Action

Drunken Master

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 22nd, 2002

Intro

This film has been dubbed as “The Original Kung Fu Comedy”. Jackie Chan is his good old self in this classic Kung Fu film, and the comedy and action are both fun to watch. The sequel entitled “The Legend of Drunken Master” does not hold a candle to this original, but that is also the case with most sequels.

Synopsis

“Won Fei Hung (Jackie Chan) is the mischievous young son of a martial arts schoolmaster who is constantly clowning around when he should be learning kung fu. After …
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The Mummy Returns

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 20th, 2002

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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.

The Mummy

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 14th, 2002

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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.

Barabbas

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 5th, 2002

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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.

Synopsis

Anthony Quinn plays Barabbas, the thief freed in Christ’s place. Though he initially goes back to his drunken, thieving, carousing ways, he is rattled by the events surround the crucifixion. He successively discovers his faith and loses it over the course of a tumultuou…
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Jaws

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 3rd, 2002

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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.
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Boxcar Bertha

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on March 1st, 2002

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There is something rather humorous about the fact that this film, originally firmly in the exploitation genre (this is an American-International picture, produced by Roger Corman after all), should now be released under the “Avant-Garde Cinema” label. Go figure. It is important, however, as Martin Scorsese’s 1972 directorial debut.

Synopsis

Clearly inspired by the success of Bonnie and Clyde, Boxcar Bertha chronicles of the adventures of Bertha Thompson (Barbara Hershey, excellent) and her quartet …
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Drive By

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on February 24th, 2002

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Written By Kelly Stifora

Intro

This is an independent about a young Latino kid’s struggle to become a man in Chicago’s Little Village, where his older brother is the head of the Brotherhood, a local gang. A cast full of non-actors and a meandering, often-pointless script drag down this effort from first time director Jaun J. Fasto. And the trip to disc doesn’t save it.

Synopsis

The film opens with an intriguing murder scene, but it’s straight downhill from there. Ceaser O’Campo (Felipe Camacho), the young pro…
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Superman – The Movie

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on February 18th, 2002

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“You will believe a man can fly” was the promise on a movie poster that tempted this teenager into the brand new multiplex to see Superman – The Movie. Did the film deliver? Let’s just say there were no lawsuits for breech of contract. What teenage kid could help but be swept into the air with Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel. Brando had also been a hero of mine and who better to play Superman’s dad than the Godfather himself. No film had to that point ever accomplished the feat of putting a human in flight that rivals the abilities of today’s digital effects. Hell yes, I believe a man can fly.

Gladiator

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on February 2nd, 2002

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“Imagine where you will be and it will be so”. That was how Maximus comforted his troops before battle. If you imagine yourself in Rome during the days of the Gladiator then Ridley Scott makes it very easy to do. Russell Crowe plays the role of a lifetime as Maximus. I have often heard film lovers state that they don?t make classics anymore. Whether Gladiator is the exception that proves the rule or proof against the rule is uncertain. What is sure is that Gladiator will become a true classic.
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Die Hard

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 26th, 2002

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Say the name Bruce Willis and what is the first thing that comes to mind? Lately Willis has excelled in roles that have redefined him as an actor. Of course, I’m talking about films like “The Sixth Sense”. But when I hear Bruce Willis I think of John McClane. Die Hard was the film where Willis “made his bones” in Hollywood and revolutionized the action film forever.

Synopsis

John McClane just can’t catch a break. It seems his wife has moved from their home in New York City, where John’s a cop, to L.A.
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Kiss of the Dragon

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 9th, 2002

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Intro

Wow… Luc Besson, Chis Nahon, Jet Li, Bridget Fonda, and Tcheky Karyo have created one of the few action epics to come out of Hollywood recently. Amidst the never ending river of s…
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Jurassic Park III

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on December 3rd, 2001

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Intro

I Loved Jurassic Park. I was extremely disappointed with Jurassic Park II. Jurassic Park III fell right in the middle. This film is good, but really cannot compare to the greatness of the original. The story is a bit better then the second installment and it is still fun to see Dinosaurs come to life.

Synopsis

Desperate to fund research for his new theory of Velociraptor intelligence, Grant is particularly vulnerable when wealthy adventurer Paul Kirby (William H. Macy) and hi…
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Dirty Harry Collection

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on November 24th, 2001

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Intro

From 1971, a newly restored “Dirty Harry” has been returned to the screen. This is a fantastic DVD release in every way – as either a solitary disc, or as part of the Dirty Harry box set. The video looks fantastic, the audio sounds good, and the disc is packed with valuable features. Beyond the quality of the DVD presentation, the movie itself is a classic – “Dirty Harry” is a seminal detective story in the annals of Hollywood – Harry Callahan is one of the original disaffected anti-heroes, a traum…
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Backyard Dogs

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on November 19th, 2001

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Intro

Um. Okay. If anyone ever asks you for a quick definition of “niche marketing,” hand them this DVD. Maybe it’s a sign that I’m hopelessly out of touch, but I’d never heard of backyard wrestling before now. If you’re like me, here’s your chance to correct that oversight.

Synopsis

Scott Hamm and Walter Emanuel Jones play ambitious backyard wrestlers (wrestlers who take part in amateur bouts staged in, yes, backyards). They enlist Bree Turner to film their exploits and market them ov…
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Tomb Raider

Posted in Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on October 19th, 2001

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Intro

Even though I expected a little more from this film, I must say that the DVD release is wonderful. Paramount has put together a jam-packed Special Edition, which should be enjoyed by all. For those who are not familiar with the Tomb Raider premise, here is a little synopsis for you…

Synopsis

“Lara Croft was born into wealth and groomed at the most elite schools. She travels to dangerous and mysterious locales around the globe in search of rare, lost crypts and lon…
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