Pierrot le fou (The Criterion Collection) (1965)

At my local UC PIERROT is shown in the survey of film history class they offer. I was invited to sit in once. Normally the professor shows the film, then lectures. He screened PIERROT. When it was over, there was total silence. He started to lecture, but almost the entire lecture hall of students walked out. A good friend told me later that she had been profoundly moved, and she simply didn't want to understand why. She didn't feel it was respectful to what she had just seen. PIERROT is on of the few examples of true mystical cinema that we have. Yes, there are the references to Rimbaud, Hollywood musicals, gangster films.... The visual puns, the references to Godard and Karina's life at the time, the improvisations, the barbs about American commercialism, the Gish-rebeling-against-Grifith quality of Karina's amazing performance... But what do they matter?

Sunlight/love/color/the face/poetry/emotion/loss of love/slapstick/image/life: PIERROT LE FOU

My exposure to Godard films were through VHS tapes. I was too young to watch his 60's films in their original formats. The transfer is not too great but good enough. The colors are right, it is thankfully letterboxed, etc. even if there are a few image distortions, artifacts and the sharpness and overall quality leaves a lot of room for improvement. There is something very wrong, however, with the sound especially towards the fifth chapter (that's the 5th access in the chapter search of which there are only 6 thanks to Fox/Lorber!) Thankfully, this is a subtitled film (can't be switched off/on, they're pasted on the screen) otherwise, even the French won't understand the French dialogue. The noise distortion is terrible, but could it be Godard's deliberate way to convey sound since it is the part in which the CB radios or walkie-talkies were being used in the scene? My impression is that the technician in charge was probably asleep or didn't care when this noise distortion was taking place and the DVD didn't go through quality control which could have fixed it. I haven't seen the original so I don't know but since this is a Godard film, anything goes. But then the distortion continued even after that scene so any reasoning to defend Fox's negligience on this matter proved futile. I found it terribly distracting and I thought it pulled down the quality all the more of this already mediocre DVD transfer. Is this the best version yet? How does the VHS version rate? Fox/Lorber is hit and miss with DVDs. They did good with Seven Beauties, Last Year at Marienbad, and the already LD Criterion-restored Umbrellas of Cherbourg and 400 Blows but did very poorly with A Woman is a Woman, several Truffaut films and even the relatively recent Padre Padrone. What a shame that a company like Fox/Lorber gets the rights to release these great Foreign films but doesn't have the interest to come up with quality transfers. I think this is a waste of our hard-earned money to buy the DVDs that they produce. Next time you buy from Fox/Lorber, read the reviews... otherwise just rent or wait for a better re-release in the future.

Buy Pierrot le fou (The Criterion Collection) (1965) Now

In 1964, Jean-Luc Godard went to work on his tenth film, a color film titled "Pierrot Le Fou" which would feature his ex-wife Anna Karina and Jean-Paul Belmondo (who worked on Godard's "A bout de Souffle" (Breathless) and "Une femme est une femme" (A Woman is a Woman).

The film is his most ambitious film yet, not only reuniting with two stars that he has worked with before but the fact that elements of his previous nine films shows up on "Pierrot Le Fou".

The film was released by Fox Lorber in the US back in 1998 and received The Criterion Collection treatment in February 2008. Over a year later, the film became the first Jean-Luc Godard film released by the Criterion Collection on Blu-ray.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"Pierrot Le Fou" is presented in 1080p High Definition (2:35:1 Aspect Ratio). The film is probably the most gorgeous film I have seen by Jean-Luc Godard to date. The film is full of colors, absolutely vibrant, reds and blues just pop. For fans of Godard's '60s work, "Pierrot Le Fou" is his most colorful film. It's important to note that the restored high-definition digital transfer was approved by cinematographer Raoul Coutard.

Accord to Criterion, the HD digital transfer was created on Spirit Datacine from the 35mm negative and color corrected on a Specter Virtual Datacine. Thousands of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter and flicker were manually removed using MTI's DRS system and Pixl Farm's PFClean system, while Digital Vision's DVNR system was used for small dirt, grain and noise reduction.

"Pierrot Le fou" is featured in its original French language and features a monaural soundtrack remastered at 24-bit from a 35 mm optical track print. Dialogue is clean and understandable and Anna Karina's singing voice is crystal clear in this film. Clicks, thumps, hiss and hum were manually removed using Pro Tools HD. Crackle was attenuated using AudioCube's integrated audio workstation.

Subtitles are provided in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"Pierrot Le Fou" comes with the following special features:

* Anna Karina (14:55) A 2007 interview with Anna Karina at the Brasserie Lipp in Paris. Anna talks about working with her former husband and her role in "Pierrot Le Fou" as Marianne Renoir.

* A Pierrot Primer (35:58) Commentary by filmmaker and educator Jean-Piere Gorin (Tout va bien, Letter to Jane, My Crasy Life) presents an introduction to "Pierrot Le Fou".

* "Belmondo in the Wind" (9:21) Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean-Luc Godard and Anna Karina talk about Belmondo's role in "Pierrot Le Fou". Recorded by journalist Mario Beunat for the television series Panorama and aired back in June 18, 1965.

* Venice Film Festival, 1965 (3:57) Jean-Luc Godard and Anna Karina were interviewed by Maurice Seveno and Christian Durieux for a French TV new segment on the Venice Film Festival back in Sept. 2, 1965.

* Godard, L'Amour, La Poesie (52:59) A 2007 documentary by French filmmaker Luc Lagier tracing Jean-Luc Godard and Anna Karina's marriage and films from "Le Petit Soldat" through "Pierrot Le Fou". Featuring interviews with Karina and Godard collaborators Charles Bitsch, Raoul Coutard, Jean Douchet and Jean-Paul Savignac.

* Trailer (2:06) The theatrical trailer for "Pierrot Le Fou".

* 46-Page Booklet The following booklet contains the essays "Self-Portrait In Shattered Lens" by Richard Brody, "Sarris on Pierrot Le Fou" and "Let's Talk About Pierrot: An Interview with Jean-Luc Godard".

JUDGMENT CALL:

Perhaps one of Godard's most accessible films, "Pierrot Le Fou" is a film that is best enjoyed after watching a good number of his films that preceded this film. With the film now released on Blu-ray for the first time through the Criterion Collection, many people will will be introduced to Jean-Luc Godard but in my opinion, this film is not a starting point for the beginner. It's more of a film that can be appreciated even more after watching his previous films and seeing how things have culminated in his work before he started to focus more on his political films.

"Pierrot Le Fou" is often seen as an early paradigmatic example of postmodernism in film. In the film, Godard shows his feeling towards American pop culture but Godard also becomes gets political as he uses the film for his characters to discuss the Vietnam and Algerian war. For many viewers familiar with Godard and his work, many believe this is Godard's way of using characters to flesh out his true feelings about society. While many feel the film is a paying homage to his nine previous films leading to "Pierrot Le Fou".

Personally, what I enjoy about this film is the adventure that Godard takes you. We wonder how these two people who are in love with each other, are yet so different. Ferdinand is reserved, quiet and just wants to enjoy the simple and peaceful life he has at the moment. Marianne just is tired of settling down and not doing anything. The fact is that she's a bad girl. She's involved with some shady characters dealing with illegal activity but in some way, that is her form of fun and she wants to expose Ferdinand to that life.

The way that Godard has shot the film is quite intriguing. We see things in the film but rarely are they explained. Why does Marianne enjoy killing and hurting others and why is it that both see or do things but not much is mentioned about it. It's like it's something natural for them.

Nevertheless, its the adventure of these two unlikely individuals that I find so interesting. Personally, I found it great to see Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina together as the primary leads for the film. The two have really good chemistry onscreen and the fact that we are enjoying this adventure of two people involved in criminal activity is quite interesting.

Godard has done a great job and utilizing many scenes with the two together to show their story of life together, when things start to become problematic leading up to a pivotal scene that comes out of left field (granted, this is common theme with Godard's '60s films, always expect the unexpected).

Overall, "Pierrot Le Fou" is an enjoyable stylish, arthouse film. It's also one of those films that I feel is appreciated the more times you watch it. Again, this film is not where you should start out if you are wanting to get into Godard films, otherwise you will find yourself a bit puzzled by how the film is paced, how the scenes were cut and how Godard's endings tend to be.

"Pierrot Le Fou" is a Godard masterpiece, but I highly recommend watching a few of his films such as "Breatheless", "A Woman is a Woman", "A Band of Outsiders", "Contempt", "Alphaville" and "Masculin Feminin" before tackling on this film. Once you start appreciating Godard's filmmaking, then you'll definitely appreciate this film even more.

Definitely recommended!

Read Best Reviews of Pierrot le fou (The Criterion Collection) (1965) Here

Godard's first ten films are characterized as his most "new wave" of films (why Maculin/Feminin and Weekend aren't "new wave" is beyond me. Perhaps it has to do with Anna Karina and Godard's separation, though they had divorced before filming Alphaville). Anyway, if this indeed is his last new wave film, it serves as a sort of masters thesis of everything that he made before.

Ferdinand/Pierrot (Jean-Paul Belmondo, wonderful) lives an unsatisfying life of domesticity with his rich, vapid Italian wife. Marianne (the beautiful, amazing Anna Karina), a since forgotten fling of Ferdinand's appears in his life once again, and the two undertake a spree of murder, poverty, cunning, theft and isolation. One of the bonus features on the second disc describes Pierrot as the reverse Breathless (Godard's first full length), and it makes sense. Here, Godard is self-referential, making sly gestures and nods at his previous work. Some of my favorite lines of any Godard film are here: Pierrot glad he hates spinach and his old man's monologue on writing and Joyce. Raoul Coutard's filmography is, once again, stunning. The film is awash in blues, in comic book two-tones, which Karina's red dress stands out as an ode to non-conformity.

Of course this is a long film, and though its structure is completely linear, the odd sense of time in it may detract viewers (I for one love it). Different elements and characters seem to be thrown in at odd times, but eschewing the normalcy and heightening the artificiality of cinema was Godard's intentions. Some might see this as arty pretension, well it is. But as a film lover I'm rather tired of movies I watch once and everything is handed to me neatly. Anything demanding close repeated watching is the only thing worth watching, personally. But really, this movie isn't so over everyone's heads as to be unenjoyable to those unfamiliar with Godard's work. It's funny, sad, exciting, and most of all enigmatic.

Now, if you've seen Godard's previous nine films you'll want to see this, unless you didn't enjoy them, which begs the question Why did you watch them? Belmondo and Karina are at once very archetypal characters in the Godardian universe, but they're also very much distinct from the other characters they had played. For instance, they seem to be the complete opposites of their A Woman is a Woman roles. Karina here plays the feisty, un-containable murderess always on the move, whereas the earlier film all she wants is a kid. Belmondo here is a sensitive, artistic brooder, with a playful side to be sure, but in Woman he is a horny, egocentric, calloused hanger-on.

Also, the end of Pierrot is one of the most abrupt, unexpected, wonderfully humorous and disconcerting of any I have ever seen!

So, while I whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone interested, perhaps it'd be best to acquaint yourself with his earlier films to get a gist of Godard's intentions as a filmmaker. If you're new to his work, I suggest this order: Breathless, Band of Outsiders, A Woman is a Woman, Contempt, Alphaville, My Life to Live, Pierrot le Fou. And if you like those then watch Masculin/Feminin and Weekend. All the films mentioned above are outstanding, amazing, brilliant films worth a million Jurassic Parks, Mama Mias, Titanics and ET's.

Want Pierrot le fou (The Criterion Collection) (1965) Discount?

If you have only seen PIERROT on VHS/Pan & Scan, the letterboxed version here is automatically welcome. In terms of picture quality, it just may be possible that this is how the film was meant to look: a little rough in spots and with a few idiosyncrasies in the sound. Godard's film is deliberately self-aware as a 'put-together' work and is probably not meant to be conventionally beautiful. Nonetheless, several sequences are striking and aethetically pleasing.

Since the packaging currently available is different from a previous DVD incarnation, could it be possible that the disc represents a newer, improved mastering? This is suggested only because to this viewer, the film looks mostly terrific. The sound is another story: mastered at a low-level, it does not come across as well as might be expected. As for the walkie-talkie scenes, they are surely meant to sound the way they do.

4 stars as a rating, because there are no trailers or extras worth mentioning.

An acceptable, if not ideal, DVD of a one-of-a-kind film experience

Read More >>

Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie

This is a 4 star movie for anyone who has never seen Mr. Bean before. As someone who has the box set and had watched Bean on PBS for many years, this movie just didn't cut it for me. It is basically a reworking of all the very best bits of Rowan from the Bean series with a movie plot around them tying them together. So while there is a new idea or two, for the most part the long term fan has seen all these gags before. I would pick up the Whole Box of Beans to get a true taste of the genius of Rowan Atkinson.

If you are already a fan of Mr. Bean and haven't yet seen this movie, run to the store!! Watch the disaster-man come to America...

A famous American painting is bought from the Brits and goes back to the US; the British art museum is asked to send a renown art scholar who will deliver a speech during the celebration of the masterpiece return. They decide to send Bean. He is no scholar, of course, he's just a watchman they wish they could fire; but they can't, so they are happy to get rid of him at least for a couple of months by sending him to the States.

Some of the antics are taken from the TV series, but there are many new ones you will enjoy. The episode of Mr. Bean's arrival to the airport is priceless, as well as his "performance" in front of the mirror-wall at the police station.

Highly recommended to any Bean lover.

Buy Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie Now

I remember when i was 9 years old in 97, i went to see this film in the cinema with a relative. Good time.

I recently saw this Blu-ray and i still think it`s funny a film. I think Mr. Bean is a great character played by the great

comedic actor Rowan Atkinson. I laughed a lot of this film. I`m glad to have it in my ever growing Blu-ray collection.

Picture quality: 4/5

I read a review of this film and it has DNR and Edge Enhancement. This is true, i don`t like DNR and Edge Enhancement.

But, despite this, it i think it still looks good, but not reference quality due to the use of the mentioned. It still has HD

quality and looks better than the DVDs.

Audio quality: 3.5/5

I was suprised the DTS-HD MA 5.1 didn`t sound better. I think the Dialog was mixed too low and the music a bit hollow

and unclear. The think the dialog and music actually sounded better in the foreign dub

Film: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Read Best Reviews of Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie Here

"Bean: The Movie" is a good movie, if you are into Mr Bean. Many of the gags are from the series episodes, though there are some new adventures that Bean gets up to.

The movie has Mr Bean sent to the USA on an international art gallery event to unveil "Whistler's Mother" in an LA gallery. To the Americans, Bean is referred to as a genius in the British art world, an expert without peer. Naturally, expectations are high.

As mentioned, fans will be familiar with some of the gags that appear in the movie, albeit under new circumstances. However, there are some new ones that generate enough novelty to make the movie worth seeing.

With the longer format, I am not all that sure that the Bean concept was as punchy as the episodes. I certainly didn't experience any physical discomfort, cramping, breathing difficulties or blurred vision. However, this movie was a good dose of light and amusing entertainment.

I would suggest that the one of the complete Bean series collections would be a better place for laughter a-la Bean. Though, in this encounter between the intellectual art world and Bean, it is certainly the snobs that come off second best.

Want Mr. Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie Discount?

In need of something to make you laugh? This movie is sure to do exactly that. Bean : The Movie is hilarious. Non-stop events that will keep your sides aching and you trying to catch your breath. Rowan Atikson is brilliant in this movie! Also, there's the series if you want to see more of Bean.

Save 59% Off

Read More >>

The Big Gay Musical (2010)

The Big Gay Musical.

The BFI Theatre on the South Bank in London was packed on the afternoon I went to see The Big Gay Musical.

As with all movies associated with Casper Andreas I expected it to be entertaining, witty, comical with just a hint of sadness attached to it. I was not disappointed at all. He had co-directed this along with Fred M. Caruso. This joint venture proved they were a formidable duo.

Casper had introduced the movie on other showings but had had to fly back to the US so Brian Robinson the Press Officer at the BFI Theatre stepped up on stage to do the honours.

He told the packed house that The Big Gay Musical had been the favourite of the whole group of gay themed movies that had been shown at the festival over the past few days.

The lights dimmed and the movie started. Black and white to start with which gave it a 1930s feel and I just knew it was going to be an enjoyable ride from start to finish when Casper playing a small but important part asks columnist Michael Musto as he dashes out from an extremely bad show if there is anything he would like. Screaming hysterically "I need a big gay musical" as he rushes on his way the screen bursts into colour and a most wonderful production number with handsome near naked men wearing angels' wings and boots tap dance across the screen .

The theatre audience, clapped, laughed and cheered throughout the movie.

Yes, it's campy, even a bit cheesy but its dramatic and it's filled to the brim with muscular bodies and show tunes that get your feet tapping along with them and then when a very limp wristed God appears played to the hilt by Steve Hayes and he creates Adam and Steve to live in the Garden of Eden after chasing Adam and Eve out well.......

The plot has been described in many reviews so it is suffice to say that it is a movie that one must see too appreciate to the full. Words just do not do it justice. The talent is outstanding and all can dance, sing and act. A powerful combination. Many are from the Broadway stage and to name just a few Daniel Robinson was in Hairspray, Joey Dudding did Gypsy, La Cage Aux Folles and Chorus Line and others appeared in Tricks, Wicked and even South Pacific.

Sheer entertainment from start to finish.

I have to say first that I was kind of skeptical about this film before I watch it. I was afraid that could be another waste of my time to watch an empty and meaningless gay comedy like "Eating Out 3" or "Another Gay Movie 2" but thankfully I was totally wrong.

In fact it's just the opposite of that. A great comedy, filled with hilarious stage moments, but also a very human and touching movie about mankind (in all its diversity) A little unreal at the end but that's OK! I'm kind of sick of watching too many sad endings in gay themed films. We need a lot more positivity in the portrait of gay lifestyle. So... it's great to have a mushy but happy ending FOR A CHANGE! That way... later you could turn off your tv with a happy smile on your face for a change. Great script, good acting, good music, beautiful guys... what more can we ask?

Buy The Big Gay Musical (2010) Now

I enjoyed it. it was cute funny. the cast were cute. Only thing i didn't like was it seemed to short. Also it was a tad confusing. Other then that its a good type of movie when you have nuthin else to watch but you will still enjoying watching it. sooo yes was good but not fantastic =]

Read Best Reviews of The Big Gay Musical (2010) Here

I love this movie. It has heart, fun, sex, and good musical numbers. Without a doubt this movie will make you feel goooooooood!

Want The Big Gay Musical (2010) Discount?

Funny, and realistic pretend to explain that sin is not exclusive of certain groups but for the human race. Loves doesn't discriminate only humans do.

Save 57% Off

Read More >>

Not Suitable for Children (2012)

Diagnosed with testicular cancer, a weekend-party-arranger stops to play for fun but desperate for a female willing a kid with him to produce as clocks ticked for his surgery.

Personal revelations follow such quest for fulfilling a time-sensitive goal.

It seems, this work, unwittingly, is a good parody on talking of family values and sex-as-pure-reproduction only. Accurate lovemaking-scenes add to run of a screening enriched with swearing and sexism.

I thought this would be a very raunchy movie, but it turned out to have more more heart than you would think. Some people might find it slow, but I find that slower indie movies are much more realistic and easier to relate to. I will mention that it might offend some people's sensibilities. Obviously there's sex an mildly extended blowjob scene, and some tastefully done full on sex scenes in the middle. Obviously premarital sex and babies, and treating reproduction as a business arrangement. Lastly they throw in some cocaine, which I found rather jarring and unnecessary. Still, funny movie with a core that I think a lot of people can relate to.

Buy Not Suitable for Children (2012) Now

Overall, I liked this movie. It dealt with the polar opposite of what most movies about "baby fever" are focused on. This time it's about a guy who finds out he won't be able to have children and suddenly, he finds himself questioning what he wants out of life.

There were some very predictable parts, but that's to be expected with a movie that's meant to be a rom-com. The character development of Jonah was good through the movie. Like another reviewer stated, there were times that the movie seemed to be slow, but when dealing with the subject matter it made sense for more "showing" versus telling to happen.

My biggest complaint was the ending. It felt unfinished. Even just a small snippet of Jonah and Stevie in the not-so-distant future would have made it feel complete. Had there been a true conclusion/finale, I would've given it 4 stars.

Read Best Reviews of Not Suitable for Children (2012) Here

This was a pleasure! Ryan Kwanten has a face and expression that emote such feeling that he hardly has to speak the words. He created Jason Stackhouse and is nothing like that character, yet we love and laugh with him every episode of True Blood. These movies should be more advertised to us happily-ever-after people so that we can relate them to each other and make them a hit. We don't need gratuitous death, just a slightly complicated resolved happy ending. Life is already full of misery. Give us just the right amount of sex and a great epilogue and we'll keep coming back for more. Someone should cast Ryan Kwanten in a hit that showcases his empathy. He would be a major star and I being 62 and not a beefcake groupie, would watch anything in which he starred. Enjoyed this movie thoroughly and would recommend it to all happily-ever-after junkies. (The other two major characters were also perfectly cast.)

Want Not Suitable for Children (2012) Discount?

From Australian TV director Peter Templeman ("Lockie Leonard", "Bogan Pride", "Marx and Venus") and writer Michael Lewis ("Offspring") comes the Australian romantic comedy "Not Suitable for Children".

Released in theaters in Australia in July 2012, the film stars Ryan Kwanten ("True Blood", "Summerland", "Spellbinder: Land of the Dragon Lord"), Sarah Snook ("Crystal Jam", "Sleeping Beauty", "Sisters of War") and Ryan Corr ("Where the Wild things Are", "Silversun", "Packed to the Rafters").

VIDEO:

"Not Suitable for Children" is presented in 1080p High Definition and presented in 2:35:1. Picture quality is good, but there are times where the picture looks a bit soft. But for the most part, the film looks natural and picture quality is well-saturated.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

As for the audio, "Not Suitable for Children" is presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Digital Stereo. The film is primarily dialogue driven with a lot of music. Surround channels are not used all that much throughout the film but primarily during crowd sequences but for a film such as this, the lossless soundtrack is appropriate.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES

"Not Suitable For Children" comes with the following special features:

Interviews with Cast and Crew (58:11) Individual interviews with Peter Templeman (director), Ryan Kwanten (Jonah), Ryan Corr (Gus) and Sarah Snook (Stevie).

Behind the Scenes (14:23) Interviews with Peter Templeman (director), Ryan Kwanten (Jonah), Ryan Corr (Gus) and Sarah Snook (Stevie) about their characters, working together and more.

Trailer (2:23) The theatrical trailer for "Not Suitable for Children".

JUDGMENT CALL:

There have been a good number of comedies that took on the best friends looking to raise a child together. From the 2010, Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston film "The Switch" to 2011′s Jennifer Westfeldt film "Friends with Kids" and in 2012, we have the Australian romantic comedy "Not Suitable for Children".

Where the wanting to have kids shown on films are usually the female protagonist, "Not Suitable for Children" goes a different route and gives us a single man who wants to have a child, because he will no longer be able to have children after treatment for testicular cancer.

For the character of Jonah (portrayed by "True Blood" actor Ryan Kwanten), his life changes when he is told by his doctor that he has cancer and although treatable, they need to remove a testicle. Because he is in his 20′s, a party guy (who runs parties for a living), he feels that life has dealt him a severe blow of not having any possibility to have children ever.

While his two good friends and business partners, Stevie (portrayed by Sarah Snook) and Gus (portrayed by Ryan Corr) try to give him moral support, they try their best to make him feel positive about his life.

So, he contacts his ex-girlfriend and women he has dated and trying to find a woman he can get pregnant, so he can raise a child. Of course, no woman is not going to take him up on the deal, but his best friend Stevie tries to give him encouraging advice of possibly helping out a lesbian couple, which also doesn't work out.

Being a very good friend of Jonah for so long, Stevie realizes that she wants to have a kid before she turns 40 and so she tries to have a mutual deal that would help both her and Jonah at the same time. But of course, after continued sex in order to get Stevie pregnant, both start to realize that their may be some feelings that the two have for each other.

While the film is charming and fun, it's also straightforward and banal. It is predictable and there are not many surprises with this independent film.

As for the Blu-ray release, picture quality is good but a little soft at times, the soundtrack features a good amount of music, so dialogue, music are crystal clear while the surround also takes advantage of the more crowd environments and overall party ambiance. And you get two special features plus a trailer.

Overall, "Not Suitable for Children" is an enjoyable independent film from Australia that takes the "best friends try to have a child together" storyline, but with a male protagonist wanting to have a child. While predictable and straightforward, "Not Suitable for Children" is a fun and enjoyable film worth checking out!

Save 39% Off

Read More >>

All About Steve (2009)

People Magazine gave this a 1/2 star out of 5. It truly wasn't that bad.

Here are my thoughts.

Sandra Bullock's character is awkward and that is an understatement. This still-at-home-with-mom-and-dad crossword-puzzle-creator is an unique blend of Cliff Clavin (Cheers) Napoleon Dynamite and Pippi Longstocking. I struggled with whether to like Mary and cheer her on or to just be annoyed and laugh at her when she fell into the big hole. I ended up doing both.

Basic plot: Mary, due to outside pressures, thinks she needs to take her one last shot of normalcy by embracing (understatement) a blind date. When he comes to pick her up and turns out to be "hot" she does this creepy silent stare thing and runs back upstairs to put some sexy on. A truly awkward scene follows when she jumps Steve (Bradley Cooper), not after an okay date but before they even pull away from her folks' house. At first Steve is dazzled by the skin and enthusiasm but then he begins to think she might be crazy so he invents an excuse...a phone call sending him away. While he's attempting to get her out of the van before she truly goes crazy he mentions wishing she could go with him. More circumstances make that a possibility. Some may call it stalking, Mary calls it many, many other things in long paragraphs and polysyllabic words.

Mary is not just a person who talks all the time -she's a walking encyclopedia of random facts -and she ends up alienating loads of people on her quest to find Steve. Then she becomes a hero, accidentally, of course. Thomas Haden Church plays the annoying, selfish anchorman wanna-be and he eggs Mary on. Though I wasn't sure what his motivation was exactly his encouragement got Mary to relentlessly pursue Steve. Most of the characters are oddly eccentric, almost cartoonish, from Mary's parents to Haden Church's nemesis. It was almost as if the movie was an attempt to tell a quirky feel good story blended with a parody. It's one of the stranger films I've seen.

Content warnings. The groping scene in the beginning 20 minutes of so of the movie goes on too long and it should be screened before child/young teen viewing. That probably won't be an issue though since most children will likely get bored. Several sexual references are scattered throughout the film. One news story that Steve chases down involves a fight over amputating a baby girl's third leg and there are a few obvious body part innuendo/references. Some language. Some skin, mostly cleavage.

There are several amusing one-liners and descriptives and a pretty sweet tornado besides some great physical comedy and pratfalls. A few scenes are laugh-out-loud funny. Many, many more are shake-the-head shrug inspiring. I'll give it a 3 and I'll probably watch it again when it hits DVD, if for no other reason, to see if I understand it a little better. Maybe it will have that Napoleon Dynamite magic. I didn't like it the first time I watched it either.

I laughed out loud several times. Some of the things Bradley Cooper did wasn't funny, but Sandra Bullock was so cute in it, and funny. A good light hearted movie.

Buy All About Steve (2009) Now

I didn't see this movie in the theaters, and was reluctant to watch it on DVD because of the bad reviews it got when it was released. I shouldn't have given the critics so much credence. This movie was funny! There were plenty of belly laughs, and none of them depended on grossing-out the viewer. This is a grown-up movie, and relies on your understanding of personality, human foibles, and the silliness of the media to generate humor. My recommendation is that you DO NOT read any synopsis of the plot...go into it cold. This will ensure that the insane turns this movie takes have their full kick!

Read Best Reviews of All About Steve (2009) Here

I thought this movie was GREAT! I watch all of Sandra Bullock's movies and I think she played this character GREAT! Even down to the eye makeup! So what if you think the story line is weak and unbelievable! Most movies are! When I go to a movie I don't go to see REAL LIFE. If I wanted that I would stay at home and watch CNN or FOX news. Movies for me are Romance movies and they are for Dreaming and Comedy movies for a GOOD laugh! If you are looking for a GOOD healthy laugh then go watch this movie. I laughed and cried at this movie because I know there ARE people out there like this that society makes fun of! I'm going to buy this movie when it comes out on DVD thats how much I enjoyed it! This is just my opinion.

Want All About Steve (2009) Discount?

I only now getting around to viewing this film that "won" Sandra Bullock her Razzie. And I believe that the Razzie voters were mistaken. I feel that Bullock did a nice job of playing a quirky, annoying person. Surely there were plenty of performances far more deserving of this award.

Although the character could be annoying, she still seemed like someone that would also be good to have as a friend, particularly as she evolved by the end of the movie. I think that it would not be a stretch to compare Mary to PeeWee Herman in "PeeWee's Big Adventure."

I felt that all of the actors really did fine work in this fun little comedy and I look forward to viewing it again.

Save 59% Off

Read More >>

Jennifer's Body (2009)

What was it about Jennifer's Body that made it seem like it would be so worthless upon first glance? Was it due to the fact that it at its heart is a teen horror flick, or the fact that it was written by Diablo Cody, whose darling Juno I just didn't care for (I know, I know, blasphemy). Regardless of the reason, upon viewing Jennifer's Body, I can honestly say that it is a surprisingly good, funny, and even enjoyable flick that lampoons its high school setting as much as it celebrates it. Transformers beauty Megan Fox stars as the title character, who is the hottest girl in high school, and ends up falling prey to a devil-worshipping band (led by Adam Brody) who use her as a sacrifice. However, Jennifer ends up coming back to life as a demonic boy-devourer, and it's soon up to her unlikely BFF Needy (Amanda Seyfried) to save the day, and put an end to Jennifer's spree. While the film is a play on the sapphic relationships between teen females, there is enough hearty helpings of humor and gore for horror fans to eat up. Combine that with Diablo Cody's Juno-esque dialogue and surprisingly good turns by Fox and Seyfried, and Jennifer's Body ends up being surprisingly enjoyable. Give it a chance, you'll be pleasently surprised.

In 2009, the dark comedy horror film "Jennifer's Body" would mark the return of award winning writer Diablo Cody ("Juno", "United States of Tara") and would feature a collaboration with director Karyn Kusama ("Aeon Flux", "Girlfight"), actresses Megan Fox ("Transformers" films, "Hope and Faith") and Amanda Seyfried ("Mamma Mia!", "Veronica Mars", "Mean Girls").

"Jennifer's Body" which cost around $22 million to make, earned around $33 million worldwide and has received mix ratings from a variety of critics but earning praise from Roger Ebert and Peter Travers of "Rolling Stone Magazine".

Now "Jennifer's Body: Unrated" is released on Blu-ray with a special unrated version which includes both the original theatrical version of the film and also an unrated version. The Blu-ray release also includes a digital copy of the film.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

"Jennifer's Body" is presented in 1080p High Definition (Widescreen 1:85:1) with AVC @ 26MBPS. Picture quality is pretty solid as you can see the detail in various surfaces around town. A lot of scenes featuring blood, dirt and grime on the characters which is quite detailed onscreen. There is a fine layer of grain, skin tones are natural and blacks are nice and deep.

The lossless audio is presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD MA and Spanish, French and Portuguese in Dolby Digital 5.1. The audio is dialogue and music driven, so most of the audio is coming from the front and center channels. There are some scenes that utilize the surround channels, from the slight sounds of a police siren, crowd ambiance and some of the action sequences. Some of the bass you hear from the film comes from the music but for the most part, the film is front and center channel driven.

Subtitles are featured in English SDH, Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Mandarin and Thai.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

"Jennifer's Body: Unrated" comes with the following special features:

* Audio Commentary with Director Karyn Kusama and Writer Diablo Cody (Theatrical Version) An enjoyable commentary featuring director Kusama and writer Diablo Cody discussing the unique script and the structure of the film.

* Audio Commentary with Director Karyn Kusama (Extended Version) While watching the film, a red box will show up on the corner (indicating an extended scene) in which you can hear Karyn discussing the differences of the theatrical version from the extended version of the film and how the extended version of the film which is much more closer to the original script.

* Deleted Scenes (13:55) Six Deleted scenes which include the following deleted scenes: Dead Boys, Jennifer Check Is Gross, Needy Confronts Jennifer, Who's Cindy Crawford?, Needy Faces The Band, Ass, Gas or Grass...

* Gag Reel(4:55) Bloopers from "Jennifer's Body".

* Jennifer's Body: The Dead Pool (13:59) The cast and crew (including writer Diablo Cody, directory Karyn Kusama and the producers) talk about the concept of the film and working with the main talent of the film. And filming of the pool scene and the visual effects and make up effects involved.

* Video Diaries Video diaries from behind-the-scenes on the set of "Jennifer's Body" featuring Megan Fox and Johnny Simmons (12:49), Amanda Seyfried (10:23), Diablo Cody (7:05) and Dan Dubiecki (3:02).

* Megan Fox Is HOT (:53) A short special feature showcasing the sexy scenes of Megan Fox from the film.

* Megan Fox "Peer Pressure" PSA (:37) A naughty public service announcement for "Peer Pressure" (ala promotion for "Jennifer's Body").

* Fox Movie Channel Presents `Life After Film School' With Writer Diablo Cody (26:26) An interesting episode of "Life After Film School" with the three film students interview writer Diablo Cody about the film, her career, working with director Karyn Kusama, Megan Fox and more. Definitely love listening to Diablo Cody discuss her perspective of life and writing.

JUDGMENT CALL:

I suppose that there are horror fans who felt cheated that "Jennifer's Body" was less of a horror, teenage slasher film (despite it having horror elements) and was more of a film that was character driven and really focused on the relationships between Needy and Jennifer.

"Jennifer's Body" is quite interesting because Diablo Cody is pretty good of writing films, her way, her style and it's a carefree style of showing school popularity and the cruelness that happens amongst students. And what better way to take on the role of Jennifer than Megan Fox who has wanted to play this type of role.

But "Jennifer's Body" for the most part is not a great film nor is it the worst film ever made. I suppose it all comes down to the viewer and what they were expecting. Looking for a slasher/gory type of film, well "Jennifer's Body" has scenes that look quite disgusting but for the most part, it's not a scary film. In a way, "Jennifer's Body" plays more like a "Lost Boys" style of film with the music, dark groups of students in town where bad things happening. Also, the film manages to incorporate dark humor to the violence, teenage life and relationships.

But everything comes full circle at the end of the film and I really dig how "Jennifer's Body" ends so rock n' roll but with tragedy. A possible sequel in the future? Who knows.

Megan Fox did a fine job, this may not be the role that utilizes her in a non-sex kitten serious role but for Amanda Seyfried, she really shined in "Jennifer's Body" portraying a variety of emotions from anger, fear, sadness, you name it. It was really good to see her play the character of Needy since her previous films tend to showcase her in a more ditsy type of role. So, it was good to see her utilized in the film emotionally in a variety of ways.

If you enjoyed the film "Jennifer's Body: Unrated" comes with a good amount of special features and you get both the theatrical and extended versions of the film and a digital copy. But I really enjoyed how the Blu-ray release also gives us a much more in-depth glimpse of the writer Diablo Cody and her involvement in film. You don't get to see her shown all that much, so it was really cool to see several features with her.

Personally, for "Jennifer's Body: Unrated", it all comes down to the viewer. If you are a guy who wants to see Megan Fox, you'll dig the film. If you are a big Diablo Cody fan, you'll dig this Blu-ray release. If you're wanting to see the film for a scare, well... "Jennifer's Body" is not exactly that scary. But if you are wanting a popcorn flick that has elements of your favorite teen film and horror elements, you may find the extended version included on this Blu-ray release of "Jennifer's Body: Unrated" more to your liking.

Buy Jennifer's Body (2009) Now

The author of Juno, the star of Mamma Mia and the movie world's frequently voted sexiest woman, all rolled up into one movie, and about the supernatural. What could be more zeitgeist..? And yet, alas, this is a pretty woeful mixture of a movie.. told with polish in places, perhaps, but still a mess.

Jennifer (Megan Fox) is the most popular girl in town, her best friend is the geek (and hehehe... she's called Needy gettit? What a laugh..). Jennifer is not shy hormonally driven, one might say, and known to exploit her looks. However, she bites off more than she can chew when she falls fowl of Adam Brody's rock band, who turn out to be minor students of witchcraft. She ends up possessed, and needs human flesh to keep her looks. Can Needy handle the situation and bring an end to the series of deaths in town..?

The tone clearly wants to be this decades Heathers [Blu-ray], but fails miserably in nailing the subtle black humour of that movie. Here, the language, which likes to dwell on descriptions of body parts and functions, in a way that is normally best left unspoken and for good reason, sits uneasy with the attempt at some sinister and almost Gothic goings on in the town of Devil's Kettle. The visuals are not bad, admittedly, in places.. but it can't save a lurching storyline with poorly drawn characters, and soundtrack which strives for smooth and hip but only manages jarring and out of place.

Overall, interesting idea, which could have been a quirky and trendy teen Gothic horror with black comedy overtones.. but only manages to raise laughs for the wrong reasons, with the only horror the discovery that Juno really must have been a one off for Diablo Cody's writing talents. Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried have done nothing to further their career by being in this unholy mess.

Read Best Reviews of Jennifer's Body (2009) Here

While FOX promotes all the other movies on its roster, the movie at the bottom of their agenda, may have been the one that should have been at the top. Don't get me wrong, it was a bad year for FOX, but JENNIFER'S BODY, while it may not be intellecual or have top known actors in it, it is, for all intensive purposes, sheer fun and constantly interesting.

Dismally promoted, JENNIFER'S BODY was shrugged off by its studio as a disappointment, but in the end, JENNIFER'S BODY will probably be one of the movies where, in a few years, or a few months, people will still be watching it. People will still have to get it off the shelf and check it out again and again, because its fun. It isn't all that scary, although it has some scary stuff in it. It's more along the line of 80s movies like NIGHT OF THE CREEPS. It's fun. It's eye candy. It's plain and simple, entertaining.

Amanda Seyfried and Megan Fox are two of the hottest actresses in hollywood right now, and I don't mean HOT as in HAAATTT! I mean HOT as in, getting jobs and getting good jobs and continuing to deliver time after time. Especially Seyfried who is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses. She preys on the audiences natural reaction to find her adorable and cute and then does things either sexy or shocking and it works in JENNIFER'S BODY like a charm. She plays Needy, a nerdy girl who everybody thinks is a lesbo, except for her, who watches the world around her, including her friend Jennifer, become stranger and stranger as dead bodies keep popping up. Is she crazy? or is she just a gulible friend?

JENNIFER'S BODY has everything it needs and more to be a movie that will stand the test of time, despite the poor promotion it received from its studio. Unlike most movies that are forgotten as soon as the credits hit, BODY is a repeat viewer and a fun trip with two actresses who will be around for a long long time.

Want Jennifer's Body (2009) Discount?

So I will admit I bought this movie just for Megan Fox eye candy plus it was like $12 bucks, and it sat unopened on my bluray collection for about 3 months until I had nothing else to watch and I was in the mood for a thinkless horror movie but I must say I was rather pleasantly surprised at the movie as a whole, I actually laughed out loud a couple of times and enjoyed the story but just when I started to get a little bored the Megan Fox/Amanda Seyfried Kiss (OMG!!!) this is the best reason to buy this movie on BluRay and watch on your HDTV, it is pure movie magic.

Save 35% Off

Read More >>

A Guy Thing (2003)

Sometimes I get stuck into watching this type of movie because my daughter rents these things and forces me to watch them. She loved this movie and thought it was funny, stupid, but funny. I had to give you the teen daughter perspective before I gave you mine.

I admit this movie is silly, unnecessary, and throwaway. I still laughed in a lot of places. I also groaned in a few places too. Example: When Paul Coleman (Jason Lee) found Becky's (Julia Stiles) panties when his fiance was on the way over, he searched all over the apartment for a place to hide them, ultimately hiding them in the toilet. You knew what was going to happen, and what did happen. Also, there was a running joke about pictures of Becky and Paul, which we never got to see, being found by a minister's son, who also happened to live in the same apartment building. The son kept finding the pictures and the minister kept bringing them back. *sigh*.

The tale is a bit hackneyed as well. Girl and guy are prepared to be married, seemingly the perfect couple. Guy meets another girl, girl meets another guy, everyone wonders what's wrong with this picture; guess how it all turns out? SURPRISE!!! NOT!!!

In spite of a re-tread plot, and in spite of the groans, there were places that this movie was creative and humorous; not many, but enough that I felt that watching the movie wasn't a complete waste of time. I felt a bit guilty watching this movie because I knew the premise had been done (and done, and done), and many of the jokes were weak, and yet, I like the movie. I think that one thing that really saved this movie was Julia Stiles. She really is not centrally involved in all the happenings, occasionally appearing aloof, and she manages to escape this movie leaving everyone watching with a positive impression. Julia saves this movie from being a waste of time. I look for Julia to get better parts and bigger roles in the future.

I won't go so far out on the limb as to give this movie any more than 3 stars (and perhaps a low three at that). Watch the movie for the interaction of everyone with Julia Stiles, and accept the groans as payment for watching those interactions.

Warmed-over "nothing". Obviously the screenwriter and director have seen "Four Weddings and a Funeral", as well as a bunch of other gen-x comedies of the last decade. The type of movie where the hero is constantly placed in "embarrassing" situations, and all the humor is derived from his discomfort. Several good actors are utterly wasted here -why would lovely talented Julia Stiles have ever considered this part? She won't suffer any long term harm, but it hardly counts as a career move. Jason Lee gets less interesting with every movie he makes, and Selma Blair has done this identical part --the prim yuppie girl who gets dumped for the blond heroine -more than a few times, especially in "Legally Blonde."

There isn't a legitimate laugh in this entire boring movie, and Stiles and Lee have literally NO chemistry together...when they kiss at the end, it's like watching two cousins buss each other at a family picnic. Unsexy, unromantic, unfunny. DO NOT BOTHER to watch or rent this...you have better things to do.

Buy A Guy Thing (2003) Now

Surprisingly fun romantic comedy. Not a lot of "fall out of your chair" comedy here, but it's consistent and fun. The soundtrack is awesome, rather than go to big names for music, they use "bar band" music to create the moods for the movie, it surprisingly works well, and adds to the goofy awkward feeling of the movie. Terrific likable characters that you can relate to, I'm always saying to myself, "That reminds me of this guy I know", or "Yea, that would suck if it happened to me".

Bottom Line:

I can't help it, I like this movie. Maybe it's a "Guy Thing".

Read Best Reviews of A Guy Thing (2003) Here

Life is ludicrous from time to time. "A Guy Thing" is equally silly & absurd. It's mind numbing but funny. A moment I particularly like is when Paul Coleman (Jason Lee) is beaten up by Ray and thrown into a dumpster. His fiancee Karen (Selma Blair) happens along. Of course, being a guy trying to salvage some pride, he fabricates a story that he was brave despite being mugged. So when the police show up, his description of the perpetrator gets more & more bizarre. "What was his race?" the officer asks. Lee looks puzzled. "Was he black or white?" "A little of both." "And he had red hair, in dreadlocks, with a gold tooth, and a tattoo of barbed wire around his neck." Paul of course thinks that no one will match that description only to wind up at a line-up where Hansberry played by Victor Varnado stands there, part black, part white, red hair, dreadlocks, with a gold tooth & a tattoo of barbed wire around his neck. "Oh, it's not him!" Lee yells. It's stupid; but it's hilarious.

Director Chris Koch previously directed "Snow Day" with Jean Smart & Chevy Chase. He does a good job of keeping the pace moving from one intensely ridiculous occurrence to the next. Julia Stiles shines. She is so funny, sweet and sincere. The fact that Jason Lee is 10 years older than she doesn't dull the romance. Mr. Barbra Streisand, otherwise known as James Brolin, does a great job as Karen's macho dad. Selma Blair who was great in "Cruel Intentions" and "Legally Blonde" does a good job as his fiancee.

I also like the wonderful moments given to the supporting players. Diana Scarwid who was nominated for an Oscar in 1980 for playing with John Savage in "Inside Moves" and was Faye Dunaway's abused daughter in the Joan Crawford biopic "Mommie Dearest" looks elegant as the mother of the bride. Julie Haggerty who was so funny in the "Airplane" movies is the other mom. Her film hubby here is the grossly unmannered Buck played by David Koechner who can currently be seen in "My Boss' Daughter." Thomas Lennon from "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" is wonderful as the starry-eyed brother who eventually walks away with Karen. Canadian actress Jackie Burroughs who was in "Willard" is hilarious as Irish Aunt Budgie who will stop at nothing to sneak a glass of wine. Lochlyn Munro from "Dead On Campus," "Duets," and "A Night at the Roxbury" plays the boneheaded ex-boyfriend of Julia Stiles. Even a couple of walk-ons are extremely memorable. Keith Dallas is the Spend Mart clerk who covers on the phone for a complete stranger about a pair of used underwear supposedly purchased from their underwear bins by saying, "It's those college kids who keep playing pranks by coming here and sticking dirty underwear in our underwear bins." He hangs up & explains, "It's a guy thing." Zahf Paroo is delightful as the perky Ahmed who is joyfully exuberant while Lee & Lennon get fitted for their tuxes.

The DVD offers some good bonus scenes, one in particular where Karen wants to have sex with Jason the night before their wedding. Jason unfortunately can't because he's wearing a police wire trying to catch the dirty cop Ray. It didn't fit in the movie, but is more hilarity. The comments on bachelor parties are funny with Lennon relating a 4-day bachelor party in Amsterdam he attended. Cast members then comment on his wild story.

Yes, "A Guy Thing" is utterly silly & ultimately forgettable. I've rented it twice, not recalling I'd already seen it. But it is a good time while it's going on. Kind of like life, eh? Enjoy!

Want A Guy Thing (2003) Discount?

Contrary to the overly critical reviews posted on this site, this film is enjoyable. It is predictable, yes. But so are all the rest of the films in this genre. If you want the next Citizen Kane, then I'd question why you're looking for it in a contemporary Romantic Comedy.

That said the film is decidedly average. Jason Lee sets a different tone as the leading man. He's a joy to watch but seems slightly out of place throughout. He manages to pull it off in this film, but just barely. Julia Stiles was a good counter-point to Lee's charm. Her understated performance seemed to match Lee every step of the way. Together they almost make you believe some of the more unbelieveable aspects of the film. The soundtrack is quite nice as well. Filled with songs by some of the better rock groups around, such as Wilco and Spoon. As previously stated, the plot is rather predictable. However it is standard in the tradition of romantic comedies and shouldn't count against the film. It's an average film with that considered.

Save 41% Off

Read More >>

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians: Kino Classics Special Edition (1964)

Soon you'll hear Ho! Ho! Ho!

It is the Christmas season on earth. The Martian children are in a funk and will not eat their chocolate cake pills. Kimar (Leonard Hicks) a concerned father and a leader of the council calls up on the old man of the cave. His diagnosis is that Mars Needs a Santa; so in the interest of the children of Mars Kimar sets out to pilfer Santa (John Call.) Opposed to this attempted attitude change on a planetary scale is the curmudgeon Voldar (Vincent Beck). You cannot miss Voldar because he looks like a green Groucho Marks. To add to the pathos a couple of pint size hostages are also taken, Billy (Victor Stiles) and Betty (Donna Conforti).

Is this the end of Christmas, as we know it?

What is Voldar's evil plan?

Are Billy & Betty doomed to drift around in space, or be captives of Mars forever?

On the other hand, is it just possible that Santa Claus Conquers the Martians?

I absolutely love KINO and own many of their releases, which are always of the highest quality. Undoubtedly, that statement holds as true for this peculiar choice. Perhaps KINO's version may become the ultimate edition of a movie once marvelously spoofed on MST3K.

.

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964) just may be the biggest holiday turkey in cinematic history!

It's a kiddie adventure story that's remembered (if at all) as the screen debut of Pia Zadora. Shot on a ten-cent budget in an abandoned aircraft hanger on Long Island, Santa and the Martians is a perennial favorite on almost every Worst Movie list.

Is this picture as bad as its hype? Absolutely! Would I suggest you see for yourself how awful the film really is? Hey, why not? It's good for a few laughs, some unintended of course.

SCCTM's memorably terrible melody, "Hooray For Santy Claus" was written by accordionist Milton DeLugg. His polka "Hoop Dee Doo" was popular on TV game shows. DeLugg is most famous for producing Buddy Holly's "Rave On" and most infamous for the song in this movie. He wrote the original theme to THE NEWLYWED GAME and was musical director of Chuck Barris' GONG SHOW (whenever a contestant won on this program, DeLugg's "Hoop Dee Doo" was played).

But back to the turkey on our plates. Here's my favorite bit of dialogue from SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS:

Hargo: What's soft and round and you put it on a stick and you toast it in a fire, and it's green?

Kimar: I don't know what?

Hargo: A Martian mellow.

Ouch!

Buy Santa Claus Conquers the Martians: Kino Classics Special Edition (1964) Now

Read More >>

Jackie Chan: Battle Creek Brawl / City Hunter

Battle Creek Brawl was one of my Kid Time Favorites growing up. One of the first time seeing Jackie Chan and like everyone else jumped started my Martial Arts Training.

Good story, Great Action for Old school style and Jackie is always funny.

City Hunter is fairly Kooky and story is just goofy. Some good martial arts action and some good stunts but overall I would say only rate about a 5 out of 10. Not one of Jackies better flicks.

The twin movies contained here 'Battle Creek Brawl' and 'City Hunter' are well matched, even if they are over a decade apart. Both are broad comedies, possibly the two broadest comedies in Jackie's career (which is saying something). Both were also made outside of Jackie's usual Hong Kong crew, and both display different aspects of his talents not shown in the movies he directed himself. But otherwise these are two very different pictures.

"Battle Creek Brawl' was Jackie's first attempt at an American crossover, hot on the heels of the cameos in the 'Cannonball Run' movies. The same producer and director who worked with Bruce Lee made this, and expectations were high. But the people behind the camera understood Jackie's talents and charm better than the general public of the time, it seems, and focused on comedy action instead of an intense martial arts. Think of "Every Which Way But Loose' style comedy, but with some Jackie Chan style mayhem sprinkled in. Personally, I love the movie, which is painted in very broad strokes. It is great to see Jackie challenged by gigantic men who look straight out of 1960's professional wrestling, complete with the tights and walrus mustaches. Not to mention the roller derby!

Broad stroked is also a way to describe 'City Hunter', a production where Jackie stepped in at the last minute as the lead. It is based on a Japanese manga, and the mood of the movie is one long cartoon. Every action is exaggerated, and in a way Jackie is perfect for the part, although I am personally glad he only went this far once in his career. Still, it is great to see him over-the-top in his reaction shots. And the fight at the end where fighters turn into video game characters is very very funny. The movie is juvenile, and has more sexual innuendo and gun play that the norm for a JC film. Still, with a couple of beers to help things flow along, the movie is pretty entertaining.

In summation, neither film are essential viewing because both represent very different sides of Jackie's talents. But both are funny, if very different, films, with tons of action. They also have pretty good production values and look great on Blu-ray. There are also a couple of neat extras, such as current interviews with the producer and co-star of 'Battle Creek Brawl', and some period interviews in Chinese for 'City Hunter'. I enjoyed the hell out of both these films, and in a way they are strangely but well matched.

Buy Jackie Chan: Battle Creek Brawl / City Hunter Now

Read More >>