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

Nicholas Sparks Films Volume III

The Best Of Me (2014) 

C. 118m. (Theatrical Cut) / 111m. (Storybook Edition Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, Liana Liberato, Gerald McRaney, Caroline Goodall and Clarke Peters.

Two teen soul mates are reunited as adults to help execute the will of their mutual friend who died. The old flame is still there and it complicates things for them, especially since she is married and has a kid. By the numbers to be sure but the story has real heart (sorry for the pun), and gives new life to the song lyric from Titanic (1997), “…My heart will go on…” Note: The Storybook Edition Cut removes most of the sad stuff but otherwise offers nothing new.

Trivia: Paul Walker was cast in the lead role but when he died suddenly in the car crash, the role was given to James Marsden.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexuality, Violence, Some Drug Content & Brief Strong Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Longest Ride (2015)

C. / B&W – 123m. / 128m. (Blu–ray)/ 139m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin and Alan Alda.

The lives of a bull – riding champion looking to make a comeback, an up and coming person college student in the world of art, and an old dying mall all intersect at a key time for each. More plot-heavy than most Sparks adaptions, this one has distinguished descendants and Alda to boost it. Running times may vary. 

Trivia: The painting, “Man With Moustache,” (1960) was done by Robert De Niro Sr. 

Rated: [PG – 13] – Some Sexuality, Partial Nudity & Some War And Sports Action.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Choice (2016)

C. – 111m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Maggie Grace and Tom Wilkinson.

Neighborhood strangers fall in love and their love is tested. This is certainly a lesser adaption of a Nicholas Sparks novel but it is still mildly enjoyable. Predictable, but who cares? Outside of Wilkinson the actors aren’t the caliber of the others in other Sparks films.

Trivia: Noteworthy as the first Nicholas Sparks film where no character, main or supporting, dies.

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

Nicholas Sparks Films Volume II

The Last Song (2010)

C. – 107m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Untitled Miley Cyrus Project
Screenplay & Novelization By: Nicholas Sparks.
Starring: Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth and Greg Kinnear.

An angry and rebellious city–girl teen girl is sent, with her brother, to spend the summer with her father. Their mutual love of music helps them reconnect. Along the way she finds happiness with a teen boy about her age. Relatable and realistic view of teen–hood played out with the usual sentimental touches by Sparks. The cast is in fine form as well. This is as near perfect as a Sparks film and novel can get!

Trivia: Written for the screen especially for Miley Cyrus by Nicholas Sparks. After the film was made he wrote the novelization of it. Reportedly Liam Hemsworth never played beach volleyball before making this film and even lied about having played it during his audition. Miley Cyrus worked with a dialect coach to lose her southern accent and she learned to play classical piano for the film. Greg Kinnear had to leave the production for a few days when his daughter Katie was born. Kinnear and Hemsworth attended workshops on making stain glass windows. This was the film that Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus started dating during. This also happens to be one of only two of Sparks’ films that are rated: [PG]. The other is A Walk To Remember (2002).

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Material, Some Violence, Sensuality & Mild Language.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Dear John (2010)

C. – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Channing Tatum, Richard Jenkins and Henry Thomas.

A soldier falls in love with a conservative college girl while at home on leave. Complications ensue. Another near perfect Sparks film that tackles Autism Level 1 as well! Everyone is I top form here. Some of it may be hard to take for some but if one sits through the entire film, it pays off well. The novel is equally good. Like the other Sparks film of that year, The Last Song (2010), this film features an angry protagonist. 

Trivia: This was the first of two Nicholas Sparks films to focus on people in the armed forces. The other was: The Lucky One (2012). This is also the first Sparks novel / film to deal with Autism Level 1 / Asperger’s Syndrome. Something that endears it to this reviewer. Reportedly the character played by Richard Jenkins was inspired by Sparks’ own son who has Asperger’s Syndrome / Autism Level 1. The title is a military term for a letter in which a girl breaks up with a soldier. Amanda Seyfried wrote the song her character sings to Tatum’s character, titled: “Little House.” It can be found, in its entirety, on the soundtrack to the film. On this film’s opening weekend in the United States, it shot to number one, knocking James Cameron’s Avatar (2009) off of its seven–week perch.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sensuality & Violence.

The Lucky One (2012)

C. – 101m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner.

After serving three tours of duty in Iraq a Marine travels to Louisiana to find a woman he believes was his good–luck charm. There is no question about it, Sparks has a formula to his work but this is yet another film that turned out well from yet another compelling book by Sparks. The pacing is a bit show but the story unfolds in due course.

Trivia: The house where Beth lives in this film, is the same house where Tucker lives in The Best Of Me (2014).

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

Safe Haven (2013)

C. – 115m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel.

A woman with a mysterious past shows up in a small town and takes up with a widower and it raises questions about her past. What happens next? The town is totally unprepared for. Hold on to your seat. An unexpectedly delicious romantic thriller plays like a modern B – Movie of the 1940’s and 1950’s but rises above it. Cast is in top form and so was Sparks with this novel! Another near–perfect Sparks outing. 

Trivia: Notable as the first Nicholas Sparks film to have an actual antagonist.

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Material Involving Threatening Behavior, And Violence & Sexuality.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Nicholas Sparks Films Volume I

Message In A Bottle (1999)

C. – 126m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Producer: Kevin Costner. Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Kevin Costner, Robin Wright, Paul Newman, John Savage, Illeana Douglas and Robbie Coltrane

A woman discovers a tragic love letter in a bottle on a beach and decides to track down the author of the letter. This reviewer is not entirely sure what went wrong in the adaption of the Sparks novel but this is a near misfire. The cast saves it mildly. Noteworthy as the first film to be adapted from a Nicholas Sparks novel, and for the record, the novel is much better. 

Rated: [PG–13] – A Scene Of Sexuality
Available on DVD & Digital Copy.  

A Walk To Remember (2002)

C. – 101m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote, Daryl Hannah and Clayne Crawford.

A dying teen daughter of a pastor captures the heart of a troublesome teen in their tight-knit community. A step up from Message In A Bottle (1998), this one is aimed at teens. Like its 2010 counterpart, The Last Song, this one is well done in terms of performances. However, this one has some slow points that show more to adults than to teens. Then again when most of it works, why complain? Mandy Moore stands out here!

Trivia: The first of two Nicholas Sparks films to be rated: [PG]. The other was: The Last Song (2010). In the book, A Walk To Remember, Mandy Moore’s character is a blonde. And finally, many of the sets, especially: The Hospital, The School and Landon’s Home were from the television show: Dawson’s Creek (1998 – 2003).

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements, Language & Some Sensual Material.
Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

The Notebook (2004)

C. – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Dir.: Nick Cassavetes
Starring: Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Sam Shepard, Joan Allen and James Marsden.

When cinephiles hear that Cassavetes is directing a romance film they may expect something like Love Streams (1984). What is shown here is something resembling a pretty trainwreck. All the parts are beautiful (acting, writing, cinematography) but the final result is awful. The pacing is slow and the only saving grace for this film are Gena Rowlands, the director’s mother, and James Garner who are fine and welcome as always. Credit should also be given to Rachel McAdams for a valiant stab at the material.    

Trivia: Director Nick Cassavetes (son of John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands) staged and intervention with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. The results can be seen in the film and in the news of them dating for a while in real life after the making of the film. Ryan Gosling made the kitchen table used in the film in his pre-production character development work.

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

Nights In Rodanthe (2008)

C. – 97m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis and Scott Glenn.

A woman whose life is in chaos retreats to a small beach town and spends time during a storm with a busy doctor who is staying there for a spell. Romance ensues and so do the usual complications. Likable enough. Aimed squarely at the sexagenarian set of folks, who, as the Abba song (from Mamma Mia! (2008)) put it, “aren’t too old for sex.” And if you’ll pardon the additional pun, Gere and Lane put that over well, “…when all is said and done.” 

Trivia: As of 2013 the house, featured in the film, has been renamed: “The Inn At Rodanthe” and has been refurbished to more closely resemble the interior movies scenes, which were actually shot elsewhere. The house is a rental property and now functions as an attraction after being washed into the surf around 2010.

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

The Raven Films (1935-2012)

The Raven (1935)

B&W – 61m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Title Poem by Edgar Allen Poe. Dir.: Lew Landers (Louis Friedlander).
Starring: Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Lester Matthews, Irene Ware, Samuel S. Hinds & Ian Wolfe.

A brilliant Surgeon (Lugosi) obsessed with the works of Edgar Allen Poe (particularly the title poem) saves the life of a beautiful dancer (Ware) but goes mad when he can’t be her man. To help him with his revenge scheme he enslaves a criminal on the run who he gave a purposefully botched facial surgery to (Karloff). Universal Studios has branded this a, “horror,” film. It may have been horror at the time of it’s release but now would pass as a thriller. To those who can still appreciate it for what it was when it was released, it is still horror. To those who are expecting a 1970’s or forward depiction of horror, this will come off as a light thriller that is slightly melodramatic. If you can keep an open mind though, there are a few places in this film where you may have to remind yourself to breath. 

Note: Boris Karloff would go on to be in another same–titled movie that had little to do with the classic Poe poem. In that film he is teamed with Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Hazel Court, Olive Sturgess and Jack Nicholson. It is directed by Roger Corman with a script by Richard Matheson.  

Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but currently on DVD

The Raven (1963)

C. – 86m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen  
Dir.: Roger Corman. Screenplay by Richard Matheson. Title Poem by Edgar Allen Poe.
Starring: Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, Hazel Court, Olive Sturgess and Jack Nicholson.

Price, Lorre and Karloff are…well…priceless as three sorcerers. Lorre is a riot as a drunk who can’t keep his mouth shut and keeps being turned into a raven (hence the title). Price is the sorcerer who helps him regain human form, even if it is just temporarily. Karloff is aiming to be head sorcerer with the sexual aid of Price’s, “late,” wife Lenore, Court. Nicholson brings up the romantic rear as the son that Lorre wishes he never had. It may be a small part but Nicholson makes the most of it. Great costumes, sets, a witty script and a talented cast make this breezy film enjoyable. This is more of a comedy than anything else.

Four points of note: 1.) Price recites the first couple of stanzas of Poe’s classic poem and acts out a very loose rendering of the next few in the opening scenes. 2.) Vincent Price, Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff did an LP album recording of each of them reading the Poe poem, from which the film gets its title. The three separate recordings were all edited together and released, in the aforementioned format, as a promotional gimmick for this film. 3.) This film is the 2nd film that Boris Karloff did that bore the title of the classic Poe poem but was only, “inspired by” it. Previously he was in another unrelated plotted version with Bela Lugosi, Lester Matthews, Irene Ware, Samuel S. Hinds and Ian Wolfe. 4.) There are stills available online, in books and on the DVD and Blu-ray releases of this film that have Price, Lorre and Karloff seated around a fire toasting marshmallows and smiling. These apparently come from a deleted scene that was never completely shot because the aforementioned trio kept cracking up and ruining the takes. Johnny Carson made reference to this in an interview he did with Price on The Tonight Show. Carson claimed to have seen the blooper reel of that scene at some party he attended. Sadly, if it does exist, it has not been made available to the public in any form – purchasable or otherwise (YouTube). A shame. The film is still watchable, forevermore. 

Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc, but available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Raven (2006)

C. – 81m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen  
Title Poem by Edgar Allen Poe. No Name Cast

This is an alleged “thriller.” To say that this was, “inspired by,” Poe’s classic title poem is to be generous. To say that someone starred in this would be a dubious honor. To say that this resembles the far superior 2012 film would be blasphemous. What is left is a muddled visual telling of someone who clearly became obsessed with the Poe poem and dreamt of meeting him one too many times. There is violence at play here if you would care to fast-forward to it, otherwise nothing comes of this film. Nevermore!

Rated: [R] – Bloody Violence Throughout, Nudity & Sexual Content, Brief Language & Drug Use. 
On DVD only; thankfully… And even that thankful point is questionable.

 

The Raven (2012)

C. – 110m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Title Poem by Edgar Allen Poe…
Starring: John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve, Brendan Gleeson, Kevin McNally.

Edgar Allen Poe was reportedly alone and delusional when he died. The premise of this film is that Poe is recruited by the police to solve a series of murders inspired by his dark stories. Originally Ewan McGregor was cast as Poe and Jeremy Renner as Inspector Emmet Fields but they dropped out. They were replaced by Cusack as Poe and Evans as Fields. A good thing they were because Cusack and the rest of the cast are exceptional in their roles. For any fan of historical fiction mysteries, this is a must!

Additional Trivia: The film is set in Baltimore, MD, USA but was filmed in Hungary and Serbia with mostly a British cast. Cusack is the lone American in the lead cast. Sylvester Stallone tried to get another Poe bio–pic made with Robert Downey, Jr as Poe but it fell apart. The first trailer for the film was released on October 7, 2011 – exactly 162 years to the day after Edgar Allen Poe’s mysterious death. It is also interesting to note that since the film’s theatrical release, the annual mysterious cloaked visitor to Poe’s grave who would leave a shot of Cognac and a flower has ceased. Dare I say?: “Nevermore.” The film is watchable forevermore. 

Rated: [R] – Bloody Violence & Grisly Images.
On Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

The King Of Comedy (1983) & The Comedian (2017)

The King Of Comedy (1982)

C. – 109m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: King Of Comedy
Dir.: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Diahnne Abbott, Sandra Bernhard, Ed Herlihy, Lou Brown, Catherine Scorsese, Cathy Scorsese, Chuck Low, Liza Minnelli, Joyce Brothers, Victor Borge, Martin Scorsese, Tony Randall, Charles Scorsese and Fredrick De Cordova. 

An aspiring comedian stalks his idol, who in turn craves his own privacy. Considered a flop at the time of its release this film actually has several things going for it, perfect casting and great direction being a couple of them. This is far from the Zany Lewis films that the public is used to. While this is labeled a Comedy in video stores (how many still exist?), this is actually a drama. At that the humor in this film that does exist makes it a, “black comedy,” or in simple terms, it has a dark sense of humor. Something this reviewer adores. 

Trivia: Jerry Lewis suggested naming his character Jerry so that they could get extras without having to pay them while shooting on the streets of New York City. The scene where Rupert (De Niro) shows up at Jerry’s house was largely improvised. The issue Jerry’s “man” had with opening the door was not planned and Jerry was really mad. The reaction you see from him in the film is not his acting but his real anger at the situation. Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Orson Welles were considered for the role of the late night comedian. Johnny Carson was the only one offered the role but turned it down. The part obviously went to Jerry Lewis. Lewis said that he wasn’t acting in this film, he was just being himself. Meryl Streep turned down the role that went to Sandra Bernhard. The talk show segments were taped on tape like a real talk show, then transferred to film. The monologue Jerry delivers in it’s full and original form can be seen in the bonus features of the DVD and Blu–ray.     

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

The Comedian (2016 / 2017)

C. – 120m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Robert De Niro, Leslie Mann, Harvey Keitel, Edie Falco, Danny DeVito, Patti LuPone, Charles Grodin, Cloris Leachman, Lucy DeVito, Billy Crystal, Brett Butler, Ben Hammer, Jessica Kirson, Jim Norton, Jimmie Walker, Richard Belzer, Freddie Roman, Stewie Stone, Gilbert Gottfried, Hannibal Burgess, Bill Boggs, Sheng Wang, Ryan Hamilton, Aida Rodriguez, Dov Davidoff and Nick Di Paolo.

An aging “Insult Comedian” finds love.  The film has a few belly laughs but is ultimately an indie film drama. The uneven flow of the film upset several comedians in the film and in Hollywood in general. If given more time and a better director, this could have been great. As it stands though, it isn’t bad for its kind. Leslie Mann stands out as the brightest performance in the film though. De Niro sleepwalks his way through the material. Still, he is a master of the trade, as are Danny DeVito and Harvey Keitel.

Trivia: Robert De Niro spent eight years trying to get this film made. The idea of the film came to him in the 1970’s. This is none of two films where De Niro plays a comedian, the other was: The King Of Comedy (1983). De Niro wanted Martin Scorsese to direct this as well, but that did not come to pass.

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

Danny Collins (2015) & Ricki And The Flash (2015)

Danny Collins (2015)

C. – 106m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 - Widescreen
A.K.A.: Imagine, Idol
Starring: Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale, Christopher Plummer, Katarina Cas, Melissa Benoist, Josh Peck and Scott Lawrence.

An aged Rocker’s manager finds a letter to his client from John Lennon and shares it with his client. The rocker then decides to reconnect with his family. Inspired by a true story, this film is not exactly a feel good film but it has an interesting story. What it lacks in subplot plot points it makes up for with heart and good performances. This film should be on a double bill with the very similar film Ricki And The Flash (2015).

Trivia: Al Pacino agreed to do the movie but only if Bobby Cannavale played his son in the film. Originally Sir Michael Caine was cast in the role of the manager but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. And in a deleted scene Gene Simmons taught a group of background actors how to sing backup vocals.

Rated: [R] – Language, Drug Use & Some Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Ricki And The Flash (2015)

C. – 101m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ricki & The Flash
Dir.: Jonathan Demme. Writer: Diablo Cody
Starring: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Mamie Gummer, Rick Springfield, Ben Platt and Diablo Cody.

An aged rocker who is in a complicated relationship moves in with her ex-husband temporarily to help her daughter get back on her feet during her divorce after finding her just married husband cheating on her. While the premise sounds depressing, the film is actually intelligent, funny and moving. The material brings Diablo Cody back into the swing of things after her 2013 clunker, Paradise (2013). Everyone is in top form form here! Would be good on a double bill with the similar Danny Collins (2015).

Trivia: Meryl Streep and Mamie Gummer are mother and daughter in real life too. This was Jonathan Demme’s final film before his death in 2017.

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Material, Brief Drug Content, Sexuality & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Mothers & Daughters (2016)/Fathers & Daughters (2016)

Mothers And Daughters (2016)

C. – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mothers Day
Starring: Selma Blair, Luke Mitchell, Christina Ricci, Ashanti, Sebastian Siegel, Courteney Cox, Sharon Stone and Susan Sarandon.

Interwoven vignettes of motherhood seen through the eyes of a photographer who is herself, pregnant. Typical run of the mill tapestry film has a few funny and touching moments. The pacing is slow and it takes time to get started but there is a satisfactory conclusion to it. If for no other reason, it is worth watching because of the cast.

Rated: [PG – 13] / [NOT RATED] – Some Mature Thematic Elements & Brief Drug Use.
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Fathers And Daughters (2015/2016)

C. – 116m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Aaron Paul, Diane Kruger, Bruce Greenwood, Jane Fonda and Octavia Spencer.

A Pulitzer Prize winning author struggles with being a widower and a father after a nervous breakdown, while, 27 years later his daughter struggles to forge connections of her own. Ultimately a sad story is an interesting character study and a strong contender for showing to psychology, psychiatry and social worker students. Fine acting by a great cast and an interesting set of characters make this a film worth watching.

Rated: [R] – Some Sexual Content / References
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

The Beguiled (1971 & 2017)

The Beguiled (1971)

C. – 105m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Don Siegel
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, Elizabeth Hartman and others.

While imprisoned in in a Confederate girls’ boarding school, an injured Union soldier works his way into all their hearts only to have them turn on him. The question is: Who is conning whom?

This is the classic and dark version of the story that everyone has come to know since 1971. Eastwood and the women are in great form here. More than anything else, this plays as a drama with a sexual edge (which in a couple of ways is a bit creepy in and of itself) up until the final twenty minutes. Then it is out and out thriller. While very little happens in terms of location changes, there is an array of verbal and non-verbal communication to read from some masterful performances by the actors. See if you can figure out who is conning whom before the film tells you outright. Part of what makes this film great is the sense of mystery behind the cons. Clearly the film favors the man’s prospective. A must watch!

Rated: [R] – Perverse Sexual Content Including Nudity, Some Violence, Adult Drinking & Frightening And Intense Images.
Available on DVD, Blu–ray & Digital Copy.

The Beguiled (2017)

C. – 93 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
Dir. / Screenwriter: Sophia Coppola
Starring: Colin Farrell Nicole Kidman, Kristen Dunst & Elle Fanning.

An unexpected arrival of a wounded Union soldier at a girls’ school in Virginia during the American Civil War leads to jealousy and betrayal. Sophia Coppola is back in the saddle with this feminist version of the classic Clint Eastwood starring film. The film is toned down and frankly lacks the mystery that made the original so haunting. Given the omission of that aspect of the story makes this less riveting and more an interesting character study. The feminist approach to the story that originally favored the man’s perspective makes this worth watching. It is different enough to make it more of a companion film than a remake. It should also be noted that this was beautifully filmed on film and then finished in 4K digital with a wonderful visual outcome. Extra credit for Coppola for adding film noire – ish lighting effects! A pop classic here!   

Rated: [R] – Some Sexuality - Note: There is also violence and language that was not mentioned as reasons for the rating.
Available on DVD, Blu–ray & Digital Copy. 

Christina Ricci Teen Movie Summer 1995 Double Feature

Gold Diggers: The Secret Of Bear Mountain (1995)

C. – 94-m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Christina Ricci, Anna Chlumski, Polly Draper, Diana Scarwid, David Keith, Gillian Barber, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Jewel Staite, Andrew Wheeler and Jennifer Hale (as Carren Learning).

A city girl (Christina Ricci) moves with her mother to where her mother grew up and makes friends with a tomboy (Anna Chlumski). Together they solve the mystery of Bear Mountain, Molly Morgan, treasure and find out what friendship is all about. “Some friendships are worth a fortune,” isn’t just the tagline for this film in this reviewer’s opinion. A coming of age story that isn’t afraid to be somewhat dark and yet capture the happy abandonment of such things that teen friends can experience when they are together. The warmth of the film brings nostalgia to this viewer even many decades after first seeing it. 

Trivia: Christina Ricci revealed that she wished she had never starred in this film on Watch What Happens Live in a segment titled: “Never Should Have.” Christina Ricci and Ashleigh Aston Moore starred as friends in Now And Then (1995).  And finally this was the film debut of Jewel Staite.

Rated: [PG] – Mild Language & Thematic Elements, Including A Child’s Exposure To Domestic Abuse.
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on DVD & Digital Copy. Should be on Blu–ray.

Now And Then (1995)

C. - 100m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Gaslight Addition, Dear Friends
Starring: Demi Moore, Gabby Hoffmann, Rosie O’Donnell, Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Rita Wilson, Walter Sparrow, Cloris Leachman, Hank Azaria, Bonnie Hunt, Rumor Willis, Devon Sawa and Brendan Fraiser.

A group of teen girls growing up during the summer of 1970 have some summer fun and form a life-long bond. Years later, in 1991, they reunite for one of them being pregnant and giving birth to a baby. I am convinced that this should be considered part of the strongest teen coming-of-age stories from the 1980’s. The, “adult,” cast is perfectly fitted to the, “teen,” cast in appearances. While the story is simple the way the cast plays it makes one wish they were around when these teens were growing up, even if they are far removed from it. It has the feel of a John Hughes film without actually being that. The story of life long friendships may seldom play out in real life but it always makes for a feel good film. Another annual must-watch film; suggested for summer viewings!   

Trivia: Reportedly, in the scene where Chrissy punches Roberta in the face for pretending to drown, Christina Ricci forgot to turn her head and wound up actually getting punched in the face full force by the late Ashleigh Aston Moore. This shut down production for a few days due to Ricci being badly bruised. Incidentally, Ashleigh Aston Moore had to gain 20 pounds for this film. Also, this was one of two films she made with Christina Ricci in 1995, the other being: Gold Diggers: The Secret Of Bear Mountain (1995). Additionally, Christina Ricci’s love interest in this, Devon Sawa, was also her love interest in the same year’s Casper (1995). It is also reported that Christina Ricci and Gabby Hoffmann are best friends in real-life. And finally: Notice that every time the teen women play, “Truth Or Dare,” they always pick truth.  

Rated: [PG–13] - Adolescent Sex Discussions
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on DVD & Digital Copy. Should be on Blu–ray.

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.

Chucky Series: Volume I & II

Child’s Play (1988)

C. – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Batteries Not Included, Blood Brother, Blood Buddy
Dir.: Tom Holland
Starring: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent and Brad Dourif

A serial killer’s spirit lives on in a doll that a single mother gives her son for his birthday. Almost a black comedy rather than a horror, this film boasts of strong performances and a smart script. Things do get a bit preposterous as the film moves on but such is the charm of it all.

Trivia: Chucky’s full name as a human is Charles Lee Ray. The name is derived from serial killer and assassins: Charles Manson, Lee Harvey Oswald (Senator and President John Fitzgerald Kennedy) and James Earl Ray (Martin Luther King, Jr.). Catherine Hicks met her husband, the creator and operator of the Chucky doll while making this film. They married a year later. Brad Dourif recorded his lines prior to filming. When they would shoot the scenes with the doll the filmmakers would move the mouth of the puppet to the recording of Dourif’s voice that would play on set. As such, he was seldom on set. And The My Buddy Doll Line never recovered from the damage this film did to it. 

Rate: [R]
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Child’s Play 2 (1990)

C. – 84m. / 90m. (Extended Cut) / 72m. (Heavily Edited Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Child’s Play II
Starring: Alex Vincent and Brad Dourif

Chucky takes another stab at Andy who is now in a foster home. Contrived but amusing sequel is slightly lesser quality than the first one but not bad as sequels go. There are a few different cuts of this film. The 84 minute cut is the standard release version for Blu–ray, DVD & Digital copy. A couple of points of trivia: Despite Catherine Hicks not reprising her role, she was on set to see her husband who invented and operated the Chucky doll. And: Chris Sarandon was originally going to reprise his role but it was cut out of the film due to budgetary issues.

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

Child’s Play 3 (1991)

C. – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Child’s Play III
Starring: Justin Whalin and Brad Dourif

Chucky makes attempt three at getting Andy, who is now a teenager. This is the dud of the series in this reviewer’s opinion. Nothing is believable and there is little to care about in the story (not that all the others have major plots). A waste of time for most but a must for die hard fans of the series. A few trivia points for those who care: Peter Jackson was asked to direct this film. It was the least liked film in the series by all involved. And Jonathan Brandis (It (1990) and Ladybugs (1992)) was considered for the role of Andy.

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

 

 

 

Bride Of Chucky (1998)

C. – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Child’s Play 4: Bride Of Chucky, Chucky And His Bride, Child’s Play 4, Chucky
Starring: Jennifer Tilly, Brad Dourif, Katherine Heigl, Alexis Arquette, John Ritter, Colin Clive, Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester

Chucky creates another murderous doll, goes on a killing spree with her and then marries her. Goofy sequel in the Chucky series starts the “Of Chucky” sequels. Enjoyable but bloody disgusting.

Trivia: Keep an eye open for a nip–slip on Tilly when she is dancing for Chucky. According to Jennifer Tilly the sex scene between the dolls was improvised. And: Brad Dourif adlibbed the line: “Why does that look so familiar?”.

Rated: [R] – Strong Horror Violence, And Gore, Language, Some Sexual Content & Brief Drug Use
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Seed Of Chucky (2004)

C. – 87m (Theatrical Cut) / 88m. ([UNRATED] Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Child’s Play 5: Seed Of Chucky, Child’s Play 5: Son Of Chucky, Bride Of Chucky 2: Son Of Chucky, Child’s Play 5
Starring: Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, Billy Boyd, Redman, John Waters and Martha Stewart

Chucky and Tiffany bring back their gender confused son into the family business as they hit Hollywood to terrorize the filmmakers of a film about their killing sprees. An idiotic premise to be sure but there is sharp and dangerous wit at play here. Most critics hated this film but this reviewer enjoys it. 

Trivia: Originally Rated [NC – 17] by the MPAA but was released [UNRATED]. And: The gender confused offspring of Chucky in this film is named Glen or Glenda, which is a reference to the Ed Wood film of that title: Glen Or Glenda (1953). In that film Wood himself played a transvestite known as Glen or Glenda. 

Rated: [R] – Strong Horror Violence / Gore, Sexual Content & Language. / [UNRATED] – Strong Horror Violence / Gore, Sexual Content & Language.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Curse Of Chucky (2013)

C. – 97m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen (Orig.) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (DVD & B.R.)
A.K.A.: Child’s Play 6: Curse Of Chucky, Child’s Play 6
Writer – Dir.: Don Mancini
Starring: Fiona Dourif, A Martinez, Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly.

A dysfunctional family with a dark secret, (guess what it could be), is haunted by the Chucky Doll. Slow moving 6th installment in the Child’s Play franchise has glib and subtle humor compared to the last two entries: Bride Of Chucky (1998) and Seed Of Chucky (2004). There are no real, “scares,” here but there are a couple of good jump moments. The fun of seeing series runner Brad Dourif with his daughter, Fiona Dourif, makes this good campy fun. Viewers in the know may recognize the elevator in this film as being similar to the one in the apartment complex in the first Child’s Play (1988) film. Tilly is always a screen treat. Watch through the end credits to see a scene with Andy from the Child’s Play films (1988 – 1991). This film, Curse Of Chucky (2017), comes in an R rated cut and an Unrated Cut. Horror film buffs will want to stick with the Unrated cut, though the difference is negligible; adding up to mere seconds difference.

Rated: [R] – Bloody Horror Violence & Language. / [UNRATED] – More of the same plus an extension of the lesbian subplot.
Available on DVD, Blu–ray & Digital Copy

Cult Of Chucky (2017)

C. – 92m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen (Orig.) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (DVD & B.R.)
A.K.A.: Child’s Play 7: Cult Of Chucky, Curse Of Chucky 2, Child’s Play 7, Childs Play 7
Writer – Dir.: Don Mancini
Starring: Allison Dawn Doiron, Alex Vincent, Brad Dourif, Fiona Dourif, Zak Santiago and Jennifer Tilly

Chucky’s daughter is institutionalized because she is believed to have killed her family. When grisly deaths start to occur in the hospital she is the prime suspect. Meanwhile Andy (from the original Child’s Play films) must find a way to get into the nuthouse to rid the world of multiple Chuckys. Just how far does the cult of Chucky stretch? An insane premise actually turned out a good sequel in the franchise. Everyone and everything is in top shape here. There is an [UNRATED] cut of the film, but again the difference is negligible from the [R] rated cut, adding only seconds.

Trivia: Don Mancini, the writer – director of this film has written the Chucky films from Child’s Play (1988) – Cult Of Chucky (2017), and has directed three of them; Seed Of Chucky (2004) – Cult Of Chucky (2017). The two Dourifs are related. This is the second teaming for them. Jennifer Tilly shot all her scenes in six days. In the film Chucky, voiced by Brad Dourif, says, “F---ing Cuckoo’s Nest.” Brad Dourif was Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Chucky also mentions that another doll sounds like Hannibal Lecter and that he can’t believe the TV show Hannibal (2013 – 2015) was cancelled. Don Mancini wrote two episodes of that show. And finally: Watch all the end credits because there is a post credits scene with Kyle from Child’s Play 2 (1990).

Rated: [R] – Strong Horror Violence, Grisly Images, Language, Brief Sexuality & Drug Use. / [UNRATED] – Same reasons just slightly more violence.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Mother! (2017)

Mother! (2017)

C. – 121m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Day 6, Anne!
Writer – Dir.: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer

A couple’s marriage is tested when guest unexpectedly show up to their house and disrupt their tranquil existence. Muddled attempt at horror displays fine performances but very little else. Conservatives may view this as an argument against socialism where as Liberals will say that it is an argument against Conservatives. A curio to say the least, just don’t expect much. On a trivial note: This is the film that Jennifer Lawrence and Darren Aronofsky started dating during.

Rated: [R] – Strong Disturbing Violent Content, Some Sexuality, Nudity & Language

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

The Last Word (2017)

The Last Word (2017)

C. – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: In Memoriam
Starring: Shirley MacLaine, Amanda Seyfried, Philip Baker Hall, Thomas Sadoski and Anne Heche.

A old and retired business woman who is a control freak wants to write her own obituary. She hires a local writer to do the task and put together something that is reflective of her in her opinion. Along the way, an unlikely friendship forms. There is more plot and emotion here than meets the eye, which is a nice surprise. The cast is in top form and the material is elevated because of it, not that the material wasn’t good to start with. An agreeable film to view. 

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

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946/1947), The Bishop’s Wife (1947) & The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946/1947)

B&W / Colorized – 130m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life, The Greatest Gift
Dir.: Frank Capra. Screenplay by: Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett.
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, H.B. Warner, Frank Albertson, Todd Karns, Samuel S. Hinds, Virginia Patton, Sheldon Leonard, Ray Walker, Charles Lane, Edward Keane and Carl “Alfalga” Switzer.

A suicidal George Bailey has a visit with an Angel to be and realizes how wonderful his life really is. Amazing film is as powerful now as it was when it was released. This was James Stewart’s return to film after serving in WWII, and what an entrance back into the business! Not a flaw to be found story or acting wise. As a historical note, this was the film that had FBI file created on James Stewart, Frank Capra and everyone else in it, due to J. Edgar Hoover’s belief that it promoted Communism. An annual favorite!

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements, Smoking & Some Violence.

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

The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

B&W – 109m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Starring: Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Monty Woolley, James Gleason, Gladys Cooper, Elsa Lanchester and Sara Haden.

A Bishop, whose marriage is fractured as he tries to get the funds to build a cathedral, gets a helping hand from a sage stranger. Dated to be sure but a splendid film non–the–less. Everything here is perfect. Woolley is great as an aged professor who wants nothing more than happiness for his old friends the Bishop and his wife and to be able to write a book using his knowledge. Another annual MUST!

Trivia: Originally Cary Grant was set to play the bishop and David Niven was set to play Grant’s part when the film had a different director, William A. Seiter. When the man credited as director of the film, Henry Koster, assumed the position (no Animal House (1978) reference intended) he realized the casting of the men was wrong and switched their roles around, to what they are in the film, as we know it. William A. Seiter was the original director, but producer Samuel Goldwyn didn't like what he had shot and brought in Henry Koster to shoot a completely new film. The preview audience didn't like the new version, so Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett had to rewrite a couple of scenes without screen credit. Samuel Goldwyn's decision to start the film over again was a costly one, as $1 million had already been spent.

The harp playing, in the film, for Cary Grant was done by Mr. Gail Laughton. Laughton's hands are seen in the film during close-ups of Grant's character playing the harp. When Dudley (Grant) is asked if he is receiving a letter, he alludes to his character’s true nature by saying that "if I did get one, the stamp would certainly be worth saving." In Cary Grant's later picture Charade (1963), his character is seeking a large fortune that is later revealed to have been used to purchase three rare stamps for safe keeping.

The radio adaptions of the film (which were popular at the time) are as follows: The Screen Guild Theater broadcast a 30 – minute radio adaptation of the movie on March 1, 1948 with Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven reprising their film roles. Lux Radio Theater broadcast a 60 – minute radio adaptation of the movie on December 19, 1949 with David Niven reprising his film role. Lux Radio Theater then broadcast another 60 – minute radio adaptation of the movie on March 1, 1954 with Cary Grant again reprising his film role. And finally the Lux Radio Theater broadcast a yet another 60 – minute radio adaptation of the movie on May 11, 1953 with Cary Grant reprising his film role for the 3rd and final time.

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

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

C. – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Penny Marshall
Starring: Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines, Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Lionel Richie and Paul Bates.

A Reverend struggles to keep things afloat both in his marriage and at his church. Another fun fluff film from the Marshall family is actually a remake of The Bishop’s Wife (1947). As remakes go, it is not all that bad. However, it does appear a tad too padded in comparison to the original classic. The cast and director are in fine form though.

Rated: [PG] – Brief Mild Language.
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Home Alone Series (1990 - 2012)

Home Alone (1990)

C. – 103m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Chris Columbus. Writer: John Hughes
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Roberts Blossom, Catherine O’Hara, Gerry Bamman, John Candy, Kieran Culkin, Bill Erwin, Hope Davis, Lionel Barrymore and Quinn Culkin. 

A boy is accidentally left home alone near Christmas when his family goes on a trip. While they are away he must fend off thieves. Goofy as heck but a classic to watch annually at Christmas time! Oscar® nominated for: Best Music, Original Song and Best Music, Original Score, John Williams. Additionally it was nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Picture – Comedy Or Musical and Best Actor In A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical – Macaulay Culkin.

Trivia: Joe Pesci kept forgetting he was making a family film so Columbus suggested, “Fridge,” in stead of the “F” word. Robert De Niro turned down the role of Harry, which went to his pal Pesci. Danny DeVito was also considered for playing Harry. Daniel Stern slipped in the “S” word while retrieving his boot through the dog door. John Candy improvised all his lines. Macaulay Culkin adlibbed the line, “You guys give up, or are you thirsty for more?”.

Rated: [PG]

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

Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)

C. – 120m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen.
A.K.A.: Home Alone II: Lost In New York City, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York City, Home Alone II, Home Alone 2, Alone Again
Dir.: Chris Columbus. Writer: John Hughes.
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Gerry Bamman, Kieran Culkin, Tim Curry, Eddie Bracken, Rob Schneider, Donald J. Trump and Chis Columbus.

When Kevin McCallister hops on the wrong flight, while his family is on another, he finds himself alone in New York City. Who does he meet? The Wet Bandits from the first film, now The Sticky Bandits. An intelligent sequel and semi-remake. Everyone is in top form. Particularly Pesci and Stern! The bricks off the top of the roof scene is gaspingly hilarious. It is reported that The Plaza Hotel has the carpet torn out of the lobby so that Macaulay Culkin could slip on it. Trump liked it so much, he never had the carpet replaced.

Rated: [PG] – Comic Action & Mild Language.

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

Home Alone 3 (1997)

C. – 102m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Home Alone III
Writer: John Hughes
Starring: Scarlett Johansson

A kid left home alone (the title, duh!) fends of thieves who are after a secret chip in his toy car. Contrived but entertaining in title sequel to the first two films. It failed to procure Macaulay Culkin and suffers a bit for it. However, it is worth noting this was one of the early big roles for Scarlett Johansson.

Rated: [PG] – Slapstick Violence, Language & Mild Sensuality

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

Home Alone 4 (2002)

C. – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen. – Made For TV.
A.K.A.: Home Alone: Taking Back The House, Home Alone IV
Co–Writer: John Hughes (Characters)
Starring: Barbara Babcock and Missi Pyle

After Kevin McCallister’s parents split he is living with his mom and decides to do Christmas with his dad at his father’s girlfriend’s mansion. Meanwhile Marv from the first two films teams with a new criminal and guess which house they are after.  A made for TV sequel that skips the third film. Interesting premise is somewhat muddled and the lack of Daniel Stern as Marv sinks this one to a low rating. Not terrible but the script could have used some punching up. As Stern said it is an “insult and a piece of trash.”

Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012)

C. – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen. – Made For TV
A.K.A.: Home Alone V: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone 5: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone: Alone In The Dark, Home Alone V, Home Alone 5
Dir.: Peter Hewitt
Starring: Malcolm McDowell and Edward Asner

A kid who moved from California to Maine with his family is left along with his sister in their house, which he feels is haunted, while thieves target the house. Another in title only sequel made for TV. The fact that someone decided to do this charmless film, despite the passing of the series writer John Hughes, is appalling. A must miss!

Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol

Scrooge (1935)

B&W / Colorized – 78m. / 63m. (Edited Public Domain Print) / 61m. (Bastardized Public Domain Print)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Seymour Hicks, Donald Calthrop

Scrooge is visited by 3 ghosts to bring him into the spirit of the season. A fair shot at the classic tale offers little in the way of a change in demeanor for Scrooge, captured in Hicks’ performance but does have good period detail. Good luck finding the full version of the film on DVD, however one can procure a bastardized public domain copy on Blu–ray.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (1938)

B&W – 69m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Producer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn, Barry MacKay, Lynne Carver, Leo G. Carroll, Ann Rutherford, D’Arcy Corrigan, Ronald Sinclair, Billy Bevan, Harry Cording, Herbert Evans, Douglas Gordon, Lumsden Hare, Forrester Harvey, Boyd Irwin, Colin Kenny and June Lockhart.

Scrooge is reformed for the Christmas holiday by three ghostly visitors. A good version of the often–filmed Dickens tale boasts of fine performances and good period detail. Admittedly Reginald Owen chews the scenery a bit as Scrooge, but it is forgivable. A couple of trivia notes: 1.) Lionel Barrymore was set to play Scrooge but had to back out of the film production due to illness. 2.) This is the only film with Gene Lockhart, his wife Kathleen Lockhart and their daughter, June Lockhart. Incidentally it is June Lockhart’s film debut.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (1951)

B&W / Colorized – 86m. (Full Film) / 74 (Out Of Print Video Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Scrooge
Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Alistair Sim, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns, Michael Hordern, George Cole, Rona Anderson, Carol March and Peter Bull.

Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who help him get into the festive mindset for Christmas. Far and away the BEST version of the classic tale. Words cannot do this film justice. The usual notations of high production values and splendid acting can be stated here. I will close by agreeing with film historian and critic Leonard Maltin by saying that this is too good a film to be viewed only once a year.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

C. – 96m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen. 3D / 2D.  – Motion–Capture Animation / Animated
Writer, Pro. – Dir.: Robert Zemeckis. Novel By: Charles Dickens
Starring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright and Bob Hoskins

Scrooge has ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve and wakes a new man Christmas Day. Motion–Capture Animation allows the cast to voice various characters in the film. Impressive detail and visuals for animation of this kind. While it is faithful to the book, there are some liberties taken to show off the technology in 3D. Worth watching as these things go though. Suitable from age seven and up in this reviewer’s opinion. Preferably in 3D.

Rated: [PG] – Scary Sequences & Images

Available on 3D Blu–ray, Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Murder On The Orient Express (1974 & 2017)

Murder On The Orient Express (1974)

C. – 128m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Sidney Lumet.

Starring: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Martin Balsam, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean–Pierre Cassel, Sean Connery, John Gielud, Wendy Hiller, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Widmark and Michael York.

Detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder that occurred on the train that he is traveling on. As with most film or television adaptions of Agatha Christie’s works, the film is better than the book in this reviewer’s opinion. A great cast with stalwart performances and richly decorated sets make this a must. Slight complaint though: The pacing could have been quickened a bit.    

Trivia: Agatha Christie, 84 years old at the time, attended the premier. It was the only film that was adapted from her works that she liked, though she was note pleased with Hercule’s moustache. Sadly it was her last public appearance. She died 14 months later on January 12, 1976. Ingrid Bergman won an Oscar for her performance in this film. The basis for the win was from a nearly five minute long interrogation she had from Hercule (Finney). Director Sidney Lumet thought that if he signed the biggest star first, the rest would follow. At the time it was Sean Connery. Lumet and Connery previously teamed on three films: The Hill (1965), The Anderson Tapes (1971) and The Office (1973). Sean Connery was in two films that feature murders on The Orient Express: From Russia With Love (1963) and this one. Richard Widmark agreed to do the film just so he could meet the other actors. As in Psycho (1960), Anthony Perkins plays a man who lost his mother and has issues with trying to have a relationship with women. And finally: The final scene required multiple takes to get all the close-ups of the actors, since the set only made it possible for one camera to be set up in the space. 

Rated: [PG]

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

Murder On The Orient Express (2017)

C. – 114m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Dir.: Sir Kenneth Branagh. Book By: Agatha Christie.
Starring: Sir Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Josh Gad, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dame Judi Dench.

Detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder on the train he is traveling on. While the cast is just as good as the original’s cast, this adaption of the Agatha Christie novel suffers quite a bit. The makeup isn’t believable, the hair colors on Branagh and Pfeiffer lack continuity, and why is no one breathing clouds of steam while they breath in a cold setting? This showed a lot of promise in the trailers but ultimately comes up muddled. If one considers this a chance to watch a game cast in an expensive play and can look past the aforementioned issues, and then some, one may stand a chance of liking this film. Even the C.G.I. is obvious! It is never dull, but not something recommended in place of the original. 

Trivia: This was Sir Kenneth Branagh’s second film to be shot on 65mm film. The first was Hamlet (1996). While this was shot on 65mm film, it played in theaters on 70mm film and it was the forth film since 2010 to do so. The Master (2012), The Hateful Eight (2015) and Dunkirk (2017) were the others. That is Michelle Pfeiffer singing “Never Forget” over the end credits. The song was written by Patrick Doyle and Kenneth Branagh. Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron were originally in line for Pfeiffer’s role but ultimately Pfeiffer got it. And finally: Both Johnny Depp and Dame Judi Dench were in films about the Jack The Ripper murders. Dench was Sally in the Sherlock Holmes VS Jack The Ripper film: A Study In Terror (1965), while Depp was in From Hell (2001).

Rated: [PG–13] – Violence & Thematic Elements.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

Churchill (2017) & Darkest Hour (2017)

Movie Poster for Churchill (2017)

Churchill (2017)

C. – 105m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Churchill: The Untold Story Of D–Day

Starring: Brian Cox, Miranda Richardson, John Slattery, Richard Durden, Martin Landau, Ella Purnell. 96 hours before the World War II invasion of Normandy, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill struggles with his existing status, which appears to be rapidly marginalized. Cox and the rest of the cast are in fantastic form here. One cannot look away for fear of missing any number of nuances that enrich every screen performance. Wonderful cinematography, direction and script help make this a winner for the ages. A MUST WATCH! This reviewer would like to see the film get some award nominations!

Trivia on the film: This is one of Martin Landau’s final films, though he is not credited in it and his credit on IMBD.com was quickly removed upon his death in July 2017 at age 89. Also, this was the first of two Winston Churchill films from 2017. The other was Darkest Hour (2017), with Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill. A similar occurrence happened in 2005 when two films were made about Truman Capote: Capote (2005) and Infamous (2006), though the latter film was released the next year to avoid confusion with it’s unrelated predecessor. It occurred again in 2012 when two films were made about Alfred Hitchcock: Hitchcock (2012) and The Girl (2012). Two similarly themed story films were made in 2015: Danny Collins (2015) with Al Pacino and Ricki And The Flash (2015) With Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline; written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jonathan Demme. This film, Churchill (2017) and Darkest Hour (2017) are the fourth such occurrence. 

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements, Brief War Images, Historical Smoking Throughout, & Some Language. Note: Although the film is rated PG, viewers may not that Brian Cox as Winston Churchill yells the, “F Word,” while knocking his breakfast off the table in one scene. The start of the word is audible but the voice track is quickly cut while the sound effects are boosted for good measure. This may prove objectionable to some. Judge for yourself.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.   

Darkest Hour (2017)

C. – 125m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Lily James, Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Sir Winston Churchill arrives in office to find himself in a rough place, have to see about a peace treaty with the Nazis or rally his country to send the troops to battle them. Strong acting is the film’s major asset. However the makeup job given to Gary Oldman is similar to the one given to Sir Anthony Hopkins in Hitchcock (2012). In short, you can tell it is the actor under the makeup. Most people this reviewer has talked to about the film, or have read reviews by about the film say that, “Gary Oldman is unrecognizable under the makeup.” This reviewer never escaped the knowledge that it was Gary Oldman under the makeup. Oldman is a more than capable actor and is never less than stellar with his performance here. However, this film suffers from being the second Winston Churchill film of 2017. While it is the better known of the two, mostly due to Oldman’s presence, it is also the lesser of the two in the writing for a lack of stirring speeches. Still, there is enough to like here for general viewers and this reviewer will reiterate the point: Gary Oldman is never less than stellar in his performance.   

Trivia: Sir John Hurt was supposed to play Neville Chamberlain in this film. Chamberlain was the Prime Minister who was on his way out due to dying from cancer. When Hurt was cast he too was dying of cancer. At the time of his death he never was able to make a script reading or shoot a scene. The film is still dedicated to him though since it was his final cinematic project.

Gary Oldman won a Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama for his performance as Sir Winston Churchill.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Thematic Material

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Baby Driver (2017)

Movie Poster for Baby Driver (2017)

Baby Driver (2017)

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

Writer – Dir.: Edgar Wright.

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

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

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

Rated: [R] – Violence And Language Throughout.

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