DVD Collectors Online

Murder at 1600, a review by addicted2dvd

Murder at 1600 (1997/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Warner Home Video Director: Dwight Little Writing: Wayne Beach (Writer), David Hodgin (Writer) Length: 107 min. Rating: Rated R : Sexuality, Violence and Some Language Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1, Pan & Scan 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

---

Stars:
Wesley Snipes as Detective Regis
Diane Lane as Nina Chance
Daniel Benzali as Spikings
Dennis Miller as Detective Stengel
Alan Alda as Jordan
Ronny Cox as President Jack Neil

Plot:Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Production Notes
• Closed Captioned

I remember seeing this movie years ago when it first came out on VHS. I remember enjoying it back then... but I haven't watched it since. This DVD was in a box full of DVDs that was given to me a couple years back... and I am just now getting the chance to watch it again. This one held up well for me over the years. I still found I enjoyed the movie quite a bit. Unfortunately shortly into the movie I remembered the ending... who the murderer was... even after all these years. But that's ok...it don't take away from the enjoyment. Recommended... if you never seen it.... check it out.




(From The Movies from Within My Lifetime: 2012 Edition on June 23rd, 2012)

Contact, a review by Blair

Contact

Tagline: If it's just us, it seems like an awful waste of space.




Film Details
    Rating: PG
    Runtime: 150 minutes
    Year: 1997

    Director: Robert Zemeckis

Main Cast
    Jodie Foster as Eleanor Arroway
    Matthew McConaughey as Palmer Joss
    Tom Skerritt as David Drumlin
    William Fichtner as Kent
    James Woods as Michael Kitz
    John Hurt as S.R. Hadden
    Angela Bassett as Rachel Constantine
    Geoffrey Blake as Fisher
    Jena Malone as Young Ellie
    David Morse as Ted Arroway


Synopsis
The character of Eleanor Arroway is driven by scientific discovery, particularly in the field of astronomy. Struggling against overwhelming criticism, she hopes to prove the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. On her side -- through affection yet compassion -- is Palmer Joss, a man who holds a firm belief in God expressing it through a gentle voice. When a signal from space is picked up by Arroway, new battles between her and those with their own agendas begin, putting both science and faith through a test of truth.


My Thoughts
This movie does an excellent job of portraying many aspects of the human condition: faith, depression, self-centeredness, determination, and bliss to name a few. While not all of the acting was too my liking, two key antagonists -- played by Tom Skerritt and James Woods -- expertly performed their parts making me wish I could jump through the screen and punch them. The musical score, while effectively adequate, was nothing too special... but it didn't need to be. The effects ranged from subtle yet interesting to realistic enough to not seem like effects at all.

The film as a whole is a true roller-coaster ride of highs, lows, and unexpected twists worthy of a viewing by anyone who has ever searched for their own answers to the question, "Are we alone in the universe?"


I end with a favorite set of lines which, to me, summaries the essence of the story. Ellie and Palmer debate their opposing views on the existence (or non-existence) of God:
    Palmer: I couldn't imagine living in a world where God didn't exist.
    Ellie: How do you know you're not deluding yourself? I mean, for me... I need proof.
    Palmer: Proof. Did you love your father?  (Her father has been deceased since she was a child)
    Ellie: Yes, very much.
    Palmer: Prove it.


My Rating:
    

(From Blair's topic for reviewing . . . . wait for it . . . . . MOVIES! (duh) on July 24th, 2011)

Angel Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

22. There's No Place Like Plrtz Glrb
Original Air Date: 5/22/2001
Angel struggles with the inner beast that the demon dimension brings out in him, while Cordelia learns that her role as princess involves mating with a demon, and Wesley and Gunn band with rebel forces to overthrow the government and Her Majesty.

Guest Stars:
Amy Acker
Brody Hutzler
Mark Lutz
Michael Phenicie
Alyson Hannigan (Cameo)

My Thoughts:
And the final episode of the second season... a good episode. I did enjoy it. Though it probably could have been more exciting. There wasn't quite as much action as I would have liked. But an entertaining episode all the same. In the final moment of the episode we see Willow waiting for Angel in the hotel... upset. And without a single word from her Angel knows that there is a problem with Buffy.

My Rating:

(From Angel Marathon on March 9th, 2010)