Movieman's Guide to the Movies
The Final Word on Physical Media
Blended isn’t nearly as bad as some of Sandler’s other recent “works” (i.e. train wrecks) because unlike something like Grown Ups 2, I actually managed to laugh (even mildly) a couple of times and, well, it actually had some semblance of a plot even if it is convoluted. And although the material is substandard, the re-pairing of Sandler and Barrymore is a welcoming sight.
My Gal Sunday is another sweet Hallmark Channel movie where the script is washed down, dialogue trite and acting subpar. This is the kind of movie families (ages 12+ anyway) can enjoy but for everyone else it’s forgettable and throwaway entertainment. The DVD released by Cinedigm offers OK video and audio transfers but with no features.
Eleven seasons in and “NCIS” is still going strong, being able to do the same old, same old and yet switch things up with multi-arc episodes as well as giving its characters, even if little by little, development. The only drawback is the production values seem to be limited but I can overlook it for solid storytelling and, of course, the chemistry between the core cast.
The Buddy Holly Story is a well done biographical drama given life by an Oscar-worthy performance from none other than Gary Busey (yeah, there was a time when he wasn’t completely nuts). The direction and pacing was also fine-tuned making for a nice drama.
Motel Hell is another quirky release in the Scream Factory line and it has its moments headlined by a good performance from Farmer Vincent himself, Rory Calhoun.
For a DTV flick, Legendary isn’t bad and the visual effects are halfway decent… well, probably Asylum levels and at least better than a SyFy Original Movie. Scott Adkins actually is alright here and Dolph Lundgren always seems to have a good time playing an unabashed villain. The DVD released by Lionsgate is unsurprisingly light on features but the audio and video transfers are both well done.
I actually found Scooby-Doo: Franken Creepy to be one of the better entries of the recent DTV movies. The animation is more or less the same but the humor is great, include some fun in-jokes and a strangely stylistic direction style seemingly inspired by Edgar Wright’s The World’s End (and a couple others that I can’t remember).
Continue reading “Scooby-Doo: Franken Creepy Blu-ray Review”
To be perfectly honest, I’m not a fan of zombie shows or movies with few exceptions (“The Walking Dead”), so Dead Within wasn’t exactly my cup of tea yet the psychological aspects were at least interesting and co-writer/director Ben Wagner at least gives some suspenseful atmosphere.
Man Hunt is a very well made thriller, with some of that 1940s war propaganda, with some solid performances by Walter Pidgeon, Joan Bennett and George Sanders, a great score from Alfred Newman and impressive cinematography.
Phantom of the Paradise is a well made and quirky adaptation of the classic opera. The performances, both sung and acting, were good headlined by William Finley and Jessica Harper
Continue reading “Phantom of the Paradise: Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Review”
Batman: Assault on Arkham isn’t a bad entry into the DC Universe Animated line but the title is misleading with the title character has been relegated to supporting role status as the bulk of the story is centered on the members of the Suicide Squad as well as some on The Joker, though that’s hardly a bad thing.
Agency of Vengeance: Dark Rising (aka Dark Rising 2) has to be sequel that not a whole heck of a lot of people were clamoring for but I suppose as a cheesy, low-budget sci-fi flick (with matching micro budget visual effects suitable for the SyFy network), it’s not an awful movie, just one with a thin script and questionable acting, though with someone with the body of Brigitte Kingsley, who spends some time in her bra and panties, who needs a script?
Continue reading “Review: Agency of Vengeance: Dark Rising DVD”
Follow That Dream is considered one of Elvis’ finest performances and he indeed is charismatic as ever and the lovely Anne Helm works well with him providing a nice spark. Yeah, the story itself feels out-of-date but still fun to watch.
The Secret of Santa Vittoria is a well made film with gripping drama, with a bit of comedy, which excels thanks to the performances from the venerable Anthony Quinn and Anna Magnani.
Continue reading “The Secret of Santa Vittoria Blu-ray Review”
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was a disappointment for me mainly because I think the first movie set the right tone but the sequel instead squandered many opportunities particularly in the villain department who had little development to go along with a thin plot that for the most consisted of hating Spider-Man more than anything.