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Xanadu, a review by Danae Cassandra

Xanadu
Year of Release: 1980
Directed By: Robert Greenwald
Starring: Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, Michael Beck
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Musical

Overview:
Step into a magical world with superstars Olivia Newton-John (Grease) and Gene Kelly (Singin' in the Rain) as they take you through one of the most extraordinary musicals in the beloved film, Xanadu! A beautiful muse is sent from up above to inspire a struggling artist and help motivate him to open a roller-disco. The dazzling soundtrack includes the hit songs "Magic," "I'm Alive," "All Over the World," "Suddenly" and the title song "Xanadu." Throw on your roller-skates, turn up the volume and enjoy this sparkling out-of-this-world fantasy!

My Thoughts:
This isn't as bad as lot of reviews give it, and certainly isn't one of the worst films of all time (despite being the inspiration for the Razzies). There's quite a bit to like here - the dance numbers are lots of fun, though the camera doesn't capture them as well it could. The soundtrack is great. Gene Kelly is wonderful as usual - he has the best dancing, the best lines, and the best character here. Actually, all round he is the best thing in the film. I could probably watch Gene Kelly in anything.

On the other hand, while Olivia Newton-John is pretty, she's not a particularly great actress. She's leaps and bounds over Michael Beck, however. His performance reminds me of the lead in a high school play. He has zero charisma and zero acting ability. Which is a problem for the plot, as it's hard to believe that a Greek muse would fall in love with this boring-ass chump. Actually, the plot could use a lot more development - the romance seems forced and we don't learn nearly enough about the mythology.

Still, I enjoyed it more of it than I didn't. Or maybe I like Gene Kelly rollerskating that much.

Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail

Overall: 2.75/5

(From July Movie Marathon: Musicals (Yes... You read right!) on July 10th, 2016)

Rocky Balboa, a review by addicted2dvd

Rocky Balboa (2006/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Director: Sylvester Stallone Writing: Sylvester Stallone (Original Characters By), Sylvester Stallone (Writer) Length: 102 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: 5.1, English: DTS: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

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Stars:
Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa
Burt Young as Paulie
Antonio Tarver as Mason "The Line" Dixon
Geraldine Hughes as Marie
Milo Ventimiglia as Robert Jr.
Tony Burton as Duke

Plot:
When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ ROCKY BALBOA (Sylvester Stallone), reigning heavyweight titleholder Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver) retaliates by challenging the Italian Stallion to a nationally televised, 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son (Milo Ventimiglia, TV's "Heroes") and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who's faster, stronger and thirty years his junior. With the odds stacked firmly against him, Rocky takes on Dixon in what will become the greatest fight in boxing history, a hard-hitting, action-packed battle of the ages!

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Bonus Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• Outtakes/Bloopers
• Closed Captioned

Brother and I just finished off this one... which of course finishes of the Rocky franchise. While I don't think it was as good as the previous film... it is one I enjoyed every moment of. Even though I hated what they did with the Adrian character, I do understand the reason behind it. Though it is still a little aggravating to see 3 of my favorite characters go... yet a character like Paulie is there till the very end. Just like all the previous movies... I definitely recommend seeing this one. And if you haven't seen the Rocky films in year like I haven't you should definitely revisit the franchise! They are all well worth watching!



(From What Movies I Been Watching on February 13th, 2013)

Angel Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

6. Guise Will Be Guise
Original Air Date: 11/7/2000
Angel travels to a mystical swami to help him understand his haunting dreams and get in touch with his inner demon, but while he is away Wesley assumes Angel's identity to try to save a young girl and sort of enjoys playing the role of a vampire with a soul.

Guest Stars:
Art LaFleur
Brigid Brannagh
Patrick Kilpatrick
Todd Susman

My Thoughts:
While a decent enough episode... it was never one of my favorites. Though there was a few chuckles in it... it didn't offer much more then that. It was a bit limited on the action. Story wise it was pretty good.

My Rating:

(From Angel Marathon on March 2nd, 2010)