DVD Collectors Online

Prison of the Dead, a review by addicted2dvd

Prison of the Dead


My Thoughts:
This is another one that my friend sent me. She said she didn't care much for this one. So I went into it with low expectations. But... even with low expectations I have to admit... I wasn't sure I would get through this one. I have to admit... I am not sure I really understood the whole thing... of course I am not sure understanding it better would help anyway in this case. The dead in it was laughable the costumes/makeup was so bad. The special effects/gore was limited and what was shown was really low budget. Definitely a sub-par movie... not one I would recommend to anyone.

(From Weekend Movie Marathon: Unwatched DVDs on November 17th, 2007)

Home from the Hill, a review by Rick

Home from the Hill
Hollywood Legends:
Robert Mitchum
George Peppard
George Hamilton

Overview:
Wade Hunnicutt is a big man who casts a big shadow, one that looms over the Texas backwoodsmen who work his land...over the beautiful, embittered wife he cheats on...and over the sons -- one from marriage and one illegitimate -- who strive for their father's respect. Robert Mitchum "gives one of his greatest performances" (Michael Barson, 'The Illustrated Who's Who of Hollywood Directors') as Wade, and Vincente Minnelli directs this sprawling emotionally volatile of an epic clash between generations. In early-career roles, George Peppard and George Hamilton co-star as Wade's sons, determined to be their own men, yet in danger of repeating their father's life-crippling legacy of lust and violence.

My Thoughts:
This one took me by surprise. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it but I know didn't expect what I got. I can't think of any Robert Mitchum movies I don't like so I expected to enjoy it. I was not disappointed. There was a while about 2/3rds into the movie where I did begin to loose interest. It didn't take long to grab me right back again though.

It's a drama about a messed up family, their interactions with each other and with the community. He's a mans man, with power, respect, money, basically everything he wants. On the outside he's got it all. It's pretty clear within 10 minutes of the movie that his family life is dysfunctional at best.

Great performances by George Peppard and George Hamilton, who play his sons. One legitimate with all the benefits of growing up in a powerful family. The other, an illegitimate child who wants nothing more than to be called 'son'. The story turns out to be as much (if not more) about the sons as it does about Mitchum. I'm finding it hard to say too much as there are some good story lines I don't want to ruin for anyone who may watch this.

If you like dramas with good story lines and great performances I recommend this movie. Take note, it is 150 minutes long so make sure you have lots of pop corn.

My Rating


(From DCO third annual November Alphabet Marathon - discussion/review/banter thread on November 12th, 2009)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: The Complete First Season marathon, a review by Tom

05. Queen's Gambit (2008-02-11)
Writer: Josh Friedman (Created By), Natalie Chaidez (Writer), James Cameron (Original Characters By), Gale Anne Hurd (Original Characters By)
Director: Matt Earl Beesley
Cast: Lena Headey (Sarah Connor), Thomas Dekker (John Connor), Summer Glau (Cameron), Richard T. Jones (Agent James Ellison), Garret Dillahunt (Cromartie), Sonya Walger (Michelle Dixon), Brendan Hines (Andy Goode), Kristina Apgar (Cheri Westin), Mark Ivanir (Dmitri Shipkov), Neil Hopkins (Mr. Harris), Matt McColm (Vick Chamberlain), Brian Austin Green (Derek Reese), Dean Winters (Charley Dixon), Luis Chavez (Morris), Josue Aguirre (Bobo), Troy Cephers (Guard), Ray Chavez (Old Rebel Soldier), John de Vito (Young John), Ally Maki (Student), Jacob Witkin (Announcer)

I enjoyed this episode a lot. Funny Cameron moments ("I am busy doing John's homework" ). I like the introduction of Derek Reese, who will now be part of the cast. I also like it, that they involve Charley now in the action.

Rating:

(From Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: The Complete First Season marathon on January 21st, 2009)