Collection ID 1092
Director: Josef Rusnak
Starring: Craig Bierko, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Gretchen Mol, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dennis Haysbert
Genre: Mystery
Studio: Columbia Pictures   Release date: 1999   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (Germany)
Summary: Computer scientist Hannon Fuller has discovered something extremely important. He's about to tell the discovery to his colleague, Douglas Hall, but knowing someone is after him, the old man leaves a letter in his computer generated parallel world that's just like the 30's with seemingly real people with real emotions. Fuller is murdered in our real world the same night, and his colleague is suspected. Douglas discovers a bloody shirt in his bathroom and he cannot recall what he was doing the night Fuller was murdered. He logs into the system in order to find the letter, but has to confront the unexpected. The truth is harsher than he could ever imagine...
My Rating:
My Review: Released the same year as The Matrix (1999), this movie was completely overshadowed by the much larger budget, advertising campaign and star power of Keanu Reeves. Despite that, the story works as well, if not better. It's often compared to the Matrix, but it's flavor is far different. Here is an intellectual, thought provoking film. An engaging film that keeps asking its viewer to discern reality from fantasy, to continually challenge our preconceived notions and broaden our view. Directed by Josef Rusnak (also co-wrote the screenplay), starring Craig Bierko (as Douglas Hall), Gretchen Mol (as Jane Fuller), Armin Mueller-Stahl (as Hannon Fuller), Vincent D'Onofrio (as Jason Whitney), Dennis Haysbert (as Det. Larry McBain) and others. The direction was a bit stiff, the acting pretty good, and the sets outstanding. The editing was fairly linear and that's a shame. Some additional effort in the editing could have made this movie far more competitive. The story (without spoiling the movie): Corporate manager Douglas Hall is implicated in a murder when a coworker ends up dead under mysterious circumstances. The two were involved with the development of a virtual reality simulation of Los Angeles in the 30s. They were preparing to release there simulation as a breakthrough form of entertainment, if only they could work out the last of the bugs. The film has a film noir detective angle, a sci-fi premise, and a humanistic approach. The characters are well developed and believable. The tension and plot take some time to build, but the pay-off is shocking brilliant. If you enjoy thinking sci-fi with more drama than action, you'll love this twisted sci-fi tale of love, deception, murder and mind-blowing revelations. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 817
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Rob Reiner, Kimberly Stringer, Chazz Dominguez, Shari Hall, R.J. Parnell
Genre: Comedy, Music
Studio: Spinal Tap Prod.   Release date: 1984   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: In 1982 legendary British heavy metal band Spinal Tap attempt an American comeback tour accompanied by a fan who is also a film-maker. The resulting documentary, interspersed with powerful performances of Tap's pivotal music and profound lyrics, candidly follows a rock group heading towards crisis, culminating in the infamous affair of the eighteen-inch-high Stonehenge stage prop.
My Rating:
My Review: Written by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer & Rob Reiner. Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer. This mock documentary features the worlds loudest Rock 'N Roll band, 'Spinal Tap', a fictional British rock band. The mockumentary follows the band through an exceptionally well crafted arc. Taking the trio from soaring high aspirations at the beginning of their North American tour, through management disputes, fan apathy, artistic differences, and several other dilemmas, before a reconciliation and wrap up. Very well done. The writing was outstanding, the acting was very good. The music, written and played by the actors, was actually pretty good. This satirical spoof managed to keep a straight face all the way through, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were some who actually believed the satire was reality.

Collection ID 1557
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Rob Reiner, Kimberly Stringer, Chazz Dominguez, Shari Hall, R.J. Parnell
Genre: Comedy, Music
Studio: Spinal Tap Prod.   Release date: 1984   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: In 1982 legendary British heavy metal band Spinal Tap attempt an American comeback tour accompanied by a fan who is also a film-maker. The resulting documentary, interspersed with powerful performances of Tap's pivotal music and profound lyrics, candidly follows a rock group heading towards crisis, culminating in the infamous affair of the eighteen-inch-high Stonehenge stage prop.
My Rating:
My Review: Written by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer & Rob Reiner. Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer. This mock documentary features the worlds loudest Rock 'N Roll band, 'Spinal Tap', a fictional British rock band. The mockumentary follows the band through an exceptionally well crafted arc. Taking the trio from soaring high aspirations at the beginning of their North American tour, through management disputes, fan apathy, artistic differences, and several other dilemmas, before a reconciliation and wrap up. Very well done. The writing was outstanding, the acting was very good. The music, written and played by the actors, was actually pretty good. This satirical spoof managed to keep a straight face all the way through, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were some who actually believed the satire was reality.

Collection ID 1469
Director: John Landis
Starring: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, Alfonso Arau, Tony Plana
Genre: Comedy, Western
Studio: L.A. Films   Release date: 1986   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, German (USA)
Summary: Three out of work silent movie actors are accidentally drawn to a Mexican village that is being harassed by a gang of outlaws. The three, 'Ned', 'Lucky Day' and 'Dusty Bottoms' play 'Lone Ranger' types in their movies, but must play their parts for real now.
My Rating:
My Review: A classic comedy. Starring Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and Martin Short as out of work actors. When they get a cable/telegram from down Mexico way, they assume it's a summons to act in a movie. Once they get there, they slowly come to realize that this is no silver screen set, it's the real thing. The bullets are real, El Guapo is a real Mexican bandit, and lives really are in danger. As the trio stumble their way through this dangerous adventure, we're treated to some great performances, excellent lines, and ridiculous situations. The three principals were excellent in their roles as bumbling actors trying to be something they aren't. Excellent pacing, framing and direction.

Collection ID 1474
Director: John Landis
Starring: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, Alfonso Arau, Tony Plana
Genre: Comedy, Western
Studio: L.A. Films   Release date: 1986   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, German (USA)
Summary: Three out of work silent movie actors are accidentally drawn to a Mexican village that is being harassed by a gang of outlaws. The three, 'Ned', 'Lucky Day' and 'Dusty Bottoms' play 'Lone Ranger' types in their movies, but must play their parts for real now.
My Rating:
My Review: A classic comedy. Starring Chevy Chase, Steve Martin and Martin Short as out of work actors. When they get a cable/telegram from down Mexico way, they assume it's a summons to act in a movie. Once they get there, they slowly come to realize that this is no silver screen set, it's the real thing. The bullets are real, El Guapo is a real Mexican bandit, and lives really are in danger. As the trio stumble their way through this dangerous adventure, we're treated to some great performances, excellent lines, and ridiculous situations. The three principals were excellent in their roles as bumbling actors trying to be something they aren't. Excellent pacing, framing and direction.

Collection ID 760
Director: Sydney Pollack
Starring: Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow, John Houseman
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Studio: Wildwood Enterprises   Release date: 1975   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: A mild mannered CIA researcher, paid to read books, returns from lunch to find all of his co-workers assassinated. "Condor" must find out who did this and get in from the cold before the hitmen get him.
My Rating:
My Review: Outstanding! Sydney Pollack directed this movie based on a James Grady novel. Starring Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow and others. This movie is a thrilling spy drama starring Robert Redford. A well thought out, highly structured, thoroughly constructed plot. This one is very believable, and it didn't annoy me by explaining everything the protagonist did. Robert Redford plays an CIA researcher. His job is 'reading books'. He reads everything, feeds it into a computer, analyzes it and comes up with ideas for the CIA. New schemes, plots, codes trends, possibilities, leaks?. When he stumbles upon something hidden, he sends an inquiry up the chain. Days later he's out to lunch, when his entire office is wiped out. Someone put a hit out on these CIA researchers, and Redford is suspect number one. On the run, in constant danger, he's afraid to turn himself in - Is the CIA trying to kill him? With nowhere to turn, he kidnaps Faye Dunaway and forces her to act as an unwilling accomplice. A conspiracy film of magnificent proportions. More relevant now than the day it was made. Redford eventually asks a very important question "Do we have plans to invade the Middle East over oil?" Excellent acting, directing, editing and music. I'm adding this one to my 'must buy' list.

Collection ID 1571
Director: Sydney Pollack
Starring: Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow, John Houseman
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Studio: Wildwood Enterprises   Release date: 1975   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: A mild mannered CIA researcher, paid to read books, returns from lunch to find all of his co-workers assassinated. "Condor" must find out who did this and get in from the cold before the hitmen get him.
My Rating:
My Review: Outstanding! Sydney Pollack directed this movie based on a James Grady novel. Starring Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow and others. This movie is a thrilling spy drama starring Robert Redford. A well thought out, highly structured, thoroughly constructed plot. This one is very believable, and it didn't annoy me by explaining everything the protagonist did. Robert Redford plays an CIA researcher. His job is 'reading books'. He reads everything, feeds it into a computer, analyzes it and comes up with ideas for the CIA. New schemes, plots, codes trends, possibilities, leaks?. When he stumbles upon something hidden, he sends an inquiry up the chain. Days later he's out to lunch, when his entire office is wiped out. Someone put a hit out on these CIA researchers, and Redford is suspect number one. On the run, in constant danger, he's afraid to turn himself in - Is the CIA trying to kill him? With nowhere to turn, he kidnaps Faye Dunaway and forces her to act as an unwilling accomplice. A conspiracy film of magnificent proportions. More relevant now than the day it was made. Redford eventually asks a very important question "Do we have plans to invade the Middle East over oil?" Excellent acting, directing, editing and music. I'm adding this one to my 'must buy' list.

Collection ID 1536
Director: Richard Tuggle
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Geneviève Bujold, Dan Hedaya, Alison Eastwood, Jenny Beck
Genre: Thriller
Studio: Malpaso Company, The   Release date: 1984   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: Wes Block is a detective who's put on the case of a serial killer whose victims are young and pretty women, that he rapes and murders. The killings are getting personal when the killer chooses victims who are acquaintances of Block. Even his daughters are threatened.
My Rating:
My Review: Clint Eastwood plays Wes Block, a New Orleans police detective with a bit of a dark side. His sexual appetite makes him perfect prey for a serial killer. Wes isn't the focus for the killer's murderous plans, but he'll be the fall guy if this psycho gets his way. While Wes concerns himself with the investigation and his own personal life, the murder victims start to pile up, and they're getting closer and closer to Wes's own family. Can Wes figure out who this killer is before the next victim falls? It's a pretty good movie, but the plot was far too predictable. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 21
Director: Richard Tuggle
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Geneviève Bujold, Dan Hedaya, Alison Eastwood, Jenny Beck
Genre: Thriller
Studio: Malpaso Company, The   Release date: 1984   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: Wes Block is a detective who's put on the case of a serial killer whose victims are young and pretty women, that he rapes and murders. The killings are getting personal when the killer chooses victims who are acquaintances of Block. Even his daughters are threatened.
My Rating:
My Review: Clint Eastwood plays Wes Block, a New Orleans police detective with a bit of a dark side. His sexual appetite makes him perfect prey for a serial killer. Wes isn't the focus for the killer's murderous plans, but he'll be the fall guy if this psycho gets his way. While Wes concerns himself with the investigation and his own personal life, the murder victims start to pile up, and they're getting closer and closer to Wes's own family. Can Wes figure out who this killer is before the next victim falls? It's a pretty good movie, but the plot was far too predictable. I give it a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 238
Director: Terry Gilliam
Starring: John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Katherine Helmond, Ian Holm
Genre: Fantasy
Studio: HandMade Films   Release date: 1981   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English (UK)
Summary: A young boy accidently joins a band of dwarves as they jump from time-period to time-period looking for treasure to steal.
My Rating:
My Review: