DVD Collectors Online

The Hunting Party, a review by Silence_of_Lamb

Summary:
A young journalist (Jesse Eisenberg), a seasoned cameraman (Terrence Howard) and a discredited war correspondent (Richard Gere) embark on an unauthorized mission to find the no. 1 war criminal in Bosnia; they find themselves in serious jeopardy when they are mistaken as a CIA hit squad and their target decides to come after them.

My Thoughts:
I got this movie with my TV-magazine and have never heard anything about it before.

Which in fact is strange if you take into consideration it's gripping story and the terrific cast. After just about 10 minutes it became clear why this movie passed completely unnoticed by the masses: It's so cynical that it sometimes hurts.
Nevertheless (or probably: because of this), it's a great movie. The interaction between the three main-actors is absolute fun to watch, the guest appearance of Diane Kruger would have been worth an Oscar (if it wouldn't have been that short). The plot gets your full attention within the first two seconds and doesn't let you go until the end-credits. The photography is absolutely fabulous, the directing is so good that you actually don't notice it is there.
This movie has just about anything it needs to make a great movie an unforgettable movie, possibly even an all-time classic.
The most disturbing part is that this movie is based on a true story and was shot on the original places.

Highly recommended (especially if you want to know how it is possible that a 100.000 men seem completely unable to find a single man (may the name be Karadcic, Mladic, Bin Laden, ...))

My Rating: (out of possible 5)

(From Michael's random reviews on March 26th, 2011)

Hamlet, a review by Rich

Academy Award Best Picture winner 1948

Hamlet



Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Sir Laurence Olivier's 'Hamlet' continues to be the most compelling version of Shakespeare's beloved tragedy. Olivier is at his most inspired - both as director and as the melancholy Dane himself - as he breathes new life into the words of one of the world's greatest dramatists. Criterion is proud to present 'Hamlet' in a luminous black-and-white digital transfer.

Thoust twatched thine grandee purveyance beyond thy western star etc etc 

Broody short adaptation of Hamlet, in comparison to Branaghs which was several hours long. The B&W production, eerie music, and specifically the spirit of Hamlets father who stalks the castle make for an imposing movie. This is said to be the best acted Hamlet ever, I can't compare so I take their word for it, I can confirm that many scenes were compelling and the interactions at times superb. A little direction was annoying as we constantly were lead in POV mode down countless empty corridors.
I struggle to understand Shakespeare, and I don't really like it, but I would say this movie is pretty accessible and not particularly hard to follow, and does allow us to view possibly one of the best Shakespearian actors in his prime.
Not my cup of tea, perhaps I am a peasant?
 

(From Riches Random Reviews on February 5th, 2009)

Angel Marathon, a review by DJ Doena

Synopsis: Spike and Angel have to got to Rome, to retrieve the head of a demon clanlord. But there is not just the head in Rome, there is also The Immortal (and old enemy of two), Andrew, Dawn - and Buffy.

My Opinion: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the episode. But it was another episode about Buffy without Buffy. This becomes a running gag without actually being funny.

Synopsis: Angel's friends are more and more concerned about his actions. When the warden of the "Deeper Well" (the prison in which Illyria was held) comes to L.A. and accuses Angel of attempted assassination, they demand answers - including one to the question whether Angel had anything to do with the death of Fred.

My Opinion: Good episode that promises a thrilling finale. Luckily I was right. The show seems to end in a big bang but at least Angel isn't on the wrong side. Now I want to know who is going to die - that someone will die is to be expected by anyone who has seen the finale of "Buffy" and the movie "Serenity".

Synopsis: Angel and the gang plan to assassinate each and every member of the "Circle of the Black Thorn". Illyria and Lindsey join their mission in the knowledge that the Senior Partners's revenge will come swift and will be horrible.

My Opinion: "I take it the odds are against us and the situation is grim." (James T. Kirk, "Star Trek: Generations") Wow, what an exit. This was an excellent end to this series because it was no explicit end. Wesley's death was unfortunate but far better staged than the death of Anya. You can only wish that he will find the peace in death that he hasn't found in life. I have already ordered the comic book which will be released in July.

The Season - My Opinion: This was without doubt my favourite season of "Angel". The new setting, the changed situation and Spike did help a lot. Even more than in previous seasons the world has become grey instead of becoming more black/white.

The Series - My Opinion: I liked the series as a whole a great deal, although you have to (even more than in "Buffy") take leave from the idea that it could have played in our world. The demons were way to public for this. The series had a deadbeat in the middle (season 4) but recovered very well with the fifth season. In direct comparison to "Buffy" I prefer the latter one.

(From Angel Marathon on February 28th, 2008)