Collection ID 1315
Director: Oliver Stone
Starring: James Woods, James Belushi, Michael Murphy, John Savage, Elpidia Carrillo
Genre: Action & Adventure
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)   Release date: 1986   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Director Oliver Stone ("Platoon", "JFK") offers up this brilliant, engrossing true-life account of the violent civil war in El Salvador as told through the perspective of a has-been journalist trying for one last grasp at glory and finding the true horror of war. James Woods is freelance journalist Richard Boyle, who leaves San Francisco broke with his drug-addled, disc-jockey buddy (Jim Belushi) to cover the escalating conflict and hopefully return to his former stature as a war correspondent. What he finds is a nation torn by random violence, shifting ideologies, poverty, and the malevolent influence of the United States. Boyle tries to make sense of the brutality he sees while extracting his girlfriend from the war zone and saving his own life. Featuring John Savage ("The Deer Hunter") as an earnest photojournalist, this is a fascinating and riveting depiction of the bloody strife that tore apart a nation and mirrored the disillusionment of the Vietnam era. "--Robert Lane"
My Rating:
My Review: Salvador: A historically based thriller on speed. Directed by Oliver Stone, starring James Woods and James Belushi. Not for the timid, this violent movie focuses the camera on the men behind the lens. A movie about journalists on the razor's edge in war ravaged El Salvador, this picture cruises along fueled by adrenalin and stray bullets. The main characters enter the scene after fleeing no-win scenarios in the states. The movie starts out in 5th gear and never relents. This depiction of political corruption and violent death squads feels so real that I found myself flinching when the bullets started whizzing past. An outstanding achievement. I'm glad I bought a copy

Collection ID 816
Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Starring: Toshirô Mifune, Yôko Tsukasa, Gô Katô, Tatsuyoshi Ehara, Etsuko Ichihara
Genre: Drama
Studio: Mifune Productions Co. Ltd.   Release date: 1967   Rated: Not Rated   
Language (Country): Japanese (Japan)
Summary: During peace in 1725, aging swordsman Isaburo is living a henpecked life when his clan lord requests that Isaburo's son marry the lord's mistress, with whom he's displeased, even though she's born him a son. Isaburo wants to refuse, but his son Yogoro accepts the woman, Ichi, and they fall deeply in love. Their love renews Isaburo, so when the clan lord's elder son dies and the lord sends for Ichi to return to his side as mother of his heir, Isaburo opposes his lord. Yogoro and Ichi, who now have a baby daughter, stand with him. The clan orders their suicide, then sends soldiers to kill them. Isaburo's only hope is to take his case to Edo to expose the clan's cruelty. Can he?
My Rating:
My Review: Based on a novel, this compelling story about a samurai clan is directed by Masaki Kobayashi. Starring Toshiro Mifune in the lead role, the story tells the tale of an aging samurai who finds himself pushed too far. The story is a complex drama, featuring themes of love, loyalty and family. When a corrupt clan leader abuses his authority, and believes that his position guarantees his safety. What he doesn't count on is traditional bushido values above fealty. This movie starts out very slowly, establishing a family background and social setting of relative peace. About mid-way through the movie, things begin to heat up. The ending of the movie is a sword forge incendiary of emotional swordplay. The acting by Toshiro Mifune (and many others) was outstanding, The direction superb, and the ending excellent. 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1556
Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Starring: Toshirô Mifune, Yôko Tsukasa, Gô Katô, Tatsuyoshi Ehara, Etsuko Ichihara
Genre: Drama
Studio: Mifune Productions Co. Ltd.   Release date: 1967   Rated: Not Rated   
Language (Country): Japanese (Japan)
Summary: During peace in 1725, aging swordsman Isaburo is living a henpecked life when his clan lord requests that Isaburo's son marry the lord's mistress, with whom he's displeased, even though she's born him a son. Isaburo wants to refuse, but his son Yogoro accepts the woman, Ichi, and they fall deeply in love. Their love renews Isaburo, so when the clan lord's elder son dies and the lord sends for Ichi to return to his side as mother of his heir, Isaburo opposes his lord. Yogoro and Ichi, who now have a baby daughter, stand with him. The clan orders their suicide, then sends soldiers to kill them. Isaburo's only hope is to take his case to Edo to expose the clan's cruelty. Can he?
My Rating:
My Review: Based on a novel, this compelling story about a samurai clan is directed by Masaki Kobayashi. Starring Toshiro Mifune in the lead role, the story tells the tale of an aging samurai who finds himself pushed too far. The story is a complex drama, featuring themes of love, loyalty and family. When a corrupt clan leader abuses his authority, and believes that his position guarantees his safety. What he doesn't count on is traditional bushido values above fealty. This movie starts out very slowly, establishing a family background and social setting of relative peace. About mid-way through the movie, things begin to heat up. The ending of the movie is a sword forge incendiary of emotional swordplay. The acting by Toshiro Mifune (and many others) was outstanding, The direction superb, and the ending excellent. 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 120
Director: Stanley Donen
Starring: Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas, Harvey Keitel
Genre: Adventure
Studio: Incorporated Television Company (ITC)   Release date: 1980   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (UK)
Summary: Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent 8-ft robot. Remember, in space no one can hear you scream...
My Rating:
My Review: Four characters dominate this sci-fi thriller. Kirk Douglas (age 64) and Farrah Fawcett (age 33) play Adam and Alex an unlikely pair of lovers and scientists working at a research station in orbit around Saturn. Their cozy arrangement is intruded upon by Benson (played by Harvey Keitel) and his 8 foot robot named Hector. Benson has arrived from earth with a robot that will increase efficiency at the food production station and replace one of the two scientists. Unfortunately, something goes wrong with the robot. It turns rogue and attempts to kill the scientists. The plot's a bit more complex, but it isn't exactly deep or complicated. Seeing smokin' hot Farrah Fawcett in a few scantily clad scenes definitely made up for the bad acting and poor sound work in this movie. The writing (screen play and dialog) was poor and direction lacking. The special effects weren't too bad for 1980. The lighting, colors and set work were excellent. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 904
Director: Stanley Donen
Starring: Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas, Harvey Keitel
Genre: Adventure
Studio: Incorporated Television Company (ITC)   Release date: 1980   Rated:   
Language (Country): English (UK)
Summary: Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent 8-ft robot. Remember, in space no one can hear you scream...
My Rating:
My Review: Four characters dominate this sci-fi thriller. Kirk Douglas (age 64) and Farrah Fawcett (age 33) play Adam and Alex an unlikely pair of lovers and scientists working at a research station in orbit around Saturn. Their cozy arrangement is intruded upon by Benson (played by Harvey Keitel) and his 8 foot robot named Hector. Benson has arrived from earth with a robot that will increase efficiency at the food production station and replace one of the two scientists. Unfortunately, something goes wrong with the robot. It turns rogue and attempts to kill the scientists. The plot's a bit more complex, but it isn't exactly deep or complicated. Seeing smokin' hot Farrah Fawcett in a few scantily clad scenes definitely made up for the bad acting and poor sound work in this movie. The writing (screen play and dialog) was poor and direction lacking. The special effects weren't too bad for 1980. The lighting, colors and set work were excellent. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 100
Director: Cameron Crowe
Starring: John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Lili Taylor, Amy Brooks
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Studio: Gracie Films   Release date: 1989   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: High school senior Lloyd Dobler wants nothing more than to go out with beautiful and intelligent Diane Court. Lloyd attempts to win her heart over the objections of her over-protective father before Diane leaves for a scholarship in England.
My Rating:
My Review: Written and directed by Cameron Crowe (Vanilla Sky, Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire), this is the directorial debut by this talented written, director, producer, actor. Here's a formulaic teen angst romance. The story arc is your typical hollywood plot, but the acting and characters shine as bright as the best of it's genre. John Cusack plays Lloyd Dobler - underachieving, nice guy. Ione Skye plays Diane Court - the unattainable, beautiful, brain trust. School is out, the character's have just graduated from high school, and they're on the verge of their adult lives. Going against the grain, Lloyd decides to ask Diane out on a date. She says yes, and the story is swings full into your heart. A fantastic cast (even if Ione Skye's acting was a bit flat), great music, and a wonderful story. One thing that makes this 80's teen romance different is the attitudes of the characters. They're thoughtful, intelligent and caring. In my opinion, a very accurate portrayal of an adolescent relationship. As unique as any typical story about teen romance can be. Some of the best parts of this movie. Sixty four, no - make that sixty five songs about Joe. They're all about Joe. They're all about pain. That, and the 'What are you going to do?' speech by Lloyd Dobler. "I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that." Needless to say, the dialog was great. This is one of those all time great teen romance movies. Up there with Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink and Some kind of Wonderful. The closing sequence, on the airplane is outstanding. It encapsulates the entire motif of the movie, and ends on a very positive note. The entire movie can be described by two lines of dialogue - Diane: Nobody believes that this is going to work do they? Lloyd: You have just described every great success story.

Collection ID 1613
Director: Cameron Crowe
Starring: John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Lili Taylor, Amy Brooks
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Studio: Gracie Films   Release date: 1989   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: High school senior Lloyd Dobler wants nothing more than to go out with beautiful and intelligent Diane Court. Lloyd attempts to win her heart over the objections of her over-protective father before Diane leaves for a scholarship in England.
My Rating:
My Review: Written and directed by Cameron Crowe (Vanilla Sky, Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire), this is the directorial debut by this talented written, director, producer, actor. Here's a formulaic teen angst romance. The story arc is your typical hollywood plot, but the acting and characters shine as bright as the best of it's genre. John Cusack plays Lloyd Dobler - underachieving, nice guy. Ione Skye plays Diane Court - the unattainable, beautiful, brain trust. School is out, the character's have just graduated from high school, and they're on the verge of their adult lives. Going against the grain, Lloyd decides to ask Diane out on a date. She says yes, and the story is swings full into your heart. A fantastic cast (even if Ione Skye's acting was a bit flat), great music, and a wonderful story. One thing that makes this 80's teen romance different is the attitudes of the characters. They're thoughtful, intelligent and caring. In my opinion, a very accurate portrayal of an adolescent relationship. As unique as any typical story about teen romance can be. Some of the best parts of this movie. Sixty four, no - make that sixty five songs about Joe. They're all about Joe. They're all about pain. That, and the 'What are you going to do?' speech by Lloyd Dobler. "I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that." Needless to say, the dialog was great. This is one of those all time great teen romance movies. Up there with Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink and Some kind of Wonderful. The closing sequence, on the airplane is outstanding. It encapsulates the entire motif of the movie, and ends on a very positive note. The entire movie can be described by two lines of dialogue - Diane: Nobody believes that this is going to work do they? Lloyd: You have just described every great success story.

Collection ID 298
Director: David Cronenberg
Starring: Jennifer O'Neill, Stephen Lack, Patrick McGoohan, Lawrence Dane, Michael Ironside
Genre: Horror
Studio:   Release date: 1981   Rated:   
Language (Country): English (Canada)
Summary:
My Rating:
My Review: Explosive! A suspenseful thriller. A Sci-Fi classic. The special effects in this movie were/are impressive. The movie starts off right with someones head exploding. Scanners are people with psychokinetic powers. CONSEC wants to harness that power, but someone is out to thwart their plans. A great movie which spawned many sequels and spin-offs. None surpassed the original.

Collection ID 528
Director: Billy Morrissette
Starring: James LeGros, Maura Tierney, Christopher Walken, Kevin Corrigan, James Rebhorn
Genre: Comedy
Studio: Abandon Pictures   Release date: 2001   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Joe McBeth is a hard-working but unambitious doofus who toils at a hamburger stand alongside his wife Pat, who has a significant edge in the brains department. Pat is convinced she could do a lot better with the place than their boss Norm Duncan is doing, so she works up a plan to usurp Norm, convincing Mac to rob the restaurant's safe and then murder Norm, using the robbery as a way of throwing the police off their trail. Though two stoners and a would-be fortune teller warn Mac that bad luck awaits him, he gathers his courage and goes through with his wife's scheme. At first, things seem to have gone just as Pat hoped, and after Norm's sons sell the restaurant to the McBeths (they pay for it with the money they stole from Norm), business takes off. But vegetarian police detective McDuff is convinced there's foul play at the new center of the fast food universe, and when the McBeths fear that fry cook Banco knows more than he's letting on, Mac takes charge in the plotting department ...
My Rating:
My Review: Written (based on Shakespeare's play - MacBeth) and directed Billy Morrissette. This movie features a fantastic cast. James LeGros as Joe 'Mac' McBeth, Maura Tierney as Pat McBeth, Christopher Walken as Lieutenant McDuff, Kevin Corrigan as Anthony 'Banko' Banconi, James Rebhorn as Norm Duncan the Owner Duncan's Cafe, Tom Guiry as Malcolm Duncan, and others. This movie is actually based on Shakespeare's play - MacBeth. Set in a Fast Food restaurant. This movie is a dark comedy. A parody on PA in the 70's, and a swell retelling of MacBeth. The king is the owner of the restaurant, and the rest of the cast are typical suburban dwellers with ambitions which would take them out of their fast-food lives. The subjects murder their burger boss, and take over his fast-food empire, but that's when the plot begins to hit some snags. When a vegetarian detective smells something rotten, an investigation is launched, and it won't be long before the skeleton in their closet is discovered. Anytime I get to see Christopher Walken on the set I'm happy. When he actually talks it only gets better. A fantastic fast food twist to the Bard's tale of tragedy and deceit.

Collection ID 1233
Director: Billy Morrissette
Starring: James LeGros, Maura Tierney, Christopher Walken, Kevin Corrigan, James Rebhorn
Genre: Comedy
Studio: Abandon Pictures   Release date: 2001   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Joe McBeth is a hard-working but unambitious doofus who toils at a hamburger stand alongside his wife Pat, who has a significant edge in the brains department. Pat is convinced she could do a lot better with the place than their boss Norm Duncan is doing, so she works up a plan to usurp Norm, convincing Mac to rob the restaurant's safe and then murder Norm, using the robbery as a way of throwing the police off their trail. Though two stoners and a would-be fortune teller warn Mac that bad luck awaits him, he gathers his courage and goes through with his wife's scheme. At first, things seem to have gone just as Pat hoped, and after Norm's sons sell the restaurant to the McBeths (they pay for it with the money they stole from Norm), business takes off. But vegetarian police detective McDuff is convinced there's foul play at the new center of the fast food universe, and when the McBeths fear that fry cook Banco knows more than he's letting on, Mac takes charge in the plotting department ...
My Rating:
My Review: Written (based on Shakespeare's play - MacBeth) and directed Billy Morrissette. This movie features a fantastic cast. James LeGros as Joe 'Mac' McBeth, Maura Tierney as Pat McBeth, Christopher Walken as Lieutenant McDuff, Kevin Corrigan as Anthony 'Banko' Banconi, James Rebhorn as Norm Duncan the Owner Duncan's Cafe, Tom Guiry as Malcolm Duncan, and others. This movie is actually based on Shakespeare's play - MacBeth. Set in a Fast Food restaurant. This movie is a dark comedy. A parody on PA in the 70's, and a swell retelling of MacBeth. The king is the owner of the restaurant, and the rest of the cast are typical suburban dwellers with ambitions which would take them out of their fast-food lives. The subjects murder their burger boss, and take over his fast-food empire, but that's when the plot begins to hit some snags. When a vegetarian detective smells something rotten, an investigation is launched, and it won't be long before the skeleton in their closet is discovered. Anytime I get to see Christopher Walken on the set I'm happy. When he actually talks it only gets better. A fantastic fast food twist to the Bard's tale of tragedy and deceit.