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: 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:
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: 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.

Movie Info:
Writer: Victor Miller
Director: Sean S. Cunningham
Cast: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Jeannine Taylor, Robbi Morgan, Kevin Bacon, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram, Mark Nelson, Peter Brouwer, Rex Everhart, Ronn Carroll, Ron Millkie, Walt Gorney
Rating: R
Studio: Paramount Home Video

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: May 9, 1980
DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009

As a kid growing up in the 80s who loved horror movies, this was one of the top of the bunch. I was only two years old when this came out, but I saw this and the subsequent sequels long before the decade ended. Friday the 13th was amazing when it came out because there wasn’t really that much like it. Probably the most notable of films that could offer a comparison would have been Halloween, another slasher-esque flick, by the amazing John Carpenter.

Of course, Halloween came out two years before Friday. In fact, the writer and director now admit that their prime motivation for making this film was to ride on the coattails of Halloween and it’s amazing success. At the time they made this low budget ($550,000) flick no one had any idea that it would lead to over a dozen sequels and make over $39 million.

There are so many reasons to love this movie despite the campy feel that comes with it today. Sure, by today’s standards this isn’t as scary and the kills aren’t as interesting. It’s the classic appeal of Jason that makes the movie great. Along with the appeal of Jason there are some great back stories that make the movie even more interesting. Adrienne King didn’t want to be in the movie because of the graphic nature of the film, for example. She later changed her mind, but when someone began stalking her as a result of the success of the film, she probably wished she hadn’t done it.

Similarly, Betsy Palmer, an actress not really known for roles like Jason’s Mommy took the role because she needed a new car, took the part and made such an impression that a famous critic posted her name and address in print, encouraging people to send her hate mail. Fortunately for Palmer, he posted the wrong address.

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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: Terrance Zdunich, Darren Smith
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Cast: Paris Hilton, Alexa Vega, Sarah Brightman, Paul Sorvino, Bill Moseley, Anthony Stewart Head, Ogre, Terrance Zdunich
Rating: R
Studio: Lions Gate

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: 2008
DVD Release Date: January 20, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $18.99

“You know you want it baby! Geneco’s Got it!”

Have you ever started off loathing a movie before seeing it only to find that it becomes your favorite movie of the year? The idea of Repo! The Genetic Opera, to me, prior to seeing it was something similar to a train wreck. Maybe it was the inclusion of Paris Hilton that bothered me, but I really thought there was no way they were going to pull this one off. I have faith in Bousman and I absolutely adore the Saw franchise, but I didn’t think he could do it this time.

I didn’t understand how Hilton could be in a musical because she cannot sing well enough to accommodate the needs of something like that. Furthermore, I didn’t understand why seasoned vets like Sarah Brightman and Paul Sorvino would want to be in a movie that Hilton would be sure to butcher. Well, when I am wrong, I will admit it. Bousman has my utmost respect for playing things out the way he did. He gave Hilton a part straight out of most anti-fans minds and hearts. It couldn’t have been better if I had thought of it myself. Needless to say, no one could have been better for the part than Ms. Hilton was.

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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.