DVD Collectors Online

Crimson Peak, a review by Danae Cassandra

Crimson Peak
Year of Release: 2015
Directed By: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver
Genre: Romance, Horror

Overview:My Thoughts:
This is a wonderful gothic romance in a very old-school Hammer Films kind of way, with its horror flavored in Poe and Lovecraft.  It's a visually gorgeous film, with fabulous production design, Victorian styling, and a luscious use of color.  The reds are very rich, the blacks deep, the whites bright, the contrast high.  One might call the color almost oversaturated, as rich as it is.  If they recognize nothing else, the Academy ought to nominate for costume design.  I know they have a history of disdain for genre films, but at least the costumes ought to get a nod.

I enjoyed the story, but it is pretty typical tragic gothic romance, so if you know the tropes you won't be surprised.  I still liked the story, and I thought the creepy atmosphere the film developed was great.  Aside from the beautiful quality of the entire film, the other thing saving it is the superb performances.  Del Toro really brought forth great characters for these actors to work with, and they don't disappoint.  Especially Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain, who really carry the film.  Mia Wasikowska does well with her part, but she doesn't have the meat the other two do, and therefore doesn't stand out like they do. 

I'd recommend this if you like Del Toro's oeuvre, or you enjoy Poe, Lovecraft, Anne Rice, or Hammer Films.  Don't go into this thinking it's a straight horror film, or traditional haunted house film - it's definitely not and if that's what you're looking for, you're going to be disappointed.  I loved this film.  I think it might be my favorite of everything I've watched this month. 

Bechdel Test: Pass

Overall: 4/5

2015 Horror Movie Count: 14

(From Horror/Halloween Marathon 2015 on October 30th, 2015)

Ratatouille, a review by RossRoy

WHAT THEY SAY

From the creators of Cars and The Incredibles comes a breakthrough comedy with something for everyone. With delightful new characters, experience Paris from an all-new perspective. It's "terrific moviemaking!" raves Leonard Maltin of Entertainment Tonight. In one of Paris' finest restaurants, Remy, a determined young rat, dreams of becoming a renowned French chef. Torn between his family's wishes and his true calling, Remy and his pal Linguini set in motion a hilarious chain of events that turns the City of Lights upside down. Ratatouille is a treat you'll want to enjoy again and again.

MY THOUGHTS

And another winner by Pixar. It's a good little story. I did find the whole Remy controlling Linguini to be going a bit far, but it's a kid story again so you have to hhave some magic in there! The animation is, as usual, top notch. Some expressions on the characters are priceless. The movie almost would make you accept to have rats in your kitchen!

RATING

(From DCO third annual November Alphabet Marathon - discussion/review/banter thread on November 2nd, 2009)

Pete's Pilots, a review by addicted2dvd

Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy is "a winner," raves the New York Daily News. Both a critical hit and fan favorite, season one burst onto the television landscape with gripping plot lines, a sensational soundtrack and hot stars, including Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, and Sandra Oh. Now you can experience all the drama, romance and excitement of Grey's Anatomy from the very beginning.

Meet Meredith Grey, a brilliant first-year surgical intern at Seattle Grace Hospital. Together with her fellow residents in training, Meredith navigates her way through the daily traumas and social landmines of life inside the hospital and out in the real world. Grey's Anatomy is a smart and witty look at young people struggling to be doctors and doctors struggling to stay human.

A Hard Day's Night
Meredith Grey reports for her first day as an intern at Seattle Grace Hospital, only to find that her new boss is Dr. Derek Shepherd, the man she had a one-night stand with the previous evening. As they meet the hospital staff and patients, Meredith and her fellow interns slowly begin to realize exactly what they are up against. They may have been students yesterday, but today they are doctors facing a world where on the job training can be a matter of life and death.

My Thoughts:
Another great medical series. For some reason I just love these shows! This is a good opening to the series. It introduces all the characters nicely. Most all the interns (well except one) is really likable. And what a way to meet your boss! Once again we have a show I really don't want to stop watching after seeing the pilot episode again!

My Rating:

(From Pete's Pilots on January 26th, 2010)