Collection ID 1178
Director: Bill L. Norton
Starring: Cornel Wilde, Jennifer Salt, Grayson Hall, Bernie Casey, Scott Glenn
Genre: Horror
Studio: Vci Home Video   Release date: 1972   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Whether it's 1972 or 2002, it doesn't matter, "Gargoyles" is just simply grand entertainment of the highest order. A professor/writer and his daughter (Cornel Wilde & Jennifer Salt) come across a bunch of (recently re-birthed) gargoyles in the desert. Some of the highlights: an excellent and mysterious beginning (the first 20 minutes or so wherein some old desert rat shows the professor and his daughter a gargoyle skeleton in some dark barn/shack out in the middle of the desert; night comes down and then the gargoyles attack), Great spooky atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, excellent gargoyle costumes (remember this was a TV movie, not some big-budget blockbuster), good cast, dirt bikers, chases, hellish cave sets, cool gargoyle voices, grisly gargoyle murders, etc., etc. Hey, there's got to be a reason all these Amazon costumers are giving this TV flick such a high rating and stating how they never tire of seeing. Add me to the list! Definite proof that you don't need a big budget to make a great, engrossing flick.
My Rating:
My Review: Written by Stephen and Elinor Karpf. Directed by Bill Norton (as B.W.L. Norton) (Cisco Pike (TV Movie), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV Series), Tour of Duty (TV Series) More known for television shows than feature movies). Starring Cornel Wilde, Jennifer Salt, Grayson Hall, Bernie Casey and others. This made for TV movie is better than many made for the theater feature length films. At only 84 minutes, it manages to tell a creepy, suspenseful tale of survival, where humans may be the threat and the threatened. A paleontologist and his daughter are traveling through the southwester U.S. when the stumble upon a colony of actual 'Gargoyles'. I remember watching this movie when I was 10 or 11. I used to stay up late to watch the scary movies. With a blanket draped over the TV (to muffle the sound), I would silently watch the Creature Features television show, while struggling not to scream, shout or otherwise disclose my late night viewing. I can remember this movie vividly (I now own a copy, and I've seen it many times). The creepy voice of the leader of the Gargoyles - Especially the way he said 'Diana' (the name of the professor's daughter - played by Jennifer Salt). The special effects were rock bottom, but the music, pacing and screenplay created a sense of dread and suspense throughout. The use of slow motion was a brilliant play, the voice filtering (for the Gargoyles) and the silent flight of the Gargoyles over the Arizona desert made for gripping dread in this late night viewer. Surprisingly good acting and superb costumes & makeup for such a low budget film. This movie still creeps me out to this day. A made for TV Horror movie that outshines some of the highest budget flicks. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 520
Director: Andrew Niccol
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal, Xander Berkeley
Genre: Drama
Studio: Columbia Pictures Corporation   Release date: 1997   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: Futuristic story of a genetically imperfect man and his seemingly unobtainable goal to travel in space.
My Rating:
My Review: Written and directed by Andrew Niccol. This movie starred a great cast - Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Ernest Borgnine, Alan Arkin, Jude Law, Gore Vidal and others. The story is set in the early 21st century, a utopic future, a dystopic future. A future where man has discovered a new way to discriminate against his fellow man. No longer will we discriminate based on skin color, religion, or social caste. That's so passe, so illogical, so 20th century. The new second class are those whose genetic code isn't superior. Taking a cue from Nazi inspired conspiracy. The future has become a place for Überman specimens of mankind. Those with genetic defects are characterized, categorized, and relegated to the role of servant, manual laborer, second class citizen. Two people fall in love, have 'god' child, and feel regret when their offspring is diagnosed with genetic flaws. Myopia, and a heart defect. Their next child is engineered in the fashion considered 'normal'. Screened for defects, the child is conceived in-vitro and corrected to improve it's prospects in life. As the two boys grow, the differences push one to strive for excellence despite his limitations. Eventually it becomes apparent that there is no place for him in this 'perfect' family. He leaves to seek a path of his own. On his own he takes a job at a launch facility as a janitor. While he dreams of Titan's moon, he puts a bold plan into action. Assuming the identity of a genetically perfect man, he's very close to achieving his goal. Will he be able to leave earth, on a rocket headed for Titan? Will the authorities find this 'borrowed ladder' before the launch? Will his heart hold out? An amazing movie. Great direction, acting, pacing, camera work and story.

Collection ID 1225
Director: Andrew Niccol
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal, Xander Berkeley
Genre: Drama
Studio: Columbia Pictures Corporation   Release date: 1997   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: Futuristic story of a genetically imperfect man and his seemingly unobtainable goal to travel in space.
My Rating:
My Review: Written and directed by Andrew Niccol. This movie starred a great cast - Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Ernest Borgnine, Alan Arkin, Jude Law, Gore Vidal and others. The story is set in the early 21st century, a utopic future, a dystopic future. A future where man has discovered a new way to discriminate against his fellow man. No longer will we discriminate based on skin color, religion, or social caste. That's so passe, so illogical, so 20th century. The new second class are those whose genetic code isn't superior. Taking a cue from Nazi inspired conspiracy. The future has become a place for Überman specimens of mankind. Those with genetic defects are characterized, categorized, and relegated to the role of servant, manual laborer, second class citizen. Two people fall in love, have 'god' child, and feel regret when their offspring is diagnosed with genetic flaws. Myopia, and a heart defect. Their next child is engineered in the fashion considered 'normal'. Screened for defects, the child is conceived in-vitro and corrected to improve it's prospects in life. As the two boys grow, the differences push one to strive for excellence despite his limitations. Eventually it becomes apparent that there is no place for him in this 'perfect' family. He leaves to seek a path of his own. On his own he takes a job at a launch facility as a janitor. While he dreams of Titan's moon, he puts a bold plan into action. Assuming the identity of a genetically perfect man, he's very close to achieving his goal. Will he be able to leave earth, on a rocket headed for Titan? Will the authorities find this 'borrowed ladder' before the launch? Will his heart hold out? An amazing movie. Great direction, acting, pacing, camera work and story.

Collection ID 380
Director: Simon West
Starring: John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, James Cromwell, Timothy Hutton, Leslie Stefanson
Genre: Drama
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1999   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (Germany)
Summary: When the daughter of a well-known and well-respected base commander is raped and murdered, an undercover detective is summoned to look into the matter and finds a slew of cover-ups at West Point.
My Rating:
My Review: The General’s Daughter - 1999 (Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime) Based upon a book (The General’s Daughter) by Nelson DeMille, this movie is directed by Simon West (Con Air, Lara Craft - Tomb Raider, The Mechanic), a mediocre director at best. Starring John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, James Cromwell and several others. Thankfully the writing shines in this movie. The script is a damn fine adaptation with excellent plot development, thrilling escalation and delectable deception. The character development is excellent. A respected General’s daughter (Captain Elisabeth Campbell - played by Leslie Stefanson) is found raped and murdered on the grounds of the military base where he serves as commander! He’s headed for retirement and wants results. Chief Warrant Officer Paul Brenner (Travolta) is brought in to investigate the incident. Teaming up with a former flame (Sara Sunhill, played by Madeleine Stowe) the two are a likable pairing as CID (Criminal Investigative Division) agents and the former lovers background brings an extra element of tension to the screen. General Joe Campbell (played by James Cromwell) wants the investigation solved quickly and quietly. No press, no muss, no delay to his impending retirement. With only 36 hours to conduct an investigation, its soon apparent that someone’s trying to cover up the crime, to protect the guilty, to get away with murder. The mystery is well played, with enough twists and turns to make it interesting but not so much that it hurts your head. The casting is actually well done. John Travolta; who isn’t the best of actors, is well matched against the other cast members, and he hogs the camera just enough to portray the type A character he’s playing. You could actually feel his enthusiasm as he threw himself into the role. James Woods, playing his usual fast talking character, did a great job as the usual suspect/likely culprit. The military portrayal wasn’t spot on, but I can’t complain too much. It wasn’t handled as badly as many other movies with a ‘military’ setting. An excellent movie. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 1105
Director: Simon West
Starring: John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, James Cromwell, Timothy Hutton, Leslie Stefanson
Genre: Drama
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1999   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (Germany)
Summary: When the daughter of a well-known and well-respected base commander is raped and murdered, an undercover detective is summoned to look into the matter and finds a slew of cover-ups at West Point.
My Rating:
My Review: The General’s Daughter - 1999 (Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime) Based upon a book (The General’s Daughter) by Nelson DeMille, this movie is directed by Simon West (Con Air, Lara Craft - Tomb Raider, The Mechanic), a mediocre director at best. Starring John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, James Cromwell and several others. Thankfully the writing shines in this movie. The script is a damn fine adaptation with excellent plot development, thrilling escalation and delectable deception. The character development is excellent. A respected General’s daughter (Captain Elisabeth Campbell - played by Leslie Stefanson) is found raped and murdered on the grounds of the military base where he serves as commander! He’s headed for retirement and wants results. Chief Warrant Officer Paul Brenner (Travolta) is brought in to investigate the incident. Teaming up with a former flame (Sara Sunhill, played by Madeleine Stowe) the two are a likable pairing as CID (Criminal Investigative Division) agents and the former lovers background brings an extra element of tension to the screen. General Joe Campbell (played by James Cromwell) wants the investigation solved quickly and quietly. No press, no muss, no delay to his impending retirement. With only 36 hours to conduct an investigation, its soon apparent that someone’s trying to cover up the crime, to protect the guilty, to get away with murder. The mystery is well played, with enough twists and turns to make it interesting but not so much that it hurts your head. The casting is actually well done. John Travolta; who isn’t the best of actors, is well matched against the other cast members, and he hogs the camera just enough to portray the type A character he’s playing. You could actually feel his enthusiasm as he threw himself into the role. James Woods, playing his usual fast talking character, did a great job as the usual suspect/likely culprit. The military portrayal wasn’t spot on, but I can’t complain too much. It wasn’t handled as badly as many other movies with a ‘military’ setting. An excellent movie. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 435
Director: Stephen T. Kay
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Miranda Richardson, Rachael Leigh Cook, Rhona Mitra, Johnny Strong
Genre: Crime
Studio: Morgan Creek Entertainment Group   Release date: 2000   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: Years ago, Jack Carter left his Seattle home to become a Las Vegas mob casino financial enforcer. He returns for the funeral of his brother Richard 'Richie' after a car crash during a storm, atypical of the careful house-father. Talking to the widow, daughter Doreen and enigmatic Geraldine, Jack suspects it was murder. Cliff Brumby, whose club Richie ran, is financially linked to porn and prostitution baron Cyrus Paice, who claims to be just a front-man for ITC tycoon Jeremy Kinnear. Someone hired goon Thorpey to make Jack return to Las Vegas. Jack's partner Con McCarty is restless, apparently about their boss Les Fletcher whose wife had an affair with Jack. Someone breaks into Richie's home, looking for a crucial CD.
My Rating:
My Review: Screenplay by David McKenna (based on a novel by Ted Lewis). Directed by Stephen Kay (mostly directed TV shows/movies). Starring Sylvester Stallone, Rachel Leigh Cook, Miranda Richardson and others. In this movie, Sylvester Stallone plays Jack Carter. Jack is a mob enforcer. He collects debts for the criminals who run the casinos in Las Vegas. The movie is a remake. Originally filmed in 1971, starring Michael Caine in the lead role. This remake stars Sylvester Stallone. I have seen the original (a long time ago), so I won't make any comparisons at this time. Jack has returned home (to Seattle) to console his brother's widow and attend the funeral of his brother Richard. Richie died in a car crash during a storm. For some reason, Jack doesn't think it was just an accident. Being the suspicious type, Jack does a little digging. Richie was clean, but the people who own his place of work are involved in some shaddy shit, and that spells trouble. Jack ain't anybody's fool! I thought this movie was pretty good. I like Sly, so I guess that makes me a bit prejudiced. I thought he did a splendid job playing a thug thinking about his family, his life, and the things he's done. I liked the direction, music, costumes, dialogue and cinematography. I thought it was a fine movie - Even if the plot was quite predictable. 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 1153
Director: Stephen T. Kay
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Miranda Richardson, Rachael Leigh Cook, Rhona Mitra, Johnny Strong
Genre: Crime
Studio: Morgan Creek Entertainment Group   Release date: 2000   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: Years ago, Jack Carter left his Seattle home to become a Las Vegas mob casino financial enforcer. He returns for the funeral of his brother Richard 'Richie' after a car crash during a storm, atypical of the careful house-father. Talking to the widow, daughter Doreen and enigmatic Geraldine, Jack suspects it was murder. Cliff Brumby, whose club Richie ran, is financially linked to porn and prostitution baron Cyrus Paice, who claims to be just a front-man for ITC tycoon Jeremy Kinnear. Someone hired goon Thorpey to make Jack return to Las Vegas. Jack's partner Con McCarty is restless, apparently about their boss Les Fletcher whose wife had an affair with Jack. Someone breaks into Richie's home, looking for a crucial CD.
My Rating:
My Review: Screenplay by David McKenna (based on a novel by Ted Lewis). Directed by Stephen Kay (mostly directed TV shows/movies). Starring Sylvester Stallone, Rachel Leigh Cook, Miranda Richardson and others. In this movie, Sylvester Stallone plays Jack Carter. Jack is a mob enforcer. He collects debts for the criminals who run the casinos in Las Vegas. The movie is a remake. Originally filmed in 1971, starring Michael Caine in the lead role. This remake stars Sylvester Stallone. I have seen the original (a long time ago), so I won't make any comparisons at this time. Jack has returned home (to Seattle) to console his brother's widow and attend the funeral of his brother Richard. Richie died in a car crash during a storm. For some reason, Jack doesn't think it was just an accident. Being the suspicious type, Jack does a little digging. Richie was clean, but the people who own his place of work are involved in some shaddy shit, and that spells trouble. Jack ain't anybody's fool! I thought this movie was pretty good. I like Sly, so I guess that makes me a bit prejudiced. I thought he did a splendid job playing a thug thinking about his family, his life, and the things he's done. I liked the direction, music, costumes, dialogue and cinematography. I thought it was a fine movie - Even if the plot was quite predictable. 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 276
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, Dennis Farina
Genre: Comedy
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)   Release date: 1995   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French, Spanish (USA)
Summary: A mobster travels to Hollywood to collect a debt and discovers that the movie business is much the same as his current job.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 985
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, Dennis Farina
Genre: Comedy
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)   Release date: 1995   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French, Spanish (USA)
Summary: A mobster travels to Hollywood to collect a debt and discovers that the movie business is much the same as his current job.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 214
Director: Ronald F. Maxwell
Starring: Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Stephen Lang, Jeff Daniels, Richard Jordan
Genre: Drama
Studio: TriStar Television   Release date: 1993   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: In 1863, the Northern and Southern forces fight at Gettysburg in the decisive battle of the American Civil War.
My Rating:
My Review: Screenplay and direction by Ron Maxwell (based on a novel (The Killer Angels) by Michael Shaara. Starring Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Stephen Lang, and many others. This epic (director's cut = 271 minutes) film includes some battle scenes that were actually filmed inside the Gettysburg Battlefield national military park. The film was originally designed as a made-for-tv miniseries, but ABC producers didn't pick it up. Instead Ted Turner (Turner Pictures/Entertainment) funded its production. The movie is a bit of an odd vehicle. Not quite standard motion picture, still feeling like a made-for-tv mini-series, yet playing out in one sitting. This movie is a fantastic telling of one small-piece (epic in scale) of the American Civil War. The movie mixes narration, maps, excellent timing and editing to tell the tale in various sequences of battle sets. The casting was very good (consistent with production). Tom Berenger did a very good job, as did Martin Sheen, Stephen Lang and Jeff Daniels. I felt that the acting was done in period and felt consistent with the overall tone of the movie, which speaks to excellent direction. The characters are unforgettable, the settings and costumes (aside from makeup and hairpieces) superb. Unfortunately, at times, some of the egotism and over-acting was a bit much to bear. Martin Sheen can't really act (keep him on a stage please, he doesn't come across well on the screen). The massive battle scenes and musical score mark this epic as a must-see for history buffs. Despite it's weakness in production, I give it a 5 out of 5 for its historical importance, scale, scope and ambition.