DVD Collectors Online

Patterns, a review by Antares

Le Samourai (1967) 4/5 - I got this DVD from my state's library exchange program and unfortunately, the DVD wasn't in the greatest shape. At least six times it stopped, then skipped forward to a clearer section of the disc, and of course this only happened at key moments in the film. Beyond that annoying problem, I loved this film. I have come to be an ardent admirer of French gangster films as of late and this film is one that I'm definitely going to re-visit in the future, when I can procure a better copy. I'm pretty sure my rating will increase too.

Patterns (1956) 4.5/5 - Everyone thinks of Rod Serling as the creator of The Twilight Zone, but prior to that seminal TV science fiction/horror show, he was an award winning writer for live television. The screenplay that brought him his first taste of fame was Patterns, a drama set in the executive boardroom of a Manhattan corporation. The broadcast was so popular that it was repeated a few weeks later and plans were made to make a big screen version. The ability to expand the original work from just under one hour to ninety minutes only increased the tension in this superb drama. This is first rate writing that keeps you glued to the verbal action onscreen and never lets up for a moment during its ninety minute duration. Van Heflin, Ed Begley and Everett Sloane are so incredible in their performances, you'll wonder how none of them were honored with Oscar nominations.

The Rabbit Trap (1959) 3/5 - TCM was showing films last night that focused on the corporate world, and after Patterns came this B-movie starring Ernest Borgnine. Basically it's about a draftsman who is struggling to get ahead under a boss whom he thinks takes him for granted. It was OK, but the theme of the film wasn't exactly abstract. The trap that Borgnine sets in the woods for the rabbit is meant to convey Borgnine's situation in his company. His dilemma over whether or not to return to the woods to set the rabbit free or keep his job wasn't too subtle in its delivery. But again as in many other films, Borgnine shows his emotional range and proves that he is one of the more underrated actors in film history.

(From Antares' Short Summations on January 11th, 2011)

Iron man, a review by snowcat

(From Emma's Film Reviews (snowcat) on November 20th, 2009)

Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman: The Complete Third Season, a review by addicted2dvd

Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman: The Complete Third Season (1995/United States) Wedding planning puts a strain on any couple. Lois and Clark aren't just any couple. Besides coping with caterers and orange blossoms, they must battle mad scientists, LEX LUTHOR, revived World War II Nazis and other diabolical foes. Which means Lois and Clark face one tough (and action-packed!) trip to the altar. The Daily Planet's ace reporters team for exciting adventure and winning romance in 22 episodes that blew fans and critics away. "'Lois & Clark' has shown renewed superstrength in its third season...by breaking one of the oldest rules in the SUPERMAN canon: Superman has not merely revealed to LOIS LANE his secret identity as CLARK KENT, but he's also become engaged to her! Messing with the Superman myth is one thing; doing it so well is a shock" (Ken Tucker, 'Entertainment Weekly'). Prepare to be shocked...and thrilled! Episodes: 1. We Have a Lot To Talk About 2. Ordinary People 3. Contact 4. When Irish Eyes Are Killing 5. Just Say Noah 6. Don't Tug On Superman's Cape 7. Ultra Woman 8. Chip Off The Old Clark 9. Super Mann 10. Virtually Destroyed 11. Home Is Where The Hurt Is 12. Never On Sunday 13. The Dad Who Came In From The Cold 14. Tempus, Anyone? 15. I Now Pronounce You... 16. Double Jeopardy 17. Seconds 18. Forget Me Not 19 Oedipus Wrecks 20. It's a Small World After All 21. Through a Glass, Darkly 22. Big Girls Don't Fly

---

Stars:
Dean Cain as Clark Kent/Superman
Teri Hatcher as Lois Lane
Lane Smith as Perry White
Justin Whalin as Jimmy Olsen
Eddie Jones as Jonathan Kent
K Callan as Martha Kent

Extras:

• Featurettes
• Interactive Games
• Closed Captioned

I just finished this season. While I still enjoyed it quite a bit. This is actually my least favorite season of the series. It got a bit tiresome how they kept Lois and Clark apart. And I really didn't care for the whole frogs/clone storyline. That said... it did end on a high note. One that set up the fourth season really nicely. Once again there are many guest stars that I recognized this season. In the third season there was Peter Boyle, Bruce Campbell, Patrick Labyorteaux, Jonathan Frakes, Dave Coulier, James Read, Fred Willard, Brad Garrett, Tony Curtis and Justine Bateman.

When I first started to re-watch this series I was actually only planning on watching the pilot episode... or at the most the first disc of the first set. I got so into this series again that I have now completed the third season... and I still don't feel like I want to stop... so about to start the fourth (and final) season!




(From Addicted2dvd's Random TV Series Watched on August 7th, 2011)