Chemical Peel actually isn’t a half-bad little psychological horror-thriller even with some annoying characters that did tend to test one’s patience. Even so, it’s worth at least a rental as its distinguishable enough from other in the genre.
Werewolf Rising is the latest direct-to-video schlocker with substandard effects, so-so acting and just an all around cheap looking movie which would be fine if not for an ineffective story. The DVD released by RLJ Entertainment is pretty basic with only a static menu with only options are to play or scene selection; no features were included, though not sure that’s a bad thing.
“CSI”: The Fourteenth Season might not be a standout season for this long-running series but it does have its moments and unlike the short-lived Laurence Fishburne era, where stories managed to be even darker in tone, this ensemble headed by Ted Danson, seems to have coalesced quite well.
Delivery: The Beast Within is just the latest in the well overdone found footage subgenre. Now, it’s not terrible but it’s also not exactly a thrilling or horrific film either with more dull moments than anything suspenseful. The DVD released by Cinedigm does have some OK bonus features and the audio/video transfers aren’t bad.
“Now and Again” was lauded by critics and audiences alike but never quite caught in the ratings in no small part due to a network unsure where to place it, thus it was a one-and-done series that finally got to see the light of day with a relatively impressive DVD release. The audio and video transfers are more than serviceable, though it does show its age, while the bonus material is well done as this could’ve easily been a cut-and-paste, featureless, release.
Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch: A Witch and the Werewolf “movie” is only 63-minutes long, perfect for the short-attention span children which this is geared towards with low-level animation and humor. Adults won’t get much out of it, however, and anyone older than 10 can find better entertainment. The DVD offers OK audio and video but features are basically non-existent.
“Criminal Minds” remains one of my favorite shows today (note: I steer more towards procedural crime dramas) and while the ninth season isn’t predominantly special, there are more than a few solid episodes (‘The Inspiration,’ ‘The Inspired,’ and ‘200’) and even the others are entertaining if not routine.
Trust Me is not the perfect comedy-drama and probably could’ve used a couple rewrites but as a follow-up to his 2008 film, Choke, it’s not bad and he assembles (no pun intended) a fine set of actors and an at least engaging story. The DVD released by Anchor Bay sadly is basic with no features while the audio/video transfers are merely adequate.
The Perfect House is a tad better than expected especially compared to some of the other crap from WER. The acting, although hardly faultless, isn’t entirely bad and the plot, at least some of it anyway, is at least interesting. Not sure if I can completely recommend this but perhaps horror junkies might get something out of it.
it’s another great season for “The Good Wife” raising the bar, no pun intended, with its storytelling, character developments from everyone though Julianna Margulies the most, and the departure of one character which shocked fans but was well done.
Scream Park is a student film that somehow wrangled Doug Bradley into a cameo role but even with Bradley, it’s not very well made, is quite dull in places and the acting isn’t very good, even by amateur standards. The DVD released by Wild Eye has average audio and video transfers.
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.
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.
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.