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Rambo III, a review by Jon

Rambo 3 **
2 out of 5

As a straightforward action movie, they don't come much more fun that Rambo 3. The octane level is definitely set to high and his ruthless despatching of Rushkies is thrilling stuff. But it's all bollocks.

First Blood had a point, something to say. The sequel had more fun, was largely unnecessary, but held onto some dignity. Here, he is a full blown cartoon character. He's still beating up Russians, continuing from the previous outing, so at least there's half an idea continuing the thread and providing a link into someone else's war. It's all tenuous though and then goes completely OTT where he seemingly faces off against an entire battalion.

Good job the Taliban are there to help him. 

Yes, it's also a bit dated due to current events. It hardly matters actually, but when the movie is already not very good, it's fun to be picky! I can recommend this as a double-bill with Charlie Wilson's War... 

(From Jon's Random Reviews on July 23rd, 2009)

Book of the Dead, a review by Danae Cassandra

Book of the DeadOverview:
In this ravishing film of mystical beauty, master animator Kihachiro Kawamoto's tour de force adventure tale tells the story of a young noblewoman in 8th-century Japan who leaves her home to follow the apparition of an executed prince.

The Book of the Dead takes place as Buddhism is being introduced to Japan from China. Iratsume, a woman of noble desent, becomes obsessed with this mysterious new religion. One night, in a rapturous trance, she sees a luminous vision that she believes to be the Buddha, compelling her to leave home and journey to a sacred temple. Once there, she sees Otsu, a young prince who was executed 50 years earier. While Iratsume mistakes the prince's spirit for the incarnation of the great Buddha, the ghost mistakes Iratsume for the last woman he saw at the moment of his death. As an act of great devotion, she decides to make a giant shroud for the prince to heal his soul, after which he begins to haunt the young woman and those around her. The pair embark on an impassioned battle of wills, one longing for the material world, the other striving for the spiitual.

This strange story of outherworldly romance is the work of stop-motion animator and puppet-maker Kihachiro Kawamoto, a former student of the master Czech animator Jiri Trnka. Already a legend in his own right, with The Book of the Dead he has created an intricately detailed magnum opus, a summation of themes explored in all of his work: the transience of existence, the ambiguity of human behavior, and the search for perfection and beauty in an imperfect world.

One final note for animation buffs: The film also features the work by the acclaimed Russian animator and director Yuriy Norsheteyn, who was involved in The Book of the Dead as a "guest animator."

My Thoughts:
This would be a better film if any of the stories here got resolved. The model work, the stop motion animation, the visuals of the film are simply gorgeous. I mean, seriously beautiful. But the strands of stories here - the men who wish to court Irartsume, her quest for enlightenment, the desires of the ghost for release and an heir, none of this ever feels truly resolved. The closest any of them come is Iratsume - her weaving that depicts the Bodhisattvas feels like movement toward Buddhist enlightenment, but the ending doesn't really confirm this either. I'm guessing the filmmakers ran out of money, and rushed a finish. It's too bad, because there was so much potential here. Recommended for lovers of stop-motion animation - you'll want to see it just for the work put in. It's a beautiful but ultimately frustrating view.

Bechdel Test: Fail

Overall: 3/5

(From March Around the World 2016 on March 11th, 2016)

Fear Itself Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

8. New Year's Day (Director's Cut)
A young woman wakes up in a post apocalyptic world overrun by terrifying zombies and struggles to survive the day.
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, Saw III, Saw IV, Repo! The Genetic Opera)

Stars:
Briana Evigan
Zulay Henao
Niall Matter
Cory Monteith
Shelene Yung

My Thoughts:
While watching this one I must admit I found myself a little lost more then once.  What with the flashbacks going back and forth all the time. But for me at least... the end reveal made the episode. Thinking back maybe I should have... but I just didn't see it coming.

My Rating:

(From Fear Itself Marathon on April 7th, 2010)