DVD Collectors Online

Heart of America, a review by Jimmy

Title: Heart of America (2003)

Genre: Drama
Director: Uwe Boll
Rating: R
Length: 1h27
Video: Widescreen
Audio: English
Subtitles: None

Stars:Plot:
It's the last day of high school and the unthinkable is about to occur. Two seniors, with a murder/suicide pact, plan to take weapons to school to exact revenge on their abusers.

This movie is certainly the nearest that Boll had came to make a good movie for most people. The story is clear, make sense and not over the top. The acting isn't too bad, except for some overacting performances (mostly by the bullies). Clint Howard as one the kid father and Will Sanderson as an ex-bully does a pretty good acting job. The thing I appreciate is the fact that the students look like normal people, not like boring and good looking TV serie teenagers. You don't get the usual Boll's trademark of weird and unecessary camera trick, there is one exception but I don't see it as meaningless. The musical score is effective too, particullary the instrumental one they use for the openning and later when the killing start (sorry no idea of who played it).

I don't say that it's a perfect movie it had is defects. First the story follow to many characters, but this is a problem with every movie on the same subject. Secondly the casting of Brendan Fletcher in the role of the bullies leader, I usually like him but he isn't credible at all for the role he just doesn't look like a tough guy (even me I could be able to kick his ass and I ain't scary at all). But the most important problem is the end that is a complete let down after all the build up made before.

At least try a rent for this one, you could be surprise by Uwe Boll.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CewIrrzpfvk
Rating :

(From F***** Up Teenagers Marathon on April 19th, 2009)

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, a review by dfmorgan

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Year: 2008
Director: Patrick Tatopoulos
Cast: Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Rhona Mitra
Overview: The prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires known as Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian (Michael Sheen) emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Bill Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja (Rhona Mitra), in his battle against the Death Dealer army and his struggle for Lycan freedom.

Watched: 3rd. Oct 2010
My Thoughts: Another lycanthrope disappointment. Whilst I enjoyed this more than The Wolfman I feel that it didn't come up to the standard set by the two earlier films in the Underworld series.

My Rating: Just a 2 again.

Dave

(From 2010 October Horror Marathon (Discussion thread) on October 3rd, 2010)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

1. Welcome to the Hellmouth
Buffy Summers, The Chosen One, arrives in Sunnydale, California trying to forget all the talk about her destiny and the vampires, only to discover that the quiet, small American town sits atop a Hellmouth and a master vampire is about to be brought forth. With the help of her new Watcher, Giles; and new friends Xander and Willow, Buffy tries to do her sacred duty while also leading a normal teenagers life.

My Thoughts:
First part of a 2 part premiere...  does a good job at introducing the characters... love the opening scene. Is an opener that will suck in most people in my opinion.... especially vampire fans. Episode cuts with "To Be Continued" right at the perfect time to make sure people will come back for the second episode. Great start to what I always considered an awesome series!

2. The Harvest
Buffy gradually learns to accept her role as the Slayer and prepares to battle the Master's minions in order to stop the Harvest, a ceremony which will free the Master from his prison in the sewers. Willow and Xander are confided in by Giles about the existence of Vampires and Demons and, although overwhelmed, pledge to help Buffy in her fight.

My Thoughts:
Great continuation to the series opener. Throws in some of the unexpected to keep you guessing. I always thought the vampires was done great for a TV Series. I love how they look when they show their "true selves"... and love the way they burst into dust when they are destroyed. It has been a while since I done this marathon.... I think I will be having a good time!

3. The Witch
When several cheerleaders are involved in strange accidents that cause them to spontaneously combust or leave them without eyes or a mouth, Buffy and the gang suspect that one of the cheerleader wannabes is practicing witchcraft and is trying to eliminate her competition.

My Thoughts:
"The Witch".... even though a good episode has never really been a favorite of mine. I don't even know what it is about it that puts me off... but this one just slightly does. I always liked movies/series about witches before... so it is not the subject matter. I don't know... maybe it is all the cheerleading... as I was never much of a cheerleader fan. I always wondered after this episode if we would ever see Amy's mom again... going from the final scene of the episode one could think it would be possible.

4. Teacher's Pet
When Xander and most of the male population of Sunnydale High fall for the substitute science teacher Miss French, Buffy tries to warn him that she may not be what she seems when she sees the well-proportioned female specimen scare off a vampire.

My Thoughts:
Much like "The Witch"... this one was never much of a favorite of mine. Once again not really a bad episode... but I never liked the whole giant insect monster. but over-all a decent episode... worth the time put into it.

(From Buffy the Vampire Slayer Marathon on November 9th, 2007)