Rating: 14A
Length: 112 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English
Stars:
Thomas Jane
Ashley Taylor
David O'Hara
Dexter Fletcher (1966)
Deborah Kara Unger
Plot:
Deeply affected by the indiscriminate killing he witnesses as a white police officer in South Africa, Andre Stander (played by Tom Jane) make a decision to defy the very system he has spent a lifetime enforcing. Turning his back on the law, he masterminds a series of audacious bank robberies, and befriending outlaws Allen Heyl and Lee McCall goes on a cross-country robbing spree. Known only as the "Stander Gang", the three commit dozens of bank robberies - heists that grow increasingly bolder over time. In the eyes of the public, the gang's disrespect for authority makes them into near-legendary folk heroes. to the South African government, however, the former police officer is a cause of embarrassment, and the Stander Gang quickly become the most wanted men in the country.
Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
Fascinating true events about a South African cop, Andre Stander who in a show of defiance to his government and his own police force decides to start robbing banks just to prove how easy it is for a white man to commit a crime while all his fellow officers are off chasing after blacks who are protesting Apartheid. He manged to brazenly rip off 26 banks before getting caught, often giving the money away to the oppressed blacks. After his escape from prison 2 years into his sentence he, along with a couple of his buddies go on to rob 20 more banks.
I very much enjoyed this movie. Thomas Jane is outstanding in this as the moralistic and wild Stander. His perfect grasp of the Afrikaans accent led me to believe that perhaps this was his native tongue but according to IMDB he was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Hats offs for this performance!! :clap:
As I often do after watching a true story I looked up some Wiki pages on the events that took place and discovered in this case the film deviated from what actually happened, severely in some instances including how Stander was eventually taken down and some major shifts in the time line of events. It's unfortunate, but upon reflection likely necessary to avoid lengthening an already 2 hour long show.
Highly recommended! :thumbup:
KC
Rating:
Post by: samuelrichardscott on January 01, 2012, 01:57:17 PM
Post by: KinkyCyborg on January 01, 2012, 03:53:05 PM