Archive for May 2013
Teen Wolf: Season 2 DVD Review: Trust the Instinct
Buffy meets Scooby partially impresses and partially disappoints in Second Season.
Read MoreLEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite Blu-ray Review: Holy Bricks, Batman!
Feature-length film expands on the story of the Lego Batman 2 videogame.
Read MoreCall Me Mister DVD Review: That’s MISTER Mister to You
A seldom-seen and unsurprisingly not-so-memorable mediocre (but still entertaining) musical.
Read MoreThanks a Million DVD Review: Dick Powell Croons, I Swoon
A prescient political satire from 1935 makes its DVD debut.
Read MoreJubal Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: Shakespeare in the Wild West
Glenn Ford and Charles Bronson as buddies? SOLD!
Read MoreBook Review: The Treasures of Bruce Lee by Paul Bowman
The book is an absolute treasure to fans of Bruce Lee.
Read MoreFast Five Review: Between the Rock and a Heist Movie
A fight between Diesel and the Rock. What more do you want?
Read MoreAlanis Morissette: Live at Montreux 2012 Review: The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same
Her first live release in a decade shows how she has transformed from anger to maturity, all with her voice intact.
Read MoreBook Review: A Quick Guide to Screenwriting by Ray Morton
A broad look at the art of screenwriting.
Read MoreMedium Cool Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: A Living Document of America’s Rebellion
A piece of Americana that questions and condemns the media.
Read MoreLongmire: The Complete First Season DVD Review: Complex Characters, Simple Police Work
A smart western series with dynamic characters in a unique setting.
Read MoreThe Grass Is Greener Is the Pick of the Week
This is the sort of week where the Pick of the Week is less a real decision and more of a “yeah, this will do.”
Read MoreThe Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker DVD Review: Unremarkable Non-Anamorphic CinemaScope Fluff
With seventeen children in two cities, it’s clear that Mr. Pennypacker has been packing more than pennies.
Read MoreWake Up and Live (1937) DVD Review: Fun Vintage Semi-Musical Hijinks
Probably the only instance in film to see The Tin Man and Batman ride around in a car together.
Read MoreSeeking a Friend for the End of the World Movie Review: It’s Fine
A good movie, provided you are cool with watching a movie about the end of human life.
Read More3:10 to Yuma (2007) Movie Review: A Thought-provoking Western
Is it better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven?
Read MoreShakespeare: The King’s Man DVD Review: The Political Education of Willy Shakes
A fantastic resource as well as an enjoyable examination of the inimitable Bard of Avon.
Read MoreFast & Furious Movie Review: Figuring Out the Four-mula
Recommend to those looking for an entertaining action movie.
Read MoreThe Wild Geese Blu-ray Review: When Brits Go Badass
Richard Burton, Richard Harris, and Roger Moore blowing the piss out of people. What more could you want?
Read MoreYossi Movie Review: A Beautifully Crafted Film in Every Aspect
A beautiful film about loss and rediscovering life and love.
Read MoreYossi Movie Review: Of Love, Loneliness and Humanity
In a world that seems in great need of a little warmth and thoughtfulness, Yossi is just what the doctor ordered.
Read MoreTrue Blood: The Complete Fifth Season Blu-ray Review: Very Real and Drastic Changes Occur
The stories that unfold this season are all about some very real and drastic changes for many main characters.
Read MoreThe Oranges Blu-ray Review: A Conventional Tale of Unconventional Romance
TV’s Dr. House, Maeby Fünke, and Seth Cohen – together at last.
Read More3:10 to Yuma (1957) Criterion Collection DVD Review: You Gotta Trust Delmer Daves on This One
Redemption looms large in this classic Western.
Read MoreGeorge Gently: Series 5 Blu-ray Review: Murder Most Groovy
Standalone movie format makes latest series of ’60s-set British mystery show accessible to all viewers.
Read MoreShadow Dancer Movie Review: Feel the (Slow) Burn
A well-executed, slow-burning film about family, commitment, betrayal, and consequences, and it is anchored by Riseborough, whose performance is mesmerizing.
Read MoreThe Man Who Would Be King Movie Review: Not Many Moments to Celebrate
“Being only human, one thing leads to another.” – Peachy Carnehan
Read MoreWhispering Ghosts DVD Review: Milton Berle, Ghost Hunter
No, we don’t get to see Uncle Miltie’s legendary penis in this one, either. Get over it already.
Read MoreThe Moon Is Down DVD Review: Suicidal Norwegians vs. the Nazi Menace
Solution: lunar antidepressants.
Read MoreThe Meanest Man in the World DVD Review: Jack Benny and Rochester, Together Again
A rarely seen Jack Benny film makes its DVD debut.
Read MoreRick Steves Europe: All 100 Shows (2000-2014) Is the Pick of the Week
I prefer the middle-aged comforts of Rick Steves.
Read MoreSurf Party (1964) DVD Review: How NOT to Throw a Beach Party
Come on in: the water’s completely and unapologetically tepid!
Read MorePierre Etaix: Criterion Collection DVD Review: Affordable Pricelessness
The Criterion Collection brings us a wonderful set from a fine French comic you probably never heard of.
Read MoreHanna Movie Review: A Worthwhile Viewing Endeavor
It’s more interesting in concept than in execution.
Read MoreHistory of the Eagles Movie Review: A Fascinating Look at a Legendary Group
This thorough look at one of the 1970s’ most successful bands is a must-own for Eagles fans.
Read MoreDetective De Luca DVD Review: He’s Not a Fascist, He’s Just a Cop
For fans of crime dramas, detective shows, or just really good television.
Read MoreThe Great Escape Blu-ray Review: Delivers Good WWII Escapism
An enjoyable film for fans of war stories
Read MoreStar Trek: Into Darkness Never Should Have Seen the Light of Day
Ultimately, it is poor storytelling that leads the audience into darkness.
Read MoreStar Trek: Into Darkness Movie Review: Leads Into Dopiness and Damnableness
One of the worst movies I’ve seen in quite a while.
Read MoreThe Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift Movie Review: Crashes and Burns
I would recommend drifting right on by it.
Read MoreBill Moyers: Beyond Hate DVD Review: A Timeless Exploration of Hatred
A lucid exploration of a complex subject.
Read MoreBook Review: Film Noir FAQ by David J. Hogan
All that’s left to know about Hollywood’s Golden Age of dames, detectives, and danger.
Read MoreMiles Davis with Quincy Jones & the Gil Evans Orchestra Live at Montreux Blu-ray Review: Sketches from Switzerland
A wonderful bit of jazz history for a number of reasons.
Read Moregeneration Um… Movie Review: Um… Well… Um… Yeah… So… Um… No
Speaking of boring, as characters go, John is like so many other Keanu Kreations – completely devoid of emotion to the point that you want to hold a mirror under his nose when he’s not moving.
Read MoreHitchcock (2012) Blu-ray Review: A Legend Plays a Legend
Hopkins shines as the master of suspense.
Read MoreStar Trek (2009) Movie Review: A Weak Story with Plenty of Action
Will feed the hungry fans, but the meal is a bit overcooked.
Read MoreStar Trek: Nemesis Movie Review: The Wrath of Bad Moviemaking
The Next Generation crew go out with a whimper.
Read MoreBeautiful Creatures Blu-ray Review: A Solid Supernatural Story Worth Watching
An engaging plot and interesting characters elevates this about standard teen films.
Read MoreNorth by Northwest Movie Review: A Perfectly Fine Movie but Not Legendary
A fine thriller, but there’s nothing special about it.
Read MoreCloud Atlas Is the Pick of the Week
I’m probably not going to like it, but it just looks too damned interesting to not at least try to like it.
Read MoreDoctor Who: The Visitation Special Edition Review: Rubber Reptiles and Disco Androids Bring the Plague
A visit to London with the Fifth Doctor and his companions.
Read MoreStar Trek: Insurrection Movie Review: New Aliens, Age-old Problems
A mixed bag, with plenty to like and dislike.
Read MoreTexas Chainsaw 3D Blu-ray Review: Wither Heatherface?
Yes, it’s good to be bad. But this is much worse.
Read MoreSafe Haven Combo Pack Review: Cute Leads Can’t Save Dumb Story
A harsh story told in the sweetest way possible.
Read More2 Fast 2 Furious Movie Review: 2 Dumb 4 Me
“All right, let’s see what this thing can do.” – Brian O’Connor
Read MoreStar Trek: First Contact Movie Review: Meeting New Friends and Killing Old Enemies
Plenty of action to satisfy everyone.
Read MoreBand of Outsiders Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: An Odd, Wonderfully Fun Film from the French New Wave
The entire film is just amazing to watch.
Read MoreHeavenly Shades of Delight: Twilight Time’s Blu-ray Releases, Volume Three
Under scrutiny here: Bonjour Tristesse, The Rains of Ranchipur, Beloved Infidel, The Blue Lagoon (1980), Lost Horizon (1973), Experiment in Terror, and Our Man Flint.
Read MoreDeceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay Movie Review: Every Trick Is a Treat
A link to the past, a link to the time in magic’s history before craft became crass, is alive and well and mesmerizing.
Read MorePierre Etaix Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: Bringing Etaix’s World to Life
Pierre Etaix’s charming films are finally released properly.
Read MoreBroken City Combo Pack Review: Power Plays Everyone, Even the Corrupt
Corruption in NYC goes deeper than you think.
Read MoreStar Trek: Generations Movie Review: Passing of the Torch
I believe Generations to be the best of the four Next Generation films.
Read MoreBerlin Correspondent DVD Review: A Nifty L’il WWII Espionage B-Flick
Dana Andrews matches wits with Martin Kosleck in Nazi Germany – and it’s fun!
Read MoreRichard III Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: A Ravishing Technicolor Beauty
The Film The last of Laurence Olivier’s three Shakespeare adaptations, Richard III is unquestionably one of the great Shakespeare films, but its stature might be even more pronounced as one of the great Technicolor films. To call every VistaVision frame of the film ravishing isn’t anywhere near hyperbole — the brilliant colors and sumptuous set…
Read MoreBand of Outsiders Is the Pick of the Week
I’ve seen more movies in French than your average American filmgoer.
Read MoreSilver Linings Playbook Movie Review: Engaging and Worthwhile Throughout
Silver Linings Playbook overcame its somewhat odd name to get a lot of award recognition, and it deserved it.
Read MorePawn (2013) Blu-ray Review: Intensity That Just Won’t Quit
An enjoyable but flawed thriller.
Read MoreStar Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country Review: Retirement is Truly the Final Frontier
A perfectly good send off for the classic characters.
Read MoreThe Loves of Edgar Allan Poe DVD Review: For Curiosity Seekers Only
Edgar Allan Poe and Sherman T. Potter: College Roommates.
Read MoreIron Man 3 Movie Review: Third Time’s a Charm
Highly recommend for fans of action and/or Downey as Stark.
Read MoreIron Man Marathon: From Bad to Worse
The movie is titled Iron Man. It’s not Tony Stark, Super Sleuth.
Read MoreCarnival in Costa Rica DVD Review: An Endless Unfunny Rom-Com Musical
A movie full of Caucasian Ricans and a hero who looks like frickin’ Matthew Lillard.
Read MoreStar Trek V: The Final Frontier Movie Review: A Good Idea with No Payoff
It keeps teasing and gearing you up for an amazing confrontational ending that it doesn’t deliver.
Read MoreOblivion (2013) Movie Review: Could Be Where Tom Cruise Is Headed if He Keeps Trying Sci Fi
It may occasionally be fun to look at, but that is about it.
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