Hey Addicts, Harry here with one helluva great August load of movies to feed the insatiable thirst of your DVD player. Whether you’re renting or buying… this really is a great month for DVDs. There’s a few I’m sure we’ll disagree on – but there’s even more I’m sure we’ll agree on. So – Let’s kick this off with our first Tuesday of delights…
August 2nd, 2005
ALEXANDER (2 Disc Theatrical Version)
The most savaged film of 2004 – where I most disagreed with the knee-jerk opinion of my fellow film critics. Click For My Original Review. If you loved the original theatrical version of the film – look carefully for this box – because being released on the same day is Oliver Stone’s director’s cut – which I discuss below. It is a shame that Warners isn’t releasing an edition that contains both cuts – rather forcing fans of this film to purchase two separate versions – of course I didn’t have a problem with that when Peter Jackson did it. The difference – you get all the same extras and the only difference is the actual film. Of the two films – I prefer the original theatrical print.
ALEXANDER (2 Disc Director’s Cut)
However – you may very well prefer this one. The entire third act of the film has been restructured and might be a little easier for some of you to take. Still an exceptional film, I just feel there’s an elegance to the original that I prefer. For hardcore fans of Oliver Stone – you must see both versions – but if I were buying, I’d buy the other edition, personally.
CANDYMAN (Special Edition)
Here’s a CANDYMAN dvd with the good ol extras that a sweet pic like this deserves. Bernard Rose provides a commentary – and you’ve got storyboard comparisons, a Clive Barker featurette and a CANDYMAN mythology featurette that’s quite nice. Tony Todd and Virginia Madsen are outstanding here. Excellent double feature for SIDEWAYS in my opinion. Candy and Wine is dandy divine! CANDYMAN holds up as a nice creepfest to watch alone in the dead of night… and I dare you to do the Candyman chant at that dead of night bathroom break. Wicked creepy.
Complete THIN MAN Collection ( The Thin Man / After The Thin Man / Another Thin Man / Shadow Of The Thin Man / The Thin Man Goes Home / Song Of The Thin Man )
Seven of the most wonderful films for less than $6 a piece? Personally, I’d be willing to pay upwards of a $100 bucks for this set. However, I’ll gladly pay $41.94. If you’ve never seen THE THIN MAN or any of its sequels. If you don’t worship at the altar of William Powell and Myrna Loy – then you will evolve into a better person – rather quickly after watching the first film in this set. THE THIN MAN set up all the wonderful tricks to this series. And as a perfect series – they never dropped the ball for the run of the films. Did you like MOONLIGHTING? This is better, this is what they wished they had been making. Not only are Powell and Loy fantastic – but Asta is the greatest dog sidekick in film history. Oh sure – I love Petey too, but Asta is just – well amazing. Now this set is absolutely busting at the gills with extras. From docs on Powell and Loy, trailers – two Robert Benchly comedy shorts that are hilarious – wonderful cartoons like Screwball Squirrel and Slap Happy Lion. A radio show with Powell and Loy and much much more. In all there are 7 dvds in this set and hours upon hours of unbroken smiles and laughs. In an August loaded with the very best DVDs of the year – this is a crown jewel. Now excuse me, I have to go fantasize about marrying Myrna Loy.
DOWNFALL
From Loy & Powell to… ADOLPH HITLER? This month is strange that way. Did you get a chance to see this film in the theater? If so – it is probably already on your list of must owns. Bruno Ganz’s performance of Adolph Hitler is one of the most astonishing cinematic performances around. You see a man broken. One that had created an Empire around him, served by liars and cowards – dreams crushed, now hiding in a basement awaiting the end. Suicides everywhere, executions everywhere… Party like it’s the end of the world… yeah, they got those too. This film is absolutely riveting and it is anchored by a brilliant performance. A stunning film.
THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO – SEASON THREE
The box sings the theme show! How cool beans is that? If you’re like me, you have the first two seasons – and you were probably wondering… Where’s that fucking Andre the Giant episode? It’s on this set! This is where he finds out about the origin of the suit, gets married and fights a monster created by Nazis! What more could you want? I really enjoyed all 3 seasons of this show and am kinda terrified at the word that there is a feature film remake in the works. So – what do you think… Owen Wilson as Ralph Hinkley… Jennifer Connelly as Pam Davidson and Clint Eastwood as Bill Maxwell?
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (Single Disc Edition)
No – this isn’t some tricked out 4 disc edition of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. This is the cheapo version. $10 – 1 disc. No get up to change the disc. But if you hate films split up on multiple discs – this is the cheap and easy edition. NOW – having said that – do any of us want a cheap and easy version of just the film? Personally I own the tricked out edition. But I thought – maybe some of you may appreciate this edition. The image isn’t as crisp as on the 2 disc set which is loaded to the gills with extras. So pick the version you want wisely.
X-FILES Mythology, Vol. 2 – BLACK OIL
I know, I know – you already own all the seasons of THE X-FILES… I do too – but there’s something really sweet about having the “mythology episodes” gathered together in concise editions like this. Here you get 15 episodes from seasons 3 through 5. There’s a special mythology documentary put together by Chris Carter and some of the creepiest episodes – like that bee farm with clones of Fox’s sister are on here – and more. I’m glad I have this.
August 9th, 2005
Billy Wilder DVD Collection (SUNSET BOULEVARD / STALAG 17 / SABRINA)
Again – if you’re like me you already own the BIG BILLY WILDER BOX SET which had 9 of his best films… but still didn’t have these three. And even if you get both these box sets there’s still more Billy Wilder to acquire – but that’s the joy of Wilder – the man didn’t just stay at one studio – he moved where the action was – and his audience went with him. However – Paramount Home Video has no excuse for not putting out THE BIG CARNIVAL (ACE IN THE HOLE) on this box. That film couldn’t be any more timely – what with the same thing happening around that missing girl in Aruba, basically. However, that gripe aside – there is nothing wrong with these 3. 3 of Billy Wilder’s greatest and most famous films. All 3 are towering works each with incredibly different themes – each timeless and wonderful to watch today. But Paramount… ahem… BIG CARNIVAL… Now!
CAPTAIN KRONOS – VAMPIRE HUNTER
I love this film. I especially love this film for Caroline “sweaty titties” Munro. But more than that – this is just a whimsical delight of a genre cornucopia. There’s vampires, swashbuckling, mysteries, camp and so much more crammed into the blender to make this genre marvel. This isn’t quite as awesome as it wanted to be, but it comes from cheap times – but certainly… it didn’t cheap on the ideas or the imagination. It’s filled with both.
CHINATOWN
Perhaps the best film Polanski has made, though it’ll fight THE PIANIST, REPULSION and ROSEMARY’S BABY for that title. No matter what it has the best nose picking scene in history. Heh. The disc isn’t filled with extras – but it does have new interviews with Polanski, Robert Towne and Robert Evans – which… well that’s worth the price of the disc by itself. Part of the neuvo noir movement that occurred in the seventies and ended in the early eighties – and lost till L.A. Confidential. This is the best of the group.
DRAGONSLAYER
Finally in widescreen! About effin’ time! I’ll buy it, but this still isn’t the edition I’m waiting on. Not that that edition has been announced. But I want a full on 2 disc edition. I want behind the scenes with Phil Tippett – and modern interviews talking about the advent of Go-Motion. I want Matthew Robbins sitting down telling stories about the battle it was to make fantasy at that time. I want every spare bit of footage of Ralph Richardson they shot on the trimmed scenes side of things. This was one of the lone bright spots fantasy had other than Harryhausen prior to LORD OF THE RINGS. I dearly love this film.
HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE
Ok – this movie will mess with you. This is one of the greatest works of gothic decay in the south, that I have ever seen. If you’ve watched that TELL-TALE HEART cartoon on the HELLBOY dvd – this is the live action version of that… in a way. Bette Davis’ Charlotte reminds me of my maternal Grandmother – and that isn’t a fond memory. This film is just purely messed up and freaky. The acting on display here by Davis and de Havilland is just amazing. Not that Joseph Cotten is slouching. A great great film.
IN OLD CHICAGO
Finally we can watch the original Road Show edition of this film! Which is akin to watching the full on version of CLEOPATRA versus the wimpy edited down edition. This move and SAN FRANCISCO kinda blow my mind. And they’re the basis upon which James Cameron built his TITANIC. They’re films that start out as one thing. Just a lavish recreation of period. You see the joy of life, the spirited exuberance of their world. The lives – their hopes and their dreams. Then fate comes along and tears it all apart. Watch that Earthquake tear apart Clark Gable’s life in SAN FRANCISCO… and here IN OLD CHICAGO… you’ll see the fire destroy everything anyone loved or held dear. It is an incredibly effective story-telling device. Also – you’ve got to check out Don Ameche in this film – he’s the fucking bomb man! I love him in this film as the Mayor of Chicago. Great role!
KUNG FU HUSTLE
This DVD is loaded with extras and I couldn’t be happier. The outtakes and bloopers are hilarious. The Ric Meyers interview with Stephen Chow is pretty great and the behind the scenes are fun too. Oh – and you get the psychotic joy that this film delivers with both fists and both feet. Oh and a hatchet to the head. It’s like SHAOLIN SOCCER but on five times the sugar and triple the injuries. Hilarious and fun!
THE MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT
In some wonderful universe – Gregory Peck played Superman opposite Torin Thatcher as Lex Luthor. I don’t know why – but for some reason – THE MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL suit has always reminded me of Clark Kent – had Superman never existed. Here’s just a solid 1950’s man’s man. A stand up guy. One that would admit to his faults, stand up and take the consequences. He wouldn’t cower, he wouldn’t cheat, he did the right thing at all costs… and stunningly enough – he had a woman that’d back him. This is a time machine to a different time and a possibly better way of living. Today is a society about shifting blame and avoiding accountability. It’s a time I think Gregory Peck would be ashamed to live in.
MEMORIES OF MURDER
Came out the same year as OLDBOY – and this Korean film was the one that many held as the better film… I disagree, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love this film. In many ways – this strikes me a lot like L.A. CONFIDENTIAL – but without the twist of the big bad wolf as your police chief. Here you have some small town detectives – faced with a serial killer, but without a clue how to handle it. They arrest based on rumor, torment and torture and get a confession… and then there’s another murder. They’re lost. A big city investigator – but young – comes in to help. His modern investigation techniques are ridiculed and alien. The styles are radically different – and yet both are equally ineffective. A great great great murder mystery film. One, I dare say you won’t forget once you’ve seen it. Do not watch the dub version on this disc… it’s terrible, but thankfully – they have an original track with subtitles!
THE MUPPET SHOW – SEASON ONE (Special Edition)
This is crack. I dare you to try to just watch a little of this. You’ll end up watching them all… non-stop… and you might even repeat some of them. These restored and remastered 24 episodes from 1976 are like cleaned up happy memories. I had some of these on nearly 30 year old video tape recorded at the time they aired… only thing that makes those tapes worth keeping are the hilarious commercials, missing from these DVDs. The original pitch of the show and the pilot “SEX AND VIOLENCE” is just bliss. Here you’ll marvel at the imagination of Henson and Oz. And long to see them working together again. Sigh. Wonderful.
THE MUPPET’S WIZARD OF OZ
Then there is this. Terrible. This is what happens when something precious is taken by a soulless self-serving corporate entity and twisted into a cynical felt covered turd. It’s a shame… because beneath that felt and turd are the Henson artists and the designers that still have all that amazing talent on full display – but it’s ruined by terrified wimpy dumbshits running it all. Buy this at your own risk or to just see the Tarantino interview on the dvd… it’s kinda worth a rental.
RITES OF FRANKENSTEIN
Actually – better known as THE EROTIC RITES OF FRANKENSTEIN… hehehehe… Here – Dr Frankenstein creature is killed and taken from the good Doctor and given to Cagliostro – who brings the monster to life to kidnap women… get em naked and then make a female Frankenstein monster for the monster to mate with so that Cagliostro can get a race of stitched together undead baby Frankenstein monsters with which to rule the world. Lots of great T&A – but a hilariously fun Frankenstein plot that I enjoy. For those that care.
August 16th, 2005
Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 ( TOP HAT / SWING TIME / FOLLOW THE FLEET / SHALL WE DANCE / THE BARKLEYS OF BROADWAY )
This is my personal favorite DVD set to come out this month. The Thirties Astaire and Rogers’ collection. If I could blink and be anyone, I’d be Fred Astaire. You do know he never touched the Earth… he wasn’t of Earth. He moved like the world was placed there for his grace, and with Ginger… It’s just not fair. We’re all such clumsy two-footed retards dragging ass in the echoes of their grace. Watching these films… is to have all of the worst of mankind melt away, and to see what… if we were truly civilized – we could be. Each film has extras and specials and featurettes and commentary and cartoons and more. Life is wonderful that these exist…. Now we need the Busby Berkeley Box Set! Drool.
BREAKIN’ COLLECTION ( BREAKIN’ / BREAKIN’ 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO / BEAT STREET )
Then this is what happened to the world. We went from Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers to doing the fucking robot! And yet, it makes me laugh so. I think it is really funny that this box set is coming out the same Tuesday as the Astaire & Rogers set… do you think someone has a wicked sense of humor? There’s no details on the set. In all likelihood – it is just the same single editions all repackaged at a 35% discount. So if you have them, ignore. If you don’t – these are fun to put on in the background while having fun with friends.
BROWN BUNNY
Frankly I found the film pretty tedious… I get what he was attempting to do, but GIRL ON A MOTORCYCLE (aka NAKED UNDER LEATHER) did it better – far far far better many years before. Having said that – Chloe seems to give a good blowjob – though Vincent doesn’t seem to have much staying power.
GATCHAMAN Vol 3 & 4
This collection continues – and I will continue to collect them all. Gatchaman rules my childhood with Starblazers. And I love Alex Ross’ boxes. Damn nice. The re-dubs on this are pretty sweet – I love that Ed Neill – the hitchhiker from TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE provides like 15 voices on these. Damn he’s a god of dubbing anime.
The Krzysztof Kieslowski Collection ( A Short Film About Love / BLIND CHANCE / CAMERA BUFF / NO END / THE SCAR / A Short Film About Killing )
I don’t have this yet and I haven’t yet seen these – but man… It’s Kino Video – they always do a great job. It’s Kieslowski (aka God). And they’re films of his I haven’t yet seen. It’s a must. As Ebert states on the box, Kieslowski is amongst the greatest filmmakers of all time. Check out this or his Colors Trilogy or The Decalogue for proof.
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN – THE VIDEOS
Yes, I am listing Olivia Newton-John’s Music Video collection after a collection of Kieslowski films. And you know what’s worse. I’ll watch this about 300 times more than I will Krzysztof’s set. Why? Because the first concert I ever went to solely by myself was her PHYSICAL tour. And I sat front row and just thought I was at the happiest place on Earth. She was responsible for my early blonde fixation – and my father hates her with every bit of spite that I hold for Paris Hilton. But… That said… FatherGeek knows enough to hate Paris Hilton far far more – and at least he can watch Grease and get my wildly juvenile crush on Olivia… but he just doesn’t understand XANADU… God I love XANADU. Gene Kelly on roller skates – first Don Bluff animation outside of Disney… and Olivia and the dude from THE WARRIORS. Fucking A that movie rules.
THE SIMPSONS – THE COMPLETE 6TH SEASON
Look at that. Can you honestly say – you don’t want that in your home. It looks huggable doesn’t it? “Packaging of the year goes to: THE SIMPSONS – 6th Season!” That is just a work of art. And then you get: 25 episodes on four discs: Bart of Darkness, Lisa's Rival, Another Simpsons Clip Show, Itchy and Scratchy Land, Sideshow Bob Roberts, Treehouse of Horror V, Bart's Girlfriend, Lisa on Ice, Homer Bad Man, Grandpa vs. Sexual Inadequacy, Fear of Flying, Homer the Great, And Maggie Makes Three, Bart's Comet, Homie the Clown, Bart vs. Australia, Homer vs. Patty and Selma, A Star is Burns, Lisa's Wedding, Two Dozen and One Greyhounds, The PTA Disbands, Round Springfield, The Springfield Connection, Lemon of Troy, Who Shot Mr. Burns! Hello – then there’s commentary and other extras. I just want the seasons to come out faster!
SIN CITY
This is the movie and a little behind the scenes edition. And yes, there will be a “Holy Shit” edition that comes out – sometime in like November or December – that has fully fleshed out chapters on THE HARD GOODBYE, THE BIG FAT KILL and THAT YELLOW BASTARD. And I bet that edition will have assloads of behind the scenes and interviews and commentaries and Rodriguez’s 10 Minute Sex School or whatever he decides to put on it. But one thing that isn’t going on that edition is… the theatrical release cut of the film. Personally – this is a film that I’m getting not only this release DVD of – but that I’ve already pre-ordered the PSP for. But then, I’m sick in the head – and I know some of you are too.
STRINGS
Does watching DARK CRYSTAL and LABYRINTH hold a degree of profound sadness for you, because you realize that sort of artistry is dying in the world? Do you wish to God that films with that sort of breathtaking beauty and old-world artistry were here for us to enjoy? Well – STRINGS is for you. This is an epic visionary film from Denmark that is just absolutely stunning. I’m dying to see this on the big screen, but I fear I never will. This is a marionette film – that is pure art. Here – their strings are part of their mythology – and they reach up into the heavens – they can’t see who pulls the strings or from whence they came – but this is a stunning tale brought to life. Derek Jacobi and others provide the English track which is magnificent. You can watch it in it’s original language with English subs if you wish. This is the discovery of the month for me. I was totally stunned by this film. Highest possible recommendation.
TWO MEN IN TOWN
Fantastic Alain Delon crime film about a bank robber let out of jail after time served – seeking help – but is tormented by a cop and things just get really really unfair. This film is just badass. This really is a great film about the downward spiral one can go on after making one mistake… and how life sometimes just never gives you that second chance, even if you are a good person. Great little film that hardly anybody has seen.
August 23rd 2005
GLADIATOR (Extended Edition)
OK - Shame on me. Somehow I overlooked one of the single most badass DVDs of the month. First - I got the screener late - Second - I didn't see it on the list I was looking at. But there it is now. Ok - so you already have GLADIATOR - well... frankly, no you don't. You see - this is closer to the version of GLADIATOR that AICN screened at the Metreon in San Francisco in February of the year that film was coming out. I've never been the biggest fan of the Theatrical release because it was missing a great deal of some of my favorite scenes - which are back in on this cut of the film. I feel Ridley Scott tends to over cut his films sometimes. Late in the process, he gets bored with scenes that end up being essential. That was the case here, in my opinion. Sure the theatrical cut won BEST PICTURE - but this is the best version of that best picture. Much as the Extended versions of the LOTR films are vastly better than the already great theatricals. In addition to this extended cut you get 3 DVDs filled to the brim with features and documentaries. This is how a best picture should be treated!
THE HOWLING (Special Edition)
Finally a tricked out special edition of THE HOWLING!!! I can’t wait to check out the “Unleashing the Beast” documentary on here and the “Making a monster movie: Inside the Howling!” And then there’s deleted scenes and outtakes and tons more. Oh and cast and director commentary! Joe Dante gets a lot of crap – sometimes from worthless wannabes – but goddammit – Joe Dante is awesome. That last LOONEY TUNES flick was a disaster from the get go – and he just tried to make the best of it he could with folks like Lorenzo DiBonaventura screwing it up as he went along. I can’t wait to see Dante’s MASTERS OF HORROR – and more than that – I can’t wait to see what he does next!
KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE
Robert Aldrich – the director of HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE – did a helluva damn good job with this powerful film regarding lesbianism. Now this isn’t an exploitation film in a – HEY LET’S WATCH LESBIANS FUCK – type of film. Rather this is a drama and a riveting one at that. The performances in this, I guarantee will take your breath away. We need more filmmakers like Robert Aldrich today!
LAYER CAKE
The second Butt-Numb-A-Thon film released this month – and not the last! Matthew Vaughn knocked this one for a grand slam and Daniel Craig fully arrived as a leading man with this film. From his sad and piercing eyes – to just the way he moves in a scene – he’s fantastic. Then there’s the rest of the cast and the script which just deliver from the moment the film starts till the time it ends. This edition has tons of extras – alternate endings, music video, deleted scenes, making ofs and commentaries. It is a loaded disc and a great film. A real treat.
LIGHTS OUT
Before TWILIGHT ZONE and OUTER LIMITS, before TALES OF TOMORROW, THRILLER or ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS there was… LIGHTS OUT. It first hit television in 1946 and didn’t go national till 1949 – but they were spooktacular episodes – and I’ve never seen a one. I’ve heard some of the radio shows – which were fantastic – but never seen a TV episode – till now. 7 bucks for early genre TV history. Fucking A!
OLDBOY
The third Butt-Numb-A-Thon film, and possibly the best BNAT film, and still not the last this month. This jaw-droppingly brilliant film from Chan Wook Park continues to captivate. I wish this was an English version of the 4 disc box from Korea – that had my commentary on it, but alas – we’ll have to wait till hell freezes over for that to hit these shores. If you do not already own a Korean edition – this is your first chance to own it and reward the domestic company for picking the film up!
THE TRANSPORTER (Special Delivery Edition)
This edition is of course coming out to support the release of TRANSPORTER 2 – but that doesn’t devalue a loaded dvd of one fun as hell film. Which also has a making of TRANSPORTER 2 feature in addition to extended fight sequences from the original, a fuller making of, music videos and the original making of. Jason kicks ass in this movie!
THE TRUMAN SHOW (Special Edition)
Here’s one of those Jim Carrey films that just seems to have been forgotten – but not nearly as forgotten as THE CABLE GUY. This Peter Weir film is getting the treatment with full documentaries, Deleted and extended scenes, trailers, tv spots and more. No commentary though. I like the film, but I’m not sure that I’m gonna rush to pick it up, there’s already too much coming out – and besides – I’m making that huge trip this month – I just don’t think I’ll have the extra cash.
WITNESS (Special Collector’s Edition)
You know what I want on this DVD? I want a Documentary called… “In Search of Harrison Ford” What the hell happened to the actor that made WITNESS, MOSQUITO COAST? Where did he go? God damn I love this film, and I couldn’t love Ford more in it. I can’t wait to dive into the 5 part documentary on the making of this film. To check out the deleted scene and just to have a great widescreen print of this film to watch and just be in love with. This is everybody at the top of their game. And Lucas Haas… you ruled in this film! And Danny Glover… you scared me man! Get scary again – stop being all warm and fuzzy. And Harrison… get your shit together. Be the great actor we all know you used to be. Watch this film. It’s stunning.
August 30th, 2005
FIRE AND ICE
Blue Underground hasn’t released all the details on this disc, but Blue Underground does great DVDs and really get the best materials. I’m hoping and praying that on disc 2 we not only get a great making of – but a feature length version of the film from the live action that Bakshi shot… where we get to see Frazetta going primal! At least that’s my hope. Just seeing the bit of that on the FRAZETTA: PAINTING WITH FIRE documentary that was done last year… well what a delight! This is Rodriguez’s and mine’s fave Bakshi film. It’s very cool to see Frazetta women move and to see Frazetta’s heroes in motion. It’s so cool. One can only wish Bakshi had had greater funds to just step the production up several notches – but the dream is so lucid here that you can see it and buy into it. I love this film. Alert - the second dvd on this set is a single disc version of FRAZETTA: PAINTING WITH FIRE - however, without the extras that the 2 disc set for FRAZETTA: PAINTING WITH FIRE has. Also on the feature disc is Bakshi's videotape making of and an interview with Bakshi about Frazetta... and a cool diary of Nekron that fucking owns!! Oh and the cover Frazetta is LENTICULAR and Sweet a milk from a mother's titty!
KLUTE
Because MONSTER-IN-LAW is being released this day – we have the option to buy some of Jane Fonda’s better films. But dammit, no BARBARELLA special edition dammit! But ya know… KLUTE is a far ‘greater’ film. Sutherland and Fonda are absolutely electric together. Fonda is a Call Girl that somebody wants to kill and that Sutherland wants to keep alive. These two actors in this situation just make for great suspense. Pakula did a great job on this movie – plus we get a documentary called KLUTE IN NEW YORK: A BACKGROUND FOR SUSPENSE! Excellent!
KONTROLL
Wonderful Hungarian film. The best character in this film is the atmosphere and world of the Budapest subway system. The film is a murder mystery, and a good one, but that’s not really the point. Rather it’s more about subterranean living… and dying. About the people whose lives are down there – that rarely if ever see sunlight. No, they are not geeks – they are those that make sure you pay for your ride and that order is maintained. In many ways this movie is a moving Rorschach test – and we all pass – cuz the movie is brilliant.
Matt Helm Lounge ( THE SILENCERS / MURDERERS ROW / THE AMBUSHERS / THE WRECKING CREW )
Every day I wake up I expect to hear that somebody is remaking all of these with either George Clooney or Brad Pitt – and I just hope to God they say no! Dean Martin IS Matt Helm – and the period is exactly the period in which these films were made. And they can not be made better. This isn’t Austin Powers… Austin likes to think of himself as being as cool as Matt Helm or Flint for that matter, but he isn’t. Because unlike Mike Myers – Dean Martin has genuine mojo – and man, you watch him in these and you’ll just be like… GOD DAMN HE’S THE MAN! And while watching MURDERERS’ ROW you’ll have the epiphany that Ann Margaret is THE WOMAN! Damn she’s hot! This is a great box set!
THE MORNING AFTER
I always liked this suspense film. I also loved JAGGED EDGE with Bridges. But this one had Jane Fonda picking up another Oscar nomination – and deservedly so – her alcoholic loser is amazing to watch in this film. The disc comes with a commentary by Sidney Lumet, Jane Fonda and Bruce Gilbert. If you have not seen the film, don’t read up on it. Check it out cold. It’s best that way.
ONG-BAK – THE THAI WARRIOR
Unfuckingbelievable! This is the Luc Besson re-edited edition – and folks – normally I rail against that, but in this very rare case – this edition is by far the superior entertainment. It is just amazing to watch. In addition, you have tons and tons of demonstrations and stunt footage with Tony Jaa. Live performances, all sorts of stuff. Fantastic. Oh and this is the 4th Butt-Numb-A-Thon film of the month hitting domestic DVD! How cool is that? Heh! Tony Jaa is going to own the world!
