Movieman's Guide to the Movies
The Final Word on Physical Media
Writer/director Mark Pavia makes a valiant attempt with Fender Bender to create a throwback to the slashers of yesteryear and while there are a few touches to admire (scenes that remind you of Halloween in particular), the rest of the writing and plot points were utterly laughable and not in a good way.
Beauty and the Beast is still a phenomenal animated movie all these years later and still holds up as one of Disney’s best and an argument can be made, the best of the modern era.
Continue reading “Review: Beauty and the Beast (1991) BD + Screen Caps”
Neighbors 2 is yet another needless sequel to a comedy and although it deviates somewhat from the original, the laughs, albeit a few, weren’t as consistent and there was an uncomfortable mean streak at times, something I generally loathe from a comedy.
To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of Charlie Brown yet I at least find these movies and specials enjoyable enough even if I don’t laugh. The message behind them are great and for families.
Continue reading “Review: A Boy Named Charlie Brown BD + Screen Caps”
The Jungle Book is a success in Disney’s obsession with adapting beloved animated movies into live action features and while the likes of Maleficent and to some extent Cinderella weren’t great, this one is entertaining for almost the entire family, though some scenes might be a tad too frightening for younger viewers.
Elementary: The Fourth Season is another fun ride with some decent mystery storylines mixed in with further character development, and obstacles, for Sherlock and company.
Continue reading “Review: Elementary – The Fourth Season DVD”
It’s not always a given that a series going into its seventh season would be any good but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed NCIS: Los Angeles thus far and appreciate the advancements the writers and producers have made with these characters.
Although uneven in its tone (as it deviates from effective to cheesy drama), I enjoyed Valley of the Dolls particularly for the performances from Barbara Parkins and, especially, Sharon Tate. The writing isn’t the best and I’d actually welcome some sort of modern remake or even a mini-series
Continue reading “Review: Valley of the Dolls BD + Screen Caps”
Dead End Drive-In is the typical 1980s movie, attempting to replicate the dystopian future storyline that started with 1979’s Mad Max, a fellow Aussie action-thriller. It’s not a very good movie but with its limited budget and so-so acting, it’s not a terrible horror-thriller and holds some entertainment value especially for fans of the era.
Continue reading “Review: Dead End Drive-In BD + Screen Caps”
John Carpenter’s The Thing is certainly one of the best sci-fi horror/thrillers out there and just might rank behind Alien and Aliens, though I still prefer those two. Where this succeeds, much like those two, is the claustrophobic atmosphere with the added subtext of paranoia.
Raising Cain isn’t high up compared with some of the other films by Brian De Palma even with the over-the-top performance by John Lithgow. However, this is a nice “Collector’s Edition” release by Shout Factory offering solid video/audio transfers and a good selection of bonus features.
I’m giving this a 2.5/5 not because Aliens is a bad movie, far from it, but that it’s a blatant cash grab by Fox. Now, one could argue this is for the casual movie watcher but for fans, all you’re getting is new packaging and “collectable art cards” and a booklet.
Continue reading “Review: Aliens: 30th Anniversary Edition BD + Screen Caps”
Captain America: Civil War is a good movie for sure and I did enjoy elements of it and the fight between Cap and Iron Man was well done, however, the film does have its issues but on the whole is entertaining.
Continue reading “Captain America: Civil War 3D Blu-ray Review”
Limitless was a fun show with plenty of potential, building off of the intriguing premise of the feature film and giving it a quasi procedural format and with Bradley Cooper guest starring gives it some needed weight. Sadly, the ratings apparently were not good enough and, as of this time, couldn’t pull off an Unforgettable and see new life elsewhere.
The French drama Standing Tall has a strong story at its core and a great, non-pretentious, message to boot even if it can feel like a Hallmark Movie of the Week feel and the performances by Catherine Deneuve and Rod Paradot are both excellent.