Christina Ricci Lizzie Borden Film & Show (2014 & 2015)

 Lizzie Borden Took An Axe (2014)

C – 87m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 / 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Lizzie Borden Took An Ax
Writer: Stephen Kay
Dir.: Nick Gomez
Starring: Christina Ricci, Clea DuVall, Gregg Henry, Stephen McHattie, Shawn Doyle, Sarah Botsford, Jeremy Akerman, Brett Donahue, John Dunsworth and Andrew Gillies.

The true story of Lizzie Borden, a woman tried and acquitted in the 1892 murders of her father and stepmother. “Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks. When she’d seen what she had done, she gave her father 41.” The premise is simple the acting is solid. The only thing out of place is punk rock – ish music playing in a film set in 1892. Still, this reviewer enjoyed the film that did it first: A Knight’s Tale (2001). So why complain too much with it here? Christina Ricci and the cast are capable but the presentation is average. This spawned the limited series: The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015), A.K.A.: Lizzie Borden: The Fall River Chronicles.

Rated: [TV–14]
Available on DVD & Digital Copy 

The Lizzie Borden Chronicles: The Complete Series (2015)

C – 337m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 / 1.78:1 – Widescreen
AKA: Lizzie Borden: The Fall River Chronicles
Exec. Prod.: Christina Ricci
Starring: Christina Ricci, Clea DuVall, Cole Hauser, Dylan Taylor, John Ralston, Jeff Wincott, Jonathan Banks, John Heard, Kenneth Welsh, Stephen McHattie, Bill Carr, Chris Lawrence.

Fictionalized account of the actual events and people surrounding Lizzie Borden after her controversial acquittal of the double murder of her father and stepmother in 1892. Vivid characters help boost this above the original movie, Lizzie Borden Took An Axe (2014). The stories of the episodes are even more lively than that of the film and the body count is greater than two, which helps. Not for the squeamish but not the most violent thing to view either. Christina Ricci, as always in this reviewer’s opinion, is in good form and she commendably produced this project. This was a limited run series. 

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

The Lodger Films (1927–2009)

The Lodger (1926 / 1927)

B&W – 98m (Ontario, Canada) / 92m (Theatrical) / 90m (2012 Restoration & TCM Print) / 74m (National Film Archive Print) / 67m (VHS)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: The Lodger: A Story Of The London Fog
Novel: The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes
Play: “The Lodger” by Marie Belloc Lowndes
Scenario By: Eliot Stannard
Uncredited: Sir Alfred Hitchcock
Prod.: Michael Balcon
Dir.: Sir Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Marie Ault, Arthur Chesney, June Tripp, Malcolm Keen, Ivor Novello, Reginald Gardiner, Eve Gray, Sir Alfred Hitchcock and Alma Reville.
Script Supervisor: Elma Reville

SILENT FILM

A landlady suspects her new lodger is the madman killing women in London. The first surviving Jack The Ripper film boasts of the talents of Alfred Hitchcock, his wife Alma Reville and actor Reginald Gardiner. As it is a silent film it helps to pay attention when watching the film and not try to multitask. The film is dated and stilted but worth watching for the fact that it was Hitchcock’s first suspense film and the first surviving Jack The Ripper film. 

Trivia: This was the first Sir Alfred Hitchcock film in which Hitchcock had cameo. For the opening of the film Hitchcock wanted the Avenger’s murder victim being dragged out of The Thames River with the Charing Cross Bridge in the background. His request to shoot the scene was turned down by Scotland Yard. After several more appeals to the Yard, Hitch got his answer when they agreed to look the other way if he could shoot it in one night. Hitch sent the cameraman and his actors to shoot the scene. After the film was developed they searched frantically for the scene. It was discovered that the cameraman forgot to load the lens on the camera before shooting the scene. The original story had hints of homosexuality and incest but Ivor Montagu changed that by removing title cards, bringing the number from 400 down to 80, at the behest of producer Michael Balcon.

The book is supposedly based on a story told to painter Walter Richard Sickert, writer Patricia Cornwell’s pick for who was Jack The Ripper, by a landlady who made the claim that her last lodger was Jack The Ripper. This was the film debut of Reginald Gardiner. Ivor Novello reprised his role in the first talkie remake of this film: The Phantom Fiend (1932).

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy separate and as part of The Criterion Collection

The Phantom Fiend (1932)

B&W – 67m (Full Running Length – beware of shorter prints)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: The Lodger
Novel: The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes (as Mrs. Belloc Lowndes)
Scenario By: Miles Mander and Paul Rotha
Adapted For The Screen By: H. Fowler Mear
Uncredited: Ivor Novello
Dir.: Maurice Elvey
Starring: Ivor Novello, Elizabeth Allan, A.W. Baskcomb and Jack Hawkins.

A landlady suspects her new lodger is the man killing women in London. Interesting but somewhat lesser version of the Sir Alfred Hitchcock classic. Hitch had the visual flair while this relies on the new addition of sound. Still it does build some suspense. Worth a look.

Trivia: This film is in public domain. Ivor Novello reprised his role from the classic Sir Alfred Hitchcock Film. Hitchcock was asked to direct but declined. 

Available on DVD, Digital Copy & on YouTube

The Lodger (1944)

B&W – 84m
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen (Theatrical Ratio) / 1.34:1 – Fullscreen (Blu–ray Ratio)
A.K.A.: Jack The Ripper
From The Novel: The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes
Screenplay By: Barre Lyndon
Dir.: John Brahm
Starring: Merle Oberon, George Sanders, Laird Cregar, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Sara Allgood, Aubrey Mather, Queenie Leonard, Doris Lloyd, Billy Bevan, Edmund Breon, Ruth Clifford, Herbert Clifton, Cyril Delevanti, Frank Elliott, Herbert Evans, Kit Guard, Gerald Hamer, Lumsden Hare, Forrester Harvey, Stuart Holmes, Boyd Irwin, Colin Kenny, Skelton Knaggs, Anita Sharp–Bolster, C. Montague Shaw, Ethel Sherman, Will Stanton and Frederick Worlock. Cinematography By: Lucien Ballard

A landlady suspects her new lodger of being Jack The Ripper. Splendid remake of the Hitchcock classic and subsequent 1932 remake that also starred Ivor Novello. Cinematography is wonderful! Oberon is stunning and Cregar is menacing. The suspense builds wonderfully and this reviewer will admit to having nightmares based on the ending chase. A must watch!

Trivia: Merle Oberon fell in love with the cinematographer, Lucien Ballard, and they were married the following year. Because of a car accident Oberon was in she had facial scars. Ballard created a way of lighting her that would wash out the scars. This technique is still called: “The Obie”, not to be confused with the Off–Broadway award. Laird Cregar’s screen presence created such a stir 20th Century Fox planned to cast him in many more roles capitalizing on his role here. The first of which was Hangover Square (1945). Unfortunately Cregar suffered a fatal heart attack and Hangover Square was released posthumously. This was filmed in 1943 and released in 1944. This film was remade by 20th Century Fox as: Man In The Attic (1953), which was filmed on the same sets and reused footage of the London police chasing Jack The Ripper on the rooftops. The sequence of the killing at the beginning of the picture was ordered to be placed there by studio chief Darryl F. Zanuck.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Man In The Attic (1953)

B&W – 82m
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen
Novel: The Lodger By Marie Belloc Lowndes
Screenplay By: Robert Presnell, Jr. and Barre Lyndon
Exec. Prod.: Leonard Goldstein
Prod.: Robert L. Jacks
Dir.: Hugo Fregonese
Starring: Jack Palance, Constance Smith, Byron Palmer, Frances Bavier, Rhys Williams, Sean McClory, Leslie Bradley, Lester Matthews, Harry Cording, Lisa Daniels, Lilian Bond, Isabel Jewell, Rama Bai, Chet Brandenburg, Morgan Brown, Noble ‘Kid’ Chissell, Franklyn Farnum, Stuart Holmes, Michael Jeffers, Colin Kenny, Sylvia Lewis, Mickey Martin, Monty O’Grady, Joe Phillips, Bob Reeves, Cosmo Sardo and Ben Wright.

After an enigmatic, self–described pathologist rents the attic room of a Victorian house, his landlady begins to suspect that her lodger is Jack The Ripper. A near miss of a film remake of The Lodger suffers from stuffy scripting and over–acting. Likely best to skip this one.

Trivia: This film is in “public domain”. This is 20th Century Fox’s second stab at The Lodger story. Film debut of Lisa Daniels.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy

The Lodger (2009)

C – 95m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – Widescreen
Novel: The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes
Writer – Dir.: David Ondaatje
Starring: Alfred Molina, Hope Davis, Shane West, Donal Logue, Philip Baker Hall, Rachael Leigh Cook, Rebecca Pidgeon and Simon Baker.

A couple rents out a room to a mysterious young man, who may or may not be guilty of a series of grisly neighborhood murders. While there are historical inaccuracies in this version, as with any other version, the film is a smart updating of the classic novel. Be aware that this is a premise only remake. Obviously Jack The Ripper was seldom mentioned in 2009. Worth a look as a completion of The Lodger story.

Trivia: Annie Chapman was Jack The Ripper’s second victim, not his fourth victim. Liz Stride and Catherine Eddowes were killed on the same night but in different locations unlike what is stated here.

Rated: [R] – Violent Content, Language & Brief Nudity
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Sherlock Holmes Vs. Jack The Ripper Films

A Study In Terror (1965 / 1966)

C – 95m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Sherlock Holmes Vs. Jack The Ripper, Fog
Characters By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Loosely Adapted From The Novel: A Study In Terror by Ellery Queen (Daniel Nathan / Fredric Dannay and Emanuel Benjamin Lepofsky / Manfred Bennington Lee) 
Original Story By: Jim O’Connolly
Screenplay By: Donald Ford and Derek Ford
Dir.: James Hill
Starring: John Neville, Donald Houston, John Fraser, Anthony Quayle, Barbara Windsor, Adrienne Corri, Frank Finlay, Judi Dench, Cecil Parker, Georgia Brown, Barry Jones, Robert Morley, Peter Carsten, Christiane Maybach and Patrick Newell. 

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson join the hunt for the notorious serial killer, Jack The Ripper. Slick loose adaption of the Ellery Queen classic novel features an interesting take on The Ripper story. The novel it is loosely adapted from has the Holmes story framed by armchair detective / writer Ellery Queen reading the manuscript by Dr. John H. Watson. This film is simply the Holmes Vs. The Ripper story that Queen was, “reading”… For what it was at the time the film does a swift job of telling the story, though there are many loose ends not so well tied up. Still, it is of interest for Ripperphiles and should be screened with Murder By Decree (1979).   

Trivia: The close of the film, set a Baker Street eludes to The Adventure Of The Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Frank Finlay also plays Inspector Lestrade in: Murder By Decree (1979). Anthony Quayle appears in both films as well. John Neville reprised his role as Sherlock Holmes on Broadway in the 1970’s. Robert Stephens was the first choice to play Sherlock Holmes here; he would go on to do so in 1970 and Thorley Walters was the first choice for Dr. Watson. Jim O’Connolly was at first attached to direct the film. Mary Anne Nichols, The Ripper’s first victim, bought a hat that she was proud of the night she was murdered. This bit of info was given to his third victim in this film: “Long Liz” – Elizabeth Stride. The final victim, Mary Jane Kelly’s one room flat was historically located on the first floor.

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

Murder By Decree (1979)

C – 124m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Sherlock Holmes: Murder By Decree, Sherlock Holmes And Saucy Jack
Characters By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Book: The Ripper File by Elwyn Jones, Stephen Knight and John Lloyd
Screenplay By: John Hopkins
Novelization By: Robert Weverka
Prod. – Dir.: Bob Clark
Starring: Christopher Plummer, James Mason, David Hemmings, Susan Clark, Anthony Quayle, John Gielgud, Frank Finlay, Donald Sutherland, Genevieve Bujold, June Brown, Hilary Sesta, Anthony May, Ann Mitchell and Iris Fry.

Sherlock Holmes investigates the murders committed by Jack The Ripper and discovers a conspiracy to protect the killer. Sherlock Holmes Vs. Jack The Ripper once again – basic but fun. The ending feels a tad rushed but the film is entertaining. For a shoe–string budget film, this is quite impressive. Worth a look and should be on a double bill with A Study In Terror (1965). 

Trivia: Alien (1979) was filming concurrently with this film, Murder By Decree (1979). Peter O’Toole was originally cast as Sherlock Holmes with Sir Laurence Olivier as Dr. Watson. Director Bob Clark had to research to see if the word, “fart,” existed in 1888, it was. According to Bob Clark the film’s budget was less than $4 million. Christopher Plumber, who plays Sherlock Holmes here, was a cousin of Nigel Bruce, who played Dr. Watson to Basil Rathbone’s Sherlock Holmes from 1939 – 1946. Plummer previously played Holmes in the tele-movie: The Sunday Drama: The Silver Blaze (1977). Frank Finlay also played Inspector Lestrade in A Study In Terror (1965). Anthony Quayle also was in that film. This was the first Ripper film released in 1979. The other was: Time After Time (1979).

Rated: [PG]
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on DVD & Digital Copy 

From Hell (2001)

C – 122m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Jack
Graphic Novel By: Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell
Screenplay By: Terry Hayes and Rafael Yglesias
Exec. Prod.s – Dir.s: Albert Hughes and Allen Hughes
Starring: Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Sir Ian Holm, Robbie Coltrane, Sir Ian Richardson, Jason Flemyng, Katrin Cartlidge, Terence Howard, Susan Lynch, Lesley Sharp, Annabelle Apsion, Joanna Page, Mark Dexter, Sophia Myles, Donald Douglas, John Owens, Ian McNeice, Vincent Franklin, Anthony Parker, James Greene, Dominic Cooper and Carey Thring.

In Victorian Era London, a troubled clairvoyant police detective investigates the murders of Jack The Ripper. Other critics and film historians panned this film thoroughly. This reviewer on the other hand loves this film. The period detail is fairly good, the CGI and makeup are great and the story is basically Sherlock Holmes, as a clairvoyant, chasing Jack The Ripper, as previously depicted in A Study In Terror (1965/1966) and Murder By Decree (1979). The cast plays this to the hilt and it has some wonderful visuals – the red London skyline and the drugged visions of the streets including The Elephant Man – Joseph Carey Merrick ( incorrectly called: “John Merrick”). There is also great attention paid to the details of The Ripper’s crimes. A must!  

Trivia: Heather Graham almost went into softcore pornography until she got her role in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), then, subsequently made this film where she plays a prostitute. Real photos of The Ripper’s victims were pinned to the walls of the police station set. The directors did this to unnerve the actors in order to get better performances out of them. Commissioner of Police Sir Charles Warren never really visited the site of the fifth ripper victim as he was relieved of his duties, forced resignation, prior to the final victim’s murder. Daniel Day–Lewis, Sir Sean Connery, Jude Law and Brad Pitt were all either, considered, wanted or interviewed for the role that went to Johnny Depp. Sir Nigel Hawthorne was set to play Sir William Gull, played here by Sir Ian Holm, but had to drop out due to being terminally ill with cancer. As noted Sir Ian Holm replaced him. Sir Nigel Hawthorne died in 2001. Around the time of this film William Friedkin was trying to set up The Diary Of Jack The Ripper as a film with Sir Anthony Hopkins. This was the film debut of Dominic Cooper and the final film of Katrin Cartlidge who died from food poisoning at the age of 41 on September 7, 2002.  

Rated: [R] – Strong Violence / Gore, Sexuality, Language & Dug Content
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Home Sweet Hell (2015)

Home Sweet Hell (2015)

C – 98m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Dangerous Housewife, North Of Hell
Starring: Katherine Heigl, Patrick Wilson, Madison Wolfe, Aiden Flowers, Jim Belushi, Jordana Brewster, Heath Freeman, A.J. Buckley, Kevin McKidd, Artie Baxter and Chi McBride.

Don Champagne, a “happily married man,” is forced into a killing spree when his wife finds out about his affair with one of his employees who is now blackmailing them. The film’s alternant title may prove to be the best indication of a review for the film: North Of Hell. The premise is good, the acting is swell, but the execution, pardon the pun, is generally flat in terms of the humor. A contender for Mystery Science Theater in the modern era. Drinking may help the audience with this one.

Trivia: Katherine Heigl’s real life husband provided all the songs for the soundtrack. 

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

Marie Antoinette (1938 & 2006)

Marie Antoinette (1938)

B&W – 149m (General Release Cut) / 157m (Road Show Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Writers: F. Scott Fitzgerald (Uncredited), Talbot Jennings (dialogue – uncredited) and Robert E. Sherwood (Uncredited)
Dir.: W.S. Van Dyke and Julien Duvivier
Pro.: Irving Thalberg (Uncredited)
Starring:  Norma Shearer, Tyrone Power, John Barrymore, Robert Morley, Anita Louise, Gladys George, Reginald Gardiner, Henry Daniell, Albert Dekker, Joseph Calleia, George Meeker, Scotty Beckett, Harry Cording, Cecil Cunningham, Howard Da Silva, Harry Davenport, Harold Entwistle, Ann Evers, Barry Fitzgerald, Neil Fitzgerald, Holmes Herbert, Mary Howard, Ruth Hussey, Edward Keane, Ian Wolfe and George Zucco.

The story of the ill–fated Queen of France, Marie–Antoinette. A pleasant if somewhat long but masterful telling of the tale. Far superior to the Sophia Coppola 2006 film.

Trivia: Peter Lorre was originally announced for the part that Robert Morley plays in his film debut.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy though: The Warner Archive Collection

Marie Antoinette (2006)

C – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Writer – Pro. – Dir.: Sophia Coppola
Exec. Pro.: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Kristen Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Rose Byrne, Molly Shannon, Shirley Henderson, Danny Huston, Tom Hardy and Steve Coogan.

Retelling of France’s iconic but ill–fated queen, Marie Antoinette. Slow, boring and dismal telling of the bio of the ill–fated French queen. Saving grace is the cast and Sophia Coppola’s eye for visuals. Very little else is worth noting in this dud.

Trivia: The French government granted special permission for the crew to film in The Palace Of Versailles. The film crews were allowed to store their equipment in the real Marie–Antoinette’s bedroom. Although the title is not hyphenated, the real woman’s name was.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Content, Partial Nudity & Innuendo
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Hannibal Lecter Films & Shows (1986 – 2015)

Author Thomas Harris wrote four books in the Hannibal Lecter series. The books, in order of the story are: Hannibal Rising, Red Dragon, The Silence Of The Lambs and Hannibal. They were turned into films and a television show between 1986 and 2015. Below are the reviews for the filmed versions in the order that they were made. The star rating on each also expresses the review of the books in this reviewer’s opinion.

Manhunter (1986)

C – 120m (Theatrical Cut) / 124m (Director’s Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Red Dragon: The Pursuit Of Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon: The Curse Of Hannibal Lecter, Red Dragon, Blutmond, Hunter
Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Michael Mann
Dir.: Michael Mann
Starring: William Peterson, Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Dennis Farina, Tom Noonan, Stephen Lang, Benjamin Hendrickson, Michael Talbott, Dan Butler, Frankie Faison, Joanne Camp, David Allen Brooks and Chris Elliott.

Former FBI profiler Will Graham returns to service to pursue a dangerous serial murderer nicknamed, “The Tooth Fairy,” by the media. Well done early Lecter (Lecktor here) film doesn’t hold a candle to the subsequent films but holds it’s own nicely. Cox and Peterson are tops. The preferred cut of the film is the Director’s Cut.

Trivia: While this movie was being filmed, Anthony Hopkins (who would go on to play Hannibal Lecter from 1991 – 2002 in three theatrical outings, including this film’s remake) was playing in King Lear at the National Theatre. In turn, when The Silence Of The Lambs (1991) was filming, Brian Cox, who plays Hannibal Lecter here, was playing in King Lear at the National Theatre. Brian Cox said that he based his portrayal of Hannibal was based on Scottish serial killer: Peter Manuel. This is the only Hannibal movie where his last name is spelled: Lecktor. Frankie Faison is the only actor to appear in four out of the five Hannibal films. Anthony Hopkins is next record holder being in three of them.

Nominated for a 1987 Edgar Allan Poe Award for: Best Picture – Michael Mann. Followed by the films: The Silence Of The Lambs (1991), Hannibal (2001) and the prequel: Hannibal Rising (2007). This was remade as: Red Dragon (2002), the book’s actual title, by Brett Ratner, and starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Ralph Fiennes and others. This was also remade as the television show: Hannibal (2013 – 2015).

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS, Laserdisc and DVD but Available on Blu–ray and Digital Copy in both Theatrical Cut and Director’s Cut

The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

C – 118m (Current Cut) / 138m (Original Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Silence Of The Lambs
Novel: The Silence Of The Lambs by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Ted Tally
Dir.: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Jodie Foster, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Frankie Faison, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Ted Levine, Tracey Walter, Dan Butler, Diane Baker, Roger Corman, Charles Napier, Brent Hinkley, Chris Isaak, George A Romero, Edward Saxon and Mike Schaeffer.
Music By: Howard Shore

A young F.B.I. cadet seeks the help of a convicted, incarcerated, manipulating cannibal killer in order to catch another serial killer known as, “Buffalo Bill,” who skins his victims. This film is a tour de force for all involved. A perfect thriller that genuinely gives someone watching the film the creeps for one reason or another. All who got awards or were nominated for awards, richly deserved them.

Trivia: Jodie Foster has said that in the scene where Hannibal meets Starling and he mocks her Southern accent, it was not planned. Anthony Hopkins mocked her and her reaction was genuine indignation and hurt. She is said to have later thanked him for eliciting such an honest response from her. Sir Anthony Hopkins was confused when he learned that he got the role of Hannibal from his portrayal of Dr. Fredrick Treves in The Elephant Man (1981). He questioned Jonathan Demme about it by saying, “But Dr. Treves was a good man.” Demme replied, “So is Lecter, he is a good man too. Just trapped in an insane mind.” Sir Anthony Hopkins only had 24 minutes and 52 seconds of screen–time, making him the second shortest performance time to win Best Actor. The shortest is still held by David Niven in Separate Tables (1958), with 23 minutes and 39 seconds of screen–time.

After Lecter is moved from Baltimore the idea was to put him in an orange or yellow jumpsuit. Sir Anthony Hopkins convinced Director Jonathan Demme and Costume Designer Colleen Atwood that he would be more sinister looking in white. It has since been reported that Sir Anthony Hopkins said that he attributed his idea to his fear of dentist. Sir Anthony Hopkins explained his voice as Hannibal as being a cross between Truman Capote and Katharine Hepburn. Jame Gumb’s dance was not in the script but was in the novel. The dance was added at the behest of an insistent Ted Levine, who said that the dance was: “essential in the definition of the character.” The first moth cocoon found in a victim’s throat was made from a combination of Tootsie Rolls and Gummy Bears so that it would be edible in the event it was accidentally swallowed. And finally: Jodie Foster tried to buy the film rights to this book but Gene Hackman beat her to it. He planned to direct the film and star as either Jack Crawford or Hannibal Lecter, however he withdrew from the idea when he saw a clip of himself in Mississippi Burning (1988) at the Oscars® and felt too afraid to make more violent films.

Oscar® winner for: Best Picture, Best Actor – Sir Anthony Hopkins, Best Actress – Jodie Foster, Best Director – Jonathan Demme and Best Adapted Screenplay – Ted Tally. It was additionally Oscar® nominated for: Best Sound and Best Editing. It was also a Golden Globe winner for Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama – Jodie Foster. It was additionally nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Jonathan Demme, Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama – Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Ted Tally.

Rated: [R]
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy as part of The Criterion Collection and separately

Hannibal (2001)

C – 131m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Silence Of The Lambs II, The Silence Of The Lambs 2
Novel: Hannibal by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: David Mamet and Steven Zaillian
Pro. – Dir.: Ridley Scott
Starring: Sir Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta, Frankie Faison, Giancarlo Giannini, Francesca Neri, Zeljko Ivanek, David Andrews and Francis Guinan.
Music By: Hans Zimmer

Living in exile, Hannibal Lecter tries to reconnect with Agent Starling and finds himself the target of revenge from a powerful victim. Frankly a lesser entry in the series isn’t without its own gruesome interesting points. Sadly most of those are towards the rear of the film and the viewer must float through a dream state first two acts to get to the final two gory ones. Still, it is worth a watch.

Trivia: When Thomas Harris finished the Hannibal novel, he sent copies to Jonathan Demme, Jodie Foster and Sir Anthony Hopkins. The screenplay for the film was rewritten numerous times due to issues with character elements that Demme and Foster had. As it turned out, neither Demme, nor Foster stuck with the production. Only Sir Anthony Hopkins and Frankie Faison returned. At one point David Fincher was slated to direct the film but dropped out. Sir Anthony Hopkins reportedly wrote a script for a sequel to this film. It was never utilized. Though Sir Anthony Hopkins had no official say in who would play Starling, Director Ridley Scott consulted him on the matter after Jodie Foster declined to reprise her role as Starling. Sir Anthony suggested Julianne Moore whom he had previously worked with on: Surviving Picasso (1996).  The part of Mason Verger was offered to Christopher Reeve first, and he displayed some interest, though having not read the novel. When he found out Verger was a quadriplegic, facially disfigured and a child rapist to boot, he declined the role. Gary Oldman based his Verger voice on Katharine Hepburn.

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

Red Dragon (2002)

C – 124m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Ted Tally
Producers: Dino De Laurentiis and Martha De Laurentiis
Uncredited Associate Producer: Terry Needham
Dir.: Brett Ratner
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary–Louise Parker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anthony Heald, Ken Leung, Frankie Faison, Madison Mason, Bill Duke and Frank Langella.
Music By: Danny Elfman

A retired F.B.I. Agent with special psychological gifts, is assigned to help track down the mysterious killer, “The Tooth Fairy,” with the help of his old nemesis: Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter. This remake of Manhunter (1986), under the novel’s original title, offers a more grisly telling of the story but does so with style. Everyone connected to this film is welcome when they turn out work like this and by that this reviewer means they are in top form here. This was Sir Anthony Hopkins’s swan song as Hannibal Lecter, though he made other films where he played basically the same character sans the cannibalism. 

Trivia: Director Brett Ratner reportedly asked Sir Anthony Hopkins to get a facelift and Sir Anthony refused. Sir Anthony Hopkins showed up on set on one of his days off just to watch Philip Seymour Hoffman work, as they shared no scenes together. Philip Seymour Hoffman insisted on being glued to the chair during his encounter with Ralph Fiennes’ character. Ralph Fiennes gained fifteen pounds of muscle for the role of Francis Dolarhyde. Sir Anthony Hopkins stated that his final outing as Hannibal was to remind audiences that Hannibal is a serial killer. He stated that he didn’t like the fact that Hannibal became a fun anti-hero in the public’s minds.

Rated: [R] – Violence, Grisly Images, Language, Some Nudity & Sexuality
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Hannibal Rising (2007)

C – 121m (Theatrical Cut) / 131m (Unrated Cut)

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen

A.K.A.: The Lecter Variation: The Story Of Young Hannibal Lecter, Young Hannibal: Behind The Mask, The Lector Variations, Young Hannibal, Hannibal 4
Novel: Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris
Screenplay By: Thomas Harris
Producers: Dino De Laurentiis and Martha De Laurentiis
Dir.: Peter Webber
Starring: Gaspard Ulliel, Li Gong and Rhys Ifans

Hannibal grows up after escaping the Nazis and cannibalism during World War II and plans revenge on the cannibals responsible for his sister’s murder years before. Lured and frankly unnecessary prequel to the successful Hannibal series is also slow moving. One scene of revenge is welcome when Hannibal goes after the crude guy in the market. Otherwise, skip it.

Trivia: The only Hannibal outing to be scripted by the book series’ author, Thomas Harris.

Rated: [R] – Strong Grisly Violent Content and some Language / Sexual References
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Hannibal: The Complete Series (2013–2015)

C – 44m Each, 39 Episodes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
Inspired By The Novel: Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
Creator: Bryan Fuller
Starring: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Laurence Fishburne and Eddie Izzard.

Will Graham is a teacher who is recruited because of his psychological gifts to help the F.B.I. track down killers, along the way he meets Hannibal Lecter and trouble ensues in the long run. The short lived series is slow moving for the most part, which may be a hindrance for some, but the visual touches are amazing. Worth a look.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Theatrical Addams Family Films (1991 & 1993)

The Addams Family started off as a comic. There were several iterations of it on television (subject of another blog) and a pair of theatrical films in the 1990’s of it. Below are the reviews of the 1990’s theatrical films.

The Addams Family (1991)

C – 99m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen (Theatrical Ratio) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray Ratio)
Characters By: Charles Addams
Screenplay By: Caroline Thompson and Larry Wilson
Exec. Prod.: Graham Place
Prod.: Scott Rudin
Co–Prod.: Jack Cummins
Assoc. Prod.s: Bonnie Arnold and Paul Rosenberg
Dir.: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Hedaya, Elizabeth Wilson, Judith Malina, Carel Struycken, Dana Ivey, Paul Benedict, Christina Ricci, Jimmy Workman, Christopher Hart, John Franklin, Joe Zimmerman, Steve Welles, Richard Tanner, Marc Shaiman, Bruce Holman, Barry Sonnenfeld and Benny Wills.

Con artists plan to fleece an eccentric family using an accomplice who claims to be their long–lost uncle.  “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky… The Addams Family.” Smart adaption of the comic and television show for the big screen that helped send Christina Ricci into superstardom. A perfect blend humor, spookiness and sentiment… The only complaint is that it has a slow pace in the middle of the film. Followed by: Addams Family Values (1993). 

Trivia: After the film’s release children would always recognize Raul Julia as Gomez Addams when he was out in public. He was reported to have said that this always brought a smile to his face. The Addams’ house was built for $100,000.00. In the television series Fester Addams was Morticia’s uncle, here he is Gomez’s brother. Bruno Kirby offered his fat suit from: The Godfather Part II (1974), to Christopher Lloyd to play Fester in. Sir Anthony Hopkins turned down the role of Uncle Fester. Early makeup tests for Gomez included dark circles around his eyes to match Fester’s. These were eliminated before filming, though they still show up in publicity material and on the cover of the film.

The original script left it unknown if Gordon / Fester was actually Fester. The cast nominated Christina Ricci to make a plea to Scott Rudin and Barry Sonnenfeld to convince them to have the reveal be that Gordon was Fester. The only member of the cast who, “didn’t care,” was Christopher Lloyd, according to Sonnenfeld. This was Barry Sonnenfeld’s directorial debut. Tim Burton was originally set to direct. One of Christina Ricci’s favorite characters she ever played was Wednesday Addams. Ricci was 11 years old when the film came out. Paul Rudnick did rewriters on the script and went on to write Addams Family Values (1993). Kim Basinger was set to play Morticia but dropped out to do another film. 

Oscar® nominated for: Best Costume Design. Golden Globe nominated for: Best Actress – Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical – Anjelica Huston.

Rated: [PG–13]
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Addams Family Values (1993)

C – 94m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Addams Family 2
Characters By: Charles Addams
Screenplay By: Paul Rudnick
Exec. Prod.: David Nicksay
Prod.: Scott Rudin
Assoc. Prod.: Susan Ringo
Dir.: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack, Christina Ricci, Carol Kane, Jimmy Workman, Carel Struycken, David Krumholtz, Christopher Hart, Dana Ivey, Peter MacNicol, Christine Barasnski, Barry Sonnenfeld, Nathan Lane, John Franklin, Vickilyn Reynolds, Cynthia Nixon, David Hyde Pierce, Peter Graves, Ian Abercrombie and Tony Shalhoub.

            The Adams Family tries to rescue their beloved Uncle Fester from his gold–digging new love, a black widow named Debbie. This reviewer will call this, “The John Hughes Sequel to The Addams Family (1991)”, as it focuses on the kids at camp. Well done but the story once again drags a tad. And who doesn’t want to scalp the all too happy camp counselors?

Trivia: Nathan Lane, who cameos as a Police Officer here, played Gomez on Broadway in: “The Addams Family”. Michael Jackson was signed to write and perform a song for this film and do publicity for it. He did complete the song, however, due to his molestation accusations the song was never used and the rest of the contract was scrapped. The Thanksgiving Play took two weeks to film.

Oscar® nominated for: Best Art Direction – Set Decoration. Golden Globe nominee for: Best Actress – Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical – Anjelica Huston.

Rated: [PG–13] – Macabre Humor
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Jake LaMotta Double Feature

Jake LaMotta was a boxer. He wrote a few books as he got older. Below are the reviews of the two films made from a couple of his books.

Raging Bull (1980)

C – 129m (Theatrical Cut) / 121m (Television Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Raging Bull
Based On The Book By: Jake La Motta (as Jake LaMotta)
With: Joseph Carter and Peter Savage
Screenplay By: Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin
Producers: Irving Winkler, Robert Cartoff and Peter Savage
Dir.: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana, Mario Gallo, Charles Scorsese, Bernie Allen, Jack Lotz, Peter Savage, Martin Scorsese, John Turturro, McKenzie Westmore and Jimmy Williams.
Cinematography By: Michael Chapman
Editing By: Thelma Schoonmaker

The emotional self–destructive journey of Jake La Motta from his highs in the ring and his lows outside of it. Gripping and yet repulsive character study of boxer Jake LaMotta is tops! Wonderful cinematography, editing, acting and sound. A MUST WATCH! De Niro certainly earned his Oscar®.

Trivia: When Jake LaMotta first saw the film he realized how nasty he was. He asked the real person who Cathy Moriarty played, “Was I really like that?” She replied, “You were worse.” This is Cathy Moriarty’s film debut. In 1978 Scorsese was near death in a hospital due to a Cocaine addiction. Robert De Niro visited him and told him to clean up so he could do this film. Scorsese refused because he didn’t like sports film but gave in because De Niro persisted. Scorsese has since said that De Niro saved his life by getting him back into work. Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci really punch each other in the, “Hit me” scene. Robert De Niro accidentally broke Joe Pesci’s rib in a sparring scene. Years later Pesci would have the same rib broken making: Casino (1995), with De Niro and Scorsese. Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds for play an older LaMotta, while Joe Pesci lost weight to play the older version of his character. Finally, the editing of the film lasted almost up to the last minute that the film was set to be released. 

Oscar® winner for: Best Actor – Robert De Niro and Best Editing – Thelma Schoonmaker. Additionally nominations for Oscars® were: Best Picture – Irving Winkler and Robert Cartoff, Best Director – Martin Scorsese, Best Supporting Actor – Joe Pesci, Best Supporting Actress Cathy Moriarty, Best Cinematography – Michael Chapman and Best Sound. Golden Globe winner for: Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama – Robert De Niro. Additionally Golden Globe nominated for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director – Motion Picture – Martin Scorsese, Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture – Cathy Moriarty, Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture – Joe Pesci, New Star Of The Year In A Motion Picture – Female – Cathy Moriarty and Best Screenplay – Motion Picture – Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin.

Rated: [R]

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

The Bronx Bull (2016 / 2017)

C – 94m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Raging Bull II
Raging Bull 2
Based On The Book By: Jake LaMotta, Chris Anderson and Sharon McGehee
Screenplay By: Rustam Branaman and Martin Guigui
Exec. Pro. – Dir.: Martin Guigui
Starring: William Forsythe, Joe Mantegna, Tom Sizemore, Paul Sorvino, Penelope Ann Miller, Ray Wise, Natasha Henstridge, James Russo, Robert Davi, Cloris Leachman, Mike Starr, Joe Cortese, Dom Irrera, Rebecca Forsythe and Joey Diaz.

Another take on the LaMotta drama in and out of the boxing ring. A sorry excuse for a remake / sequel features a great cast but nothing else. The talents of the cast can’t even save the less than sub–par material.

Rated: [R] – Brutal Fights, Pervasive Language & Some Sexual Content / Nudity
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

A Tale Of Love And Darkness (2015 / 2016)

A Tale Of Love And Darkness (2015 / 2016)

C / B&W – 95m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Based On The Book By: Amos Oz
Screenplay By: Natalie Portman
Dir.: Natalie Portman
Starring: Natalie Portman

The story of Amos Oz’s youth, set against the backdrop of the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the state of Israel. How a young man become a writer – in short. While it is impressively acted, the pacing is the big hindrance for this film. Portman had a strong start to directing feature films with this one.

Trivia: The producers wanted the film to be in English but Natalie Portman fought them and made it in Hebrew, like the book. Portman optioned the rights to the book after having tea with the author and his wife. This is Natalie Portman’s directorial feature film debut. She previously directed a short film titled: Eve (2008) and a short segment of the film: New York, I Love You (2008).  

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Content & Some Disturbing Violent Images
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Jack The Ripper: (1958/1959, 1976 & 1988)

Jack The Ripper (1958/1959)

B&W / C. – 84m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen.
Starring: Lee Patterson, Eddie Byrne, Betty McDowall, Ewen Solon and John Le Mesurier.

Jack The Ripper murders five prostitutes and is chased by Scotland Yard. For those who don’t know Jack The Ripper was a real-life serial killer in London, England in the year 1888. His crimes spanned from August to November of that year. This film calls the prostitutes, “Concert Hall Singers & Dancers,” due to the censorship of the day in which it was made. It also leaves off the Anti-Semitic aspect of the case. While this is far from a perfect Ripper film (changing the names of the prostitutes and the order in which they are killed, etc.), it does have atmosphere, a key element of telling the story of Jack The Ripper. The final scene has a shot in color. The film in European release as a different score than the USA release. The composers of the US score teamed with entertainer Steve Allen, who wrote a novelty song titled: “Jack The Ripper” for sale as a single 45 RPM record. Nino Temp performed the song for RCA Records. The Blu–ray had two releases. A limited edition was the first one: it came with three cuts of the film; two on Blu–ray and one on DVD and a collector’s slipcover. The second release was a standard Blu–ray with two cuts of the film; no slipcover and no third cut on DVD. No pun is intended in using the word, “cuts,” for this movie.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.  

Jack The Ripper (1976)

C – 92m (Full Cut) / 87m (US Cut) / 82m (Heavily Edited Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.75:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Klaus Kinski and Josephine Chaplin

A serial killer who’s mother was a prostitute pays his mother back for his abuse towards him by killing prostitutes. A sick and twisted version of the tale of Jack The Ripper tries to make the viewer feel a sense of empathy for the killer. All it succeeded in doing is repulsing this reviewer. 

Rated: [R]
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

 

 

 

 

Jack The Ripper (1988)

C. – 182m. (Broadcast) / 188m. (DVD – USA)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen (Broadcast) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Intended / DVD)
Starring: Sir Michael Caine, Armand Assante, Ray McAnally, Lewis Collins, Susan George, Jane Seymour and Harry Andrews.

An angry, alcoholic Scotland Yard Inspector hunts Jack The Ripper and the trail leads all the way up to the Queen of England. A made for TV version of the Jack The Ripper story benefits from period details and fine performances. Though one could argue that Sir Michael Caine’s performance is one-noted as his character is mad all the time, but let us not split hairs. This reviewer’s opinion is that the identity of the killer should have been left a mystery. Had that been the case, the star rating would have been higher for this reviewer. However it is well enough as is. 

Incidentally it is reported that four different endings were shot for this film in order to throw off the actors, crew and press about who the real murderer was in the film. This is also the 2nd Victorian England film that Sir Michael Caine made in 1988. The other was the theatrical film: Without A Clue (1988), with Sir Ben Kingsley. Viewers will notice that the extended cut is on DVD.

Available on DVD through The Warner Archive Collection & Digital Copy.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman (2017)

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

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

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

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

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (2018)

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight (2018)

C – 78m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen – Animated
Graphic Novel: Gotham By Gaslight: A Tale Of The Batman by Brian Augustyn, Michael Mignola and P. Craig Russell
Starring: Jennifer Carpenter, Bruce Greenwood, Grey DeLisle, Scott Patterson, John DiMaggio, Anthony Head and Yuri Lowenthal.

In an alternant Victorian Age Gotham, Batman begins his war on crime by investigating the murders done by Jack The Ripper. Strictly routine Jack The Ripper yarn gets a tad of a boost from the presence of the Batman characters. Robin is divided into three orphans, Cat Woman is a musical hall singing prostitute, as was Poison Ivy and Bruce Wayne / Batman plays Sherlock Holmes. Nothing more or less complicated by that. Some suspense is built and there is enough of the formula Ripper story to keep adults entertained. The end result visually however is a kid’s cartoon slapped with an [R] rating just for some violence, never mind the sexuality and language. Tame by most Ripper standards, for those who care.

Trivia: The three orphan boys’ names are: Dickie, Jason and Tim; the same three first names of the incarnations of Robin: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake.

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

Last Flag Flying (2017)

Last Flag Flying (2017)

C – 125m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Darryl Ponicsan
Screenplay By: Richard Linklater and Darryl Ponicsan
Pro. – Dir.: Richard Linklater
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, Steve Carell and Samuel Davis.

Thirty years after they served together in Vietnam, three friends reunite to help bury on of their sons. A very sad but moving story is actually pretty well summarized as: The Last Detail (1973) and Taking Chance (2009) meets The Big Chill (1983). It is more of an emotional rollercoaster than one may think from the trailers. Fine performances by the actors! This film should not be missed.

Trivia: This is a spiritual sequel to The Last Detail (1973) and the novel was an actual sequel to it. This was filmed in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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

Rebel In The Rye (2017)

Rebel In The Rye (2017)

C – 109m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Book: J.D. Salinger: A Life by Kenneth Slawenski
Co–Writer – Dir.: Danny Strong
Starring: Zoey Deutch, Kevin Spacey, Sarah Paulson, Nicholas Hoult, Lucy Boynton, Victor Garber, Hope Davis, Brian d’Arcy James, Eric Bogosian, Adam Busch, Jalina Mercado, Sydney Hargrove and Kellan McCann.

How the life of author J.D. Salinger changes after the publication of his novel, The Catcher In The Rye.  A couple of trivia notes: This is the directorial debut of Danny Strong and Nicholas Hoult wore brown contact lenses for his role. Another interesting PTSD–ish story with good acting and a decent script. Only complaint is that some of the scenes could have been shortened a tad.

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Elements, Language Including Sexual References, Some Violence, & Smoking Throughout
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Battle Of The Sexes (2017)

Battle Of The Sexes (2017)

C – 121m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Battle Of The Sexes}
Starring: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Sarah Silverman, Bill Pullman, Alan Cumming, Howard Cosell and Mary Tyler Moore.

The true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex–champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs. Well done dramatization of the true story has great acting and enough laughs in it to keep audiences entertained for the just over two hour duration. The actors are in top form. It starts a little slow though, so stick with it. Be forewarned that modern feminists will go nuts over much of the dialogue that Carell and Pullman spew. Remember though: this is a capture of a moment in time. Some people thought that way. So don’t take offense and ruin the rest of the film for yourself, view it as the set up that it is to the payoff of the match.

Trivia: Emma Stone was originally cast as Billie Jean King but had to pass due to scheduling conflicts. Brie Larson looked to be replacing her until she too had to drop out. Then Emma Stone freed up and the film was made with her in the role. Emma Stone put on 15 pounds of muscle for this film. Stone’s middle name is also Jean – like the woman she portrays here.

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

The Shack (2017)

The Shack (2017)

C – 132m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Based on: The Shack by William P. Young
In Collaboration with: Wayne Jacobsen, Brad Cummings
Screenplay By: John Fusco, Andrew Lanham and Destin Daniel Cretton (as Destin Cretton)
Pro.: Brad Cummings
Dir.: Stuart Hazeldine
Starring: Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer, Tim McGraw, Radha Mitchell, Megan Carpentier, Gage Munroe, Amelie Eve, Avaraham Aviv Alush and Graham Greene.
Music By: Aaron Zigman

A grieving man receives a mysterious and personal invitation to meet God at a place called, “The Shack.” A sad story, to be sure, is turned into an even sadder and boring film. The only bright moments are the cinematography around The Shack. This reviewer notes that the CGI is painfully obvious.

Trivia: Forest Whitaker was originally attached to direct but dropped out.
Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Material Including Some Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017)

Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017)

C – 107m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Margot Robbie, Domhall Gleeson, Stephen Campbell Moore, Richard McCabe and Geraldine Somerville.

The story of the life of A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie The Pooh stories. Sad but interesting biopic offers an interesting but vary polarizing look at PTSD and how it effects a family. One feels bad for both the author in question and his son who had to fight to have an identity other than “Christopher Robin”.

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements, Some Bullying, War Images & Brief Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Greatest Showman (2017)

The Greatest Showman (2017)

C – 105m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Co–Screenplay By: Bill Condon
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austyn Johnson, Cameron Seely, Keala Settle, Sam Humphrey, Yahya Abdul–Mateen II, Eric Anderson, Ellis Rubin, Skylar Dunn, Paul Sparks, Will Swenson and Byron Jennings.

The celebration of showbiz by P.T. Barnum. Lavish and largely entertaining musical. Everything works!  Oscar® nominated for Best Original Song – “This Is Me”.  Golden Globe winner for Best Original Song: “This Is Me”. Additionally nominated for two more Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy and Best Actor – Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy – Hugh Jackman. 

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements Including A Brawl
Available on 4K and standard 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

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