Collection ID 1558
Director: Mel Brooks
Starring: Estelle Winwood, Renée Taylor, David Patch, William Hickey, Barney Martin
Genre: Comedy
Studio: Crossbow Productions   Release date: 1967   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, German (USA)
Summary: Down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock is forced to romance rich old ladies to finance his efforts. When timid accountant Leo Bloom reviews Max's accounting books, the two hit upon a way to make a fortune by producing a sure-fire flop. The play which is to be their gold mine? "Springtime for Hitler."
My Rating:
My Review: Written and directed by Mel Brooks. His first feature length direction won him an oscar (Best Screenplay/Writing) and launched him on his way to Hollywood stardom. While the screenplay was fresh and entertaining, it wasn't original (damn!). The story; Zero Mostel stars as Max Biyalistok - a down on his luck producer who hasn't had a hit in years. Max is surviving by feigning romantic interest in his elderly female fans (producers have female groupies?). While Max is bilking the wealthy geriatrics, he strikes up a unlikely partnership with an accountant. Leo Bloom is played by Gene Wilder (oscar nominated for best supporting actor). Leo concocts a brilliant plan, a surefire way to earn piles of money. Make a flop. When your movie flops, you don't have to pay back the investors. So simple it can't fail. Leo an Max raise a huge pile of cash, and produce the 'sure to flop' musical - "Springtime for Hitler". At this point, you can only guess (I'll give you one chance) what happens when the play opens on broadway.. Lot's of energy, and great chemistry mark this comedic movie. It's funny, light hearted and entertaining.

Collection ID 734
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox   Release date: 2012   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, Gaelic (USA, UK)
Summary: A team of scientists travels through the universe on the spaceship "Prometheus" on a voyage to investigate alien life forms. The team of scientists becomes stranded on an Alien world, and as they struggle to survive it becomes clear that the horrors they experience are not just a threat to themselves, but to all of mankind.
My Rating:
My Review: Another masterpiece by director Ridley Scott (The Duelists, Alien, Blade Runner, Black Rain, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, American Gangster). Ridley Scott returns to his roots with this sci-fi epic. An origins movie for the Alien mythos. It's hard to characterize/categorize this movie. It's sci-fi, drama, horror, action, adventure. The atmosphere, pacing and tone of this movie are perfect. The landscapes and cinematography breathtaking. I originally thought it was filmed in Antarctica, then Greenland, then Alaska, The New Zealand? Nah - can't be… Much of the movie was filmed in Iceland and the landscapes are raw, primordial and full of energy. Not strictly a prequel to the movie Alien, the story is a prequel to the entire Alien series. I've seen all the Alien films, and consider the original to be one of my favorite all time movies. The story in this prequel is an adventure to discover the origins of life on Earth. Scientist discover a clue that points to a star system far from our system. A hyper-sleep ship is staffed with scientists, technicians and a group of no-nonsense space truckers sent on their way to discover the source of this mysterious clue. When they arrive, they discover the remains of a civilization from a distant past. I won't say much more than that, for fear of spoiling the movie. Of course there's an alien/aliens - It's an Alien origins movie. The technology in this movie pays homage to the spartan late 70s, early 80s look as well as the crowded, cluttered look of the movie Alien. The movie is filled with technology, alien landscapes, pseudo-religious imagery and terrifying creatures. I love that the movie isn't overburdened with unnecessary exposition, and there are more than enough opportunities for a sequel to fill the gap between this movie and the first 'Alien'. The performances were excellent. Michael Fassbender was outstanding in both his roles. As an android discovering his individuality and an android who bases his persona on the mythic ideals of a romantic past in the Lawrence of Arabia character. Many actors in the cast provided interesting characters to drive the dramatic aspects of the movie. Noomi Rapace did a good job in her role, but she has much more to learn about subtlety in performance, and there wasn't really enough time in the movie to properly develop all the characters. The movie is intense, grisly, dark and dramatic. The film contains more than enough cringe worthy and jump out of your seat moments, and fans of action will find more than enough to pump up the adrenalin. The cgi was nearly perfect, with very natural movement, surfaces and movement. The editing was well done, blending cgi and real action in a expert manner. The movie works on it's own, but it's primarily fashioned as a prequel to the entire Alien series. There are a few homage moments in the set production and dialog, and those few gems made me smile upon recognition. I will buy a copy of this movie on Blu-Ray when it becomes available. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1056
Director: Taylor Hackford
Starring: Meg Ryan, Russell Crowe, David Morse, Pamela Reed, David Caruso
Genre: Action
Studio: Castle Rock Entertainment   Release date: 2000   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, German, Audio commentary (USA)
Summary: Alice hires a professional negotiator to obtain the release of her engineer husband, who has been kidnapped by anti-government guerrillas in South America.
My Rating:
My Review: A well structured action/drama movie starring Meg Ryan, Russel Crowe, David Morse, David Carus, Pamela Reed, and others. The acting was fair, and the cast well balanced to their talents. Let's focus on the other aspects of this movie since the acting wasn't all that strong. The story is a politically motivated kidnapping in South/Central America. An engineer working for big oil is kidnapped by rebels and ransom is demanded. Russel Crowe plays the high stakes insurance K&R (Kidnap and Ransom) representative. Working to pay the ransom, all manner of plot twists threaten to derail the plot, but the writing manages to keep them tied to the central story. The camera work, locations and cinematography was fantastic. The action is well done with plenty of suspense and tension. I give this movie a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 200
Director: Taylor Hackford
Starring: Meg Ryan, Russell Crowe, David Morse, Pamela Reed, David Caruso
Genre: Action
Studio: Castle Rock Entertainment   Release date: 2000   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, German, Audio commentary (USA)
Summary: Alice hires a professional negotiator to obtain the release of her engineer husband, who has been kidnapped by anti-government guerrillas in South America.
My Rating:
My Review: A well structured action/drama movie starring Meg Ryan, Russel Crowe, David Morse, David Carus, Pamela Reed, and others. The acting was fair, and the cast well balanced to their talents. Let's focus on the other aspects of this movie since the acting wasn't all that strong. The story is a politically motivated kidnapping in South/Central America. An engineer working for big oil is kidnapped by rebels and ransom is demanded. Russel Crowe plays the high stakes insurance K&R (Kidnap and Ransom) representative. Working to pay the ransom, all manner of plot twists threaten to derail the plot, but the writing manages to keep them tied to the central story. The camera work, locations and cinematography was fantastic. The action is well done with plenty of suspense and tension. I give this movie a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 1532
Director: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Talia Shire, Robert Foxworth, Armand Assante, Richard Dysart, Victoria Racimo
Genre: Sci-Fi
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1979   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: A log company's waste mutates the environment, creating a giant killer bear-monster.
My Rating:
My Review: So bad it's funny. The story - Something or someone is killing locals in a remote community of Maine. The logging company and cops are pointing their fingers at a group of Native American environmentalists, but the evidence points to poison or some wild animal. Some digging by EPA investigators turns up the real cause of the deaths. Mother Nature's vengeance isn't pretty, tame or easy to handle. It's a 70s horror movie with mutants, an environmental message and some really bad production. When I first saw this movie, back in the 80s, I actually thought it was pretty good. It's amazing how 'different' my taste in movies was back then. Now it makes me laugh. Getting past the first half of the movie is excruciating. The acting was mediocre, and the dialog was completely predictable. The payoff comes in the second half. The special effects/costumes were so laughable I nearly busted a gut when I saw the 'ManBearPig' menacing the horrified humans. The preposterous death scenes were another source of laughter; especially the hopping, sleeping bag smack down! I give it a 3 out of 5. So bad it gets a 2, but funny enough to elevate the flick by one point.

Collection ID 17
Director: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Talia Shire, Robert Foxworth, Armand Assante, Richard Dysart, Victoria Racimo
Genre: Sci-Fi
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1979   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: A log company's waste mutates the environment, creating a giant killer bear-monster.
My Rating:
My Review: So bad it's funny. The story - Something or someone is killing locals in a remote community of Maine. The logging company and cops are pointing their fingers at a group of Native American environmentalists, but the evidence points to poison or some wild animal. Some digging by EPA investigators turns up the real cause of the deaths. Mother Nature's vengeance isn't pretty, tame or easy to handle. It's a 70s horror movie with mutants, an environmental message and some really bad production. When I first saw this movie, back in the 80s, I actually thought it was pretty good. It's amazing how 'different' my taste in movies was back then. Now it makes me laugh. Getting past the first half of the movie is excruciating. The acting was mediocre, and the dialog was completely predictable. The payoff comes in the second half. The special effects/costumes were so laughable I nearly busted a gut when I saw the 'ManBearPig' menacing the horrified humans. The preposterous death scenes were another source of laughter; especially the hopping, sleeping bag smack down! I give it a 3 out of 5. So bad it gets a 2, but funny enough to elevate the flick by one point.

Collection ID 280
Director: Gregory Widen
Starring: Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Eric Stoltz, Viggo Mortensen
Genre: Horror
Studio: First Look International   Release date: 1995   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: The angel Gabriel comes to Earth to collect a soul which will end the stalemated war in Heaven, and only a former priest and a little girl can stop him.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 990
Director: Gregory Widen
Starring: Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Eric Stoltz, Viggo Mortensen
Genre: Horror
Studio: First Look International   Release date: 1995   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: The angel Gabriel comes to Earth to collect a soul which will end the stalemated war in Heaven, and only a former priest and a little girl can stop him.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 666
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam
Genre: Horror
Studio: Universal Studios   Release date: 1960   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: At last--a great American movie available on video for the first time in its original aspect ratio. For all the slasher pictures that have ripped off "Psycho" (and particularly its classic set piece, the "shower scene"), nothing has ever matched the impact of the real thing. More than just a first-rate shocker full of thrills and suspense, "Psycho" is also an engrossing character study in which director Alfred Hitchcock skillfully seduces you into identifying with the main characters--then pulls the rug (or the bathmat) out from under you. Anthony Perkins is unforgettable as Norman Bates, the mama's boy proprietor of the Bates Motel; and so is Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, who makes an impulsive decision and becomes a fugitive from the law, hiding out at Norman's roadside inn for one fateful night. "Psycho" gets the masterpiece treatment it deserves on DVD, with extras including newsreel footage surrounding the making and release of the movie; an archive of production stills; the special trailer in which Hitchcock (acting as one of the original Universal Studio tour guides) himself leads viewers around the Bates place; credit designer Saul Bass's original "shower scene" story boards; posters and advertising materials for the movie's William Castle-like publicity campaign (No One Will Be Seated After the Feature Begins!); "and" a 90-minute documentary on the making of the film! What more could any movie fan possibly want? "--Jim Emerson"
My Rating:
My Review: The original black and white Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The novel is written by one of my favorite 'lovecraftian' authors; Robert Bloch (See my books page). His work is tense, frightening and rich with detail. This movie is masterpiece of modern horror. The genesis of many spin-offs and wannabes. Spectacular acting, a terrific script, suspenseful music, and a great set/location. It's been quite some time since I've seen this psychological thriller. I'd completely forgotten most of the movie. The beginning and ending of the movie are just as good as the shower scene.

Collection ID 1360
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam
Genre: Horror
Studio: Universal Studios   Release date: 1960   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: At last--a great American movie available on video for the first time in its original aspect ratio. For all the slasher pictures that have ripped off "Psycho" (and particularly its classic set piece, the "shower scene"), nothing has ever matched the impact of the real thing. More than just a first-rate shocker full of thrills and suspense, "Psycho" is also an engrossing character study in which director Alfred Hitchcock skillfully seduces you into identifying with the main characters--then pulls the rug (or the bathmat) out from under you. Anthony Perkins is unforgettable as Norman Bates, the mama's boy proprietor of the Bates Motel; and so is Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, who makes an impulsive decision and becomes a fugitive from the law, hiding out at Norman's roadside inn for one fateful night. "Psycho" gets the masterpiece treatment it deserves on DVD, with extras including newsreel footage surrounding the making and release of the movie; an archive of production stills; the special trailer in which Hitchcock (acting as one of the original Universal Studio tour guides) himself leads viewers around the Bates place; credit designer Saul Bass's original "shower scene" story boards; posters and advertising materials for the movie's William Castle-like publicity campaign (No One Will Be Seated After the Feature Begins!); "and" a 90-minute documentary on the making of the film! What more could any movie fan possibly want? "--Jim Emerson"
My Rating:
My Review: The original black and white Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The novel is written by one of my favorite 'lovecraftian' authors; Robert Bloch (See my books page). His work is tense, frightening and rich with detail. This movie is masterpiece of modern horror. The genesis of many spin-offs and wannabes. Spectacular acting, a terrific script, suspenseful music, and a great set/location. It's been quite some time since I've seen this psychological thriller. I'd completely forgotten most of the movie. The beginning and ending of the movie are just as good as the shower scene.