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

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

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

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

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

Ready Player One (2018)

Ready Player One (2018)

C – 140m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Based On The Novel: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Screenplay By: Zak Penn and Ernest Cline
Prod. – Dir.: Sir Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe, T.J. Miller, Simon Pegg, Mark Rylance, Philip Zhao and Susan Lynch.

When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video challenging all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg hidden in the OASIS. Once found, this egg will give the player who found it the late creator’s fortune. Avatar set in a video game world is the best way to describe this film. It’s good but not impressive. The film is a tad long but holds interest. Acting and direction are solid and the pop culture references are fun to spot. Worth seeing in the theater or on a big screen television with surround sound.

Trivia: In an interview Sir Steven Spielberg said this was the third most challenging movie of his career, behind Jaws (1975) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Ernest Cline referenced several Steven Spielberg films in his novel. Spielberg removed most of them but a few remain. Christopher Nolan, Robert Zemeckis, Matthew Vaughn, Peter Jackson and Edgar Wright were all considered to direct this film. This project was in development so long that Steven Spielberg approached Gene Wilder to appear in the film, but Wilder respectfully declined. Michael Keaton was considered for J.D. Halliday. The character of F’Nale Zandor was not in the book. Elle Fanning and Lola Kirke were considered for Art3mis before Olivia Cooke was cast in the role. Given that the film is about finding an Easter Egg, the film was released Easter weekend – 3/29/2018.   

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Sci–Fi Action Violence, Bloody Images, Some Suggestive Material, Partial Nudity & Language  
Available on 3D/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 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

Ocean’s Films (1960 – Present)

Ocean’s Films (1960 – Present)

After the moderate success of Some Came Running (1958) and the failure of The Thin Man: The Television Show (1957–1959), in 1959, Peter Lawford approached Frank Sinatra with a project about a group of old paratroopers who pull off a big heist in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve. Both Sinatra and Lawford agreed (one of the few times they did) that it would be a good vehicle for “The Summit” (“The Rat Pack”). With five out of the eleven heisters automatically cast, the rest was just phone calls away. The production occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada on sets mostly, but when they could they would shoot in the casinos. At night the Sinatra and the guys (some say, “boys”) would, “play,” at The Sands Hotel and Casino, Sinatra’s favorite place. They would hold court with some booze but mostly props of various kinds and do shows from around 8:00pm or 9:00pm at night and get done around 2:00am or 3:00am in the morning. If Martin or anyone else, who didn’t want to spend the rest of the night awake talking to Frank until production resumed the next morning, were lucky, they would get to bed around that time and get a few hours rest before the events would repeat the next day.

Those shows featured some of the best in the entertainment world, both on the stage and ringside (audience). On a given night, aside from seeing Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford, one could see Milton Berle, Red Skelton, Don Rickles, Buddy Hackett, Shirley MacLaine, Bob Hope, and / or other notables, including the spouses of said performers. Language was sometimes course but the jokes were always funny and the songs were standards for each of the singers. Sometime a novelty song would show up. No one was safe from the barbs and if a known comedian was in the audience, you could bet (it was Las Vegas after all) that he or she would be called to the stage to do a bit of their act or interact with the boys. The shows proved so popular that they became a regular thing over the years both in Vegas and in later years on the road. Some clips of various shows can be found on YouTube (The Summit or The Rat Pack At The Sands or At The Copacabana). There is also a special from the 1960’s that Sinatra and company did for charity with Johnny Carson on closed circuit television. While this would give you a more complete and sanitized version of what a given show would look like, please do not mistake it for what was being done in Vegas at the time of the filming of Ocean’s 11 (1960).

Getting back to that production: The result of the long days during the production schedule is a movie that has painted Las Vegas as an adult’s playground for over 50 years. It was remade in 2001, which then spun off a series, ending in 2007, and that series in turn spun off a all female series starting in 2018. Below are the film reviews and notes accompanying each series.

Ocean’s 11 (1960)

C – 127m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ocean’s Eleven
Story: George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell
Screenplay: Harry Brown and Charles Lederer
Uncredited Contribution: Billy Wilder
Prod. – Dir.: Lewis Milestone
Assoc. Prod.: Henry W. Sanicola
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford, Angie Dickinson, Richard Conte, Cesar Romero, Patrice Wymore, Joey Bishop, Akim Tamiroff, Henry Silva, Ilka Chase, Buddy Lester, Richard Benedict, Jean Willes, Norman Fell, Clem Harvey, Hank Henry, Red Skelton, George Raft, Robert Brice, John Holland, Murray Alper, Don Anderson, Don “Red” Barry, Majorie Bennett, Richard Boone, Paul Bryar, John Craven, Gregory Gaye, John George, Hoot Gibson, Joe Gray, Brad Harris, Shirley MacLaine, Charles Meredith, Anne Neyland, William H. O’Brien, Steve Pendleton, Jack Perrin, Carmen Phillips, Fred Rapport, Joan Staley and George E. Stone.
Music: Nelson Riddle
Songs: “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen – Performed by: Dean Martin
“Eee-O-Eleven” – Performed By: Sammy Davis, Jr.

A group of WWII paratroopers join forces to pull of the biggest heist in Las Vegas history: five hotels / casinos in one night – New Year’s Eve! Splendid fun with The Summit / “Rat Pack” offers plenty of laughs and some fun music. Be aware that some of the humor is considered racist by today’s standards but was meant in fun and as social commentary back when the film was made and released. That noted, the film has fine performances, is light fare and has music that will have one bouncing in time with it. Pacing may be slow for kids but teens on should be able to appreciate the film.

Trivia: Sammy Davis, Jr. was not allowed to stay at any of the major hotels / casinos in Vegas until Frank Sinatra and separately Jerry Lewis confronted them (the casinos / hotels) about it, thus breaking the color barrier. Patrice Whymore adlibbed throwing the candy dish during that scene with Sinatra and his friends, hence the genuine look of surprise on their faces. Shirley MacLaine adlibbed her drunk cameo and got a car as compensation from Warner Brothers. Her line, “I’m so drunk I don’t think I lay down without holding on,” was a rehash of a line attributed to Dean Martin that was actually Martin quoting comedian Joe E. Lewis. MacLaine filmed her cameo while on a break from Billy Wilder’s The Apartment (1960). She said she took the job, although compensated as noted with a car, as an excuse to hang out with Sinatra and company and see their Vegas show. Tony Curtis, Jackie Gleason and Milton Berle were all originally offered Cameo roles.

Additional Trivia Note: There were reported high-jinx of firecrackers being set off in one another’s shoes, and other pranks; like locking one another in the bathroom performed by Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Bishop and Lawford during the filming of this movie. Wouldn’t it have been great to have some of that available on the video releases?!  And / or some outtakes?!

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

 After the mild success of the Ocean’s 11 film, Frank Sinatra and his group would, in various forms go on to make other films together. Starting from the beginning, just prior to Ocean’s Eleven, they go as follows:

1.) Some Came Running (1958) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine (See review)
2.) The Thin Man: The Television Show (1957–1959) – Peter Lawford – guest star Frank Sinatra (See review)
3.) Ocean’s 11 (1960) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, Pater Lawford, Henry Silva, Cesar Romero etc. (as noted above). (See above review)
4.) Sergeants 3 (1962) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford – the boys out west ripping off Gunga Din. (See review)
5.) Convicts 4 (1962) featured Ben Gazzara of John Cassavetes’ “Rat Pack” and Sammy Davis, Jr., amongst many notable others.  (See review)
6.) The Road To Hong Kong (1962) – A series entry in the Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour series noted for a huge amount of cameos. Amongst them: Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra (as it pertains to this entry – see other entries for more information). (See review)
7.) The Manchurian Candidate (1962) – Frank Sinatra, and others as noted in the blog about the two titled films, features Henry Silva from Ocean’s 11.
8.) Johnny Cool (1963) – Henry Silva, Sammy Davis, Jr., many other notables and Executive Produced by Peter Lawford. (See review)
9.) Come Blow Your Horn (1963) – Stars Frank Sinatra with a cameo by Dean Martin. (See review)
10.) 4 For Texas (1963) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and others…
11.) Robin And The Seven Hoods (1964) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., others from Ocean’s 11, Bing Crosby from Road To Hong Kong (1962), Peter Falk from John Cassavetes’ “Rat Pack” and several other notable folks.
12.) Marriage On The Rocks (1965) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Cesar Romero amongst other notables. (See review)
13 & 14.) The Tony Rome films (Tony Rome (1967) and Lady In Cement (1968) – see the blog about them for details) featured “in” jokes by Sinatra about Davis, Martin and some of his (Sinatra’s) romantic history. Actor Richard Conte also starred in the films with Sinatra. (See review)
15 – 19.) The Matt Helm films (1966 – 1968) featured Dean Martin taking joking jabs at Frank Sinatra. (See review)
20 & 21.) And Salt And Pepper (1968) and One More Time (1970) teamed Sammy Davis, Jr. and Peter Lawford, the latter being directed by Jerry Lewis. (See review)
22.) Contract On Cherry Street – Starring Frank Sinatra and Henry Silva, amongst others.
23 & 24.) The Cannonball Run (1981) – A huge cast that included Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.… & The Cannonball Run II (1984) – In addition to the big cast that features Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra has a cameo. (See review)

None of this includes the numerous television specials and appearances by the various members of the Ocean’s group in which there may be other members or joking references to other members.

Some 40 years after Ocean’s 11 (1960), George Clooney and his, for lack of a better term, “Rat Pack” did a trilogy of Ocean’s films. Below are the reviews.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

C – 116m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ocean’s 11, O11, 11
Original Story: George Clayton Jonson and Jack Golden Russell
Original Screenplay: Harry Brown and Charles Lederer
Original Uncredited Contribution: Billy Wilder
Screenplay: Ted Griffin
Dir.: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: George Clooney, Paul L. Nolan, Bernie Mac, Brad Pitt, Mark Gantt, Tim Perez, Elliott Gould, Frank Patton, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Miguel Perez, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner, Lennox Lewis, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Michael DeLano, Julia Roberts, Robin Sachs, J.P. Manoux, Jerry Weintraub, Henry Silva, Eydie Gorme, Angie Dickinson, Steve Lawrence, Wayne Newton, Rusty Meyers, Scott L. Schwartz, Don Cheadle (uncredited), Holly Marie Combs, Jaime Gallagher, Steven Soderbergh, Emanuel Steward, Barry Watson and Shane West.
Cinematography By: Steven Soderbergh

Danny Ocean assembles eleven guys to rob three casinos in Las Vegas simultaneously and tries to win back his ex–wife. Fairly quick paced action thriller that reimagines the, “…11”, story for the modern age comes off well. Almost everything works here, especially the major misdirection of the story. A worthy remake!

Trivia: The script was sent to Julia Roberts with a $20 bill attached with a note from George Clooney saying, “I hear you’re getting 20 a picture now.” This was a joke in reference to Julia Roberts being the highest paid actress at $20 Million per picture at the time. Luke Wilson and Owen Wilson were offered the roles of the brothers Virgil and Turk but they dropped out to make The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). Danny Glover also turned down the role of Frank Catton. Bruce Willis was originally cast as Danny Ocean, the part Clooney plays. Don Cheadle plays a major role but is uncredited. Andy Garcia said it wasn’t easy to do a serious scene with Carl Reiner because Reiner was so funny.

Steven Soderbergh wanted to shoot the film in black and white. Warner Brothers said he could do so only if he drastically reduced the cost of the film, so he changed his mind. Henry Silva and Angie Dickinson, from the original film, make cameos here. This was Silva’s final film as he retired after it. Casey Affleck and Scott Caan adlibbed some of their lines. George Clooney and the other guys would pull pranks on Julia Roberts, like leaving a request for a 5am wakeup call on days when she didn’t need to be on the set until Noon / 12:00pm. Julia Roberts filmed all her scenes in two weeks. Jon Favreau was offered a chance to write the screenplay but turned it down. Alan Arkin was cast as Saul Bloom but dropped out for personal reasons. Don Rickles was also an early choice to play Saul Bloom. Johnny Depp was considered for the role of Linus Caldwell, the part Matt Damon plays. 

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Language & Sexual Content
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

C – 125m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Honor Amongst Thieves, Ocean’s 12
Characters Created By: George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell
Screenplay By: George Nolfi
Dir.: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta–Jones, George Clooney, Ed Kross, Julia Roberts, Don Tiffany, Andy Garcia, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Mini Anden, Shaobo Qin, Bernie Mac, Don Cheadle, Jared Harris, Matt Damon, Carl Reiner, Eddie Jemison, Elliott Gould, Nerissa Tedesco, Robbie Coltrane, Vincent Cassel, Eddie Izzard, Michael DeLano, Scott L. Schwartz, Albert Finney and Bruce Willis.
Cinematography By: Steven Soderbergh (as Peter Andrews)

Danny Ocean recruits one more team member so he can pull of three major European heists. While this is an okay sequel, it does drag a bit and the scenes with Zeta–Jones feel a tad too rushed and forced. The subplot with Bruce Willis is amusing though. Solid entertainment but nothing special in this reviewer’s opinion… Others may vary. 

Trivia: It is reported that in the rough draft of the script Clint Eastwood was penciled in for a cameo as Linus’ (Matt Damon) father, Bobby Caldwell. Peter Fonda filmed the cameo as Linus’ father but it didn’t make the final cut of the film. Ricky Gervais turned down the role of Basher’s engineer. Bruce Willis, who was originally cast as Danny Ocean in the first film plays himself here.

Rated: [PG–13] – Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)

C – 122m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Danny Ocean 13, Ocean’s 13
Characters By: George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell
Screenplay: Brian Koppelman and David Levien
Dir.: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Michael Mantell, Elliott Gould, Ray Xifo, Al Pacino, Adam Lazarre–White, Eddie Jemison, Don Cheadle, Shaobo Qin, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Eddie Izzard, Maggie Rowe, Ellen Barkin, Jerry Weintraub, Steven Lambert, Jon Wellner, David Paymer, Vincent Cassel, Andy Garcia, Bob Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Harney, James DuMont and Scott L. Schwartz.
Cinematography By: Steven Soderbergh (as Peter Andrews)

Danny Ocean rounds up the boys for a third heist after casino owner Willy Bank double crosses one of the original eleven, Reuben Tishkoff. The third in a trilogy almost never works as well at the first, with few exceptions. This is one of those! The action and suspense are high and the pace is perfect. It hits the ground running and doesn’t let up until the very end of the film. Great use of the Frank Sinatra song: “This Town”! Everyone is in top form here.

Trivia: Matt Damon’s scene was shot in London while he was filming The Bourne Ultimatum (2007). Linus’ fake nose scheme is called, “The Brody,” after actor Adrien Brody. Al Pacino shot all his scenes in three weeks.

Rated: [PG–13] – Brief Sexuality
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

A decade after the final Ocean’s outing for Clooney and the boys, the idea of doing an all female Ocean’s film was floated and people liked the idea. This was set to be the start of a series. Below is the review.

Ocean’s Eight (2018)

C – 110m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ocean’s 8
Based On The Characters Created By: George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell
Story By: Gary Ross
Screenplay By: Gary Ross and Olivia Milch
Prod.: Steven Soderbergh
Dir.: Gary Ross
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchette, Griffin Dunne, Deidre Goodwin, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Gemma Forbes, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Elliot Gould, Richard Armitage, Charlotte Kirk, David Gibson, Dakota Fanning, James Corden, Hailey Baldwin (uncredited), Katie Holmes (uncredited), Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian West (uncredited), Jaime King (uncredited), Olivia Munn (uncredited), Matt Damon (scene deleted) and Carl Reiner (scene deleted).

 Debbie Ocean gathers together a crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s annual Met Gala. Smart spin off of the Clooney remake / series of Ocean’s Eleven (2001–2007). Sandra Bullock plays the late Danny Ocean’s (George Clooney’s) sister who just out of jail puts together a crew of 8 women to pull of a Jewelry heist. There are some nice subtle touches to the film. The presence of “These Boots Are Made For Walking” on the soundtrack is a nod to the fact that Frank Sinatra was in the original Ocean’s 11 (1960), for example. James Corden plays Caesar Romero’s part of insurance investigator to the hilt. The comedy is witty, the acting is good, an attractive cast to be sure, pacing is good and the one–two punch of the real way the heist went down at the end of the film stands up against the Clooney series surprises. Don’t miss this one!   

Trivia: Elliot Gould, Matt Damon and Carl Reiner are the only three of the cast of the Clooney Ocean’s trilogy to appear in the film, though Soderbergh did produce. Elizabeth Banks was approached about a role but dropped out. Sarah Paulson was later cast. Cate Blanchett has the Brad Pitt role in this one. Jennifer Lawrence was offered a role but turned it down due to scheduling conflicts.

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

Hangman (2017)

Hangman (2017)

C – 98m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Hangman: The Killing Game
Starring: Al Pacino, Karl Urban, Brittany Snow, Sarah Shahi, Joe Anderson, Michael Papajohn, Steve Coulter and Michael Rose.

A homicide detective teams up with a criminal profiler to catch a serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the children’s game Hangman. The premise of the film is fairly simple and therefore could have been good or sucked. Thankfully it is the former. This reviewer is on the fence as to the star rating for the film. Due to being impressed with how well the suspense was built several times this could easily fallen into the 3.5 star rating, however, to play it safe it is at the very least the three stars indicated. The acting is satisfactory though unremarkable, though Al Pacino appears to be gliding through the film with his performance. This reviewer also has the nagging question of: Why does Pacino have a semi–Southern accent and no one else does? That point is never explained and is the only major complaint about the film for this reviewer. As noted the suspense is well built, particularly during the train track sequence. The story is basic but serves its purpose well. Worth a look.  

Trivia: This is the 9th time Al Pacino has played a police detective or law enforcement agent. The others were: Serpico (1973), Cruising (1980), Sea Of Love (1989), Heat (1995), Insomnia (2002), 88 Minutes (2007), Righteous Kill (2008), and Son Of No One (2011). This is the second time Joe Anderson was in a serial killer plotted project. The first was the television show: Hannibal (2013–2015).

Rated: [R] – Violent Content, Bloody Images, & Language|
Available on 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 

Life (2017)

Life (2017)

C – 104m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Screenplay By: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick
Dir.: Daniel Espinosa
Starring: Hiroyuki Sanada, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Ariyon Bakare.

A team of scientists aboard the International Space Station discover a rapidly evolving life form that caused extinction on Mars and now threatens all life on Earth. While this film is basically a retooling of Alien (1979), (see Trivia), it is a better–paced version of it in this reviewer’s opinion. There is one good kill in this film. Everything else is pretty much what you would expect to see.

Trivia: Ryan Reynolds intended to play the lead role but took the supporting role due to scheduling conflicts with this film while making: The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017). Rebecca Ferguson almost didn’t make the movie until she met with director Daniel Espinosa who talked her into doing the film. This was Skydance’s first [R]–rated film. In a TV Spot (commercial) it was revealed that this movie reused old B–Roll footage from Spider–Man 3 (2007). This was inspired by the film: Alien (1979).   

Rated: [R] – Language Throughout, Some Sci–Fi Violence & Terror
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman (2017)

C – 141m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
Wonder Woman Created By: William Moulton Marston (Credited), Harry G. Peter (Uncredited)
Story By: Zack Snyder, Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs
Screenplay By: Allan Heinberg
Producers: Deborah Snyder and Zack Snyder
Dir.: Patty Jenkins
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Said Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, Lucy Davis, Danielle Lewis, Zack Snyder, and Robert M. Stafford.

When a pilot crashes and tells of the conflict in the outside world, Diana, a Amazonian Warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discover her full powers and true destiny. Well done but slightly under–paced (slow paced), for this reviewer’s tastes, female superhero film. CGI may be obvious at times and remarkably subtle at others. This is the way the Wonder Woman story should be told though!

Trivia: Gal Gadot had to do reshoots for this film, including stunts, while she was five months pregnant. The crew created a costume with a green screen around her stomach and her stomach was edited out during the CGI process. The discussions about, “the pleasures of the flesh,” was reportedly improvised. Cate Blanchett was offered a role but turned it down so that she could make Thor: Ragnarok (2017). This was the first film that director Patty Jenkins directed since Monster (2003), with Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Violence And Action, & Some Suggestive Content
Available in 3D and 2D on 4K and regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Peter Jackson’s Tolkien Trilogies (2001–2014)

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001–2003) was released in the early 2000’s and then nine years later The Hobbit Trilogy (2012–2014) was released. Although The Hobbit takes place before The Lord Of The Rings, it is presented in review form here after The Lord Of The Rings because that is the order in which the films were made.

The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)

C – 178m (Theatrical Cut) / 228m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring: The Motion Picture
The Fellowship Of The Ring
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Writer – Co–Pro. – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Alan Howard, Sean Astin, Sala Baker, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Sir Ian Holm, Sir Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Sir Ian McKellen, Peter McKenzie, Sarah McLeod, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Peter Jackson and Bret McKenzie.

A fellowship is formed by a wizard consisting of a hobbit and dwarfs to destroy the ring of The Dark Lord Sauron. Masterfully done version of the first book is by far the best way to go with the story. Splendid visuals and enough action to keep one riveted… A MUST WATCH! The preferred cut is the Extended Cut.

Trivia: Sir Christopher Lee would read The Lord Of The Rings trilogy once a year, from the time of it’s publication to the time of his death in 2015. He was also the only cast member to have ever met J.R.R. Tolkien. As such he could often be found visiting the makeup department, giving tips on characters’ appearances. Gandalf’s banging his head against a beam in Bilbo’s hobbit hole was not in the script. Director Peter Jackson thought that Sir Ian McKellen did such a good job acting through the mistake that he left it in.

Viggo Mortensen did his own stunts. Orlando Bloom did most of his own stunts and broke a rib in the process. The reason why the ring stays on the floor when Bilbo dropped it is because the floor was magnetized. The symbolism being: the weight and seriousness of the ring. And finally: The original cut of the film ran 4 hours 30 minutes.

For more information listen to the commentary tracks on the Blu–rays and DVDs and watch the plethora of extras on the Extended Editions of the Blu–rays and DVDs.  

Oscar® winner for: Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, Best Original Musical Score and Best Visual Effects. It was additionally nominated for Oscars® for: Best Picture, Best Director – Peter Jackson, Best Supporting Actor – Sir Ian McKellen, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Song – “May It Be” and Best Sound. The film was also nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Peter Jackson, Best Original Score – Motion Picture, Best Original Song – Motion Picture – “May It Be”.

Rated: [PG–13] – Epic Battle Sequences & Some Scary Images
Available separately in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

C – 179m (Theatrical Cut) / 235m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Two Towers
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Writer – Co–Pro. – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Bruce Allpress, Sean Astin, John Bach, Sala Baker, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Boom, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Bernard Hill, Bruce Hopkins, Sir Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Karl Urban, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Sean Bean and Peter Jackson.

Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor aided by Gollum, and he rest of The Fellowship make a stand against Sauron’s new ally, Saruman. Long but masterfully done second film in the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy.

Trivia: When Gollum eats a raw fish, it is actually Andy Serkis chewing on a fish shaped lollipop. For more on the plethora of trivia watch the bonus features on the Extended Cut Blu–rays and DVDs.

Oscar® winner for: Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. It was additionally nominated for the Oscars® for: Best Picture, Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Film Editing and Best Sound. The film was also nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director – Motion Picture – Peter Jackson.

Rated: [PG–13] – Epic Battle Sequences & Scary Images
Available separately in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)

C – 201m (Theatrical Cut) / 263m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Return Of The King
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Writer – Co–Producer – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Ali Astin, Sean Astin, John Bach, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Bernard Hill, Sir Ian Holm, Bruce Hopkins, Sir Ian McKellen, Bret McKenzie, Sarah McLeod, Viggo Mortensen, John Noble, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Karl Urban, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Alan Howard, Sala Baker, Brad Dourif, Sir Christopher Lee and Peter Jackson.

Gandalf and Aragorn create a distraction with The World Of Men so that Frodo and Sam can get to Mount Doom to destroy the ring. A masterful ending to the trilogy!

Trivia: A normal movie has about 200 visual effects shots, this film had 1,488 visual effects shots. Peter Jackson had arachnophobia and based the Shelob’s designs on the kind of spiders he is afraid of. And finally the final day of shooting happened over a month after the movie was theatrically released and three weeks after the 2004 Oscars®. Peter Jackson thought it was funny to be shooting a film that already won Oscars®. The final shot is available on the Extended Edition of the film.  

11 Award Oscar® winner for: Best Picture, Best Director – Peter Jackson, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Original Song – “Into The Mix”, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects. The film was additionally won for Golden Globes for: Best Director – Motion Picture – Peter Jackson, Best Original Score – Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Original Song – Motion Picture – “Into The West”.

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Epic Battle Sequences & Frightening Images
Available separately in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

C – 169m (Theatrical Cut) / 182m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen / 2.00:1 – Widescreen (IMAX)
Note: 2D – 24 – 30 Frames Per Second / 3D – 60 – 80 Frames Per Second
A.K.A.: The Hobbit: Part I, The Hobbit: Part 1, The Hobbit Part I, The Hobbit Part 1
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Screenwriters: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro
Co–Pro. – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Sir Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Ken Stott, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Peter Hambleton, Sir Ian Holm, Elijah Wood, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Sir Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Bret McKenzie, Benedict Cumberbatch and Peter Jackson.

A hobbit gets talked into taking a journey with dwarfs to recover their treasure from a dragon. They start their journey… A long anticipated and delayed first entry in the prequel trilogy to The Lord Of The Rings (2001–2003), is appreciable but a bit of a letdown from what it could have been if given the same quality treatment that Rings received. Still it is superior to the animated version of The Hobbit (1977).

Trivia: Daniel Radcliffe, Shia LaBeouf, James McAvoy, Erryn Arkin and Tobey Maguire were all considered for the role of Bilbo Baggins, though Martin Freeman was always the first choice according to Peter Jackson. As such, Jackson rearranged the shooting schedule to accommodate Freeman, who was also contracted for the television series: Sherlock (2010–2017). According to Peter Jackson: When Jackson issued the invite to this movie’s premier via phone to Christopher Lee, Lee reportedly said, “I’m still in the movie?” This was a snarky remark stemming from a brief falling out that Lee and Jackson had because Jackson cut Lee from the theatrical cut of The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003). For more trivia check out the bonus features on the various editions of this film.

Rated: [PG – 13] – Extended Sequences Of Intense Fantasy Action Violence & Frightening Images
Available in 2D & 3D and in Theatrical Cut & Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013)

C – 161m  (Theatrical Cut) / 186m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen / 2.00:1 – Widescreen (IMAX)
Note: 2D – 24 – 30 Frames Per Second / 3D – 60 – 80 Frames Per Second
A.K.A.: The Hobbit: There And Back Again Part II, The Hobbit: There And Back Again Part 2, There And Back Again Part II, The Hobbit: Part II, The Hobbit: Part 2, The Hobbit Part II, The Hobbit Part 2, Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien                 
Co–Screenwriters: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro
Co–Pro. – Dir.:  Peter Jackson
Starring: Sir Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Peter Hambleton, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Stephen Colbert, Peter Jackson and Ed Sheeran.

The company continues their journey to get their land back from Smaug the dragon.  Bilbo has, “the one ring to rule them all.” The best entry in The Hobbit Trilogy boasts of wonder CGI in the creation of Smaug the dragon. Almost everything works here!

Trivia: Orlando Bloom performed all his own stunts. Benedict Cumberbatch suggested writing and reading the Necromancer’s Black Speech backwards and then having the editors reverse it in order to make it sound demonic and unholy. And: Sir Christopher Lee stated that he would have loved to voice Smaug the dragon.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Sound Mixing, Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing.

Rated: [PG–13] – Extended Sequences Of Intense Fantasy Action Violence & Frightening Images
Available in 2D & 3D and in Theatrical Cut & Extended Cut on 3D on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies (2014)

C – 142m (Theatrical Cut) / 164m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen  / 2.00:1 – Widescreen (IMAX)
Note: 2D – 24 – 30 Frames Per Second / 3D – 60 – 80 Frames Per Second
A.K.A.: The Hobbit: There And Back Again, The Hobbit: Part III, The Hobbit Part III, The Hobbit: Part 3, The Hobbit Part 3
Novel By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Co–Screenwriters: Fran Walsh, Pilippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro
Co–Pro. – Dir.: Peter Jackson
Starring: Sir Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Ken Scott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Peter Hambleton, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Sir Christopher Lee, Sir Ian Holm, Benedict Cumberbatch, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Billy Connolly, Billy Boyd and Peter Jackson.

Bilbo and company enter battle in order to keep The Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of the rising darkness. A satisfactory conclusion to The Hobbit Trilogy features a deadening battle that lasts most of the film. Pacing is a bit uneven this time around though. Still, it stands stand up well as part of the trilogy. 

Trivia: This was the last film featuring Sir Christopher Lee to be completed and released before his death at age 93 on June 7, 2015. And: Sir Ian Holm and Sir Christopher Lee filmed their scenes in Pinewood Studios in London, England because of a concern about traveling to New Zealand due to health issues. 

Oscar® nominated for Best Sound Editing.

Rated: [PG – 13] – Extended Sequences Of Intense Fantasy Action Violence & Frightening Images (Theatrical Cut)
[R] – Some Violence (Extended Cut)
Available in 2D & 3D and in Theatrical Cut & Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Austin Powers Trilogy

Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)

C – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Meyers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York, Mimi Rogers, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, Charles Napier, Will Ferrell, Clint Howard, Cindy Margolis, Barbara Ann Moore, Brian George, Burt Bacharach, Tom Arnold, Carrie Fisher, Susanna Hoffs, Richard Joel, Mike Judge, Rob Lowe, Michael McDonald, Christian Slater and Sterling Wolfe.

After being cryonically frozen in the 1960’s and released in the 1990’s the swinging 1960’s spy Austin Powers, now paired with his former partner’s daughter, chases his old nemesis Dr. Evil, who was also frozen in the 1960’s and released in the 1990’s. The first Austin Powers film is smart and fresh, despite being another parody of the popular 1960’s spy films. The cast is game and the material is fun. One trivia note: Mike Myers wanted Jim Carrey to play Dr. Evil but Carrey passed due to scheduling conflicts with his own film, Liar Liar (1997).

Rated: [PG–13] – Nudity, Sex–Related Dialogue & Humor
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

C – 95m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers 2: It’s Shagging Time, The Return Of Dr. Evil, It’s Shagging Time, Austin Powers 2
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Myers, Heather Graham, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Rob Lowe, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer, Elizabeth Hurley, Kevin Cooney, Clint Howard, Jeff Garlin, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael McDonald, Steve Wilkos, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Kristen Johnston, Charles Napier, Willie Nelson, Tim Robbins, Rebecca Romijn, Jerry Springer and Fred Willard. 

Dr. Evil travels back to 1969 and steals Austin Power’s mojo while Powers is frozen. The current day Powers suffers from it and in turn travels back to 1969 to stop Dr. Evil’s 2nd attempt and world domination; he (Powers) is paired with Felicity Shagwell. Oscar® nominated for Best Makeup. The makeup is impressive and the gags are abundant. Rarely is a sequel better than the original but this is the case here. Almost everything works.

Trivia: It took 7 hour for Mike Myers to get into the Fat Bastard suit and makeup. Reportedly Heather Graham was about to accept an offer to appear in a softcore porn film until she landed the role in this film. Additionally it is reported that she used some of the money she made from this film to buy a copy of the said film that she would have been in. And finally it is reported that Mike Myers partially based Heather Graham’s character, Felicity Shagwell, on the title character in Barbarella (1968).

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Innuendo & Crude Humor
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Austin Powers In Goldmember (2002)

C – 94m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers: Never Say Member Again, The Third Installment Of ‘Austin Powers’, The Next Installment Of Austin Powers, Austin Powers: Goldmember, Austin Powers 3, Austinpussy
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Myers, Beyonce (Knowles), Seth Green, Sir Michael York, Robert Wagner, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer, Sir Michael Caine, Fred Savage, Kevin Cooney, Clint Howard, Mandy Moore, Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, Britney Spears, Nathan Lane, Katie Couric, Michael McDonald, Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, John Travolta, Burt Bacharach, Rob Lowe, Will Ferrell and Heather Graham.

Dr. Evil teams with 1970’s whack–job Goldmember for world domination and kidnapping Austin’s father. Once again Austin Powers must travel back in time, to stop Dr. Evil, Goldmember and rescue his father. He does so only to learn some long buried truths about his family. The third outing in the series is tired and it shows. The humor appears to be recycled from the first two films but the added laughs of poking fun at Hollywood for music videos and films were / are welcome. The cast is game even if some of the material is subpar. Worth a watch just to complete the series.  

Trivia: Heather Graham reprised her role in a scene that was ultimately cut from the film and so did Will Ferrell, this time answering the question he was asked four times. Sir Sean Connery was considered for the role that went to Sir Michael Caine. Sir Michael Caine used his glasses from The Ipcress Files (1965), which Austin Powers’ glasses were modeled after. And finally: Director Jay Roach’s first cut of the film ran three hours.  

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Innuendo, Crude Humor & Langauge
Out Of Print On VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Foreigner (2017)

The Foreigner (2017)

C. – 114m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Chinaman
Dir.: Martin Campbell
Starring: Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan

A humble businessman turns vigilantly bomber after his daughter is killed in a bombing, in order to get a local politician he suspects to be lying to help him find the men that killed his daughter. If you will pardon the pun this Chan film packs a punch. Most of Chan’s works have been action comedies. As of late he has turned to action dramas and has been fairly successful at it. This one is a masterpiece though. Although there is very little humor in the film there is plenty of suspense and action. In this reviewer’s humble opinion, this may be Chan’s best action – drama. It will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Some trivia: Director Martin Campbell previously worked with Pierce Brosnan on the James Bond film GoldenEye (1995). This was Campbell’s comeback film, six years after making the colossal flop Green Lantern (2011). Nick Cassavetes was offered a chance to direct this but turned it down. The book The Chinaman by Stephen Leather was the basis for this film; the book’s title was the film’s working title and current also known as title. Both Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan starred in versions of Around The World In 80 Days. Chan’s was the theatrical flop in 2004, which Brosnan’s was a television mini–series in the 1980’s. 

Rated: [R] – Violence, language and some sexual material.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.