I get Tarantino. He takes bad films we caught on late night TV or in the dollar cinema that had the greatest posters and ad campaigns, fueled our pubescent imagination, and turns them into everything we wanted it to be. That said, The Hateful Eight is a greater tribute to the spaghetti westerns of yore than his Django which was more black exploitation cinema. Add, to that a near great cast.
I'm saying "near," because it is clearly evident that Tim Roth's character was written more for Christoph Waltz. Other than that, some over the top violence, and a vomit scene that was too long and graphic, it is splendidly Tarantino. Unfortunately, this is not the road show version. No matter what anybody says, there is a difference. But, waiting for that to come out may be like waiting for Tarantino to finally release Kill Bill: the Whole Bloody Affair on Blu.
"The Drop" is a slow burn, and it builds beautifully to its shocking climax. The acting is first rate. The film can almost rank up there with some of the best crime dramas. Tom Hardy delivers an almost bravura Brando type performance, and James Gandolfini gives us everything we loved about him. Well worth catching.
Many will rejoice to know that one of Gene Wilder's more enjoyable movies is on Blu. But, they will also be disappointed with the Anchor Bay presentation. The picture appears to have a soft look. It does not pop like so many other Blu-rays. One cannot argue it is age, because there are far too many cases with older films that look so much better. But that being said, the film itself is a fun mystery with the added attraction of Richard Pryor, Jill Clayburgh, and Patrick McGoohan. Along for the ride, Ned Beatty, always a delight and the always impressive character antics of Ray Walston (South Pacific, My Favorite Martion) and Richard Kiel (007's "Jaws") along with a host of other impressive character actors. A truly fun filled ride.
Brilliant and touching with an infectious beat. Sing Street gives us a similar nostalgic feeling that we felt when seeing The Commitments. But, this story goes beyond the making of a band. It touches upon coming-of-age in the 80s, falling in love, following one's heart and dreams, and most of all it celebrates the bond between brothers. i cannot recommend this movie enough.
In this supernatural crime drama, Police Lt. Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie) is teamed up with the improbable partner of Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison), the legendary adversary of the Headless Horseman. All 18 episodes of season two are included in this five-DVD set, including "This Is War," "The Kindred," "Root of All Evil," "Go Where I Send Thee. . ." and others.
Once you're hooked by the first couple of episodes from the first season, you will find yourself binge watching the second season. And, #2 does not disappoint. The mysteries become darker and more threatening, and ingenious points of reference of our lead character and how he views our world only gets better, and better. Once again, I love the world Sleepy Hollow has created.
In this update of Washington Irving's classic tale, Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) wakes up in the 21st century but finds his 18th-century nemesis, the Headless Horseman, has also come along for the ride. After a local sheriff (Clancy Brown) is killed, Crane teams up with Det. Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie) to sort out the mystery and its historical implications, though her supervisor, Capt. Frank Irving (Orlando Jones) is skeptical of all the supernatural shenanigans. And as Season 1 unfolds, these otherworldly events include encounters with menacing demons, frightening explorations of purgatory and impending visits by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Originally, I did not have any interest in this series. But, later I discovered that Robert Orci had his hands on it, and the reviews were glowing. Found the first season on sale and I took a chance. So glad I did. One of the most entertaining series in quite some time. Love the gothic feel and the world created. Acting and comic timing is top notch. Not that this is a comedy, but it's laced with an acerbic wit. Picture quality and sound are very good on the DVD. A worthy purchase and binge watching.
Much has been argued about Image Entertainment's presentation of the Stuart Gordan classic, "Re-Animator." Some have claimed that the DVD looks every bit as good. Mind you, the Blu is not a giant leap forward in video quality, but it is slightly better. Also, the sound does beat out the DVD. The problem with the Blu presentation is the persistent soft focus of the film. Many of us expect a much sharper presentation when we trade in our favorites, and unfortunately Image Entertainment's version sorely lacks that. This may be why it is now retailing for so cheap. One can only hope that Arrow acquires the rights eventually and gives this horror classic what it deserves - a good shot in the arm and re-animate it to the glory the fans deserve. Still in the meantime, it's better than nothing.
This release contains the complete first season of the Starz original horror comedy series Ash vs Evil Dead. A follow up to the Sam Raimi's Evil Dead film franchise, the series takes place thirty years after the events of the movies, and follows Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) once again at war with the Kandarian Demon after he accidentally unleashes the fury of the undead. The series co-stars Lucy Lawless, Dana DeLorenzo and Ray Santiago, with Raimi serving as a show developer. All ten episodes of the series are included in this set, as well as bonus content and deleted scenes.
If you are a fan of Sam Raimi's Evil Dead feature series, then this is the perfect supplement to quench your bloody thirst. The Starz series picks up years later with an older, slightly heavier Ash, but one that remains the same lovable goofball. This show is an adventurous raucous gore-filled ride with lots of dark humor. The Blu-ray delivers excellent picture and sound quality. The whole presentation along with the packaging is perfect for Halloween viewing or any other time!