Gino Sassani

Gino Sassani is a member of the Southeastern Film Critic's Association (SEFCA) and The Critics Association of Central Florida (CACF) where he is a member of the governing board. He is a film and television critic based in Tampa, Florida. He's also the Senior Editor here at Upcomingdiscs. Gino started reviewing films in the early 1990's as a segment of his local television show Focus. He's an award-winning recording artist for Omega Records. Gino is currently working on his 8th album Merchants & Mercenaries. Gino took over Upcomingdiscs Dec 1, 2008. He works out of a home theater he calls The Reel World. Favorite films: The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, The Body Snatcher (Val Lewton film with Karloff and Lugosi, not the pod people film), Unforgiven, Gladiator, The Lion King, Jaws, Son Of Frankenstein, The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, and Monsters, Inc.

Posts by Gino Sassani

Black Point

Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 19th, 2002

Several years ago David Caruso left a young TV series to pursue a career in the big time. That young series was NYPD Blue and the big time movie career ended up somewhat less successful. Caruso is back on TV now and his latest film is proof that’s where he belongs. It’s not that Black Point is a bad film at all. It’s not. It does, however, play out like a made for TV movie. Artisan must agree because they decided to release it in full screen format. It’s one of those several twists/ no honor among thieves affairs. If you liked The Score and Heist this is the kind of film for you in a lighter package.

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Fingers

Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 13th, 2002

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Where Sleeping Dogs Lie

Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 13th, 2002

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Eight Legged Freaks

Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 11th, 2002

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Outrage

Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 11th, 2002

Outrage is actually the DVD release of a 1980’s made for TV film, Christopher Rage’s Outrage. Changing the title was probably a pretty good idea. West Wing star Rob Lowe is the focus of this B film. It’s actually a very watchable film if you’re willing to ignore plot holes large enough to drive a starship through and some lazy legal writing. (When the kids trash his home they leave more fingerprints than a 3 year old with an overstuffed peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but the cops see no evidence. Also there are no felonies with a 15 day sentence.) The acting is above average for a made for TV film, but the story is riddled with clichés and predictability.

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Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 10th, 2002

This is without a doubt the ultimate chick flick. Guys who find themselves subjected to the film can take heart in fact that there are a few moments that they will find interesting. Although this film will likely not give you a better understanding of your wife/girlfriend, it will most assuredly provide insight into your mother-in-law. Turns out she really is as crazy as you thought she was. There is also a subdued but pivotal performance by James Garner, who steals practically every scene he’s in with his wonderful “suffering in silence” Shep. There are some genuinely funny moments throughout the film, but it does take some decidedly dark turns in the abundant flashback scenes.

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