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

The Shape Of Water (2017)

The Shape Of Water (2017)

C  / B&W – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Story By: Guillermo del Toro
Screenplay By: Guillermo del Toro and J. Miles Dale
Pro. – Dir.: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones, David Hewlett and Nick Searcy.

In the 1950’s a lonely janitor at a top-secret research lab starts a relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity. A creature film in the style of The Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954), right down to the design of the creature; difference being: this is a love story. The film is by no means fast paced but it has the visual flair of del Toro to off–set it. Period detail is nice, sets are impeccable, costumes are tops and the actors play their parts with gusto. How can you go wrong? The only complaint here is that it is a creature film from the 1950’s released in 2017. In short: It has all been done before. Unlike most creature films though you actually feel for the creature here. Between that and the romance element being played in an entirely different way makes this a film worth watching. 

Trivia: The creature’s design here was heavily influenced by the title creature in the film: The Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954). Guillermo del Toro reportedly wrote backstories for all the characters and offered them to the actors. Some utilized them (Michael Stuhlbarg) while others ignored them (Richard Jenkins). Guillermo del Toro started work on this film in 2011.

Oscar® winner for: Best Picture – Guillermo del Toro and J Miles Dale, Best Director – Guillermo del Toro, Best Original Score and Best Production Design. Additionally nominated for Oscars® for: Best Actress – Sally Hawkins, Best Supporting Actor – Richard Jenkins, Best Supporting Actress – Octavia Spencer, Best Original Screenplay – Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Film Editing. Golden Globe winner for: Best Director – Motion Picture – Guillermo del Toro and Best Original Score – Motion Picture. Additionally nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama – Sally Hawkins, Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture – Richard Jenkins, Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture – Octavia Spencer, Best Original Screenplay – Guillermo Del Toro.

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

The Twilight Saga (2008 – 2012)

Twilight (2008)

C – 122m (Theatrical Cut) / 126m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Twilight Saga: Twilight, Twilight Saga: Twilight, Twilight 1
Novel: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Dir.: Catherine Hardwicke
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Sarah Clarke, Billy Burke, Gil Birmingham, Taylor Lautner, Anna Kendrick, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Robert Pattinson, Ned Bellamy and Stephanie Meyer.

A teenage girl risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire. The first entry in The Twilight Saga (2008–2012) is pretty good. It certainly launched the prominence of the careers of Lautner, Stewart and Pattinson, though they had all done work previously. Director Hardwicke also saw a boost in her career. Worth a watch.

Trivia: Robert Pattinson is actually playing the piano when Edward plays, “Bella’s Lullaby.” Nikki Reed was the one who suggested putting Robert Pattinson’s songs on the soundtrack. She recorded some of his songs with her laptop and brought them to the producers when she pitched the idea. He accepted the next day. In the scene where Bella goes to The Cullen house Nikki Reed’s character breaks a bowl, Nikki Reed is wearing gloves in the scene. That is because in an earlier take of breaking the bowl she cut her hands. For a few weeks before filming began on Twilight Robert Pattinson stopped talking to people so he could feel as isolated as Edward did. Kristen Stewart wore hair pieces so that she would have more time to shoot.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Violence & A Scene Of Sensuality
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available in Theatrical Cut & Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)

C – 130m (Theatrical Cut) / 137m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Twilight Saga: New Moon, New Moon: Twilight Saga, Twilight: New Moon, New Moon, Twilight 2
Novel: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Anna Kendrick, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Michael Sheen, Nikki Reed, Gil Birmingham, Graham Greene and Dakota Fanning.

Edward leaves Bella after an attack that nearly claimed her life. In her depression she falls partially for a shape–shifter (werewolf), Jacob Black. Pretty good sequel to the first one. Nothing special though. The book was far superior to the film though, in this reviewer’s opinion. 

Trivia: This was Robert Pattinson’s favorite book in the series. Taylor Lautner hated his long haired wig.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Violence & Action
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

C – 124m (Theatrical Cut) / 129m (Extended Cut) / 131m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Eclipse: Twilight Saga, Twilight: Eclipse, Twilight 3, Eclipse
Novel: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Anna Kendrick, Jackson Rathbone, Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Taylor Lautner, Gil Birmingham, Jack Huston and Dakota Fanning.

A series of killings are scaring the residents of Seattle and Bella must choose between Edward and Jacob. The best film of the series in this reviewer’s opinion. The pacing is much improved over the previous entries and although this is the bridge story, it doesn’t feel that way. It has some stunning CGI for the time it was made.

Trivia: Kristen Stewart wore a wig for this film after cutting her hair short for The Runaways (2010). According to Taylor Lautner on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the wolves could not have genitalia due to censors. This could also be a planned joke. Kristen Stewart received her high school diploma one week before filing Bella’s graduation ceremony. She took a mock (fake) graduation photo with an extra so that she would have a photo of her graduating high school. Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series) and Channing Tatum were both considered for the role of Riley. Miranda Kerr and Vanessa Hudgens were considered to play Leah Clearwater. Paul Weiz, Drew Barrymore, James Mangold and J.A. Bayona were all considered as potential directors for the film. This was Taylor Lautner’s favorite book in the series.

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Action And Violence, & Some Sensuality
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)

C – 117m (Theatrical Cut) / 122 (Extended Cut) / 125m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Breaking Dawn: Part 1, Twilight 4: Part 1, Breaking Dawn, Twilight 4
Novel: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Starring: Taylor Lautner, Gil Birmingham, Bill Burke, Kristen Stewart, Ashley Green, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Robert Pattinson, Anna Kendrick, Michael Sheen and Stephenie Meyer.

The government of vampires close in on just married and expecting parents Bella and Edward and the Cullen family. The soon to be born child poses at threat to the werewolves, vampires and humans. A step down from the last film but still solid entertainment. The emaciated look that Stewart has is haunting.

Trivia: The sex scene between Bella and Edward originally landed the film with an: [R] rating from the MPAA. The scene was edited down to meet the requirements of a: [PG–13] rating. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson appeared on talk shows talking and joking bluntly about what had to be trimmed. Sophia Coppola was interested in directing this film but she only wanted to do one film. She didn’t get the job because Summit Entertainment wanted to split the book into two films.

Rated: [PG–13] – Disturbing Images, Violence, Sexuality / Partial Nudity & Some Thematic Elements
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)

C – 115m (Theatrical Cut) / 122 (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Breaking Dawn: Part 2, Twilight 4: Part 2, Twilight 5
Novel: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Billy Burke, Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning.

After the birth of their daughter Bella, Edward and family gather to defend the child from destruction at the hands of the vampire government. Well–done and action–packed finale in the series.

Trivia: The end credits are for the entire series, not just this entry. Both an animatronic baby and three–week old babies were used in the filming. Kristen Stewart preferred to work with the real babies because she felt that it helped her give a better performance.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Violence Including Disturbing Images, Some Sexuality & Partial Nudity
Available on 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