Collection ID 589
Director: Sidney Lumet
Starring: Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire, Barbara Eda-Young
Genre: Drama
Studio: Paramount Home Video   Release date: 1973   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (Italy)
Summary: Tony Manero (John Travolta) in "Saturday Night Fever" and Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) in "Boogie Nights" have one major thing in common: They both have posters of Al Pacino as Serpico on their bedroom walls. As the real-life NYPD detective whose integrity cost him virtually everything (and almost cost him his life), Pacino became one of the icons of gritty, realistic 1970s filmmaking. Released in 1973, between the first two "Godfather" movies, this is the true story of Frank Serpico, a long-haired, idealistic, iconoclastic cop who reluctantly goes undercover to investigate dirty colleagues who are on the take. This is one of the definitive Pacino performances, along with his role as Michael Corleone in the "Godfather" saga, and Sonny the bungling bank robber in "Dog Day Afternoon" (which reunited him with his Serpico director, Sidney Lumet)--and Pacino was nominated for a best actor Oscar for all of them (although he wouldn't actually win until 1992's "Scent of a Woman"). "--Jim Emerson"
My Rating:
My Review: An awesome film - It sure looks like NetFlix has me pegged. If I like this movie, it recommends eight different movies; all of which I've seen, all of which I've rated five stars. This is another five star film. The performance by Al Pacino was spirited, genuine and visceral. A story about a straight cop in a corrupt system. Based on a true story, the writting and directing (Sidney Lumet) are exceptional. The music was great. The costumes, locations and sets gave the entire story an authenticity that's hard to capture now days. Another one of those great 70's movies.

Collection ID 1289
Director: Sidney Lumet
Starring: Al Pacino, John Randolph, Jack Kehoe, Biff McGuire, Barbara Eda-Young
Genre: Drama
Studio: Paramount Home Video   Release date: 1973   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (Italy)
Summary: Tony Manero (John Travolta) in "Saturday Night Fever" and Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) in "Boogie Nights" have one major thing in common: They both have posters of Al Pacino as Serpico on their bedroom walls. As the real-life NYPD detective whose integrity cost him virtually everything (and almost cost him his life), Pacino became one of the icons of gritty, realistic 1970s filmmaking. Released in 1973, between the first two "Godfather" movies, this is the true story of Frank Serpico, a long-haired, idealistic, iconoclastic cop who reluctantly goes undercover to investigate dirty colleagues who are on the take. This is one of the definitive Pacino performances, along with his role as Michael Corleone in the "Godfather" saga, and Sonny the bungling bank robber in "Dog Day Afternoon" (which reunited him with his Serpico director, Sidney Lumet)--and Pacino was nominated for a best actor Oscar for all of them (although he wouldn't actually win until 1992's "Scent of a Woman"). "--Jim Emerson"
My Rating:
My Review: An awesome film - It sure looks like NetFlix has me pegged. If I like this movie, it recommends eight different movies; all of which I've seen, all of which I've rated five stars. This is another five star film. The performance by Al Pacino was spirited, genuine and visceral. A story about a straight cop in a corrupt system. Based on a true story, the writting and directing (Sidney Lumet) are exceptional. The music was great. The costumes, locations and sets gave the entire story an authenticity that's hard to capture now days. Another one of those great 70's movies.

Collection ID 264
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, R. Lee Ermey
Genre: Thriller
Studio: Cecchi Gori Pictures   Release date: 1995   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (Canadian Dub) (USA)
Summary: Police drama about two cops, one new and one about to retire, after a serial killer using the seven deadly sins as his MO.
My Rating:
My Review: Directed by David Fincher (the Game, Fight Club, Zodiac), this movie stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow and R. Lee Ermey. The title refers to Seven 'deadly' sins. It's a serial killer murder mystery set in Los Angeles during the 90's. Kevin Spacey plays a murderer who's punishing sinners. Sending a message to others. Trying to improve humanity. He sees himself as something of a mortal equivalent to the Angel Gabriel, instructing sinners on their ultimate fate. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt play the seasoned and hopeful detectives close on the heels of this psychopath. This is a very well done movie. A tight script, excellent acting, splendid sound track, perfect pacing and decisive direction. The camera work sets a dark, somber mood. A sepia toned film noir murder mystery.

Collection ID 977
Director: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, R. Lee Ermey
Genre: Thriller
Studio: Cecchi Gori Pictures   Release date: 1995   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (Canadian Dub) (USA)
Summary: Police drama about two cops, one new and one about to retire, after a serial killer using the seven deadly sins as his MO.
My Rating:
My Review: Directed by David Fincher (the Game, Fight Club, Zodiac), this movie stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow and R. Lee Ermey. The title refers to Seven 'deadly' sins. It's a serial killer murder mystery set in Los Angeles during the 90's. Kevin Spacey plays a murderer who's punishing sinners. Sending a message to others. Trying to improve humanity. He sees himself as something of a mortal equivalent to the Angel Gabriel, instructing sinners on their ultimate fate. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt play the seasoned and hopeful detectives close on the heels of this psychopath. This is a very well done movie. A tight script, excellent acting, splendid sound track, perfect pacing and decisive direction. The camera work sets a dark, somber mood. A sepia toned film noir murder mystery.

Collection ID 412
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Takashi Shimura, Toshirô Mifune, Yoshio Inaba, Seiji Miyaguchi, Minoru Chiaki
Genre: Action
Studio: Toho Company   Release date: 1954   Rated: Not Rated   
Language (Country): Japanese (Japan)
Summary: A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves.
My Rating:
My Review: Black & White movie with English subtitles, written (in part) and directed by Akira Kurosawa, this movie is a magnificent piece of cinematic art. Fantastic acting, great direction, great choreography, outstanding music, and a terrific story. This movie has been remade a few times, most notably as The Magnificent Seven and a fistful of dollars. Another version is due out in 2009. Don't fall for the remake(s), the original version is the best. 17th century Japanese farmers live a hard life - Taxes, forced labor, drought, crop failures, and then there's the bandits! When the villagers learn of yet another raid, they consult the village elder. They can't fight the bandits, they can't give them their grain, they can't afford to pay off the bandits - they'll just come back again next season. What will they do? Under instruction from the 'Grandfather', they search out samurai who will fight for them. With only food to offer, it's tough going, but eventually they locate an honorable ronin with a big heart. A man who sympathizes with their plight, and pledges to defend their village. This veteran samurai then recruits additional warriors to join the cause. Five more join willingly, and another joins for reasons of his own. Together, these seven samurai do their best to ready the villagers defense. When the ripened barley is harvested, it's time to wait for the inevitable confrontation. Can seven samurai and a group of farmers stand against 40 bandits? Must watch drama, action and adventure. A great epic. A classic. This movie started me on a path of director appreciation. Before this work, I used to follow actors not directors. That all changed after I saw two movies by Akira Kurosawa.

Collection ID 1132
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Takashi Shimura, Toshirô Mifune, Yoshio Inaba, Seiji Miyaguchi, Minoru Chiaki
Genre: Action
Studio: Toho Company   Release date: 1954   Rated: Not Rated   
Language (Country): Japanese (Japan)
Summary: A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves.
My Rating:
My Review: Black & White movie with English subtitles, written (in part) and directed by Akira Kurosawa, this movie is a magnificent piece of cinematic art. Fantastic acting, great direction, great choreography, outstanding music, and a terrific story. This movie has been remade a few times, most notably as The Magnificent Seven and a fistful of dollars. Another version is due out in 2009. Don't fall for the remake(s), the original version is the best. 17th century Japanese farmers live a hard life - Taxes, forced labor, drought, crop failures, and then there's the bandits! When the villagers learn of yet another raid, they consult the village elder. They can't fight the bandits, they can't give them their grain, they can't afford to pay off the bandits - they'll just come back again next season. What will they do? Under instruction from the 'Grandfather', they search out samurai who will fight for them. With only food to offer, it's tough going, but eventually they locate an honorable ronin with a big heart. A man who sympathizes with their plight, and pledges to defend their village. This veteran samurai then recruits additional warriors to join the cause. Five more join willingly, and another joins for reasons of his own. Together, these seven samurai do their best to ready the villagers defense. When the ripened barley is harvested, it's time to wait for the inevitable confrontation. Can seven samurai and a group of farmers stand against 40 bandits? Must watch drama, action and adventure. A great epic. A classic. This movie started me on a path of director appreciation. Before this work, I used to follow actors not directors. That all changed after I saw two movies by Akira Kurosawa.

Collection ID 113
Director: Carl Schultz
Starring: Demi Moore, Michael Biehn, Jürgen Prochnow, Peter Friedman, Manny Jacobs
Genre: Thriller
Studio: TriStar Pictures   Release date: 1988   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: In Haiti, the sea and its lifeforms die; in the Middle East, a town is frozen. These are signs of the Apocalypse and the Vatican is investigating, but Father Lucci advises that these omens are a hoax or technologically explained. In California, housewife Abby Quinn is pregnant and the delivery is scheduled on February 29, a leap year. Her husband, lawyer Russell Quinn, is defending a weird case of teenager Jimmy Szaragosa, who killed his parents, saying that it was because he was following the Word of God. Meanwhile, Abby rents a garage apartment to the mysterious David Bannon. The hopeless Abby has strange nightmares and soon finds that around the world there are signs of the Apocalypse in accordance with the Book of Revelation. She learns also that David Bannon is Jesus and has returned; Father Lucci is the Pilate's porter Cartaphilus who was doomed to wander the Earth for eternity; and she is a woman who tried to help Jesus. Further, she is the Seventh Sign and the Apocalypse will ...
My Rating:
My Review: A quasi-religious movie, filled with suspense, supernatural thrills and a compelling apocalyptic theme. The direction wasn't the best, but the story was so compelling that I couldn't pry my eyes off the screen. Starring Demi Moore, Jurgen Prochnow and Michael Biehn. Demi and Michael play the Quinn's. Demi is pregnant and Michael is a lawyer. Looking for some extra money, they rent their spare room to a mysterious foreigner. David seems a likable fellow, but he's a little spooky. His arrival marks the coming of something bigger - Bigger than all of us. It's the end of the world. He's a herald; revealing the signs of the Apocalypse, he's heaven sent to bring about judgement day. As the days tick by, Abby and a small group of believers do their best to stop the impending doom. The story is pretty good and the acting fine. The pacing, editing, lighting and music were excellent. I give this one a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 897
Director: Carl Schultz
Starring: Demi Moore, Michael Biehn, Jürgen Prochnow, Peter Friedman, Manny Jacobs
Genre: Thriller
Studio: Interscope Communications   Release date: 1988   Rated:   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: Around the world, the signs of the apocalypse--as outlined in the Book of Revelation--seem to be coming to pass in the wake of a mysterious wanderer. Father Lucci, the Vatican Emissary assigned to investigate, dismisses the occurrences as natural, but Abby Quinn, a young American woman, has reason to fear they're real--and that the unfolding events may spell disaster for her unborn child.
My Rating:
My Review: A quasi-religious movie, filled with suspense, supernatural thrills and a compelling apocalyptic theme. The direction wasn't the best, but the story was so compelling that I couldn't pry my eyes off the screen. Starring Demi Moore, Jurgen Prochnow and Michael Biehn. Demi and Michael play the Quinn's. Demi is pregnant and Michael is a lawyer. Looking for some extra money, they rent their spare room to a mysterious foreigner. David seems a likable fellow, but he's a little spooky. His arrival marks the coming of something bigger - Bigger than all of us. It's the end of the world. He's a herald; revealing the signs of the Apocalypse, he's heaven sent to bring about judgement day. As the days tick by, Abby and a small group of believers do their best to stop the impending doom. The story is pretty good and the acting fine. The pacing, editing, lighting and music were excellent. I give this one a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 0
Director: Robert Garrity, Robert Vaessen, James Garrity
Starring: Pat Konshak, Rob Byers, Robert Garrity, Brian Nooyen, Patty Garrity, Mary Fryon
Genre: Action & Adventure
Studio:   Release date: 1984   Rated: NR   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Shadow Dragon - The Ninja Movie is the story of a traveler who becomes a reluctant hero (the Ninja) when he stumbles upon the victims of a small town extortion racket.

The movie contained on this DVD was shot directly to VHS in the autumn of 1984. That original footage was edited by Robert Garrity, and copies were produced from the master tape. In the Autumn of 2004, this DVD version was re-mastered with some additional editing, and burned to DVD by Robert Vaessen. Duplicates were provided to many of the original cast members.
My Rating:
My Review: A Thanksgiving Day tradition. Kim and I break out this movie once a year (at a minimum). Here's a movie that my friends and I made back in the day. Before I joined the Air Force. We had a script, scouted locations, rounded up a cast of family and friends, and rented a VHS video camera for a week. What a fantastic time we had. The quality of this VHS to DVD transfer may be poor, but the lines are epic. In 2004, I completed the conversion project, remastered, edited and authored the DVD. Duplicates were provided to many of the original cast members. In my mind this movie gets nothing short of 5 of 5.

Collection ID 0.5
Director: Robert Garrity, Robert Vaessen, James Garrity
Starring: Pat Konshak, Rob Byers, Robert Garrity, Brian Nooyen, Patty Garrity, Mary Fryon
Genre: Action & Adventure
Studio:   Release date: 1984   Rated: NR   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Shadow Dragon - The Ninja Movie is the story of a traveler who becomes a reluctant hero (the Ninja) when he stumbles upon the victims of a small town extortion racket.

The movie contained on this DVD was shot directly to VHS in the autumn of 1984. That original footage was edited by Robert Garrity, and copies were produced from the master tape. In the Autumn of 2004, this DVD version was re-mastered with some additional editing, and burned to DVD by Robert Vaessen. Duplicates were provided to many of the original cast members.
My Rating:
My Review: A Thanksgiving Day tradition. Kim and I break out this movie once a year (at a minimum). Here's a movie that my friends and I made back in the day. Before I joined the Air Force. We had a script, scouted locations, rounded up a cast of family and friends, and rented a VHS video camera for a week. What a fantastic time we had. The quality of this VHS to DVD transfer may be poor, but the lines are epic. In 2004, I completed the conversion project, remastered, edited and authored the DVD. Duplicates were provided to many of the original cast members. In my mind this movie gets nothing short of 5 of 5.