The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012)

The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012)

Batman Begins (2005)

C – 140m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Batman Begins: The Imax Experience, The Intimidation Game, Batman: Intimidation, Batman 5
Characters By: Bob Kane
Story By: David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Sir Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Morgan Freeman, Larry Holden, Sara Stewart, Richard Brake, Matt Miller, John Burke, Spencer Wilding and Mark Rhino Smith.
Cinematography By: Wally Pfister
Music By: James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer

After training with his mentor, Batman begins his fight to free crime–ridden Gotham City, from the corruption that Scarecrow and The League Of Shadows have cast upon it. A tad overlong, with a deliberate slow pace but when action is around it has an adrenaline rush to it. The performances are fine… Hindsight being 20/20 this film struck the right tone for the evolving dystopian society that was morphing into existence after 9/11/2001. See this one! 

Trivia:

Christian Bale hated wearing the Batman costume and used his distain for it to fuel his character’s foul mood. Christian Bale lost his voice three times while filming this movie, after altering his voice for playing Batman. Though Bale performed most of his own stunts, he was not allowed anywhere near the Batmobile. Reportedly a drunk driver crashed into the Batmobile while the production was shooting in Chicago, IL. He was quoted as saying that he crashed into the Batmobile because he believed it was an invading alien spacecraft.

There was no second unite on this film, which forced Christopher Nolan to over see every shot of the film for the entire 129 day shooting schedule. Both Tim Burton and Michael Keaton, from Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), stated that they were, “impressed,” by this film. Heath Ledger was considered for the role of Bruce Wayne / Batman while this film was in development. He was later cast as The Joker in the next entry in the Trilogy, The Dark Knight (2008). David S. Goyer stated that his favorite pre–audition choice for Batman was Jake Gyllenhaal but was swayed into Christian Bale by watching his audition tape. Sir Anthony Hopkins was offered the role of Alfred but declined and Laurence Fishburne was considered for the role of Lucius Fox. Gary Oldman agreed to play James Gordon without reading the script.    

Oscar® nominated for: Best Cinematography – Wally Pfister.
Followed by: The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Action Violence, Disturbing Images & Some Thematic Elements
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Dark Knight (2008)

C – 153m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen / 1.43:1 – Fullscreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes)
A.K.A.: The Dark Knight: The Imax Experience, Untitled Batman Begins Sequel, Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins 2, Rory’s First Kiss, Winter Green
Characters Created By: Bob Kane
Story By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan
Prod. – Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Sir Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts, Ritchie Coster, Anthony Michael Hall, William Fichtner, January Stern and Robert Patrick Stern.
Music By: James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer
Sound Editing: Richard King
Film Editing: Lee Smith

A menace known only as The Joker starts terrorizing Gotham City while Harvey Dent seeks appointment to a higher office until he has something happen that scars him for life and a new foe is born, Two–Face. Batman must try to stop the increasing number of bad buys in Gotham before the city meets a dark and twisted end. Some people describe this film as dark and disturbing. They are right! This was the next to darkest Batman film but one that should be admired. Everything works here. Only the length may be a hindrance to some people, though not to this reviewer. There is action and suspense to spare in this nail-biting sequel to: Batman Begins (2005). This reviewer would argue that this is the BEST of the trilogy it is a part of. Haunting performances are given all around, particularly by Heath Ledger who posthumously won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar®. Two–Face’s face is hair–raising to say the least. See it! 

Trivia:

It was Sir Michael Caine’s opinion that Heath Ledger topped Jack Nicholson as The Joker. He felt that Nicholson’s portrayal was just nutty where as Ledger’s was psychotic. In preparation for his role of The Joker, Heath Ledger secluded himself into a motel room for about six weeks and worked on the voice, mannerisms and look of The Joker. This film was dedicated to Heath Ledger, who died of an accidental drug overdose before the film’s release, and Conway Wickliffe, a stuntman who died while doing a car crash stunt for this film. This film featured scenes shot on Imax cameras, hence the ever–changing widescreen aspect ratios during the film. Heath Ledger’s Oscar® win was the first time a comic book film won in a major category at The Oscars®.

Christopher Nolan offered the chance to reprise the role to Katie Holmes, who turned it down. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Isla Fisher, Emily Blunt and Rachel McAdams were all considered as replacements for her before Maggie Gyllenhaal got the role. This was the highest grossing Batman film. Matt Damon was offered the role of Harvey Dent but turned it down to make Invictus (2009) with Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. Aaron Eckhart said he based his portrayal of his character in part on Robert F. Kennedy. Bob Hoskins and James Gandolfini auditioned for the role that went to Eric Roberts.

Oscar® winner for: Best Supporting Actor – Heath Ledger and Best Sound Editing – Richard King. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing – Lee Smith, Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects. Golden Globe winner for Best Supporting Actor – Heath Ledger.

Sequel to: Batman Begins (2005), and followed by: The Dark Knight Rises (2012).
Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Violence & Some Menace
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

 C – 164m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen / 1.43:1 – Fullscreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes) / 1.90:1 – Widescreen (Imax Scenes)
A.K.A.: The Dark Knight Rises: The Imax Experience, Magnus Rex, Batman 3, T.D.K.R., Gotham, Arkham
Characters Created By: Bob Kane
Story By: Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer
Screenplay By: Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan
Prod. – Dir.: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon–Levitt, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, Sir Michael Caine, Matthew Modine, William Devane, Joey King, Liam Neeson and Aaron Eckhart (Archive Footage, uncredited).  
Music By: Hans Zimmer
Film Editing By: Lee Smith

Eight years after The Joker’s reign, Batman must help Catwoman and is forced from his exile to save Gotham, which is on the edge of annihilation from Arkham escapee Bane and his followers. Deadening in its level of bleak material. This film is overlong, more than sluggishly slow and the CGI is way more obvious that the previous two entries in the Nolan Batman Trilogy. Acting is the saving grace here and even that leaves this film dangling by a thread. If you were to skip this one, you’d be a wiser film buff than this reviewer. Not that it is a feat worth bragging about. SKIP this one!

Trivia:

Reportedly Christopher Nolan considered using a mix of CGI and deleted scenes from The Dark Knight (2008) to have Heath Ledger’s Joker appear briefly in this film. He reportedly decided it was disrespectful to Ledger to do so, and did not do it, as can be seen in this film. Gary Oldman said that Christopher Nolan told all the actors the end of the film verbally so that there would be less likelihood of it being leaked. According to producers the line, “That’s a lovely, lovely voice,” was improvised by Tom Hardy. Each entry in this trilogy is 12 minutes longer than it’s predecessor: Batman Beings (2005) – 140m, The Dark Knight (2008) – 152m (153m), and this film is 164m. The first draft of the script was reportedly 400 pages.

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Violence And Action, Some Sensuality & Language
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Alpha (2018)

Alpha (2018)

C – 96m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Untitled Albert Hughes Project, The Solutrean
Story By: Albert Hughes
Screenplay By: Daniele Sebastian Wiedenhaupt
Dir.: Albert Hughes
Starring: Kodi Smit–McPhee, Natassia Malthe, Leonor Varela, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Jens Hulten, Mercedes de la Zerda, Spencer Bogaert, Priya Rajaratnam, Marcin Kowalczyk, Patrick Flanagan, Michael Kruse–Dahl, Kyle Glenn Sutherland (as Thomas Kyle), Louis Lay, Taran Kootenhayoo, Nestor de la Zerda, Blake Point and Nashon Douglas. 

In the prehistoric past, a young man struggles to return home after being separated from his tribe during a buffalo hunt and finds a similarly lost wolf companion to start a friendship that would change humanity (human and dog). This is a fairly well done origin story with okay acting and unfortunately way to obvious CGI. The pacing is slow but several scenes do create extreme tension and suspense. The cinematography is solid leaving out the CGI in many shots. In the interest of full disclosure this was a tough movie to watch for this reviewer due to cruelty to animals. See Trivia for one detail on that point. Another couple of others to note are these: The young man hits the dog / wolf hard a few times too many and he kills a vulture, which bites his lip thinking he is a morsel to feast on. As such, with the specifics pointed out, this reviewer was only able to see small snippets of the film between much of the time averting eyes from the screen. To reiterate: Some may handle the depictions better than others. As a film there is enough good here to make it a worth–while watch but it may be a tough watch for those who love animals, particularly dogs.

Trivia:

The breed of the dog in this film is Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. The theatrical release was delayed for an entire year. It was originally slated for September 2017 release, this film was moved to March 2018. In December 2017, this film was moved once again, this time to September 2018. The trailer was released in July 2017, more than an entire year before the actual film's release, rarity these days. This film could not bear a, "No animals were harmed in the making of this film," tag, as four bison were slaughtered for use on a skinning/hide–removal scene. Staff from Longview Beef Jerky dispatched the bison humanely. This film marked the first feature film directed by Albert Hughes without his brother, Allen Hughes. It also is the first of his films not to carry an [R]–rating. This film was shot near East Coulee, Alberta Canada and at Dinosaur Provincial Park near Patricia Alberta, Canada.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Intense Peril
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Mission: Impossible (1966–Present)

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Mission: Impossible (1966–Present) 

Mission: Impossible – The Complete Series (1966–1973)

C – 8550m (171 Episodes, 50 Minutes each)
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 – Fullscreen
Creator: Bruce Geller
Writers: Bruce Geller, Allan Balter, William Read Woodfield... to view the complete list, click here.
Dir.s: Reza Badiyi, Barry Crane, Paul Krasny... to view the complete list, click here.
Starring: Greg Morris, Peter Lupus, Peter Graves... to view the complete list, click here.

An elite covert operations unit carries out highly sensitive missions subject to official denial in the event of failure, death or capture. Who knew at the time that this show was on the air that it would launch a revival / reboot and a mega successful action film series? This classic show featured quite a stellar cast and scripts that holds the viewer’s interest from start to finish of each episode. The guest stars are fun too. While this has little action compared to the theatrical film series, the performances are such that one doesn’t really think about it. Are there corny lines every now and then? Sure, there is nothing wrong with that. This show is worth watching for two reasons: 1.) The cast is great, and 2.) This is the show that started the television reboot and the hit film series.

Trivia:

Only one hundred twenty missions include the famous warning that the tape will "self-destruct". Five say that the tape will "decompose", one says that it will "destroy itself", twelve instruct Briggs or Phelps to "dispose of" the recording, seven tell them to "destroy" it, and three contain no instructions, but Phelps destroys the recordings anyway. The remaining fifteen missions contain no recorded briefing at all. The reel–to–reel tape was actually in rewind mode when it was shown as “playing” because the tape moved too slowly to be believed when it would actually be playing. This show was not shown in syndication for several years due to the fact that the public became used to Peter Graves as the head of the MIF. When they saw the reruns of the first season of the show with Dan Briggs in the role of the head of the MIF it confused them. Greg Morris and Peter Lupus were the only two actors to stay throughout the course of all the seasons of this show. It should be noted though that Sam Elliot replaced Peter Lupus for about half of the fifth season of the show. 

The faceless figure shown lighting a match on the opening credits was series creator Bruce Geller. It wasn’t until the 1988 revival / reboot of the show that a character was created for it – Jim Phelps would be shown lighting it. Steven Hill left the show after only one season for two reasons: 1.) Because the show’s shooting schedule would have had him, an Orthodox Jew, working on the Sabbath and 2.) His behavior was frequently disruptive and would cause the production to shut down. Martin Landau and his then wife Barbara Bain jointly left the show after the third season due to contract disputes after their demands for a raises in their salaries were not met. Most of the non–lead actors on Star Trek (1966–1969) also appeared on this show. Even some of the leads had guest spots on this show. This was likely because both shows were filmed at Desilu Studios.

This show, when it was cancelled in 1973 was the last of the rash of spy shows from the 1960’s. Some others from that time were: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (1964–1968), Secret Agent (1964–1967), Get Smart (1965–1970), The Wild Wild West (1965–1969), amongst others. 

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Mission: Impossible – The Complete Series (1988–1990)

C – 1645m (35 episodes, 47 minutes each)
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 – Fullscreen
Creator: Bruce Geller
Scriptwriters: Bruce Geller, Ted Roberts, Jeffrey M. Hayes, Robert Brennan, Michael Fisher, Walter Brough, David Phillips, Frank Abatemarco, Dale Duguid, Roger Dunn, Michael Seims, Allan Balter, Robert Hamner, Laurence Heath, Michael Lynn, Arthur Weiss, James Crown, Chip Hayes, Stephen Kandel, Rick Maier, Billy Marshall Stoneking, John Whelpley, Cliff Green, Dan Roberts and Jan Sardi.
Dir.s: Colin Budds, Arch Nicholson, Don Chaffey, Cliff Bole, Rob Stewart, Michael Vejar, Kim Manners, Rod Hardy, Brian Trenchard–Smith and John Jopson.
Starring: Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, Anthony Hamilton... to view complete list, click here.

An elite covert operations unit carries out highly sensitive missions subject to official denial in the event of failure, death or capture. This reboot is actually a continuation of the original series. The returning cast is always a pleasure to see and by the same flip of the coin the stellar cast from the original series is greatly missed. Still there is drama and mild action that will keep viewers alert for the 47 minutes per episode.

Trivia:

This series was originally intended to be a Limited Series with the scripts being remakes of the classic episodes from the first series and the original characters being recast with then current actors. Instead, when Peter Graves returned to play his role again, it was changed to be a continuation of the original series. It should be noted that the first five episodes of this series were remakes of classic episodes due to a writers’ strike. Peter Graves, Greg Morris and Lynda Day George all reprise their roles from the original series. Terry Markwell opted not to renew her contract for the rest of Season One because she was dissatisfied with the amount of screen time she got. Terry Markwell was then replaced by Jane Badler. This was one of the first American commercial network shows to be filmed in Australia. After this series, there was a six–year break in the Mission: Impossible timeline, during which the series made the leap from the television screen to the theatrical screen. 

Primetime Emmy nominee for: Outstanding Sound Mixing – Drama Series (1989) and Outstanding Sound Editing – Series (1990).

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Mission: Impossible (1996)

C – 110m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mission Impossible
Television Series Creator And Writer: Bruce Geller
Story By: David Koepp and Steven Zaillian
Screenplay By: David Koepp and Robert Towne
Exec. Prod.: Paul Hitchcock
Prod.s: Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner
Assoc. Prod.: J.C. Calciano
Dir.: Brian De Palma
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Emmanuelle Beart, Henry Czerny, Jean Reno, Ving Rhames, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vanessa Redgrave, Ingeborga Dapkunaite, Valentina Yakunina, Marek Vasut, Nathan Osgood, Rolf Saxon, Karel Dobry, Andreas Wisniewski, David Shaeffer, Rudolf Pechan, Ricco Ross, Mark Houghton, Annabel Mullion, Garrick Hagon, Sam Douglas, David Schneider, Helen Lindsay, Pat Starr, Richard D. Sharp, Randall Paul, Graydon Gould, Tom Vogel, Michael Rogers, and Laura Brook
Music By: Danny Elfman

An American agent, under false suspicion of disloyalty, must discover and expose the real spy without the help of his organization. A fast–pace action – thriller that will keep viewers in a white–knuckle state for the better part of the film. Director Brian De Palma did a great job at the helm of this film and Cruise and the rest of the cast are in fine form. This was the successful start to the successful film series. Don’t miss it!  

Trivia:

In the filming of the iconic scene where Tom Cruise drops from the ceiling and hangs inches about the ground, Cruise’s head kept hitting the ground until he decided to put coins in his shoes for balance. The trick with the disappearing / reappearing CD that Ethan Hunt does to fool Franz Krieger is actual slight of hand, not a camera trick or any other visual effect. Vanessa Redgrave’s role was originally written for a man. The cinematic train sequence took six weeks to shoot at the 007 stage at Pinewood Studios in London, England. According to Martin Landau, in one of the earlier drafts of the script there was the idea to bring back the original cast from the original show just to kill them all off at the beginning of this film. George Clooney was offered the role of Ethan Hunt but turned it down to work in: One Fine Day (1996). Additionally Bruce Willis, John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Ralph Fiennes, and Mel Gibson were all considered of the role. Brian De Palma originally offered the role of Claire to Juliette Binoche. Al Pacino, Michael Douglas and Robert Redford were all considered for the role of Jim Phelps. Robert Towne rewrote scenes in between takes. Tom Cruise did most of his own stunts.      

Followed by: Mission: Impossible II (2000), Mission Impossible III (2006), Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Intense Action Violence
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Mission: Impossible II (2000)

C – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: M.I.: Mission Impossible II, M.I. Mission Impossible 2, Mission: Impossible 2, Mission Impossible II, Mission Impossible 2, M:I – 2, M.I. 2, M:I 2
Creator / Writer: Bruce Geller
Story By: Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga
Screenplay By: Robert Towne
Exec. Prod.s: Terence Chang and Paul Hitchcock
Prod.s: Tom Cruise and Paul Wagner
Assoc. Prod.: Michael Doven
Dir.: John Woo
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dougray Scott, Thandie Newton, Ving Rhames, Richard Roxburgh, John Polson, Brendan Gleeson, Rade Serbedzija, William Mapother, Anthony Hopkins (uncredited), Patrick Marber (uncredited), William Morts (uncredited) and Tory Mussett (uncredited).
Music By: Hans Zimmer

IMF Agent Ethan Hunt is sent to Sydney, to find and destroy a genetically modified disease called "Chimera". This entry in the Mission series is by far the best entry. Action is plentiful and well choreographed. The performances are tops and the CGI is great and the makeup is the best of the series. As with the first one there are many white–knuckle moments – including the opening rock climbing. See it!  

Trivia:

John Woo’s first cut of this film ran 3 hours, 30 minutes. Tom Cruise’s then wife, Nicole Kidman suggested Thandie Newton. Newton was cast before the script was even written. When Ethan Hunt peals off his mask, it was done with a green screen for each actor. Tom Cruise was told to put his hand in a certain place below his chin and make the motion of pulling something off. The two faces were then put together in post–production (editing), making it look like Cruise took off a mask. The movie was initially rated R but was recut to a PG–13 by toning down violence considerably. This was the first film that Metallica agreed to write a song for.

Production was delayed because of Tom Cruise working in Eyes Wide Shut (1999) with Stanley Kubrick for over a year. This was the highest grossing film of 2000. The role of Commander Swanbeck was offered to Ian McKellen and Anthony Hopkins. Tom Cruise offered the chance to direct the sequel to Brian De Palma, but he turned it down. Oliver Stone was the first director attached to this film but he dropped out reportedly due to scheduling conflicts. This entry in the series had the only appearance of Anthony Hopkins as Mission Commander Swanbeck. Tom Cruise did most of his own stunts.

Sequel to: Mission: Impossible (1996). Followed by: Mission: Impossible III (2006), Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). 

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Violent Action & Some Sensuality
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

C – 126m (full film) / 124m (edited)
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mission: Impossible 3, Heyday, M:I: III, M.I. III, M:I III, M:I:3, M:I 3
Television Creator & Writer: Bruce Geller
Screenplay By: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and J.J. Abrams
Exec. Prod.s: Sanping Han, Stratton Leopold and Buting Yang
Sup. Prod.: Bill Borden
Line Prod.: Enzo Sisti
Prod.s: Tom Cruise, Paul Wagner and Haicheng Zhao (as Zhao Haicheng)
Co–Prod.: Arthur Anderson, Tao Jiang and Doming Shi
Assoc. Prod.: Guichun Wang
Dir.: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, Maggie Q, Simon Pegg, Eddie Marsan, Laurence Fishburne, Bahar Soomekh, Jeff Chase, Michael Berry, Jr., Carla Gallo, Bellamy Young, Paul Keeley, Jane Daly, Greg Grunberg, Tracy Middendorf, Aaron Paul, Sean O’Bryan, Bruce French, Ellen Bry, James Shaklin, Michelle Arthur, and Barney Cheng

IMF Agent Ethan Hunt comes into conflict with a dangerous and sadistic arms dealer who threatens his life and his fiancée in response. This sequel is a tad tired after the last entry but still entertaining. Great cast and action but the rest is negligible. Not a bad start for J.J. Abrams as a director! Worth seeing! 

Trivia:

Curious people would loiter around the main unit of this film in Italy, so a faux second unit working with women dressed as nuns and women in bikinis to lure them away from the main unit so that they could shoot what they needed for the actual film. After the success of: Shaun Of The Dead (2004), Simon Pegg was asked if he was going to pursue an acting career in Hollywood. He jokingly replied, “It’s not like I’m going to be in Mission: Impossible III.” Tom Cruise did most of his own stunts.

This was J.J. Abrams directorial debut. Scarlett Johansson was cast early on but pulled out of the film and was replaced by Keri Russell. Maggie Q had to learn how to drive for her role. In the bonus features on Blu–ray and DVD copies of this film it was revealed that Maggie Q’s high heal shoe got stuck on the acceleration peddle causing her to lightly crash into a parked car. Rachel McAdams turned down the role that went to Michelle Monaghan. Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, Elisha Cuthbert and Jessica Alba were all considered for the role of Lindsay Ferris, which is played by Keri Russell here. David Fincher was slated to direct this but backed out to make: The Lords Of Dogtown (2005). When Fincher was slated to direct, Sylvestre Stallone was being courted to play the main villain. There was a false rumor that Brad Pitt was going to replace Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. Kelly Brook was at one point slated to appear in this film.

Sequel to: Mission: Impossible (1996) and Mission: Impossible II (2000). Followed by: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Frenetic Violence And Menace, Disturbing Images & Some Sensuality
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol  (2011)

C – 132m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Aspect Ratio: Mission: Impossible IV – Ghost Protocol, Mission Impossible IV – Ghost Protocol, Mission: Impossible 4 – Ghost Protocol, Mission: Impossible IV, Mission: Impossible 4, Mission Impossible IV, Mission Impossible 4, M:IIVGP, MIIVGP, M:I4GP, MI4GP, M:IGP, MIGP, Aries, M:I4, MIIV. MI4
Television Creator & Writer: Bruce Geller
Characters By: Steven Zaillian and David Koepp
Screenplay By: Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec
Exec. Prod.s: David Ellison and Dana Goldberg
Prod.s: J.J. Abrams, Tom Cruise
Dir.: Brad Bird
Starring: Tom Cruise, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Michael Nyqvist, Samuli Edelmann, Ivan Shvedoff, Anil Kapoor, Josh Holloway, Michelle Monaghan (uncredited), Ving Rhames (uncredited) and Tom Wilkinson (uncredited).

The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name. This is the WORST entry in the franchise. This reviewer cannot say enough bad things about it. Terrible CGI, acting is over the top or dull and the story is less than nothing in existence. The only two things that can be said FOR this film are that the makeup is passible and there is a nice use of the song: “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” sung by Dean Martin. If at all possible ignore this entry and go for the fifth one when you finish the third entry in the series. If one MUST watch this, they will be doing so at the risk of their own intellectual and entertainment peril! 

Trivia: Tom Cruise did most of his own stunts. This was Brad Bird’s directorial debut. 

Sequel to: Mission: Impossible (1996), Mission: Impossible II (2000) and Mission: Impossible III (2006). Followed by: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015), and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Intense Action & Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

C – 131m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mission: Impossible V – Rogue Nation, Mission: Impossible 5 – Rogue Nation, Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, Mission: Impossible V, Mission: Impossible 5, Mission Impossible V, Mission Impossible 5, M:IV – RN, M:I5 – RN, M:I – RN, M:IVRN, MIVRN, M:IRN, M:I V, M:I 5, M:IV, M:I5, MIV, MI5
Television Show Creator & Writer: Bruce Geller
Story By: Christopher McQuarrie and Drew Pearce
Writer – Dir.: Christopher McQuarrie
Prod.s: J.J. Abrams, Tom Cruise, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Simon McBurney, Tom Hollander, Alec Baldwin, Nigel Barber, William Roberts, Robert Maaser, Eva–Marie Becker, Jamie Buchan (uncredited), Jill Buchanan (uncredited), John Carr (uncredited), Jamie B. Chambers (uncredited), Tom Dab, Alexander Hathaway (uncredited), Helena Holmes (uncredited), Philip Howard, Peter Stanford, Glenn Webster and Belle Williams.

Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF. This was a huge step up from the disaster that was the previous entry in this blockbuster series. The acting, writing, CGI and makeup are back on stable footing. The issue here is that it is a tad too long and slow spots become more pronounced because of it. Still an agreeable film to watch… Recommended.

Trivia:

Tom Cruise did most of his own stunts. Tom Cruise and Simon Pegg performed all their own driving stunts. It took ten days to film a 90–second involving Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise, suspended on the airplane. When training for the underwater scene, Tom Cruise could hold his breath for six minutes. Paula Patton and Maggie Q were set to reprise their roles from: Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Benedict Cumberbatch was the first actor considered to play the villain. In an interview with The Q&A With Jeff Goldsmith, Tom Cruise stated that the gray suit worn during the opening plane sequence was a direct homage to Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant) in Alfred Hitchcock’s North By Northwest (1959), who wears a similarly colored suit in the classic plane sequence. Tom Cruise was attached to: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015), but dropped out to make this film. Henry Cavill replaced him. They would go on to be in: Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), together.    

Sequel to: Mission: Impossible (1996), Mission: Impossible II (2000), Mission: Impossible III (2006) and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011). Followed by: Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Action And Violence, & Brief Partial Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

C – 147m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: M:I VI – Mission Impossible, M:I 6 – Mission Impossible, Mission: Impossible VI, Mission: Impossible 6
Characters From The TV Series By: Bruce Geller
Writer – Dir.: Christopher McQuarrie
Prod.s: J.J. Abrams and Tom Cruise
Starring: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Sean Harris, Vanessa Kirby, Michelle Monaghan, Wes Bentley, Alec Baldwin, Kristoffer Joner, Wolf Blitzer and Raphael Joner.

Ethan Hunt and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong. This is simultaneously one of the best entries in the series but is also the worst to try and review. If no analysis is done on this film it stands strong with a three out of four star rating. The minute one tries to say, “this works because…” the film falls apart. For sure: there is good tension built several times throughout the film, the action is high octane, the cinematography is good and CGI and makeup are tops. Unfortunately: These more than capable actors can be found chewing the scenery (over acting) at various points in the film, the story is slightly contrived, the script has a few too many corny lines, and dramatic scenes are on the melodramatic side of things and are unintentionally funny. Still there are some well–planned gags in the film that score bulls eyes. If one doesn’t think about the film, it works. Try to see the film doing just that. Recommended without scrutiny.  

Trivia:

This film had 3,000 setups, thirteen helicopters, six pregnancies, five hiatuses, four–weeks of aerial photography, three continents, two winters and one broken ankle. Tom Cruise trained for and entire year to perform the HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) stunt in this film. While filming a scene in August 2017, Tom Cruise fractured his ankle in a stunt where he leaped from a building. Production was halted for several weeks / 8 weeks (depending on the source), but the July 2018 release date was kept. The footage from that stunt was used both in the trailers for this film and this film itself. At a running length of 147 minutes or 2 hours 27 minutes, this was the longest Mission: Impossible film up to that point. This film was green–lit several days before the release of: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015). Solomon Lane was the first villain to appear in two entries in this series of film.

Jeremy Renner was not in this film due to his obligations to the Marvel universe. Rebecca Ferguson was pregnant while filming this movie. She was about seven months pregnant when filming was completed. Rebecca Ferguson was also the first actress to appear in two leading role parts in two entries in this series. Christopher McQuarrie was the first director from this series to direct more than one film in this series. Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames are the only actors to appear in all the Mission: Impossible films. Simon Pegg started in the series in Mission: Impossible III (2006). Henry Cavill, who is in this film with Tom Cruise, replaced Cruise in: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015). Michelle Monaghan’s appearances in this series were: Mission: Impossible III (2006), Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) and this film. Tom Cruise did most of his own stunts.

In June 2017, Tom Cruise, Michelle Monaghan and Simon Pegg arrived in New Zealand to begin filming scenes. This marked Tom Cruise’s first time in the country since filming: The Last Samurai (2003). This film was shot in 161 days. The filming took almost an entire year due to having to halt production for a few months due to Tom Cruise’s broken ankle. As usual Tom Cruise did most of his own stunts for this film. This was the first Mission: Impossible film to be released in 3D. Post–Production on this film was completed on July 3, 2018; Tom Cruise was shown the completed film for the first time on July 8, 2018; and this film was finally released in 2D and 3D on July 27, 2018.

Sequel to: Mission: Impossible (1996), Mission: Impossible II (2000), Mission: Impossible III (2006), Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015).  
Rated: [PG–13] – Violence & Intense Scenes Of Action, & Brief Strong Language

Dark Crimes (2016 / 2018)

Dark Crimes (2016 / 2018)

C – 92m / 93m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: True Crimes
Inspired By The Article: “True Crime: A Postmodern Murder Mystery” by David Grann
Screenplay By: Jeremy Brock
Prod.: Brett Ratner
Assoc. Prod.: Jeremy Brock
Dir.: Alexandros Avranas
Starring:  Jim Carrey, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Agata Kulesza and Parianna Figurska.

A murder investigation of a slain businessman turns to clues found in an author's book about an eerily similar crime. This abysmal monstrosity of a thriller has only the star powers of Jim Carrey and Charlotte Gainsbourg to recommend it. The aforementioned duo, Carrey and Gainsbourg, were in terrific shape as actors for this film. Otherwise the story is slight, there is never suspense formed at any time during the film, the script is weak and there is an excessive amount of material that could have and SHOULD HAVE been cut from this film. Even at a mere 93 minutes, this film is over–padded. If only Hollywood could bring back the days when films could be an hour in length and still be satisfying! If this had a better script and was 60 minutes instead of 93, the package of this film would have been in better shape. Sadly that is not the case. This fact alone may lead many viewers to either 1.) Skip this film, which is what this reviewer recommends doing, or 2.) Have their finger resting on the fast forward button on their remote, computer or phone. In any event, watch if you dare. Or be wise and see The Mask (1994) or Liar Liar (1997) for the hundredth time instead.    

Trivia:

This film shot for 32 days in Krakow, Poland. Marianna Figurska (Olga in the film) was Agata Kulesza’s real–life daughter. The article that his film is based on, “True Crime: A Postmodern Murder Mystery” by David Grann, told the strange true story of Krystian Bala, a writer who was arrested for the murder of a Polish businessman. A detective called Jacek, from the Wroclaw police department in Poland, investigated the crime unsuccessfully and yet three years later reopened the case because he read a mystery novel that described murders too close in detail to the case for it to have been a coincidence.    

Rated: [R] – Strong And Disturbing Violent / Sexual Content Including Rape, Graphic Nudity, & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy  

Mamma Mia! Series (2008 & 2018)

Mamma Mia! Series (2008 & 2018)

Mamma Mia! was a hit Broadway musical featuring the music of Swedish musical group ABBA. In 2008 a film version of the hit show was released theatrically. It became a Summer box office smash hit over night. A decade later, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (2018), a sequel to the first hit film, sometimes called: Mamma Mia! 2, was released. Below are the reviews for the two films.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

C – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mamma Mia! The Movie
Dir.: Phyllida Lloyd
Writer (Music Book and Script): Catherine Johnson
Exec. Pro.: Tom Hanks, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Rita Wilson
Music by: Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus
Starring: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Stellan Skarsgard, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Dominic Cooper, Heather Emmanuel, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

A bride to be tries to find her real father; featuring the songs of the hit 1970’s group ABBA. Arguably the feel good movie of 2008! The film was a box office smash and it is easy to see why. Streep, Seyfried and the rest of the cast are in fine form and the music is fun. Note: Notice the music swells when Brosnan sings. 

Trivia:

Pierce Brosnan signed onto the film knowing only that Meryl Streep was set to star and that it would be filmed in Greece. The cast members performed their own singing. Streep recorded the vocals for her rendition of, “The Winner Takes It All,” in one take. The, “Slipping Through My Fingers,” song scene features Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried laughing in a short clip. The crew blasted heavy metal music to get that footage. At the start of, ‘Dancing Queen,” the mirror next to Streep’s bed features Seyfried’s professional head shot and at the end of, “Our Last Summer,” Streep is holding a real baby picture of Seyfried. Several scenes such as “I Have A Dream,” were shot during the day but changed to evening or night in post–production. Cher was originally offered the role of Tanya but turned it down. She would go on to be in the sequel film: Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again (2018). And: The Colin Firth line, “I’m Bright, Harry Bright,” is a spoof of the, “Bond, James Bond,” line in the 007 films; hence his delivery of it next to Pierce Brosnan.

Golden Globe nominee for: Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical and Best Actress – Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical – Meryl Streep.

Followed by: Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again (2018).
Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sex Related Comments
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again (2018)

C – 114m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mamma Mia! 2
Idea Originally Conceived By: Judy Craymer
Based On The Music By: Catherine Johnson
Story By: Richard Curtis, Ol Parker and Catherine Johnson
Screenplay By: Ol Parker
Exec. Prod.s: Benny Andersson, Richard Curtis, Tom Hanks and Bjorn Ulvaeus
Dir.: Ol Parker
Starring: Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Dominic Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, Christine Baranski, Colin Firth, Cher, Julie Walters, Jeremy Irvine, Andy Garcia, Josh Dylan, Hugh Skinner, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Alexa Davies and Bjorn Ulvaeus.
Music By: Benny Andersson, Anne Dudley and Bjorn Ulvaeus

Sophie learns about her mother’s past while pregnant herself. This was a step down from the mega hit a decade earlier. It is contrived to say the least and it shows in the “story” of the film. However the songs are fun, the cast is fantastic and the visual and audio aesthetics are perfect. So why complain too much. The stronger acting is done by the now seasoned actors: Streep, Seyfried, Brosnan, Skarsgard, Firth, Baranski, Walters, Garcia, Cher and Cooper, but the actors playing the younger versions of Streep, Brosnan, Skarsgard, Baranski, Firth and Walters show great promise. Pierce Brosnan performs a particularly touching scene in the film when he quietly warbles S.O.S. while looking at a picture of the younger Streep character. This may not be the caliber of the first one, and at that may still be of little to no interest of some people, but if given a chance, there is still a spark of warmth to it that a lot of films, released around the time of this one, don’t have. For that reason alone, it is worth watching.

Trivia:

This film was released exactly 10 years after the first one. Meryl Streep (Donna in this film series) filmed all her scenes in one week. Julie Walters was given a day off from the Shepperton Studios filming in November 2017 so she could attend an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where she was made a Dame Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Cher, who played Meryl Streep’s mother and Amanda Seyfried’s grandmother in this film, was actually only 3 years older than Meryl Streep. ABBA member, Bjorn Ulvaeus, makes a cameo during the number: “When I kissed The Teacher”. ABBA member Benny Andersson appears as a University Chancellor during young Donna’s graduation. Cher was originally offered the role of Tanya in the first film but turned it down. A decade later she took a role in this film. Cher also handpicked Andy Garcia to play Fernando out of a bunch of selected actors. The film choreographer is the same choreographer who worked with the traveling Mamma Mia! North American Farewell Tour. The reveal of Bill Anderson’s twin was referenced in the first film with the line: “You’re not going to tell me you have a twin sister, are you?”

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Suggestive Material
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Gillian Flynn Films and Show

Gillian Flynn Films And Show

Gone Girl (2014)

C – 149m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Screenplay By: Gillian Flynn
Prod.: Reese Witherspoon
Dir.: David Fincher
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, David Clennon, Lisa Banes, Missi Pyle, Emily Ratajkowski, Casey Wilson, Lola Kirke, Boyd Holbrook, Sela Ward, Lee Norris, Jamie McShane, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Lynn Adrianna, Mark Atteberry, Darin Cooper, Kate Campbell, Brett Leigh, Antonio St. James, Lauren Glazier, Cooper Thornton, Casey Ruggieri, Cyd Strittmatter, Ashley Didion, L.A. Williams, Blake Sheldon, Ricky Wood, Fred Cross, Scott Takeda, Donna Rusch, Mark T. Anderson and Scoot McNairy.

With his wife’s disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it is suspected that he may not be innocent.

Trivia:

Ben Affleck postponed directing: Live By Night (2016), to work on this film. Affleck said of director David Fincher, “He’s the only director I’ve met who can do everybody else’s job better than they could.” One day on set Affleck changed the lens setting on a camera almost an indiscernible amount, betting a crewmember that Fincher wouldn’t notice. Affleck lost since David Fincher brought it up, saying, “Why does the camera look a little dim?” Ben Affleck’s weight fluctuated in the film, seeing him go from average build to muscular, as a result on him being cast as Batman in: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016). Rosamund Pike was cast as Amy because David Fincher felt that she was of ambiguous age in appearance – she could pass for someone older or someone younger.

 Reese Witherspoon obtained the film rights to Gone Girl from author Gillian Flynn and intended to use her production company to make it, with the idea of starring in it. After her meeting with David Fincher she realized she wasn’t right for the part and withdrew from contention for the lead female role. In addition to Witherspoon, Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman, Emily Blunt, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Abbie Cornish, Julianne Hough and Jessica Chastain were all considered for the role of Amy Dunne. For her performance Rosamund Pike drew inspiration from: Nicole Kidman in To Die For (1995), Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992), and Carolyn Bessette–Kennedy. David Fincher had been known to cast actors in his films based on looks they gave in photos of them on the Internet. Fincher cast Ben Affleck in this film because of a certain grin that he had in about a dozen photos that Fincher had seen on the Internet.

Ben Affleck reportedly has quite extensive knowledge of 1980’s songs according to Tyler Perry. Perry played a game throughout the production of this film with Affleck, in which Perry would sing a song at random and see if Affleck knew the musical number. Reportedly this included show tunes, Barbra Streisand songs amongst many other songs. “The Bar” restaurant in this film became a real place right where the scenes there were filmed, in downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Originally, Nick, played by Ben Affleck here, was to wear a New York Yankees cap. Affleck refused to wear it, as he was a die–hard Boston Red Sox fan. The disagreement shut down production for four days. He and director David Fincher finally compromised and Affleck wound up wearing the Mets cap you see in the scene. In the scene where Nick pushes Amy into the wall, Affleck used a tad too much force and almost gave Rosamund Pike a concussion. She was even quoted as saying that she had seen stars somewhere around take 18.

This was the first film in which Ben Affleck did full frontal nudity. He did it because David Fincher said he wanted this film to be like a European film, “warts and all” in terms of nudity. Fincher went on to say that it would be more realistic that way. This film became David Fincher’s highest grossing film at the box office up to the point of this film’s release, passing The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (2008). The character of Tanner Bolt was written as, “an Alec Baldwin type.” The whole play with the pens of different colors was Gillian Flynn’s visual solution to the translation to screen of Amy’s diary. Rosamund Pike told film critic Peter Travers that when David Fincher would catch her using her cellphone, he’d take a, “stern face,” selfie and send it to her, causing her to instantly stop using her phone and pocket it.

Most of the doors and windows in daytime interior scenes were fitted with green screens and had the background added in later, as it was impossible to expose for interiors without the outdoors blowing out. (This reviewer apologizes if there are too many outs there.) David Fincher cast Emily Ratajkowski on the recommendation of Ben Affleck who told Fincher to look at her performance in Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” Music Video. The character Ellen Abbott was loosely based on television host Nancy Grace. David Fincher shot some 500 hours of footage over the course of the 100–day shooting schedule, averaging five hours a day. This was the feature film debut of Carrie Coon. When Nick and Amy have sex in the library, they talk about Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austin. Rosamund Pike, who played Amy here, played Jane Bennet in: Pride & Prejudice (2005). Neil Patrick Harris’ character in this film is named Mr. Collings, which is very similar to Mr. Collins in Pride & Prejudice.

Ben Affleck and his character in this film, Nick Dunne, were both born on August 15th. Seth Rogan, Ryan Reynolds, Brad Pitt and Jon Hamm were all considered for the role of Nick Dunne at various points of pre–production. Hamm’s commitment on the AMC television show: Mad Men (2007–2015) prevented him from being able to do this film. Ben Affleck, who played Nick Dunne here, previously directed Jon Hamm in: The Town (2010). Coincidentally, Hamm was also considered for the role of Bruce Wayne / Batman in: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016), which also went to Ben Affleck. David Fincher said that when he was casting the title role for this film, he wanted a Faye Dunaway type actress, citing her specifically in the Roman Polanski film: Chinatown (1974). This film features the first script written by Gillian Flynn, author of the blockbuster book from which this is adapted. This was also the first adaption of any of Flynn’s written works. The name Schieber, from the character Sharon Schieber, was author, Gillian Flynn’s middle name. Originally David Fincher was supposed to direct: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea: Captain Nemo, but due to a complete halt in the production’s development, Fincher dropped out of the project, and quickly joined this one.

Nick Dunne always complained that his cellphone had no signal. A close–up of his phone showed it was T–Mobile, which at the time had questionable indoor signal strength due to the lack of lower operating spectrum. Nick and Margo Dunne, Ben Affleck and Carrie Coon respectively, were supposed to be twins. In real life Affleck and Coon had a 9–year age difference between them. The campground scene was filmed at Giant City State Park Lodge & Restaurant in southern Illinois, just south of Carbondale. The story of Gone Girl was set in North Carthage, Missouri. It was however filmed in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Casting of extras took place in the Rose Theatre of Southeast Missouri State University, also in Cape Girardeau. The old federal building at 339 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was dressed as the North Carthage Police Department building. 

The videogame Nick Dunne played in this film was Battlefield 3 (2011) for PlayStation 3 (PS3). In the book, when Amy met Desi at the casino, a stranger interrupted their conversation to ask if Amy is related to the Enloe. In the acknowledgements Gillian Flynn thanked Detective Enloe of the Overland Park Police for answering her “42,000 e–mails.” In this film the line is still present, but the name was changed from Enloe to Nolan, the surname of Flynn’s spouse, Brett, and their children. An early draft of the screenplay for this film was 177 pages long. Had that been the draft that was used for shooting, the film would have been 2 hours 57 minutes long. The editing software that was used to edit this film was Adobe Premiere Pro CC.

One of Amy’s pink pens has a outline of a stork carrying a baby pouch, likely in reference to the topic Amy is writing about in her diary. After Amy disappeared and Nick and the detective go into Nick’s office to follow up on Amy’s first clue, there are two books of interest on his shelves: Manhood For Amateurs by Michael Chabon – nonfiction essays about being a husband that the mistakes and surprises of being a father, and Freedom by Jonathan Franzen – an American novel concerned with the themes of marriage. Gillian Flynn was originally going to call this film’s book Psycho Bitch, but changed her mind. There are even allusions to that in the book. At the volunteer center, Margo tells Nick, “You look like hammered shit.” This is the exact same line spoken by Drum (Tom Skerritt) in: Steel Magnolias (1989).

Ben Affleck’s character searching for a woman named Amy may bring to mind his role in the Kevin Smith film: Chasing Amy (1997).      

Oscar® nominated for: Best Actress – Rosamund Pike. Golden Globe® nominated for: Best Director – Motion Picture – David Fincher, Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama – Rosamund Pike, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Gillian Flynn, and Best Original Score – Motion Picture.

Rated: [R] – A Scene Of Bloody Violence, Some Strong Sexual Content / Nudity & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Dark Places (2015)

C. – 113m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel Written By: Gillian Flynn
Starring: Charlize Theron, Nick Hoult, Christina Hendricks, Corey Stoll, Drea De Matteo, Chloe Grace Moretz and Sean Bridgers.

Thirty years after a young girl’s family is presumably murdered by a satanic cult, the young girl, now a woman, learns the truths about what really happened. Rarely does this happen to this reviewer, but it does happen occasionally: I don’t know how to review this film. It isn’t good and it isn’t bad, it just exists as a film. All aspects of the filmmaking is fine, I just don’t have a clear feeling on this one. Read the description of the film and judge for yourself.

Trivia:

During the scene where Libby encounters the Kill Club, source novel author Gillian Flynn has a brief cameo as the woman sitting in the chair with an axe across her lap. Amy Adams was originally cast in the lead role while this film was in development. When it came time to shoot the film, Amy Adams wasn’t available and was thus replaced by Charlize Theron. Amy Adams would go on to be cast in the lead of the limited run HBO television series Sharp Objects (2018), which was adapted from another Gillian Flynn novel – bearing the same title as the show. Christina Hendricks was originally cast as Krissi Cates and Samantha Morton was cast as Patty Day. When Morton dropped out just prior to filming, Hendricks took the role of Patty Day and Drea De Matteo took the role of Krissi Cates. Ben Day was seven years older than his sister Libby in the story. In real life, Charlize Theron, who plays Libby here, was a year older than Corey Stoll, who played Ben Day in this film. This film, which was originally slated for a 2014 release, was released on Charlize Theron’s 40th Birthday.   

Rated: [R] – Some Disturbing Violence, Language, Drug Use & Sexual Content
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Sharp Objects: The Complete Series (2018)

C. – +/- 480m. (8 Episodes, 60 Minutes–ish Each)
Novel Witten By: Gillian Flynn.
Exec. Pro.s: Amy Adams, Gillian Flynn and Jean–Marc Vallee. 
Dir.: Jean–Marc Vallee
Starring: Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Messina, Eliza Scanlen, Matt Craven, Miguel Sandoval, April Brinson, Violet Brinson, Sydney Sweeney, Taylor John Smith, Elizabeth Perkins, Barbara Eve Harris, David Sullivan, Will Chase, Gracie Prewitt, Jessica Treska, Jackson Hurst, Aaron Holliday, Ryan James Nelson, Jennifer Aspen, Guy Boyd, Kaegan Baron, Betsy Baker, Cody Sullivan, Madison Davenport, Sophia Lillis, Randy Oglesby, Lauran September, Jean Villepique, Ericka Kreutz, Dylan Schombing, Lulu Wilson, Beth Broderick, Hilary Ward, D.B. Sweeney, Evan Castelloe and Lauren Dale Williams (uncredited).

A reporter must confront the demons of her past as she stays with her mother when she returns to her hometown to report on a murder. This limited run HBO television series was just as twisted as the novel it was adapted from. At that, the novel was just as twisted as Gillian Flynn’s other writings. To that end, this show may not be for all tastes. However, if one likes slow–burn gothic horror and / or the cast of this show, than this will be of interest. The acting, direction, scripts and cinematography are all solid. The editing is hit or miss however. There is also an uneven sound mix on this show (which appeared to be a fashion statement by Hollywood at the time it was shot and released / aired). This reviewer finds the pace just fine, however others may vary, and some may even think it is deliberately slow paced, not is a positive way. Story wise there are enough twists to keep one engaged.

The casting of Sophia Lillis as Amy Adams’ sister was a stroke of genus, though admittedly a somewhat obvious choice. Just like in: IT (2017), Lillis steals every scene she is in, which is no small feat given the presence of Amy Adams in the show. Adams herself gives yet another stunning performance that is also brilliantly nuanced. Like Gone Girl (2014), and unlike Dark Places (2015), the characters are well developed and stunningly enhanced by the actors. This comes recommended by this reviewer with the reminder and admission that this may not be for all tastes. 

Trivia:

This was the third Gillian Flynn novel to be adapted to the screen, this time a television screen. The other two were films: Gone Girl (2014) and Dark Places (2015). Amy Adams, who played the lead here, was originally cast in the film: Dark Places (2015) but dropped out just prior to filming. This limited run show was partially filmed in Barnesville, GA in the theme of Wind Gap, Missouri. It was also partially filmed in Mendocino and Lake Counties in Northern California. The titles of each of the episodes are the words that Camille carved into her skin. In the novel, the word, “Vanish,” is carved into the back of Camille’s neck, while in this show it is carved into her right forearm.

Rated: [TV–MA]

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

C – 116m / 117m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Screenplay By: Susanna Fogel and David Iserson
Dir.: Susanna Fogel
Starring: Justin Theroux, Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, David Iserson, Sam Heughan, Hasan Minhaj, Peter Schueller, Gillian Anderson, Jane Curtin, Paul Reiser, Hugo Bolton, Fred Melamed, James Fleet, Justine Wachsberger, Tom Stourton, Roderick Hill and Nick Wittman (as Nicholas Wittman).

Audrey and Morgan are best friends who unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy when one of the women discovers the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy. Well–done Action – Comedy in the vein of Lethal Weapon (1987) for action and the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby Road To…Series (194 –1962), but for women. Both the humor and the action fly fast and furious. Admittedly the humor is mostly crude but for astute film buffs there are scenes that a remenciant of the Hope and Crosby Road films, particularly when what is going on around them finally dawns on them. Specifically the scene in the bathroom during the dinner at, “a friend’s house,” with the body in the tub… Said scene also has echoes of the “There Is a beautiful woman in my bed and a dead man in my bathtub,” scene from: The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976). There is nothing wrong with this film that this reviewer could spot, everything works in terms of CGI, action, comedy, acting and yes – pacing too is perfect. See it, without reservation!    

Trivia:

Gillian Anderson was a childhood crush of Kate McKinnon’s. Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis previously co–starred in the Family Guy episode Peter’s Sister. Sam Heughan played Sir Roger Moore’s son in A Prince For Christmas (2011). Roger Moore played James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), which this film’s title, like the title of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), spoofs. Although there is an actual light gun arcade game series called Point Blank, the in–game footage and title screen of the game that Audrey is playing during her birthday at the beginning of the movie is from the Nintendo DS version, called: Point Blank DS.

Rated: [R] – Violence, Language Throughout, Some Crude Sexual Material & Graphic Nudity
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Psycho Series (1960–Present)

Psycho Series & Related Films & Shows (1960–Present)

In the mid 1950’s writer Robert Bloch (pronounced: “Block”) wrote a short story titled Your’s Truly, Jack The Ripper. The premise of the story was that Jack The Ripper survived the end of his murder spree in 1888 and resurfaced in America in the 1950’s only to kill again. In the late 1950’s Bloch, influenced / inspired by the killer Ed Gein, wrote a novel titled: Psycho. The story consisted of a 40 – something year old man who did intimate acts on himself while spying on women staying at the motel he ran, before killing them. The man’s name was Norman Bates. Almost as soon as the book was published, producer and director Alfred Hitchcock bought the film rights for $9,000 in an anonymous bid and subsequently bought as many of the books out of circulation has he could so as to not spoil the ending. Hitchcock went into production in 1959 for a 1960 release of his film Psycho (1960).

While much of the story remained intact, the more seedy elements were removed due to film censorship of the day. Years later the film would go through various ratings leading up to and landing finally on its current R rating in 1984. The studios involved with the production were dubious as to how well the film would do and therefore gave Hitchcock little money with which to make his film. They also gave him over 50% of the box office profits, thinking the film wouldn’t do that well. When the film became a sleeper it, Hitch amassed a small fortune. The film has since gone on to be hailed as one of the best films of all times generally speaking and specifically in the Horror and Thriller genres.

After Alfred Hitchcock’s death in 1980, Robert Bloch went back to the Psycho well and wrote 3 sequels. Subsequently these novels were turned into films starring Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, reprising the role he made famous in Hitchcock’s Psycho. The films were made from 1983–1990. Two were theatrical and the final one was made for cable television. Robert Bloch then returned in 1984 to the Jack The Ripper story and wrote the novel: The Night Of The Ripper. While it is noteworthy to this reviewer that Bloch toggled between two knife–wielding killers, the general public remembers him best for his Psycho writings.

A failed television show pilot from 1987 titled Bates Motel (1987) now rests on DVD as a television movie in the franchise. It would, in story anyway, follow the three Perkins sequels. In the late 1990’s there was talk of: “Who would dare make a remake of Psycho (1960)?” Fortunately people didn’t have much time to speculate since director Gus Van Sant viewed it as a challenge and took it upon himself to remake Psycho. Unfortunately for him, despite updating the story and having more freedom content wise as to what was allowed in the film censorship wise, he decided to make a shot by shot remake of Hitchcock’s classic.

The general public and film critics did not take kindly to this film. It was notoriously panned as a BOMB while the original is notoriously hailed as a classic. No one dared to touch the Psycho properties for a while after that. In 2012 Anthony Hopkins played Alfred Hitchcock and Helen Mirren played his wife Alma in the film: Hitchcock (2012). It was a satirical look at the making of the film and the strong bond between Hitch and his wife. It was highly sanitized though given the plethora of information available about how nasty and crude Hitchcock could be. That film is reviewed elsewhere. See the review for more details on that film.

A successful television show was made titled: Bates Motel (2013–2017). The show took place in then present day but had clothing styles, cars, and sets that looked straight out of 1959. The series starred Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates and Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates. The show chronicled the teen Norman Bates and how he became the notorious killer depicted in Psycho (1960). Concurrently with the final season of the show there was a documentary film released titled: 78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (2017). It was a in depth look at the making of that infamous scene from the 1960 film. With the exception of Hitchcock (2012), all the aforementioned shows and films have been reviewed below. They are divided into the category in which they properly fit. Enjoy…    

The Films:

Psycho (1960)

B&W – 109m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, Production 9401, Psychosis, Wimpy
Novel: Psycho by Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Joseph Stefano
Prod. (uncredited) – Dir.: Sir Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Janet Leigh, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, Simon Oakland, Frank Albertson, Patricia Hitchcock (as Pat Hitchcock), Lurene Tuttle, John Anderson, Mort Mills, Francis De Sales (uncredited), Virginia Gregg (uncredited), Sir Alfred Hitchcock (uncredited), Ted Knight (uncredited), Jeanette Nolan (uncredited), Robert Osborne (uncredited) and Helen Wallace (uncredited).
Music By: Bernard Herrmann

A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000.00 from her employer’s client, goes on the run, checks into a remote hotel run by a young man under the domination of his mother. A truly horrifying picture for anyone seeing it for the first time who doesn’t know anything about the film. After that it is a well–done thriller that still has shock to it even decades after it was made and released. The acting is superb, script is nice and tight, the pacing is perfect and the story does have genuine shock value to it. Particularly when one reads the story of the real life killer the novels were based on and subsequently reads the novels and sees the films and shows. In short, this is a well – orchestrated film, in every sense of the phrase. Dig Bernard Herrmann’s haunting and jolting score – particularly in the Shower Scene, which made this film notorious!

Trivia:

In this film, director Alfred Hitchcock wanted to do a pan / zoom over the entirety of Marion Crane’s hotel room, as the first shot of the film. The technology was not yet capable of such a shot so Hitch did it with pans and dissolves. In the 1998 remake, director Gus Van Sant was able to achieve the shot Hitchcock wanted because the technology had advanced many years between the films. This film was shot in six weeks, as was the 1998 remake. Alfred Hitchcock was initially disappointed with the final cut of the film. He believed it would be on a double bill at a Drive–In Theatre. According to Bernard Herrmann Hitchcock even considered editing it down for broadcast on his television show: Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1962).  Hitchcock did on conceive of the idea of music for the Shower Scene. Bernard Herrmann did however and wrote the score. Also according to Herrmann, he brought back the title sequence music to the scene where Marion Crane drives away after taking the money. He said that the scene didn’t work until he did so. Hitch was so happy with the score by Bernard Herrmann that he doubled Herrmann’s salary to: $34,501.00. Hitch later said, “33% of the effect of Psycho was due to the music.”

Sir Alfred Hitchcock would only call Anthony Perkins, “Master Bates,” on the set of this film (one of the director’s many double entendres). On the first day of work Hitchcock made the cast and crew raise their right hands and swear not to reveal any part of the plot to anyone. Hitchcock also withheld the end of the script from the actors until he actually had to shoot it. Alfred Hitchcock bought the film rights to the novel from Robert Bloch anonymously for $9,000.00 in U.S. dollars. He then bought up as many copies of the novel as he could to keep the ending a secret. Walt Disney refused to allow Hitchcock to film at Disneyland because he made, “that disgusting movie Psycho.” Hitchcock wanted to make this film so badly that he deferred his standard salary of $250,000 in lieu of 60% of the profits of the film. Paramount gave Hitchcock a very small budget to work with, because of their distaste for the source material. They also deferred most of the net profits over to Hitchcock because they thought it would be a flop. When the film became a sleeper hit, Hitchcock made a small fortune. His personal earning from the film exceeded $15 million. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over $120 million in 2016 dollars. Incidentally, this was Hitch’s final film for Paramount Studios. It was also Hitch’s final film in Black And White. This was even Hitch’s final time being Oscar® nominated for Best Director. He was nominated a total of five times but never won. He did however get an honorary Oscar® and an AFI Life Achievement Award.

Every theatre that showed this film had a cardboard cutout of Hitch pointing at his watch installed in the lobby. The cutout said, “The manager of this theatre has been instructed at the risk of his life, not to admit to the theatre, any persons after the picture starts. Any spurious attempts to enter by the side doors, fire escapes or ventilation shaft will be met with force. The entire object of this extraordinary policy, of course, is to help you enjoy PSYCHO that much more. Alfred Hitchcock.”  Some theatres also had a record player installed with a special record that would play music and sporadically announce the countdown times to a Psycho screening. This was to further emphasize the point that no one was allowed in after the start of the film. Additionally, the theatres were told to lock the doors to the screening rooms when Psycho was playing so that no one would come in after show times.

In the opening of the film Marion Crane is shown in a white bra to symbolize “angelic”. After she steals the money, her bra is black because she did something sinful. The same color scheming goes for her purse in before and after the crime. This was the first American film to SHOW a toilet flushing. The first film that a toilet is HEARD flushing was: Frankenstein 1970 (1958). Joseph Stefano was adamant that the toilet had to flush on screen. Hitchcock told him if he wanted to see it, he had to make it so on paper. This caused Stefano to add the scene of Marion Crane adding up the money on paper and then flushing it down the toilet, thus making it impossible for the scene to be nixed by the censors. For the shot of the showerhead looking up at the water stream, Hitchcock had a six–foot diameter showerhead made and blocked the central jets so that the water sprayed in a cone past the lens of the camera, without spraying water directly at it.

Janet Leigh received threatening letters, which detailed what people wanted to do to Marion Crane. One was so bad that she contacted the FBI with it. The culprit behind that letter was caught. The FBI further informed Janet Leigh that, should she get more letters of that ilk, she should contact them immediately. The official trailer for this film ran over 6 minutes and 30 seconds in 1960, a feat unheard of in today’s film world. There was even a mandate installed in the 2010’s to keep film trailers 2 minutes 30 seconds or less.

The real life killer who inspired the novel, Ed Gein, also inspired: Deranged: Confessions Of A Necrophile (1974), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), and its sequels and prequels, and The Silence Of The Lambs (1991). According to Janet Leigh, the wardrobe she had as Marion Crane was purchased “off the rack” in regular stores rather than made for her, thus adding to the “realism” of the film. Filming of the famous Shower Scene took about two weeks. Janet Leigh said she never showered again after making this film; she only took baths. Leigh’s daughter Jamie Le Curtis went on to be in a knife wielding film franchise – Halloween (1978–Present). Alfred Hitchcock produced this film after his plans for making No Bale For The Judge, starring Audrey Hepburn fell through.

In the shower scene there is someone dressed as Mother Bates but it was never Anthony Perkins. It was a different man every day for two weeks while the scene was shot. (Spoilers!) Anthony Perkins only had the dress on during the finale climax. It was later reported that Anthony Perkins had two shower scenes in 1960: the one in this film and the one he did with Jane Fonda in her film debut, Tall Story (1960). Due to the technicality of Perkins not being present during this film’s shower scene while it was being shot, one can argue the point that he only had one shower scene. 

For years after making this film Anthony Perkins refused to talk about it or his character because people only knew him as his character in this film – reference wise. He did talk about it in the early 1990’s, shortly before his death. There is video of it, though the video is in rough shape it does give some idea of his feelings on the character and how Hitchcock instructed him to play the part. It can be found in a few documentaries and on YouTube.com for those who are interested. Alfred Hitchcock had a prop torso made up that would shoot blood out of it when it was stabbed with a knife but didn’t use it. He used Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup for the blood since he thought it showed up better than the typical makeup blood mixture on camera.

The scene where Martin Balsam, as Detective Milton Arbogast, has his career–ending, run–in with Mrs. Bates that has him going down the stairs backwards was done with him sitting in front of a screening waving his arms and making a face while rear projection of the stairs was played behind him. When the film was played back, it looked as if he had gone down the stairs himself. The story of the torso and the aforementioned scene was revealed on: The Dick Cavett Show (1968–1974), by Alfred Hitchcock himself in 1972. In his interviews on Cavett’s show, he appears impish with his humor. A stark contrast to the tyrant he was reported to be my actors and actresses, starting most famously with Tippi Hedren. Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh were allowed to improvise parts of their roles, such as Norman Bates habit of eating candy corn.

As part of a publicity campaign prior to the film Hitchcock said, “It has been rumored that Psycho is so terrifying that it will scare some people speechless. Some of my men hopefully took their wives to a screening. The women emerged badly shaken but still vigorously vocal.” This is considered by many to be Alfred Hitchcock’s first horror film. This film cost $800,000.00 in U.S. dollars to make and earned $40 million U.S. dollars. This was the highest grossing film of Hitchcock’s career. Some biographers have said that Hitchcock’s own issues with his mother influenced him to make this film, though his issues were not as disturbing as the ones in this film. Further, it is reported that screenwriter Joseph Stefano was dealing with his mother issues in therapy as he wrote the script for this film. A scene of Marion Crane removing her black bra before her shower was cut from U.S. prints of the film for censorship reasons. It did however remain intact in the U.K. release of the film.

Anthony Perkins was paid $40,000.00 for his role as Norman Bates, the exact amount that Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh in this film, embezzles. In 1992, this film was selected for preservation in The Library Of Congress. Over the years this film has been rated and rerated. First it was released with no rating, then it was rated PG, then PG–13, and finally R – rated. The R rating was given to this film in 1984. The shower scene, which runs a mere 45 seconds and is comprised of 78 shots, with 52 camera setups became the subject of the documentary: 78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (2017). Alfred Hitchcock lamented for the rest of his life that this film was meant as a joke in his eyes and that no one but him thought it was funny.

Vera Miles wore a wig for her role in this film, as she had her head shaved for her role in: 5 Branded Women (1960). In the novel it was explained that Marion and Sam met on a cruise and fell in love. This explained why it was a long distance relationship between them, with Marion in Phoenix and Sam in Fairvale. The novel Psycho by Robert Bloch was originally part of an anthology of novels published in conjunction with the popular and spooky radio show: “Inner Sanctum”. Kim Stanley was reportedly offered the role of Lila but turned it down citing personal reservations about working with Anthony Perkins.

This film was originally set to air on television in the fall of 1966. Shortly before it was to air, the daughter of then U.S. Senate candidate Charles H. Percy (U.S. Senate – Republican, Illinois 1967–1985), was stabbed to death by an intruder. As of 2011, the murder was still unsolved. Due to the murder, this film was not shown on U.S. network television until 1970, after a hugely successful theatrical re–release the previous year. In a grisly and ironic twist of fate, Janet Leigh’s body double for this film was found raped and murdered at the age of 71 in 1988. Her murderer was arrested and charged just days after this film’s remake premiered. A book has been written about the case titled: The Girl In Alfred Hitchcock’s Shower by Robert Graysmith.

In an early draft of the script for this film: In Mr. Lowery's office the following exchange is heard:

CASSIDY (to Marion): You should take a vacation in Las Vegas, playground of the world!
MARION: Thank you, but I think I'll spend this weekend in bed. CASSIDY: “Only playground to beat Las Vegas.”

The last sentence was in the script but Hitch had to cut it due to the censors. Gus Van Sant used it in his remake of this film since Hitch had intended to use it.

The Psychiatrist Explanation Scene at the end of the film was the most panned part of this film by Hitchcock, critics and Hitch’s fans. Three women recorded the dialogue of Norma Bates. Hitchcock mixed them together until he found the right tone of voice for each scene. Alfred Hitchcock preferred working on sound stages rather than outdoors. As such, most of the work of the actors outside the house and motel were done in studio. The exterior of the Bates house and motel were mixed in with the footage of the actors. If one looks closely it can be discerned which footage is which by looking at the lighting. Two cameras were usually used in the shooting of this film to avoid having to reset everything up for multiple angles. While this was not uncommon for a television show production, it was certainly a rarity at the time in filmmaking. The A.K.A. title: Wimpy was in reference to second unit cameraman Rex Wimpy.

Eva Marie Saint, Lee Remick, Angie Dickinson, Piper Laurie, Martha Hyer, Hope Lange, Shirley Jones and Lana Turner were all considered for the role of Marion Crane. Angie Dickinson went on to star in a film that was heavily influenced by this film: Brian De Palma’s Dressed To Kill (1980). There were false reports that actor George Reeves was hired for the role of Detective Milton Arbogast. The facts around the timing of his death, and the timing of the start of production on this film prove them false. For more information of George Reeves’ untimely death see Hollywoodland (2006). James P. Cavanagh was the first to adapt Robert Bloch’s novel into script form. His script was jettisoned in favor of Joseph Stefano’s script however.

The camera used to shoot Norman’s perspective as he watched Marion Crane undress through the peephole required a circular mask on the lens. Alfred Hitchcock wanted Sam Whitman, Tom Tryon, Brian Keith, Cliff Robertson, or Rod Taylor for the role of Sam Loomis but Universal insisted on John Gavin. Reflections are often used to imply Schizophrenia, but everyone in this movie except Norman Bates is shown in a mirror. Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles and Virginia Gregg all reprised their roles in: Psycho II (1983). Janet Leigh is shown in a flashback at the beginning of Psycho II (1983), but is not considered to have reprised her role, as it was stock footage. This was Janet Leigh’s only Oscar® nominated performance. Ted Knight (A.K.A.: Ted Baxter) made an appearance in this film as one of the guards at the end of the film. He opened the door so they could bring Norman a blanket in his cell. 

Oscar® nominated for: Best Supporting Actress – Janet Leigh, Best Director – Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Best Black And White Cinematography, and Best Black And White Art Direction – Set Decoration.

Followed by: Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), a failed television show pilot that now stands as a movie: Bates Motel (1987), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), and the television show Bates Motel (2012–2017). Remade as: Psycho (1998).            

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Psycho II (1983)

C – 113m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Characters By: Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Tom Holland
Exec. Prod.: Bernard Schwartz
Prod.: Hilton A. Green
Dir.: Richard Franklin
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Meg Tilly, Robert Loggia, Dennis Franz, Hugh Gillin, Jill Carroll, Tom Holland, Lee Garlington, Oz Perkins (as Osgood Perkins) and Virginia Gregg (voice only, uncredited).
Music By: Jerry Goldsmith

After 22 years of psychiatric care, Norman Bates attempts to return to a life of solitude, but the specters of his crimes – and his mother – continue to haunt him. Funny to think at some point someone would have been considered psycho to try and make a sequel to: Psycho (1960), pardon the redundancy of that statement. Fortunately for that psycho this Psycho sequel is quite well done. Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Virginia Gregg and Meg Tilly turn in powerhouse performances. Props should also be given to Tom Holland for coming up with such a Hitchcock worthy script. Sadly the third act of the film is a bit wobbly but when the first two acts work, and the conclusion of the film works, why quibble? Naturally, nothing will live up to the original film but this was a worthy sequel. Don’t hesitate to see it.

Trivia:

Producer Hilton A. Green suggested Jamie Lee Curtis for the role of Mary Loomis, as she was the daughter of Janet Leigh and had success with: Halloween (1978). When Mary and Norman go into Norman’s mother’s room, before they turn the lights on, Alfred Hitchcock’s silhouette can be seen on the wall to the far right. Meg Tilly was never allowed to watch television when she was growing up and thus never saw Psycho (1960). Not understanding the significant stature of the film, she asked someone on set, “Why is Tony getting all the attention?” Anthony Perkins heard this and was upset; he didn’t talk to her during filming and even suggested that she be fired in spite of the fact that over half of her scenes had already been filmed. Meg Tilly went on to say that this film was her worst working experience because Anthony Perkins and director Richard Franklin were difficult to work with. The reflection of a young Norman Bates in the doorknob, when he flashes back to his mother’s poisoning, was Anthony Perkins’ son Oz Perkins (Osgood Perkins).

The way Norman Bates says, “cutlery,” in the scene in the kitchen, was conceived during a table read of the script. When Anthony Perkins said the word he stuttered during the table read. Director Richard Franklin liked it and instructed him to say it like that when the film was being shot. The original house set was used and the motel set was reconstructed. The original showerhead was going to be used in this film but someone stole it before filming commenced. When Anthony Perkins was ambivalent about this film and leaning towards not reprising his role, a rumor circulated that Christopher Walken would step into the role and that this would be a television movie event. Perkins did however decided to do the film. On the commentary track for this film, screenwriter Tom Holland was asked if he could confirm that rumor about Walken as Norman Bates. Holland said he could neither confirm nor deny the rumor and quickly changed the subject. Quentin Tarantino said that this was one of his favorite films and that he preferred it to: Psycho (1960).

The scene in Norman’s childhood bedroom where Mary comforts Norman on the bed, was added by Tom Holland at the request of Anthony Perkins. Perkins felt Norman needed a touching scene with the character of Mary Loomis. Composer Jerry Goldsmith gave Anthony Perkins a cassette tape of the opening title theme. Reportedly he was so touched while listening to it that he started to cry. Writer Robert Bloch published the novel "Psycho II" in 1982. The plot of the book is very different than the feature film. It has Norman Bates escaping from the mental institution and traveling to Hollywood, California to stop the production of a film based on his life. Universal Studios was reportedly upset by Bloch's take on the horror film industry and this lead to the development of this 1983 film sequel.

Meg Tilly’s character’s name in this film was Mary Samuels, a reference to: Psycho (1960). In the original film Marion Crane signs her name Marie Samuels in the Bates Motel Guest Ledger. The novel Psycho by Robert Bloch had Marion’s name as: “Mary”. Richard Franklin was selected to direct this film because of a film he made titled: Road Games (1981), which was considered to be influenced by another famous Hitchcock film: Rear Window (1954). It didn’t hurt either that Franklin was a Hitchcock student, hosting a discussion / retrospective during his first semester at University Of Southern California (U.S.C.). Further, Franklin even visited Hitchcock on the set of his film: Topaz (1969). Lee Garlington, who played Myrna in this film, also produced the handwriting shown in “Mother’s” notes. In the original screenplay, there was dialogue between Mary and Dr. Raymond when he drives her to work, but it was cut from the film. This film made over $34 million in the worldwide box office and was shot in just 32 days.

Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, and Virginia Gregg reprise their roles from: Psycho (1960). Richard Franklin was so keen on having Jerry Goldsmith compose the music for this film that he turned down Universal Studios’ offer for the use of the Bernard Herrmann music cues from the original film and even Herrmann’s unused work for: Torn Curtin (1966). John Williams was originally suggested to compose the music for this film. The character of Sam Loomis from the original film was written out of this one since actor John Gavin, who played the role in 1960, was then currently serving as the American Ambassador to Mexico. It took screenwriter Tom Holland 6 months to complete the screenplay. Sheriff Hunt was originally named Sheriff Chambers and Dr. Raymond was originally named Dr. William Richmond in the script. They were both from the original film but their names were changed at the last minute. The producer’s name is Barnard Schwartz, Bernard Herschel Schwartz, better known as Tony Curtis, is of no relation to this film’s producer. He was however married to Janet Leigh, Marion Crane in: Psycho (1960), and was the father of Jamie Lee Curtis, from: Halloween (1978). Janet Leigh did appear in both Psycho II (1983), this film, and Psycho III (1986), only through stock footage from Psycho (1960) though. 

Followed by: Psycho III (1986), Bates Motel (1987), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), Psycho (1998) and Bates Motel (2013–2017).

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Psycho III (1986)

C – 93m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Characters By: Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Charles Edward Pogue
Prod.: Hilton A. Green
Assoc. Prod.: Don Zepfel
Dir.: Anthony Perkins
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Diana Scarwid, Jeff Fahey, Roberta Maxwell, Hugh Gillin, Lee Garlington, Robert Alan Browne, Gary Bayer, Patience Cleveland, Katt Shea, Juliette Cummins and Virginia Gregg (voice only, uncredited).
Cinematography By: Bruce Surtees

Norman Bates falls in love with a fallen nun who stays at the Bates Motel along side a drifter and a curious reporter. Meanwhile, “Mother” is still watching. A valiant effort by Anthony Perkins and company to keep Norman Bates alive… Sadly this film falls short of the previous entry’s success and feels mildly forced. Perkins gets props from this reviewer for getting good performances out of himself and the other actors as the director of this film though! Worth a look but nothing special.

Trivia:

This was Anthony Perkins’ directorial debut. Actress Juliette Cummins was nearly fired by director – actor Anthony Perkins after making an unintentional joke about his homosexuality. In an interview with American Movie Classics shortly before his death, Anthony Perkins admitted that he felt he wasn’t up to the task of directing this film, feeling that his technical knowledge was too limited. During the filming of this film, Anthony Perkins was diagnosed as H.I.V.–positive when he went into a clinic for a routine medical examination. Mary Loomis’ book from Psycho II (1983), The Belly Of The Beast, is seen lying in the dirt by Norman’s house. Anthony Perkins originally suggested that this film be shot in Black & White as a homage to the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic, but Universal opposed it.

This was the lowest grossing entry in the Psycho series, with just $14,481,606.00 in worldwide box office returns. The famous opening line, “There is no God!” was improvised by actress Diana Scarwid on the set. Brinke Stevens performed Diana Scarwid’s bare bottom nude scene. Actress Diana Scarwid fondly remembered Anthony Perkins as loving, sensitive and caring. Anthony Perkins originally wanted to use a stuntwoman for the scene where Duane throws Red out of the motel room. Juliette Cummings talked him out of it and performed her own stunt. Actress Katt Shea got her part of Patsy because she read her lines to a bush outside at the audition. Anthony Perkins’ main inspiration for the style of this film came from the film: Blood Simple (1984), the Coen Brothers’ film. Before production began on this film, he took the entire cast and crew to a screening of the film.

When the film went into Pre–Production, Anthony Perkins asked Psycho II (1983) director Richard Franklin to co–direct the film with him, though Franklin declined. Director Of Photography (D.P. / DP) Bruce Surtees quizzed Anthony Perkins on the blockings of scenes and what lenses to use. He was surprised to find that Perkins knew the answers to all the questions, and never questioned him again. It was Anthony Perkins’ idea for the unique transitions in the film, like the light under the door that is actually a knife, and the scene were Norman leaves the hospital, and closes the door and finds himself in “Mother’s” room. After the completion of the film, Universal Studios felt that it needed a better ending, one with a twist, so Anthony Perkins was called back to shoot the final scene. Screenwriter Charles Edward Pogue claimed that Anthony Perkins would get so many off–beat ideas for the film that Perkins would call him late at night to pitch them.

This film takes place in 1982, one month after the events of Psycho II (1983). Director – actor Anthony Perkins originally wanted Jeff Fahey completely nude in the foreplay scene between Duke and Red. Jeff Fahey felt too uncomfortable though and was allowed to hold two lamps to partially cover himself with. Producer Hilton A. Green cited this as his least favorite entry in the series due to the excessive graphic violence and nudity. The reporter Tracy Venable was supposed to be younger but when Roberta Maxwell was cast, the character became older. Anthony Perkins and Virginia Gregg were the only two actors to reprise their roles from: Psycho (1960). Hugh Gillin, Robert Alan Browne and Lee Garlington were the only actors in addition to Perkins and Gregg to reprise their roles from Psycho II (1983). Once again, Janet Leigh appears in this film in stock footage from Psycho (1960).

During the opening shots of the Bates house, it shows the cellar window from the second film with fingerprints on the glass. It is a nod to the boy who was murdered. After production wrapped, Anthony Perkins and screenwriter Charles Edward Pogue were asked to pitch an idea for Psycho IV. After the poor box office performance of this film, the idea of a 4th theatrical film was shelved. In 1988 the idea was dusted off as a made for television film. That one was penned by the original screenwriter Joseph Stefano.

Followed By: Bates Motel (1987), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), Psycho (1998) and the television series Bates Motel (2013–2017).    

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

 

Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990) 

C – 96m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen (original broadcast Aspect Ratio) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy Aspect Ratio)
Based On The Characters Created By: Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Joseph Stefano
Exec. Prod.: Hilton A. Green
Co–Prod.: Alan Duncan Ross
Dir.: Mick Garris
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Henry Thomas, Olivia Hussey, CHH Pounder, Warren Frost, Donna Mitchell, John Landis, Alice Hirson (voice only), Ryan Finnegan (as Ryan Finnigan), Peggy O’Neal and Bob Barnes.

Norman Bates recalls his childhood with his abusive mother while fearing his unborn child will inherit his split personality disorder. A strange and incestuous finale to the Anthony Perkins Psycho series, finds Perkins in good form as an actor. The story is interesting but never thrilling. The cinematography is a tad soft given the crispness of the rest of the series, but there are a few visually captivating moments in spite of it. Recommended as a solid finish to the series.  

Trivia

When Anthony Perkins saw the first screening of this film, he called it the best out of all the Psycho sequels. Anthony Perkins and Psycho III (1986) screenwriter Charles Edward Pogue originally pitched and idea for Psycho IV that had the Bates Motel and House turned into a tourist attraction for horror weekends. From there Norman escapes the mental institution with a mute patient and the actor who was set to play Norman Bates for the weekend quits and Norman returns home to be hired to play himself. Pogue claimed that the idea was meant to be a black comedy but Universal opposed the idea. Director Mick Garris called Anthony Perkins the most difficult actor he ever worked with. When shooting the first murder scene, Henry Thomas got so involved in the stabbing that part of the knife went into his hand, causing nerve damage. He had the scar from that point forward in his life.

When Norman Bates first called into the radio show, he said his name was Ed. Psycho books author Robert Bloch modeled Norman Bates after real life serial killer and cannibal, Ed Gein. Gein was also the basis for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre series (1974–Present). When Janet Leigh did her intro for the television broadcast of this film, she stated that multiple endings were shot. Director Mick Garris said subsequently that only one ending was shot and that the claim of multiple endings was a publicity stunt by Universal Studios. When screenwriter Joseph Stefano, screenwriter of Psycho (1960) and this film, ignored the Mrs. Spool story arch from Psycho II (1983) and Psycho III (1986), preferring to and actual did use the original film as a source. Olivia Hussey did not audition for her role but was asked if she was interested and she said.  

This was the only Psycho sequel to use Bernard Herrmann’s score from: Psycho (1960). During Pre–Production, the idea of having Norman’s flashbacks being in black and white, as homage to the classic film, was talked about but ultimately was nixed. The bed in Norma Bates’ room in this film is the same bed used in the 1960 classic film. Anthony Perkins improvised the scene where Norman Bates rips an apple in half. The script called for Norman to slam a butcher’s knife into the apple, but Perkins thought it was too corny and went for ripping the apple. This film was shot in 24 days. The house and motel used in this film were built in 1988 on the Backlot of Universal Studios in Florida. It remained there until 1998 when it was torn down.

Rumors spread about a Psych V after this film aired on Showtime, the television network. None came to pass. In 1998 Gus Van Sant put out a frame–by–frame remake of the original film. This was the only Psycho sequel to not feature footage from the shower scene in: Psycho (1960). This was reportedly the first film to be filmed at Universal Studios in Florida. This was the first Psycho film not to have Virginia Gregg providing the voice of Norma Bates. Gregg died on September 15, 1986 at the age of 70. During the filming of this movie, Anthony Perkins continued to get treatment for HIV.      

Rated: [R] – Violence & Sensuality
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Psycho (1998)

C – 105m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Gus Van Sant’s Psycho, Psychosis
Novel: Psycho by Robert Bloch
Screenplay By: Joseph Stefano
Prod. – Dir.: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Anne Heche, Julianne Moore, Viggo Mortensen, William H. Macy, Robert Forster, Philip Baker Hall, Chad Everett, Rance Howard, Rita Wilson, James Remar, James Le Gros, Flea, Marjorie Lovett, Ryan Cutrona, Ken Jenkins, Roy Brocksmith, Rose Marie (voice only, uncredited) and Gus Van Sant (uncredited).
Music By: Bernard Herrmann, Danny Elfman and Steve Bartek

A young female embezzler arrives at the Bates Motel, which has terrible secrets of its own. One of the best things about Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) was that it was original and horrifying. And who, up to that point, would dare to kill off the leading lady so soon in the film? Hitchcock, that’s who! So why then, after four sequels (one of which was a failed television show pilot), would there be a reason to do an almost frame–by–frame remake of the classic Hitchcock film? Why would someone willingly remake a classic film frame–by–frame and expect to come out of the project unscathed? These are some of the questions that educated viewers may have. Leaving aside the novelty of seeing a color version with then current actors, this film doesn’t have much to recommend it. The film isn’t a total turkey but it isn’t far off either. The cast does their best with tried and true material, but director Gus Van Sant’s heavy–handed approach to the material makes it drearily slow and flat. A shame given the cast… This film is mesmerizing the same way watching a trainwreck is. One knows it is bad but one can’t quite bring them selves to tear one’s eyes away from it.

Trivia:

Scriptwriter Joseph Stefano felt that Anne Heche played the role of Marion Crane completely differently than Janet Leigh, despite using the exact same lines. In his film Psycho (1960), director Alfred Hitchcock wanted to do a pan / zoom over the entirety of Marion Crane’s hotel room, as the first shot of the film. The technology was not yet capable of such a shot so Hitch did it with pans and dissolves. In this version Gus Van Sant was able to achieve the shot Hitchcock wanted because the technology had advanced many years between the films. When Gus Van Sant was asked why he made a color shot–by–shot remake of Psycho (1960), he said, “So no one else would have to. Gus Van Sant brought a DVD copy of the original film to the set to use as a guide for his remake. When he spotted an error of a door opening without a key, he decided to put that in the remake too.

In the original film Marion Crane embezzled $40,000.00. This was upped to $400,000.00 for this remake. This film was critically panned. In spite of that, Pat Hitchcock, Hitch’s daughter, gave this film her blessing stating that a shot for shot remake of one of Hitch’s films is what her father would have done to his own work. This appears to have flown in the face of the fact that Hitch’s original The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) was nothing like Hitch’s own remake, The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). This remake was shot in 6 weeks, just as the original was. In a grisly and ironic twist of fate, Janet Leigh’s body double for the original film was found raped and murdered at the age of 71 in 1988. Her murderer was arrested and charged just days after this film’s premiere. A book has been written about the case titled: The Girl In Alfred Hitchcock’s Shower by Robert Graysmith.

Tobey Maguire, Christian Bale, Robert Sean Leonard, Jeremy Davies, Henry Thomas and Joaquin Phoenix were all considered for the role of Norman Bates, which ultimately went to Vince Vaughn. In Mr. Lowery's office the following exchange is heard:

CASSIDY (to Marion): You should take a vacation in Las Vegas, playground of the world!
MARION: Thank you, but I think I'll spend this weekend in bed. CASSIDY: “Only playground to beat Las Vegas.”

The last sentence was in the original script used by Alfred Hitchcock for the original film but Hitch had to cut it due to the censors. Gus Van Sant used it in this remake since Hitch had intended to use it. Anne Heche had never seen the original Psycho (1960), before getting the part as Marion Crane. Bernard Herrmann did the score for the original film, which was adapted for this remake by Danny Elfman and Steve Bartek. By the time this film was made, the original exterior to the Bates Motel had long since been demolished. The one here was used for Psycho II (1983). The house was a new set constructed in front of the old one on the Backlot of Universal Studios. Upon completion of this film, the house was moved along side the first house on the Universal Backlot. Laura Linney was offered the role of Marion Crane but turned it down to do The Truman Show (1998) with Jim Carrey. This film marks the second time Viggo Mortensen was in a Hitchcock remake. The first was: A Perfect Murder (1998), which was a remake of: Dial ‘M’ For Murder (1954) – Hitch’s only 3D film. Julianne Moore was considered for the role of Marion Crane before being cast as Lila. Nicole Kidman was offered the role of Marion Crane but turned it down and Drew Barrymore was also considered for the role. The kitchen knife used in this film was credited as belonging to John Woo. The skull, which is superimposed over Vince Vaughn’s face at the end of the film, is the same skull put over Anthony Perkins’ face in the original film’s ending.

This film version of Psycho served as a springboard for a comedic segment on the Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman podcast: “Hollywood Babble–On”. In the first installment of the segment, Kevin Smith informed listeners that he spotted a rarely seen in film part of anatomy on Anne Heche in this film at the end of The Shower Scene. In subsequent segments listeners would send in stills and video of different famous backsides in films and television shows for Smith and Garman to view with their audience during the recording of the podcast. The segment also inspired two versions of a jingle for the podcast for the segment. One was almost like a kid’s show intro but with crude lyrics, while the other one had a beat that one could dance to, once again with crude lyrics. Mileage may vary as to how people may receive these segments, let alone this trivia. However, this reviewer found it all very amusing. 

Rated: [R] – Violence & Sexuality / Nudity
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Psycho Legacy (2010)

B&W / C – 87m / 90m (sources vary)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Psycho Legacy: 50 Years Of Norman Bates
Writer – Prod. – Dir.: Robert V. Galluzzo (as Robert Victor Galluzzo)
Starring: Juliette Cummins, Jeff Fahey, Lee Garlington, Cynthia Garris, Mick Garris, Stuart Gordon, Adam Green, Hilton A. Green, Tom Holland, Olivia Hussey, Robert Loggia, Andrew London, Joe Lynch, Anthony Perkins (archive footage), Charles Edward Pogue, Diana Scarwid, Donovan Scott, Brinke Stevens, Henry Thomas, Clint Carney, Richard Franklin (archive footage), Robert V. Galluzzo, Alfred Hitchcock (archive footage), Janet Leigh (archive footage) and Vera Miles (archive footage).

The cast and crew of all four Psycho films (1960–1990) recall their time working on the influential horror series as today’s masters of horror reminisce on what the movies stirred in them. This documentary on the Psycho film series (1960–1990) is slow moving but informative. While there is precious little time spent on the sequels there is a plethora of archive video that helps round out an appreciation for them. See this one.  

Trivia:

Writer, Producer, Director Robert V. Galluzzo started filming this documentary back in January 2007 by himself. Galluzzo went to Universal and pitched the idea of them financing the film and releasing it in a box set with the four Psycho films. Universal, uninterested, turned down the idea and it became an independent project. Richard Franklin was originally supposed to be interviewed in this documentary. Sadly he passed away before the interview took place. Two segments on Bates Motel (1987) and Psych (1998) were supposed to be included on the two–disc DVD version of this film. Strangely they were left off when the DVD set was released.

Rated: [NOT RATED]
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene (2017)

C / B&W – 91m
Aspect Ratio:
A.K.A.: 78/52
Writer – Dir.: Alexandre O. Philippe

The story of how the, “Shower Scene,” in Alfred Hitchcock’s: Psycho (1960), was filmed. Fascinating if somewhat repetitive analysis of the legendary scene features an interesting approach to the new footage. Where most documentaries would conduct their non–archival footage interviews in color, it was decided to do them in black and white here, so as to note break the flow of black and white from Psycho (1960). There is color footage from other Hitchcock films that were in color though. While there is some great psychological analysis of the film and the famous scene in particular, there is one factual error to report. While showing a fragment of The Lodger (1927), it is incorrectly dated as 1928. In actuality, The Lodger was shot in 1926 and released in 1927. Oops!

Trivia: The titled scene that is the subject of this documentary was comprised of 78 camera setups and 52 cuts. Thus the title.  

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Shows:

Bates Motel (1987)

B&W / C – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
Writer – Exec. Prod. – Dir.: Richard Rothstein
Starring: Bud Cort, Lori Petty, Moses Gunn, Gregg Henry, Jason Bateman, Kerrie Keane, Robert Picardo, Kurt Paul, Peter Dobson, Paula Irvine and Greg Finley.
Music By: Jerry Cohen

A mentally disturbed man, who roomed with the late Norman Bates at the state lunatic asylum, inherits the legendary Bates Motel after the death of Norman and tries to fix it up and make it a respectable business. An interesting premise gone awry… This had a promising premise but just about everything that exists here is below sub–par. Maybe worth a look once just as a curio, but it isn’t a recommended viewing. 

Trivia:

This was a failed television series pilot that has since been released as a made for television movie on video. Bud Cort called Anthony Perkins for advice on how to prep for the role. Perkins told him to get in shape by doing pushups. Anthony Perkins, who played Norman Bates from 1960–1990, said that this film / show was terrible. Kurt Paul, who played Norman Bates here, was previously Anthony Perkins’ stunt double for: Psycho II (1983) and Psycho III (1986). He later played another killer being interviewed on a talk show in: Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990). He’s the only actor to appear in all the Psycho sequels done during Anthony Perkins’ lifetime. This was a popular bootleg film, due to low availability of the VHS tape, until 2013 when it was finally offered as a Manufactured On Demand (MOD) DVD. It has subsequently been released as part of a Psycho sequels 4 film collection on regular DVD. The opening shot of the Psycho house was lifted from the opening credits of: Psycho II (1983). The original house and motel exteriors were used during the production of this show / film. The alterations done in the film remained on the Universal Tour until 1993. This is still the lowest rated entry in the Psycho Franchise (1960 – Present).   

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Bates Motel: The Complete Series (2013–2017)

C – 2207m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
Characters Created By: Robert Bloch
Developed By: Anthony Cipriano, Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin
Writers: Philip Buiser, Torrey Speer, Bill Balas, Erica Lipez, Alyson Evans, Steve Kornacki, Scott Kosar, Jeff Wadlo, Alexandra Cunningham, Liz Tigelaar, Nikki Toscano, Freddie Highmore and Tom Szentgyorgyi.
Dir.s: Tucker Gates, Ed Bianchi, Phil Abraham, Nestor Carbonell, Tim Southam, Sarah Boyd, Roxann Dawson, Christopher Nelson, Olatunde Osunsanmi, S.J. Clarkson, Paul A. Edwards, Johan Renck, David Straiton, John David Coles, Lodge Kerrigan, T.J. Scott, Stephen Surjik, Steph Green, Freddie Highmore and Max Thieriot.
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot, Olivia Cooke, Nestor Carbonell, Kenny Johnson, Ryan Hurst, Nicola Peltz, Keenan Tracey, Ian Tracey, Aliyah O’Brien, Isabelle McNally, Kevin Rahm, Michael Eklund, Damon Gupton, Andrew Howard, Michael O’Neill, Keegan Connor Tracy, Mike Vogel, Jaime Ray Newman, Paloma Kwiatkowski, Joshua Leonard, Austin Nichols, Brooke Smith, Michael Vartan, Jenna Romanin, Rebecca Creskoff, Diana Bang, Vincent Gale, Kathleen Robertson, Peter Stebbings, Brittney Wilson, Jillian Fargey, Terence Kelly, Anika Noni Rose, Jere Burns, Marshall Allman, David Cubitt, Tomiwa Edun, Richard Harmon, Fiona Vroom, Emmalyn Estrada, Matthew Mandij, Kelly–Ruth Mercier, Terry Chen, Craig Erickson, Tracy Spiridakos, Nicholas Carella, Travis Breure, Farrah Aviva, Lini Evans, etc.

A contemporary prequel to Psycho that tracks Norman Bates and his mother, Norma, as he progresses through his teen years and becomes one of the most notorious serial killers of all time. This show may cause some to have the song, “Let’s Do The Time Warp Again”, stuck in their heads while watching it. A smart remake / prequel to Psycho (1960) featured an updated time setting but features clothing styles and cars from 1959. This may be a mind bender for some; it may even turn some people off to it, but not this reviewer. The performances are solid, particularly Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore and the cinematography is excellent. The sets are splendid and there is just enough feeling of oddity to the show that will keep viewers wondering what will happen next. As a film historian this reviewer can say that nothing will top the original film but this is a splendid companion to that Hitchcock masterpiece. See it! 

Trivia:

This was the first successful TV series from the Norman Bates world. There was a failed TV pilot that has since been released to video as a movie: Bates Motel (1987). The Wi–Fi password for the Bates Motel was: MOTHER. Vera Farmiga suggested Freddie Highmore for the role of Norman Bates. The exterior of the Bates’ house is a faithful reproduction of the design for the characters’ house in: Psycho (1960). That house in turn was modeled by Sir Alfred Hitchcock after Edward Hopper’s 1925 painting: “The House By The Railroad”. Series writer Bill Balas actually has Cystic Fibrosis and was the inspiration for the character Emma Decody having the disease. Despite the setting of the show being present day (at the time it aired), Norma Bates’ look, costumes, house design, etc. are modeled after the fashions of 1959, when the first Psycho film was being shot. Freddie Highmore studied at Cambridge during the filming of the first few seasons, so the shooting worked around that. Highmore then took six months off in order to go and finish at Cambridge. Timothee Chalamet auditioned for the role of Norman Bates but botched his audition, according to him, because he based his take on the character on Christian Bale in American Psycho (2000), rather than Anthony Perkins in Psycho (1960). This was based on his search results on Netflix.

Olivia Cooke was English, though she played her character with an American accent, her character’s backstory said she was English. Rihanna shot all her scenes in five days due to her busy schedule. When asked if she wanted to direct an episode of this show, Vera Farmiga hesitated because, on a TV show, the director doesn’t have any say over the final cut of an episode. She ultimately declined. Freddie Highmore, Nester Carbonell and Max Thieriot all directed episodes though. Brooke Smith plays a sheriff in the fifth season. She was also in The Silence Of The Lambs (1991), in which she played a young woman who was kidnapped by the bad guy, “Buffalo Bill”. Norman Bates and “Buffalo Bill” were both based on the same serial killer, Ed Gein. Tucker Gates directed the first episode and the final episode, bookending the series. Bates Motel is the third time that the Bates’ house has been replicated. The first time was for Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990) and the second time was in 2010 in Winnemucca, Nevada to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Psycho (1960).

Freddie Highmore, who plays Norman Bates here, was born in 1992, the same year Anthony Perkins, the actor who made the role of Norman Bates famous in Psycho (1960) and three subsequent films, died. The company Marion Crane worked at was R.A. Bloch, an homage to Robert Bloch who wrote the Psycho book series. In the novels and films Dylan Massett did not exist, nor did Norman Bates have any siblings. The character of Marion Crane, played here by Rihanna, was originally played by Janet Leigh in: Psycho (1960). Olivia Hussey played Norma Bates in: Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990).   

Rated: [TV–14] & [TV–MA]
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Deadpool Series (2016–Present)

Deadpool Series (2016–Present)

Deadpool was a comic book superhero created by Rob Liefeld for Marvel Comics. Liefeld has said that he got the name from the final Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry film: The Dead Pool (1988). A film was a long sought–to–be–made project by actor Ryan Reynolds and it was in 2015, with a 2016 release. Deadpool, as portrayed in the 2016 film, is a crass and sarcastic superhero born out of revenge from a experiment done on a hitman who was terminally ill. The film was a roaring success at the box office and set off a chain of R rated superhero films, some being better than others in this reviewer’s opinion. A sequel followed the 2016 Deadpool film in 2018. Below are the reviews for the hit series.   

Deadpool (2016)

C – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: X–Men Origins: Deadpool, X–Men: Deadpool
Characters By: Geoff Johns, Rob Liefeld, Len Wein, Dave Cockrum, Fabian Nicieza, Grant Morrison, Joe Kelly, Ed McGuinness, Frank Quitely, Joe Madureia and Shawn Martinborough.
Screenplay By: Rhett Reese and Paul Wenick
Exec. Prod.s: John J. Kelly, Stan Lee and Rhett Reese
Prod.: Ryan Reynolds
Dir.: Tim Miller
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Karan Soni, Ed Skrein, Michael Benyaer, Stefan Kapicic and Stan Lee.

A fast–talking mercenary with a morbid sense of humor is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers and a quest for revenge. Delightfully morbid and sarcastic superhero film? Yes please! Ryan Reynolds finally hit his stride with this one and it paid off! The first R rated superhero film of the 20 – teens started a small rash of them. This is by far the best of the bunch. No complaints here! 

Trivia: Ryan Reynolds full body makeup took 8 hours to apply. Once it was on, he was not able to sit or lie down. Ryan Reynolds took his Deadpool costume without asking anyone. When 20th Century Fox found out, they just didn’t care and let him keep it. Ryan Reynolds says that Deadpool would be his last comic book superhero he’d play. This obviously left the door open for sequels or cameo appearances. While filming, Ryan Reynolds would visit sick kids in his Deadpool costume via the Make A Wish Foundation. It has been said by Ryan Reynolds that there are over 100 references throughout the film. This film was shot in 48 days.

Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld said he stole the name from the title of the final Dirty Harry film: The Dead Pool (1988). This was Tim Miller’s feature directorial debut. And finally: An example of this would be when Deadpool saws off his hand and sprays blood in Colossus’ face he says, “Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret.” This was the title of a Judy Blume coming of age novel where the teen girl gets her first experience with, “that delightful time of the month” (her first period).

Golden Globe nominated for: Best Picture – Musical Or Comedy and Best Actor In A Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy – Ryan Reynolds.

Followed by: Deadpool 2 (2018).

Rated: [R] – Strong Violence And Language Throughout, Sexual Content & Graphic Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Deadpool 2 (2018)

C – 119m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Love Machine, Daisy, DP2
Screenplay By: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick and Ryan Reynolds
Exec. Prod.: Stan Lee
Dir.: David Leitch
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, T.J. Miller, Karan Soni, Eddie Marsan, Rob Delaney, Bill Skarsgard, Terry Crews, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, James McAvoy (uncredited), Evan Peters (uncredited) and Tye Sheridan (uncredited).

Foul–mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (A.K.A. Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time–traveling cyborg, Cable. Uproariously funny sequel to the 2016 hit film. This film was not received well by critics, except this one, but audiences liked it well enough. Ryan Reynolds and the gang are in fine form here and the jokes fly fast and furious. The story isn’t as good as the last one but there is enough of one to keep the film afloat and allow viewers their laughs at the jokes. To be fair there are some corny jokes here, that weren’t present in the first one, but they too are passible. Yes there is quite a bit of witty remarks too. If you liked the first film, you’ll likely like this film. If you didn’t like the first film, this isn’t for you. See it!

Trivia: On August 16, 2017, a stuntwoman named Joi Harris died while filming a stunt on a motorcycle. Production was stopped for two days. In one scene Deadpool refers to Cable saying, “Bring on One Eyed Willy,” which was the name of the pirate in: The Goonies (1985). The sequel was announced three days before the release of: Deadpool (2016). Brad Pitt met with director David Leitch to discuss playing Cable but he couldn’t commit due to scheduling conflicts. Dolph Lundgren, Mel Gibson, Kurt Russell, Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin, Sylvester Stallone, Arold Schwarzenegger, Stephen Lang, Ron Perlman, Peirce Brosnan and David Harbour were all considered to play Cable. Russell Crowe was Deadpool co–creator Rob Liefeld’s choice for Cable. Michael Shannon was reportedly considered for the role of Cable, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.  

Rated: [R] – Strong Violence & Language Throughout, Sexual References & Brief Drug Material
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

I Can Only Imagine (2018)

I Can Only Imagine (2018)

C – 110m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Story By: Alex Cramer
Screenplay By: Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle
Exec. Prod.s: Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin
Dir.s: Andrew Erwin (as The Erwin Brothers) and Jon Erwin (as The Erwin Brothers)
Starring: J. Michael Finley, Madeline Carroll, Dennis Quaid, Trace Adkins, Cloris Leachman, Jason Burkey, Mark Furze, Randy McDowell, Cole Marcus, Alexander Dominguez, Kerry McCormick, Lea McCormick, Amy Grant (uncredited), Kristen Melling (uncredited), Sara Moore (uncredited) and Jonnie Parnell (uncredited).
Music By: Brent McCorkle
Film Editing By: Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle

The inspiring and unknown true story behind MercyMe’s beloved, chart topping song. This film was heavily promoted on Fox News Channel (FNC) as an inspiring true story with a healthy dose of religion. This fact alone will automatically remove this film from an Atheist’s watch list. It may also deter some people for political reasons. This reviewer will argue that if one can put aside their political biases and watch this film as a depiction of a true story (as with any film, “based on a true story,” it is dramatized), or even as a character study (which it also is by the way), there is enough here that works that one can be entertained at the very least. The acting is solid, the direction is almost impeccable, cinematography is adequate and the music is uplifting despite helping to tell an ultimately sad tale. If sad stories are a turn off, take comfort in the fact that this does have a heartwarming ending. The only complaints are: 1.) The sound mix could have been better, 2.) There is one scene that is a tad too heavy handed in melodrama – when J. Michael Finley picks Dennis Quaid off the floor in his shop and helps him over to a bed, and 3.) The pacing is a tad slow. The story keeps moving along but there are a couple of scenes that could have been tighter in editing. Overall though, this is a film worth watching. 

Trivia: The release date of this film was 3/16. John 3:16 is / was one of the most widely quoted verses from The Bible, and has been called the most famous Bible verse. Dennis Quaid’s twins were extras in the dinner scene. His daughter is the one who points towards Quaid’s character during his health incident. Dennis Quaid’s character was a Quarterback (Q.B.) in high school. He also played a Q.B. in Oliver Stone’s Any Given Sunday (1999). This film was shot in Oklahoma. This is the film debut of J. Michael Finley. During the opening scene set in 1985, young Bart rides his bike through town and passes a movie theatre showing Jaws 3–D (1985) and The Goonies (1985). Dennis Quaid, who played Bart’s father, Arthur, here, played the lead role of Mike Brody in Jaws 3–D (1985). 

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements Including Some Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Jurassic Park Series (1993–Present)

Jurassic Park Series (1993–Present) 

Jurassic Park (1993)

C – 127m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Jurassic Park 3D, JP
Novel: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Screenplay By: Michael Crichton and David Koepp
Dir.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sir Richard Attenborough, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, Joseph Mazzello, Ariana Richards, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight, Richard Kiley (voice only).
Music By: John Williams

During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok. This is the film that started the hit franchise and is by far Steven Spielberg’s best film, though most of his other films are still impressive. The dinosaurs were a milestone in CGI and animatronics at the time, and even decades later, are still impressive and it is easy to see why. The sound (editing and at the time new technology) really makes it though. Dig that score by John Williams too! The editing of the film is tight, the film’s pacing is great, the visuals are wondrous, the acting is spot on and the script scores a bulls–eye. Not recommended for small children though. The preferred way to see this film is the 3D rendering it received a couple of decades later. Don’t miss this one!  

Trivia: The novel and this film generated so much interest in dinosaurs, that the study of paleontology had a record increase in students. The T–Rex occasionally malfunctioned, due to the rain. The Tyrannosaurus Rex’s roars were a combination of dog, penguin, tiger, alligator and elephant sounds. Steven Spielberg wanted the Velociraptors to be about ten feet tall, which was about the full height that they were known to be. During filming paleontologists uncovered a 10–foot–tall specimens of Raptors called Utahraptors. The glass of water sitting on the dashboard of the Ford Explorer was made to ripple by a guitar string that was attached to the underside of the dashboard beneath the glass. At the appropriate time the string would be plucked and the ripples would appear in the glass. When Hurricane Iniki hit, the cast and crew were all required to move to the ballroom of the hotel in which they were staying. Sir Richard Attenborough, however, stayed in his room and slept through the entire event. When asked how he could have done it, he replied, “My dear boy, I survived the blitz!” Incidentally, this was Sir Richard Attenborough’s first acting credit since: The Human Factor (1979). 

Steven Spielberg oversaw the post–production (editing, CGI, etc.) of this film via video link while in Poland filming: Schindler’s List (1993). John Williams did the music score for this film at the end of February 1993 and recorded it a month later. Harrison Ford was offered and turned down the role of Dr. Alan Grant. Director James Cameron said he wanted to make this film but that the film rights of the book were bought a few hours before he could bid. He admitted that Sir Steven Spielberg was the better choice to direct it since he, James Cameron, would have made it much more violent. He further said that he wanted to make the movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger as Grant, Bill Paxton as Malcolm and Charlton Heston as Hammond. Sam Neill injured his hand lighting the flare used to distract the T–Rex. According to him the Phosphorous from the flare dropped on him, got under his watch, and took a chunk out of his arm.

In the 3D version, Steven Spielberg said that adding leaves to the Jeep chase took the excitement from a seven to a nine. Sir Sean Connery was offered the role of John Hammond but turned it down. Jim Carrey was considered for the role of Ian Malcolm. This film wrapped 12 days ahead of schedule. The film was edited for weeks to make it look good without dinosaurs; then the dinosaurs were added. The tagline for this film: “An adventure 65 million years in the making,” was derived from a joke Sir Steven Spielberg made about the thousands of years the mosquito was trapped in the amber before being discovered. This was the first film to use DTS Digital Surround Sound.      

Oscar® winner for: Best Sound, Best Effects – Sound Effects Editing, and Best Effects – Visual Effects.

Followed by: The Lost World Jurassic Park (1997), Jurassic Park III (2001), Jurassic World (2015), and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Science Fiction Terror
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on 4K / 3D & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

C – 129m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Jurassic Park II: The Lost World, The Lost World: Jurassic Park II, Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World, The Lost World: Jurassic Park 2, Jurassic Park: The Lost World, The Lost World, Jurassic Park II, Jurassic Park 2
Novel: The Lost World by Michael Crichton
Screenplay by: David Koepp
Exec. Prod.: Kathleen Kennedy
Dir.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Arliss Howard, Sir Richard Attenborough, Vince Vaughn, Richard Schiff, Ariana Richards, Ian Abercrombie, David Sawyer, Eli Roth (uncredited) Theodore Carl Soderberg (uncredited) and Sir Steven Spielberg (uncredited).
Music By: John Williams

A research team is sent to the Jurassic Park Site B Island to study the dinosaurs there while another team approaches with another agenda. This was a major drop in quality from the first film. The CGI and acting are fine but the script is slip–shot and the pacing is a tad too slow. As bad this one was, it isn’t the worst in the series in this reviewer’s opinion. Perhaps this was due to Spielberg’s feelings towards this film. Regardless, this film can only be recommended by the slightest of a margin. 

Trivia: The Japanese tourists running from the T–Rex in the San Diego scene is an homage to the Godzilla films because they are yelling, “I left Japan to get away from this!” in Japanese. Julianne Moore said she did this film to pay–off a divorce settlement and to work with Sir Steven Spielberg. The two animatronic T–Rex each weighed 9 tons. Due to the weight, the crew constructed sets around them rather than bring them to a set. There is roughly 50% more dinosaur action in this film than in Jurassic Park (1993). This film finished on day 69 of its 74–day shooting schedule. The T–Rex scratching its head is a direct homage to the stop–motion–animation T–Rex scratching its head in: King Kong (1933), one of Sir Steven Spielberg’s favorite films. This was the longest Jurassic Park film. Sir Steven Spielberg admitted that during the production of this film he became disenchanted with the film.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Effects – Best Visual Effects.

Sequel to: Jurassic Park (1993). Followed by: Jurassic Park III (2001), Jurassic World (2015) and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sci–Fi Terror & Violence
Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Jurassic Park III (2001)

C – 92m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Return To The Island: Jurassic Park III, Return To The Island: Jurassic Park 3, Jurassic Park III: The Extinction, Jurassic Park 3: The Extinction, The Extinction: Jurassic Park III, The Extinction: Jurassic Park 3, Jurassic Park III: Breakout, Breakout: Jurassic Park III, Breakout: Jurassic Park 3, Jurassic Park 3: Breakout, Breakout: Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park: Breakout, Jurassic Park 3, JP III, JP 3
Characters Created By: Michael Crichton
Screenplay By: Peter Buchman, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor
Exec. Prod.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Prod.s: Larry Franco and Kathleen Kennedy
Dir.: Joe Johnston
Starring: Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Tea Leoni, Alessandro Nivola, Trevor Morgan, Michael Jeter, John Diehl and Laura Dern.
Music By: Don Davis

A decidedly odd couple with ulterior motives convince Dr. Grant to go to Isla Sorna Island, resulting in an unexpected landing, and unexpected new inhabitants on the island. A step up from the second film in the series, this one boasts of even better CGI, animatronics and a couple of the original cast members returning. The script is also a noted improvement and the pacing is splendid. While this is not the classic that the first film was, this is certainly the next best entry in the series. This is the perfect B – movie for the early 2000’s. See it.

Trivia: According to William H. Macy, in an interview, the animatronic Spinosaurus had a 1,000–horsepower motor, the creature could turn its head at twice the force of gravity, with the tip of its nose moving at a speed of more than 100 miles–per–hour. Incidentally, the Spinosaurus was the largest animatronic ever built, up to that point. It weighed 12 tons and was operated by hydraulics, which allowed it to operate while completely submerged in water. The effects crew used 250 gallons of oatmeal to simulate Spinosaurus poop. The establishing wide shot of the dig site was actual footage filmed in Summer 2001 of Jack Horner’s excavation, which contained several large Tyrannosaurus Rexes and some Hadrosaurs. A few of the action sequences were borrowed from leftover ideas from the first two films. Some of them made it to being storyboarded before being scrapped due to time and budgetary constraints. The scenes included the Pteranodon and Riverboat scenes.

Shooting for this film began before the final script was completed. Stellan Skarsgard, Steve Buscemi, and Tony Shalhoub were all considered for the role of Cooper. John Williams was contacted to write the music for this film but was tied up doing the music for Steven Spielberg’s A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001). Williams recommended Don Davis, the man who did the music for this film, for the job. Originally the fight between the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Spinosaurus was supposed to be longer. Extended parts of the fight can be found in the bonus features on the Blu–ray and DVD copies of the film. Incidentally, the Spinosaurus’ and the Tyrannosaurus Rexes resided on different cotenants and in different areas. The first draft of the script involved a group of teenagers marooned on Isla Sorna Island. This was the last Jurassic Park film to be shot in the 1.85:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio.

Sequel to: Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997). Followed by: Jurassic World (2015) and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sci–Fi Terror & Violence
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Jurassic World (2015)

C – 124m
Aspect Ratio: 2.00:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Jurassic World 3D, Jurassic Park IV, Jurassic Park 4, Ebb Tide
Based On Characters Created By: Michael Crichton
Story By: Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver
Screenplay By: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly
Exec. Prod.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Prod.s: Patrick Crowley and Frank Marshall
Dir.: Colin Trevorrow
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy, Judy Greer, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Buffett (uncredited) and Brad Calhoun (uncredited).

A new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree. For a Jurassic Park series entry, much less a film that received the hype that this film did, this film was a colossal screw up. The CGI and acting by most of the cast are about all this film has going for it. The action, (when there is any), is at best stagy and the script is at best corny; never mind the horrendously slow pace. Still, this film was a commercial success. Judge for yourself but it isn’t recommended.

Trivia: This was the first Jurassic Park film to be shot in 2.00:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio, the first three films were shot in 1.85:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio. Sir Richard Attenborough, John Hammond in Jurassic Park (1993), talked of making another appearance in the series but ultimately never did. When he died on August 24, 2014, it was written into the script, by implication that his character had died prior to the events of this film entry. This film was completed two days ahead of its 80–day filming schedule. 

Sequel to: Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), and Jurassic Park III (2001). Followed by: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Science–Fiction Violence & Peril
Available on 4K / 3D & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

C – 128m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Jurassic World 2, Ancient Futures, Jurassic Park 5
Based On The Characters Created By: Michael Crichton
Screenplay By: Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow
Exec. Prod.s: Sir Steven Spielberg and Colin Trevorrow
Prod.: Patrick Crowley and Frank Marshall (P.G.A.)
Dir.: J.A. Bayona
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Jeff Goldblum, Geraldine Chaplin, Robert Emms and Peter Jason.

When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction level event. What could have been just another entry in the creature feature series turns out to be much more than that. This massively improved, from the last film entry, film boasts of almost perfect acting (except for actor), great scripting, a fantastic pace and stellar CGI. In addition of this film being a creature film, it has elements of a few classic films: 1.) The Boys From Brazil (1978) – Cloning someone and raising the clone from childhood forward & 2.) Jurassic Park (1993) & Alien (1979) – Reptile like creatures stalking humans in dark spaces. It is equal parts touching, nerve wracking, adrenaline inducing and amusing. Don’t miss this one!

For those keeping score with this reviewer’s opinions on these films: Numbers two and four are the least of the series while one, three and five are the best of the series. Odd!

Trivia: When Sam Neill was asked if he would return as Dr. Alan Grant, he indicated that he thought his time in that role had passed. This film was shot in Hawaii and the United Kingdom, some of it at Pinewood Studios. This film’s tagline was, “Life finds a way,” which is a quote from Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) in: Jurassic Park (1993). It was Goldblum’s favorite line by the way. The teaser trailer for this film premiered with: Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). This was the first Jurassic Park film to be filmed in 2.39:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio. The first 3 Jurassic films were done in 1.85:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio and Jurassic World was done in 2.00:1 – Widescreen Aspect Ratio. At 128 minutes in length, this is the second longest Jurassic Park film. The longest was: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997). Chris Pratt stated that this film required, “significantly more stunts than its predecessor.”

Sequel to: Jurassic Park (1993), The Lost World Jurassic Park (1997), Jurassic Park III (2001) and Jurassic World (2015).

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Science–Fiction Violence & Peril
Available on 4K / 3D & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Love, Simon (2018)

Love, Simon (2018)

C – 110m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda
Novel: Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Screenplay By: Elizabeth Berger and Isaac Aptaker
Dir.: Greg Berlanti
Starring: Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Logan Miller, Talitha Eliana Bateman, Tony Hale, Natasha Rothwell, Miles Heizer, Joey Pollari, Mackenzie Lintz, Cassady, McClincy, Alex Sgambati, Emily Jordan, Patrick Donohue and Joshua Mikel.

Simon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends, and all of his classmates: he’s gay. When the secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and comes to terms with his identity. A major motion picture with a gay protagonist – novel! This hit film from the hit first of a two book hit series features a great script, great acting and fine direction and cinematography. It also boasts of a wonderful sound mix! The story has echoes of John Hughes films, much like Blockers (2018), with a dash of Boys Don’t Cry (1999) for good measure. The cast is more than capable with the splendid material. The only complaint is that the Drama Teacher is just a tad to hip and on target with her frank talking to students. In real life, no teacher would get away with saying what she does in this film. If you can look beyond that and a few cheesy lines, this film has wit and heart to spare. See it! 

Trivia: Just as this film went into production, Nick Robinson’s younger brother came out as gay. This was the first film produced by a major Hollywood studio to feature a gay teenage protagonist. Director Greg Berlanti revealed in an interview that the clips of “friends group” were shot without the actors’ knowledge. Sometimes Berlanti would yell, “Cut!” for the actors but keep the cameras going to capture unscripted moments. Some of these made it into the final cut of the film, like the dancing in the car scene. Jennifer Garner’s, “exhale,” speech wasn’t originally in the film. When Garner became interested in the film, she asked director Nick Robinson for a scene for her character to form a connection with Simon. So they rewrote the script and worked in the scene that is essentially the message of the movie. Kristen Bell, Neil Patrick Harris, Matt Bomer, Tyler Oakley, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, screenwriter Martin Gero, Benj Pasek, Andrew Rannells, Joey Graceffa, Scott Hoying, Superfruit’s Mitch Grassi, Jennifer Garner and Greg Berlanti bought out the theatres in their home towns so that this film would reach larger audiences.  

Keiynan Lonsdale was inspired to publicly come out through his involvement in this film. In Simon’s bedroom there is a copy of the sequel novel, The Upside Of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli, which revolves around Abby’s cousin. The production code for this film was, “Blue,” which was a pseudonym of the person Simon e–mails. Colton Haynes had a small role in a deleted scene as a man who approaches Simon and mistakes him for someone else he knows at a gay bar and ends up asking Simon for a dance.    

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Elements, Sexual References, Language & Teen Partying
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Dear Dictator (2017 / 2018)

Dear Dictator (2017 / 2018)

C – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Screenplay By: Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse
Prod.: Lisa Addario
Dir.s: Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse
Starring: Sir Michael Caine, Odeya Rush, Katie Holmes, Seth Green, Jason Biggs, Adrian Voo and Jackson Beard. 

An American teen girl who is a misfit, who wants to be a rebel, corresponds with a dictator from another country who is on the verge of having to flee his country for his life while her mom has relationship issues. When the dictator does flee his country he seeks shelter in America with the teen girl with whom he corresponded. Together they form an unlikely bond and teach each other a bit about life and how to live it. A comedy that sounds like it will be goofy and have few laughs actually has wit and is a decent coming of age story. The cast is a delight, particularly Caine and Rush. There are a few moments of gallows humor that may not sit well with some but this reviewer liked it. Although this film was released NOT RATED, this reviewer would suggest 13 and up for viewers.

Trivia: Michael Caine previously was in Batman Begins (2005) with Katie Holmes, and Austin Powers In Goldmember (2003) with Seth Green. Katie Holmes and Odeya Rush previously starred together in The Giver (2014). Seth Green replaced Jason Biggs as the voice of Leonardo in the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, after Biggs made some controversial remarks on twitter, which caused him to exit the show towards the end of season 2. “Homeland or Death,” is the literal translation from Spanish: “Patria Or Muerte,” the Cuban national motto under Fidel Castro and his brother. 

Rated: [NOT RATED]
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Male Sexual Abuse Films (1996–2015)

Male Sexual Abuse Films (1996–2015)

Sleepers (1996)

C – 147m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel: Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra
Writer – Prod. – Dir.: Barry Levinson
Co–Prod.: Lorenzo Carcaterra
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Minnie Driver, Dustin Hoffman, Bruno Kirby, Jason Patric, Billy Crudup, John Slattery, Brad Pitt, Jonathan Tucker, Gerry Becker, Ben Hammer, Paul Herman, Lennie Loftin, Danny Mastrogiorgio, Mary B. McCann, Pat McNamara, Peter McRobbie, Mick O’Rourke, James Pickens, Jr., Wendell Pierce and Sean Patrick Reilly.
Music By: John Williams

After a prank goes disastrously wrong, a group of boys are sent to a detention center where they are brutalized. Over ten years later, they get their chance for revenge. Deliberately slowly paced but has great actors turning in great performances. The film is slightly over–long but the cinematography is impressive as are the aforementioned performances and an almost stellar script. There are a few lines that may invoke a, “No duh,” or other wised colored version of that statement from viewers. Period detail is fine and the soundtrack is fun. The indecision on a star rating is the fault of this reviewer. This reviewer can make arguments as to why this should just be a three star film but can also make arguments as to why it is the near perfect three and a half star film rating too. Rather than split hairs, this reviewer will cop to saying: flip a coin on it yourself after you have seen it and see where it lands for you. It does come highly recommended though!  

Trivia: Film Critic Roger Ebert criticized this movie as, “homophobic.” During filming, the two younger actors who play the roles that would become Brad Pitt and Jason Patric, wore contact lenses so they would have the same eye color as Pitt and Patric. This movie was filmed at Fairfield Hills, a former psychiatric hospital in Newtown, Connecticut; right after the state took possession of the property. Billy Crudup and John Slattery, in addition to this film, appeared in Spotlight (2015), which also revolves around similar themes of abuse.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Original Score – John Williams. 
Rated: [R] – Language, Graphic Violence, & Two Scenes Of Strong Sexual Content
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Mystic River (2003)

C – 138m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Theatrical) / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
Novel: Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Screenplay By: Brian Helgeland
Prod. – Dir.: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, Laura Linney, Kevin Chapman, Tom Guiry (as Thomas Guiry), Emmy Rossum, Spencer Treat Clark, Andrew Mackin, Adam Nelson, Robert Wahlberg, Jenny O’Hara, John Doman, Cameron Bowen, Jason Kelly, Connor Paolo, T. Bruce Page (as Bruce Page), Miles Herter, Cayden Boyd, Joe Stapleton, Tom Kemp, Bill Thorpe, Ken Cheeseman, Duncan B. Putney, Ed O’Keefe, Michael McGovern, Susan Bergeron (uncredited), Kevin Conway (uncredited), Brian Frates (uncredited), Eli Wallach (uncredited), Victor Warren (uncredited), Jillian Wheeler (uncredited), Brian A. White (uncredited) and Kris Williams (uncredited).
Music By: Clint Eastwood

The lives of three men who were childhood friends are shattered when one of them has a family tragedy. Heavy but powerful film focuses on the tight bonds of three guys who grew up in or around Southie, Boston. It adds to the enjoyment of the film if one is familiar with the area. Solid performances abound here and Eastwood masterfully handles the direction chore. The length may not be for all tastes but this reviewer doesn’t mind it. If one can look past the language, violence and thematic element of sexual abuse of a boy, there is a lot to be enjoyed here. The subtext is as rich as the plot and the characters. Good cinematography to boot… Dig the score composed and performed by Clint Eastwood too. A MUST for Boston or Boston area natives!

Trivia: The situation at the opening of this film is based on an incident when, as a child, author Dennis Lehane’s mother castigated him for getting into a car with two men who claimed to be plain–clothes policemen. The studio execs at Warner Brothers wanted Clint Eastwood to shoot this film in Toronto, Canada to save money. Eastwood refused and pushed to have the film shot in Boston where the story takes place. He won. Michael Keaton was originally cast as Sean Devine, played here by Kevin Bacon, and had already done several table reads with the principle cast and was well on his way in his research for the role with the Massachusetts State Police Department, when he got into a huge argument with Clint Eastwood. As a result of the argument, Keaton left the film and was replaced by Kevin Bacon.

This film was shot in 39 days. Forest Whitaker was the original choice for the role of Whitey Powers, played here by Laurence Fishburne, and he almost accepted the role but backed out due to other conflicts. Clint Eastwood narrated the teaser trailer. The liquor store scene was shot in Costello’s, a liquor store on Boylston Street in the Back Bay of Boston, next to Berklee College Of Music. After filming, screen shots from the scene were placed in the front display windows. Costello’s closed in January 2007. In the novel the surname of Jimmy and his family is Marcus but in the film it is Markum. 

Oscar® winner for: Best Actor – Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actor – Tim Robbins. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Picture – Robert Lorenz, Jodie Hoyt and Clint Eastwood, Best Supporting Actress – Marcia Gay Harden, Best Director – Clint Eastwood, and Best Adapted Screenplay – Brian Helgeland. Golden Globe winner for: Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama – Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture – Tim Robbins. Additionally Golden Globe nominated for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Clint Eastwood, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Brian Helgeland.

Rated: [R] – Language & Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Spotlight (2015)

C – 128m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Writers: Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy
Exec. Prod.s: Jonathan King and Josh Singer
Dir.: Tom McCarthy
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Live Schreiber, John Slattery, Brian d’Arcy James, Stanley Tucci, Elena Wohl, Gene Amoroso, Doug Murray, Sharon McFarlane, Jamey Sheridan, Neal Huff, Billy Crudup, Robert B. Kennedy, Duane Murray, Brian Chamberlain, Michael Cyril Creighton, Paul Guilfoyle, Michael Countryman, Gary Galone, Nancy Villone, Joe Stapleton, Maureen Keiller, Laurie Murdoch, Richard O’Rourke, David Boston (uncredited), Richard Jenkins (voice, uncredited) and Colleen Kelly (uncredited).
Music By: Howard Shore

The true story of how The Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover–up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core. This is a splendid dramatization of the facts around the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal and how The Boston Globe uncovered it. While this may not technically be a thriller there is tension built during the film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Wonderful acting by a colossal cast and a very impressive set of actors to be sure. The set on which parts of this film was shot is an achievement as well. While the subject matter may be a sore spot for some, or even unappealing or repulsive to others, the depiction of the victims of the abuse and their stories are handled with dignity and there is nothing graphically depicted here. While the purported numbers of abuse cases may be indeed huge, there are likely some minor embellishments, as is the case with most dramatizations. Should this wreck the film for you? Or even keep one from seeing the film? No. It works on too well to be ignored as a film. Watch it! 

Trivia: The Boston Globe offices were all a big set. When Michael Keaton met the man he played in the film, he did an impression of him based on tapes he had watched of the man, etc. It was so good that it unnerved the real person Keaton played in the film. The guy was quoted as saying, “If Michael Keaton robbed a bank they would come and arrest me!”

Oscar® winner for: Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay – Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy. Additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Supporting Actor – Mark Ruffalo, Best Supporting Actress – Rachel McAdams, Best Director – Tom McCarthy, and Best Editing. Golden Globe nominated for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Tom McCarthy, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy.

Rated: [R] – Some Language Including Sexual References
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Red Sparrow (2018)

Red Sparrow (2018)

C – 140m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Based On The Novel: Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews
Screenplay By: Justin Haythe
Dir.: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary–Louise Parker, Joely Richardson, Bill Camp, Jeremy Irons, Thekla Reuten, Douglas Hodge, Sakina Jaffrey and David Z. Miller.

Ballerina Dominika Egorova, is recruited to “Sparrow School,” a Russian intelligence service where she is forced to use her body as a weapon. Her first mission, targeting a C.I.A. agent, threatens to unravel he security of both nations. Solid adaption of the best selling first book in the Sparrow trilogy offers a rather graphic approach to the material. The story is brutal and unrelenting but is masterfully told. The casting from A–Z is perfect, particularly Lawrence and Irons. The tension remains from the first jump at the beginning of the film until the last credit has rolled at the end of the film, which is quite a feat. For those who don’t like graphic anything (sex, language, violence, etc.) this film is not for you. For book purists, this film omits a few parts – particularly the Vladimir Putin character and storyline. The spy world hasn’t looked this good since: The Good Shepherd (2006)! As this was an adaption of the first book of a trilogy, as previously stated, the question is inescapable: Will the sequels be made into films? Here’s hoping, from this reviewer, that they are! Don’t miss this one!   

Trivia: The novel this was based on was by retired C.I.A. agent Jason Matthews and is the first book of a trilogy. The other two books in the trilogy were: Palace Of Treason and The Kremlin’s Candidate. The film rights to Red Sparrow were sold for a seven–figure sum before the novel was even completed. To prep for the role Jennifer Lawrence practiced ballet with instructor Kurt Froman for three hours a day for four months. She also practiced her Russian accent for the four–month duration. American ballet dancer Isabella Boylston was Jennifer Laurence’s dance double in the movie. In 2013, the same year the novel was published, Darren Aronofsky was in talks to direct it. He left the project when David Fincher was in talks to direct it with Rooney Mara starring in 2014. By September 2015 Francis Lawrence was set to direct with Jennifer Lawrence set to star.

This is Francis Lawrence’s fourth teaming with Jennifer Lawrence. The others being: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015). The plot and some scenes of Red Sparrow (2018) are similar to the made for Television film Secret Weapons (1985) which starred Linda Hamilton in the Dominika Egorova role and Sally Kellerman as the Matron character. And finally for film nudity buffs (forgive the redundancy): This film contains Jennifer Lawrence’s first fully nude scene.  

Rated: [R] – Strong Violence, Torture, Sexual Content, Language & Some Graphic Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Black Panther (2018)

Black Panther (2018)

C – 134m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Based On The Marvel Comics By: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Screenplay By: Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole
Dir.: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Martin Freeman, Sterling K. Brown, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis, Stan Lee, Denzel Whitaker, Timothy Carr and Floyd Anthony Johns Jr.

T’Challa, the king of Wakanda, rises to the throne in the isolated, technology advanced African nation, but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider who was a childhood victim of T’Challa’s father’s mistake. Not even, “a spoonful of sugar,” can help this, “medicine go down”… (Disney owns Marvel folks – keep up!) The film is slow paced, especially for an action film and the CGI is hit or miss effect to effect. Saving graces: Stan Lee’s cameo, Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis. The rest can be discarded. This reviewer understands the importance of the film culturally but on technical merits and basic film review points, this one falls flat.

Rated: [PG–13] – Prolonged Sequences Of Action Violence, & A Brief Rude Gesture
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

12 Strong (2018)

12 Strong (2018)

C – 130m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: 12 Strong – The Declassified Story Of The Horse Soldiers, Horse Soldiers
Based On The Book: Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton
Screenplay by: Ted Tally and Peter Craig
Exec. Pro.: Doug Stanton
Pro.: Jerry Bruckheimer
Co–Pro.: Jon Schumacher
Dir.: Nicolai Fuglsig
Starring: Christ Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Pena, Navid Negahban, Trevante Rhodes, Rob Riggle, William Fichtner, Marie Wagenman, Allison King, Madeleine Albright, Osama bin Laden, Bill Clinton, Vladimir Putin, Donald Rumsfeld and J. Nathan Simmons.

The story of the First Special Forces team that was deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11/2001. Under the leadership of a new Captain, the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban. Well done film offers a surprising amount of guy humor for a story so serious.

Trivia: Filmed in New Mexico. 
Rated: [R] – War Violence & Language Throughout
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Suburbicon (2017)

Suburbicon (2017)

C – 105m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Writers: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, George Clooney and Grant Heslov.
Exec. Prod.s: Ethan Coen, Barbara A. Hall and Joel Silver
Prod. – Dir.: George Clooney
Starring: Julianne Moore, Noah Jupe, Matt Damon, Steven Shaw, Ellen Crawford, Richard Kind, Robert Pierce, Oscar Isaac and Josh Brolin (scenes deleted).

As a 1950’s suburban community self–destructs, a home invasion has sinister consequences for one seemingly normal family. … For those who care the body count is: 7. The period detail is nice and the cast is appealing. Too bad the Coen Brothers couldn’t produce a better script with the aid of George Clooney this outing! The movie moves at a snail’s pace, the humor is sparse and tension is never built in this would be thriller. This has to be a career low point for all involved. Though the memory of Clooney’s live television remake Fail–Safe (2000) leaps to mind as another low for the otherwise brilliant actor / director / activist. Best to skip this one. 

Trivia: Josh Brolin was cast as a baseball coach but his scenes were deleted after test screenings showed that the scenes with Brolin took the tension out of the film. George Clooney said he felt bad about deleting Brolin from the film as he felt those scenes were the funniest. George Clooney previously starred in 4 Coen Brothers films, this time he directed it. This also makes the first film that Clooney directed a film without acting in it. This film had the lowest opening weekend grossing of any Paramount film in over 2,000 theaters. George Clooney screened this film for Norman Lear. After the screening Lear told Clooney, “The is the angriest film I have ever seen.” Woody Harrelson dropped out of this film due to scheduling conflicts. 

Rated: [R] – Violence, Language & Some Sexuality
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Father Figures (2017)

Father Figures (2017)

C. – 113m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Bastards
Starring: Owen Wilson, Christopher Walken, J.K. Simmons, Ed Helms, Ving Rhames, Terry Bradshaw, Katie Aselton, Ryan Cartwright, June Squibb, Katt Williams, Harry Shearer and Rachel Eggleston.

After finding out their mother has been lying to them for years about their dead father, two fraternal twin brothers set out to find him. Talk about a misstep! The only reason this gets any rating at all is that it has some superb actors in it. Sadly this slow moving film only has a handful of laughs and nothing else to recommend it. Skip it!

Rated: [R] – Language & Sexual References Throughout
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Last Movie Star (2017/2018)

The Last Movie Star (2017/2018)

C – 94m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Dog Years
Writer – Dir.: Adam Rifkin
Starring: Burt Reynolds, Chevy Chase, Macy Whitener, Ariel Winter, Clark Duke and Ellar Coltrane.

An elderly movie star travels to a small film festival to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and goes on a trip down memory lane with the aid of his crass female assistant / driver. Slow paced but entertaining film with a perfect cast headed by Burt Reynolds, Chevy Chase and Ariel Winter. Winter stands out, something that is hard to do opposite Reynolds and Chase, as a troubled young woman who just needs a fresh set of eyes on her problems to tell her that she is capable of making the changes necessary to find happiness. For those familiar with Reynolds’ work prior to this film, this will be a treat. For those who are not, go find earlier Reynolds films to see before this. Particularly: Deliverance (1972), Smokey And The Bandit (1977), Smokey And The Bandit Part II (1980), The Cannonball Run (1981) and Cannonball Run II (1984). Reynolds may be slowed by age in terms of physicality but he is no less impressive to watch here than any of his other films. Great use of old footage and photos by the way! Rifkin hits all the right notes with this one.   

Trivia: Writer – Director Adam Rifkin stated that if Burt Reynolds had turned down the role, he wouldn’t have made the movie as he had written the part specifically for Burt Reynolds. 

Rated: [R] – Some Sexuality / Partial Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy