Movie Info:
Writer: Alexander Jacobs, Robert Dillon
Director: John Frankenheimer
Cast: Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Bernard Fresson, Philippe Léotard, Ed Lauter, Charles Millot, Jean-Pierre Castaldi, Cathleen Nesbitt, Samantha Llorens, André Penvern, Reine Prat, Raoul Delfosse
Rating: R
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: May 21, 1975
DVD Release Date: February 24, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $22.99

The French Connection II is one of those interesting movies that is a completely fictional movie that was spawned from a movie that was based on a true story. With the first French Connection ending up on the top 100 movies of all time, this was a sequel that had a lot to live up to. In many ways the sequel ends up better than the original movie. It feels grittier and moves at a faster pace. The first time I watched The French Connection I had a hard time staying focused. I couldn’t get over the slow start, but once it got going it was easy to see what makes it so popular. The French Connection II manages to bypass these issues and instead it just feels like it’s a continuation of the story that we’ve already seen.

The biggest change comes in the cast. While Gene Hackman and Fernando Rey returned for the second film, they were the only ones other than some of the crew to come back. Even Hackman did so with trepidation, feeling that too much time had passed. Luckily he changed his mind, because the movie turned out fabulous. I am pretty easy to please when it comes to action movies with good actors. Throw in some drugs, a few chase scenes, and maybe a hostage situation and we’re good to go. Luckily, this movie has all of that and more.

There is one chase scene in particular that ends up being quite interesting. Apparently Gene Hackman has a bad knee. Rather than reminding the director of his health condition he opted to do the scene himself. Hackman would go on to say that the look on his face during the film of pain and determination was not as much acting as it was real life. It makes a lot of sense considering he ended up with a badly inflamed knee. I suppose that’s the sign of a good actor when you’re willing to put your part above your own comfort.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Ernest Tidyman, Robin Moore
Director: William Friedkin
Cast: Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider, Tony Lo Bianco, Marcel Bozzuffi, Frédéric de Pasquale, Bill Hickman, Ann Rebbot, Harold Gary, Arlene Farber, Eddie Egan, André Ernotte, Sonny Grosso, Benny Marino, Patrick McDermott
Rating: R
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: October 9, 1971
DVD Release Date: February 24, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $22.99

I recently went through a list of the AFI and the 100 best movies of all time. On the list is The French Connection. I had never seen this film before I had to watch it to review it. This movie is not only based on a true story, it also won numerous Academy Awards including Best Picture. The film was the first to win with an R rating. The gritty drama is just that good.

I had no idea what to expect before popping this into my Blu Ray player. I had not read any synopsis for the movie. I didn’t know who was in it. I just knew it won a Best Picture Oscar. That, of course, didn’t push my opinion in one direction either way. There are Best Picture winners I’ve loved and others I have hated (The English Patient, anyone?). Whether it’s Oscar-worthy is really a mixed bag based solely on personal opinions. So, I had absolutely no expectations about this film either way.

Come to find out, The French Connection is actually really good. The movie starts out a bit slow. It took a little bit of time getting into it and trying to figure out what is going on. Once the action starts, it’s non-stop and the movie is a thrill ride. I didn’t really even know about the real life French connection. The main characters and story are based on the dealings of two, New York City policemen who try to break up an international heroin ring that spawns out of France. The fact that this story really happened is amazing.

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.

Movie Info:
Writer: Peter Barsocchini
Director: Kenny Ortega
Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Alyson Reed, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Olesya Rulin, Chris Warren Jr., Bart Johnson, Ryne Sanborn, Socorro Herrera, Matt Prokop
Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: October 24, 2008
DVD Release Date: February 17, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $22.99

The sequels to any movie are never quite as good as the original. That’s true for nearly every movie I’ve seen, except perhaps The Godfather. After surprising myself by liking High School Musical and it’s sequel, High School Musical 2, I was ready to check out High School Musical 3: Senior Year. I had heard some of the rather catchy songs while watching the Disney Channel with my son and nephew, so I knew, if nothing else, the music would be good.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year is a decent movie. That being said, you shouldn’t expect it to live up to enchantment of the first movie. This is a rather sad film, merely because the characters your kids know and love are moving on. It’s no longer about High School. The main characters are all headed to college. The creators of High School Musical are trying to suck more money out of the franchise as they make the fourth movie in the series, but I can bet loyal fans of the original movie will not be as thrilled with this future installment. The majority of the main cast, who have delighted audiences of all ages through three films, have made it all but clear that they will not be returning.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year is good merely because it is the last hurrah for Troy, Gabriella and the gang. The best part of the movie is the songs and the choreography. The story isn’t as fun as the past movies, but it is pertinent to the closing of this trilogy of films. This movie is a pleasure film. By that, I mean that it was merely written because audiences know and loves these characters. That’s why I feel this plot is the weakest, thus far, in this franchise. Still, it’s clear the actors continue to give it their all as they prepare to say goodbye to their fans and the roles they made famous.

Don’t get me wrong, I would watch High School Musical 3: Senior Year again. The primary audience this franchise is geared towards, children, tweens and teens will love it. I don’t know if they’ll be as crazy for it as they were about the first movie, but they’ll love it none the less. The entire set of High School Musical movies are something that parents can enjoy watching with their kids. While the plot isn’t as enthralling as the previous movies, there is an obvious plot. The actors are excellent performers, talented singers, and great dancers. Even if this film didn’t seem to have as much spice as the original, a lot of work still went into making it.

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.

Movie Info:
Writer: Chris McKenna, John Hoffman
Director: Anthony Leondis
Cast: John Cusack, Myleene Klass, Robin Walsh, Matt McKenna, John Cleese, Steve Buscemi, Sean Hayes, Jess Harnell, Eddie Izzard, Jennifer Coolidge, Jay Leno, Molly Shannon
Rating: PG
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: September 19, 2008
DVD Release Date: January 20, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $25.99

I really had no desire to see the movie Igor. It wasn’t that I thought anything was wrong with this movie. I’d just never heard much about this release. Sure, I’d seen the occasional, brief trailer, but Fox didn’t advertise all that much for this animated feature. I’m not exactly sure why Fox put this animated feature on the back burner when it came to promotion, because MGM could have made a lot more money than it did, had the movie been given the royal treatment.

I knew about Igor merely because we had a chance to review the video game. Still, I didn’t actually play the game myself. That’s why I knew very little about whether the story for Igor was good or not. I had no idea about the plot, the casting or anything else. Coming into this movie I was completely blind to the details of Igor. I had no misconceptions, but I wasn’t prepared for anything either. The only true impression I had of this movie was the one I got from the DVD case. What I got from that was the mad scientist vibe. Of course, this didn’t give me any idea of what it was about.

When I was watching Igor I immediately started recognizing voices. I picked out John Cusack’s right away. I also knew Steve Buscemi had to be in this film. His voice is easy to recognize. I wasn’t so sure about Molly Shannon though I was pretty sure Jennifer Coolidge was voicing one of the few female characters. I went to IMDB to confirm the voices I knew and realized that Igor has a really great, if not diverse, cast.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Peter Barsocchini
Director: Kenny Ortega
Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Alyson Reed, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Olesya Rulin, Chris Warren Jr., Bart Johnson, Ryne Sanborn, Socorro Herrera
Rating: G
Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Info:
Original Air Date: January 20, 2006
DVD Release Date: February 17, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $23.99

I said I would never watch High School Musical. I vowed to myself that even if the kids wanted to watch it, I would avoid it at all costs. Dismissing High School Musical as another Hannah Montana-esque, Disney extravaganza, I was sure I was going to hate this movie musical. I didn’t even think this was worthy of being called a musical. Either way, I ignored the advertisements and the kids’ insistence this movie was really cool, because I thought it was like all the other, teen/tween crap Disney has been spewing out lately.

Boy, was I wrong! First, you need to understand a few things about me. I spent over 12 years heavily immersed in musical theatre. For practically my entire life I’ve been watching musicals. I studied theatre in college. Theatre used to be my life. So, I saw something potentially bubble gum in High School Musical and I freaked out. I was offended that this was even considered a musical because I didn’t think Disney was capable of bringing the musical back to film.

To make a good movie musical, it must have music. High School Musical qualifies there. Characters break out in song virtually out of nowhere and many song and dance numbers with a vociferous cast of extras make up the ensemble songs. Again, High School Musical fits the bill. Most musicals are a bit corny and also quite sappy. That’s part of their charm. High School Musical won the award for both corn and sap. Still, the movie is also funny. It’s easy for kids to relate to this movie and it is reminiscent of high school and all it’s various cliques.

So, it fits the initial criteria for a musical. Typically. musicals feature actors with exceptional voices (or stand in singers – i.e. Audrey Hepburn didn’t sing in My Fair Lady), who can not only act quite well, they can also dance. All of the cast has the dancing thing down. For the most part, the acting is quite good, as well. The acting actually better than that which is seen on the majority of the Disney channel. So, in essence, I was wrong. High School Musical, is a musical and it’s one I happen to enjoy.

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.

Movie Info:
Writer: Troy Duffy
Director: Troy Duffy
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, David Della Rocco, Billy Connolly, David Ferry, Brian Mahoney, Bob Marley, Richard Fitzpatrick, William Young, Robert Pemberton, Bill Craig
Rating: R
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: January 21, 2000
DVD Release Date: February 10, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $22.49

I don’t remember any of the supposed hype surrounding the release of The Boondock Saints. I didn’t see this movie until a year or so after it had been released. I caught it on television and ended up really liking this film. I had been told the story for The Boondock Saints was outstanding. I tend to agree. I’m part Irish so I like the Irish references and the fact that the main characters are Irish. It’s nice to see some Irish bad asses out there.

The Boondock Saints was only released in five theaters. The initial showing for the movie was pathetic. Due to casting differences between Miramax and Troy Duffy, the writer/director of the movie, The Boondock Saints ended up having an independent release. Thanks in large part to Blockbuster, the film has developed a cult-like status and rightfully so. Critics seem to hate this movie. I’m not your average critic. I find I often side with the general public on my opinion of movies, more so than many of the poofy critics out there.

What do I not love about this movie is a better question than what do I love. The Boondock Saints is a film your conscious tries to tell you shouldn’t like or shouldn’t relate to, but deep down, everyone of us has a moment where we can relate to the lead characters, fraternal twins, Conner and Murphy. This movie is about divine justice. Some might even say the characters play God, but Duffy himself sums it up best when he states that there are things you watch on television that disgust you so much you hope the person committing the atrocity gets what is coming to them. That’s the entire point of The Boondock Saints.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: JF Lawton
Director: Garry Marshall
Cast: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Laura San Giacomo, Amy Yasbeck, Jason Alexander, Ralph Bellamy, Hector Elizondo
Rating: R
Studio: Touchstone

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: March 23, 1990
DVD Release Date: February 10, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $25.99

Without Pretty Woman I don’t know where the modern chick flick would be. This is one of the first hardcore chick flicks that really set the standard for the light humor, impossible love story scenario that peppers the theaters all too often these days. While I am not a fan of the majority of chick flicks, I have to admit, that Pretty Woman has always had a special place in my heart. I’ve seen it at least 50 times. When I was younger I could recite nearly every single line in the movie on key. Like most young girls there was just something about this movie that was addicting.

Despite being a chick flick, Pretty Woman offers a fun, unconventional storyline and good acting. It’s not your typical Cameron Diaz movie with a weak and brainless female lead and a dopey male interested in said lead just because she’s female and in the right spot. Instead, Roberts is a smart, spunky lead who is more a victim of circumstance. Despite not being educated, Roberts character manages to teach educated people the importance of simple pleasures. It’s hard not to fall in love with her.

As it stands this is one of my favorite chick flicks. The only one I have more love for has to be When Harry Met Sally. These are just two movies that I could watch over and over again, which makes the progression to Blu-ray even more exciting. It opens the idea to a better quality and new features, which is always a good thing.

I wouldn’t say this is a family movie, but I hardly find it deserving of an R rating. Teenagers could easily get away with watching this as the themes here are not as adult as they are made out to be. Sure, Roberts plays a prostitute, but the only trick she picks up is Gere. When you think of it like that, it wasn’t a bad profession. Of course, that’s the beauty of movies. I’m sure not too many Richard Gere’s are trolling the Boulevard looking for a girl in a wig and a bad outfit to give them directions.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writers: Liz Maverick, Peter Sullivan
Director: Jason Hreno
Cast: Miriam McDonald, Shawna Waldron, Ryan Kennedy, Crystal Lowe, Andrea Whitburn, Greg Evigan, Catherine Hicks, Brendan Penny, Agam Darshi
Rating: Unrated
Studio: New Line

Release Info:
First TV Showing: July 27, 2008
DVD Release Date: January 20, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $$26.99

Wow. That’s pretty much all I can say after watching Poison Ivy: The Secret Society. Did they really make this in Blu Ray? I have to wonder why because while the picture was pretty, this release didn’t take advantage of all the splendors that make Blu Ray the most popular viewing option out today. For example, there are absolutely no bonus features. None. Imagine all of the fun bonuses that can be added to any Blu Ray release. It seems to me as if New Line wasted their time by releasing this in Blu Ray, but then again I wouldn’t have released Poison Ivy: The Secret Society period.

I have to wonder if the TV version of Poison Ivy: The Secret Society was so much better considering it wasn’t a soft porn extravaganza. I’m of the firm belief that there is a time and place for sex in a movie, and it shouldn’t just be thrown in to attempt to make the viewer forget all the plotholes and farfetched film themes. Of course, I’d seen Poison Ivy II and Poison Ivy III and while both of these were pretty big yawners, I’m told the true gem in the series is the original, thanks to a little Sara Gilbert-Drew Barrymore shared tongue action.

Before getting on with the plot, I have a few questions. First, what is Catherine Hicks doing in this movie? She just ended a stint as a preacher’s wife on Seventh Heaven and now she’s on to soft porn? It’s just crazy and hard to believe this is the same woman who fought for her son to get a Good Guy doll in the original Child Play movie. Second, am I the only one grossed out at the thought of Joey from My Two Dads boning a grown up Becky O’Shea “Icebox” from The Little Giants. I grew up watching that show and I’ve seen the movie a billion times. I was quite weirded out when I realized I was seeing Shawna Waldron’s boobage. Sure, she’s all grown up, but she has these facial expressions that made me see her in little football pads running on the field. It was creepy.

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.

Movie Info:
Writer: Etan Cohen, Eric Darnell
Director: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath
Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, Andy Richter, Bernie Mac, Alec Baldwin, Sherri Shepherd, Will i Am
Rating: PG
Studio: Dreamworks

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: November 7, 2008
DVD Release Date: February 6, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99

I was not entirely thrilled about the release of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa though I am not entirely sure why. I am normally a fan of Dreamworks pictures. I liked the first movie well enough, too. Still, when it came time to put this movie in I didn’t exactly rush over to the PS3. Sauntered is more like it. I even looked at my review list to see if anything else could go before it. However, the time came and Escape 2 Africa was put in the player.

I think the biggest problem I had when I went to watch this sequel is that, while I liked the first movie, I didn’t really remember anything about it. I remembered the basic premise but nothing stood out to me, especially now, that made me want to watch it a second time.

Madagascar had elements of any typical Dreamworks Animation project. It was a movie with funny, likable characters that both kids and adults could enjoy. The movie was filled with a voice cast that adults could appreciate with voices animated enough that kids would love. People like Bernie Mac, David Schwimmer, Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, and Jada Pinkett Smith are in these movies. It was a cute movie then and I am sure if I saw it again, I would think the same thing. Still, as cute as it was, I only saw it that one time, so the sequel wasn’t of major importance to me. In fact, when I found out that the third movie in the franchise was greenlit prior to filming, I just couldn’t understand it.

I was pleased to discover that I was wrong about Escape 2 Africa. While it was cute in many ways, what I found out was that I actually liked it more than I did the first movie. I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did because I am not usually a big sequels fan. I suppose it had a lot to do with the comedic timing and the cute storyline.

Chris Rock was beyond amusing and hearing David Schwimmer voice the role of a hypochondriac giraffe witchdoctor was funnier than I could have imagined. Best of all, there was enough adult humor to keep adults happy, but the amount of kid humor was high, too. It ends up working for both audiences on completely different levels.

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.

Movie Info:
Writer: Jonathan Larson
Director: Michael John Warren
Cast: Adam Kantor, Will Chase, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Michael McElroy, Justin Johnston, Eden Espinosa, Tracie Thoms, Rodney Hicks
Rating: NR
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: September 24, 2008
DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $27.99

I am the ultimate musicals connoisseur. I love musicals. I have a musical theatre background. It’s pretty clear that’s why I am the one who had the opportunity to watch and review Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway. I also have seen Rent, live on Broadway. I guess that makes me somewhat of an authority on the show. I also went through a period of my college life where I was addicted to anything and everything Rent related. That makes me the perfect guy to review this DVD.

Truth be told, there will NEVER be a better cast than the original. The cast, which included Taye Diggs, Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, Jesse L. Martin, and Adam Pascal have all gone on to do other shows on both Broadway and television. The cast had excellent chemistry and personified the roles they played. The cast I saw was primarily made up of those who replaced the original cast, but it was still very exciting and unlike any other performance I’ve seen on stage, to date.

I was looking forward to seeing Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway. I knew it was a filming of the final production of Rent, so I wanted to celebrate this remarkable show. Come to find out, I’m really disappointed in this Blu Ray. Not only is Rent no longer on Broadway, a show that was on stage for over 12 years, but I felt the cast, the final cast, didn’t do Jonathan Larson or his musical justice. It’s the casting that I have the biggest problem with, because I know the musical and I love it. There were performers who couldn’t sing the actual part so they sang up in another octave, which ruined the songs, in my opinion.

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick Evans is in his late 20's. He spends his days working as a full time writer/editor and a part time musician/composer. His passions in life include music, directing films, watching movies, reading books, watching sports, wheelchair football, politics, his religion (Hellenic Reconstructionism) and spending time with his family (fiancée Ashtyn, son Robert, and shih-tzu Oliver). Other interests include being an advocate for the disability and GLBT communities.