DVD Collectors Online

The Castle of Fu Manchu , a review by samuelrichardscott

The Castle of Fu Manchu (1969) R0 USA DVD

Overview:
Christopher Lee returns as the diabolical super-villain who along with his sadistic daughter Lin Tang (Tsai Chin of THE BRIDES OF FU MANCHU and THE JOY LUCK CLUB) creates a fiendish new chemical weapon that will turn the seas into a giant block of ice. But when his Archenemy Nayland Smith (Richard Greene of TALES FROM THE CRYPT) tracks the madman's trail of kidnapping, murder and massive global destruction, he himself becomes trapped in Fu's impenetrable lair of cruelty. Can any of the world's top secret agents (including a wild performance by Director Jess Franco) now stop the cold-blooded terror that lives in the CASTLE OF FU MANCHU?

Maria Perschy (99 WOMEN) and Rosalba Neri (JUSTINE) co-star in this notorious sequel to THE BLOOD OF FU MANCHU directed by Jess Franco (THE BLOODY JUDGE, VAMPYROS LESBOS) that marked Christopher Lee's final performance as the infamous Chinese madman. This definitive edition of THE CASTLE OF FU MANCHU has been newly restored from it's original print and packed with exclusive new Extras for a disc full of Fu Manchu mayhem!

Thoughts:
My second foray into the world of Fu Manchu is the second Franco/Lee collaboration in which Lee's Fu Manchu creates a weapon to freeze the sea. Like "The Blood of Fu Manchu", it is shot in the typical Jess Franco style, using many minutes of stock footage to keep costs down on what is already a noticeably low budget sequel. Unfortunately, this film fails at most levels, from the acting to the story and there is little to keep even the most ardent Fu Manchu fan interested. Reading various sites before buying this, I had heard that the two Franco films are easily the worst so I think I need to check out some of the early films based on this character Christopher Lee played six times. I can't recommend this to anyone although I will say Tsai Chin is the highlight in a barrel of crap. 1.5/5

(From Never Ending Movie Marathon (short reviews) on July 6th, 2011)

Theh Amazing Spider-Man, a review by Dragonfire

The Amazing Spider-Man



I went to see The Amazing Spider-Man a few days ago.  I think the reboot works overall, though in some ways, it still seems a little soon for it.

The plot is interesting and entertaining, though it does cover some of the same ground as the first Raimi Spider-Man, showing how Peter gets bitten by a spider and gets new abilities.  He has to deal with the Lizard instead of the Green Goblin and his love interest is Gwen Stacy instead of Mary Jane.  I don't know much about those characters and it was a little weird for Mary Jane to not be in the movie.  I do like Gwen, and in some ways, she seems like a stronger character.  It's just different.  A little more background about Peter's parents is shared.  I don't remember learning anything about them before this.  I like that there is a bit more about them.  There is still a lot of mystery surrounding them and I'm thinking more will come out in future movies.  The Lizard is an interesting, and even somewhat sympathetic villain, though still, in some way, less impressive than Doc Ock or Green Goblin.  Aunt May is a little younger and bit more feisty..and there is some tension between her and Peter.  Uncle Ben still talks to Peter about responsibility, though in a different way.  The action is fine. The movie isn't too violent, though Peter ends up battered, bloody, and bruised more than once.  That is probably more realistic since his spandex outfit doesn't offer much in the way of protection.  I did see the movie in 3D.  It was fine.  The movie is more serious overall I think.  There are a few little things that add humor, but Peter didn't make as many wisecracks as he did in the other movies..or like he does in the comic books.

The characters and actors do well with their parts, though Garfield does seem a tad old for the age of Peter in the movie.  This time, he remains in high school through the whole movie.  Gwen and Peter start a relationship, though really, not much is shown.  They hardly speak at school, and then they are making out and Peter is telling her he's Spider-Man.  She isn't the only one who finds that out either.  I know in the comics, Peter went public at Spider-Man in that whole registration storyline, but it is too soon in the story for these movies for people to know.  It just doesn't seem right.

Peter and Gwen's relationship is fine, though it doesn't get as developed.  There is just a little something missing from that part of the story. 

I did like the movie overall, though there are a few issues with it.  The movie is worth seeing.  Some things are being set up for the next movie.  I have a few ideas already of what might be coming.



I did get a review posted on Epinions if anyone wants to take a look.

The Amazing Spider-Man





(From Amazing Spider-Man on July 10th, 2012)

Birthday Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

I Love Lucy: Season 6
Lucy and Superman
Lucy promises Little Ricky that Superman (George Reeves) will be at his birthda party, but when it looks like he can't make it, she tries to fill the bill herself.

My Thoughts:
I Normally like to watch my DVD sets in order... but I decided to make an exception to this one since I have already seen every episode of I Love Lucy ever made. This has always been one of my favorite episodes of I Love Lucy. I guess this is because I also always been a fan of Adventures of Superman. It really is a hilarious episode. My favorite line in this episode...

Ricky: In all the 15 years we been married this is the craziest stunt you ever pulled!
Superman: Wait a minute, you been married to her for 15 years?
Ricky: Yeah, 15 years!
Superman: And they call me Superman!



(From Birthday Marathon on May 25th, 2009)