DVD Collectors Online

Pushing Tin, a review by Rich

Pushing Tin



In the tradition of 'Grosse Pointe Blank' comes an unconventional comedy about two air traffic controllers whose intense rivalry and penchant for one-upmanship causes hilarious havoc with their careers, their marriages - and the planes in their airspace!
Nick Falzone (John Cusack) is the busiest, and the best, air traffic controller on Long Island - until Russell Bell (Billy Bob Thornton) roars into town like a motorcycle-riding cowboy. Fuelled by caffeine and machismo, the two men embark upon an uproarious contest of wit and wills that can ultimately only have one winner. Co-starring Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie, 'Pushing Tin' is "One of a kind... a high-flying, free-spirited, wildly funny blast of originality." (CBS-TV)

Comedy revolving around air traffic controllers which quickly meandered into an uneven tale of male rivalry. Sharp dialogue and some entertaining scenes, including the runway jetstream shot, do not make up for a poorly fitting cast and weak character development. BBT is interesting at first, but his inner being and reasons for his aloof demeanour are never explained fully, Cusack is unsympahetic to the role, and Jolie tries too hard in an undemanding position.
Despite a good opening the film is an anti-climax, the promise of a dramatic finale is lost in a too intense voyage in stress and marital problems.
I cannot recommend this film unless you buy it very cheaply and have a major interest in aircraft controllers!
 


(From Riches Random Reviews on May 19th, 2009)

Octopussy, a review by Tom

Title: Octopussy
Year: 1983
Director: John Glen
Rating: FSK-12
Length: 125 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.45
Audio: German: Dolby Digital Surround, Spanish: Dolby Digital Surround, English: Dolby Digital Surround, Commentary: Dolby Digital Stereo
Subtitles: English, German, Spanish

Stars:
Roger Moore
Maud Adams
Louis Jourdan
Kristina Wayborn
Kabir Bedi

Extras:
Commentary
Featurettes
Music Videos
Photo Gallery
Scene Access
Storyboard Sequenzen
Trailers

I rather enjoyed the first half hour of this movie, but for some reason I lost interest in it after that.
And what was the point of introducing the assistant for Moneypenny? Did the producer want to introduce a possible replacement?
I must say, that I liked the first M better. I have just read, that Lois Maxwell lobbied for Moneypenny to be the new M after the retirement of Moore as Bond. I think that would have been a fun idea.
And amazing with what lines the Bond movies get away with:
"What's this?" - "This is my Octopussy"

Rating:

(From James Bond Marathon on April 25th, 2009)

"Due South" marathon, a review by Tom

1.09 A Cop, a Mountie and a Baby (1994-12-01)
Writer: Paul Haggis (Created By), Peter Colley (Story By), Kathy Slevin (Story By), Kathy Slevin (Screenwriter)
Director: Steve DiMarco
Cast: Paul Gross (Constable Benton Fraser), David Marciano (Detective Ray Vecchio), Beau Starr (Lt. Harding Welsh), Daniel Kash (Detective Louis Gardino), Tony Craig (Detective Jack Huey), Catherine Bruhier (Elaine), Natalie Radford (Louise Webber), Mark Ruffalo (Vinnie Webber), Diego Chambers (Claude), Elizabeth Lennie (Morrisot), Jackie Richardson (Receptionist), Roger Dunn (Store Owner), Donald Fleckser (Motel Clerk), Quentin Meloff (Baby Jamie), Andrew Meloff (Baby Jamie), Joel Meloff (Baby Jamie)

An okay episode. Nothing special. Mark Ruffalo appears in an early role.

Rating:

(From "Due South" marathon on July 10th, 2009)