DVD Collectors Online

24: Redemption, a review by addicted2dvd

24: Redemption


My Thoughts:
I wanted to watch this movie because I just finished watching season 6 before starting this marathon... and I wanted to watch this movie next so I could start on the season 7 episodes I have recorded. I really enjoyed watching this movie. It was a little weird to see 24 in a movie format but I think they did a good job doing it. I am glad this one had Tony Todd (Candyman) in it... as I have become a fan of his over the past several years. The storyline involving the child soldiers in Africa was heartbreaking to say the least. Now I am ready to start the new season!



(From Weekend Movie Marathon: 1/16 - 1/18 on January 17th, 2009)

Dance of the Dead, a review by addicted2dvd

Dance of the Dead
In the near future when nuclear war has turned much of our world into wasteland, the youth of America have become drug-crazed sociopaths who lawlessly prowl what's left. But for pretty teenage Peggy ('Jessica Lowndes'), her sheltered life is far removed from underground club The Doom Room where a depraved MC ('Robert Englund', Freddy Krueger from NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET fame) provides immoral entertainment for the murderous masses. Tonight, the most horrific stage show of all is about to begin...and Peggy's young innocence will come to a brutal end forever.

'Jonathan Tucker' (of HOSTAGE and the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE remake) co-stars in this extreme shocker adapated by 'Richard Christian Matheson' from the celebrated short story by his father 'Richard Matheson' (writer of I AM LEGEND, DUEL and STIR OF ECHOES) and featuring music by 'Billy Corgan' of 'The Smashing Pumpkins'.

My Thoughts:
The first time I watched this one I considered it my all-time least favorite... I just did not like this episode. On second viewing I changed my thoughts on this a bit. It is better then I remember it being. I still wouldn't call it a favorite. One thing I really liked about this episode is the fact that Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) is in it. I have been a fan of his since the very first Nightmare on Elm Street.  It is still a very weird episode. But it has grown on me some... that much is for sure. At this point I would say this is a mediocre episode. As with the previous releases... the quality is good... and it is definitely loaded with extras.

For those interested... here is the trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoQvMRfPYh4

(From Masters of Horror Marathon on May 25th, 2008)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: The Complete Second Season marathon, a review by goodguy

2x05 Goodbye to All That
Synopsis: Derek leads John on his first mission in defense of a military school cadet with a vital future role in the Resistance.
My Rating:

That was a rather average episode with some good bits inbetween.

I liked the T1-nod. I really loved the macho scene of Derek and John loading up the truck with weapons and gear, changing first to a sudden shot of Cameron in the foreground, turning her head to look at John and John then looking at Sarah, who is watching from afar. Several shots establishing all three POVs and showing John between those two women. Great stuff.

I won't say anything on how easy Derek and John got into the military school, it just isn't worth it. Some of the scenes there worked pretty well, but overall it was far too simplistic bordering on cheesy. Likewise the scenes with Sarah and the kidnapped kid were hit and miss. The initial video game turning real as they get chased by the Triple-8 certainly was fun.

The Wizard of Oz must be the most used reference in US movies and TV shows. Still, they managed to pick some interesting parts as VO when Derek and John defeat the T-888. I remember complaining about the Sarah VO's in my initial S1 review, but upon rewatching I've gotten rather fond of them, to the point were I actually was starting to miss them in S2.

I also really loved the final scene between Derek and John: We all die for you. It's not about upsetting John as Achim suspects, but about encouraging John to become the man and leader who is worth that kind of sacrifice.

The slowly advancing story of Weaver and Ellison seems to confirm what could be already picked up from the coda of 2x02: Weaver seems to be interested in keeping the power plant operational. BTW, is there any way to make the scene with the plant manager in the alley any worse? Well, I suppose there is, but that was a new low after the men's room scene in 2x01.


(From Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: The Complete Second Season marathon on February 3rd, 2010)