Halloween is just around the corner and in recent years I don’t think any character has been more popular than Pirates of the Caribbean mascot, Jack Sparrow. Kids love him (as do adults) so it’s no mystery why his appeal goes way beyond his persona on screen. That said, back for his fourth time as Capt. Jack, Johnny Depp is joined by friends old and new as he sets out continuing his quest for the Fountain of Youth. Just as exciting as it was in the theater, the terrific Blu Ray transfer of PotC 4: On Stranger Tides is a real treat (with great commentary and extras should you opt for the 3D version) as high…
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Off the Netflix Queue…'Cracks'
There’s that old saying that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree“…and in the Scott family it seems that anyone sharing lineage with Sir Ridley is destined for greatness. Enter one Jordan Scott, daughter to Mr. Gladiator himself, who in her feature length directorial debut shows us she’s going places. Creating something original in Hollywood is tough enough but harder still is adapting someone else’s material. But from just the first 10 minutes or so this film, from 2009, shows us Scott has a solid career ahead of her that is coming up fast.
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Off the Shelf…'Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy'
For years I have been a huge (and yet still increasingly interested) fan of British comedy. I much prefer the subtle and quasi dry humor to the slapstick and over-the-top humor that dominates American cinema. There’s just something about a joke when it can be done with less animation but still evoke gut busting laughter. Growing up with Life of Brian, I guess I could call that (and other Monty Python creations) the “School of Dry Knocks”. Moving on to A Bit of Fry and Laurie, throw in some of The Office, a dash of Guy Ritchie and finish up with a huge helping of Little Britain, I am completely…
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Off the Shelf…’Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’
For years I have been a huge (and yet still increasingly interested) fan of British comedy. I much prefer the subtle and quasi dry humor to the slapstick and over-the-top humor that dominates American cinema. There’s just something about a joke when it can be done with less animation but still evoke gut busting laughter. Growing up with Life of Brian, I guess I could call that (and other Monty Python creations) the “School of Dry Knocks”. Moving on to A Bit of Fry and Laurie, throw in some of The Office, a dash of Guy Ritchie and finish up with a huge helping of Little Britain, I am completely…
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Off the Shelf…'Lost In Translation'
Man, I don’t think I could ever say enough good things about this movie. Lost In Translation is a borderline perfect movie and I don’t think enough credit can be given to Sofia Coppola for crafting this absolutely beautiful modern classic. I hadn’t expected to see this back in 2003 as it was making the rounds at some smaller, more independent theaters. A good friend of mine told me about the very positive buzz it was getting so I took a chance on it and was sooo glad I did. There are so many reasons why I absolutely LOVE this movie and it is one of my all time favorites. While very different…
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Off the Shelf…’Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’
Cinema in 2011 has been so far so good as we’ve seen the most anticipated films knocking film fans right out of their socks (Green Lantern not withstanding). On Wednesday Michael Bay will unveil his final installment to the epic Transformers franchise. As I like to do my homework before a sequel hits theaters, this weekend I rewatched the first two Transformers films. Without fail, 2007’s Transformers delights with the added bonus of looking simply stunning on Blu Ray. It’s so good I really don’t need to waste any time gushing over it. But like any film that was “the first one” maybe it unfairly get put on too high…
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Off the Shelf…'Cars'
Let’s just come right out and say it. Cars was not up to par with the rest of the Pixar catalog. Sure it has tons of fans, most of whom are in the 6 to 8 year old age bracket, but something felt like it was beneath what they’re capable of producing. Yet while people, myself included, have called it the weakest link in the Pixar chain, there is a significant message that gets hidden behind the giant cartoonish eyes of Lightning McQueen. It’s on that merit the film has more going for it than the story of the toy car who lost his way.
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Off the Shelf…’Jurassic Park’
With Super 8 making waves (Spielberg serving as more than just passing inspiration) over the last few weeks, and the third Transformers (Sir Steven again happily producing) coming out next week, I thought it was a good time to go back and look at one of his biggest monster/action pieces that found him behind the camera, not just next to it writing checks. Jurassic Park was a mammoth success and while the sequels weren’t up to par, back in 1993 old Stevie boy was at the top of his game continuing his hit streak. Like the Camerons, Jacksons and Nolans of the world Steven makes going to the theater a…
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Off the Shelf…'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End'
Boy was this a bloated piece of barnacle run off. Now I’m not going to try and hide the fact that I just did not like this film. While it was the biggest adventure thus far it just tripped over its own convoluted sea legs and the result was an exposition/character heavy film that was as pointless as it was boring. Whew, glad I got that out. Now as someone who can usually see both sides to a film and is usually a bit more fair than is necessary, I’ll admit there were some interesting bits but I think you’d agree with me when I say I feel At World’s…
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Off the Shelf…'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'
Picking up realtively right after the high of the The Curse of the Black Pearl film, Dead Man’s Chest is everything you’d expect in a sequel. But what Dead Man’s Chest does very well is provide interesting back story and character development. Specifically we find out more about how Jack became Captain as well as the story behind old Bootstrap Bill and Davy Jones’ Locker. Expanding on the wild elements of the first film The Curse of the Black Pearl, namely the Aztec curse, and as Barbossa was one tough act to follow we get not one but three new heavies. It’s yo ho all the way through this epic…