Movieman's Guide to the Movies
The Final Word on Physical Media
Camp Dread is one bad horror film, amongst so many others that have come and gone; a movie that the likes of Eric Roberts or Danielle Harris couldn’t save. The DVD released by RLJ Entertainment is pretty minimal with OK video and audio transfers and nary a featurette to be found, though to be honest, that might be a good thing…
JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time, unlike its DCU counterparts, is a big downgrade in quality especially with the story, but I get what the filmmakers were after: a tongue-in-cheek comedy adventure and throwback to the old cartoon series; however the humor is pretty basic and really only anyone under the age of 13 might get anything substantial out of it.
Continue reading “Review: JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time DVD”
The Machine is actually a well made indie science-fiction flick with good performances, some respectable visual and make-up effects. I kind of hope the filmmakers behind the film could at least be a part of any “Ghost in the Shell” adaptation because they did a damn good job with the material here which is more or less around the same concept.
300: Rise of an Empire has some things to be admired from the visuals, which director Noam Murro copied from Zack Snyder and Eva Green who is the only one that gave anything resembling a memorable performance and her alone is the only reason one should bother with this sequel.
Beyond the Trophy isn’t a good movie. Perdiod, end of the discussion. The performances are at best wooden including Michael Madsen and the story is filled with cliché after cliché to go along with a poorly written script. Add to that, the production values are pretty bad making for a terrible looking picture.
The Mechanic was the perfect role for Charles Bronson who commonly was known for his roles in the Death Wish movies. His performance here was great and worked well opposite Jan-Michael Vincent.
The LEGO Movie is easily one heck of a fun flick with a sharp script that appeals to both kids and adults, masterful voice casting (especially Will Arnett as Batman) and the animation is absolutely wonderful.
Continue reading “The Lego Movie: Everything Is Awesome Edition Blu-ray Review”
Lake Placid is a fun horror-comedy, with more emphasis on humor, that might not be the best written flick but it’s a breezy enough 82-minutes of sarcastic one-liners and characters, albeit mostly on-dimensional, that you actually enjoy watching, especially a fouled-mouthed Betty White in a small yet pivotal role.
Continue reading “Lake Placid: Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Review”
Parts Per Billion had a lot going for it including an impressive cast who, Frank Langella and Gena Rowlands especially, turn in fine performances it’s just that the story never quite gelled and some of the character’s actions were beyond dumb. But beyond that, it was a slow and honestly boring movie to plod through and there are plenty others with a similar plotline that are a lot better (see: Contagion and Perfect Sense).
“True Detective” is one hell of a series propelled with sharp writing, enough of mystery plot to keep one’s involvement and, most of all, incredible performances particularly from Matthew McConaughey who is yet again in top form and an amazing follow-up to his Oscar winning performance in Dallas Buyer’s Club and for this, he’ll be in the race for an Emmy.
Continue reading “True Detective: The Complete First Season Blu-ray Review”
Adult World isn’t perfect with a clumsy story but the performances by Emma Roberts and John Cusack are both quite good and the film itself is at least watchable though has a limited replay value. The DVD doesn’t have much with minimal features and so-so video/audio transfers.
The Birdcage is a wonderfully hilarious comedy headlined by Robin Williams and Nathan Lane and holds up as well today as it did some 10+ years ago when I last saw it.
Kissing Jessica Stein is a fun, quirky and charming romantic comedy starring two unknowns who both not only can write but aren’t bad actresses either sharing some good on-screen chemistry.
The Pretty One is an interesting little drama toplined by a star-making performance by Zoe Kazan who plays dueling roles. However, the DVD released by Sony is pretty basic with average video and audio transfers and an incredibly short featurette.
Small Time is an easygoing but still well made drama-comedy with great performances all around, but in particular Christopher Meloni, in his post-“Law & Order: SVU” career and Dean Norris of “Breaking Bad” fame having a good time.