Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 20th, 2002
Sequels can be tricky business. Expectations are usually high because it was the success of the original that warrants a follow-up. More often than not the audience leaves unsatisfied. The Mummy’s Return suffers this curse more intensely than any invoked by Imhotep or the Scorpion King. Yes, the story is contrived with holes big enough to drive a starship through. Still I rather enjoyed this film. If you’re looking for logic then what are you doing watching a Mummy film anyway? If you are looking for a thrill ride then this film delivers a rollercoaster wild ride through Egypt. When you’re finished you’ll be calling for your Mummy.
Synopsis
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 17th, 2002
Intro
Writer/director Ron Shelton says, in his commentary, that one of the things that pushed him to make Bull Durham was the sense that nobody did sports movies right. Mission accomplished: here is a film about baseball that can be enthusiastically embraced by those of us who have no interest in, or knowledge of, baseball.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 14th, 2002
It was the Universal Horror classics of the 30’s and 40’s that baptized me into the world of films forever. Although I wasn’t born when these films were made, like the creatures they portrayed, they came back to life for me on TV Shock Theaters and the writing of Forrey Ackerman. Now Universal has once again resurrected one of its marquee monsters for a new generation of fans. The fusion of modern-day CG effects and an Indiana Jones flair for adventure make this a remake worth viewing.The film was an unexpected gem for both Universal and fans.
Synopsis
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 11th, 2002
Intro
It is interesting to see a film with such a tiny budget ($500,000) on the MGM label.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 10th, 2002
Intro
It is the season for animated sequels, and right on the tail of Cinderella 2, Disney has released The Hunchback of Notre Dame II.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 9th, 2002
Intro
An ambitious, intelligent, serious look at the life of Oscar Wilde, this is a first-class biopic.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 9th, 2002
Intro
This was a very interesting crime thriller. The acting was quite good, and the triple-crossing plot was very unique. It is too bad that a film such as this would get a bare-bones DVD release.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 7th, 2002
Chevy Chase is at his funniest in National Lampoon’s European Vacation. This film now seems somewhat dated, but it still makes me laugh.
Synopsis
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 5th, 2002
Intro
We’re approaching the Easter season, which means it’s time for Biblical epics to hit the new release shelf (whichever ones haven’t been put on DVD yet). This one puts its emphasis on spectacle and action.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 3rd, 2002
Every once in a while a film enters the pop culture that leaves a tremendous impact on both the reel and the real worlds. Jaws ended up launching the career of one of the top directors of all time, Steven Spielberg. It is hard to imagine that there might be no E.T, Jurassic Park, Close Encounters, or even Indiana Jones if not for the huge success of Jaws. The film was even blamed for a dramatic decline in ocean swimmers in the summer of 1975. A tourist board in South Carolina even filed suit against the filmmakers for damages to the tourist industry. How many of us haven’t heard the deep vibrating tones of John Williams’ haunting score in our minds as we wade into the waters of our local ocean? From a chilling novel by Peter Benchley and based on a true account of a series of shark attacks in New Jersey, Jaws is all about our most primal fears.
Synopsis
