Sean Patrick Flanery And Joe Pantoliano Star In The White-Knuckle Action Thriller Crashing Onto Unrated DVD April 20
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (January 27, 2010) – When a police officer’s life collides with a powerful assassin the result is lethal in Deadly Impact, debuting on unrated DVD April 20 from MGM Home Entertainment. Directed by special effects guru Robert Kurtzman, best known for his work in City Slickers and Cabin Fever, the film stars Sean Patrick Flanery (The Boondock Saints franchise) and Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos, The Matrix franchise).
In an explosive game of cat and mouse, Deadly Impact follows hard-nosed cop Thomas Armstrong (Flanery) whose life was shattered when he became the helpless target of a mastermind murderer. Returning home after a much-needed break, Armstrong joins the FBI to seek revenge and help track down the same killer that threatened his existence, however this time the assassin is back to terrorize not just a single person, but the entire city. In an exhilarating race against time, Armstrong must stay one step ahead to capture the madman and save innocent lives before time runs out.
Turning up the heat with extreme stunt work the Deadly Impact DVD is filled with non-stop action and suspense and will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.98 US and $26.98 Canadian. Prebook is March 24.
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DEADLY IMPACT Street Date: April 20, 2010 Prebook Date: March 24, 2010 Screen Format: Widescreen – 1.78:1 Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Surround Subtitles: English subtitles Total Run Time: 96 minutes U.S. Rating: NR Closed Captioned: Yes
I like a good retelling of an old story, as long as it's done right. ROBIN HOOD: SEASON THREE takes the classic legend of Sir Robin of Locksley, the noble outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and gives it a lavish presentation that's quite rightly-done indeed.
Filmed in Hungary but looking pretty much as I'd imagine medieval England to look (like I'd know), the third season of this popular BBC series continues the story of an England in turmoil during the absence of the benevolent King Richard, who's off fighting in the Holy Land. His power-mad brother, Prince John, is making a mess of things while local government goes to hell. This is especially true in Nottingham, where the cruel Sheriff and his evil lackey, Sir Guy of Gisborne, tax the citizens to the hilt and rule with cruelty and brute force.
The only thing standing between these crumbs and the common folk is ace bowman Robin Hood, once a nobleman but now an outlaw living in the forest with his motley gang and constantly relieving the rich of their riches for the benefit of the poor. He's aided in his quest by two brave but occasionally inept lads, Much (Sam Troughton) and Alan A Dale (Joe Armstrong), and the gentle giant Little John (Gordon Kennedy).
Some important new characters are introduced early on--the courageous and wise warrior-priest Friar Tuck, who encourages Robin to keep up the good fight after Maid Marian's death in season two plunges him into despair, and a spirited young lass named Kate who joins the outlaw band after her brother is murdered by Sir Guy. Casting a black actor, David Harewood, as Tuck is an interesting choice which pays off handsomely since it soon becomes hard to imagine anyone better suited to the role. Joanne Frogatt is appealing as Kate and adds a feminine element to the group in the absence of Maid Marian.
It took me awhile to get used to Jason Armstrong as Robin Hood, since his decidedly un-dashing looks hardly fit the traditional Errol Flynn-type image we're used to. I began to accept him in the role after awhile, however, as this interpretation is an interesting change from the norm. He and his band of outlaws actually look like a bunch of scruffy forest dwellers instead of refugees from a Renaissance fair, and the actors playing them also have a believably common and earthy look.
My initial impression that this was a lightweight show without much substance--sort of a medieval "Dukes of Hazzard"--faded as the early stand-alone episodes gave way to an increasingly involving overall narrative. As the storyline gets deeper and more intricate, it begins to take on the feel of a long, engrossing novel filled with suspense, intrigue, and excitement. By the time Robin and his followers finally take over Nottingham--at the cost of at least one of their dearest members--and brace themselves for a bloody siege against a mighty attacking army, the saga has assumed almost epic proportions. (By television standards, anyway.)
One of the main things that make this show so entertaining are the hissable villains. Keith Allen is wonderful as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham, who alternates between being unyieldingly cruel and playfully droll. Toby Stephens, who menaced Pierce Brosnan's James Bond in DIE ANOTHER DAY, is absolutely delightful as the monstrously narcissistic Prince John. Stephens has a field day in the role and is an utter joy to watch, whether preening like a rock star before his not-so-admiring public or ordering mass executions out of petulant boredom. Always insecure about his image, he has the following conversation after an unfortunate encounter with the villagers of Locksley:
"Why do the people not love me as you love me, Isabella?" "You burned their church to the ground with them in it!" "Yes? And?"
Best of all, the dark, tormented Sir Guy of Gisborne (Richard Armitage, who resembles a demented Ray Davies) is like the Darth Vader of the series and makes an exciting and dangerous nemesis for Robin Hood. He'll undergo some fascinating character development as the season progresses, especially after two major events occur. One is a surprise reunion with his sister Isabella (the beautiful and exciting Lara Pulver), who despises him for selling her into an abusive marriage in her youth and now has her sights set on becoming Sheriff of Nottingham herself. (She'll also become quite a fascinating and formidable character.) The other is the stunning revelation that he and Robin share a half-brother, Archer (Clive Standen), a devil-may-care arms dealer and all-around scoundrel whose allegiances are uncertain.
The series is handsomely mounted, with warm, glowing photography which evokes the period and consistently solid production values. Only seldom does the CGI look noticeably bad. The musical score by Andy Price, which often resembles something out of the LORD OF THE RINGS films, is sufficiently rousing. Direction and editing are good and the stories are well-paced, colorful, and exciting, leading up to an explosive and emotional series finale that you won't soon forget.
This five-disc, thirteen-episode DVD set from the BBC has a 16.9 enhanced aspect ratio and 5.1 surround sound and 2.0 Dolby Digital sound, with English subtitles. The fifth disc contains a 32-minute "making of" documentary; two featurettes exploring the series' costumes and the trebuchets created for the final battle sequence; character profiles; and a couple of interesting video diaries by castmembers Lara Pulver and Clive Standen.
Even if you missed the first two seasons as I did, it doesn't take long to catch up with the story and get swept along with ROBIN HOOD: SEASON THREE's scintillating drama and swashbuckling adventure. Rendered in that uniquely British fashion which has a special appeal all its own, it's one hell of a ripping yarn.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF NAPOLEON DYNAMITE AND NACHO LIBRE COMES ANOTHER UNIQUE VIEW OF THE WORLD
“Flight Of The Conchords’” Jemaine Clement Stars In The Hilarious Comedy Available On Blu-ray Disc And DVD March 2 -- Loaded With Special Features Including Outtakes, Deleted Scenes And Commentary
LOS ANGELES, CA. – (January 22, 2010) – Mount your battle stag, grab your popcorn balls and get ready to laugh your gonads off as Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents Gentlemen Broncos on Blu-ray Disc and DVD March 2. The director of Napoleon Dynamite (Jared Hess) and co-star of HBO’s “Flight of the Conchords” (Jemaine Clement) team up to bring you the story of Benjamin Purvis (Michael Angarano), a lovable loner whose life is turned upside down when a pretentious fantasy author steals his story at a writers camp. Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie), Sam Rockwell (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and Mike White (School of Rock) join a hysterical cast of oddball characters in this “fun, quirky comedy.” (People)
The Gentlemen Broncos Blu-ray Disc and DVD are loaded with special features including outtakes, deleted scenes, commentary from director Jared Hess and his wife/writing-partner Jerusha Hess, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. The Blu-ray Disc will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.99 U.S. and the standard DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $27.98 U.S. Prebook is February 3.
Blu-ray Disc Special Features: (Catalog # 2266733) --BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE: 16 mini-documentaries featuring the cast of Gentlemen Broncos --Outtakes Reel: A Buttload of Keepsakes --Five deleted scenes --Feature commentary with Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess --One Nutty Movie: Behind the Scenes of Gentlemen Broncos
DVD Special Features: (Catalog # 2260254) --Outtakes Reel: A Buttload of Keepsakes --Five deleted scenes --Feature commentary with Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess --One Nutty Movie: Behind the Scenes of Gentlemen Broncos
About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC (TCFHE) is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on DVD, Blu-ray Disc (BD) and Digital Copy as well as acquisitions and original productions. The company also releases all products around the globe for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets -- from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce - throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.
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GENTLEMEN BRONCOS Street Date: March 3, 2010 Prebook Date: February 3, 2010 Screen Format: Widescreen (1.85:1) Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital; Spanish & French Dolby Surround (DVD) English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio; Spanish & French Dolby Digital (BD) Subtitles: English, French and Spanish (All) U.S. Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 90 minutes Closed Captioned: Yes
12:15am (To be technical Jan 26th)Diary of Anne Frank, The (1959) A young girl comes of age while hiding from the Nazis.
Cast:Millie Perkins, Joseph Schildkraut, Shelley Winters, Richard BeymerDir:George Stevens BW-171 mins, TV-PG
A nice little film. But it wasn't till I stood in the attic of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam that it's power hit me hard and I cried like a baby.The film just can't make that room small and claustrophobic enough to match the reality.
Jan 26
9:30amOutrage, The (1964) A Mexican bandit's crimes receive wildly different interpretations from four witnesses.
Cast:Paul Newman, Laurence Harvey, Claire Bloom, Edward G. RobinsonDir:Martin Ritt BW-96 mins, TV-PG
I love Paul Newman and Martin Ritt's work but Rashomon was still a whole lot better.
1:00pm Prize, The(1963) An American Nobel Prize-winner mixes it up with spies when he travels to Stockholm to collect his award.
Cast:Paul Newman, Edward G. Robinson, Elke Sommer, Diane BakerDir:Mark Robson C-135 mins, TV-PG
Shlock, Pure Shlock,Pure enjoyable escapist shlock. And Elke Sommer never looked better.
5:15pmCat On A Hot Tin Roof(1958) A dying plantation owner tries to help his alcoholic son solve his problems.
Cast:Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Jack CarsonDir:Richard Brooks C-108 mins, TV-PG
Am I the only person who does NOT like Paul Newman in this film? He's pretty enough to be a closet “homo” but he just doesn't carry it off.
Jan 27
12:00am (again in reality the 28th)Manchurian Candidate, The (1962) A Korean War hero doesn't realize he's been programmed to kill by the enemy.
Cast:Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh, Angela LansburyDir:John Frankenheimer BW-127 mins, TV-PG
A good film made great by Angela Lansbury's bone chilling performance of the Mommy from Hell.
Jan 28
11:45amOnly Angels Have Wings(1939) A team of flyers risks their lives to deliver the mail in a mountainous South American country.
Cast:Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Richard Barthelmess, Rita HayworthDir:Howard Hawks BW-121 mins, TV-PG
See what made Cary Grant, CARY (fuckin') GRANT.Directed by the great Howard Hawks.
8:00pmRoad to Singapore(1940)
9:30pmRoad to Zanzibar(1941)
11:15pmRoad to Morocco (1942)
12:45amRoad to Utopia, The (1946)
2:30amRoad to Bali (1952)
See why the movie going public kept Hope and Crosby on the road for so many years.
Jan 29
6:30pmCariboo Trail, The(1950) A cattleman fights to establish a ranch in the middle of gold country.
Cast:Randolph Scott, George "Gabby" Hayes, Bill Williams, Karin BoothDir:Edwin L. Marin C-81 mins, TV-G
Old Stone face rides again. And I'm not talking about Gabby Hayes.
Jan 30
12:00pmOperation Petticoat(1959) During World War II, the crew of a decrepit submarine takes on a team of Navy nurses.
Cast:Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, Joan O'Brien, Dina MerrillDir:Blake Edwards C-121 mins, TV-G
See what Tony Curtis later channeled in Some Like It Hot.
10:00pm Murder At The Gallop(1963) Elderly sleuth Miss Marple suspects foul play when an old friend is supposedly scared to death by a cat.
Cast:Margaret Rutherford, Robert Morley, Flora Robson, Charles TingwellDir:George Pollock BW-81 mins, TV-G
Margaret Rutherford, Miss Marple...enough said.
Jan 31
11:30amSouth Pacific (1958) A Navy nurse must choose between love and prejudice during World War II.
Cast: Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi Gaynor, John Kerr, Ray Walston Dir: Joshua Logan C-157 mins, TV-G
A terrible version of this musical with “tinted” scenes to evoke the feeling of the songs (that doesn't work at all) but when all is said and done it's still Rogers and Hammerstein and Some Enchanted Evening.
4:00pmAlfie(1966) A British womanizer refuses to grow up until tragedy strikes.
Cast:Michael Caine, Shelley Winters, Millicent Martin, Julia FosterDir:Lewis Gilbert C-114 mins, TV-14
See why Michael Caine is not just a great actor but a Movie Star as well.
10:00pmAnnie Get Your Gun(1950) Fanciful musical biography of wild West sharpshooter Annie Oakley.
Cast:Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Louis Calhern, J. Carrol NaishDir:George Sidney C-107 mins, TV-G
Double duty musical day at TCM.Again not a great film(J. Carrol Nash as an Indian chief...please) but great music. (have you noticed I'm a sucker for musicals, unusual in a straight guy.)
3:45amOrdinary People (1980) When a young man drowns, his family fights to recover from the trauma.
Cast:Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, Judd HirschDir:Robert Redford C-124 mins, TV-MA
A depressing film, artfully directed by Robert Redford on his first time out and beautifully acted by a somber Mary Tyler Moore.
STARRING ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER GEORGE CLOONEY, ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINEE JEFF BRIDGES, EWAN MCGREGOR AND TWO-TIME ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER KEVIN SPACEY
On DVD and Blu-ray™ Tuesday, March 23rd From Anchor Bay Entertainment
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Academy Award® winner George Clooney (Up in the Air), Academy Award® nominee Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart), Golden Globe® and SAG Award® nominee Ewan McGregor (Angels & Demons), and two-time Academy Award® winner Kevin Spacey (American Beauty) star in Overture Films’ The Men Who Stare At Goats, a comedic look at real life events that are almost too bizarre to believe, available on DVD and Blu-ray™ Tuesday, February 23rd from Anchor Bay Entertainment (Pre-Book February 18, 2010).
Directed by Academy Award® nominee Grant Heslov (Good Night, and Good Luck) from a screenplay by Peter Straughan (How to Lose Friends & Alienate People), The Men Who Stare At Goats follows a reporter (McGregor) who gets way more than he bargained for when he accompanies an enigmatic Special Forces operator (Clooney) on a mind-boggling mission.
Featuring a supporting cast that includes Robert Patrick ("The Unit"), Stephen Root (The Soloist), Stephen Lang (Avatar) and Rebecca Mader ("Lost"), The Men Who Stare At Goats was inspired by Jon Ronson's non-fiction bestseller of the same name, an eye-opening and often hilarious exploration of the government's attempts to harness paranormal abilities to combat its enemies. The Men Who Stare At Goats was produced by Clooney, Heslov and Paul Lister. SRP is $29.98 for the DVD and $39.98 for the Blu-ray™ edition.
Michael Sragow of the Baltimore Sun called The Men Who Stare At Goats “refreshingly unpredictable.” Said Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post, The Men Who Stare At Goats “taps into the gonzo energy of Hunter S. Thompson.” Added E! Entertainment’s Ben Lyons, “Clooney and his pals are clearly having fun in this offbeat, yet effective political comedy,” while Screen International’s Mike Goodridge said “Bridges revisits his ‘Dude’ character from The Big Lebowski with enthusiasm.”
In The Men Who Stare At Goats, reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental U.S. military unit. According to Cassady, the New Earth Army is changing the way wars are fought; they are a legion of “Warrior Monks” with psychic powers who can read the enemy’s thoughts, pass through walls, and even kill a goat simply by staring at it.
When the program’s founder, Bill Django (Jeff Bridges), goes missing, Bob decides to tag along on Cassady’s mission to find him. The pair track Django to a clandestine training camp run by renegade psychic Larry Hooper (Kevin Spacey) and the reporter becomes trapped in a grudge match between Django’s New Earth Army and Hooper’s personal militia of super soldiers.
The Men Who Stare At Goats standard definition DVD bonus features include Goats Declassified: The Real Men Of The First Earth Battalion; Project "Hollywood": A Classified Report From The Set; audio commentary with director Grant Heslov; audio commentary with book author Jon Ronson; character bios; deleted scenes; and the theatrical trailer. The Men Who Stare At Goats Blu-ray™ edition includes the same bonus features, plus a digital copy of the film.
THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS DVD Street Date: March 23rd, 2010 Pre-book: February 18, 2010 Cat. #: OV21370 UPC: 0 1313 21370-9 4 Run Time: 94 minutes Rating: R SRP: $29.98 Format: 2.35:1 / 16x9 Audio: Dolby Surround 5.1 Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Bonus Features: Goats Declassified: The Real Men Of The First Earth Battalion Project "Hollywood": A Classified Report From The Set Audio Commentary with Director Grant Heslov Audio Commentary with Book Author Jon Ronson Character Bios Deleted Scenes Theatrical Trailer
THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS BLU-RAY™ Street Date: March 23rd, 2010 Pre-book: February 18, 2010 Cat. #: BD21373 UPC: 0 1313 21373-9 1 Run Time: 94 minutes Rating: R SRP: $39.98 Format: 2.35:1 / 16x9 Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Bonus Features: Goats Declassified: The Real Men Of The First Earth Battalion Project "Hollywood": A Classified Report From The Set Audio Commentary with Director Grant Heslov Audio Commentary with Book Author Jon Ronson Character Bios Deleted Scenes Theatrical Trailer A Digital Copy of the Film
Experience all the bone-breaking Ong Bak action on February 2 when Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior debuts on Blu-ray Disc from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Ong Bak 2: The Beginning arrives as a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Disc and DVD from Magnolia Home Entertainment.
Physical conflict elevated to an art form is showcased in stunning high-definition when the visceral battle, Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior, premieres on Blu-ray Disc from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. When the head of his village’s sacred Buddha statue is stolen, simple country boy Ting (Tony Jaa) is sent to Bangkok to retrieve it in the martial arts symphony of flying limbs. It’s non-stop action as Ting infiltrates Bangkok’s seedy underworld and takes on a series of lowlifes and criminals in his quest to obtain the sacred head.
Featuring elaborate and eye-popping martial arts enhanced in high-definition all performed without the aid of stunt doubles, wires or computer graphic enhancements, Ong-Bak packs a punch that sets the new gold standard for hand-to-hand combat in action cinema. The Blu-ray Disc is bursting with bonus features including a music video featuring Jaa, an instructional walk-through highlighting the movements of Muay Thai, behind the scenes stunt footage, a promotional spot featuring The RZA of The Wu-Tang Clan, and more. Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior Blu-ray Disc will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99.
Martial arts master Jaa returns with a vengeance in the highly anticipated prequel Ong Bak 2: The Beginning, arriving as a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Disc and DVD from Magnolia Home Entertainment under the Magnet Releasing label as part of the Six Shooter Film Series. Jaa stars in and co-directs the epic tale of revenge set hundreds of years in the past that follows the journey of an orphaned boy, trained to be a killer and prophesized to be the conqueror of an empire. Versed in countless styles of weaponry and martial arts, he is a one-man-army hell bent on avenging the murder of his parents.
Taking Jaa’s skills to the next level, Ong Bak 2 showcases a wide range of martial arts styles as he flies through the air defying the laws of gravity and performing jaw-dropping stunts. Collector’s Edition special features include an alternate cut, three ‘making of’ featurettes, three behind-the-scenes features, HDNet: A Look At Ong Bak 2, interviews with cast members including Tony Jaa, and more. Ong Bak 2: The Beginning Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Disc and DVD will each be available for the suggested retail price of $29.98. A standard DVD version will also be available for $26.98.
This month’s featured release from the Warner Archive is "Dying Room Only", the long awaited made for TV horror movie starring Cloris Leachman arriving this week on DVD for the First Time Ever only on the Warner Archive.
Synopsis: Acres of burning desert. A rundown diner. Hostile, close-mouthed locals. And an upscale L.A. couple just passing through. It’s the perfect setup for suspense. Eight-time Emmy Award® winner Cloris Leachman leads a stellar cast that includes Ross Martin, Ned Beatty and Dabney Coleman in a smart, lean chiller scripted by acclaimed sci-fi/fantasy writer Richard Matheson (I Am Legend).
The story follows Jean Miller (Leachman), whose husband (Dabney Coleman) disappears after they stop at the dusty crossroads diner. No one – not even the sheriff (Dana Elcar) – will help her. So Jean desperately begins her own investigation, one that leads her straight into an ingenious web of mystery and murder.
Last weekend, Ian and I went home to visit our families and celebrate my father’s birthday. During our stay, we visited the local bookstore as we often do, and I came across an enemy of my past that has been cropping up EVERYWHERE recently: Sandra Lee.
As some of you are aware, I hate Sandra Lee with a passion, but that hatred had dwindled significantly while I was worrying about other aspects of my life (getting a job, getting married, staying married to Ian…lol).Lo and behold, Sandra came back into our lives with four holiday specials on HGTV that Ian and I tried to watch, but that were so horrific we could barely stay tuned. Sandra using former cancer patients for her benefit was SO exploitative it made me sick to my stomach (the terrifying red Christmas tree pictured above certainly didn’t help either), but after the holidays, I lost interest once again. Cablevision certainly didn’t help by shutting down Food Network and HGTV transmissions, effectively cutting Sandy out of our lives for the time being.
Anyway, while Ian and I were at the bookstore, I started rummaging through the displayed magazines and came across the Semi-Homemade winter magazine, complete with Sandra’s soulless eyes staring back at me. Here is a link to the Table of Contents:
I had to kill some time while Ian spent his usual half-hour staring at DVDs, so I started flipping through the pages and came across “Heirloom Easy” (e.g. how to take the good food your parents/grandparents made and turn it into crap quickly and easily).
One heirloom recipe for a brownie sundae is what finally pushed me over the edge and brought back my HATRED for this woman. Sandra’s brownies consisted of boxed brownie mix (nothing wrong with that, but certainly not “heirloom” unless her mother was Betty Crocker), some eXpresso (yes, that is misspelled on purpose since that is the way she pronounces it), basic ingredients for brownies (oil, water, egg), vanilla ice cream, and store-bought hot fudge and caramel sauce. That is IT.How in the world is this a “recipe,” let alone an heirloom recipe? How does this woman continue to amass a freakin’ empire when her recipes consist of desserts I could and did make when I was 8? Why is this woman dating a Cuomo and starring in two shows on the Food Network?
Ahem. To make a long story short, I am finally going to complete the task I set before me so many years ago and will finish defining the 9 Rings of Hell according to Sandra Lee’s cookbook for kids. If TheInferno is coming out with a new edition featuring a video game poster for its cover, than I better get on the bandwagon and publish my OWN version of Dante’s classic, Sandra Lee style. Each week, we will enter another ring of Sandy’s hell, so get ready to once again experience the terrifying depths of Sandra Lee’s ignorance about cooking, children, taste, etc.
In other words, Text the Peeps! Aunt Sandy is back!
LO (2009) is a strange little film that does a lot with very little. While shot in color, it looks as though it might've emerged from the same dingy corner of David Lynch's subconscious where ERASERHEAD was conceived--yet in its own way, LO is much more lighthearted, accessible, and ultimately quite moving.
After a cool intro with lots of glittering shards of metal floating out of the darkness and coalescing into the title, there's a beautiful overhead shot of Ward Roberts as "Justin" lighting a circle of candles that gradually illuminate the pentagram he's sitting in. Using a spell from a mysterious book that he really shouldn't have, Ward will summon the demon Lo and command him to scour the depths of Hell for his girlfriend April (a radiant Sarah Lassez), who was abducted by a demon named Jeez (Devin Barry) for reasons unknown.
The rest of the film consists of Lo (marvelously played by Jeremiah Birkett in a great full-body monster suit) trying to discourage Ward from pursuing April while constantly intimidating him and testing his resolve. Birkett strikes just the right balance of subtlety and theatricality in his performance, skillfully using his voice and body movements to bring out Lo's personality through the heavy makeup.
It's funny watching him switch from scary, demonic bluster to his "regular guy" tone ("Where the f*** are we, anyway?" he asks after taking a look at the dingy apartment he's been summoned into). Meanwhile, Ward Roberts, who resembles a somewhat cartoony cross between John Rubinstein and Bob Denver, gets to emote his head off as Justin and manages to inject a lot of energy and feeling into the rather static proceedings.
What might've become a diabolical version of MY DINNER WITH ANDRE is given a visual boost by having Lo bring Justin's memories of April to life through reenactments on a Bird Cage Theater-type stage. With crudely-painted backdrops and supporting players hanging around backstage, Justin and April dramatize their first meeting in a cafe', their first Christmas together (during which she gives him the book), and the night Jeez showed up to take her away. The laconic Jeez, who sounds like a demonic surfer dude, also stars in one of the movie's delightful musical moments as he and the Go To Hell Boys perform "Demon Girl", a song which reveals some interesting facts about April's true nature.
Since much of what we see is derived from Justin's fevered mind, writer-director Travis Betz is free to indulge in wacky comedy and surrealism while presenting a story with a serious undercurrent. Even the over-the-top performances of Ward Roberts as Justin and Sarah Lassez as April remain believable enough throughout, while Birkett makes nary a mistep as the title character. This allows the story to end on a surprise note of genuine emotion which I found to be imaginative and moving, giving the entire film an unexpected resonance that lasts through the fadeout.
The DVD from SYNKRONIZED and Entertainment One is in 16x9 widescreen with both 5.1 surround and 2.0 Dolby Digital sound. I watched a screener so I can't comment on extras, if any.
If you're looking for a raucous horror comedy with lots of mindless action and gore, LO will probably bore you to tears. But if you can tune into the cockeyed vibe that Travis Betz is going for here, you may find yourself having quite a rewarding time knocking around inside this impressive indy flick's freaky little head.
A family emergency prevented me from posting Carter's picks from last week (still worth a read), despite Carter getting it in early. My apologies-Ian
Jan 10
5:15amPrivate Screenings: Ann Miller(1997) The screen's fastest-tapping lady dancer shares memories of her career. Hosted by Robert Osborne.
Cast:Robert Osborne, Ann Miller C-48 mins, TV-G
The lady was probably the worst actress ever to appear in so many movies but DAMN the lady could tap
8:00pmPlaza Suite(1971)
A New York hotel room is the setting for three stories of romantic squabbles.
Cast:Walter Matthau, Lee Grant, Barbara Harris, Maureen StapletonDir:Arthur Hiller C-114 mins, TV-14
I must have directed this play half a dozen times for as many little theater groups before I went into films. Still love the writing but must admit I think I could have done a better job directing the movie.Walter Matthau is all wrong for the lead but what the hell it's Neal Simon.
4:00am This Is Spinal Tap(1984) A filmmaker documents the history of Spinal Tap, the world's loudest rock band.
Cast:Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Rob ReinerDir:Rob Reiner C-83 mins, TV-MA
The movie that proved Rob Reiner was a genius and invented a genre all it's own, the mockumentary. I give it an 11.
JAN 11
7:45am Time Machine, The (1960) A turn-of-the-century inventor sends himself into the future to save humanity.
Cast:Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux, Sebastian CabotDir:George Pal C-103 mins, TV-G
The second half of the film once he arrives in the future is a bore but like they say getting there is half the fun. The trip through time and that mannequin across the street are worth watching every time.
11:30am36 Hours (1965) Nazis kidnap a key American intelligence officer and try to convince him that World War II is over.
Cast:James Garner, Rod Taylor, Eva Marie Saint, Werner PetersDir:George Seaton BW-115 mins, TV-PG
A damn paper cut saved the world for democracy. I love it.
10:15pm Streetcar Named Desire, A(1951) A fading southern belle tries to build a new life with her sister in New Orleans.
Cast:Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, Karl MaldenDir:Elia Kazan BW-125 mins, TV-PG
BRANDO...KAZAN.If you need more reason than that the hell with you.
12:30am East Of Eden(1955)
Two brothers compete for their father's approval and a woman's love.
Cast:Julie Harris, James Dean, Raymond Massey, Burl IvesDir:Elia Kazan C-118 mins, TV-PG
Watch and see why James Dean is still an icon with so few films and so many years after his death.Oh, yea and ...KAZAN
Jan 14
6:00amMost Dangerous Game, The (1932) A big game hunter decides to stalk human prey.
Cast:Joel McCrea, Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Leslie BanksDir:Ernest B. Schoedsack BW-63 mins, TV-PG
There is a reason I believe this is the most remade film in history.But this one was the first (and I still think one of the best). Said to have been shot at night on the Skull Island sets for King Kong, if true then Fay Wray should get an award for doing both pictures.One during the day and one at night.
3:30pm Anatomy Of A Murder(1959) A small-town lawyer gets the case of a lifetime when a military man avenges an attack on his wife.
Cast:James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O'ConnellDir:Otto Preminger BW-161 mins, TV-PG
Damn it I just watched this not two weeks ago and I know damn well I'm going to watch it again.
8:00pm Bridge On The River Kwai, The (1957) The Japanese Army forces World War II POWs to build a strategic bridge in Burma.
Cast:William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue HayakawaDir:David Lean C-162 mins, TV-PG
Bet you $10 bucks you find yourself whistling the Colonel Boigie March the next day.
David Lean at the top of his form, Bill Holden at his top form. Guinness at his top form. Sessue Hayakawa top of his form, Jack Hawkins top of his...wait do I sense a pattern here?
Jan 15
12:45amFriends Of Eddie Coyle, The (1973) An aging hood turns police informer, with deadly results.
Cast:Robert Mitchum, Richard Jordan, Steven Keats, Peter BoyleDir:Peter Yates C-99 mins, TV-14
NOT to be missed gangster film. Directedby the much underrated Peter Yatesand Starring Robert Mitchum in his best role.
Jan 16
8:30amMurder She Said (1961) When nobody will believe she witnessed a murder, elderly sleuth Miss Marple takes a job as a maid to ferret out clues.
Cast: Margaret Rutherford, Arthur Kennedy, Muriel Pavlow, James Robertson-Justice Dir: George Pollock BW-86 mins, TV-G
Not to be confused with the TV series, Starring the magnificent Margaret Rutherford. What a great way to wake up and start the weekend.
Jan 17
10:00am Kind Hearts and Coronets(1949) An ambitious young man sets out to kill everyone who stands between him and a fortune.
Cast:Alec Guinness, Dennis Price, Joan Greenwood, Valerie HobsonDir:Robert Hamer BW-106 mins, TV-PG
Long long ago in a galaxy not so far away there was an Actor who was well worth watching before he became Obi Wan Kanobi.
8:00pm Roxanne (1987) A fireman with an abnormally long nose tries to match the woman he loves with a young friend.
Cast:Steve Martin, Daryl Hannah, Shelley Duvall, Rick RossovichDir:Fred Schepisi C-107 mins, TV-14
followed by
10:00pmCyrano De Bergerac (1950) A swordsman and poet helps another man woo the woman he loves.
Cast:Jose Ferrer, Mala Powers, William Prince, Morris CarnovskyDir:Michael Gordon BW-113 mins, TV-PG
In my opinion these two films should be shown in the opposite order to really enjoy Steve Martin's wit showcased in his modern day retelling.But both are worthy of being watched on their own.
2:15amWild Strawberries(1957) On his way to an awards ceremony, a distinguished professor thinks back on his loveless life.
Cast:Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Björnstrand, Victor SeastromDir:Ingmar Bergman BW-91 mins, TV-PG
One of Bergman's best buried at 2 in the morning. I almost missed the listing. Don't you miss it.
Jan 18
1:45pmRaisin in the Sun, A(1961) A black woman uses her late husband's life insurance to build a better world for her children.
Cast:Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, Diana SandsDir:Daniel Petrie BW-128 mins, TV-PG
There is a reason Sidney Poitier is the most respected black actor of all time. This is it.
6:00pmTo Sir, With Love (1967) A substitute teacher changes the lives of the slum children in his class.
Cast:Sidney Poitier, Christian Roberts, Judy Geeson, Suzy KendallDir:James Clavell C-105 mins, TV-PG
There is a reason Sidney Poitier is the most respected black actor of all time. This is NOT it.
Jan 19
11:15pmSunset Boulevard (1950) A failed screenwriter falls into a mercenary romance with a faded silent-film star.
Cast:William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy OlsonDir:Billy Wilder BW-110 mins, TV-PG
The finest Hollywood movie ever made about Hollywood. (PERIOD!)I'm ready for my closeup now Mr. DeMille.
Jan 20
4:15am Some Like It Hot(1959) Two musicians on the run from gangsters masquerade as members of an all-girl band.
Cast:Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George RaftDir:Billy Wilder BW-121 mins, TV-PG
TeVo time. I know, I know you've seen it before. See it again, it's still funny as hell.
8:00pm Point Blank(1967) A gangster plots an elaborate revenge on the wife and partner who did him dirty.
Cast:Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, Keenan Wynn, Carroll O'ConnorDir:John Boorman C-92 mins, TV-14
Based on Donald Westlake's Parker character. Parker has been played many times in many movies (Duval in The Outfit, Gibson in Payback (in basically the same story), et al) and for some reason never called Parker. I always wondered why. I think this was his first incarnation and well worth watching.
Jan 21
10:15pmRaisin in the Sun, A (1961) A black woman uses her late husband's life insurance to build a better world for her children.
Cast:Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, Diana SandsDir:Daniel Petrie BW-128 mins, TV-PG
If you missed it on the 18th catch it now.
3:45am Blood On Satan's Claw, The (1970) When farmers unearth a strange skeleton, their children convert to Satanism.
Cast:Avice Landone, Howard Goorney, James Hayter, Simon WilliamsDir:Piers Haggard BW-96 mins, TV-MA
Never seen it. Don't know a thing about it. But what a great title.
Jan 22
10:00amOperation Mad Ball (1957) A peacetime soldier plots to throw a party under his strict captain's nose.
Cast:Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs, Kathryn Grant, Arthur O'ConnellDir:Richard Quine BW-104 mins, TV-G
I was a young teenager when I saw it. I remember it as being funny (although I think Ernie Kovacs genius was wasted.) I've got to see if it still makes me laugh. Still remember Mikey Rooney's cry of “SKEE-BALL”
2:15pmTreasure Island (1950) A young boy and a pirate clash over buried treasure.
Cast:Bobby Driscoll, Robert Newton, Basil Sydney, Walter FitzgeraldDir:Byron Haskin C-96 mins, TV-G
Still the best Long John Silver ever. Too good perhaps,as he was typecast from there on out.
10:45pmIce Station Zebra(1968) A sub commander on a perilous mission must ferret out a Soviet agent on his ship.
Cast:Rock Hudson, Ernest Borgnine, Patrick McGoohan, Jim BrownDir:John Sturges C-152 mins, TV-PG
The best Cinerama picture ever made. It had a plot. Not a great plot, but a plot. But I'm sure it loses on the small screen. (gee, remind anyone of Avatar?)
Jan 24
8:00amGuy Named Joe, A(1943) A downed World War II pilot becomes the guardian angel for his successor in love and war.
Cast:Spencer Tracy, Irene Dunne, Van Johnson, Ward BondDir:Victor Fleming BW-120 mins, TV-G
Remade by Speilburg in his second most boring piture ever. Catch this original.
10:30am Animal Crackers (1930) Three zanies try to recover a stolen painting during a madcap house party.
Cast:Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo MarxDir:Victor Heerman BW-97 mins, TV-G
It's the Marx Brothers.You either love them or you...are an idiot.
