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

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

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

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

Justice League Films (2017–Present)

Justice League (2017)

C – 120m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Justice League Of America, Justice League Mortal
Exec. Prod.s: Ben Affleck and Christopher Nolan
Producer: Deborah Snyder
Co–Story Writer – Dir.: Zack Snyder
Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, J.K. Simmons, Amber Heard, David Thewlis, Jesse Eisenberg and Robin Wright.
Music By: Danny Elfman

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. One cannot do much better than this film for a superhero film. Affleck is, once again, almost miscast as Bruce Wayne / Batman, though he carries it off mildly well. Everyone else is in fine form. This moves along with no real slow / dull periods in the film and the action – humor ratio is satisfactory. Adams, Irons, Lane and Simmons are always welcome!   

Trivia: Zack and Deborah Snyder stepped away from this film after their daughter’s suicide in March 2017. Joss Whedon finished the film. Danny Elfman took over for Junkie XL, who had replaced Hans Zimmer. Laurence Fishburne was asked to reprise his role as Perry White in a cameo. Due to scheduling conflicts he was unavailable to do so on the day that scene was set to film. Ben Affleck was considered to direct this film. This was Zack Snyder’s first film to be shot in the 1.85:1 – Widescreen aspect ratio. 

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Sci–Fi Violence & Action
Available on 3D and 2D Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Amazing Spider–Man Double Feature (2012 & 2014)

The Amazing Spider–Man Double Feature (2012 & 2014)

The Amazing Spider–Man (2012)

C. – 136m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Spider–Man 4: The Amazing Spider–Man, Spiderman 4: The Amazing Spiderman, The Amazing Spider–Man In 3D, The Amazing Spiderman In 3D, The Amazing Spiderman, Spider–Man, Spiderman
Dir.: Marc Webb.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Campbell Scott and C. Thomas Howell.

As with the first Tobey Maguire Spider–Man (2002), Peter Parker finds himself an alter–ego around the time of the death of his Uncle Ben (Sheen). Garfield is the web-slinging hero and Emma Stone is his drug of choice, Gwen Stacy, right under the nose of her father – a cop, Denis Leary. Rhys Ifans is right at home as the decent guy turned evil by mutation in a lab accident, he turns into The Lizard, and Field plays a lovely matronly Aunt May. 

This one holds it’s own against the first two Maguire Spider–Mans (2002 & 2004) and delivers just a bit more. While Kirsten Dunst’s Mary Jane Watson is clueless but cute, Stone’s Gwen Stacy is almost as equally a nerd as Garfield’s Peter Parker. Need I say that she is of course as pretty as Dunst was in her respective role back in the day? In short: There are no dumb or clueless characters in sight here and that is what makes this one work so well in, what can only be called, the cynical age (2010 – Present). There is plenty of romance and action here to keep both sexes appeased! 

Rated: [PG – 13] – Sequences Of Action & Violence.
Available On 3D & 2D Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Amazing Spider–Man 2 (2014)

C. – 142m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen.
A.K.A.: Spider–Man 5: The Amazing Spider–Man 2
The Amazing Spider–Man 2: Rise Of Elctro, The Amazing Spiderman 2: Rise Of Electro, Spiderman 5: The Amazing Spiderman 2, The Amazing Spider–Man 2 In 3D, The Amazing Spiderman 2 In 3D, The Amazing Spiderman 2, London Calling, Spider–Man 2, Spiderman 2, Spider–Man, Spiderman
Dir.: Marc Webb.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Fox, Dane DeHaan, Felicity Jones, Paul Giamatti and Sally Field.

After pushing Gwen Stacy (Stone) away at the end of the first film, Peter Parker (Garfield) must fight to keep his one time love and the rest of New York City safe from another Oscorp villain, Electro (Jamie Fox).

Part of the charm of the Spider–Man character is that he is at once bright but shy and cool but yet awkward. In this sequel, Spider–Man ceases to be shy, cool and awkward. What is left is a pompous jerk who can throw canned webbing around so he can get place to place. This is a far cry from what Spider–Man was and should be. As such it is hard to root for him even though he is THE superhero of the film. And where the first film felt nice and tight and left viewers wanting more, this one is a slow, sloppily told yarn that could have been shortened by 40 minutes. In short, this just about kills the fun of a Spider–Man film! Small wonder this was the last of the Garfield series.   

Rated: [PG – 13] – Sequences Of Sci–Fi Action / Violence.
Available on 3D & 2D Blu–ray, DVD and Digital Copy. 

The Tobey Maguire Spider – Man Trilogy (2002 – 2007)

The Tobey Maguire Spider – Man Trilogy (2002 – 2007)

Spider–Man (2002)

C – 121m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Spider–Man: The Motion Picture, Spiderman
Marvel Comic Book By: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Screenplay By: David Koepp
Exec. Pro.: Stan Lee
Dir.: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Joe Manganiello, Gerry Becker, Elizabeth Banks, John Paxton, Jason Padgett, Jim Ward, David Holcomb, Octavia Spencer, Jim Norton and Stan Lee.

A geeky high school outcast gets bitten by a spider and gains superpowers. A very entertaining way to bring the comic book hero to the big screen. A good start to the trilogy.

Trivia: Hugh Jackman was supposed to have a cameo as Wolverine and even showed up to shoot the scene but the idea was scrapped because the production could not get the costume from X–Men (2000). Tobey Maguire’s nose kept filling with water during the upside–down kiss in the rain. The first issued film poster was recalled because it featured The World Trade Center as part of the NYC skyline, 9/11/2001 had just occurred.

Oscar® nominated for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
Rated: [PG–13] – Stylized Violence & Action
Available on 4K and regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Spider–Man 2 (2004)

C – 127m (Theatrical Cut) / 135m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Spider–Man 2: The IMAX Experience, The Amazing Spider–Man, Spider–Man: No More, Spider–Man 2 Lives, Spider–Man 2.1, Spider–Man 1.5, Spiderman 2
Comic Book By: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Screen Story By: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar and Michael Chabon
Screenplay By: Alvin Sargent
Exec. Pro.: Stan Lee
Dir.: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Dylan Baker, Willem Dafoe, Cliff Robertson, Elizabeth Banks, Bruce Campbell, Stan Lee, John Paxton and John Landis.

Peter Parker’s personal life is in a tailspin as he battles Dr. Otto Octavius. Smart sequel and by far the best entry in the Raimi – Maguire trilogy. Everything works! The preferred cut is the Extended Cut. 

Trivia: Tobey Maguire was having back problems and almost didn’t make this film. Jake Gyllenhaal was set to replace him but Maguire returned for the film. The, “My back!” joke after Peter Parker falls from the roof, just happened to be in the script before Maguire’s back issues arose. (Anyone else skeptical?) When Peter Parker flips over an oncoming car, Tobey Maguire did the stunt himself. A stuntman also did it but director Sam Raimi liked Maguire’s take and thought it looked more natural, so he used it. 

Oscar® winner for: Best Visual Effects. Additionally nominated for Oscars® for: Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing.

Rated: [PG–13] – Stylized Action Violence
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on 4K and regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Spider–Man 3 (2007)

C – 139m (Theatrical Cut) / 137 (Editor’s Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Spider–Man 3: The IMAX Experience, Spiderman 3, 3
Marvel Comic Book By: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Screen Story By: Sam Raimi and Ivan Raimi
Screenplay By: Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi and Alvin Sargent
Exec. Pro.: Stan Lee
Dir.: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, James Cromwell, Theresa Russell, Dylan Baker, Bruce Campbell, Elizabeth Banks, Willem Dafoe, Cliff Robertson, John Paxton, Becky Ann Baker, Stan Lee and Joe Manganiello. 

A dark entity from another world threatens to take over Peter Parker as he battles new villians, causing inner turmoil. Dismal final outing in the Raimi – Maguire trilogy leaves one feeling sorry that the story came to this. Watchable only as part of the series. The preferred cut is the theatrical cut, oddly.

Trivia: All of the screams Kirsten Dunst has in this film are reused from Spider–Man 2 (2004). The film took two years and ten months to make. At one point it was a consideration to split the film into two parts. Many scenes were shot that were never released theatrically as part of the film or on home video as part of the bonus features. Many of them considered too dark for consumption. This was Cliff Robertson’s final film before his death on September 10, 2011 at the age of 88.

Rated: [PG–13] Sequences Of Intense Action Violence
Available in Theatrical Cut and Editor’s Cut on 4K and regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Spider–Man: Homecoming (2017)

Spider–Man Homecoming (2017)

C – 133m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen – 3D / 2D
A.K.A.: The Summer Of George
Based On Comic Books By: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Captain America Character Created By: Joe Simon and Jack Kirby
Dir.: John Watts
Starring: Tom Holland, Michal Keaton, Robert Downey, Jr., Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Connelly, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Hannibal Buress, Stan Lee and Chris Evans.

Peter Parker comes into his own doing a balancing act between his life as student Peter Parker and crime–fighting Spider–Man. This is the next to worst Spider–Man film made to date. The acting is good, so is the CGI and the first 40 minutes move along well. Sadly the pacing goes awry right at that point and although there are a few good action scenes to go before the end of the film, the pacing is so bad that this reviewer became detached from the film. Somehow this film garnered B–ish ratings from critics. This reviewer suspects something is amiss there. In short, this film is far from the best that Marvel has to offer, much less anything resembling a good Spider–Man film. Skip it!

Trivia: Jennifer Connelly voices Spider-Man’s suit’s voice, Karen. Her husband voiced J.A.R.V.I.S. – the voice in Iron Man’s suit. Connelly was additionally cast because she was in the John Hughes film: Career Opportunities (1991), since this film is a tribute to John Hughes’ high school films. Tom Holland was the youngest actor to play Spider–Man at age 19. Previously the actors who played the part, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, were in their mid–20’s when they played the role. Michael Keaton plays a character called: The Vulture. The appearance of The Vulture is not unlike the design of Birdman in the Best Picture Oscar® winning film: Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) (2014).  

Rated: [PG–13] – Sci–Fi Action Violence, Some Language & Some Suggestive Comments
Available in 3D and 2D on 4K and regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Just Getting Started (2017)

Just Getting Started (2017)

C – 91m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Theatrical) / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Villa Capri
Writer – Dir.: Ron Shelton
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, Rene Russo, Joe Pantoliano, Glenne Headly, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Elizabeth Ashley, George Wallace, Graham Beckel, Jane Seymour, Johnny Mathis, Eli Goodman and Kat Sawyer.

An ex–F.B.I. Agent and his ex–mob lawyer in the witness protection program have to put aside their petty rivalry on the golf course to fend off a mob hit. Mildly uneven and a tad overlong, but never the less a fun outing with the stars… The unevenness comes from the scenes going on a tad longer than they likely should have. Rene Russo has the most level – headed role in the film. Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones play off of each other very well. The scene where Freeman tries to pick Russo up in the bar is a riot. The actors are in fine form and most of the material is good. If only the scenes had been trimmed just a tad more. Still it is entertaining and is worth a watch.  

Trivia: This film was never screened for critics prior to its theatrical release.

Rated: [PG–13] – For language, suggestive material & Brief Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Baby Driver (2017)

Movie Poster for Baby Driver (2017)

Baby Driver (2017)

C. – 112m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen

Writer – Dir.: Edgar Wright.

Starring: Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Eiza Gonzalez, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx & Paul Williams. 

A young getaway driver forced into one last heist realizes that it, the heist, is doomed to fail. Fast paced and action packed film boast of fine performance and an exceptional soundtrack. A must watch! As a point of interest a scene in a parking garage near the end of the film was shot on the same set as the American version of House Of Cards (2015 – 20??) – “Air Force One” from that show can be seen in the film!

Trivia: Jamie Foxx would stay and watch Kevin Spacey work even when he wasn’t in the scene. Emma Stone was originally offered the role of Debora but dropped out to make La La Land (2016) – for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Edgar Wright said in an introduction to the film that there is little to no CGI in the film. The driving was all practically done. The tracking scene at the beginning of the film with Baby and the coffee took 28 takes to do. Take 21 is the one you see in the film. In the background of every scene that doesn’t have music you can hear a slight ringing to show Baby’s Tinnitus. When Baby is flipping through the channels at the beginning of the film you hear various lines from various movies: “You are so beautiful,”; “They grow up so freaking fast,”; “How’s that working out for you?”; and “We’re partners. There’s nothing that matters to me more than our friendship.” All these lines show up later in the film as dialogue. And finally: This was the first Edgar Wright film to be shot in the United States.

Rated: [R] – Violence And Language Throughout.

Available on 4K Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Hitman's Bodyguard

Movie Poster for The Hitman's Bodyguard

The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)

C. – 118m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Gary Oldman, Selma Hayek, Roy Hill, Richard E. Grant, Rod Hallett and Joaquim De Almeida.

A bodyguard who’s reputation is on the line (after his last charge was assassinated) is forced to team with a hitman who can’t get out of trouble on his way to an International Criminal Court, where he must testify. By the numbers to be sure but the smart–ass script makes it a fun watch. There is a bit of a lull in the middle of the film, but it recovers nicely. See how many pop culture references you can catch in the film. And make sure to stay through all of the end credits to see a very funny outtake of Ryan Reynolds from the film! 

Rated: [R] – Strong Violence & Laguage Throughout
Available on 4K Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy