Project X Blu-ray review

Actors: Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper

Director: Nima Nourizadeh

Format: NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English (DTS 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 88 minutes

            The found footage fake documentary films have continued to sprout up, but thankfully they have also moved beyond the horror genre and sitcoms. Films like Chronicle utilize the same techniques to make found footage films without the scares of horror movies or the talking head narration of comedic shows such as “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation.” While Project X is still a comedy, it doesn’t take much time out to have the characters explaining their feelings to the camera. Instead the movie looks more look footage taken from a cameraman working for Girls Gone Wild. Amidst the endless footage of drinking, dancing and flashing, there are also a few scenes of comedic mayhem and a predictably cliché movie romance.

             The storyline remains so simplistic that it would not have made much of a film without the found footage stylistic choice. Otherwise it is simply the story of a group of unpopular guys who decide to throw a party in order to change their status at school. Thomas is having his seventeenth birthday party, which is also coincidentally the same date as his parent’s wedding anniversary and his first weekend home alone. With the encouragement of his rambunctious friend and the arrival of thousands of guests, Thomas’ birthday party becomes a monumental event. Even the hottest girl at school shows up, which causes problems when Thomas is forced to choose between her and his female best friend.

            The predictability of the love triangle is countered by the irreverent behavior which slowly starts to take over the party. With a stroke of luck and some maneuvering, the first visit by the cops is deterred and the party continues. Soon it becomes completely out of control, however, and there is no telling what might happen next. The party becomes complete chaos, overrunning the neighborhood and frightening even the law enforcement away from entering. This all happens somewhat gradually, starting with excessive drinking, drugs and sex. Before long this graduates to violence and destruction.

            There are no cast member names given on the back of the Blu-ray, almost as if the filmmakers are attempting to convince audiences that this footage is actually real, despite needing to have a disclaimer on the front cover which announces the fact that it is fictional. They want to trick audiences, but not as much as they need to cover themselves from lawsuits if some young kids decide to imitate any of the countless idiotic acts within the film. The Blu-ray disc also includes an extended cut of the film, which has plenty additional moments of nubile teenagers partying.

            Aside from the extended cut of the film, the Blu-ray also contains a few exclusive special features. There is a feature which tallies up the total cost of a party like the one in the film, as well as a behind-the-scenes feature for all of the incredibly dangerous stunts in the film. The combo pack comes with a Blu-ray, a DVD and an Ultraviolet digital copy.

Seeking Justice Blu-ray review

Actors: Nicholas Cage, Guy Pearce, January Jones, Xander Berekely

Director: Roger Donaldson

Format: Color, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: ANCHOR BAY

DVD Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 105 minutes

            The storyline for Seeking Justice reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Strangers on a Train, or the subsequent comedic remake, Throw Mama From the Train. It brings up an interesting concept in the natural tendency to long for revenge when someone we love is wronged, and provides a scenario which makes this vengeance nearly foolproof. What if we weren’t the ones to kill our enemies, but instead had a stranger do it for us while stuck in an airtight alibi? And what would be required in return for such a deal to be made.

            Nicholas Cage stars somewhat unconvincingly as an ordinary man named Will Gerard, who is happily married to Laura (January Jones of TVs “Mad Men”). He is a nonviolent school teacher whose world is turned upside down when Laura is brutally attacked on her way home one night. Approached by a stranger named Simon (Guy Pearce) in the hospital waiting room, Will is offered the chance to make the attacker pay outside of the confines of the law. Simon informs Will that the only thing he needs to do in order to make this happen is promise a favor in the future. What Will doesn’t realize is how drastic of a favor will be asked of him when the time comes.

            Seeking Justice weaves together the workings of an underground vigilant group, one in which anybody and everybody is a possible member. Instead of participating, Will remains morally rigid to his beliefs, despite having given the okay for another man to be killed for his crimes. This double-standard is never fully addressed, because this is a suspense film and we are to automatically take sides with our protagonist and his morality choices. The real point of the film is his ability to remain one step ahead of a secret group which has an unknown number of members within his city.

            The Blu-ray is not spectacularly impressive, either in terms of visual improvement or bonus features. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette.

The FP Blu-ray review

Actors: Jason Trost, Lee Valmassy, Art Hsu, Nick Principe, Brandon Barrera

Directors: Jason Trost, Brandon Trost

Format: Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 83 minutes

            The FP begins almost exactly like the beginning of 8 Mile, which made me worry that this futuristic comedy about a Dance-Dance Revolution type game was actually a spoof. There are few films less creative or unique as those which merely make fun of more popular and successful movies. The FP is anything but unoriginal, however, and it has the ability to take its subject matter deadly seriously regardless of how silly it may be.

            The film takes place in a future where gangland warfare is decided by playing a dancing video game called Beat-Beat Revelation. Though it is never explained how this occurs, the main character’s brother is killed during a match in the first scene by a rival gang. JTRO (co-director Jason Trost) must avenge his brother and take back the territory of Frazier Park, otherwise known as The FP. He must do this in order to stop the rival gang, who control the local liquor store and have forced alcoholics to drugs by restricting what they sell. As a way of freeing the people to drink and avenging his lost brother, JTRO trains to fight in a dancing video game competition.

            There really couldn’t be much sillier or stranger storylines as the one in The FP. The only thing to match the absurdity of the storyline is the dialogue within the film, which is made up of a variety of modern lingo and Ebonics. No sentence is given proper grammar and half of the things that the characters say don’t even make sense, but this is somehow the point of the Trost brothers’ vision, along with kinetic camera work and an unbelievably goofy story.

            The Blu-ray comes with plenty of special features, including a commentary track from the Trost Brothers and a general making-of featurette. There is also a featurette about the real Frazier Park and a 16-page booklet insert with production photos and short essays by Rob Zombie, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.

           

The Hidden Blade Blu-ray review

Actors: Masatoshi Nagase

Director: YÃ'ji Yamada

Format: AC-3, Color, DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: Japanese

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: 12 Between Us

Release Date: June 19, 2012

Run Time: 132 minutes

            The Hidden Blade is a film about tradition and honor, in a time where these things were slowly beginning to fade. Samurai swords are being replaced by rifles and cannons to match the new Western way of fighting, and the samurai themselves are being taught how to become soldiers instead. All of this happens as one samurai is forced to pull his sword in battle for the first time and must choose between an old friend and the orders he is given by his samurai clan.

            Katagiri (Masatoshi Nagase) grew to be a samurai during a time of tradition and respect, but he discovers that the honor he brings to his responsibilities are not the same as others in his clan. After hearing of his old friend’s imprisonment for being a traitor, Katagiri is chosen as the one who must face him in battle. Though he has no desire to fight his friend, Katagiri is forced to make an impossible decision brought on by his gluttonous and immoral leaders.

            The Hidden Blade is not an action-packed film, but rather a movie about the characters and each individual decision they must make. The relationships remain far more important than any battle or fight scene, of which there are very few. The first portion of the film is much more concerned with the relationship Katagiri has with his long-time maid, Kie (Takako Matsu), who has served in his house since the passing of his father. Because they are of different castes, Katagiri and Kie are unable to wed, though he makes certain to protect her in any way he can.

            Few films have the ability to approach their subject as slow and subtly as The Hidden Blade does, while still remaining interesting. This film is captivating from beginning to end, if only because of the characters and how they come alive through the storyline. Though there is one inevitable swordfight, even this does not serve as the climactic moment of the film.

            The Blu-ray includes a number of special features, from a behind-the-scenes featurette to press conferences with the director and a feature from the Berlin Film Festival. The actual high definition is not altogether impressive. The film has a weathered period look to it, though it was only made in 2004. The image is not as sharp as you may have grown accustomed to with high definition, but the Blu-ray is worthwhile for the few moments which are apparently improved.  

In Darkness DVD review

Actors: Robert Wieckiewicz, Benno Fürmann, Agnieszka Grochowska, Maria Schrader, Herbert Knaup

Director: Agnieszka Holland

Writers: David F. Shamoon, Robert Marshall

Producers: Andrzej Besztak, Charlie Woebcken, Christoph Fisser, Eric Jordan, Juliusz Machulski

Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: Polish

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

DVD Release Date: June 12, 2012

Run Time: 145 minutes

            The storyline of In Darkness shares a great deal in common with Schindler’s List, in that it deals with a man who risks his own safety in order to help protect a group of Jews from the devastation of the German army during the Holocaust of World War II. First this arrangement is made merely for monetary purposes, but eventually becomes a moral decision alone. The fact that In Darkness is based on a true story only increases the impact of the content.

            Taking place in a Nazi-occupied city in Poland, a group of Jews begin an escape route into the sewers as a way to escape the ghetto they are confined in, but it ends up serving as an escape from the concentration camps. When they are discovered by a Polish sewer inspector named Leopold Socha, he agrees to use his unique knowledge of the sewers in order to hide them. He does so for a profit, taking advantage of the desperation in the Jewish survivors, though he changes his motives with time.

            The practical issues with the fourteen months spent in the sewer are dealt with in the storyline of In Darkness, from the need for food to an unplanned pregnancy. Socha is forced to risk more and more as he deals with each unique dilemma, determined to protect them even when it means putting himself in danger in the process. In Darkness is a difficult film to watch at moments, especially at 144 minutes, but this 2011 Best Foreign Film Academy Award nominee is also not a film which should be missed.

            The DVD includes a few spectacular special features, both with interviews from director Agnieska Holland (Europa Europa) and real life survivor Krystyna Chiger. 

The Three Stooges Ultimate Collection review

Actors: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard

Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Subtitled, NTSC

Subtitles: Spanish

\Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Number of discs: 20

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

DVD Release Date: June 5, 2012

            Sony Pictures Home Entertainment previously released volume after volume of the Three Stooges Collection, each one taking a couple of years and picking the fan favorites. This Ultimate Collection includes all eight of the previously released volumes in one set, as well as 28 newly released short films, two feature films and three Columbia cartoons. This is 11 hours of previously unreleased material along with 190 fan-favorite shorts from previously released volumes. There is no more definitive collection for fans of The Three Stooges catalogue from 1934-1959.

            Moe Howard and his brother Shemp began the family tradition of slapstick when they started in 1922 as assistants to Ted Healy’s vaudevillian act. Three years later they were joined by Larry Fine, and five years later the trio debuted in “Soup to Nuts” (1930). They would make films with Healy until 1934, with Jerry Howard (Curly) replacing Shemp at a certain point. Eventually they left Healy and became The Three Stooges.

The third volume is a special one, because of the inclusion of “A Plumbing We Will Go,” which is one of the most beloved of the slapstick shorts. The Three Stooges are known for getting themselves into situations where they don’t belong, either by marrying wealthy women who want to turn them into sophisticated members of society or somehow getting employed in positions they know nothing about. Their attempt at cooking is a good example, but “A Plumbing We Will Go” is the best one. They are enlisted to fix a leak in a fancy home but when they mix the pipes with the electrical wiring there are all sorts of gags.

            Since this volume contains the films from 1940-1942, there are also more than a couple Hitler and Nazi jokes. In 1940’s “You Nazty Spy!” Moe Howard was the first American to portray Hitler on film, and the same idea was reprised again with “I’ll Never Heil Again”. Mostly, however, the Three Stooges are good old fashioned escapism. They find countless ways to clumsily hit each other, the gags are non-stop, and there is even an old-fashioned pie fight in “In the Sweet Pie and Pie”.

The same Hitler impression was reprised again with “I’ll Never Heil Again,” which is included in volume four of the collection. Volume four of the collection begins with yet another ‘Stooges vs. Nazis’ bout in “They Stooge to Conga,” which also seems to contain a little bit of Volume Three’s famous “A Plumbing We Will Go.” In “They Stooge to Conga” the three are working as repair men, brought in to fix a doorbell. Instead of the pipes, they get mixed up in the wires, in every way imaginable. In the end, however, the save the day by stopping the Nazis, whose house they have also destroyed trying to fix a simple problem, as only the Stooges can do.

            “They Stooge to Conga” is the first of the World War II shorts in the collection, but it isn’t the last, nor is it the last time they foul things up as repair men.

There are also some great non-war related shorts, although references still come in every once and again. One classic in volume four is “Spook Louder,” which has the boys as door-to-door salesmen who accidentally find themselves as part-time caretakers for a spooky house. The house is haunted and it has pie-throwing ghosts. Often times in shorts like this one the references to the war are brief, and some lack them completely, but there are more war related shorts in this set than any other. They are dropped into Europe by way of bomb, accidentally enter an enemy ship after being lost at sea, and even buy property that ends up getting attacked by Japanese men in “The Yoke’s On Me”.

            Sadly, this collection looks to be the last with Jerome “Curly” Howard performing at his best. He joined the Three Stooges in 1932, replacing his brother Shemp, and was a favorite of fans for more than 100 films before he suffered a stroke that forced him to quit working. Although he didn’t have the major stroke until 1947 during the filming of “Half-Wits Holiday,” his health already started to affect his work as early as 1945. As the most energetic of the bunch, when his energy goes down at all it becomes noticeable and the films suffer slightly. In a few of the episodes towards the end of the set his voice is no longer as high as it normally was.

            The decline of Curly’s energy and health over the years finally reached the point of inevitable retirement from the trio of kind-hearted, though violent, goofballs. When The Three Stooges had originally formed in 1925, it was with brothers Moe and Shemp Howard, along with Larry Fine. When Shemp became a larger star, making feature films with W.C. Fields, his younger brother Curly replaced him in The Three Stooges, so upon his departure from the gang, Shemp returned to fill in the shoes once again.

            There is a brief cameo by Curly in ‘Hold That Lion,’ and it is a wonderful moment, though bittersweet in the realization it brings about the gang. Volume five is a sad collection if only because of the change, not to say that Shemp is not funny, but Curly’s high voice is sadly missed among the remaining three.

            Towards the end of the collection there are many more period shorts, taking place in distant times and lands, and always allowing the Stooges their fill of opportunities to play out the same gags in a new arena. 1948 in particular seems to be predominantly filled with these shorts, though there is a fantastic modern short, ‘Heavenly Daze,’ in which Shemp is a ghost haunting Larry and Moe. This might be the best Shemp short, creative and original while also allowing the actor to implement his abilities.

            The new material includes a collection of 28 newly released short films, as well as two of their feature films and three animated shorts with the trio. The feature films included are Have Rocket, Will Travel (1959) and Rockin’ in the Rockies (1945). All in all there is 11 hours of unreleased material, not to mention the beloved classics which make up the previously released eight volumes.

Spider-Man Trilogy on Blu-ray

            Spider-Man was one of the first superhero franchises to become a blockbuster success and set the standard for so many others to follow. Not only was it a major financial success, which insures sequels and copycats in Hollywood, but it did so with an interesting choice for a director. Sam Raimi is best known for his contribution into the horror genre, but his unique style proved perfect for the telling of this beloved comic book story. If it weren’t for this trilogy which began in 2002, Christopher Nolan may not have been chosen for the Batman franchise, and it is likely Jon Favreau would not have directed Iron Man nor Joss Whedon The Avengers. Spider-Man was one of the first greats, though we have come full circle again and ten years later another Spider-Man franchise has begun.

            In anticipation of the newest attempt to adapt the Spider-Man tale, all three of the Sam Raimi films have been brought to high definition Blu-ray. As an added incentive to upgrade to Blu-ray, each disc comes with a $10 movie ticket offer to see The Amazing Spider-Man in 3D. Each Blu-ray also comes with an Ultraviolet digital copy of the film, not to mention the endlessly informative and entertaining special feature selections available.

            Spider-Man began the franchise in 2002, with moderately good special effects and an effective storyline about a geeky kid in high school who develops superpowers from a spider and must learn to use them for good. Tobey Maguire stars as the super-hero, with Kirsten Dunst as the girl next door and Willen Dafoe as the first villain, The Green Goblin. Along with the previously released special features, exclusive to the Blu-ray is a trivia challenge and an editing program to cut together your favorite portions of the film.

            Spider-Man 2 continues my theory that the second film in a franchise is always the best film in the series. The Godfather 2 is better than the first, Empire Strikes Back is better than Star Wars and Sam Raimi’s follow-up film has the best storyline and special effects of the three. It comes as no surprise that this is the film which is given an extended version. Both the theatrical and extended versions are included on the Blu-ray disc, along with fight sequences which weren’t seen in theaters. Additional special features are taken from the DVD, including several commentary tracks and a 12-part making-of documentary.

            The only disappointment in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy is the conclusion. The first one was establishing, the second absolutely brilliant, and the third somehow ended up absurd and silly. From a musical number to characters acting out of character, Spider-Man 3 is a strange and not altogether solid film. It looks much improved in high definition, but the storyline is just as shaky as it ever was, especially in comparison to the first two films. Special features are also limited, including nothing that wasn’t already on the DVD version.

Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows Blu-ray review

Actors: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris

Director: Guy Ritchie

Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English (DTS 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1), Thai (Dolby Digital 5.1)

Subtitles: Spanish, French, English, Indonesian, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Thai

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Warner Home Video

Release Date: June 12, 2012

            The first Sherlock Holmes was impressively entertaining, but there was little about it which wasn’t predictable. Despite having a few stylistic choices throughout the film stand out, it seemed the type of blockbuster which any director could have helmed. Guy Ritchie returned as director for the sequel, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and he seems to have become more comfortable with the idea of adding his own style to the series. This is a strange film for a blockbuster, which makes it all the more fascinating to watch. From hyper-kinetic visuals to a non-stop action storyline, this is a film which clearly belongs in Ritchie’s filmography.

            It is difficult to know even what is going on, as the film seems to begin in the middle of an already developing storyline. Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is amidst an investigation against his greatest foe, the ingeniously clever criminal Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris). This all happens to occur as Dr. Watson (Jude Law) is getting married and leaving on his honeymoon, which is interrupted when they are targeted for an attack to help distract Holmes from his investigation. This investigation also involves a gypsy (Noomi Rapace) whose brother may be involved in an assassination plot.

            Though it is not always clear where the storyline is going, the one thing consistent throughout this film series is the relationship between Holmes and Watson. The first film felt much more like a buddy action comedy, and this time around the ties between the two seem even stronger. If I didn’t know better, I would say that this is a love story between the two of them. From the fact that Holmes interrupts the honeymoon dressed as a woman to a later scene where the brilliant detective takes a moment to dance with Watson, these two seem to share more of a connection than ever was shared with the Irene Adler character played by Rachel McAdams.

            The special effects and visuals in general have also seen an upgrade in this sequel, partially due to the fact that the storyline never seems to slow down. There are more than a few extremely impressive action sequences which are further enhanced by the high definition presentation of Blu-ray. The combo pack includes the Blu-ray disc along with a DVD and Ultraviolet copies of the movie. The Blu-ray has the option of the “Maximum Movie Mode,” which includes storyboards, picture-in-picture featurettes, photo galleries and more, all with Robert Downey Jr. as a guide.

Shallow Grave Blu-ray review

Actors: Kerry Fox, Christopher Eccleston, Ewan McGregor

Director: Danny Boyle

Format: NTSC, Subtitled, Surround Sound, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English  

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Criterion Collection

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Run Time: 93 minutes

 

            Danny Boyle is one of those rare directors with a distinctive style, despite the fact that the films he has made vary a great deal from each other. In recent years he has drawn attention with a modern fairy tale (Slumdog Millionaire) and a true story (127 Hours), while he has also made a science fiction film (Sunshine), an apocalyptic zombie horror film (28 Days Later) and a feel good family film (Millions). It is hard to believe that this is the same director who brought us the drug/heist hit, Trainspotting, until one looks at the style of each of these films. This distinctive visual stamp on his films has remained constant and recognizable since his film debut, Shallow Grave.

            Shallow Grave has been described as a Hitchcockian thriller, dealing with three despicably pretentious roommates, a dead body, and a suitcase full of cash. Personally, I find that there is much more modern film noir in this tale, especially considering how much of the action is instigated by the femme fatale female roommate played by Kerry Fox. Juliet (Fox) has obviously drawn affection from both of her male roommates; the loud-mouthed tabloid journalist, Alex (Ewan McGregor in his first starring role), and the straight-laced lawyer, David (Christopher Eccleston). The fact that both of these men are eager for Juliet’s approval helps to initiate some of the more disturbing choices in the film.

            In the opening sequence of the film we watch the judgmental and cruel manner in which the trio interrogates candidates for a fourth roommate, finding fault with all who apply. Only a mysterious man named Hugo (Keith Allen) is allowed to be considered without judgment, at the convincing of Juliet. Although the immature Alex is clearly jealous, the new tenant is permitted to enter and this attracts a unique situation for the three friends.

            The film was originally to be called Cruel, which is a fitting title for a story with no likeable characters to be found. Even more interesting is the manner in which the characters are altered and changed by the events that take place. There is no clear protagonist to root for, and the less despicable characters are not necessarily the ones which end up on top. The screenplay by John Hodge is difficult to predict, taking the audience on an unexpectedly gripping conclusion in which friends and roommates can no longer trust each other. Director Boyle, screenwriter Hodge and producer Andrew Macdonald would reunite again to create Trainspotting a few years later.

            The Blu-ray release of Shallow Grave comes with a newly restored digital transfer, supervised by director of photography Brian Tufano. There are two optional commentary tracks; one director’s commentary with Boyle and another with Macdonald and Hodge. The special features also include new interviews with cast members, though the highlight remains the 1993 making-of documentary by Kevin Macdonald, Digging Your Own Grave. Kevin and Andrew Macdonald also filmed the process of selling the script in 1992 at the Edinburgh Film Festival, which is included. The insert booklet includes and essay by film critic Philip Kemp.

The Gold Rush Blu-ray review

Actors: Charlie Chaplin, Georgia Hale

Director: Charlie Chaplin

Format: Black & White, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Surround Sound, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: Criterion Collection

Release Date: June 12, 2012

            Few films have been as lasting as Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush. Well into the 1940s and the era of sound, Chaplin was still making silent films which would outlast and outperform the ‘talkies’ of the time. In 1942 he even re-released a new version of his 1925 classic with sound effects and a voiceover narration to replace the original dialogue cards. Whether watching the 1925 classic silent version or the 1942 re-release, there is no denying the brilliance of Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush. Both are masterpieces which have just as much impact to day as when they were first created.

            Chaplin’s reoccurring character known as the Little Tramp had been around in his silent short films, but it was The Gold Rush which made him a phenomenal success. From the signature waddling walk in his over-sized shoes and pants to the undersized jacket and iconic bowler and walking cane, the Little Tramp is unmistakably recognizable. The Gold Rush has sequences which are just as recognizable, even to those who have never seen the film before. There is the dinner roll dance, which was imitated in the 1990s romantic comedy Benny & Joon, and the boiled leather shoe meal which actually put Chaplin in the hospital for insulin shock (the shoe was made out of licorice). The Gold Rush is a goldmine of unforgettable comedic moments.

            The story was actually one of the few that Chaplin had completely figured out prior to the beginning of filming, and has a consistency that is lacking in some of his other masterpieces. It begins with the tale of a poor prospector with hopes of striking it rich in the Klondike. The tramp’s search for gold also ends up bringing him to a search for a companion when he meets a beautiful woman (played by Georgia Hale), and in typical fashion he must ward off the romantic competition with wit and mischievous trickery.

            Slapstick humor and amazingly creative comedy aside, The Gold Rush is also an extremely sweet and emotional film. The Tramp is one of those rare characters who can misbehave in the name of what is right, drawing our affection and admiration along with the laughter. The Gold Rush would pave the way for more masterpieces, though there is no denying that they would not have been possible without the initial success of this near-perfect film.

            The Blu-ray release includes a new high-definition digital restoration of the 1942 version, as well as a new 2K digital transfer of the reconstructed original 1925 silent version. The silent version comes with a newly recorded adaptation of Chaplin’s original score in 5.1 DTS-HD surround sound. An optional new audio commentary by Chaplin biographer Jeffrey Vance is also included, along with three new documentary programs and a 2002 short documentary. There are also four trailers and a booklet insert featuring an essay by critic Luc Sante and a copy of the review of the 1942 release by James Agee.

Franklin & Bash: The Complete First Season DVD review

            There is very little actual law in the new courtroom series, “Franklin & Bash.” The style of the show seems to be fashioned after previous series such as “Ally MCBeal” or “Boston Legal,” where it was the quirkiness of the cases and the lawyers trying them which made up the entertainment. The actual law is completely secondary. “Franklin & Bash” pushes this concept even further, to the point where the title lawyers are more like frat boys than legitimate legal council.

            Breckin Meyer and Mark-Paul Gosselaar star as Jared Franklin and Peter Bash. Franklin is an intelligent lawyer whose decision not to work with his successful father and his many courtroom antics have kept him from the same level of respectability. Bash is only lower down in the food chain because of a propensity for sleeping with the wrong woman. This womanizer and courtroom clown make a perfect team somehow, and are picked up by an eccentric aging attorney named Stanton Infeld (Malcolm McDowell) to join a large firm. They use their unorthodox methods in their new job, helping an array of unique clients.

            More humor than courtroom drama and more absurdities than actual legal facts, “Franklin &Bash” is an engaging and entertaining waste of time. The DVD includes all ten episodes from season one, along with a few special features. There is a gag reel, three commercials for the lawyer team, and seven brief featurettes.  

Accident Blu-ray review

Actors: Louis Koo, Richie Jen

Director: Soi Cheang

Format: Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: Cantonese

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Shout! Factory

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Run Time: 87 minutes

            Accident is a gripping film of twists and turns, suspenseful from beginning to end while never conforming to a recognizable story structure. This is one of the few suspense films which cannot be figured out easily, despite a rather simple storyline. Paranoia and conspiracy intermingle in a way which hasn’t been so successful since Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation.

            Director Soi Cheang (Shame, Dog Bite Dog) and producer Johnnie To (Election, Vengeance) bring to screen the unique vision of a group of assassins who only kill people through staged accidents. In the opening sequence we watch as a traffic jam and a series of convenient coincidences cause the demise of a Triad gang leader. It all appears to have been an accident, but soon we discover that there is a team which orchestrated the entire event without detection. The intricacies of these deaths are as complex as those devised by death in the Final Destination series, only with intellect guiding it instead of an invisible vengeful force.

            The group is headed up by Ho Kwok-fai (Luis Koo), who is known by his colleagues as “The Brain.” As the head architect of these choreographed accidents, Ho begins to question the amount he can trust those around him when one of the members of his team is killed by an accident. After years of constructing assassinations which appear accidental, the paranoid hit-man cannot accept coincidence as an explanation. Convinced that an insurance agent named Chan Fong-chow (Richie Jen) is somehow responsible, he begins a cat-and-mouse investigation, trusting nobody along the way.

            The Blu-ray includes a making-of featurette as well as a trailer. The high definition presentation is impressive in some sequences, though much of this film is a slow burn and not one with many flashy effects or action sequences.

Tomboy DVD review

Actors: Sophie Cattani, Jeanen Disson, Malonn Lévana, Zoé Heran, Mathieu Demy

Director: Céline Sciamma

Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled, Surround Sound, Widescreen

Language: French

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Wolfe Video

DVD Release Date: June 5, 2012

Run Time: 82 minutes

            Tomboy tells the story of a ten-year-old girl with no interest in being a girl. Her parents have grown accustomed to the short hair cut and boyish clothing, allowing the prepubescent child the freedom to be and act the way she wants to. She looks so much like a young boy that it allows the young girl the freedom to create a new personality when she arrives in a new town with her family over summer.

            The young girl is Laure (Zoé Heran), though she begins calling herself Mikael and passing herself off as a boy with the neighborhood kids. This allows Laure to participate with the boys in all of the rougher activities, but it also draws the attention of the group’s one female leader, Lisa. Lisa and Laure begin a hesitant and experimental relationship with each other; all the while Laure is under the guise of Mikael and forced to hide the truth.

            Tomboy is a slow build to the revelation that Laure makes about the truth at the end of her summer. Once school begins, there will be no way to hide her true name or identity, a fact that slowly creeps up on her after the excitement of the situation wanes. Heran carries the film without having to say much; we can see the inevitable discomfort that the truth will bring her. Much of the film’s power comes from this powerful young performance.

            This remarkable little French film comes out on DVD with a behind-the-scenes featurette and a trailer.

The Collapsed DVD review

Actors: Vincent Thomas, Steve Vieira, Stefano Gallo

Director: Justin McConnell

Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment

DVD Release Date: June 5, 2012

Run Time: 82 minutes

            We have come to the point where post-apocalyptic films are so commonplace that they are no longer restricted to horror films. There is a whole new wave of post-apocalyptic films in genres ranging from science fiction and horror all the way to straight drama and comedies. The only notable aspect of The Collapsed is the mere fact that it was made on a budget of $150,000. There are minimal action scenes and very little special effects, leaving only suspense and a solid story to hold the film up. Unfortunately, The Collapsed is only partially successful with each of these, and dialogue and acting are enough to nearly make the film unwatchable.

            The story is so familiar that it is almost cliché at this point. A family of four escapes the city after the apocalypse, searching for a way to survive in the wilderness. We don’t know why civilization has fallen, but other humans are a threat and must be avoided. The family is led by the father (John Fantasia), and also includes his wife and two fully grown adult children. Together they try and survive the harsh conditions, violent men, and a mysterious force in the woods.

            The biggest problem with this film seems to be the dialogue, which also has a tendency to weed out the worst of the actors. Although the two children are obviously fully grown adults, the dialogue has them acting as though they are still children. This provides opportunity for some of the worst film acting I have seen in quite awhile, and I am not ashamed to say that I was happy to see these characters eventually being killed off.

            Stay away from this film unless you are looking to laugh at the awful acting and cheesy dialogue. There are a few mildly admirable qualities to moments of the film, but they are too few and far between to even mention, much less remember. This is the type of film which impresses at festivals and falls flat whenever attempting any type of distribution outside of that world.

            The DVD includes a number of special features, including a commentary track with writer/producer/director Justin McConnell, whose credits have only included short films and documentaries up to this point. Also included in the commentary is co-producer Kevin Hutchinson, and there is a second commentary track with actor John Fantasia. There is also an online viewable making-of documentary and a music video.

The Aggression Scale Blu-ray review

Actors: Ray Wise, Dana Ashbrook, Derek Mears

Director: Steven C. Miller

Format: Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: ANCHOR BAY

Release Date: May 29, 2012

Run Time: 85 minutes

           

            The Aggression Scale begins like so many other “home-invasion” horror films of recent past, from Funny Games to Trespass. There is a seemingly innocent family moving into their new home and a group of violent criminals who break in and hold them hostage in their own home. Extreme violence inevitably occurs. The one thing that sets The Aggression Scale apart is enough to make it uniquely disturbing, albeit effectively gripping viewing experience.

            At the beginning of the film we are given information about the aggression scale, and how it determines a person’s propensity towards violence. When this information is followed by a series of brutal murders done by a group of thugs working for a mob boss out on bail (Ray Wise), it is easy to assume that they are the ones that are highly rated on the aggression scale. As they enter the Rutledge home, however, it becomes clear that they are not the ones that the title is referring to.

            The Rutledge family consists of a bratty teenage daughter and a silent young son named Owen. Although he appears harmless, Owen is 99.5 on the aggression scale, making him the only chance of survival against the brutal attackers. With a disturbing knowledge of guerilla warfare and the ability to make weapons out of anything within reach, Owen is an unexpected deadly force. The result is somewhat like an R-rated Home Alone, brutal and relentless in suspense and violence. There are moments of bad acting and poor dialogue, but the film never slows down enough for these to be as dominant as the cat-and-mouse action.

            The Blu-ray includes a making-of featurette, but I actually found the high definition presentation to be the highlight of the disc. There are some visually satisfying moments, and the soundtrack helps fuel the intense storyline even further.  

Monster Brawl Blu-ray review

Actors: Dave Foley, Art Hindle, Robert Maillet, Lance Henriksen, Jimmy Hart

Director: Jesse Thomas Cook

Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Run Time: 88 minutes

            If you have ever wondered what would happen if you pit some of the most iconic monsters of films and folklore in a UFC-style battle, Monster Brawl is the movie for you. If you expect your films to have a storyline or characters developed beyond gags and bad make-up, Monster Brawl is not the film for you. Essentially containing nothing more than a series of fights, Monster Brawl is less of a movie as it is an undeveloped idea. Violent and vulgar as it may be, the focus is on comedy when dealing with the sporting event of Monster Brawl makes WWF appear realistic.

            Dave Foley and Art Hindle host as a slew of monsters separated into categories face off against each other. The monsters are split into divisions of creatures and the undead, and paired off again in weight categories. The main fight is between the heavyweight winners in both the creature and undead categories. This is all remarkably insignificant, however. The entire endeavor simply seems to come from the mind of a bored 13-year-old boy, complete with a few bikini-clad girls ringside.

            Even at 89 minutes, Monster Brawl seems too long for the storyline presented. The balance between comedy and horror is off, and neither is particularly successful. Watching Cyclops, Frankenstein’s Monster (inaccurately referred to simply as Frankenstein), and a Werewolf as they battle each other brutally is not nearly as entertaining as one might imagine. At least not in the hands of filmmaker Jesse Thomas Cook, who is responsible for writing, directing and editing this masterpiece in immaturity.

            The Blu-ray includes an audio commentary with Thomas, as well as producers Matt Wiele and John Geddes. Also included in the bonus features are a behind-the-scenes featurette and an outtake reel. The high definition is not bad looking, though it only makes the shoddy special effects more apparent.

Life Without Principle DVD review

Actors: Richie Ren, Ching Wan Lau, Terence Yin

Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC

Language: Cantonese

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: Unrated

Studio: Indomina

DVD Release Date: May 29, 2012

Run Time: 107 minutes

            Life Without Purpose is like a Chinese Pulp Fiction within the financial world. Several seemingly unconnected characters struggle with moral decisions regarding money, while unique circumstances place them into incredible situations, all within the confinement of one eventful day in the stock market. The story is told somewhat out of order as well, allowing for the significance of certain events to sink in.

            When the stock market begins to suddenly crash in China, it affects everyone. Most directly it has a negative affect on the investment banker struggling to make ends meet at work when the market was doing fine, but the sudden panic also has an impact on the criminal underworld. A loan shark who regularly uses the bank for depositing his cash is the catalyst for several moral choices when a thief attempts to rob him in the parking lot and the investment banker is given the opportunity to keep some of his money unnoticed.

            The strongest storyline in Life Without Principle, however, focuses on the one character who has little to no interest in monetary gain. What he cares most about is remaining loyal to his childhood friends. Willing to commit any crime or beg for any amount of money in order to remain loyal, there is a strange morality to his immorality. First he is desperately attempting to raise money to bail out one of his criminal friends in jail for gangster activities and assault, but he is just as quickly willing to help his friend making money in the stock market.

            Though the cover of the DVD has a gun, an explosion and one of the film’s moments of violence, this is far from an action film. It is a suspenseful morality play with more humor than drama or action, all the while telling a compelling and convincing story of coincidental connections.  

John Carter Blu-ray review

Actors: Willem Dafoe, Lynn Collins, Thomas Haden Church, Taylor Kitsch

Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Walt Disney Video

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Run Time: 132 minutes

            Author Edgar Rice Burroughs is probably best known for creating Tarzan, though in 1912 he began a science fiction series under a pseudonym which has finally made its way to film 100 years later. There were many attempts prior to this to adapt “A Princess of Mars,” including an animated film and several live action in various studios over the years. The film’s plot seems very obviously to have inspired James Cameron’s Avatar and many other science fiction films, but John Carter marks the first actual adaptation of the first installment in the Barsoom series.

            The storyline is not nearly as complicated as it seem in the fist confusing fifteen minutes. We jump back and forth in time as a young man is willed his uncle’s journal after death. The journal tells the story of John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), a former military captain of the Civil War who accidentally transports himself to Mars and into the middle of another Civil War. Mars is a living planet, but one which is dying thanks to the pillaging of one group. Others fight to stop the devastation, looking to the Earth visitor for help because of his rare ability to defy gravity in ways that are impossible to natives of the planet. 

As one of the few PG-13 live-action films that Disney has attempted, there is very little unexpected within this blockbuster. It is mostly a safe bet from start to finish, though an enjoyable and entertaining one for the most part. Director Andrew Stanton is best known for his animated work, and perhaps that helped in creating such a special effects and visually dominant film. There are plenty of unique creatures and I imagine the 3D effects would have been impressive as well. There may be some logic skipped in the telling of this story, for which I blame the mainstream Disney’s need to simplify everything for base audiences. All in all, however, there have been far worse live action films under the Disney logo.

The Blu-ray 2-disc combo pack also comes with a DVD copy of the film. The DVD special features include an audio commentary with the filmmakers and a featurette about the 100-year journey getting to the point of this film’s production. The Blu-ray disc includes these as well as a second-screen option, an extensive making-of featurette, bloopers and deleted scenes, also with an optional commentary by Stanton.