Movie Info:
Writers: John Patrick Shanley
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Cast: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis, Alice Drummond, Audrie J. Neenan, Susan Blommaert, Carrie Preston, John Costelloe, Lloyd Clay Brown, Joseph Foster, Bridget Megan Clark, Mike Roukis
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: December 25, 2008
DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $23.99

Meryl Streep has the ability to strike up an array of emotions when she’s on screen. Still, never have I felt such a strong emotion for her as I did while watching Doubt. I’ve watched the movie more than once and each time I feel differently towards her character. I’m either passionate for her cause or I want to smack the crap out of her character until I knock sense into her head. If an actress can make her audience feel that way, this means she’s doing a superb job!

Doubt was one of the best movies I’ve watched this year. The acting is superb. The plot is tightly woven, yet open to interpretation. The movie is stellar in every aspect from the film’s adaptation from the stage to the care that was taken to make the film as realistic as John Patrick Shanley wanted it to be in an attempt to make the setting identical to that of his childhood.

You don’t need to be a Catholic to enjoy Doubt. In fact, in light of all the scandals that have plagued the Catholic church in the past several years, people of any denomination will get something from watching Doubt. The movie is poignant and whether you agree with one side or the other, you will have extremely strong feelings for whichever side you support.

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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: 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:
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: Mathieu Kassovitz, Eric Besnard
Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Cast: Gerard Depardieu, Michelle Yeoh, Vin Diesel, Mark Strong, Lambert Wilson
Rating: R
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: August 29, 2008
DVD Release Date: January 6, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $27.99

I’m probably one of the few reviewers on the planet who still likes Vin Diesel. I think the guy has a bum rap as an actor. He studied theatre, so he has to know a little bit about acting. Many times, he’s typecast in the action roles that don’t really show off his versatility. Everyone knows if it’s a Vin Diesel movie, he’s going to be kicking ass in it. If not, it’s a lame movie (The Pacifier anyone?!) he only took to try and get out of that typecasting box. He’s had no true blue drama opportunities, save for, Find Me Guilty, that have come his way.

That being said, I like a good action flick. I enjoy the movies with Bruce Willis when he’s all actionfied. Bruce can also act, but then he had that Moonlighting gig in the 80s, which I believe helped save him from being typecast too much. I’m a fan of Sylvester Stallone, especially in Rambo, even if you can’t understand a friggin’ word he says. I can appreciate the action genre and Vin has had some pretty awesome, high tech action flicks, like Pitch Black and The Fast and the Furious.

What makes Babylon A.D unique from other Diesel films is the inclusion of someone as stunning as Michelle Yeoh. I didn’t know that she was going to be in this movie, but her talent is just unspeakable. It’s kind of sad that director/writer Mathieu Kassovitz had so much trouble with 20th Century Fox, to get the story he wanted to tell told, because Yeoh’s talent is wasted. This movie truly could have been magnificent, but it’s not and I believe we have the studio to blame.

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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: Andrew Niccol
Director: Peter Weir
Cast: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Holland Taylor, Natascha McElhone, Noah Emmerich, Peter Krause
Rating: PG
Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment

Release Info:
DVD Release Date:December 30, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99

I’m really not a fan of Jim Carrey. Sure, I like a few of his movies, but as an actor, I’m really not super excited when he comes out with a new movie. I’m not one of his fan boys nor have I ever been. While Jim Carrey seems to be a one trick pony, in the vast majority of the films that he’s been in, occasionally, there comes a movie where he actually proves he just might know how to act. The Truman Show is one of those movies.

I didn’t want to see this movie initially. I had seen Ace Ventura, and while I found the movie stupid-funny, I thought Jim Carrey was kind of dumb. My oldest nephew is only six and a half years younger than me. As you might have guessed, he was a huge Jim Carrey fan. I don’t know if he still is, but he was when he was a kid.

My nephew and niece would visit our house for a month, every summer. My brother would often go to Cedar Point with them and I ended up having to go to the movies with them, instead. I know that totally wasn’t a fair shake, but I got over it. Being the nice uncle I am, I let them pick the movie, even if I knew I was going to regret it. That is how I ended up seeing Titanic at the theater, four times in one summer! All I remember is how huge that boat looked. I also remember sneaking my niece into a movie that was rated R. I think there was some partial nudity in it or something (it probably would be rated PG-13, these days). Since I was over 18 and her “guardian” at the time, we got to go in, no sweat!

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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: Diane English
Director: Diane English
Cast: Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bette Midler, Candice Bergen, Carrie Fisher, Cloris Leachman, Debi Mazar, India Ennenga, Natasha Alam, Ana Gasteyer
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Warner Bros.

Release Info:
DVD Release Date:December 19, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $26.99

I’m the type of guy who can’t stand chick flicks. Well, unless they are well written and feature Meg Ryan. Looking back at the “chick flicks” I’m able to tolerate watching, nearly all of them have Meg Ryan in them. My mother in law loves Meg Ryan. So, I’ve seen many of her chick-friendly movies. I admit it. When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and even You’ve Got Mail are watchable. I’ve seen all of these movies more than once.

As a genre though, I’m just not into the chick movies. I’ll watch them occasionally with my girlfriend, just to be a nice and caring boyfriend. Of course, I don’t expect to like the movies. I’m just glad my girlfriend, Ashtyn, seems to like drama, action, and horror movies a lot more than she does chick flicks. We tend to agree on our assessment of most films, so I can expect that she won’t want me to watch any Cameron Diaz movies. It’s just not her style.

When I was told I had to review a movie called The Women I didn’t know what to think. The title alone just screams chick flick. Then I heard about the cast. Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bette Midler, Candice Bergen, Carrie Fisher and Cloris Leachman all have parts in this. Meg Ryan was the first name I heard. I like Meg Ryan, but she has had some real doozies! I was hoping this was more of a When Harry Met Sally then it was a French Kiss.

When I heard Annette Benning was in this, I had hope. She isn’t really the big chick flick type. Her roles are usually more dignified. Adding in Eva Mendes and Jada Pinkett Smith could definitely spice this movie up, and while Debra Messing definitely does the chick flick thing, she was fabulous in Will and Grace. So, with the right cast, she could be not so chick flick-y.

Add in some Candace Bergen, a woman I’ve enjoyed watching, ever since she made fun of Dan Quayle on Murphy Brown (and perhaps even before then), Bette Midler (what’s not to love about the magnificent Bette?), Cloris Leachman (who is just a hoot – dating back to her Young Frankenstein days), and Carrie Fisher. Sure Carrie isn’t dressed up with Cinnamon buns. She doesn’t have a semi-automatic weapon she’s using as she chases down her ex. She does play quite the sleazy reporter/writer though, and those dark and nasty roles she plays are always fun.

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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: Sean Penn
Director: Sean Penn
Cast: William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Vince Vaughn, Hal Holbrook, Catherine Keener, Jena Malone, Kristen Stewart, Emile Hirsch
Rating: R
Studio: Paramount

Release Info:
Theatrical Release:
DVD Release Date: December 16, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $17.99

Ever since Into the Wild came out on standard DVD, Ashtyn has been bugging me to check it out. She reviewed the standard edition over on our other website, LI Reviews. She was impressed by how good Into the Wild was and she talked about how much I would like it. Like the good boyfriend I am, I avoided the movie like the plague, despite the fact that Ash is usually right when she says I’m going to like a movie. For the most part, she knows my movie tastes.

It wasn’t that I thought this movie was going to suck. The movie has a great cast, and typically, great casts don’t make crap if they can help it. My main problem was with the story. A guy heading to Alaska and starving himself to death didn’t exactly sound like a walk on the beach. It sounded rather horrendous to me. Add in the fact that this is a true story and I wasn’t sure I was up to watching this type of movie.

I’m no wuss. I have watched the goriest of horror movies. I just felt extremely bad for Chris McCandless and his family. This movie is based on his life, and what a tragic story it is. The movie explores themes like the value of life versus the value of money, potential mental illness and a whole slew of other deep topics. I didn’t think the movie sounded like fun, so I didn’t want to watch Into the Wild. Well, imagine my surprise when the Blu Ray was announced for December. That meant I’d be the one watching and reviewing this movie.

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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: Pam Brady
Director: Akiva Schaffer
Cast: Andy Samberg, Sissy Spacek, Isla Fisher, Ian McShane, Will Arnett, Danny McBride, Bill Hader, Jorma Taccone
Rating: PG 13
Studio: Paramount

Release Info:
Theatrical Release:
DVD Release Date: December 16, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99

Whatever happened to Ian McShane or Sissy Spacek, for that matter? Lovejoy in the flesh and the woman who made us love Stephen King by portraying the crazy Carrie White have both made one crazy career decision. Of all the movies to star in, why Hot Rod? Seriously, the movie is way beneath their skill level. I know both of them are getting older, but performing in a movie like Hot Rod bespeaks of actors who seem desperate for work. It’s just sad to see such talent in such drivel.

Hot Rod is absolutely pointless as a movie. The story for this is stupid and convoluted. I didn’t like this the first time I saw it, on standard DVD, and I still don’t like it now. I’m not exactly sure why Paramount went out of their way to make a Blu Ray transfer for this film. I feel sorry that actors like Ian McShane and Isla Fisher have their names attached to this crap, because it is just pathetic and if I was in this, I’d be embarrassed to have my name attached to such a stupid, worthless movie.

The problem with this movie is the story. Sure, Hot Rod has a plot, but it’s so stupid I don’t know who the heck would want to watch this movie. I could see a five year old coming up with the plot for this and his dad saying “Gee son, what a great idea! Let’s make this into a film.” The only problem for this scenario is the fact that Hot Rod is geared towards adults so it’s five year old logic is so pathetic, that adults will want to vomit in their mouths at the thought of even watching a film like this.

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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: Frank Spotnitz, Chris Carter
Director: Rob Bowman
Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Martin Landau, Blythe Danner
Rating: PG 13
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: June 19, 1998
DVD Release Date: December 2, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $18.99

I know The X-Files had, and still has, somewhat of a cult following. I wasn’t a member of the cult, but I did occasionally enjoy the show when it aired on Fox. I thought the show was well written and interesting, but I often forgot to watch it. I’m a bigger Sci Fi fan than I give myself credit for being. I’m not exactly sure why I never clicked with this show, but whenever I did catch it on television, I was glad to watch it.

The X-Files movie, also called Fight the Future, which is the movie tagline, was originally released in 1998. I didn’t see this film until now. I have to wonder what I was missing because this is great. The chemistry between Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) is a good enough reason to be enthralled with both the show and the movie, but it goes further than that. Both the movie and show really have a plot and it’s a good one!

The X-Files movie is supposed to take place between the 5th and 6th seasons of the show. This release in Blu Ray corresponds to what is being called the sequel to this film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe. This isn’t a sequel per se, as it is more of a sequel to the entire The X-Files television series. Either way, it’s good to have Mulder and Scully back at it, because they are pretty good at their jobs.

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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.