Stranded is a half-assed sci-fi/horror flick culled together from numerous other, often better, films. The cast for the most part are phoning in their performances knowing exactly what kind of movie this is but giving credit where it’s due, make the most of it during some scenes.
“The Good Wife” is one of the mostly unknown gems of network television featuring incredible performances, in particular from Julianna Margulies, Chris Noth, Josh Charles and Archie Panjabi. As a new viewer going into this fourth season, I actually was surprised at how enthralling the show was as it got me hooked from the first episode and I recommend checking it out as it is an entertaining legal drama.
“Gunsmoke” was an amazing series probably never to be seen again lasting 20 seasons. This ninth season features some stellar storylines and some solid acting starting with James Arness himself. Although it is nine seasons in at this point, the show still felt fresh with good writing and finely fleshed out characters that, outside of the main cast, were one-off. The DVD released by Paramount shows off some impressive digital restoration although the bonus features are non-existent.
Q: The Winged Serpent is a fun little B-movie from the early 80s featuring some bad special effects, though this is part of the film’s charm and why it’s garnered somewhat of a cult following over the years.
Passenger 57 is a silly action film typical of the 1990s era but between Wesley Snipes kick-ass nature and Bruce Payne’s delightfully ham-filled villainous performance, it makes for at least a fun viewing even if it doesn’t offer anything new to the genre. But outside of a couple of lines, it’s fairly forgettable.
The Fog is another classic thriller from John Carpenter featuring good scares without getting gratuitous with the horror (in fact, there is no blood) and a respectable cast..
The Sword in the Stone is still a nice story all these years later and an entertaining film as a whole. The Blu-ray released by Disney, however, isn’t fun. While the audio track isn’t very dynamic and the video is downright disappointing, the features also have much to be desired with Disney not bothering putting any new material such as a retrospective and/or impact the movie has had.
Hood does look dated in its animation style but it’s still a rollicking good time the entire family, especially with young children, will enjoy. The story of course is familiar but getting that Disney spin makes it stand out.
Oliver & Company was panned by the critics back in 1988 but in recent history has found a strong fan base… and for good reason. The movie features a wonderful, Disney-fied twist on an old story and some decent voice acting.
The Spider-Man 2 Mastered in 4k Blu-ray release looks good but is it worth the price of an upgrade (around $15)? I don’t think so especially since, as with the other 4k releases none of the features were ported over. Still, if you own the proper equipment and have made the determination to dive into the field, this is a top title worth having in your collection.
“Unforgettable”: The First Season is yet another solid crime-drama on the king of crime-dramas, CBS. Poppy Montgomery is wonderful in the lead role and her character’s abilities is unique and, at least to some extent, based on reality even if heightened for a weekly television series. The DVD released by Paramount provides good video/audio transfers while the features aren’t anything amazing but nowadays getting any features is considered a blessing.
Cohen & Tate is the buddy movie you’ve never seen before. Roy Scheider is excellent, as always, in the lead; for a child actor, Harley Cross is remarkably strong-is performance while Adam Baldwin went over-the-top, in a good way, as a psychopathic killer for the mob.
Gruesome to the extreme, and weird as all hell, The ABCs of Death will probably satisfy some hardcore horror fans. And although the segments are done from film students, it’s interesting to see how each approach the subject from in-your-face gore to light-hearted comedy (i.e. “Fart”), there’s probably something there for everybody. No, it doesn’t work put together but it’s not a complete waste.
The Rambler is certainly one of the stranger movies to come out in 2013 and one where writer/director Calvin Reeder was influenced by the master of oddities, David Lynch. And while this is a unique movie in the midst of sequels, remakes and reboots, it never quite reached its full potential.
Cleopatra remains an epic classic today in every fashion both in front of and, oft because of, behind the camera. Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison are magnificent in their respective roles and the spectacle that are the production and costume designs are incredible.