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Strangers on a Train, a review by Rich

Strangers on a Train



STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, based on the Patricia Highsmith novel, quickly became one of Alfred Hitchcock's most successful thrillers and remains one of his most popular films. En route from Washington, D.C., champion tennis player Guy Haines (Farley Granger) meets pushy playboy Bruno Anthony (Robert Walker). What begins as a chance encounter turns into a series of morbid confrontations, as Bruno manipulates his way into Guy's life. Bruno is eager to kill his father and knows Guy wants to marry a senator's daughter (Ruth Roman) but cannot get a divorce from his wife, Miriam (Laura Elliot). So Bruno suggests the men swap murders, which would leave no traceable clues or possible motives. Though Guy refuses, it will not be so easy to rid himself of the psychopathic Bruno. The film is tightly paced and disturbing from beginning to end, an effect heightened by Hitchcock's inventive camera work, including a terrifying sequence shot through a pair of eyeglasses that have been knocked to the ground.

Wonderful Hitchcock drama, with an unfamiliar cast who all punch above their weight. Robert Walker in particular is absolutely superb as the disturbed Bruno. Although this was not one of his supposed classics, it is one of my favourites.
Exquisite camerawork, character building by intelligent dialogue, and as in many of his films A1 music accompiniment.
This has lost nothing over the years, and with a script that performs like clockwork you can't go far wrong
 

(From Riches Random Reviews on January 30th, 2009)

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, a review by Rich

Title: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Movie Count:15 
TV Ep. Count:8 

Runtime:92
Certificate:R
Year:2009
Genres:Action, Horror

Plot: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.

My Review:
Pointless prequel, a bit gorier and fun than the other 2, and loaded with action. I thought some of the CGI effects were below par, a lot of the fight scenes messy and hard to follow, the love story sloppy and the choice of theatrical cast a mistake.
I really liked the original, but this poorly scripted attempt was rather disappointing, and felt like it was dragging out the title to the extreme.
Fantasy and action, and a great act by Bill Nighy, just made it to the average stakes.



(From Rich's October Horror Fest on October 12th, 2009)

Pete's Pilots, a review by addicted2dvd

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
When a brash street kid from Philly moves to a Left Coast zip code even posher than 90210, cultures are sure to clash. But not to worry. The kid is Will Smith, and he'll have Bel-Air bustin' a move in no time! Smith was already a Grammy-winning rap artist when he shot to acting renown as the smart, wisecracking urban teen who's sent to live with wealthy relatives in an area so exclusive a former President drops in to share some Christmas cheer. This 4-disc DVD collection features lively bonus material plus all 24 Season-One Episodes, from Will's first day at the country club (which one is the fish fork?) to his first day at Bel-Air Prep School (sort of homeboy meets Harvard). When it comes to comedy, Fresh Prince rules!

The Fresh Prince Project
Will comes to live with his aunt and uncle in Bel-Air. Philip isn't too impressed by Will's behavior, especially teaching Ashley to rap and ruining his image with the members of the law firm. Vivian tries to remain neutral in all this. Carlton and Hilary look at Will with disdain.

My Thoughts:
I haven't watched this show in quite a while. So today I am reminded how funny this show is. One of these days I will have to get more season sets in my collection. As of now I only have the first season. This pilot episode is a good introduction to the characters. And I found myself laughing more then once.

My Rating:

(From Pete's Pilots on January 25th, 2010)