Captain America (1990) Review

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(More customer reviews)I always liked this movie. It was Marvel's answer to Tim Burton's big budget Batman. Although it received a European release, it was shelved in the U.S. until 1992. I thought it was a good low budget attempt to bring the Joe Simon-Jack Kirby comic book character to life. I can remember seeing the movie poster for it at the theater and being excited, "Captain America: Coming in 1990". This movie has a great cast: Matt Salinger, Scott Paulin, Ronny Cox, Ned Beatty, Darren McGavin, Carla Cassola, Melinda Dillion, Michael Nouri, Kim Gillingham Francesca Neri and Billy Mumy. It was directed by Albert Pyun.
In Italy during WW2, Dr. Maria Vaseli (Carla Cassola) creates a process which transforms child musical prodigy Tadzio de Santis into the hideously scarred 'Red Skull' (Scott Paulin) for the Nazis. Dr. Vaseli escapes to America where she perfects the process and helps the American Military transform Polio-ridden Steve Rogers into the Star Spangled Avenger 'Captain America' (Matt Salinger). Aided by two Resistance Fighters (Scene deleted), Captain America to a hidden Nazi Fortress, Captain America encounters his nemesis, the Red Skull, where he is defeated and strapped to a rocket that the Nazis are planning to launch launch at the White House to kill President Roosevelt. Cap heroically manages to stop the rocket from crashing into the White House; but it crashes in the Alaskan Tundra where he is frozen for the next 50 years.
While Captain America is frozen, the Red Skull and plots and successfully carries out the deaths of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King with the help of a group of international businessmen and General Fleming (Mumy/McGavin). Now, they are planning on kidnapping President Kimball (Cox) and controlling his mind to do their evil bidding. Luckily for the Red, White and Blue, Cap is accidently found by an Alaskan Surveying Team and thawed out where upon he tried to return home and while he finds that things have drastically changed; Captain America is torn between duty and the love of his former girlfriend, Bernice (Gillingham). Sharon, Bernice's daughter (also played by Gillingham) try to stop these evil conspirators.
Music was provided by Southside Johnny, Barry Goldberg and one of the Neville Brothers. It's theme song "Home of the Brave" is very moving.

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Triad Underworld Review

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(More customer reviews)In the realm of Asian crime drama, the Hong Kong thriller "Triad Underworld" (Gong wu) has never been considered a stand-out in a very overcrowded genre. Maybe that's why this 2004 release hasn't had a North American distribution deal until now. It's a shame really--far less interesting movies have made that leap in a much quicker timeframe. Nevertheless, those that enjoy the genre should find this an appealing addition. In truth, nothing in regard to plotting hasn't been covered in countless other films--but the movie succeeds with a narrative sleight-of-hand that is very effective. It's a surprisingly clever film with impassioned performances and good action set pieces. That makes it an easy recommendation for fans of Triad mayhem. If these Asian shoot-em-ups, however, are not you're cup of tea--you might want to start with some of the classic examples of the genre to get your feet wet.
One of my favorites, Andy Lau, plays the mob boss. When a hit is ordered on his life, the grounded leader must contend with his volatile best friend (Jacky Cheung) and a trio of opportunistic associates. Lau and Cheung, having grown up together, have very different management styles and there is heated discourse about the best way to handle the complexities of the night before them. The scenes between the friends have an escalating tension that is riveting. The highpoint of the entire movie is a dramatic discussion at a dinner table that seems to be floating through the air. It's a simple visual device that ratchets up the drama in an extraordinary way. In addition to this story, we also see a young gangster who agrees to take on his first hit. As a single evening unfolds, everyone must contend with the violence that being a part of the Triad brings--and a final bloody showdown is orchestrated with precision.
More than anything, the film's screenplay holds the tale and its intricacies in check. It is smart and twisty enough to entertain even the most jaded of fans. All the performers are terrific, but I especially enjoyed the ferocity that Cheung brings to the table. It is a great counterpoint to the more level headed Lau. The movie begins on a very chaotic note as it introduces all of its characters. In fact, it took a little while for the film to find the right balance--but once it settles into the main story line, the actors are allowed to really sell the narrative. I quite enjoyed "Triad Underworld." Once it takes hold, you'll go with it until the bloody and surprising finale. KGHarris, 9/11.

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X-Men 1.5 (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)First I have to say I love X-Men the movie, and this is a great dvd. But I cannot give it the five stars I would like to (or that I gave the first X-Men dvd) because I feel that they have cheated the fans. Much like the comic books themselves, they've devised a way to take more money from the fans. Why wasn't all these extras on the original dvd? Even Bryan Singer himself says in the introduction to the dvd that he hates to do it, and that he hopes a group of people are sitting around watching the 1 dvd they bought (then why did you do it Bryan? whay didn't you just put all this good stuff on the original dvd?)
First of all, the menus aren't as cool as the original dvd. Sort of cheesy in fact. Now, both the original and 1.5 come in slipcover cases, but the original has a nice design, with a metallic type sheen to it--very x-meny. 1.5 has much less of the sheen, horrid red letters, and instead of a small tasteful cover art, a large picture of Wolverine, flanked by Mystique and Storm. It looks all right, if you haven't seen the original slip case design. And inside is almost good. it has a nice red and black design (not the vulgar read of the outer cover, but a more tasteful and subdued red), and only loses it when you see a cast lineup. From a design perspective, 1.5 is definitely weaker.
Disc One
The X-Men movie is on this disc. I won't go into a review of the movie, because I already did that in my review of X-Men. I will say that it is a great movie, Singer does a great job, and the casting is inspired. There is a commentary track on this dvd, something that was missng from the original. Singer does a great job talking about the film and the filmmaking process. I just have to ask, why wasn't this on the original dvd? There is also an Enhanced Viewing Mode on this cd. It contains extended/deleted scenes, where they would have been placed in the film (also on the original dvd). The problem is that you can't go to them seperately, you can only access them in their place in the Enhanced Viewing Mode (a definite weakness, and not a problem on the original dvd). The Enhanced Viewing Mode also has 17 different behind the scenes footage, at various locations in the film (these you also can only access through this mode and not in a seperate menu. a minus).
Disc Two
Here is where Singer's introduction and apology is located. "It's not my nature to be putting out multiple dvds of a film" --then why Bryan, why did you do it? But the orchestra is nice (you'll see what I mean). There are two menus here. One is X-Men 2, which has a Daredevil teaser (there's a movie I won't go see) and has an X-Men 2 sneak preview (I understand why this isn't on the original dvd, and it is a great addition, but not worth buying a whole new dvd). The other menu is titled Evolution X. Under it you'll find all sorts of goodies, which can all be played in sequence, or accessed one at a time (which I recommend), and there is branching her as well, but I'm not sure if you have to go at it all together or not, but I suspect you can only get it if you choose the 'Play All With Branching' option, which really isn't such a bad way to go. There's a 'Production Documentary Scrapbook' where you can watch the train sequence from all different camera angles, and without the post-production and multi-angle fight rehearsals. 'X-Factor' which contains costume tests, toad's makeup test, and an image gallery. 'The Uncanny Suspects' (my that's witty) which has a character gallery and Hugh Jackman's first reading and screen test. 'Special Effects of the X-Men' contains all sorts of effects featurettes and extras. 'Marketing the X-Men' which has trailers, tv spots, and internet spots. And finally 'Reflection of the X-Men" which has footage from the Ellis Island Premier and premier's around the world. And don't forget all the xtras found in the branching option. Overall you do get a lot of good stuff that you won't find on the original dvd. But what you will find on the original dvd that you won't find on 1.5 is the easter egg Spider-Man gag, which is great (but you will get something similar where a Wolverine appears in the original yellow costume), nor will you find the Fox Special "The Mutant Watch", which isn't esential to the film (actually, it doesn't fit great continuity-wise), but it is entertaining, and should be on the 1.5.
Now, should you buy X-Men 1.5? I did, but that's because I'm a huge fan of the X-Men (in film, cartoon, comics, toys, and fiction), and the huge X-Fans will end up doing this. Also, I'm a student of film theory and criticism, and this dvd has things I couldn't pass up. But if you have the original dvd, then I'd either rent 1.5 or borrow it from a friend. If you don't have either, I'd say go ahead and pick up 1.5 (borrow the original dvd from a friend, you've got to see the Spider-Man gag). 1.5 does give you the better value, it's just that this stuff should have been on the original dvd. Instead, in the grand Marvel tradition, we screw the true fans.

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Don't just relive the spectacular action... take it to the extreme with this all-new 2-Disc Collector's Edition release of X-Men, packed with hours of never-before-seen bonus features! Go beyond the movie with the Enhanced Viewing Mode, incorporating more than 60 extra minutes of deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage as you watch the film. Listen to in-depth audio commentary from director Bryan Singer. Learn all the most revealing production secrets, from Casting and Costumes to Scenery and Special Eftects, through brand-new featurettes. And get an exclusive sneak peek at the making of X2. This is X-Men like you've never seen experienced it before!

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Dante's Inferno (2011) Review

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(More customer reviews)There are a couple things you should know before deciding to view this movie: 1) Instead of "Dante's Inferno" a more fitting title would be "A Gentle Nod in the General Direction of Dante's Inferno"; and 2) It's explicit. And by "explicit" I mean there is brazen nudity, unapologetic violence with gushing blood, and man-eating genitalia (I kid you not).
If you're still with me, that means you're open to experiencing an interesting, gory, and twisted animated tale about a soldier on a quest through the nine circles of Hell to rescue the love of his life. Dante, having returned home from fighting God's war, finds everyone he knew--including his love Beatrice--slaughtered. He then watches her soul snatched into the jaws of Hell after she (apparently) made a deal with the Devil and lost (through no fault of her own). Thus begins the quest. Along the way, Dante meets his guide, Virgil, and learns the fate of (and is attacked by) all the sinners writhing in agony--absolving a few along the way.
Having read The Divine Comedy a couple of times (The Inferno about five), it was difficult getting past the *liberties* taken with the overall story, but I could see why they were taken--watching a frightened middle-aged poet sojourning through the underworld with an old ghost and chit-chatting with various dead people wouldn't be nearly as entertaining as a hot young warrior lopping off heads every few minutes and being chased by lustful women with carnivorous nether-regions.
The animation is beautiful and done well, Anime with Western influences, if a bit inconsistent since there were six directors with six different styles. My main complaint however comes with the pacing and dialog. Scenes went by too fast and barely allowed time for the character to absorb the words being spoken much less the viewer and the delivery of the dialog was too often overly dramatic--think William Shatner (circa original Star Trek) saying, "O Beatrice! Beloved Beatrice! I shall traverse the depths of Hell to rescue you. O my love, Beatrice!" That aside, the story flowed and, for the most part, made sense.
As for the DVD itself, the menu is a bit difficult to decipher, but not a deal-breaker. The bonus materials include sketches of various scenes from the movie--a nice touch for people who are interested in art or animation--and the trailer for the video game. (As an aside: I have to admit, the game looks awesome. I kind of wish the movie was made in the 3D style of the video game, but I'm not too upset about it.)

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Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Anger, Heresy, Violence, Fraud and Treachery! These are the 9 Circles of Hell made famous by Dante Alighieri in his famed masterpiece, Dante's Inferno, his first story of The Divine Comedy. Dante's Inferno: An Animated Epic will take you on a harrowing trip through Hell as Dante braves the forces of evil, slaying demons and monsters of extraordinary imagination, all to save his love Beatrice, from the clutches of Hell's master - Lucifer. The companion piece to the hit Electronic Arts game, Dante's Inferno: An Animated Epic, is inventively told through eyes of visionary animation directors from around the world, including Shuko Murase (Ergo Proxy) and Yasoumi Umetsu (Kite: Liberator) among others. 6 Directors, 6 terrifying visions of Hell, 1 heart-stopping epic adventure! 6 different covers - 6 different animation styles. See which cover you end up with!

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Spider-Man 3 (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)While I may not have the credibility of some of the other reviewers listed (this is the 1st review I've ever done for ANYTHING) I do know what I like (The Spidey Series, X-men Series, and Blade 1 and 2) and dislike (Daredevil, Ghost Rider and Friggin Cat Woman, OH. MY. GOD.).
With the amount of character content that was introduced in this latest installment, I think Sam Raimi did an outstanding job. He gave the fans exactly what they had been looking and asking for. Of course, any one of the villains this time out could have had their own Spidey film (and perhaps should have) but again, the fans had spoken and to me, it was handled marvelously.
The character and story progression was handled very well. The action was just what you've come to expect from Raimi (and he didn't disappoint!)and the pacing was just enough that I didn't find myself restless at anytime due to the length of the film. I think that Raimi presented us with one of the truest presentations of comic-to-film adaptations possible, and no one can take that away from him (THE most true to date - TO ME - was SIN CITY, Rodriguez just dumped the film straight from the comic to the screen with that one). I loved the Goblin upgrade. I loved the Sandman CGI and battle sequences with our hero. I loved Venom (although, admittedly, wished that there could have been more time with him) and the over-all satisfaction and relief I felt after 1st hearing that there was even going to BE an S3 (you kind of get a little worried about sequel disappointment - "awww maaann, they should have stopped at 2" Blade 3 anyone?).
Of course it was far from a flawless film but the things that I would pick on that I didn't like would probably be glossed over by someone else (I LIKED the little dance number Peter had and the Travolta, 'Saturday Night Fever' shout out Raimi added)so I won't bore you with what I felt were shortcomings and let you make your own decisions.
What it boils down to is Yeah, I'd recommend this film to my pickiest friends with a cheese eating grin on my face and two thumbs way the heck up. I could get into some of the other unfolding story and character points but honestly feel that you'd like to see what they are for yourself (and hope you won't think me a sucky reviewer after seeing it). Go. There's nothing stopping you...

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Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) finally has the girl of his dreams, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), and New York City is in the throes of Spider-mania! But when a strange alien symbiote turns Spider-Man¿s suit black, his darkest demons come to light changing Spider-Man inside as well as out. Spider-Man is in for the fight of his life against a lethal mix of villains - the deadly Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), Venom (Topher Grace), and the New Goblin (James Franco) - as well as the enemy within himself.

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The Spectacular Spider:Man: Season 1 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This 2-Disc DVD set will collect the complete first season of The Spectacular Spider-Man. Episodes will be in Widescreen Anamorphic Video with Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound. The first season is made up of the following 13 episodes:
Episode 1 - Aired: 3/8/2008
Survival of the Fittest
An elderly scientist named Adrian Toomes plans his revenge against Norman Osborn after accusing him of stealing his flying technology. Donning his own flying suit, Toomes takes to the skies to enact his revenge and it's up to Spider-Man to stop him. Peter is concerned that Aunt May is running out of money. He tries to make money for the two by making a deal with J. Jonas Jameson that if Peter can get pictures of Spider-Man in action, Jameson will pay Peter money.
Episode 2 - Aired: 3/8/2008
Interactions
An electrician named Max Dillon becomes the supervillain known as Electro after a freak accident and it's up to the Spectacular Spider-Man to stop his rampage. Meanwhile, Peter tries to tutor the popular Liz Allen.
Episode 3 - Aired: 3/15/2008
Natural Selection
Peter Parker and Spider-Man both must learn to own their choices when decisions made by Dr. Curt Connors transforms Pete's mentor into The Lizard.
Episode 4 - Aired: 3/22/2008
Market Forces
Peter Parker has to choose between helping Aunt May pay the bills or buying a camera to further his career. Meanwhile, Montana (the Big Man's Enforcer) becomes the stunning Shocker to fulfill his responsibility: eliminating the Spectacular Spider-Man.
Episode 5 - Aired: 3/29/2008
Competition
Peter Parker and Harry Osborn try out for the football team and become a little obsessed with going for the glory. Flint Marko, newly transformed into the Sandman, is out for glory too- at the expense of our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man!
Episode 6 - Aired: 4/12/2008
The Invisible Hand
Flint Marko's former partner, Alex O'Hirn, becomes the Rhino.
Episode 7 - Aired: 4/26/2008
Catalysts
Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson go to the Midtown High Fall Formal. Meanwhile, the Green Goblin tries to take down L. Thompson Lincoln.
Episode 8 - Aired: 5/3/2008
Reaction
Tired of constantly being pushed around by others, the timid Otto Octavius has his robotic arms permanently attached to his back and becomes the deadly Doctor Octopus.
Episode 9 - Aired: 5/10/2008
The Uncertainty Principle
Spider-Man is pitted against the Green Goblin and Tombstone, while Colonel John Jameson attempts to land a damaged space shuttle.
Episode 10 - Aired: 5/17/2008
Persona
The Chameleon is out to blacken Spider-Man's name. The master of disguise loots the city while borrowing Spidey's look, forcing Peter Parker to get help from Black Cat.
Episode 11 - Aired: 5/31/2008
Group Therapy
Six of Spidey's toughest enemies band together to get revenge, as the Sinister Six!
Episode 12 - Aired: 6/7/2008
Intervention
Spider-Man realizes the alien suit is ruining his life and tries to get rid of it. Unfortunately, it has grown too attached to Peter, and doesn't plan on leaving him.
Episode 13 - Aired: 6/14/2008
Nature vs. Nurture
With Aunt May out of the hospital, Thanksgiving coming and the alien suit gone, Peter's life is finally getting better. However, the Symbiote has survived and found a host within the vengeful Eddie Brock. Now Spider-Man must face this monster, named Venom, a creature that knows everything about him and will stop at nothing to get revenge.
Special Features said to be included in this set are so far two featurette's,
Spider-man: Reanimated
Stylizing Spidey
This is a very interesting and well done animated series take on Spider-man, my only personal issues with it were already mentioned by another reviewer who noted the mishandling of the character Eddie Brock. Previously he had been in competition with Peter Parker to get photo's of Spider-man which lead to his eventual hatred of the two when he continually failed. Here they try to make him a friend to Peter and rather than have them share the commonality of being young photographers they make him a lab assistant. In the end this first season works well overall though and should please any spidey fans.

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This adventure finds our hero tackling more Super Villains both old and new, including Chameleon, Venom and the Sinister Six: Electro, Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Sandman, Rhino and Shocker. While these criminals are almost more than Spidey can handle, his real struggle becomes an internal one. The stress is enough to drive a high school Super Hero over the edge, but making mistakes and learning lessons is all in a days work for the Spectacular Spider-Man!

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The Super Hero Squad Show: Volume One (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Great show for my kids but also some in jokes for those of us who know the real Marvel characters and a couple of puns that will go right over kids' heads. My biggest and guess only complaint is that there is only 7 out of the 26 episodes from the first season. It appears to be the first seven episodes. The stories on the show are minimally based on any actual classic Marvel story (although the episode title screen is a re-imagined comic cover). Basic good guy vs. bad guy with main characters of Iron Man, Hulk, Surfer, Thor, Falcon, Wolverine, Reptil vs. Dr. Doom, Abomination and MODOK. A lot of esoteric guest characters and every character is given one obvious personality quirk. Again this is really for little kids but you'll laugh too.
The episodes are:
And Lo...A Pilot Shall Come!
This Silver, This Surfer!
Hulk Talk Smack!
To Err is Superhuman!
Enter: Dormammu!
A Brat Walks Among Us!
Oh Brother!
Also there's bonus features of an interview with Stan Lee, the video of the theme song and a trailer for the video game.


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Ultimate Avengers - The Movie (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)I tell you what...get this if you're a fan of the Hulk alone. That in itself is reason enough to see this movie. I have forever loved all that the Hulk represents and how he rolls. But he about lost his mind in this movie! I loved it!!! Beyond that, good plot, beautiful fantasy cartoon babes abound, and as a Marine, I appreciated how Captain America and the military were portrayed as they went into battle against Nazis and space aliens in WWII. C,mon...space aliens, dream babes, Nazis, and the Hulk...what're you waiting for? Relax the literary critic inside you and have some fun. Go. Rent.

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Spider-Man (Full Screen Special Edition) (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)What can I possibly say but WOW! This movie is truly a dream come true for a long time Spider-man fan like me. Not only was the movie made but the movie was made RIGHT!
Many directors and artists in Hollywood claim to be fans of comic book heroes, but when it comes time for them to actually put it together they fail miserably. But not here. Sam Rami is a TRUE Spider-man fan-- and he did what a true fan would do. He stayed true to the source and to the material. He captured the essence of Spider-man and his history. He didn't decide to pretentiously add his own mark like Tim Burton did with the laughable Batman movie. Rami stayed true to the comic. This is the Spider-man I read about month for the last 13 years.
I really did not think that anyone could top the X-Men, but Rami has and I don't just mean because of the special effets. I also mean in terms of the plot and character development. This is not a long drawn out movie filled with pointless violence. It is a well plotted story that moves effortlessly from point to point. Who would have thought that so much could be fit into two hours? And the end, I won't give it away , but who on earth would have thought that it would have ended that way. Instead of going for the same old boring cliche Hollywood ending--Rami tacks on an original one which hints towards the future.
Tobey Maguire was not my first choice to play Peter Parker. But boy does he deliver! I understand that he worked hard to get this part and boy does it show! He plays Peter just the way he was portrayed in the book! Kristen Dunst also was excellent,I did not think that she could pull off the part of Mary Jane. She's a lovely girl but not the super-model that MJ is in the comic book. But I was pleasantly surprised with what was done with the character.
After being disapointed with the unseeminly endless rubish that Hollywood has produced lately I am now, in the words of Mr. Stan Lee, a true believer. Thanks Sam Rami for not butchering a character I consider to be like a brother and restoring my faith that there are film makers out there who actually care about film making!

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Based on Marvel Comics superhero character, this is a story of Peter Parker who is a nerdy high school kid. He was orphaned as a child, bullied by jocks, and cannot confess his crush for his stunning neighborhood girl Mary Jane Watson. To say his life is miserable is an understatement. But one day while on an excursion to a laboratory a runaway radioactive spider bites him... and his life changes in a way no one could have imagined. Peter acquires a muscle-bound physique, clear vision, ability to cling to surfaces and crawl over walls, shooting webs from his wrist ... but the fun is not going to last. An eccentric millionaire Norman Osborn administers a performance enhancing drug on himself and his alter ego Green Goblin emerges. Now Peter Parker has to become Spider-Man and take Green Goblin to the task... or else Goblin will kill him. They come face to face and the war begins in which only one of them will survive at the end.

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Blade Trinity (Unrated Version) (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I first heard that "Trinity" was on the way, I had my reservations about it. I was worried that the film would become cluttered with heroes, what with Blade and Whistler fighting necksuckers, and now Hannibal King and Abigail Whistler thrown into the fray. Somehow, a balance is found between the heroes that keeps all of them out of each others way.
The plot is reflective of the other films in that once again the vampires are looking for a way to become daywalkers. Instead of calling up a vampire god or creating a mutant race though, they decide to go to the source of their "virus"--Dracula. Hoping to use his blood to make them perfect immortal beings and eventually herd humans like livestock to feed them, a group of vampires seeks out and revive the dark prince. He looks like something from a GWAR concert, then morphs into this medieval looking guy. Dominic Purcell portrays him, and does a better-than-average job. Parker Posey plays a vamp who is very over-the-top. At first, I didn't think she'd work in this picture, but she does a really good job. WWE fans were happy to see Triple H get his chance to flesh out a vampire with silver caps on his teeth. His character is like the schoolyard bully of the bunch. He's big and bad, but has a soft spot for Pomeranian dogs. The rest of the vampires are pretty stock as far as modern vampires go. They somehow all know martial arts, are unusually good at science, and enjoy techno music.
Wesley Snipes looks very comfortable in his role as Blade. His character has lightened up a bit as far as humor goes, but he's still one bad mama-jama. Kris Kristofferson looks comfortable as the tough old fart/father-figure Whistler. Jessica Biel was very good as Whistler's daughter, Abigail. Of all the characters, she seems to be the one person you'd least expect to play a butt-kicker, but she pulls it off in grand style. Ryan Reynolds plays Hannibal King, a smarty pants vampire hunter who was once one of them. His one-liners are hilarious most of the time, but he gets pretty annoying during parts of the film. His humor was probably highlighted a little more than the average "Blade" audience member goes for, but I think he did a pretty decent job. The rest of Abigail and Hannibal's group, the Nightstalkers, features a pretty stock bunch of characters who are really only here to provide weapons and victims for the film.
The action is much better than in the second film. There is very little evidence of CGI tampering in the fight sequences this time around. The majority of the action is shot up-close and personal. Blade, as usual, has that strike-a-pose mentality about him and has some very good-looking moves in this film. Hannibal is mainly a gunslinger. Abigail favors a bow and her boots when it comes to killing vampires.
Of course, no "Blade" film would be proper without some techno music. This time around the music has a little nu metal flavor to it and more of a gangsta feel than the other two films. The music should be considered a major character, since it moves the entire movie at a swift pace. Of all of the films, I believe that "Trinity" has the best soundtrack.
I've heard that this film would be the final installment in the "Blade" series. That's probably a good idea since it looks like the vampires are starting to run out of options to become daywalkers. I've also heard that this movie is going to be used as a springboard for the characters of Hannibal King and Abigail Whistler. Much like the Elektra character in "Daredevil," I'm sure that this duo can pull off a film on their own. I don't think they will have the drawing power of "Blade," but there is an audience out there for them.
One other note, this is the first "Blade" film to feature the easily recognized Marvel tagline at the beginning of the film. It's nice to see that Avi Arad and Stan Lee are finally giving a little more respect to this series, since it seems to have done pretty well without them the first two times around.
Well, I recommend this flick to fans of the first two films and folks who liked "Daredevil" and "Punisher." Also, if you like brooding heroes or action flicks like "Resident Evil: Apocalypse," I'm sure you'll enjoy this film. Children should not see this movie. It isn't so much that it is scary, but f-bombs drop left and right in this flick. The signature burn-up of vampires is also here, so that might be a little disturbing for some kiddies. The R-rating is well deserved due to the excessive foul language(more than the first two films) and the obvious vioent aspect of the film. That's just something to keep in mind if you're turned off by cursing. I get pretty tired of it in a film if it seems to be put in just to have the character come across as tougher or meaner.
Hope you enjoy this movie, it's a fine addition to the "Blade" saga.


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The final battle begins and the trinity comes to an end! Blade is back and his enemies have grown in number since they resurrected their king, Dracula. Together with a new group of vampire hunters, called the Nightstalkers, led by Whistler's strong but beautiful daughter Abigail and the wise-cracking Hannibal, they must finally defeat the vampires or face inevitable extinction.

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Iron Man (Two-Disc Ultimate Edition + BD Live) (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)The first disc features 11 deleted and extended scenes. There's more of the opening ambush with Tony Stark being more proactive. We also see more footage of Rhodes and it quickly becomes apparent that he was the character with the most scenes cut from the film. We also see Tony and Pepper Potts attend another party.
The second disc starts off with the impressive "I Am Iron Man," a 108 minute making of documentary that can be viewed in seven segments or altogether, taking us through various aspects of the production. For example, we are taken step-by-step through the construction of the Iron Man armor with Robert Downey Jr. cracking jokes while being fitted for it. It's amazing how much of the suit is practical and looks really good in person. This is due in large part to the genius of the late-great Stan Winston and his company. Also included is plenty of soundstage footage of scenes being filmed.
"The Invincible Iron Man" is a six-part documentary on the comic book, tracing the history of the character. Stan Lee says that he modeled Stark after Howard Hughes, for the most part. He also mentions that he was never fully satisfied with the look of the armor - hence its many changes over the years. This doc also covers various key characters and storylines in excellent detail with several people who worked on the title over the years talking about their contribution to the mythos. This is a very well done overview of the comic book.
"Wired: The Visual Effects of Iron Man" examines the CGI work that went into realizing Iron Man's powers, like flying, his repulsors, and so on. Director Jon Favreau says that he likes to use practical effects whenever possible, which is wonderfully refreshing to hear, and in this film he mixed the practical with CGI.
"Robert Downey Jr. Screen Test." Incredibly, the actor had to do a screen test because the studio deemed him a risky proposition and this footage shows that he had a handle on the character very early on.
"The Actor's Process" features fascinating footage of Jeff Bridges and Downey rehearsing a scene with Favreau. It's great to see these guys at work and offers insight into how they put together a scene from the film from an acting point-of-view.
"The Onion's Wildly Popular Iron Man Trailer to be Adapted into Full-Length Film" is a funny satire where a newscaster "breaks" a story of how the Iron Man trailer will be made into a film that pokes fun at the rabid nature of the hardcore fanbase of the character.
Finally, there are "Galleries," featuring concept art, technology stills, behind-the-scenes photographs, and poster art.

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Suit up for action with Robert Downey Jr. in the ultimate adventure movie you've been waiting for, Iron Man! When jet-setting genius-industrialist Tony Stark is captured in enemy territory, he builds a high-tech suit of armor to escape. Now, he's on a mission to save the world as a hero who's built, not born, to be unlike any other. Co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges, it's a fantastic, high-flying journey that is "hugely entertaining" (Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal).

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X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Two-Disc Ultimate Edition) (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" was a great movie. I am not one to usually review movies, as I'm more of a book buff, but it was so good that I had to comment.
Taking my love of the X-Men comic books series aside, the movie was fantastic. There was a ton of action, many open endings (which can be taken both ways, see below), and so much action was covered. I loved the CGI, though at times it was obvious. His claws were a bit too cartoon-y, and even in the scene of his first lumberjack job, the bulk machines were obviously not really there. Also, in the scene with Gambit in the alley, obviously CGI- but I don't really expect the guy to climb the walls in real life.
Loved the scenes with Hugh Jackman during Stryker's experiment, but thought the director was trying a little too hard to make Wolverine a love-struck sissy boy. I mean, Logan is like Bruce Wayne in Batman. He's hardcore, strong, and revenge-driven. Maybe Batman vs. Wolverine isn't the best description, but... hey, I hope you get my point. Maybe I don't remember the comics as well as I believe I do, but I thought the whole Wolverine vs. Sabertooth was due to the dad killings, not the girl.
I don't remember many of the characters they brought up, like Wolverine's girl- I don't remember her in the comics, but maybe she came up in a later edition that I just haven't read yet? I was thankful that they showed that Wolverine volunteered for Stryker's experiment, as it is true to the comics.
I wish they made the movie longer because it's hard to keep everything straight with years in between while we're waiting on the movie productions. The Blob I would have loved more story on. As well as Gambit. Even Omega Red (? Didn't name him ?) (Weapon XI) would have benefited from a little more of a story. I was disappointed to see it ended just as the next movies began, but I guess that's expected. I wanted more of Cyclops as well.
Liev Schreiber did a great job of protraying Sabertooth. Though he was not the same actor who cameo-ed Sabertooth in X-Men I (or was it X II?), I will accept him as the future Sabertooth.
The movie seemed short, they overused Wolverine's CGI claws a little too much at the beginning, but... overall I was impressed with the story, the acting, and the true-to-the-books plot.
I can't wait for the next origins (I've heard it's Storm next?) and I want more more more of Wolverine's story. He is my favorite character in the comics. I think this is one of the movies that Jackman can get right when it comes to his acting skills. His portrayal of Wolverine (throughout all of the XMen movies) has been stellar, even if it is a bit sappy.


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Stars:Hugh Jackman, Ryan ReynoldsItem Type: BLU-RAY DVD MovieItem Rating: PG13Street Date: 09/15/09Wide Screen: yesDirector Cut: noSpecial Edition: noLanguage: ENGLISHForeign Film: noSubtitles: noDubbed: noFull Frame: noRe-Release: noPackaging: Sleeve

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X-Men Trilogy (X-Men / X2: X-Men United / X-Men: The Last Stand) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great DVD set for anyone who are fans of the films. These are three great films with memorable charecters, fantastic special effects and action sequences as well as some very witty humor. They are also a great social commentary on todays society.
here is what this set contains
DISC 1- X-Men
-2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen presentation
-Deleted Scenes
-Charlie Rose Interview
-Mutant Watch featurette
-Hugh Jackman Screen Test
-Storyboards
-Art Gallery
-Animatics
-Trailer
DISC 2- X2: X-Men United
-2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen presentation
-Commentary by Director and Cinematographer
-Commentary by Producers and Writers
DISC 3- X-Men: The Last Stand
-2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen presentation
-Commentary by Director and Writers
-Commentary by Producers
-Deleted Scenes with optional Director Commentary
-Alternate Endings with optional Director CommentaryBUY THIS DVD SET!

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Item Name: X-Men Trilogy (X-Men / X2: X-Men United / X-Men: The Last Stand) [Blu-ray]; Studio:20th Century Fox

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