“Good evening.” No one has ever uttered those two words with more class than the late great Sir Alfred Hitchcock. Back in the early days of film, he was the “Master of Suspense”, having churned out many cinematic classics. His legacy is one that will be remembered forever and the film Hitchcock details the director’s quest in getting the original slasher filmPsycho made. Sir Anthony Hopkins is transformed into Hitchcock and the results are average to good.
Category Archives: Review
Pioneers of Television
Television is a medium that has grown and endured for many decades. People switch on their tubes and entertainment and information radiate from this seemingly magical box. PBS has put together a wonderful program which details the history of television, the shows and the actors who have made it all possible. Season three of Pioneers of Television is now available on DVD and if you want to learn about TV in an interesting light then this is the program for you.
The Intouchables
Male bonding is a theme that has been explored in cinema for decades. Friendship and mutual trust provide for strong storytelling and quality film. Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano’s French dramedy The Intouchables is yet another fine example of this human subject. The story involves two unlikely individuals who are joined together in a fairly simple scenario. The friendship that results in their pairing provides for one the most charming films of 2012. The Intouchables is a truly touching film which features two strong performances and now you can enjoy it in all its Blu-ray goodness.
Atlas Shrugged: Part II
Ayn Rand was and continues to be a notable figure in both philosophy and politics. Her views are regarded by some as brilliant and by others, not so much. Her 1957 novel Atlas Shrugged deals with her philosophy “Objectivism” and shares her views on society. The novel which takes place in 2016 was turned into a 2011 film and a 2012 sequel Atlas Shrugged: Part II. Both films went fairly unnoticed and rightfully so especially with the sequel being poorly acted, uninteresting and filled with bad CGI.
The Jeffrey Dahmer Files
In 1991, serial killer/sex offender Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested and sentenced for the murder of 17 men and boys. Not only did Dahmer murder his victims but he also raped, dismembered and engaged in cannibalism. He was a true animal and his heinous treatment of his victims is solid proof of that. A documentary film The Jeffrey Dahmer Files a.k.a.Jeff was made to explore Dahmer and allow audiences a look into the investigation.
The Other Dream Team
During the 1992 Summer Olympics, the Lithuanian basketball team brought great pride to their country. They received the Bronze medal for their heroic efforts against Michael Jordan and the USA team. Having been a newly independent nation at the time, Lithuania’s journey to freedom and into the Olympics is certainly one for the books. The absorbing documentary The Other Dream Team is a program rich with history, emotion and entertainment.
Anger Management: Season One
In 2011, Charlie Sheen lost his mind. His alcohol and drug abuse led to a series of meltdowns which eventually cost him his spot on television’s hottest sitcom. He was fired from Two and a Half Men but that didn’t keep him down. He then went on tour, further displaying his insanity in a “stand up comedy” routine. He filmed himself in a series of confession-like web videos. His slogan “winning” was printed on t-shirts and he became the new Tom Cruise, just plain nutty. In 2012, Sheen sort of bounced back with Anger Management, a harmless sitcom with two apparent missions, to entertain audiences and to fatten Sheen’s wallet. FX succeeded in the latter.
Sleep Tight
Suspenseful thrillers used to be engaging, thought-provoking and well, suspenseful. Films of this genre have been pretty lackluster as of late except for one such gem that’s slipped through the cracks. That film is the Spanish Sleep Tight, a twisted tale that manages to scare, shock and mesmerize all in the course of its 101 minutes.
Supporting Characters
Dramedies are the perfect film genre to convey realism. Life is both, at times funny and sad. The dramedy portrays this fact perfectly and Supporting Characters is a fine example of this genre. Films like this are heavy on both dialogue and sincere performances. It’s a story about relationships in New York City. The characters are neurotic and their lines flow naturally with ease and authenticity. Woody Allen would be proud.
Django Unchained
Quentin Tarantino is one of today’s most intriguing filmmakers. His films contain some of the most disturbing and most hilarious things moviegoers will see. This has been the case since his first filmReservoir Dogs twenty years ago. Violence, mayhem, sexy women and a quirky sense of humor are what usually comprise a Tarantino film. His latest feature Django Unchained features more of the same but this time, presented in a crazy western package. The film is an insane mix of wild western action and dark, tongue-in-cheek humor.
Unger the Radar 