DVD Collectors Online

X-Men, a review by Dragonfire

Born into a world filled with prejudice are children who possess extraordinary and dangerous powers - the result of unique genetic mutations. Cyclops unleashes bolts of energy from his eyes. Storm can manipulate the weather at will. Rogue absorbs the life force of anyone she touches. But under the tutelage of Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart), these and other outcasts learn to harness their powers for the good of mankind. Now they must protect those who fear them as the nefarious Magneto (Ian McKellan), who believes humans and mutants can never co-exist, unveils his sinister plan for the future!

Pulsing with state-of-the-art visual effects and unforgettable characters, X-MEN "delivers it all!" (ABC-TV)

My Thoughts

This is a good movie introduction to the world of the X-Men.  Several of the well known characters are here, though some of the back stories with how the characters end up at the school are changed a bit.  Things are definitely different for Rogue, though I think the changes work fairly well.  I like how Wolverine comes to work with the group.  There are good action scenes throughout the movie and a few funny moments here and there.  Since there are so many characters involved, there isn't much development for most of them, which is slightly disappointing.  Overall this is a very good movie.

 

I got a review posted on Epinions a few years ago if anyone wants to take a look.

X-Men

(From Dragonfire: What I've Been Watching on May 28th, 2009)

The Aristocats, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Aristocats
Year of Release: 1970
Directed By: Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway, Scatman Crothers
Genre: Adventure, Romance, Animation

Overview:
Disney's irresistible classic The Aristocats is all jazzed up in a spectacular Special Edition, complete with a new digital transfer.

In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it's up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O'Malley, and his band of swingin' jazz cats to save the day.

My Thoughts:
I was in the mood for something light and fun, and this always fits that bill.  This is one of my personal favorite Disney films, even though I'm well aware that it's considered a 'lesser' film in their catalog.  Yet, I'm never sure why.  I like all the characters, even spoiled little Marie who is always the one in danger.  The villain is truly bumbling but has believable motivation.  The two dogs are hilarious.  Sure, the tale is a pretty simple one, but the romance is genuine, the voice acting is good, and the art and animation, if not top-notch Disney, is still pretty good. Of the 60's and 70's era Disney animated features, this one is my favorite (with Dalmatians a close second). 

Bechdel Test: Pass

Overall: 3.5/5

(From Off Day Alphabet Marathon on August 7th, 2014)

The One Where It All Began: The Pilot Marathon, a review by DJ Doena

Heroes



What's the show about?
People all over the world discover that they have special abilities. And somehow their destinies are connected and that they have a task to do: How to stop an exploding man?

"Genesis"
Tokyo, Japan. A man belives that he can stop time. Odessa, Texas, USA. A girl jumps 70 feet from a building and heals practically instantaniously. New York, USA. A man can paint future events. They all don't know what is happening but they know that something's changed...

My Opinion
Loved the first season. Haven't gotten around to watch the second.

(From The One Where It All Began: The Pilot Marathon on January 3rd, 2008)