Movieman's Guide to the Movies
The Final Word on Physical Media
Hired to Kill is dumb, poorly written and terribly acted action film from the tail-end of the 1980s but even though it doesn’t measure up to the guilty pleasures like Cobra, Commando or Raw Deal, it still has some appeal thanks in part to a semi-hamfest performance from Oliver Reed.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is not a great movie, even by zombie standards, but the comedic moments work and the cast is nicely put together highlighted by Lily James and Sam Riley in the lead roles, though Lena Headey and Charles Dance aren’t used as effectively.
Continue reading “Review: Pride + Prejudice + Zombies BD + Screen Caps”
Eureka is a bit of a forgotten film from the 1980s, one that is doubtful to be mentioned amongst Gene Hackman’s greats with an uneven story that goes from an adventurous first half, the best part, to a Citizen Kane-like story for the second and a third act playing out like a bad episode of “Law & Order”.
Mill Creek’s bargain releases for “Knight Rider” and “Miami Vice” is effectively priced (<$10 per season) especially for those who don’t already own them. Another plus over the Universal releases is these are slimmer packaging so those with limited shelf space will benefit. Sadly, they do not have any features but that’s not too surprising.
Continue reading “Review: Mill Creek Entertainment May 2016 TV on DVD”
How to Be Single is just the latest ensemble rom-com that doesn’t quite work with an unfocused story and message, however the cast turns in the best performances as possible given the material, though it belongs among the ranks of Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve if not a slight step above them.
Continue reading “Review: How to Be Single BD + Screen Caps”
While 20 years later Independence Day doesn’t quite hold up, the entertainment and cheese factor at least still is there and makes for an enjoyable disaster flick, not to mention President Whitmore’s call to action speech still gives me goose bumps to this day.
Continue reading “Review: Independence Day (20th Anniversary Edition) BD + Screen Caps”
I Could Go On Singing features a strong performance from Judy Garland in her final film but beyond that, this character drama, with catchy music, is well done directed by Ronald Neame.
Continue reading “Review: I Could Go On Singing BD + Screen Caps”
Deadpool takes a conventional plot and turns it into one of the more unconventional superhero, yet anti-superhero, movies to come out, going so far to make fun of the genre. That said, the villain is bland and forgettable and my second viewing wasn’t as good as the first, though at the end of the day, it’s still a vastly entertaining film.
“Psycho-Pass 2” builds on the success of its first season with another compelling storyline and characters you actually can care about. On the technical side, the animation is still beautiful and the voice acting, both Japanese and English, is superb.
Garden of Evil may not be a well remember Western from 1950s but it’s still a entertaining film featuring strong yet charming performances from Gary Cooper and Susan Hayward. The Blu-ray released by Twilight Time offers good video and audio transfers and in a nice surprise, some respectable features.
One thing you can’t deny, the Italians know how to make some of the more unusual films and the ‘70s they were at their peak. Apassionata isn’t just soft-core porn-like film but instead a study of the domestic, suburban family and the deep, messed up drama that occurs within.
Standoff is hardly a great movie but it is refreshingly simple one featuring two veteran actors who didn’t appear to be phoning in their performances. The writing isn’t the best as it seems the filmmakers were going for some sort of modern western with its dialogue which at times stood out.
Considering the talent involved, Joy should’ve been an easy homerun with a compelling story and top notch actors but instead it meanders in places, others don’t feel entirely cohesive and I just wasn’t all that enamored despite its high points.
Not quite as powerful as it could have been, Clint Eastwood’s True Crime at least offers a couple fine performances and has a compelling enough of a story, though the screenplay could’ve used more work.
Manhunter is probably one of the better psychological thrillers and a tad underrated especially for a film of the ‘80s and while there are plenty of elements from that era (look no further than the electronica score) but the performances are so dang compelling led by William Petersen and Tom Noonan.