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A Perfect World, a review by Rich

A Perfect World



Set in Texas in 1963, Clint Eastwood's film is a subtle and haunting work that features what is perhaps Kevin Costner's best performance. Costner plays against type as Butch Haynes, an escaped convict whose tendency toward violence is masked by his affability. Haynes escapes with a more blatantly dangerous convict, Terry Pugh (Keith Szarabajka), planning to ditch him as soon as they cross the border. But Pugh's lack of self-control gets them in trouble, and they take a young boy hostage. Raised by his single mother, a Jehovah's Witness, Phillip Perry (T.J. Lowther, in a heartbreakingly real performance) is fascinated by Haynes's roughneck ways, and the two form a surprisingly strong bond. Eastwood takes a supporting role as Red Garnett, the lawman who, ineptly but inevitably, is closing in on Haynes. With a woman criminologist (Laura Dern) and a trigger-happy federal agent along for the ride, Garnett chases Haynes down while keeping their shared past a secret from his team.

Average kidnap/manhunt thriller, overly long, and a bit too telescoped. Costner again is quite menacing as the killer with a heart on the run, and his hostage TJ Lowther gives a superb performance. The direction by Clint is of course slick and seamless, and his performance with Laura Dern take back seat roles but are both effective.
Strong character development, excellent dialogue, and overall watchable.
 

(From Riches Random Reviews on April 28th, 2009)

The Expendables, a review by Dj Doena

Synopsis: Most of the important 80's action dudes join one side or another and then seriously kick one another's ass.


I thoroughly enjoyed this old-style movie, its simple plot and its kick-ass action. And just when you think they've blown everything up already, they blow some more stuff up. 

(From The Expendables on September 8th, 2010)

Angel Marathon, a review by DJ Doena

Synopsis: Angel gets lured into a trap by a new "client" and has to fight in a secret "sports event".

My Opinion: Those of you who know the episode "Tsunkatse" from "Star Trek: Voyager" or the episode "Combat" from "Smallville" should be familiar with the basic plot of this episode. With the exception that Angel or Clark are more believeable in that situation than 7 of 9.

Synopsis: Someone tries to kill a very famous actress but Angel is there to prevent it. While Cordelia can't believe her luck to meet her, the actress can't believe that there is someone like Angel who has never even heard of her. But she also has a problem with the concept of aging and when she finds out, what Angel is, she decides to do something about it.

My Opinion: Angelus. "Nice" to see him again. This episode was most definitively a statement against drugs. But as a man I fail to understand why women have a problem with getting older. I've recently turned 30 and I couldn't care less.

Synopsis: The Slayer's back in town. Too bad that's the wrong one. Faith has come to L.A. and is hired by Wolfram & Hart to kill Angel. Additionally we see how Angel was cursed and how he got his soul back.

My Opinion: Faith can still sweep the floor with Angel. But I didn't like her appearance that much but that's mainly because I didn't like her in "Buffy" either. At least Wesley has become more serious.

Synopsis: This episode continues where the last one left off. Faith is confused and has no idea what she is supposed to do. Wesley is understandably enraged and now the local police (meaning: Kate), a Watcher's Council commando unit and even Buffy is after her.

My Opinion: Unfortunately this is the last "Buffy"/"Angel" crossover until the "Buffy" series finale because "Buffy" ran on another network from the sixth season on. But I think the change of mind of Faith is hard to believe (given her history). But this was nonetheless an episode of serious decisions. I really liked it when Wesley stood up to the Council and also that Buffy can't rush into Angel's life and tell him how he has to live anymore.

(From Angel Marathon on February 15th, 2008)