August 2008 Archives
Guess what? I can do heartwarming. I really can. In fact watch this next sentence. "Son of Rambow" is THE heartwarming movie of 2008. There I said it. Let me go on to say that I loved this DVD. Not only was it heartwarming and hilarious but the acting was amazing and the plot was superb. This is one of those films that makes you want to pick up a camera and start filming your own movie. Or at least dress up like a ninja and go act in someone else's film.
The plot is that British pre-teen Will Proudfoot is looking for an escape from his family's overbearing religious ways when he encounters Lee Carter, the school bully. Armed with a video camera and a copy of "Rambow: First Blood", Lee plans to make cinematic history bu filming his own independent short film (using Will as the stuntman) called "Son of Rambow". If the plot sounds funny it's because it is. Imagine "Be Kind, Rewind" but actually funny and entertaining.
I really can't say enough good things about this film. You will certainly laugh as the exploits of these two British kids and, I do admit this, shed a tear at some of the things that Will has to go through in his home life.
The extras are amazing and will soon be posted here later this week. They include the actual film the director made when he was 11 that inspired this film, and a great behind the scenes look at working with the kid actors in the film.
This is a must rent and must buy DVD. I give it a A+
The plot is that British pre-teen Will Proudfoot is looking for an escape from his family's overbearing religious ways when he encounters Lee Carter, the school bully. Armed with a video camera and a copy of "Rambow: First Blood", Lee plans to make cinematic history bu filming his own independent short film (using Will as the stuntman) called "Son of Rambow". If the plot sounds funny it's because it is. Imagine "Be Kind, Rewind" but actually funny and entertaining.
I really can't say enough good things about this film. You will certainly laugh as the exploits of these two British kids and, I do admit this, shed a tear at some of the things that Will has to go through in his home life.
The extras are amazing and will soon be posted here later this week. They include the actual film the director made when he was 11 that inspired this film, and a great behind the scenes look at working with the kid actors in the film.
This is a must rent and must buy DVD. I give it a A+
"Shine A Light" has two audiences, Rolling Stones fans and non Rolling Stones fans. If your a Rolling Stones fan you are going to flip out for this DVD. With amazing visuals from Martin Scorsese, killer old footage from the 1960's, a ton of musical guest stars and a radass performance from the old men themselves. Hey I love paint it black so I can call them old if I want. However if your not a fan of the Rolling Stones this is basically just a 121 minute rock concert. Which is probably better experienced live. Not to say that this is just a taping of a concert. No instead of that Scorsese works his magic, showing us tons of behind the scenes footage of what it took to round Mick and the crew up to even film them, the torture of trying to determine what the final set list would be. We even get to see a little bit of Mick traping himself in a hotel room. As I mentioned before we do get a bit of archive footage of the Stone from 90 years ago when they were actual young. My favorite scene was Mick Jager being released from Jail and getting onto a helicopter to make some UK interview the same day. So 1960's rockstar!
As I mentioned the visual are great on this. I presume it was shot on film but at some point the colors and picture look above and beyond HD. Amazing stuff from Scorsese and team. Or course all this glorious technology does notthing to hide the fact that everyone in the Stones is around 99 years old. However Mick can still shake that ass like he is 25, amazing stuff. Also the band is introduced by Bill Clinton which is pretty amazing in and of itself.
All in all I give this DVD a B-. If your a Stones fan you will probably give it a A-.
As I mentioned the visual are great on this. I presume it was shot on film but at some point the colors and picture look above and beyond HD. Amazing stuff from Scorsese and team. Or course all this glorious technology does notthing to hide the fact that everyone in the Stones is around 99 years old. However Mick can still shake that ass like he is 25, amazing stuff. Also the band is introduced by Bill Clinton which is pretty amazing in and of itself.
All in all I give this DVD a B-. If your a Stones fan you will probably give it a A-.
If you are a fan of somewhat offbeat shows then this is for you, but you should watch season 1 first to understand the characters.
Dexter (Played by Michael C. Hall) leads a double life. On one hand he is a blood spatter expert working for the Miami Police Department, but on the other he is a calculating serial killer who kills people who "deserve it."
Season 2 continues where season 1 left off - but with some hitches to Dexter's life.
Up until now he's been able to largely mask his hidden life, but in season 2 some divers find the area in the ocean wher Dexter has been dumping his victims. All too soon, his very private life becomes very public. While no one has yet linked him to the crimes, it's only a matter of time before one of his co-workers, Sgt. Doakes, who thought Dexter was "off" right from the beginning, begins to suspect Dexter, ultimately finding proof tying him to the murders.
Dexter (Played by Michael C. Hall) leads a double life. On one hand he is a blood spatter expert working for the Miami Police Department, but on the other he is a calculating serial killer who kills people who "deserve it."
Season 2 continues where season 1 left off - but with some hitches to Dexter's life.
Up until now he's been able to largely mask his hidden life, but in season 2 some divers find the area in the ocean wher Dexter has been dumping his victims. All too soon, his very private life becomes very public. While no one has yet linked him to the crimes, it's only a matter of time before one of his co-workers, Sgt. Doakes, who thought Dexter was "off" right from the beginning, begins to suspect Dexter, ultimately finding proof tying him to the murders.
Continue reading DVD Review - Dexter Season 2.
Usually these made-for-dvd movies don't turn me on too much. Usually they are the movies which don't get picked up by the studios because they aren't that good.
But this one is actually pretty good.
If you are a fan of "The Mummy" series then it's worth your while to watch this movie.
It explains how "the Scorpion King" got his start: Rising through the ranks of the military to ultimately defeat the tyrannical ruling king.
The movie doesn't actually show us the Scorpion King ascending the throne - I guess they're going to save that for a sequel which should fit in nicely between this movie and the one made famous by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
But this one is actually pretty good.
If you are a fan of "The Mummy" series then it's worth your while to watch this movie.
It explains how "the Scorpion King" got his start: Rising through the ranks of the military to ultimately defeat the tyrannical ruling king.
The movie doesn't actually show us the Scorpion King ascending the throne - I guess they're going to save that for a sequel which should fit in nicely between this movie and the one made famous by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Continue reading DVD Review - The Scorpion King 2: The Rise of a Warrior.
I'm going to be up front here. I am a total fanboy for the "Shaw Brothers". With their intricate weaving of brilliant kung-fu action, excellent weapon fights and horror these film simply blow me away. "Human Lanterns" as the title suggests is about two rivals that enter into an unholy pack to win an annual Chinese lantern-creating contest. But their secret lies in the flesh of ladies disappearing at the hands of a demonic swordsman.
As in most of the Shaw Brothers film the acting is good, but what really shines is the twisted plot, the cinematography and the fighting. In some scenes of this film it looks like Runme Shaw and crew are using a handheld approach. I'm not sure if the jerky camera is intentional but it gives this 1970's film a decided modern look. Another favorite trick of mine is their use of wide shots. While most modern action film give you quick cuts to hide the fact of the actors not knowing how to fight, Human Lanterns gives you plenty of wide shots of amazing stunt work and spectacular fight scenes.
The behind the scenes features of this DVD are good if not great. You get the basic interview with one of the Shaw Brothers Actresses and an alternate take of one of the more gruesome scenes in this movie. Which was a little too horrific for me to watch. The DVD is in Mandarian Chinese with English subtitles.
All in all I loved this film. Go ahead and order this one when you can.
A+
As in most of the Shaw Brothers film the acting is good, but what really shines is the twisted plot, the cinematography and the fighting. In some scenes of this film it looks like Runme Shaw and crew are using a handheld approach. I'm not sure if the jerky camera is intentional but it gives this 1970's film a decided modern look. Another favorite trick of mine is their use of wide shots. While most modern action film give you quick cuts to hide the fact of the actors not knowing how to fight, Human Lanterns gives you plenty of wide shots of amazing stunt work and spectacular fight scenes.
The behind the scenes features of this DVD are good if not great. You get the basic interview with one of the Shaw Brothers Actresses and an alternate take of one of the more gruesome scenes in this movie. Which was a little too horrific for me to watch. The DVD is in Mandarian Chinese with English subtitles.
All in all I loved this film. Go ahead and order this one when you can.
A+
I was hoping this would come through the review channels as I have been a fan of Michael Vartan since his Alias years. And the movie looked pretty good from the previews I've seen on other movies.
I was a little apprehensive at first mainly because you get so many "horror" movies which are nothing more than blood and guts.
But this one was, surprisingly (and refreshingly) lacking in the blood and guts department. To be honest, there was some blood and guts, but when you have a monster crocodile hunting humans there's bound to be some gore.
The movie follows a group of tourists out on a pleasure cruise exploring Australia's outback. About the time the tour is to end, and they are to return to the dock, one of them notices a flare go off in the distance.
I was a little apprehensive at first mainly because you get so many "horror" movies which are nothing more than blood and guts.
But this one was, surprisingly (and refreshingly) lacking in the blood and guts department. To be honest, there was some blood and guts, but when you have a monster crocodile hunting humans there's bound to be some gore.
The movie follows a group of tourists out on a pleasure cruise exploring Australia's outback. About the time the tour is to end, and they are to return to the dock, one of them notices a flare go off in the distance.
Continue reading DVD Review - Rogue.
Transformers! More than meets the eyes! I had the chance to review the DVD "Transformers : Cybertron". This was apparently a 7 Disc, 112 episode series...which I am not going to lie...I didn't watch every episode. The series was well done but I was not a fan of the animation.
I did enjoy the callbacks to the original 1980's series. With the same music (updated with rock music) and a lot of the original character names. Optiumus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, etc. Some of the new features included actual showing how the robots transform into thier alternate forms. So if you bought the toy you could watch the show to see how to assemble it.
Anway since this is themed more towards the 5-12 year old market I will skip giving it a grade. But if you decided that mind bending flashing colors and giant robots are good for you kids then go for it. My kid will be the one playing leapfrog or reading a book.
There were no behind the scenes features.
I did enjoy the callbacks to the original 1980's series. With the same music (updated with rock music) and a lot of the original character names. Optiumus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, etc. Some of the new features included actual showing how the robots transform into thier alternate forms. So if you bought the toy you could watch the show to see how to assemble it.
Anway since this is themed more towards the 5-12 year old market I will skip giving it a grade. But if you decided that mind bending flashing colors and giant robots are good for you kids then go for it. My kid will be the one playing leapfrog or reading a book.
There were no behind the scenes features.
Let me just say that these are the types of movies where I don't understand all the "critically acclaimed" hype. After all this movie debuted at the 2008 Sundance film festival and was snatched up by a studio almost instantly.
Granted there are a lot of great stars in it, such as Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page and Thomas Haden Church. And indivually their performances are great - but for some reason this movie didn't wow me.
The movie is about a arrogant university professor (Quaid) who seems bored with his life, his students and anyone he deems is less intelligent than him (which is pretty much anyone in his eyes).
The movie also introduces us to his over achieving daughter (Page) and his under achieving step brother (Haden Church).
Granted there are a lot of great stars in it, such as Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page and Thomas Haden Church. And indivually their performances are great - but for some reason this movie didn't wow me.
The movie is about a arrogant university professor (Quaid) who seems bored with his life, his students and anyone he deems is less intelligent than him (which is pretty much anyone in his eyes).
The movie also introduces us to his over achieving daughter (Page) and his under achieving step brother (Haden Church).
Continue reading DVD Review - Smart People.
"I think it's a case of strong emotions making themselves heard" That's one of my favorite quotes from the film "Shudder" which is about spirit photography. In this traditional horror film we watch as Joshua Jackson and his wife experience all sorts of freaky phenomenon in the streets of Japan. I am sure this is a remake of some other Japanese/Thai horror film so feel free to let me know the originals name in the comments section to win a prize.
This film also has an excellent sub plot running through it as well. The idea of a man caught up in his work, his wife roaming the unfriendly streets of Japan. Some of the shots of Japan are superb. Encapsulated the idea of in a modern city like Tokyo you can be among thousands of people but still feel alone. When she is looking at the Tokyo subway map for the first time I can totally feel her pain as I was doing that same thing earlier this year. This all helps buld the suspense of the ghost haunting them both. Ghosts of their past and the present. The film never really scares you the way The Ring did. Or even the original grudge but it has it's parts. I would be lying if I said that the hair on my arms never stood on it's ends.
This is a gorgeous film. Masayuki Ochiai is a true pro behind the lens. Seeing Tokyo in all it's glory really made me wish I was heading there on Vacation again this year. The cinematography was excellent and once again the writing was excellent. I really think something American filmmakers have lost is the ability to do horror without the blood and guts. That's something the Japanese are MASTERS at. A single fly coming out of someone's eye is so much freakier to me that all the blood and guts in any of those crappy Hostel films.
The DVD has some excellent behind the scenes look at the film and has it's own creppy style. Be sure to check out the Cultural Divide feature we are posting later this week. It's really interesting to hear what the actors found different when shooting with a Japanese crew.
All in all although not as freaky as some of the other films I have seen I give
this a B+. Rent it today.
- Dave
This film also has an excellent sub plot running through it as well. The idea of a man caught up in his work, his wife roaming the unfriendly streets of Japan. Some of the shots of Japan are superb. Encapsulated the idea of in a modern city like Tokyo you can be among thousands of people but still feel alone. When she is looking at the Tokyo subway map for the first time I can totally feel her pain as I was doing that same thing earlier this year. This all helps buld the suspense of the ghost haunting them both. Ghosts of their past and the present. The film never really scares you the way The Ring did. Or even the original grudge but it has it's parts. I would be lying if I said that the hair on my arms never stood on it's ends.
This is a gorgeous film. Masayuki Ochiai is a true pro behind the lens. Seeing Tokyo in all it's glory really made me wish I was heading there on Vacation again this year. The cinematography was excellent and once again the writing was excellent. I really think something American filmmakers have lost is the ability to do horror without the blood and guts. That's something the Japanese are MASTERS at. A single fly coming out of someone's eye is so much freakier to me that all the blood and guts in any of those crappy Hostel films.
The DVD has some excellent behind the scenes look at the film and has it's own creppy style. Be sure to check out the Cultural Divide feature we are posting later this week. It's really interesting to hear what the actors found different when shooting with a Japanese crew.
All in all although not as freaky as some of the other films I have seen I give
this a B+. Rent it today.
- Dave
"The Asylum". Wow this has go to be the worst film I have seen in 2008. Bar none. The plot is your standard horror film crap. 5 attractive college students report to school to find out that their dorm used to be an "Asylum" where a mad doctor would torture his patients. Soon in a blatant rip-off of "Nightmare on Elm Street" the mad doctor tortures and murders them in their dreams. Basically emo kids are emo and the mad doctor feeds off them to kill them.
Sigh....Really? Seriously? I mean even the doctors make-up is a blatant copy of Freddy. The acting is crap, the special fx are run of the mill and the cinematography is okay but nothing to write home about. Even the music didn't fit the scenes well. Is it a ghost? A demon? Who is this crazy murdering doctor? Do we trust the kindly old janitor? Who cares? I know I didn't and you won't either.
The DVD came with no special features. I thank them for that. If anyone wants a free copy of this DVD to make a mash-up leave us a comment and it's yours.
Avoid this one like the plague. I give it a F-
