My Blog of Movie Watching and All Other Things...

Friday, December 25, 2009

What I Saw Last Week...

Oh the horror…

Blood Feast 2: All U Can Eat (2002) (F) 6 of 10
Disturbing Behavior (1998) ® 8 of 10
Friday the 13th (2009) ® 7 of 10
My Name is Bruce (2007) ® 7 of 10
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) ® 7 of 10

The Rest in Peace…

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) ® 8 of 10
Closer (2004) ® 7 of 10
District 9 (2009) ® 9 of 10
Metallica: Live Shit – Binge & Purge – Seattle (1993) ® 8 of 10
The Searchers (1956) ® 9 of 10
Star Wars 4: A New Hope (1977) ® 10 of 10
Star Wars 5: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) ® 10 of 10
Star Wars 6: Return of the Jedi (1983) ® 10 of 10
The Three Faces of Eve (1957) (F) 8 of 10

TV Seasons…

None

12/22/2009 New on Home Video Today.

12/22/2009

DVD Releases:

(500) Days of Summer 2009
All About Steve 2009
American Pie presents: The Book of Love 2009
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt 2009
District 9 2009
District 9 2009 2-Disc Edition
Extract 2009
Family Guy presents: Something, Something, Something Dark Side 2009
Ghost Machine 2009
Hair Extensions 2007
Ichi 2008
It Might Get Loud 2009
Kyle XY – Season 3 2009
Paranormal Entity 2009
Secret Life of the American Teenager – Season 3 2009
Shattered Lives
Taxi – The Final Season 1982

BluRay Releases:

(500) Days of Summer 2009
All About Steve 2009
American Pie presents: The Book of Love 2009
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt 2009
District 9 2009
Extract 2009
Family Guy presents: Something, Something, Something Dark Side 2009
Ichi 2008
It Might Get Loud 2009

Friday, December 18, 2009

What I Saw Last Week...

Oh the horror…

Bachelor Party in the Bungalow of the Damned (2006) (F) 3 of 10
Darkness Falls (2003) ® 6 of 10
Dead Air (2009) (F) 7 of 10
The Gate (1987) ® 7 of 10
Ghost Machine (2009) (F) 5 of 10
Gutterballs (2008) (F) Unrated 7 of 10
Paranormal Entity (2009) (F) 4 of 10

The Rest in Peace…

12 Monkeys (1995) ® 9 of 10
Annihilation Earth (2009) (F) 3.5/5
Family Guy: Something Something Something Dark Side (2009) (F) 8 of 10
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) ® 8 of 10
Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983) ® 8 of 10
Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction (2009) (F) 6 of 10
The Sister-in-Law (1974) (F) 6 of 10
The Stepmother (1972) (F) 6 of 10
Wing Commander (1999) ® 6 of 10

TV Seasons…

Californication – Season 3 (2009) (F) 9 of 10
Dexter – Season 4 (2009) (F) 9 of 10
Ghost Hunters Academy – Season 1 (2009) (F) 3 of 10
Xavier: Renegade Angel – Season 1 (2007) (F) 5 of 10

12/15/2009 New on Home Video Today.

12/15/2009

DVD Releases:

Art of Love (1983)
Bleach – Volume 23
Dead Men Don’t Make Shadows / Django meets Sartana (Double Feature)
G-Force (2008)
G-Force (2008) Deluxe Edition
The Girl from Morocco (2008)
The Goods: Live Hard Sell Hard (2009)
Guyver: The Complete Series
The Hangover (2008)
The Hangover (2008) Unrated
Inglorious Bastards (2009)
Inglorious Bastards (2009) Special Edition
La Boheme
Murder by Decree
The Other Man (2008)
Psycho Ward (2009)
Robot Chicken – Season 4 (2008)
The Sherlock Holmes Collection (2009)
Taking Woodstock (2008)
The Tudors – Season 4 (2009)

BluRay Releases:

Basilisk: The Complete Series
G-Force (2008)
The Hangover (2008) Unrated
Inglorious Bastards (2009) Special Edition
La Boheme
The Mel Brooks Collection (2009)
The Other Man (2008)
Samurai Champoo: The Complete Series
Star Trek: The Original Series – Season 3 (1969)
Taking Woodstock (2008)

Friday, December 11, 2009

What I Saw Last Week...

Alice (2009) 3/5
A rather underwhelming Syfy mini-series. Pass this one up for the Tim Burton one next year.

Black Christmas (2006) Unrated 3/5
A little better the second time around.

Blood Moon Rising (2009) 2.5/5
A silly, low-budget cheese festival.

Drainiac! (2000) 3/5
Boy that house really needs the Roto-rooter man.

Ghostfuck [Colpo dell’anno] (1995) 2.5/5
More D’Amato sleeze.

Halloween II (2009) Unrated Director’s Cut 3.5/5
I like the Director’s Cut a little bit more than the theatrical.

Hanger (2009) Unrated 3.5/5
Wow, this one’s something else.

Iron Man: Armored Adventures vol. 1 (2008) 3/5
A passable cartoon.

Mr. Jingles (2006) 2/5
A disappointing sequel to S.I.C.K.

Prom Night (1980) 2/5
Yawn. I actually like the remake more, which isn’t saying much.

Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace (1999) 3.5/5
Star Wars 2: Attack of the Clones (2002) 4/5
My Far, Far Away marathon begins…

Terminator Salvation (2009) Director’s Cut 3/5
My least favorite of the series so far.

The Ugly Truth (2009) 4/5
No expectations have their awards sometimes. Surprisingly funny despite the usual template.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

12/08/2009 New on Home Video This Week.

12/08/2009

DVD Releases:

Coraline - Limited Edition Giftset (2009)
The Dead (1987)
The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009)
I Downloaded a Ghost (2001)
Friday: The Complete Animated Series (2007)
The Fugitive – Season 3 v2 (1966)
Get Smart – Season 5 (1969)
Ghosted
Gozu (2003) Collector’s Edition
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) Ultimate Edition
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) Special Edition
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Ultimate Edition
Julie & Julia (2009)
Lost – Season 5 (2009) The Journey Back – Expanded Edition
Lost – Season 5 (2009) The Journey Back – Expanded Edition (Dharma Imitative Orientation Kit)
Moonlight Serenade (2009)
Perry Mason – Season 4 v2
Plaguers (2008)
Public Enemies (2009)
Public Enemies (2009) Special Edition
Rescue Me – Season 4 v2 (2009)
Run! Bitch, Run! (2009)
Shank (Unrated Director’s Cut)
SpongeBob SquarePants – Season 6 v1 (2008)


BluRay Releases:

AC/DC – No Bull (1996)
The Alphabet Killer (2008)
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
Coraline - Limited Edition Giftset (2009)
Cyclops (2008)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) Ultimate Edition
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Ultimate Edition
Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer (2007)
Julie & Julia (2009)
Lost – Season 5 (2009) The Journey Back – Expanded Edition
Lower Learning (2008)
Public Enemies (2009) Special Edition
Red Mist (2008)
Rush – R30
Sands of Oblivion (2007)
Walled In (2008)
While She Was Out (2008)
World’s Greatest Dad (2008)

Friday, December 4, 2009

What I Saw Last Week...

1. Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)
Repeat View HD * * *
Big G versus Mecha G with Mothra as a referee. Tokyo’s the ring and destruction is the name of the game.

2. The Echo (2008)
First View HD * * ½
Well it’s all been done before, with much better results. The sound design is pretty decent and helps establish what little atmosphere there is.

3. Funny People (2009) Unrated
First View SD * * *
More drama than funny. It’s a tad long and not funny enough.

4. Chuck – Season 1 (2007)
Repeat View USD * * * ½
A fun geeky series.

5. Angels & Demons (2009) Extended Version
First View HD * * * *
“Angels” is a fine sequel (even though it was published before “Da Vinci”). Although I preferred the hunt for the Grail in “Code” as a storyline “Angels” is clearly a better film. “Da Vinci” occasionally suffered from pacing issues and lapses (which were made better by its extended version) “Angels” hits the ground running and is engaging until the end.

6. The Final Destination (2009)
First View SD * * * ½
The franchise is brought to its fiery end (yeah right) in “The Final Destination”. NASCAR racing is the big beginning with a lovely fiery, CGI bang. Don’t expect any new ground to be broken. Just sit back and enjoy the mayhem.

7. Black Dynamite (2009)
First View SD * * * *
Great Blaxploitation spoof. Can you dig it?

8. The General (1927)
First View HD * * * *
I believe this is my first Buster Keaton movie. I liked it. It was entertaining.

9. Beyond Sherwood Forest (2009)
First View HD *
Silly Syfy drivel that tosses dragons and other fantasy elements into the Robin Hood legend. It’s dry and lifeless. But Maid Marion is made for marrying…ba-doom, tiss!

10. The Big Boss (1971)
Repeat View USD * * * *
I was in the mood for a little hi-ya so why not go with the master?

11. Heat (1995)
Repeat View HD * * * * *
Michael Mann’s crime epic is far from perfect (there are several glaring oversights) but with a grade A cast and a wonderful script it’s easy to overlook a few minor flaws.

12. Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back (2008) Unrated
Repeat View HD * * *
I enjoy this Raw Feed series.

13. The Mummy (1999)
Repeat View HD * * * ½
It’s a decent enough Indiana Jones-style adventure film. It’s nowhere near the original.

14. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) Extended Edition
Repeat View HD * * * * *
A rousing conclusion to one of the best book adaptations…ever.

15. Logan’s Run (1976)
Repeat View HD * * * ½
“Logan’s Run” is an interesting concept but the production design is a bit sparse (actually more like sterile) for my taste but the funky and quirky Jerry Goldsmith score is fun.

16. Deep Impact (1998)
Repeat View HD * * * *
Summer of the astral impact disaster flicks. I prefer this one slightly over “Armageddon”.

17. S.I.C.K. (2003)
First View SD * * * ½
After hearing how horrible this one was I avoided it. But I gave it a go and thought it was pretty damned decent.

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
First View SD * * * *
A wicked revenge flick.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

12/01/2009 New on Home Video Today.

12/01/2009

DVD Releases:

Ben 10: Alien Swarm (2009)
Better Off Ted – Season 1 (2009)
The Dead (1987)
Deader Country
Deadline (2009)
Death Warrior
Endgame
Mental – Season 1 (2009)
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Collection vol. 16
Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian (2009)
Paper Heart (2009)
Saturday Night Live – Season 5 (1979)
Silent Night, Deadly Night Triple Feature (2009)
Suns of the Father
Six Sex Scenes and a Murder
Storm of the Dead
Terminator: Salvation (2009)

BluRay Releases:

Ben 10: Alien Swarm (2009)
Deadline (2009)
Death Warrior
Gimme Shelter (1970) Criterion Collection
The Green Mile (1999)
Gremlins (1984)
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Guns (1998)
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
The Mask of Zorro / The Legend of Zorro
Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian (2009)
Paper Heart (2009)
Secondhand Lions (2003)
Snatch (2001)
Terminator: Salvation (2009)
The Wizard of Oz (1939) Emerald Edition

Friday, November 27, 2009

What I Saw Last Week...

Street Fighter: Round One Fight (2009)
First View
* ½
I sort of just randomly watched this one. I don’t care for the style of anime that is of pictures being moved around with voiceovers. It would have been much more enjoyable as standard anime.

The Robot vs. the Aztec Mummy (1958)
First View
* ½
A silly dubbed Mexican flick that seems like a picture cobbled together by hacking and splicing several films. Fun for the younger set I guess but a badly written bore for the rest of us.

Dante’s Peek (1997)
Repeat View
* * * ½
The better of the two volcano films that year. “Volcano” just was too farfetched.

Predator 2 (1990)
Repeat View
* * * ½
“P2” is a sold sequel but not quite as good as the original. Bringing the Predator to the big city was a wise choice.

Fight Club (1999)
Repeat View
* * * * *
I am Tyler’s busted nut…

Leon: The Professional (1994) Extended Version
Repeat View
* * * * *
Jean Reno, Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman really hit this one out of the park as does Luc Besson. (t’s a pity the sequel never materialized.

The Unborn (2009) Unrated
Repeat View
* * *
The Unborn is a hodge-podge of Jewish mysticism, The Exorcist and a smidge of The Grudge. It’s decent but it treads some tired old ground as it unwinds.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Repeat View
* * * *
Indiana finally makes the jump to the 21st century. Overwrought, under-realized CGI and all. For me it rates above Crusade but below Raiders and Doom.

S.F.W. (1994)
Repeat View
* * * *
S.F.W. is an excellent drama-dy on the fickleness of pop culture and the lunacy of the “15 Minutes of Fame” culture. It’s not changed. It’s only gotten worse.

Suspiria (1977)
Repeat View
* * * * *
What else can be said?

Saw VI (2009)
First View
* * *
I enjoyed the first two. But starting with part three it did a nose-dive in to non-existent plot with character twists seemingly pulled out of thin air (or asses more likely) and gore galore. Then it did a crapper around five. Now Lionsgate is trying to revive their cash-cow with so-so effect. It kinda hit with a thud at the box office. The ride may be over. Saw VI is improvement over the last two or three installments but I think it’s time to take this franchise out behind the barn.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Extended Edition
Repeat View
* * * * *
I thought I’d have a holiday viewing of the extended trilogy.

Crank (2006)
Repeat View
* * * *
“Crank” is an insanely entertaining concept which which Statham and the creators milk to the 9’s.

Triangle (2009)
First View
* * * ½
A group of friends go sailing. During their voyage a storm nearly kills them. Afterwards they come across an old ocean liner that they investigate. The second and third acts start twisting away and although it gets a bit muddled Triangle is a pretty decent thriller.

The Blackout (2009)
First View
* * *
An apartment building comes under siege of some nasty beasts that creep out of the Earth after tremors leave them a pathway from the depths. A likable horror that draws off “The Descent” and maybe “Demons 2”.

Crank 2: High Voltage (2009)
Repeat View
* * * *
“High Voltage” is an even more psychotic and stylized sequel to the incredibly fun original.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) Extended Edition
Repeat View
* * * * *
I continue my journey through Middle Earth.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
First View
* *
First of all I gave the first one a three of five so I did like that one for what it was. Bur “New Moon” is two plus hours of pure mopping around. Dreadfully slow, this unapologetic redux of “Romeo & Juliet” drags on and on until one can almost not stand it any longer. I know I’m not the target audience (cougars & ‘tweens) but holy hell will something interesting happen already. The photography is the only real high point. The question shouldn’t be are you Team Edward or Team Jacob but when the hell will the credits roll?

Thursday, November 26, 2009

11/24/2009 New on Home Video Today.

11/24/2009

DVD Releases:

Air America (1990)
Alfred Hitchcock Presents – Season 4 (1968)
Angels & Demons (2009)
Angels & Demons (2009) Extended Edition
Angels & Demons Decoded (2009)
Art of the Devil III (2007)
Beverly Hills 90210 – Season 8 (1997)
Blood Moon Rising (2009)
A Christmas Carol (1951) Ultimate Collector’s Edition
Devil Girl (2008)
Devil Man (2004) Special Edition
Far Cry (2008)
Four Christmases (2009)
Funny People (2009) Unrated & Theatrical
Funny People (2009) Unrated Collector’s Edition
Gomorrah (2008) Criterion Collection
Hogan’s Heroes: The Complete Series (1965) Kommandant’s Kollection
Imagine That (2009)
Law & Order: Criminal Intent – The Fourth Year (2004)
The Maiden Heist (2009)
Megafault (2009)
Melrose Place – Season 5 (1997)
Rareflix vol. 5 (Triple Feature)
The Rebirth (2009)
Rush: R30
Santa Buddies (2009)
Shorts (2009)
Slaughtered Vomit Dolls (2008)
Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs (1937)
Superman: The Complete Animated Series
The Witches Hammer (2006)

BluRay Releases:

Air America (1990)
Angel Heart (1987)
Angels & Demons (2009)
Blood: The Last Vampire (2000)
A Christmas Carol (1951)
Cujo (1983) 25th Anniversary Edition
Four Christmases (2009)
Frailty (2001)
Funny People (2009) Unrated Collector’s Edition
Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (1995)
Gomorrah (2008) Criterion Collection
Ink (2009)
Megafault (2009)
The Monster Squad (1987) 20th Anniversary Edition
My Bloody Valentine (1981) Special Edition
My Brilliant Career (1979)
New Police Story (2004)
Santa Buddies (2009)
Sex and Death 101 / Heathers (20th High School Reunion Edition)
Shorts (2009)
The Sopranos – Season 1 (1999)
Streets of Blood / Lies and Illusions
Traitor / Righteous Kill
The Way of the Gun (2000)

Friday, November 20, 2009

What I Saw Last Week...

1. Batman (1989)
* * * * 1/2
A classic combo of talent behind the camera and in front.

2. The Children (1980)
* * * 1/2
A favorite from the good old Elvira years.

3. Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (2009)
* * * 1/2
One more special until the new Doctor. The switch to hi-def is certainly helping the look of the series.

4. Dolphins (2000)
* * * 1/2
An enjoyable IMAX documentary.

5. Godzilla (1998)
* * * *
It looks and sounds fantastic on BluRay. Go green machine.

6. Living in Darkness (2002)
* * * 1/2
Agood. solid and informative documentary of the vamp classic "Near Dark". What no Jenny Wright?

7. Near Dark (1987)
* * * *
It's not the grandest upgrape to Blu but it's still a damn fine film and much better than any "Twilight" entry.

8. Passengers (2008)
* * * *
Anne Hathaway stars in the drama / mystery that has an interesting but predictable twist. If it was a bit more surreal it could have easily bumped it up another star.

9. Rest Stop: Dead Ahead (2006)
* * *
A simple but enjoyable slasher.

10. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)
* * *
A fun time waster.

11. Star Trek (2009)
* * * *
A fine sequel / prequel / reboot that is faithful to the spirit of the franchise. Chekov is the weakest character but Bones and Scotty are spot on. Eric Bana was a very lame baddie though.

12. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
* 1/2
Does MST3K do this huge of a steaming pile?

13. Trick ‘r Treat (2008)
* * * *
One of the best anthology flicks in years. I love how all the tales tie in together with plenty of cool twists and performances.

14. Under Siege (1992)
* * * *
A classic for Seagal. Erika Eleniak naked in a birthday cake. Yum!

15. White Heat (1949)
* * * *
Cagney's awesome in this one.


16. Wings of Desire (1987)
* * * *
Hollywood remade this one as "City of Angels". "Wings" looks fantastic as is the acting.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

11/17/2009 New on Home Video Today.

11/17/2009

DVD Releases:

7th Heaven – Season 9 (2004)
American Venus (2007)
Andy Barker, P.I. (2007) The Complete Series
Art of Love (1983)
The Band (2009)
Best of Star Trek: The Next Generation v2 (2009)
Best of Star Trek: The Next Original Series v2 (2009)
Blue Seduction (2009)
Bruno (2009)
The Canyon (2009)
Carbon Copy (2008)
Cheerleaders Wild Weekend (1979)
Downhill Racer (1969) The Criterion Collection
Expired (2007)
Farscape: The Complete Series
Franklyn (2008)
Gone with the Wind: The Making of a Legend
Gone with the Wind (1939) Two-Disc 70th Anniversary Edition
Gone with the Wind (1939) Ultimate Collector’s Edition
Hanger (2009)
How to Be (2007)
Humpday (2009)
I Can See You (2008)
Is Anybody There? (2008)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas (2009)
The limits of Control (2009)
Mad Dog Morgan (1976) 2-Disc Limited Edition
Moonshot (2009)
My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
The Open Road (2009)
Rituals
Rome (2005) The Complete Series
Silent Scream (1980)
Six Sex Scenes and a Murder (2009)
Star Trek (2009)
Star Trek (2009) 2-Disc Special Edition
Taintlight
Thirst (2009)
Train (2009)
Wild Child (2008)

BluRay Releases:

Bruno (2009)
Chasing Amy (1997)
Clerks (1994) 15th Anniversary
Fight Club (1999)
Franklyn (2008)
Galaxy Quest (1999)
Gone with the Wind (1939) Ultimate Collector’s Edition
Is Anybody There? (2008)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas (2009)
Kevin Smith 3 Movie Collection (2009)
Leon: The professional (1994)
Moonshot (2009)
My Brilliant Career (1979)
My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
The Open Road (2009)
Rome (2005) The Complete Series
Scrubs – Season 8 (2009)
Sex, Lies & Videotape (1989)
Star Trek (2009) 3-Disc Special Edition

Sunday, November 15, 2009

What's in a name?


HowManyOfMe.com
LogoThere are
2
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Friday, November 13, 2009

What I Saw Last Week...

1. 9 (2009)
IMDB
* * * *
"9" is a well made animated film. It reminded me a bit of the cartoons of my youth like "Watership Down" and "The Secret of Nimh".

2. Amadeus Mozart (1995)
IMDB
* *
Another D'Amato hardcore flick. Pretty standard rip-off of Amadeus of sorts.

3. Black Devil Doll (2009)
IMDB
* * * *
Wow! Is this one an obnoxious treat or what. It's crude and crass but it's so damn fun.

4. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
IMDB
* * * *
Arnie was born to play this fantasy classic. A fine adaptation.

5. Dark Mirror (2007)
IMDB
* * *
Another mirror-related thriller this time dealing with a photographer who comes under the influence of a sinister mirror in a house that's not too kind to the artistic type.

6. Edges of Darkness (2009)
IMDB
* * *
The zombie apocalypse is upon us and this flick chronicles the story of several survivors. There's some interesting ideas floating around but it doesn't really jell too well in the end.

7. Gamer (2009)
IMDB
* * * 1/2
In the not-too-distant future convicts are used as pawns in a game show that offers them their freedom if they survive. "Gamer" is a bit of an update of "The Running Man" except that the cons are controlled via nano-technology by players. Interesting production design lends the film an interesting visual look.

8. I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)
IMDB
* * *
A pretty standard, but still enjoyable teen comedy.

9. Macabre (1958)
IMDB
* * *
A relatively rare William Castle horror about a kidnapped girl buried alive and the small town rushing to rescue her and solve the mystery in five hours. Not as fun as some of his best (like "The Tingler") but still good.

10. Microwave Massacre (1983)
IMDB
* * *
The most interesting aspect of this entertaining but badly made no-budgeter is seeing the voice of those the "Frosty" TV specials (Jackie Vernon) cavorting with hookers. disposing of bodies and doing adult barbs.

11. MST3K: Werewolf (1999)
IMDB
* * *
Servo, Crow and Mike Nelson really have their work cut out for them with this piece O' crap. This one's a Staley Steamer if there was ever one.

12. Necrophilia: Fucking the Dead (2000)
IMDB
* *
Not as disgusting as the title would suggest. Definitely not on the same level as say "Nekromantik" but still it's hardcore and contains sex in cemeteries and with actors playing dead.

13. Pandorum (2009)
IMDB
* * * *
An excellent science fiction flick that was criminally overlooked at the theaters. I was expecting something along the lines of "Event Horizon" but got something much better.

14. Santa Buddies (2009)
IMDB
* *
Ho-hum family time waster.

15. Surrogates (2009)
IMDB
* * *
Bruce Willis stars in this sci-fi comic book adaptation that explorers the near future where the human race uses robot surrogates to live their lives. Free of disease or danger their lives are turned upside down when operators are killed along with their surrogates. Willis is a detective trying to solve the mystery.

16. Waterworld (1995) Extended Version
IMDB
* * * *
I was interested in what the extra 40 mins would add to the film. Particularly I was interested to see if any of the slaver storyline was used but it would seem that alas it was quite literally just the TV version. Unlike releases like "Halloween" that inserted the TV footage into a theatrical print it seems Universal took the lazy way out and presented it as is. No cussing. No bare stunt butt. Don't get me wrong, it offered some good stuff particularly towards the end but if a network must change the word "turd" to "toilet" somethings gotta be off. But yet ABC didn't have any probs with showing us Dennis Franz's ass!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

11/10/2009 New on Home Video Today.

DVD Releases:

Alive (2002)
American Virgin (2009)
Bald (2008)
Ballast (2008)
Batman: The Brave and the Bold v2 (2009)
Bleed (2002)
The Break-Up Artist (2009)
Challenge of Change
Dawson’s Creek: The Complete Series
Delta Delta Die! (2003)
Disciples of Shaolin (1975)
Django Shoots First (1996)
Dragon Ball – Season 2 (1982)
The Echo (2008)
Evil Face (1974)
Family Scandal (1980)
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (Complete Collector’s Set)
Graveyard Disturbance (1987)
Ink (2009)
JAG – Season 9 (2003)
Jigsaw (2002)
Justice League: The Complete Series
Mamma Mia! (2008) Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! More Gift Set
Nash Bridges 0 Season 3 (1998)
Natalee Holloway
Pray for Hell (2009)
The Sarah Jane Adventures – Season 2 (2009)
Sexploitation Double Feature: Female Animal / Teenage Mother
Spread (2009)
Summer’s Moon
Tinto Brass Collection v3
The Ugly Truth (2009)
The Untouchables – Season 3 v2 (1961)
Up (2009)
Up (2009) Deluxe Edition
Veronica 2030 (1998)
Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut (2009)
Xavier: Renegade Angel – Seasons 1 + 2
Zebraman (2005) Special Edition

BluRay Releases:


Ballast (2008)
Challenge of Change
The Echo (2008)
The General (1926)
Godzilla (1998)
Heat (1995)
Logan’s Run (1976)
Mamma Mia! (2008) Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! More Gift Set
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Near Dark (1987)
The Negotiator, The (1998)
Red Heat (1988)
Spread (2009)
The Ugly Truth (2009)
Up (2009)
Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut (2009)

Friday, November 6, 2009

The Fourth Kind (2009)

The Fourth Kind (2009)

Genre: Science Fiction / Thriller / Horror

Director: Olatunde Osunsanmi

Stars: Milla Jovovich, Will Patton, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Corey Johnson, Elias Koteas

IMDB

Rating 3.5 of 5

Synopsis

Thoughts:
An intriguing trailer and the lovely Miss Jovovich were more than enough to get me to plop down in the theater for 100 minutes. What I got was not quite what I expected. It's told in a sort of ADD-vision. A mish-mash of "real" footage and movie adaptation you often get split screen action all the way up to four views at once. The acting is very good and quite convincing. The story is compeling and there's even an occasional scare or disturbing moment. Fans of "Paranormal Activity" may very well eat it up but some may not like the style in which it was presented. Me, I wanted more scares and alien action. But you know how that goes.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Third Man (1949)

Title:
The Third Man (1949)

Genre:
Film-Noir / Mystery / Thriller

Director:
Carol Reed

Stars:
Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, Trevor Howard, Bernard Lee, Paul Hörbiger

Rating:
4.5 of 5

Synopsis:
Harry Lime invites his friend Holly Martins, a down-on-his-luck writer to join him in post-war Vianna. Upon his arrival Martins learns that his friend died in a car accident. But as Martins looks deeper and deeper into the incident he finds that his friend was involved in some shady dealings and as the police watch his every move.

Thoughts:
Carol Reed's The Third Man is considered to be one of the (or THE) finest Noir thrillers to grace the silver screen. The fine cast sucks you into the intrigue and the look of the film is replicated beautifully in all it's black and white glory in a recently released (now OOP) Criterion Collection BluRay.

Final Thought:
See IT!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

11/03/2009 New on Home Video Today.

DVD Releases:

Aliens in the Attic (2009)
All about My Mother (1999) Remastered
The Answer Man (2009)
Bad Education (2004) NC-17 Version
Beast Within (2009)
Before the Fall (2008)
Bleach: Box St 4 part 1 (2009)
Christmas Story (2007)
The Claudette Colbert (2009)
Command Performance
Criminal Justice
Crutch: Director’s Cut
Da Ali G Show: The Complete Seereez
Dark Mirror (2007)
The Dead (1987)
Death of Evil
Doctor Who: The Black Guardian (1983)
Doctor Who: The War Games
Earth 2100 (2009)
Edge of Darkness: The Complete Series (1985)
Film Noir Classics 1 (2009)
Flower of My Secret (1995)
Food, Inc. (2008)
Forrest Gump (994) Chocolate Box Gift Set
Fraggle Rock: The Complete Final Season
Fraggle Rock: The Complete Series
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero – Season 1.2 (1985)
G.I. Joe: Resolute (2009)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) 2 Disc Digital Copy Edition
Ghosts (2005)
Hardwired (2009)
I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) Giftset
Law of Desire
Lemon Tree (2008)
Less Than Zero (1987)
March of the Penguins (2005) Limited Edition Giftset
Matador (1986)
The Men (1950)
Mission: Impossible – The Complete Series
Mission: Impossible – The Final Season
Mutants (2009)
The Narrows (2008)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
Night Watcher (2009)
North by Northwest (1959) 50th Anniversary Edition
Not Forgotten (2009)
Oscar and Lucinda (1997)
Ravage the Screen Queen
The Rockford Files: Movie Collection v1
Sand Serpents (2009)
Say Anything (1989) 20th Anniversary Edition
The Shield: The Complete Series (2002)
Six Sex Scenes and a Murder (2008)
Spin City – Season 3 (1998)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Season 1 (2008)
The Storm (2009)
Stragglers
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)
Talk to Her (2002)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Season 7
Terminator Salvation – The Machina Series (2009)
Transformers: The Complete Series (1984) 25th Anniversary Matrix of Leadership Collection
Two Girls and a Guy (1998)
Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut (2009)
White Christmas (1954) 2 Disc Anniversary Edition
The Wings of Desire (1987) Criterion Collection
Wolverine and the X-Men: Beginning of the End
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Remastered
Zombies of the Stratosphere (1952)

BluRay Releases:


Aliens in the Attic (2009)
The Answer Man (2009)
Command Performance
Direct Action
Earth 2100 (2009)
Food, Inc. (2009)
Forrest Gump (1994) Sapphire Series
Forrest Gump (1994) Sapphire Series – Chocolate Box Giftset
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) 2 Disc Digital Copy Edition
Howards End (1995) Criterion Collection
I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Love Actually (2003)
The Narrows (2008)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
North by Northwest (1959) 50th Anniversary Edition
Not Forgotten (2009)
Rocky: The Undisputed Collection (2009)
Say Anything (1989) 20th Anniversary Edition
Screwballs (1983)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Season 1 (2008)
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)
Transformers: Two-Movie Mega Collection
Two Girls and a Guy (1998)
Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut (2009)
The Wings of Desire (1987) Criterion Collection
Witchblade: The Complete Series (2001)

Monday, November 2, 2009

Night of the Creeps (1986) Director's Cut

Title:
Night of the Creeps (1986) Director's Cut

Genre:
Horror / Comedy

Director:
Fred Dekker

Stars:
Jason Lively, Steve Marshall. Jill Whitlow, Tom Atkins, Wally Taylor, Bruce Solomon

Synopsis:
Chris and J.C. are best friends starting out at college. Chris becomes smitten with Cynthia. His master plan to win the girl is to join a frat house but a hazing stunt goes wrong when the cryogenically frozen body they are to steal contains an alien parasite that gestates in the brain and breeds rapidly. Sorority row is being invaded and the guys and a gruff detective are all that stands between the aliens and absolute invasion.

Thoughts:
Finally this fan favorite finally gets a home video release that is much deserved. Night of the Creeps is a fun homage to the old school sci-fi's of yore and is easily a highlight of the 1980's. it's funny and well-made. A must fir any collector.

Final Thought:
Get IT!

Ghost in the Shell (1995) Version 2.0

Title:
Ghost in the Shell (1995) (aka Kôkaku kidôtai)

Genre:
Anime / Science Fiction / Action

Director:
Mamoru Oshii

Stars:
Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ôtsuka, Tamio Ôki, Jemasa Kayumi, Kôichi Yamadera, Tesshô Genda

Rating:
4 of 5

Synopsis:
Major Motoko Kusanagi is a member of a high-tech cyber-crime division in New Port City. The section specializes in hunting down cyber-hackers who ply their trade on the networks. The Major comes up against a super-hacker named the Puppet Master but there's much more to this criminal than meets the eye.

Thoughts:
Director Oshii (Avalon, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence) adapts the much loved Manga into a fantastic cyber-puck anime classic. The ground-breaking film gets a 21st century makeover in this version 2.0 that offers retooled sound, new special effects and re-recorded vocal performances. The new Blu Ray has fantastic sound and picture and also includes the original theatrical version as a bonus.

Final Thought:
See IT!

The House of the Devil (2009)

Title:
House of the Devil (2009)

Genre:
Horror / Thriller

Director:
Ti West

Stars:
Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov, Greta Gerwig, AJ Bowen, Dee Wallace

Rating:
3.5 of 5

Synopsis:
Samantha (Donahue) is struggling to make ends meet while attending college and afford her new apartment. It desperation she takes a babysitting job for a couple out in the country. The job isn't what she expected and the house holds secrets that may tie into the unprecedented eclipse happening at midnight.

Thoughts:
Director West (The Roost, Cabin Fever 2) certainly makes House of the Devil have a 70's feel even thought it's firmly planted in the 80's time-wise and with stars like Noonan, Woronov and Wallace you can't help but think it's a bit of a love letter to the grind if the 70's. I kept getting the vibe of Bava's Lisa and the Devil while watching it. Great fun for those who don't mind a retro homage.

Final Thought:
See It!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The 2009 October Challenge...

Well it's done. I made all the goals I set for myself and had a fine time.

My target this year is to watch 31 new films and 31 repeats.


Challenge Finished: Tuesday October 06, 2009 2:01pm

Personal Challenge Finished: Saturday October 18, 2009 1:46am


S10’s Octoberween 2009 Challenge:


New Views: 44

Repeat Views: 65

Total Seen: 109


Shortest Movie: 44m

Longest Movie: 134m

Busiest Day: 1051m (10/31)

Average Length: 91.7m

Total Length: 10003m