Movieman's Guide to the Movies
The Final Word on Physical Media
I actually had to look up what and when the original movie came out because I hadn’t the foggiest clue there was an Invoking 1 let along now The Invoking 2 and with the first getting wretched reviews, I guess it comes to no surprise this “sequel”, which is the latest in the anthology subgenre, doesn’t fair much better with so-so acting (at best) and stories which are run-of-the-mill bad.
“Madam Secretary” is an entertaining if not flawed series. Where it lacks in writing and plot, it more than makes up with a respectable ensemble cast including the still charming Téa Leoni leading the pack. I can only hope some of the issues get shored up in the second season but as a freshman series, it’s adequate.
“LEGO Star Wars: The New Yoda Chronicles” is a fun series and addition to the popular LEGO brand that will appeal to both kids and adults, though this one is geared toward younger viewers. Still, I had a lot fun watching these 4 episodes and look forward to future seasons.
Continue reading “Review: LEGO Star Wars: The New Yoda Chronicles DVD”
Closer to the Moon chronicles one of the more unusual heists in history and for the most part, it is a well made drama with two fine performances by Vera Farmiga and Mark Strong. The DVD released by MPI offers good video/audio transfers but falls flat in the bonus material department.
“NCIS: New Orleans” is I’d say passable entertainment and an OK start for its first season thanks in part with some satisfactory storylines and story arcs to go along with the charisma Scott Bakula still possesses even in the much maligned “Enterprise.” This 6-disc DVD set is well done with some decent enough bonus features and good video/audio transfers.
Continue reading “Review: NCIS: New Orleans: The First Season DVD”
Lords of London is the latest British crime drama but unlike some others, it doesn’t have a compelling plot and the acting is, at best, sufficient, and that includes Ray Winstone who is vastly wasted in his role. The DVD released by Lionsgate is basic with no bonus material while the video and audio transfers are average.
“NCIS”: The Twelfth Season is another solid year for the venerable series that excels mostly to the ensemble cast which, for the most part, has been together since the beginning. The stories also remain compelling with new and different obstacles for the team including a deadly antagonist to start the season out with a bang.
Season six of “The Good Wife” is another success with compelling storylines and solid performances all around from the main cast to the variety of guest actors. The DVD released by Paramount is limited when it comes to features, which is no surprise as previous seasons were hardly noteworthy, while the video/audio transfers are both good.
Continue reading “Review: The Good Wife: The Sixth Season DVD”
“2 Broke Girls” has to be one of the worst comedies on television today and easily with this fourth season the bottom 10 of all-time. The main reason it’s still on television is for the eye candy Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs bring because it sure as heck not the jokes which I’d call it lazy but that would be giving the writers too much credit.
Continue reading “Review: “2 Broke Girls”: The Complete Fourth Season DVD”
The first season of “How to Get Away with Murder” is compelling from beginning to end and getting Viola Davis to headline was a brilliant move as she gives much needed weight and her ability to keep viewers off kilter helps to build momentum throughout the season.
Continue reading “Review: How to Get Away With Murder: The Complete First Season DVD”
The tenth season of “Criminal Minds”, while not great, is still quite strong and the ensemble cast including newcomer Jennifer Love Hewitt (albeit in her one and only season) makes the series as enjoyable and enduring as it has been going on 10 years. The set itself is fine with a modest amount of bonus material while the video and audio transfers are both well done.
“Robot Chicken”: Season 7 is another solid season with plenty of great skits mixed in with those that didn’t quite land. What is disappointing was that Warner, after releasing the last few season sets were released on Blu-ray, including a couple specials, only to be relegated back to DVD. Still, there’s a good amount of bonus material to peruse making for an OK release.
Any Day had plenty going for it and acting-wise, especially from Sean Bean and Kate Walsh, but falters with a half-baked screenplay which could’ve used a few more passes. The DVD released by Anchor Bay is rather plain with no features while the video/audio transfers were decent enough.
Little Loopers is a syrupy and safe drama for the family with a nice message. The acting isn’t the best and unsurprisingly the production values aren’t great, but this might be worth a one-night Redbox rental. The DVD itself is rather basic with no bonus material and OK video/audio transfers.
Camp Massacre is a satire on the horror genre but it’s not that funny and the acting is, at best, below average. Those who are fans of Bree Olson and her, let’s say, assets, will be disappointed as she’s only in it for the pre-opening credits (a la Scream I suppose).