DVD Collectors Online

Gia, a review by goodguy

Gia (1998) Written by: Jay McInerney & Michael Cristofer Directed by: Michael Cristofer Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mercedes Ruehl, Faye Dunaway DVD: R2-DE Warner/HBO (2008) My rating:

IMDb summary: Fact-based story of top fashion model Gia Marie Carangi follows her life from a rebel working in her father's diner at age 17 to her death in 1986 at age 26 from AIDS, one of the first women in America whose death was attributed to the disease. In between, she followed a downward spiral of drug abuse and failed relationships.

Wow. I've seen this many years ago and I didn't remember it was that bad. The movie tells Gia's story as a sort-of cautionary tale, interspersing a series of vignettes with fake interview snippets. A very dated "stylish" look, sex scenes in Playboy softcore manner, and a heavy-handed but insubstantial approach of the subject make this a thoroughly boring affair. As a punk girl turned supermodel, Jolie is fun to watch in the early parts, but that's about it.

Overall, a nice reminder that HBO once was just another crappy cable outlet and that the channel's foray into high quality TV didn't start before around 2000.

On the other hand, I might be entirely wrong - a look at the award wins and nominations on IMDb is mind-boggling.

DVD Notes

There are two versions of this movie, an R-rated one and an Unrated one with slightly extended sex scenes. The new German DVD contains the latter, and it's rated FSK-12. The same UK DVD is rated 18.


(From goodguy's Watch Log on June 15th, 2009)

Night of the Demons, a review by addicted2dvd

Night of the Demons (2009/United States) Wikipedia |IMDb |Trailer | E1 Entertainment Director: Adam Gierasch Writing: Jace Anderson (Screenwriter), Adam Gierasch (Screenwriter), Joe Augustyn (Original Material By) Length: 93 min. Rating: Rated R : Bloody Horror Violence/Gore and Language Throughout, Some Sexuality, Nudity and Drug Use Video: Widescreen 1.78:1 Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio: 5.1, English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: English

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Stars:
Tatyana Kanavka as Evangeline Broussard
Michael Arata as Louis Devereaux
Shannon Elizabeth as Angela
Linnea Quigley as Ballerina Lady


Plot:
Angela (Shannon Elizabeth) is throwing a decadent Halloween party at New Orleans' infamous Broussard Mansion. But after the police break up the festivities, Maddie (Monica Keena) and a few friends stay behind. Trapped inside the locked mansion gates, the remaining guests uncover a horrifying secret and soon fall victim to seven vicious, blood-thirsty demons.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Feature Trailers
• Bonus Trailers
• Featurettes

Just finished this one. I definitely prefer the original over this remake. Don't get me wrong... it has it's moments to make it entertaining enough to watch... but leaves a lot to be desired. There is a scene or two that is overly gross when it doesn't have to be. Some of the special effects are not very convincing... and don't get me wrong... I am no prude. I like seeing a naked girl as much as the next straight guy... but this one had nude scenes to the point that it pretty much got boring. Look another topless woman... yawn. So... I would say if you can watch this one for free... go for it... why not? But it is not one would really recommend. It is no more then average... maybe slightly below average in my opinion.

   

Scorecard:
TV Eps: 14
Movies: 9

(From Month Long Horror/Halloween Marathon on October 8th, 2014)

Pete's Pilots, a review by addicted2dvd

Monk


Mr. Monk and the Candidate
Monk investigates an assassination attempt on Mayoral Candidate Warren St. Claire, and learns there's more at play than meets the eye.

My Thoughts:
I always found this to be a fun series. The mysteries are usually secondary to the comedy... but I must admit the mystery in this pilot episode was really enjoyable.

My Rating:

(From Pete's Pilots on April 20th, 2010)