Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Blu-ray review

Actors: Nicolas Cage, Idris Elba

Directors: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor

Format: AC-3, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Region: All Regions

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: Sony

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Run Time: 95 minutes

            Of the many superhero movies in the past decade, Columbia’s Ghost Rider was among the most disappointing. Although the premise based on the darker Marvel comic promised a supernatural vigilante justice, the PG-13 adaptation by filmmaker Mark Steven Johnson (Daredevil; not to mention the recent disastrous foray into romantic comedy, When in Rome) was a dull exercise in mediocre special effects. There was no edge to the 2007 film, but it made enough money worldwide for the creation of a sequel, which has much more promise than the original film, despite being far from perfect. The increase in entertainment in the sequel is all thanks to the directors chosen.

            Neveldine/Taylor are best known for a hyper-kinetic postmodern style of action, most notably on display in the violent Crank films. Though their directing filmography is void of PG-13 action, they wrote the screenplay for the upcoming Jonah Hex. Cage’s unbridled energy actually matches better with Neveldine/Taylor’s full-throttle approach to filmmaking, though he still comes off as the weakest element in the film. Either way, the biggest problem about the comic book character on film is that he is nothing more than a flaming skeleton during action sequences. This makes the leading actor nearly irrelevant during the action, making the filmmakers the real stars. Though I don’t agree with every choice that Neveldine/Taylor make, I would rather see someone take risks rather than another cookie-cutter superhero film. This still may be a PG-13 film, but these pair of directors pushes the limits and add a style that is engaging regardless of quality.

             Much of the success lies in the style of the film. What must be overcome is the silly yet simple storyline and Cage’s acting. Cage’s return as Johnny Blaze means many scenes of overacting in-between the energetic action. This time taking place on the road in a remote portion of Europe, where our anti-hero is recruited to help save a young boy whose soul has also been sold to the devil by his mother. Blaze doesn’t believe he has the ability to save anyone and only agrees to help if it means getting rid of his curse as the Ghost Rider.

            The story is almost insignificant as soon as the action starts up, and that is when the film truly takes its place above the awful first attempt at this comic book adaptation. All of this is worth seeing and also highly enhanced by the Blu-ray high definition presentation. The special features include a few deleted scenes, but exclusive to the Blu-ray are a few additional extras. There is an exclusive expanded director’s video commentary, as well as a six-part documentary about the making of the film. This documentary shows that it isn’t just the style of their films which are energetic and somewhat insane, but also the manner in which they are made. Neveldine and Taylor are as much stunt men as they are filmmakers.

Demoted Blu-ray review

Actors: David Cross, Michael Vartan, Sean Astin, Billy West

Format: Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay

 Release Date: June 12, 2012

Run Time: 94 minutes

            With a little bit of Office Space and a little bit of “The Office,” Demoted is a work-based comedy which carries feminist-based themes within a raunchy and rude exterior. The story and every character within Demoted is as transparent as though this film had already been made, even when elements vary away from other office-based comedies. Even when it is unique, there are few surprises to be had. Somehow each moments of Demoted seems inevitable. It’s like a bad fast food meal. You may see the display pictures of the burger neatly stacked and feel your appetite whet, but it only takes one trip to McDonalds to know that the actual product will be shoddily thrown together for ease and profit.

            Rodney (Michael Vartan) is engaged to the daughter of a successful businessman, and he finds himself lying about a promotion he received at his job as a tire salesman. In reality, the promotion is actually a demotion when Rodney’s beloved boss dies after a night of excessive drinking and dancing at a local strip club. Rodney and his degenerate friend Mike (Sean Astin) have spent years as the top dogs in sales at the tire company they work for, but when their ridiculed colleague (David Cross) is promoted, he decides to punish them by demoting them to the position of secretaries.

            Rodney and Mike must learn what it means to work hard and drop their chauvinist attitudes once they are forced into this demeaning and belittling position, while also seeking revenge against their new tyrant of a boss. We know that the strip-club attending salesmen will become better men for having to endure the hardships of the secretaries, just like we know that the cross-dressing co-eds in Sorority Boys will become more sensitive while living with a sorority of rejects. This is what I call sex-comedy feminism. A raunchy storyline no feminist would enjoy eventually ends with a moral that they would appreciate.

            The Blu-ray has no special features to speak of and the high definition is hardly worth mentioning. The film itself is also hardly worth mentioning, featuring a number of recognizable actors in entirely forgettable roles.  

Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Eighth Season DVD review

Actors: Larry David, Cheryl Hines

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

Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Number of discs: 2

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: HBO STUDIOS

DVD Release Date: June 5, 2012

Run Time: 300 minutes

            Having done all that it could with the original set-up, season eight of Curb your Enthusiasm switches things up to help provide some fresh settings and scenarios for Larry David. Occasionally this is successful and awkward humor prevails, though the strength of this show has diminished some from earlier seasons. Even returning the native New Yorker to his hometown isn’t enough keep Curb your Enthusiasm as strong as it once was, but a variety of convincing cameos are what end up carrying season eight.

            Beginning with a divorce, season eight frees Larry David up to date once again. The single scene is uncomfortable enough without the help of Seinfeld creator Larry David’s patent social awkwardness, making a predictable mess and reliably full set of new situations for season eight. To help matters along even further, Larry moves to New York temporarily in order to avoid helping out with a charity function.

            New York provides all-new social situations to analyze and sabotage, from catching a cab to watching a Broadway show, though it is the cameos which help carry the season. Fellow comedian of discomfort Ricky Gervais (“The Office” and “Extras”) bumps egos with David, whereas Michael J. Fox has a battle with Larry in the final episode of the season. These cameos bring welcome new elements to the storyline, which is helpful when his dating life situations quickly grow stale.

            Though season eight is nowhere near as funny or smart as the first few seasons of the show, it is a welcome return with many new elements attempted. Being a bachelor and in New York City helps, though there are still a few bad episodes in the bunch. Season eight includes ten episodes on two discs, as well as a few special features. The bonuses include a roundtable discussion with Larry and the cast in New York, as well as Leon’s guide to NYC.

The Secret World of Arrietty Blu-ray Review

Voice Actors: Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Moises Arias

Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Format: Animated, Color, Subtitled, Widescreen

Language: English, Japanese, French

Subtitles: English, French

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: G (General Audience)

Release Date: May 22, 2012

Run Time: 94 minutes

            The last film to come from Studio Ghibli to the states was an adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid in the form of Ponyo. Now comes another adaptation which has already been handled in American cinema, though is seeing an animated life in The Secret World of Arrietty. Based on the Mary Norton’s beloved young adult book, “The Borrowers,” The Secret World of Arrietty blends the childhood story of wonder and magic with the beloved hand-drawn animation of Studio Ghibli.

            Arrietty is a young girl standing only a few inches tall. She lives with her family beneath the floorboards of a house that is occupied by unsuspecting humans. They are called Borrowers for their tendency to borrow things which will go unnoticed if missing, using these items to survive in their hidden home. Believing that they may be the last of the kind only makes their survival all the more imminent.

            When a sick young boy named Shawn enters the house, the Borrowers are forced to find a way to remain a secret. Shawn’s ability to believe in them is what allows him the patience to wait until they come at night. Once he has seen them, there is no reason for him not to believe. This proves to be dangerous for the Borrowers, although it does not stop Arrietty from starting a forbidden friendship with the sickly young human boy.

            For the American version, there have been recorded new voices which include the Disney Channel’s Bridgit Mendler and David Henrie along with Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett. It is a simple and sweet story, but one with plenty of humor for the comedic giants to sink their teeth into as well. The Blu-ray also comes with a DVD version of the film.

            The DVD special features include a music video with Bridgit Mendler and a making of featurette for the music video. These are both included on the Blu-ray disc, along with original Japanese storyboards and trailer galleries, as well as an additional music video of the film’s theme song.

Memorial Day Blu-ray Review

            There may be some war violence in Memorial Day, but this is clearly a film better suited for the Hallmark Channel than theatrical distribution. The saccharine storyline pushes the boundaries of emotional manipulation, all with the sole purpose of cinematically celebrating the holiday Memorial Day. The message along with the memorial is more than slightly muddled amidst the attempt to compare a grandfather’s experience in World War II with his grandson in Iraq, leaving the film feeling both manipulative while uncertain about what it is trying to say.

            James Cromwell is clearly the saving grace of the film as the aging grandfather who tells his grandson stories of wars past on Memorial Day in 1993. When grandson Kyle (Jonathan Bennett) grows up, he also becomes a soldier and has stories of his own to tell. It is not clear what the message is meant to be by connecting stories from a war now thought to be justified with one that still seems questionable to many. There is a little bit of action, but far more melodrama which appears to be attempting emotional manipulation with the story.

            First time director Sam Fischer is better known for his technical work with a camera, so the film is far better looking than anything else. The war images are realistic enough, when the bad CGI effects can be ignored. The biggest problem with the movie is the screenplay and many of the supporting actors. The Blu-ray includes an audio commentary with prime suspects for the film’s demise, including director Fischer and writer Maec Conklin. Cromwell also joins in the commentary, and the special features also include a behind-the-scenes featurette.

Coriolanus Blu-ray Review

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler

Director: Ralph Fiennes

Format: Color, Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish  

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: The Weinstein Company

Release Date: May 29, 2012

Run Time: 124 minutes

            When William Shakespeare’s well-pillaged works are updated to modern times, as has been done with Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and The Taming of the Shrew, it comes as no surprise. Those of us who have not seen the classic period adaptations are at least familiar with them, calling for a modern twist in film adaptations. Coriolanus, however, is a Shakespeare play which is little known and has never before been adapted to film. The choice to adapt it as a modern/futuristic tale of humanity and war is fitting for the story, however little audiences may already be familiar with it.

            I find little reason to criticize Coriolanus simply because of the modern adaptation, though the use of Shakespeare’s words against a world of guns instead of swords is often more jarring than fitting. My biggest complaint about Coriolanus is the fact that it mostly appears to be a one man vanity project. Ralph Fiennes previously had experience onstage as the title character, which apparently was enough to motivate the actor to produce and direct this star-studded and mostly star-wasted exercise in overacting. What Fiennes may have been unable to realize from the front of the camera is how different stage acting is from film acting. Every note he gives is a high one, and although his intensity helps fuel the film at certain points, it also makes a remainder feel extremely monotone.

            The story may be a lesser known of the bard’s, but that does not mean it is unfamiliar. There are key elements within the story which can be found in any number of more recognizable works of Shakespeare. Caius Martius ‘Coriolanus’ (Fiennes) is a Roman General who is feared by Roman enemies and despised by the Roman people. Although his mother (Vanessa Redgrave) pushes him to use politics in a way that will advance his place among the people, the General refuses to play the games of politics. He is a soldier and his only concern is keeping the enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) from entering Rome. As a political move, Coriolanus is banished from Rome once peace has been found. Seeking nothing more than revenge, the shunned soldier seeks out Rome’s enemy in order to help take down the tyrants of Rome.

            Despite much of the film being about war, there is actually very little action with the storyline of Coriolanus. It is a film much more focused on politics and deceit, much like the downfall of Caesar or the destruction of Othello. The words are strong, having been written by Shakespeare, but they are not always gracefully adapted to modern scenarios. There is a great deal good within Coriolanus, but I’m afraid it never elevates to great thanks to a distracted director spread too thin with too many roles. The Blu-ray includes a high definition presentation of the film along with an optional audio commentary with Fiennes.

Rampart Blu-ray review

Actors: Woody Harrelson, Robin Wright, Steve Buscemi, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Foster
Director: Oren Moverman
Format: Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: Spanish
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 2
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Millennium Entertainment
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Run Time: 107 minutes

            This is Woody Harrelson’s film. I don’t just say that because he is a strong performer who dominates the screen. I say that also because it is within a film we have all seen dozens of times before. There is little new within the screenplay by James Ellroy and Oren Moverman, and that is why it quickly becomes a character-based film in which Harrelson is able to show off his acting chops in some very indulgent sequences. This is not to say that Rampart is a bad film. In many ways it was mostly entertaining and well made, but it has been made better before. In some ways the entire film felt like a rehash of Bad Lieutenant. Either version.

            Set in 1999 Los Angeles, Harrelson plays Officer Dave Brown. Brown is a cop that is accustomed to doing what he wants, when he wants. This is quickly clear both in his personal and professional life. He has two children by two different women, who also happen to be sisters. In his professional life, Brown is no better. He is used to doing the dirty work of his department, but things have changed after the beating of Rodney King. When Brown is caught on camera excessively beating a suspect, he is forced to manipulate the system by lying and cheating in order to survive.

            The entire film is a character study of a man who has more bad qualities than good, which can be somewhat difficult to enjoy, regardless of the talent involved. Eventually Brown becomes involved with a lawyer (Robin Wright), having a sexual relationship that nearly seems to have the ability to save him. In the end it is clear that the machismo attitude prevents Brown from changing his way, and eventually he digs himself in even deeper than he can lie or manipulate a way out of. The cast is impressively stacked even beyond Harrelson’s performance, though there are too many names which are underused within the film. These names include Ned Beatty, Ben Foster, Anne Heche, Ice Cube, Cynthia Nixon, Sigourney Weaver and Steve Buscemi.

            The Blu-ray includes a commentary track with director and co-writer Oren Moverman, cast and crew interviews and a behind the scenes featurette.   

Blake Edwards Classics Find Their Way to DVD for the First Time

            Blake Edwards is probably best known for his film adaptations of The Pink Panther and his presentation of middle-aged men in mild crisis in films such as 10. Edwards always reminded me of a filmmaker not unlike Robert Altman with a sillier sense of humor. He made some classic comedies in his time, many of which managed to balance mature themes with slapstick humor. Too many of his films have been lost with the test of time and audience’s unwillingness to enjoy dated movies. Three of his greatest forgotten accomplishes have finally been released on DVD for the first time, despite the remarkable quality and popularity when originally made in the 1980s.

S.O.B.

            S.O.B., which stands for Standard Operating Bullshit, is one of Edwards’ crowning achievements in satire. After the difficulty that Edwards had with the studios in releasing two flops, he made a comeback with a film that poked fun of the manner in which the studios handle art as a business. The film business is an easy target to poke fun of, and Edwards’ aim is impeccable. Even though the telephones may be outdated and the costumes absurd, there is still relevance in the biting humor of S.O.B., a film which carries a great deal of true personal baggage within the storyline.

            Richard Mulligan stars as Felix Farmer, a successful Hollywood director whose latest and greatest film exploit has ended in absolute failure. It is his most expensive and biggest flop, and this causes a personal identity crisis along with a studio panic. Edwards’ real-life wife, Julie Andrews, plays Farmer’s wife and the star of his latest failure. She also changed her image drastically from the Mary Poppins wholesome films to this flesh-exposing role. Farmer must find a way to save his film, and he does so by changing his wife’s image, just as Andrews did for this film. It is a mind-bending art-imitates-life scenario which adds to the relevance of the storyline. The film also co-stars William Holden in his final film role, Robert Preston, Robert Vaughn and Shelley Winters.

Victor/Victoria

            Victor/Victoria is one of those rare musicals to make it into the 1980s, somehow still carrying the feeling of many classic musicals of yesteryears. The main difference in the flippancy with which homosexuality is addressed. Robert Preston and Julie Andrews star as a pair of struggling cabaret performers in an impoverished France. Both are unsuccessful in their attempt to make a living by singing, until they devise a plan to change that. Victoria (Andrews) becomes Victor, pretending to be a man impersonating a woman. Everyone thinks that this is a sign of talent, but it is actually her ability to appear slightly more masculine that convinces audiences that she is a man pretending to be a woman instead of a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman.

            There are plenty of fantastic musical numbers within this film, helped a great deal by the Academy-Award-winning score by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, though it is Preston’s performance which elevates the final number to excellence. James Garner co-stars as a gangster who risks his reputation when he falls in love with Victoria, while she is playing Victor. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, it is shocking that this classic is only now making its way to DVD.

Skin Deep

            With themes that are not far off from 10, Skin Deep is the story of a middle-aged man who must face the reality of his situation. John Ritter stars as womanizer Zach, whose unhappiness stems from his inability to find lasting love or motivation to write a second novel. Though he is determined to win back his ex-wife, this doesn’t stop Zach from self-destructively sleeping with every available woman that comes his way.

            There is plenty of slapstick and one unforgettably shocking sequence, and though the humor is very much directed at adults, it still manages to resemble the Pink Panther. Verbal wit also takes over, as our protagonist is an author. In many ways, Skin Deep is like the film version of the hit television series, “Californication.” Though dated with 80s clothing and music, all of the plot points and character attributes line up in the same way.

            All of these three films are being released through the Warner Brothers Archive Collection, which releases the movies in the best available condition without any restoration or attempts to create special features.  

Madison County DVD review

Actors: Ace Marrero, Katie Stegeman, Nick Principe, Colley Bailey, Matt Mercer
Director: Eric England
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Image Entertainment
DVD Release Date: May 8, 2012
Run Time: 82 minutes

            Madison County is hardly a feature film. With a concept that is hardly original and a running time of 82 minutes, this is a horror film that has few surprises and only predictable twists amidst the usual graphic gore. There doesn’t even seem to be enough time or effort for a unique villain. Instead we just get a masked killer who wears the face of a pig and slaughters innocents for unknown reasons.

            The film begins like so many other slasher films before. If there weren’t generic horror films like this, it wouldn’t have been possible for the tongue-and-cheek creation of Cabin in the Woods. A group of co-eds decide to travel to a rural town which is brought to the attention of a few students who read a book about a local serial killer named Damien Ewell. After corresponding forebodingly with the author of this book, the young students are lured into the lair of the killer, hoping to discover the truth. Despite the fact that there is a book written about the hog-masked psychopath, it comes as no surprise to find that he still remains.

            We expect that there are going to be some bloody murders done by the masked man, but Madison County is slower than Bridges of Madison County in getting there. At first the entire town folk insist that the author no longer lives in town and that the murders were all fabricated. It is a small town, so their presence is known immediately, but we must wait half of the short running time until the attacks begin. At first there is the cliché moment of discovery and several useless conversations about relationship dynamics within the group, all of which is made irrelevant with death.

            Fans of bloody horror films may also find themselves disappointed by the lack of creative carnage within the film. There are some adequate moments with an axe, but none of this is remotely original or even the slightest bit daring. The special features of the DVD include an audio commentary track with writer/producer/director Eric England, producer Daniel F. Dunn and actor/producer Ace Marrero. There are a few other odds and ends, including a trailer, though nothing which improved my opinion of this highly forgettable horror film.

Frank Sinatra Film Collection review

Format: Box set, Color, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number of discs: 10
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: April 3, 2012

            The two volumes which make up this Frank Sinatra Collection of MGM classics include mostly films from the celebrated crooner’s later cinematic career. Most notable is the John Frankenheimer political thriller, The Manchurian Candidate, followed by World War II Von Ryan’s Express. This collection is filled with films in which Sinatra is a cop or a soldier, and rarely ever singing. Only the rare film in this collection (such as Frank Capra’s A Hole in the Head) actually have Sinatra doing what he is best known for: singing.

            Just because there are fewer musicals in this collection doesn’t mean that these are throw-away films. Nearly every one of them is worth watching, and some are forgotten classics. From 1957’s The Pride and the Passion to 1968’s Lady in Cement, the collection includes ten of Sinatra’s films in an 11-year period. Volume 1 includes two war films and the only two musicals in the collection. Starting with the strange historical epic, The Pride and the Passion, there is also a tradition of love triangles within this collection. Sinatra is a Spanish resistance fighter resisting against Napoleon’s French army with the help of a British soldier played by Cary Grant. Both men vie over the affections of Sophia Loren. In Kings Go Forth (1958), the love triangle continues between two World War II American soldiers (Sinatra and Tony Curtis), who each have their eye on an American girl raised in France (played by Natalie Wood).

            The two remaining films in Volume 1 are much lighter, beginning with Capra’s A Hole in the Head, which isn’t a full-blown musical but has the classic song “High Hopes” to remind us of Sinatra’s other abilities. Based on the Arnold Schulman Broadway play, the lighthearted comedy about a hotel owner and his street-smart son also includes a supporting performance by Edward G. Robinson. The final film in the first volume is the only true musical, and another Broadway production turned into a classic film. Taking place in turn-of-the-century France, this film follows the forbidden dance of the Can-Can, and co-starring Shirley MacLaine as a dancer who must once again choose between Sinatra and another man.

            The second volume of the Sinatra collection includes several more war films and a collection of movies in which Sinatra plays a convincingly seasoned detective. In The Manchurian Candidate he is a military commander who discovers that one of his men has been brainwashed during the war to become an assassin. In Von Ryan’s Express he is an American POW who leads his fellow prisoners in an escape from the Germans aboard one of their own trains. Cast a Giant Shadow is a monumental cinematic achievement, though one in which Sinatra only has a supporting role and Kirk Douglas stars as an American commander leading the Israeli military against the Arab forces. It also co-stars John Wayne.

Two of the final three films have Sinatra playing wise-cracking Miami private detective, Tony Rome. This title character takes on the mystery of a missing diamond broach in the first film. The follow-up movie, Lady in Cement, begins with a dead nubile woman found beneath the sea, which results in a dangerous investigation. Lady in Cement co-stars Raquel Welch, though it is Sinatra’s wisecracks which make this film so enjoyable, even if only as a poor-man’s Phillip Marlowe. Also included is the darker crime drama, The Detective, which begins with a bizarre murder mystery and turns into a bold social commentary for the times. Not all ten of the films included in this tow-volume collection are perfect movies, but each and every one of them has admirable and interesting qualities. Most importantly, these are perfect films to showcase the abilities of “ol’ blue eyes” when he wasn’t singing.

Mutant Girls Squad Blu-ray review

Actors: Tak Sakaguchi, Yoshihiro Nishimura
Director: Tak Sakaguchi, Yoshihiro Nishimura, Noboru Iguchi
Format: Color, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 2
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Run Time: 89 minutes

            Sushi Typhoon is back with another patently vulgar and graphic horror action film, with all of the predictable over-the-top violence and blatant vulgar sexual innuendo that we have come to know them for. This time we have a kind of demented teenage boy’s fantasy of a highly sexualized and violent female X-Men, otherwise known as the Mutant Girls Squad.

            After a typical gory intro sequence we are brought into the revelation that mutants have existed under the radar in Japan for as long as humanity has been there. Their powers don’t manifest until their sixteenth birthday, so Rin must suddenly come to terms with the fact that she has a mutant arm which is a sharp and destructive claw. After watching her parents brutally murdered by the government insurgents who are aware of the mutants, Rin escapes and finds a group of mutants out for revenge against the Prime Minister.

            It is never explained why there are only girls in this mutant squad. There are male mutants elsewhere, including Rin’s father. So why is it, beyond the obvious male fantasy, that there are only young teen girls in this group? They each have unique qualities and natural weapons, some of which are more sexualized than others. One girl has sword blades emerging from her breasts while another has a chainsaw which appears from her rectal area. It is sophomoric at best, but still manages to be one of the stronger Sushi Typhoon endeavors.

            The Blu-ray includes an opening day featurette, as well as a behind-the-scenes making-of featurette and interviews with cast and crew. There is also a spin-off short film.

Shock Labyrinth 3D Blu-ray review

Actors: Ai Maeda, Suzuki Matsuo, Shoichiro Masumoto
Director: Takashi Shimizu
Format: Color, Dubbed, Subtitled, 3D, Widescreen
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number of discs: 2
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Well Go USA
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Run Time: 89 minutes

            Shock Labyrinth 3D is somewhat like the house of horrors which the storyline takes place in; it a film which is full of cheap 3D thrills and a pathetically dull and dragged out storyline to match. Without the 3D it is even more unbearable to sit through. There is also a DVD version available in this package of three ways to view a below average film, but in standard definition only the story and characters remain in focus. I don’t recommend watching this film at all, but at the very least there is some spectacle in the 3D, whereas the remainder of the film feels incomplete.

            The storyline makes even less sense the more we find out, but it begins with so little information that it has a bizarre logic that works. The quality of the filmmaking is actually quite poor looking when not shown in 3D, regardless of the definition. At the beginning of the movie a group of childhood friends are reunited by a long lost member of their group. As children they all entered a House of Horrors at an amusement park, though one of them did not walk out the same. Ten years later Yuki suddenly appears to rejoin the friends, luring them into a trap at the same House of Horrors from their childhood.

            The film asks for more than just suspension of disbelief. It asks audience not to think about the movie at all, and this is not easy when there are so few sincerely entertaining moments to at least be distracting from the discrepancies. The halls of the House of Horrors are predictably haunted and filled with all sorts of mind-bending tricks and 3D effects.

            The Combo pack includes the 3d Blu-ray and 2D Blu-ray, as well as a DVD. The special features include interviews and a behind-the-scenes featurette.

           

The Organizer Blu-ray review

Actors: Marcello Mastroianni, Annie Girardot
Director: Mario Monicelli
Format: Black & White, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: Italian
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Criterion Collection
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Run Time: 130 minutes

            There is far less judgment within Mario Monicelli’s The Organizer than there are ideas. Monicelli does not offer a transparent presentation of preconceived notions about labor unions in Italy, but instead shows a fairly even presentation of a single conflict between poor factory workers and their business-minded bosses. Despite a political background that began with an upbringing by his political journalist father, filmmaker Monicelli allows the story to permeate ideas in the audience’s head rather than forcing Marxist propaganda down their throat. In some ways, the protestors are seen to be equally goal oriented and cold-hearted in achieving their goals as the greedy factory owners refusing better conditions.

            Though the subject matter is serious, at times even deadly, The Organizer allows a sense of humor to drift in the story. The ignorance of the factory workers attempting to organize a strike is often comical, and even the educated leader often carries more resemblance Charlie Chaplin’s tramp than a revolutionary leader. Only arriving after we have seen several sequences of the factory worker’s incompetence, Professor Sinigaglia (Marcello Mastroianni) appears unexpectedly to help the cause. Wanted by police elsewhere, the professor quickly becomes a rebel asset that the factory owners realize they must fear. Even more dangerous is the weak will of the workers, who are uncomfortable with the amount of sacrifice that they discover must be necessary in order to cause change to occur.

            Released in 1963, The Organizer is more of a look back at the struggles which came with achieving some rights for the modern workers than it is a realistic presentation of present conditions. This is not to say that the film had no relevance in the early 1960s, but rather that it was a reminder of the beginnings which made modern struggles possible. Beyond the message, however, is a remarkably entertaining film, even at an even-paced 130 minutes. We are slowly immersed into this world along with the outsider, allowed to discover unique qualities and personality traits within each character.

            The Blu-ray release includes a new high-definition digital restoration, with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack and an introduction to the film by director Monicelli from 2006. There are also improved English subtitles and a booklet insert with an incredibly dry and factual essay by film critic J. Hoberman.     

Late Spring Blu-ray review

Actors: Chishu Ryu, Setsuko Hara, Yumeji Tsukioka, Haruko Sugimura, Hohi Aoki
Director: Yasujiro Ozu
Format: Black & White, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Criterion Collection
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Run Time: 108 minutes

            It is through repetition that a larger understanding of a single theme can be properly examined with increased understanding and nuance. At least this is the belief system which is a constant throughout the artistic history of Japan, from poetry to painting, stage to screen. When considering the family portraits which dominate the filmography of cinema master Yasujiro Ozu, one cannot help but compare him to the traditions held constant within his country. Using the shomin-geki (“modern family drama) and restrained and understated filmmaking, Ozu has remained one of the most recognizable names in Japanese cinema for the last 60-some years.

            Considering the fact that many themes and structures are revisited within an Ozu film, it is a wonder that one stands out among the rest. Perhaps it is because of historical significance, or maybe it was simply made at the pinnacle of his creative career. Whatever the reason, it is Late Spring which seems to stand tallest in the filmography of the late great Japanese master. There is a certain amount of peaceful wisdom and self repair with Ozu’s third film outing after the close of World War II. It is the fact that he had already visited the shomin-geki prior to the war which allows us to understand the changes which had occurred in the post-war world, however subtle they may be within the simplistic stylistic choices.

            It is the simplicity itself which makes Ozu such a lasting figure in cinematic history. His ability to use uneventful moments to give way to a deeper understanding of their character is unbelievable. Many directors can get their story across effectively with excess, but only the truly talented can do it through the non-moments which fill the storyline of Late Spring. A widowed father, Shukichi Somiya (Chishu Ryu) worries about his only daughter’s future. He knows that if his daughter, Noriko (Setsuko Hara) does not marry soon, she will becomes older and once he is gone will have no one to take care of her. Though she now dedicates her time to taking care of him, he is determined to remedy this with upcoming nuptials.

            There are no long dramatic and emotional speeches. Everything is said and seen in simple subtle statements and reactions. Many ignorant modern audience members might call this film dull, but it is simply a film which requires attention and thought. Each time I watch it, I find myself understanding the characters more and appreciating Ozu exponentially. The Blu-ray release is well-worthwhile, as the cinematography is also as excellently simplistic. Ozu is completely unpretentious in his filmmaking, and the high definition digital restoration with an uncompressed monaural is well worth having. The special features include an optional commentary track with Richard Peña, program director of New York’s Film Society of Lincoln Center. Also included is a feature-length documentary by Wim Wenders about Ozu; Tokyo-ga (1985). The booklet insert has essays by critic Michael Atkinson, Japanese-film historian Donald Richie and an excerpt from Ozu on screenwriter Kogo Noda.  

             

¡Alambrista! Blu-ray review

Actors: Ned Beatty, Trinidad Silva, Edward James Olmos, Robert M. Young, Julius Harris
Director: Robert M. Young
Format: Color, DTS Surround Sound, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen 
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Criterion Collection
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Run Time: 96 minutes

            ¡Alambrista! is still relevant today, which is a sure sign that it was groundbreaking in its depiction of illegal Mexican immigrants when originally released in 1977. Remarkably made by a non-Spanish speaking filmmaker, ¡Alambrista! somehow still manages to capture the experience of migrating to the new land for work with compassion and raw realism. Writer/director/cinematographer Robert M. Young made his way into the world of film as a documentary filmmaker, which is helpful in creating the feeling that we are witnessing un-choreographed action even within this narrative film. We are a fly on the wall to the ostracized and ignored, experiencing the arrival to America first-hand alongside our protagonist.

            With the heart of a journalist and an activist’s attitude, ¡Alambrista! allows for Young to make a film with the political edge of his early documentaries while retaining narrative control that allowed him to clarify a message. This is done subtly though, with the use of documentary as stylistic choices allows for a feeling of realism to lull the audience into the experience rather than pounding a message into our heads with an over-written screenplay. Young understands the same methods as the Italian neorealist filmmakers in creating an authentic feeling narrative film.

            After making the short film documentary, “Children of the Fields,” Young became fascinated with the brutal living conditions of the undocumented Mexican immigrants working in the fields. This is how the idea for ¡Alambrista! was born, following the journey of a single immigrant as he struggles to make money for his family back in Mexico. Roberto Ramirez (Domingo Ambriz) leaves behind a wife and newborn baby, hoping that the poverty in Mexico can be avoided by finding work in the fields of America. After crossing the border, he finds that although there is plenty of work available for him, there are very few guarantees that he will get proper treatment or pay. There is also the constant threat of being deported by la migra, though this eventually becomes the saving grace for our homesick protagonist.

            Originally shot with money from the Guggenheim Fellowship and aired on KCET and PBS in the fall of 1977, ¡Alambrista! went on to rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival and a best film award at the San Sebastian Film Festival. Even with all of the positive attention, the film was still never given a theatrical release in the United States, and even disappeared for two decades before finally released on DVD for the first time. This Blu-ray edition includes a re-edited version from that DVD release, which allows for some additional humor and a slightly tighter running time.

            The Blu-ray includes a new high-definition digital restoration with an uncompressed stereo soundtrack, with an optional audio commentary track featuring Young and co-producer Michael Hausman. There are also new interviews with actor Edward James Olmos and Young’s short documentary, “Children of the Fields.” The booklet insert also includes an essay by film historian Charles Ramirez Berg.

The Big C: The Complete Second Season DVD review

            “The Big C” has a similar storyline to “Breaking Bad,” though it mostly stays on the lighthearted side, and only occasionally delves into purposefully unlawful behavior. Like Walt of “Breaking Bad,” Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney) has just found out that she has cancer and very little life left to live. With her last years, Cathy decides that she is going to start living her life the way she has always wanted to. Transforming from a rule-following responsible wife and mother into a free-spirit, Cathy makes the most out of her remaining time, much to the dismay of those close to her.

            As a 42-year-old schoolteacher, Cathy begins a passive approach to education, though she takes a personal interest in one of her most rambunctious students (Gabourey Sidibe from Precious). At home she refuses to accept the childish behavior from her husband (Oliver Platt) or the selfish behavior from her son. She also reunites with her radical activist brother, finding that they share more in common now that social constraints don’t hold her back any longer.

            Linney is more than enjoyable as Cathy, a role which brought her a Golden Globe, and she is backed up by a compelling ensemble cast. The show itself is not nearly as original or profound as it seems to think it is, but there are still moments of enjoyment within the serio-comedy. Season two advances the storyline by finally revealing the truth to all major cast members. Cathy must now deal with the different reactions from those close to her, as they all react to the news in their own way as well.

            The second season has thirteen episodes on three discs. The final disc includes deleted scenes and an outtake reel. 

           

The Innkeepers Blu-ray review

Actors: Sara Paxton, Kelly McGillis, Pat Healy

Director: Ti West

Format: Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: Dark Sky Films

DVD Release Date: April 24, 2012

Run Time: 101 minutes

            Ti West may not have any large studio budget projects under his belt, but he is becoming an increasingly interesting filmmaker to watch in the horror field. His 1970s drive-in spirited House of the Devil, moving on to direct the sequel to Eli Roth’s Cabin Fever. The Innkeepers is a different kind of horror film, quietly and carefully established. Everything from the storyline to the camera work seems much more deliberate this time around, and it provides plenty of thrills along the way. There is not the mass amount of blood and gore that filled Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever. All of the frights come from solid filmmaking and classic techniques.

            It is the simplicity of The Innkeepers which allows for the scares to work. The less we see, the more our imagination is allowed to wander. Alone in an empty house is a frightening enough idea for many, without the addition of ghosts and haunted halls. All of The Innkeepers takes place at The Yankee Pedlar Inn in New England during its closing weekend. There are only a handful of guests and two employees, Claire and Luke (Sara Paxton and Pat Healy) during the final weekend open. Claire and Luke take it upon themselves to record the ghosts on tape for fame and fortune. And because they have nothing better to do with the final days of their minimum wage jobs.

            Much of The Innkeepers feels more like an independent comedy than it does a horror film, except that the camera work and music continually remind us that we are in a suspense-filled world of unexpected realities. There are many of the expected scares, from recorded voices and pianos playing themselves. There are frights and scares and a surprising twist, but the manner in which West plays all of these cliché moments out is wholly original.

            The Blu-ray includes a commentary track with writer/director/editor West, along with producers Peter Phok and Larry Fessenden, and 2^nd unit director/sound designer Graham Reznick. A second commentary track has West along with stars Paxton and Healy. A behind the scenes featurette is also included, as well as a trailer, but the high definition presentation of this film alone is nothing to scoff at.    

Mother’s Day Blu-ray review

Actors: Rebecca De Mornay, Shawn Ashmore, Jamie King

Director: Darren Lynn Bousman

Format: Widescreen

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: R (Restricted)

Studio: ANCHOR BAY

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Run Time: 112 minutes

            If ever there was a holiday in need of a horror film, it certainly isn’t Mother’s Day. I’m sure that there are some mothers out there who enjoy a bloody action film from a horror director more than they would flowers or gifts, but I have yet to meet them. Most tend to shy away from these type of films, so I guess this is a movie for all of those gore hounds who need something shocking after doing all of the proper sonly duties of the holiday. Mother’s Day is not really about the holiday anyway, and the release of the Blu-ray prior to the holiday is just a marketing ploy. With a film which has been shelved since 2009, they are attempting to give it as much relevance as possible.

            Director Darren Lynn Bousman is best known for his work in the Saw franchise, including the first three sequels. He is mostly known for his work as a horror film director, which is probably why this film feels more like horror than action or suspense. There is a sadistic and unpredictable nature to the film’s villains, as well as the slow increase in body count as the innocent victims slowly diminish. Even the way that the story unfolds is filled with the uncertainty and chaos of a horror film. The fact that it is based on a Troma film only solidifies the horrific in the film’s basic structure.

            After an unseen bank robbery has gone wrong, three brothers return to their mother’s house to find that she is no longer there. Instead there are new owners and a house full of party guests. These innocent people are immediately taken hostage and used as playthings until they are able to save their injured brother. The arrival of their mother (Rebecca De Mornay) only aggravates the situation even further.

            There is a brutal edge to the film, making it feel like a mild version of Funny Games. Some of the film may be unoriginal, but there are still elements of suspense and horror which make it a film worth seeing for die-hard fans of the genre. The Blu-ray includes an audio commentary with director Darren Lynn Bousman and actor Shawn Ashmore. The high definition is also worthwhile, as the photography is mostly solid.