Archive for September 2014
Book Review: The Wizard of Oz FAQ by David J. Hogan: Over the Rainbow and Beyond
It covers all aspects of Oz, from Garland’s recording of “Over the Rainbow” to costumes to casting, to fan reaction to the film – and yes, even includes stories about Ebsen and the Munchkins
Read MoreThe Midnight Special Six-DVD Set Review: Offers a Glimpse at 1970s America
Wolfman Jack’s celebrated ’70s revue sheds light on dim decade.
Read MoreThe Bowery Boys: Volume Four (1946-1958) DVD Review: My Life Is Finally Complete
The Warner Archive unleashes the last 12 outings of what was arguably the greatest, longest-running comedy series ever made.
Read MoreChef Is the Pick of the Week
I’m not at all a foodie, but I’d like to be.
Read MoreThe Musketeers (2014) Blu-ray Review: Finally, A Reimagining Worth Viewing
Sporting great battles, amazing costumes, and a fresh take, this incarnation of the Alexandre Dumas tale has a lot of potential.
Read MoreMy Old Lady Movie Review: Paris When it Fizzles
Maggie Smith and Kevin Kline fans beware: this self-indulgent, manipulative movie is a cold, soggy French fry.
Read MoreBook Review: The Art of Greg Spalenka by Greg Spalenka
It is a tribute to the artist and to the liberating freedom of art itself.
Read MoreThoughtful & Abstract: Sons of Anarchy: Season Two
SAMCRO is forced to deal with LOAN and lots and lots of retaliation. Throw in some rape, porn, and more revenge for good measure.
Read MoreThe Dogs of War (1980) Blu-ray Review: These Boots Are Made for Walken
Recommended. Even if we don’t get to hear Christopher Walken recite Shakespeare.
Read MoreThoughtful & Abstract: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: “Shadows”
T&A come out of the shadows to see what our crew is doing to start Season Two.
Read MoreCome Morning Blu-ray Review: Hopefully I’ll Forget That I Watched It, Come Morning
Nothing to see here.
Read MoreThe Exorcist: The Complete Anthology and Halloween: The Complete Collection Are the Picks of the Week
As Halloween creeps near its time to start bringing out the big horror collections.
Read MoreInspector Manara: Season One DVD Review: Crime-solving, Italian style
Inspector Manara features a winning mixture of comedy and mystery.
Read MoreThe Moonshine War (1970) DVD Review: Early Hicksploitation with an Unlikely Cast
Alan Alda and Patrick McGoohan portray Southerners in this tale from the disgraced director of the television remake of Catch-22.
Read MoreChe! (1969) Blu-ray Review: A Prime Example of ‘What Were They Thinking?’
Omar Sharif as Che Guevara. Jack Palance as Fidel Castro. A match made in bad movie heaven.
Read MoreNeighbors (2014) Blu-ray Review: All Good in This Hood
The 2nd biggest live-action comedy of 2014 has an incredibly simple premise but surprises with its refreshing delivery.
Read MoreProm Night (1980) Blu-ray Review: Disco! Dancing! Death!
Synapse Films brings us the definitive transfer of the classic Canadian slasher flick.
Read MoreDeath in Paradise: Season Two DVD Review: Conventional Murder Mysteries, Unconventional Setting
Second season of this tropical murder series flirts with interdepartmental romance but otherwise maintains staid formula.
Read MoreThe One I Love Movie Review: Do I Know You?
Sharp, perceptive, subtly mind-blowing movie that explores reality and relationships with a light touch, helped by stars Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss.
Read MoreEraserhead Is the Pick of the Week
David Lynch’s bizarre, brilliant masterpiece gets the Criterion make-over.
Read More42nd Street Forever: The Peep Show Collection, Volume 1 DVD Review: Show Some Respect for Your Elders
Frisky frolicking from forty years ago, or a glimpse at sexual revolution history? You decide.
Read MoreRifftrax Host Mike Nelson Talks Anaconda, Michael Bay, and More
Nelson also covers the joys of Jon Voight, how hard it is to watch movies out of riff mode, and whether he thinks time is a flat circle.
Read MoreDonna Detective: Season 1 DVD Review: Ahhh, Roma
It may seem impossible to American viewers to take Lisa seriously when watching her switch gears so quickly but that is exactly the show’s charm.
Read MoreLine of Duty: Series 2 DVD Review: A Tired Genre Made Good
Series 2 doesn’t stray too far from the premise it set up in Series One, but that’s not a bad thing, not a bad thing at all.
Read MoreFed Up Movie Review: Oh Sugar, It’s a Drag
A vital documentary that aims high and comes up short.
Read MoreDoctor Who: Deep Breath DVD Review: You Don’t Need to Hold Your Breath to Bring the 12th Doctor Home
Peter Capaldi’s first outing as the Doctor time-travels onto DVD/Blu-ray.
Read MoreAny Given Sunday 15th Anniversary Blu-ray Review: Oversized Game Meets Oversized Filmmaker
Sprawling football epic looks at the game from all sides.
Read MoreA Long Way Down Is the Pick of the Week
Despite not liking a good number of his books, I can’t help but love Nick Hornby.
Read MoreBook Review: Leonard Maltin’s 2015 Movie Guide: The End of an Era
The book is very substantive, and full of information
Read MoreRevolution: The Complete Second and Final Season DVD Review : A Lack of Direction Leads the Show into Cancellation
Learn what ultimately turned the lights out for good on Revolution.
Read MoreAll That Jazz Criterion Collection Blu-ray Review: Lord of the Dance
Bob Fosse’s crowning directorial achievement shines in the Criterion spotlight.
Read MoreBook Review: Alfred Hitchcock’s America by Murray Pomerance: Not for the Faint of Heart
My suspicion is unless you are a frenzied scholar this book might notoriously turn you psycho.
Read MoreNo No: A Dockumentary Movie Review: Covers All the Bases
Covers all the bases in the life of controversial pitcher Dock Ellis.
Read MoreRocks in My Pockets Movie Review: Animated Exploration of Suicide and Depression
Rock in My Pockets, an independent animated film, explores the depths of suicide and depression, without itself being suicidally depressing.
Read MoreNasty Habits (1977) DVD Review: Nunsploitation of a Different Denomination
Watergate set in a convent. Seriously.
Read MoreMy 2014 Toronto International Film Festival Schedule…So Far
Wht do you thin about my TIFF itinerary.
Read MoreThoughtful & Abstract: Sons of Anarchy: Season One: Ain’t Your Father’s MC
The Sons of Anarchy are introduced to T & A by way of Season One.
Read MoreBook Review: Brainquake, Samuel Fuller’s Lost Novel
Samuel Fuller’s “lost” noir novel finally gets published in the U.S.
Read MoreBook Review: The Art of Neil Gaiman by Haley Campbell
A fantastic accounting of his life and career.
Read MoreLEGO Ninjago Rebooted: Battle for New Ninjago City, Season Three Part One DVD Review
Although this could be thought of as a series for boys, it is just as accessible to girls as well.
Read MoreRip Kirby: The First Modern Detective: Complete Comic Strips Volume 7, 1962-1964 by John Prentice
The first modern detective meets a master of modern storytelling and finds a convert in this reviewer.
Read MoreLine of Duty: Series 2 Is the Pick of the Week
This week brings some good TV and some classic monsters.
Read MoreSeven Psychopaths DVD Review: It’s Like Adaptation Meets Fight Club
A killer cast of outright maniacs.
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