DVD Collectors Online

Uncommon Valor, a review by Rich

limping through 'nam...



Based on a true story, this action film set in the post-Vietnam era casts Gene Hackman as a retired military man who gets tired of government inaction in tracking down the whereabouts of his son, who has been listed as missing in action in Vietnam. So he gathers and trains a rough group of Vietnam vets to launch his own mission into Laos, where his intelligence tells him the son is being held. Hackman brings sorrowful power to the role of determined father, and has a rugged supporting cast (including Patrick Swayze, Fred Ward, and Randall "Tex" Cobb) to keep the story moving forward, even when the machinations become formulaic

Despite the fact it is loosely based on a true account, it comes across as a poor mans rambo. Dull, slow, wooden and predictable. Not recommended. 4/10

(From Around the World in 80 DVD's on March 2nd, 2008)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, a review by Dragonfire

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows



I've been wanting to see this movie since before I knew what it would be about.  I loved the first one - I even watched it again recently.  I've seen other Sherlock Holmes movies, and the wonderful Sherlock - Season 1 since I first saw Sherlock Holmes in 2009, so I've seen more versions of the character - and Watson now.  I still love this version of the characters. 

I've only read one of the Sherlock stories...I have a book with most of them, but I can't remember where I put it.  I need to find it and read more of the stories.  I don't know for sure, but I think at least some of the story elements were pulled from one of the Sherlock stories. 

This plot for this movie isn't directly tied to the first movie, but it definitely builds on what was established in it.  Irene Adler returns, though only briefly.  I'm not that .....pleased with how her part of the story is handled, though it does make sense for the movie.  Professor Moriarty is front and center as the villain.  It is set up like Sherlock has been tracking him for a while, tying different crimes to him.  The two do meet face to face only a few times, but those meetings are very well done.  Yes it is known from very early that Moriarty is the main villain - the trailers make that very clear - but I don't think that hurts the movie.  The audience even knows something before Sherlock this time.  I like the plot and think it is very entertaining.  I also loved how Watson's wedding is added into the mix, along with how Sherlock is trying to deal with the changes to his friendship with Watson.  It is clear that he is sad about the thought of him and Watson not working together anymore. 

Some people may be disappointed that the mystery isn't stronger, but I think it is still very entertaining.  Even while knowing that Moriarty is pulling all sorts of strings and manipulating various things, it takes a little while for the big picture to become clear.  I really like that Moriarty is just as smart as Sherlock and I think that gives Sherlock more of a challenge and ultimately makes the story stronger.  There is suspense in a few scenes, as well as some action scenes.  The action scenes are done well.  Sherlock fights again at different times, while still using his intelligence to deal with most situations.  The movie has the same amazing look as the first movie, with new locations used.  One late in the movie really looks amazing.  I know special effects are used again, but I don't feel like they dominate what is going on.  The humor is back as well, again mostly from the way that Watson and Sherlock interact.  I love their friendship and how they bicker over little things at times.  Sherlock shows off a few more disguises, including as a woman at one point.  Watson and Mary's reactions to that disguise is very amusing.  We get to see that Sherlock has another issue when he won't ride a horse, another humorous scene.

The characters are wonderful and I love how Sherlock and Watson act with each other.  Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are great in the parts.  They have a good chemistry together that makes the relationship between Sherlock and Watson that much stronger.  Mycroft turns up in a few scenes and I really liked Stephen Fry in the part.  It would have been nice if he had a little more to do.  Mary is limited to a few scenes again, so she isn't as developed, but she seems nice.  She still has some issues with Sherlock. Simza is a new character tied to what is going on.  She is a gypsy fortune teller.  She is interesting, though she could have been a little more developed.  Moriarty is a good addition to the movie and he makes a good foil to Sherlock. 

This movie is a lot of fun, like the first one.  In some ways, I think this movie is a bit better.   It is definitely worth seeing.



I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to check it out.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows


(From Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows on December 21st, 2011)

Angel Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

19. Sanctuary
Original Air Date: 5/2/2000
Convinced Faith is capable of changing her ways, Angel tries to help her even as Kate, the Watchers Council and Buffy continue to hunt her down.

Guest Stars:
Elisabeth Rohm
Christian Kane
Stephanie Romanov
Eliza Dushku
Sarah Michelle Gellar

My Thoughts:
This is a great conclusion to Faith coming to LA. Plenty of excitement. And Buffy comes to town seeking vengeance. Though I do think Wesley was a little quick to help Angel after the torture he went through at the hands of Faith.  At least Cordelia taking off for a vacation while they helped Faith was a little more believable.

My Rating:

(From Angel Marathon on February 28th, 2010)