DVD Collectors Online

The Imitation Game, a review by Antares

The Imitation Game (2014) 74/100 - When they put up on the screen, "based upon a true story", you know that the truth will only be hinted at. And that's the main problem with this film, as the entertainment quotient must be factored into the equation. Sadly, that quotient is the main factor in the screenplay and segments of the film were overly simplistic. I didn't expect it to be anymore or less than what I watched. Some good acting, brief moments of great dialog, but more of a CliffsNotes version of the actual story. If this film had been made back in the 70's, it would have been a whole lot more cerebral and for my money, more interesting and entertaining.

Teal = Masterpiece
Dark Green = Classic or someday will be
Lime Green = A good, entertaining film
Orange = Average
Red = Cinemuck
Brown = The color of crap, which this film is

(From Antares' Short Summations on April 11th, 2015)

Dear Santa, a review by addicted2dvd

Dear Santa (2011/Canada) IMDb |Trailer |Wikipedia |Wikipedia | Image Entertainment (United States) Director: Jason Priestley Writing: Barbara Kymlicka (Writer) Length: 92 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles:

---

Stars:
Amy Acker as Crystal
David Haydn-Jones as Derek
Emma Duke as Olivia
Patrick Creery
Gina Holden

Plot:
Shopaholic Crystal's (Amy Acker, Alias) wealthy parents give her an ultimatum: change her irresponsible ways by Christmas or they will cut her off without a cent. With no job or romantic prospects, what's a girl to do? Fate intervenes when she finds seven-year-old Olivia's (Emma Duke) letter to Santa asking for a new wife for her widowed dad, Derek (David Haydn-Jones). Crystal tracks them down and vows to win over father and daughter before the fast-approaching holiday deadline. Only Derek's jealous and calculating girlfriend (Gina Holden, Harper's Island) stands between her and her newfound happiness. Share the gift of love and laughter with this heartwarming romantic comedy directed by Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills 90210).


This is a film I never even heard of before seeing it listed on Netflix. I must say.... I enjoyed every minute of it. Liked all the characters. It is a fun storyline. And I do think the entire cast did a wonderful job. Sure the entire movie was predictable. Especially if you are a fan of romantic comedies. But sometimes it isn't all about the ending... it's the journey that matters. I will definitely be wanting to add this one to my collection as I could easily see myself watching this one every year.



(From Christmas 2015 on November 29th, 2015)

"Due South" marathon, a review by Tom

2.14 All The Queen's Horses (1996-04-11)
Writer: Paul Haggis (Created By), Paul Gross (Story By), John Krizanc (Story By), Paul Quarrington (Story By), Paul Gross (Screenwriter)
Director: George Bloomfield
Cast: Paul Gross (Constable Benton Fraser), David Marciano (Detective Ray Vecchio), Beau Starr (Lt. Harding Welsh), Tony Craig (Detective Jack Huey), Catherine Bruhier (Elaine), Camilla Scott (Inspector Margaret Thatcher), Leslie Nielsen (Buck Frobisher), Kenneth Welsh (Randal Bolt), Dean McDermott (Constable Turnbull), Alex Carter (Agent Ford), Paul Soles (Creeve), Gordon Pinsent (Fraser Sr.), Kirsten Kieferle (Cameraman/Racine), Mark Melymick (Deeter), Falconer Abraham (Team Leader), Scott Wickware (Terrorist/Albee), Kenneth Wickes (Train Conductor), Neil Foster (Computer Guy)

This has always been one of my favorite episodes. It was written by Paul Gross who is playing Fraser. It is almost like a fanfiction. It combines everything a typical fanfiction would do. Integrating fan-favorite guest characters (Leslie Nielsen as Buck Forbisher, Fraser's ghost dad, the incompetent FBI agents from season 1). Acting out the sexual tension between Fraser and his boss by having them bound together. Sadly this episode marks the high-point of their relationship in this series. Paul Gross, who is also a singer/song writer in real life, managed to get one of his songs into the show (he will get another chance in season 3, but on the other hand, he will be the executive producer then). I enjoy both songs he got into the series and have both as mp3 and listen to them from time to time.

Rating:

(From "Due South" marathon on August 23rd, 2009)