Movie Info:
Writers: Frank Miller
Director: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriquez
Cast: Jessica Alba, Bruce Willis, Elijah Wood, Carla Gugino, Michael Madsen, Jaime King, Brittany Murphy, Clive Owen, Josh Hartnett, Rutger Hauer, Devon Aoki, Alexis Bledel, Mickey Rourke, Powers Boothe, Cara D. Briggs, Jude Ciccolella, Jeffrey J. Dashnaw, Rosario Dawson, Jesse De Luna, Benicio Del Toro, Jason Douglas, Michael Clarke Duncan
Rating: R
Studio: Miramax Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: April 1, 2005
DVD Release Date: April 21, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.99

Sin City is just one of those movies you have to see. Done in a graphic novel style with digital enhancements throughout the entire movie, Sin City paved the way for other graphically intensive movies, such as 300. This movie is beautiful, though fans of non-digital methods may harp about the style. I do like old school methods of filmmaking, but it is hard to deny the beauty and uniqueness of something like Sin City.

Not only is Sin City nice to look at, the story is interesting. The characters are intriguing. The acting is stand out. The plots of each individual story come together nicely. Frank Miller, known for his exceptional graphic novels, went out of his way to bring Sin City to the screen in the right way. It’s just a superb piece of filmmaking, all around. I can’t say how much I have enjoyed watching this movie, time and again, since its initial release.

This movie is made up of an all start cast. If I had to give a lead role to anyone it’d be Bruce Willis, but really, this is an ensemble effort. There are so many big name stars in this movie, I don’t think there is a single face you won’t recognize. Miller went all out to find a recognizable cast of talented actors. From Benecio del Toro to Rosario Dawson, every type and flavor of actor can be found in this movie.

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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:Clive Barker
Director: Clive Barker
Cast: Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence, Sean Chapman, Oliver Smith, Robert Hines, Anthony Allen, Leon Davis, Michael Cassidy, Frank Baker, Kenneth Nelson, Gay Baynes
Rating: R
Studio: Anchor Bay Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: September 18, 1987
DVD Release Date: April 21, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $14.99

I had never seen Hellraiser or any of its sequels prior to watching this film. I had heard of Pinhead and knew a little bit about who Pinhead was, but I didn’t really have any idea about what to expect when I was watching this film. I’m an old school horror buff. I grew up in the 80s when horror was in its prime. Hellraiser has become a cult classic and after finally watching it, I can see why.

The topic of pain as a way to find pleasure has always intrigued me. Add in the 80s style of filming horror, decent writing by British horror master, Clive Barker, and a bad ass bad guy (Pinhead is certainly one of a kind) and you have Hellraiser. I admit it. I’d heard good things about this movie, so I was excited to review it. It’s nice to know I wasn’t disappointed!

Fans of the series (which consists of 7 sequels) say this is the best in the series. There has been talk of a remake, but I am of the firm belief that 80s horror can never be replicated. Sure, the effects are substandard, but that’s a part of the 80s horror charm. Making the effects more realistic doesn’t change that fact that movies like Hellraiser are classic films because of what they had to offer to viewers both in the 80s and today. Hellraiser is a timeless classic for a reason.

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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: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Tess Harper, Barry Corbin, Stephen Root, Rodger Boyce
Rating: R
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: November 21, 2007
DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $24.49

I don’t always agree with the Oscars, but I did find the 2007 Winner for Best Picture No Country for Old Men to be one of the best movies of the year. I saw a lot of excellent films in 2007, but No Country for Old Men was definitely one of the most memorable. From the excellent cast to the stand out story, all the elements that make a film work come together.

I like the Coen Brothers. They have a very interesting film vision and their unique style comes through with every film they make. They go all out to make No Country for Old Men. With a cast that includes Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin and Woody Harrelson I had a feeling I was going to like this movie. The icing on the cake was the fact that No Country for Old Men was both written and directed by the Coens.

I’ve heard some grumbling about the plot not being nearly as spectacular as it should have been. This is an Academy Award winning film. I don’t agree with the grumbling. I was immersed in the film and enthralled by the story, the acting and the setting from the moment the movie started. This is the type of film I expect from the cast involved, and the type of film I now expect from the Coens.

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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: Mariane Pearl, John Orloff
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Cast: Dan Futterman, Angelina Jolie, Archie Panjabi, Mohammed Afzal, Mushtaq Khan, Daud Khan, Telal Saeed, Arif Khan, Tipu Taheer, Amit Dhawan, Saira Nasir Khan, Aliya Khan
Rating: R
Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: June 22, 2007
DVD Release Date: March 24, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $14.99

Paramount has decided to release a selection of their movies from 2008 on Blu-ray. As a whole, the quality of these movies is better than in standard definition, but Paramount has skimped on bonuses, recycling those from the original release and not adding much more than that. It seems almost silly to release these movies in Blu-ray if they offer not much more than the standard DVD release

I don’t want this to take anything away from the movie A Mighty Heart. Adapted from the true life memoir of Mariane Pearl concerning the abduction and murder of her husband, Daniel, this movie is beautifully crafted. There was a lot of hubbub when this film came out concerning lead actress, Angelina Jolie and her race not matching that of Mariane Pearl. Pearl herself praised the choice of Jolie and every effort is made by the cast and crew to make this film as realistically authentic as possible.

Honestly, Jolie’s performance as Pearl is heartbreaking. I didn’t find the fact that beneath the makeup I knew Angelina Jolie is a white American (Pearl is light skinned enough for Jolie to pass as her) to be any bit distracting. I was more interested in the story. This is a poignant look at problems in the Middle East and a reminder of how militants view ‘foreigners,’ especially Americans. Add in the fact that this is a true story and it is even more heart wrenching.

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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: Steve Shagan
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Cast: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton, Terry O’Quinn, Andre Braugher, Steven Bauer, Joe Spano, Tony Plana, Stanley Anderson, Maura Tierney
Rating: R
Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: April 3, 1996
DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99

I have seen Primal Fear more than once. The first time I saw this movie was on television. I didn’t have any idea what I was getting myself into. I just knew that the movie featured Richard Gere and a young Edward Norton. Around the time I first saw Primal Fear, Edward Norton was just becoming a big name. It’s easy to see why he’s as well respected an actor today, due to the early performance he gives here.

This movie poses quite a few questions. There are questions about religion, morality, and how the two intersect. The movie is also quite the case study on the human mind. All of the actors do a remarkably excellent job in their respective roles. Both Norton and Gere were perfectly cast. The two leads balance each other out, though Norton might just have out acted the, at the time, more seasoned Gere in the majority of scenes they share.

While the acting carries the movie, it wouldn’t have been nearly as good had the plot been less than what it was. The story for Primal Fear is intense. The energy and action of this film make it work on so many levels. The storytelling is a major part of what stands out. Of course, the shocking ending helps. You will be spellbound, stunned and in awe by the ending of this film. The first time I watched this, I was not expecting the film to end the way it did, and that is the most important part of the story. It validates (and invalidates) so many other parts of the movie, with everything finally coming together and being answered, in the end.

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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: 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: 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: 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.

Movie Info:
Writer: Anders Thomas Jensen, Saul Dibb, Jeffrey Hatcher
Director: Saul Dibb
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Keira Knightley, Hayley Atwell, Simon McBurney, Dominic Cooper
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: September 10, 2008
DVD Release Date: December 28, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $26.99

Period pieces are hit or miss with me. Ever since I had to read Jane Austen novels in High School, I’ve detested the storytelling of Austen and others like her (the Brontes, for example). By default, I find the majority of the movies about these novels to be absolutely boring to watch. Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre, and the list goes on and on.

I can’t sit through these types of period pieces. They are trite, boring, stifling and intolerable. I have no stomach for boring Brit Lit from the 18th and 19th century. I’m not sure what it is about it, but it nearly bores me to tears. Add in some history, great acting, and a strong protagonist and that boring period piece becomes a masterpiece. That’s how I felt about The Duchess. Originally, I thought I wouldn’t like this film, but after watching it, I’ve come to appreciate the work that went into making it.

It’s hard to say this movie would be as good without Keira Knightley. She is simply sensational as the protagonist of the film, former real life Duchess Georgina of Devonshire. A lesser actress couldn’t have carried the role. Knightley is actually quite good in period pieces. In fact, she would be the main selling point for me to bother watching a movie like Pride & Prejudice, even though I find the story to be rather trite.

Of course, the rest of the cast put in excellent, supporting performances. Ralph Finnes did well, as always, as the Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish. It’s always good to see Charlotte Rampling, who plays Georgina’s ambitious mother, Lady Spencer (and yes, the Spencers are related to the late Princess Diana). I had only seen Dominic Cooper before in Mamma Mia! but he continues to impress here as the man Georgina loves, Charles Grey. Of course, one of the best performances is given by Hayley Atwell who plays the third in the Duke and Duchess’ relationship, Bess Foster. It would have been more interesting if the creators of this movie had explored the menage a trois between the Duke, Duchess and Bess, but the movie is still good without it.

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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.