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

Male Sexual Abuse Films (1996–2015)

Male Sexual Abuse Films (1996–2015)

Sleepers (1996)

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

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

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

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

Mystic River (2003)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spotlight (2015)

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

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

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

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

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

Other Jack The Ripper Films & Shows (1961–2017)

 Thriller: Season 1, Episode 28: Yours Truly, Jack The Ripper (1961)

B&W – 60m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
Story: Yours Truly, Jack The Ripper by Robert Bloch
Adaptation By: Barre Lyndon
Prod.: William Frye
Dir.: Ray Milland
Starring: Boris Karloff, John Williams, Donald Woods, Edmon Ryan, Ottola Nesmith, Adam Williams, Nancy Valentine, Sam Gilman, Gloria Blondell and J. Pat O’Malley.
Music By: Jerry Goldsmith

70 years after the Jack The Ripper killings in London, Sir Guy convinces the police that Jack The Ripper may still be alive, eternally young, and still killing, currently in New York City. Smart and spooky rendering of the tale of Jack The Ripper. While the gory sensationalism of the later Ripper film and television outings is absent, the atmosphere and tension of “Who is Jack The Ripper,” is present and makes this a must watch. Milland handled the directorial work splendidly and the actors are capable. Karloff, “The Gentle Monster”, intros this tale of suspense with his soothing voice very nicely. He was the perfect host for this show. 

Trivia: The director of this episode of Thriller, Ray Milland starred in Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s Dial M For Murder with actor John Williams. The story’s author Robert Bloch is the same man who wrote the novel Psycho (1960) was based on. He subsequently wrote sequels to Psycho and a Jack The Ripper novel, after this short story, titled: Night Of The Ripper.

Out Of Print on DVD but Available on YouTube and Digital Copy

Time After Time (1979)

C – 112m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 / 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Theatrical Ratio) / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray Ratio)
Story: Time After Time by Karl Alexander and Steve Hayes
Screenplay By: Nicholas Meyer
Dir.: Nicholas Meyer
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, David Warner, Mary Steenburgen, Michael Evans, John Colton, Corey Feldman, Neil Armstrong (archival sound), Sir Winston Churchill (archival sound), Jimi Hendrix (archival footage), John F. Kennedy (archival sound), Douglas MacArthur (archival sound), Edward R. Murrow (archival sound), Franklin D. Roosevelt (archival sound).

H.G. Welles chases Jack The Ripper through time to the 20th Century when the serial murderer uses the future writer’s time machine to escape his own time. Smart and literate Sci–fi yarn pits H.G. Welles brilliantly against Jack The Ripper. This premise has spawned several books over the years and a failed TV show in 2017 (see review below). A cult classic like this is stylish though somewhat average. Worth watching over the failed show with the same title though!   

Trivia: Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen met and fell in love while making this film. They were subsequently married from September 29, 1980 – October 1, 1990. Screenwriter – director Nicholas Meyer chose not to let them meet before they filmed the scene where they meet in order to keep their reaction fresh for the take. Malcolm McDowell listened to recordings of H.G. Welles to prep for his role as Welles. The real Welles’ voice was high and croaky according to McDowell, hence he chose not to imitate it. All four of H.G. Welles’ children were still alive when this film was released. A deleted scene had H.G. Welles meeting a punk on a bus who was playing loud music on a boom–box. The premise of the scene was later used in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), which was also co–written and directed by Nicholas Meyer. In the chase scenes at the hotel David Warner had a stunt double as he was recovering from two broken ankles at the time. In the close–ups you can see him running gingerly so as to not hurt himself. This was Corey Feldman’s film debut. Reportedly, Nicholas Meyer originally wanted Edward Fox as The Ripper; then he considered Mick Jagger as The Ripper but just couldn’t see him in the role. The studio wanted Sally Field for the role that went to Mary Steenburgen. This was the second Jack The Ripper film of 1979, the other was: Murder My Decree (1979) (see review in another entry).

Rated: [PG]
Out Of Print on Laserdisc Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy through The Warner Archive Collection 

Jack’s Back (1988)

C – 97m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: A Knife To Kill, The Ripper, Red Rain
Writer – Dir.: Rowdy Herrington
Starring: James Spader, Cynthia Gibb, Jim Haynie, Robert Picardo, Rod Loomis and Chris Mulkey.

A serial killer in Los Angeles, California celebrates Jack The Ripper’s 100th birthday (anniversary) by committing similar murders and only one person has a chance at stopping him. This reviewer will resist the urge to make cutting remarks about this film. However the film does have a slow pace, iffy acting and a script that never builds suspense. It plays like a television movie, at best. Still, James Spader does his best with the lackluster material. As noted in the description of the film, the “birthday” of Jack The Ripper is actually the anniversary of his killings. This reviewer does not know many babies with surgical skills. 

Trivia: Director Harrington wanted the title to be: Red Rain, and to have Peter Gabriel’s song play over the opening credits. Due to budget restraints, he couldn’t get the rights to the song. So he had Paul Saax compose: “Red Harvest”. At the last minute the studio decided Red Rain had nothing to do with the film and changed the title to Jack’s Back.

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

The Ripper (1997)

C – 96m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ripper
Written By: Robert Rodat
Exec. Prod.: Mark Gordon
Dir.: Janet Meyers
Starring: Patrick Bergin, Gabrielle Anwar, Samuel West, Michael York, Essie Davis, Karen Davitt and Josephine Keen.

The tale of Jack The Ripper and the lives of the people around him. “…Someone’s sneakin’, ‘round the corner...” A typical Jack The Ripper tale is boosted by the approach of focusing on the royal family rather than the victims. While this is a 1990’s television movie, it has the quality of an indie film sleeper hit. There are some factual errors as with any Ripper film / show. This is more of a drama than a mystery but the suspense still builds making it a good thriller.

Trivia: Samuel West previously played Prince Albert Victor Edward as a young child in: Edward The King (1975), in which his father, Timothy West, played the title role.

Rated: [R] – Violence & Sexuality
Out Of Print on VHS and not available on YouTube or Digital Copy, though it occasionally runs on TV 

Ripper (2001)

C – 114m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ripper: Letter From Hell
Story By: John A Curtis and Evan Tylor
Screenplay By: Pat Bermel and Neil Bermel
Exec. Prod. – Prod.: John A Curtis (as John Cutis)
Dir.: John Eyres
Starring: A.J. Cook, Bruce Payne, Ryan Northcott, Derek Hamilton, Daniella Evangelista, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Kelly Brook and Bruce Pinard.

A massacre survivor studies serial killers under a famous expert, but her classmates soon start dying at the hands of a Jack The Ripper copycat. Excesses of excesses hamper this otherwise okay gory chiller. Followed by a sequel: Ripper 2: Letter From Within (2004).

Rated: [R] – Violence / Gore, Sexuality & Language
Available on DVD & Digital Copy 

Ripper 2: Letter From Within (2004)

C – 85m (Uncut) 89m (DVD)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Story By: Evan Tylor, Jonas Quastel, and John A. Curtis
Screenplay By: Jonas Quastel and John Sheppard
Additional Screenplay By: Pat Bermel and Neil Bermel
Exec. Prod.: John A. Curtis
Dir.: Jonas Quastel and Lloyd A. Simandl
Starring: Erin Karpluk and Richard Bremmer

When Ripper Murders start occurring to a haunted mental patient who survived the first film, time will tell who the killer is. A killer is on the loose in the nut house plot works rather well here. Better pacing than the first film and more of a coherent story make this superior to its predecessor. 

Rated: [R] – Strong Sexual Content, Violence & Language
Available on DVD & Digital Copy 

Ripper Street: The Complete Series (2012 – 2017)

C – 59m. Per Episode
Aspect Ratio: 16X9 / 1.78:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Various. Writers: Various.

Starring: Matthew Macfadyen, Adam Rothenberg, MyAnna Buring, Jerome Flynn, David Wilmot, Charlene McKenna, David Dawson, Anna Burnett, Clive Russell and others.

The crimes of Jack The Ripper, and some of the other criminals, on the streets around the time of the Ripper killings, as they relate to Inspector Reid and company. Excellent telling of The Ripper tale bookending a series of crimes committed by thugs, rapists, murderers, and sometimes even the police force. Not one false note in this series. Although the episode count is low, the body count is high and the production is vivid. A must for Ripperphiles and fans of period piece films and shows! Be forewarned: This is NOT for the squeamish. Disclaimer: This reviewer is a self-taught Ripperphile and therefore holds some prejudice in favor of this show and others like it.     

Trivia: BBC 1 and BBC America decided to cancel the show in 2013 after two seasons. Amazon.com picked up the show and aired it on their streaming service and on BBC 1 and BBC America. That stint ran three additional seasons; totaling five seasons and 36 episodes. This show was filmed primarily in the U.K. and England.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Time After Time: The Complete Series (2017)

C – 552m
Writers: Various
Novelization: Time After Time by Karl Alexander
Dir.s: Various
Starring: Freddie Stroma and Josh Bowman.

H.G. Welles takes his time machine through time to chase Jack The Rippers and other notable Troubledoers. This abysmal attempt to bring the Nicholas Meyer cult classic to the small screen for the modern audience should be avoided at all cost. By that this reviewer means: don’t spend money to see it! The acting resembles Charlie McCarthy sans humor and the story is stretched beyond reason. What is left is 552 minutes of agony for anyone that has good will towards the 1979 cult classic film, from which this abomination is derived. Weirdly the television show: Sleepy Hollow (2013–2017), derived from the 1999 Tim Burton film, succeeds where this one failed, in this reviewer’s opinion. Others may think differently on these points of course. But in the interest of saving people time after time, don’t bother with this one!

Available on Digital Copy

The Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Series (2001 – 2011 & 2016 – 2024)

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

C – 152m (Theatrical Cut) / 159m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter
Novel: Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Exec. Pro. – Dir.: Chris Columbus
Exec. Pro.: Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Sir Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Daniel Radcliffe, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Richard Griffiths, Ian Hart, Warwick Davis, Verne Troyer, Sir John Hurt, Richard Bremmer, Geraldine Somerville, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Chris Rankin, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Alfred Enoch, Leslie Phillips, Sir John Cleese, Terence Bayler, Simon Fisher–Becker, Nina Young, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Zoe Wanamaker, Elizabeth Spriggs, Derek Hough and Julianne Hough.

Music By: John Williams

Orphaned Harry Potter is rescued from negligent stepparents and is sent to Hogwarts for his first year of school. He makes new friends, makes the sports team, and faces some sinister goings on at the school. Masterful adaption of the first Potter novel soars with great acting, a John Hughes like charm, added by Chris Columbus (who directed the first two Hughes Home Alone films), and a wonderful set of CGI images.

Trivia: Alan Rickman was hand picked by J.K. Rowling for the role of Snape. She gave him the vital details of Snape’s backstory that were not revealed until the final novel. Sir Richard Harris had trouble remembering his lines. Daniel Radcliffe would ask him to help run lines so that Harris would have more practice. Robbie Coltrane was the first actor cast. J.K. Rowling vetoed at least one line in the script because it would contradict her then unpublished Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. Rosie O’Donnell wanted to be in the movie as Molly Weasley and so did Robin Williams as Hagrid. They both asked to play the roles without pay but Rowling vetoed it saying she wanted a strictly English and Irish cast. 

Oscar® nominated for: Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Costume Design and Best Original Score – John Williams.

Rated: [PG] – Some Scary Moments & Mild Language
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002)

C – 161m (Theatrical Cut) / 174m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Chamber Of Secrets, Incident At 57th Street, Harry Potter 2
Novel: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Exec. Pro. – Dir.: Chris Columbus
Exec. Pro.: Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Toby Jones, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, Chris Rankin, Tom Felton, Jason Isaacs, Robbie Coltrane, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Matthew Lewis, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Sir Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Miriam Margolyes, Sir John Cleese, Alfred Enoch, Warwick Davis, Shirley Henderson, Leslie Phillips, Christian Coulson, Robert Hardy and Julian Glover.
Music By: John Williams

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley have a hard time getting to Hogwarts and darker goings on make Harry suspect something is up. Unfortunately Harry is hearing a strange voice in his head. A mysterious journal holds secrets from Harry’s past and a nice but clumsy elf named Dobby wants to help Harry Potter. Great sequel starts the shift of the story to a darker tone. Almost everything works here. Over–length hampers it a bit.

Trivia: Rupert Grint has a terrible case of severe arachnophobia to the point that he didn’t have to act in the spider scene. To this day, he still hasn’t watched the entire sequence. Sir Richard Harris died a few weeks before the film’s release. Director Chris Columbus reported visiting him in the hospital shortly before he passed and having Harris yelling at him, “Don’t you dare recast the part! I’ll be fine for the next film!” Full–size models of the actors replaced them when their characters were supposed to be petrified. One of two Harry Potter films not to be nominated for Oscars®; the other was Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007). 

Rated: [PG] – Scary Moments, Some Creature Violence & Mild Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004)

C – 142m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban: The Imax Experience, The Prisoner Of Azkaban, Harry Potter 3
Novel: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: Alfonso Cuaron
Producers: Chris Columbus and Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Richard Griffiths, Pam Ferris, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Gary Oldman, Robert Hardy, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Chris Rankin, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, David Thewlis, Warwick Davis, David Bradley, Sir Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Dame Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Josh Herman, Alfred Enoch, Emma Thompson, Jamie Waylett, Julie Christie and Timothy Spall.
Music By: John Williams

The third year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter and company finds the school with a new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher with a secret, dark happenings going on and a murderer named Serious Black on the loose, who is said to be out for Harry himself. Well done entry in the series is a step down from the first two but it is still well done. Be aware that this is the final outing in the: [PG] rated entries and at the time was a shock that it was not: [PG–13].

Trivia: In order to get to know the lead actors director Alfonso Cuaron had them writer character essays in the first person. Daniel Radcliffe wrote a one–page summary, Emma Watson wrote a 16–page essay – indicative of Hermione – and Rupert Grint never turned his in. A clause in the director’s contract forbade him from cursing in front of the kids. Sir Ian McKellen turned down the role of Dumbledore after playing Gandolf by saying two things. 1.) “I had enough trouble living up to one legend. Two would be two much to hope for.” (This reviewer would like to point out that Sir Ian McKellen played and elderly Sherlock Holmes masterfully in Mr. Holmes (2015), making it two legends anyway!) 2.) That he would be an ill fit to replace Sir Richard Harris because Richard Harris considered him, “a dreadful actor.”  

Nominated for Oscars® for: Best Special Effects and Best Original Score – John Williams.
Rated: [PG] – Frightening Moments, Creature Violence & Mild Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005)

C – 157m (Theatrical Cut) / 166m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire: The IMAX Experience, The Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter 4
Novel: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: Mike Newell
Starring: Eric Sykes, Timothy Spall, David Tennant, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Jeff Rawle, Robert Pattinson, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Stanislav Yanevski, Robert Hardy, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, Robbie Coltrane, Sir Michael Gambon, David Bradley, Warwick Davis, Clemence Poesy, Dame Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson, Alfred Enoch, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Miranda Richardson, Gary Oldman and Sir Ralph Fiennes. 

Harry Potter finds himself in his 4th year at Hogwarts competing in a potentially dangerous game that is the wizard equivalent of the Olympics. The best of the Potter films and books boasts of splendid acting, great CGI and perfect pacing. Book purists will wriggle in pain over much of the book being cut away but for masterful story telling and striking the perfect balance between light and dark in the series, you can’t do better than this.

Trivia: In one of the first takes of Hermione’s “Cinderella moment”, Emma Watson tripped and fell down the stairs. Mike Newell didn’t realize Alan Rickman wore contacts for his role as Snape, so it took him by surprise when he was complimenting Rickman on his eye color and Rickman popped one of them out. Daniel Radcliffe alone logged 41 hours and 38 minutes underwater during the filming of the underwater scenes. Radcliffe also suffered two ear infections following said filming. 

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Fantasy Violence & Frightening Images
Oscar® nominated for: Best Art Direction – Set Decoration.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)

C – 138m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix: The IMAX Experience, The Order Of The Phoenix, Harry Potter 5, Tip Top
Novel: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Michael Goldberg
Dir.: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Melling, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Robert Pattinson, Ralph Fiennes, Natalia Tena, Brendan Gleeson, George Harris, Peter Cartwright, Gary Oldman, Mark Williams, David Thewlis, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Julie Walters, Timothy Bateson, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Robert Hardy, Jason Isaacs, Chris Rankin, Sir Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herdman, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Alfred Enoch, Warwick Davis, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane and Timothy Spall.

With their warning of Lord Voldemort’s return, Harry Potter and Dumbledore are targeted by Wizarding authorities as they slowly take over Hogwarts. Meanwhile there is a prophecy waiting to be heard and fulfilled. The least of both the book and film series in this reviewer’s opinion. Though the film isn’t terrible it is a huge step down from the rest of the series and serves only as a bridge story, the plot points of which can be guessed from the very beginning. 

Trivia: The second of two films in the series not to be nominated for Oscars®; the other being Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002). During filming Alan Rickman banned Matthew Lewis and Rupert Grint from being within five meters of his BMW because during the making of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005) they had spilt a milkshake on his car. Evanna Lynch, the actress that plays Luna Lovegood, made her character’s radish earrings. Stephen King said that the character of Delores Umbridge was, “the greatest make believe villain to come along since Hannibal Lecter.”

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Fantasy Violence & Frightening Images
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince (2009)

C – 153m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince: The IMAX Experience, The Half–Blood Prince, HP And The HBP, Harry Potter 6
Novel: Harry Potter And The Half–Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Bonnie Wright, Dame Julie Walters, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall, Alan Rickman, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, Tom Felton, Alfred Enoch, Evanna Lynch, Jamie Waylett, Josh Herman, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, David Bradley, Matthew Lewis, Dame Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Natalia Tena, Mark Williams, Jason Isaacs and Robert Knox.

Harry Potter in his 6th year at Hogwarts finds a bookmark with the name “The Half–Blood Prince” on it. He also finds dark secrets from Voldemort’s past. The redemption film and book of the respective mediums’ series, in this reviewer’s opinion. The film is a step up from the pervious one and is haunting well past the first viewing though it is strictly routine. Great acting and CGI as always. 

Trivia: Robert Knox, who plays Marcus Belby, was stabbed to death on May 24, 2008, just a few days after filming wrapped. Dame Maggie Smith completed filming while undergoing radio–therapy as treatment for breast cancer. Daniel Radcliffe hated his own performance in the film and stated that it was, “hard to watch.” Warner Brothers reportedly received death threats for pushing the release of this film from 2008 to 2009. Emma Watson almost exited the series after the last one but stuck it out. Speculated reasons as to why may vary. Bill Nighy was hired to play Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister Of Magic, but there was no place for him in this film so his role was switched to Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010).

Oscar® nominated for Best Cinematography.
Rated: [PG–13] – Scary Images, Some Violence & Mild Sensuality
[PG–13] – Some Disturbing, Bloody Violence Including Mature Thematic Material, Language, Sexuality, & Disturbing Elements / Images
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

C – 146m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: The Deathly Hollows Part 1, The Deathly Hollows, Harry Potter 7
Novel: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Producer: J.K. Rowling
Starring: Bill Nighy, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Harry Melling, Daniel Radcliffe, Dame Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Rupert Grint, Fiona Shaw, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Helen Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Timothy Spall, Sir Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Brendan Gleeson, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, George Harris, Domhnall Gleeson, Clemence Poesy, Natalia Tena, David Thewlis, John Hurt, Evanna Lynch, Rhys Ifans, Simon McBurney, Matthew Lewis, Josh Herdman, Katie Leung, Imelda Staunton, Toby Jones, Miranda Richardson and Warwick Davis.

Harry, Ron and Hermione travel around destroying Horcruxes and discover the three most powerful objects in the Wizarding world: The Deathly Hallows. The first Harry Potter entry to be called a “Road,” film at the time is more of an angry and melancholy adventure film. The dance in the tent was a nice touch, given that it was not planned to be shot. Once again this is a bridge story but when viewed in the bigger context of the whole novel, it is less annoying than Order Of The Phoenix.

Trivia: Jason Isaacs, Lucius Malfoy, almost didn’t return for this one, thinking his character would have little screen time since he was arrested in Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007). When he met with J.K. Rowling he begged to be let out of prison and she replied, “You’re out, chapter 1.” The filming of the “Seven Harrys” scene was so complex that Daniel Radcliffe counted over 90 takes just for one shot. Upon seeing the set for Hermione’s bedroom Emma Watson told the set decorators that there should be more books, which they happily accommodated. This was the first of the films to have J.K. Rowling as a producer. One of the posters in the scene where Harry, Ron and Hermione apparate into London is for the play Equus, which Daniel Radcliffe was in. A scene of Tonks telling Mrs. Weasley that she, Tonks, was pregnant was shot but was ultimately cut from the final film. David Holmes, 25, Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double sustained a serious back injury performing an aerial sequence where he had to fall to the ground after an explosion. The only film in the series not to feature Dame Maggie Smith.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction.

This was planned–to–be released theatrically in 3D but the 3D rendering was not perfected in time for the theatrical release. It is available on Blu–ray in 3D though.  

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sequences Of Intense Action Violence, Frightening Images & Brief Sensuality
Available in 3D and 2D on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

C – 130m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen – 3D & 2D
A.K.A.: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 Part 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 Part 2, Harry Potter 7 – 2 3D, Harry Potter 7 – 2, Harry Potter 8
Novel: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Screenplay By: Steve Kloves
Dir.: David Yates
Prod.: J.K. Rowling
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Sir Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Evanna Lynch, Domhnall Gleeson, Clemence Poesy, Warwick Davis, John Hurt, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Alfred Enoch, Katie Leung, Bonnie Wright, Dame Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent Jash Herdman, George Harris, David Thewlis, Dame Julie Walters, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Chris Rankin, David Bradley, Natalia Tena, Emma Thompson, Leslie Phillips, Timothy Spall, Robbie Coltrane, Gary Oldman and Ian Hart.

Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione search for the remainder of Voldemort’s Horcruxes as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts. A wonderful finish to a great series! Rickman stands out with his performance as Snape.

Trivia: Daniel Radcliffe reportedly broke around 80 wands during the franchise since he was using them as drumsticks. In the Gringotts scene near the beginning of the film where Hermione has taken Polyjuice Potion to look like Bellatrix, Helena Bonham Carter is doing an impression of Emma Watson since Watson did a demo for Bonham Carter of how Hermione would act if she were in the scene. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint both had bum casts made so that the seats on the brooms would be more comfortable to sit on.

Oscar® nominated for Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction.

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

The Post (2017 / 2018)

The Post (2017/2018)

C – 116m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Untitled Steven Spielberg Pentagon Papers, The Pentagon Papers, The Papers, ‘Nor’Easter
Pro. – Dir.: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Matthew Rhys, Alison Brie, Michael Devine, Walter Cronkite, Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy.
Music By: John Williams

A cover–up spanning four presidents drive the first female paper publisher and her editor to fight the war between the government and the press. This reviewer must say up front that this film has the same issue as Steven Spielberg’s Bridge Of Spies (2015) in that the first half hour or so of dialogue is useless to the story. Unlike Spies, this one recovers nicely and delivers the goods over–all. Performances are good and the script, pertaining to the main story – sans the first half hour or so deviation, is well plotted. This film was nominated for six Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Steven Spielberg, Best Screenplay – Motion Picture, Best Original Score – John Williams and Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama – Meryl Streep. It also won the AFI Award for Best Film Of The Year. One trivia note: Meryl Streep adlibbed the line, “Glad I never have to go through this again.”

Rated: [PG–13] – Language & Brief War Violence
Available on 4K Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy