Films I've seen for the first time in 2016
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- DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacAs a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.really liked it. Perhaps a bit too much rehashing of previous plots. Its the great new characters that really did it for me.
- DirectorRyan CooglerStarsMichael B. JordanSylvester StalloneTessa ThompsonThe former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.absolutely loved it. Rocky always gets to me and this is (possibly) the best of all the Rocky sequels.
- DirectorLeslie IwerksStarsStacy KeachJohn LasseterBrad BirdThe Pixar Story takes audiences behind the scenes of the groundbreaking company that pioneered a new generation of animation and forever changed the face of filmmaking.An interesting and informative documentary. John Lasseter is such a humble guy considering how important a role he's played in American cinema and in animated cinema. He's second only to Hayao Miyazaki in my opinion.
- DirectorDan ScanlonStarsBilly CrystalJohn GoodmanSteve BuscemiA look at the relationship between Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sully" Sullivan during their days at Monsters University, when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.Enjoyable and funny but not really in the same league as Monsters Inc.
- DirectorSaschka UnseldStarsSarah JaffeAmidst the rain in a singing city, two umbrellas - one blue, one not - fall eternally in love.A very original, touching Pixar short
- DirectorDon SiegelStarsClint EastwoodShirley MacLaineManolo FábregasWhen a former Civil War soldier saves a nun from a gang of bandits, they team up to help the Mexicans in their war against the French.Started well, but when they abandon the plutonic relationship and Shirley MacClaine's character changes, I thought it it lost momentum.
- DirectorLuis LlosaStarsSylvester StalloneSharon StoneJames WoodsA woman entices a bomb expert she's involved with into destroying the mafia that killed her family.found it quite dull, not one likeable character. Didn't like it.
- DirectorMenahem GolanStarsFranco NeroSusan GeorgeShô KosugiAfter passing a ninja master test in Japan, Cole visits a war buddy in the Philippines. He helps him fight men, who want his buddy's plantation.A not very good but enjoyable B movie. Franco Nero's nunchuck practice is hilarious.
- DirectorSam FirstenbergStarsShô KosugiKeith VitaliVirgil FryeAfter ninjas killed his family, Cho and his son Kane come to America to start a new life. He opens a doll shop but is unwittingly importing heroin in the dolls. When his friend betrays him, Cho must prepare for the ultimate battle.Silly but fun, the best of the 'Ninja Trilogy'
- DirectorSam FirstenbergStarsShô KosugiLucinda DickeyJordan BennettAn evil ninja attempts to avenge his death from beyond the grave, by possessing an innocent woman's body.A stupid, nonsensical film. Quite fun though. Lucinda Dickey was good enough to have a decent career in action, but it didn't happen.
- DirectorGordon HesslerStarsShô KosugiLewis Van BergenRobin EvansTanaka, a DEA agent, and his partner Ray are after a bunch of drug dealers. But they are betrayed by an insider and Ray is killed. Tanaka follows the culprit, a sadistic drug lord, down to Argentina.One of Sho Kosugi's better films. It's full of bad acting and plotholes but the action is good for a B movie, especially when compared to the awful shaky cam terrible fights you see in most modern American action films.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodGeorge KennedyVonetta McGeeClassical art professor and collector Dr. Jonathan Hemlock, who doubles as a professional assassin, is coerced out of retirement to avenge the murder of an old friend.Cringe inducingly un-pc in it's dialogue towards women and homosexuals. However, if you can get past that it's an excellent and intelligent mountain climbing action film.
- DirectorRichard TuggleClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodGeneviève BujoldDan HedayaNew Orleans single dad and cop Wes Block goes after a serial rapist-killer, but when he gets too close the hunter suddenly becomes the hunted.Incredibly underrated, seedy, creepy thriller. Possibly the best performance Eastwood has given.
- DirectorMikael HåfströmStarsSylvester StalloneArnold Schwarzenegger50 CentWhen a structural-security authority finds himself set up and incarcerated in the world's most secret and secure prison, he has to use his skills to escape with help from the inside.Too much macho posturing made it impossible to care what happens to any of the characters. Absolutely nothing new (or exciting in any way) in the action. Poor.
- DirectorGary FlederStarsJason StathamJames FrancoWinona RyderA former DEA agent moves his family to a quiet town, where he soon tangles with a local meth druglord.The story is fine. I like Jason Statham but this is a poorly directed action film. The fights (which should be the highlight) look awful due to the excessive use of quick cuts, shaky cam and poor camera positioning. You don't need to hid the action when you have someone good like Statham who can do it well. An ok action film that could have been much better if the director hadn't messed up the action so much.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodCharlie SheenRaul JuliaA veteran detective is assigned a rookie partner after his previous partner is killed by a car theft gang. He is determined to apprehend those responsible for his friend's death but his new partner isn't really up to the task.A bit of a 'run of the mill' buddy cop film. Quite enjoyable though.
- DirectorTony MaylamStarsRutger HauerKim CattrallAlastair DuncanIn a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner, and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human.A bit like Predator 2 but set in London. Rutger Hauer seems like he's phoning it in. Fun performances from the supporting cast and an interesting aesthetic aren't enough to overcome an underwhelming creature villain, a lead actor who doesn't seem interested and a lacklustre finale.
- DirectorRob CohenStarsSylvester StalloneAmy BrennemanViggo MortensenDisaster in a New York tunnel as explosions collapse both ends of it. One hero tries to help the people inside find their way to safety.Very cliché ridden, unintentionally funny in places but not the worst disaster film I've seen. It felt like Stallone's character from Cliffhanger somehow ended up replacing Gene Hackman's character in The Poseidon Adventure.
- DirectorTed BermanRichard RichArt StevensStarsMickey RooneyKurt RussellPearl BaileyA fox named Tod and a hound named Copper vow to be best friends forever. But as Copper grows into a hunting dog, their unlikely friendship faces the ultimate test.Great central relationship mixing anthropomorphizing personality traits with real animal behaviour/instincts. Exciting action sequences and well rounded characters. Perhaps an underrated Disney film. I loved it.
- DirectorWolfgang PetersenStarsClint EastwoodJohn MalkovichRene RussoSecret Service agent Frank Horrigan couldn't save Kennedy, but he's determined not to let a clever assassin take out this president.Decent but not great.
- DirectorGodfrey HoStarsCynthia RothrockDonna JasonJohn MillerFBI agent Tracy Pride is on a mission to capture businessman Jason Slade, who is involved in extortion and murder. Teaming up with her is her sister Joyce, a news reporter; Dragon, Tracy's partner in Hong Kong, and Jake, a bodyguard who worked for Slade. Can they stop Slade before it's too late?I love Cynthia Rothrock, but this was just *beep* awful from start to finish.
- DirectorAndrew StantonLee UnkrichStarsAlbert BrooksEllen DeGeneresAlexander GouldAfter his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home.Brilliant Pixar characterization and storytelling. My third favourite Pixar film (after Wall-E and Up).
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsHugh JackmanWill Yun LeeTao OkamotoWolverine comes to Japan to meet an old friend whose life he saved years ago, and gets embroiled in a conspiracy involving yakuza and mutants.Started well enough but turned into the standard boring cgi battle at the end. Horrible generic sounding score too.
- DirectorDavid WorthStarsCynthia RothrockBilly DragoSam J. JonesA woman seeks revenge on the men who raped her and murdered her husband.Not much fighting (or acting) in this one. I wasn't expecting it to be great, but it was still a bit of a let down. As usual, Cynthia Rothrock was the best thing about the film by quite some margin.
- DirectorGordon HesslerStarsShô KosugiJames BoothDonna Kei BenzAfter a peace-loving Japanese immigrant and his family become victims of a crime syndicate, a master ninja emerges.Choppy editing in places (I may have been watching a cut version) but very enjoyable. Sho Kosugi looks like Shredder from the Ninja Turtles in his armoured Ninja gear. James Booth is great as a very easy to hate over the top villain (he apparently wrote it too). Possibly Sho Kosugi's best film.
- DirectorDavid WorthStarsCynthia RothrockRichard NortonRobert GintyAn ex-CIA agent (Kathy Gallagher) living in Indonesia tracks Ludvig Hauptman, the arms dealer who killed her husband. Along the way, she meets a young boy and his grandfather, who teach her in the ways of the Lady Dragon.Not very good, but enjoyable. Unfortunately the version I saw seems to have been edited to shreds. This leads to some big continuity problems and short choppy action scenes that don't make any logistical sense. Disappointing.
- DirectorKevin HooksStarsStacy KeachCynthia RothrockChristopher NeameA disgruntled retiring cop and his new butt kicking female partner must take on a well-armed terrorist group that holds up a supermarket.A sort of cheap made for tv pilot with a buddy cop 'Die Hard in a shopping mall' plot. There's some awful, embarrasing dialogue and cliche characters, but its good fun and Rothrock and Keach could have built some good chemistry if it had been picked up for a series.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsSylvester StalloneJason MomoaChristian SlaterAfter watching their respective partners die, a New Orleans hitman and a Washington, D.C. detective form an alliance in order to bring down their common enemy.Between Walter Hill and Sylvester Stallone they've made some of my favourite films, but this was so dull and unlikeable I didn't even make it to the end. With about 20 minutes left I realized I didn't care enough to waste time watching any more.
- DirectorJay OlivaStarsJason O'MaraYvonne StrahovskiStuart AllanBruce Wayne is missing. Alfred covers for him while Nightwing and Robin patrol Gotham City in his stead. And a new player, Batwoman, investigates Batman's disappearance.Really good. All the DC Animated films set in the 'New 52' continuity have been a little disappointing, but is the best one so far.
- DirectorJohn SturgesStarsClint EastwoodRobert DuvallJohn SaxonAn ex-bounty hunter reluctantly helps a wealthy landowner and his henchmen track down a Mexican revolutionary leader.I was enjoying it, but fell asleep! I'll give it another go another day.
- DirectorTed PostStarsClint EastwoodInger StevensPat HingleWhen an innocent man barely survives a lynching, he returns as a lawman determined to bring the vigilantes to justice.A little slow and too long but I enjoyed it. The villains were well rounded and three dimensional instead of just evil for no reason.
- DirectorZack SnyderStarsBen AffleckHenry CavillAmy AdamsBatman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.I was expecting it to be awful, but although it had some pretty major flaws, I did enjoy most of it until the standard big cgi snoozefest fight at the end. I think they should have cut out some of the subplots that don't go anywhere. Jesse Eisenberg seemed completely miscast, Henry Cavill has no charisma in this, but Ben Afleck, Jeremy Irons and Gal Godot were all great. It has the usual feeling of it just being a really long trailer for the next film, I wish Marvel and DC would cut down on this. I hope the use someone else to direct the next one.
- DirectorIsaac FlorentineStarsScott AdkinsNick ChinlundCaitlin KeatsA rogue soldier turned outlaw is thrust into a fight with a dirty sheriff and the cartel he works for to protect his niece and sister.Not really a good film, but Adkins and Florentine's skill in putting the fights together and filming them properly (so you can actually see what's happening, not quick cuts or shaky cam) more than make up for the disjointed plot, stock characters and uninspired (non fight) action scenes. I don't think there's anyone better than Scott Adkins working in action films today.
- DirectorPaul GoodwinStarsDan AbnettGeoff BarrowEmma BeebyDocumentary covering the highs and lows of 2000AD's history, from its inception after the demise of Action to the present day.I've never read any 2000AD, but it was interesting hearing the story of a British comic that's not part of Marvel or DC. What was off putting was the '2000AD was great, everything else is *beep* compared to it' attitude of some the writers/artists with nothing to back it up except that they prefer it.
- DirectorPete TravisStarsKarl UrbanOlivia ThirlbyLena HeadeyIn a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO.A dreary, dull, depressing film with boring action scenes and characters I didn't care about. Between this and the 2000AD documentary, I have zero interest in ever reading 2000AD/Judge Dredd or watching any possible film adaptations.
- DirectorMichael RitchieStarsJames WoodsLouis Gossett Jr.Bruce DernGabriel's released from prison. His con man friend makes a foolish bet with Diggstown's owner on who'd win the boxing matches - their man against ten Diggstown men.Enjoyable boxing con caper. James Woods and Bruce Dern are great but Louis Gossett Jr steals it. My only major criticism is that Benny Urquidez plays the referee. I assume he was involved in the choreography or training Gossett for the boxing. It seems like a waste not to use Benny the Jet as one of Gossett's 10 opponents.
- DirectorMichael RitchieStarsChevy ChaseJoe Don BakerDana Wheeler-NicholsonWhile working undercover wisecracking newspaper reporter Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher is offered a large sum by a millionaire with a terminal disease to kill him. Intrigued, Fletch decides to unearth the full story behind the offer.Not hilarious but still good fun. Harold Faltermeyer's score is the highlight. I find Chevy Chase quite enjoyable in this but if you don't find his shtick amusing, you'll probably hate it.
- DirectorRick MoralesStarsTroy BakerJessica DiCiccoGrey GriffinWhen Brainiac zaps Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, Batman and Flash have to go back in time to save them.Very funny. These straight to dvd Lego Justice League films are so much more entertaining than 'The Lego Movie'
- DirectorAndrew LeavoldStarsTikoy AguiluzRoy ArabejoTilman BaumgaertelThe bizarre history of Filipino B-films, as told through filmmaker Andrew Leavold's personal quest to find the truth behind its midget James Bond superstar Weng Weng.Excellent documentary. It made me want to watch some Weng Weng films. He really had an unusual life story.
- DirectorEddie NicartStarsWeng WengYehlen CatralNina SaraThe diminutive Mr. Weng and his partner take on a gang of Mexican bandits and sinister ninjas in California's 18th century. Helped along by a tribe of native little people, the team up with a local mute and rescue pretty girls from the local warlord.This came as an extra on 'The Search For Weng Weng' DVD. Very low budget Filipino martial arts western actioner. Not very good but quite fun to watch. Weng Weng performs better than most B movie action stars in the fights and does some impressive stunts. I have no idea about the plot, it really didn't make any sense.
- DirectorSam LiuStarsRosario DawsonChristopher GorhamShemar MooreRobin is sent to work with the Teen Titans after his volatile behavior botches a Justice League mission. The Titans must then face Trigon after he possesses the League and threatens to conquer the world.One of the better 'New 52' continuity DC animated films. I like the newly introduced Teen Titan characters. The only negatives are the incredibly annoying Damian Wayne/Robin character (I wish they would get rid of him) and the new unlikeable version of Superman (but still more likeable than the live action Henry Cavill version). Perhaps Superman kept his charisma in his red pants.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodTommy Lee JonesDonald SutherlandWhen retired engineer Frank Corvin is called upon to rescue a failing satellite, he insists that his equally old teammates accompany him into space.Considering it's a Clint Eastwood directed film with such a great cast, I thought it was a bit of a dud.
- DirectorAndrew DavisStarsGene HackmanTommy Lee JonesJoanna CassidyExperienced Green Beret sergeant Johnny Gallagher is escorting a prisoner, Airborne Ranger Thomas Boyette, back to the US, but Boyette escapes and Gallagher must risk life and limb to catch him.Decent thriller. Nice to see Tommy Lee Jones being chased instead of doing the chasing for once. Sadly it loses points with me for featuring Pam Grier but not using her properly. Also, the end sequence was a little to similar to the end of Day of the Jackel.
- DirectorWolfgang PetersenStarsHarrison FordGary OldmanGlenn CloseCommunist radicals hijack Air Force One with the U.S. President and his family on board. The Vice President negotiates from Washington D.C., while the President, a veteran, fights to rescue the hostages on board.A good cast hamming it up in a silly film with run of the mill, seen it all before type action and some awful special effects which for some reason are lingered on for a very long time. If it doesn't look real, don't use it.
- DirectorGodfrey ReggioDirector Godfrey Reggio reveals humanity's trance-like relationship with technology, which, when commandeered by extreme emotional states, produces massive effects far beyond the human species.A very mesmerising film from Godfrey Reggio (Director) and Phillip Glass (Composer) who made the 'Qatsi' trilogy. No narrative or dialogue, just some very striking images shot in black & white with very few cuts and incredibly relaxing music. Perhaps not to most people's tastes but I really enjoyed it. Comparing it to Reggio/Glass' other work, it's not quite up there with Koyaanisqatsi or Powaqqatsi, but it's ahead of Anima Mundi and Naqoyqatsi.
- DirectorWilson YipStarsDonnie YenLynn XiongJin ZhangWhen a band of brutal gangsters led by a crooked property developer make a play to take over a local school, Master Ip is forced to take a stand.Great film. The best martial arts film I've seen for a long time. I think this is better than the second one but not quite up there with the first one.
- DirectorScott DevineJ.M. KennyStarsChristopher LeeZack SnyderMarv WolfmanA documentary detailing the epic Rogues' Gallery of DC Comics from The Joker and Lex Luthor, Sinestro, Darkseid and more, this documentary will explore the Super Villains of DC Comics.A decent documentary, but I didn't really learn anything new. It should really be a dvd extra on a DC animated or live action film, not a stand alone purchase.
- DirectorWilliam LustigStarsRobert DaviClaudia ChristianMichael LernerA supernatural, maniac killer cop teams up with a Times Square serial killer.Very entertaining, on equal footing with the first Maniac Cop. These films have the plot of a horror film but feel more like action films to me. The action is superb and the stuntwork is first rate. There is a fire stunt in this which looks like the most dangerous stunt I think I've seen in a film.
- DirectorWilliam LustigStarsRobert DaviRobert Z'DarCaitlin DulanyA priest practicing the Voodoo arts resurrects Matt Cordell, who takes his badge and comes back from the dead to do his bidding.Not bad. It's a lot weaker than Maniac Cop 1 & 2. Robert Z'Dar is the only actor who appears in all three films. Robert Davi is back from Maniac Cop 2. The first two had a tongue-in-cheek tone to them, despite the very silly plot, this one seems more serious and a bit joyless. It's a bit disjointed and has a lot of filler, but considering the behind the scenes turmoil, the end result is still enjoyable to watch.
- DirectorEddie NicartStarsWeng WengYehlen CatralCarmi MartinThe diminutive Agent 00 must rescue a kidnapped scientist and stop a mysterious warlord from taking over the world.I have no idea what the plot of this film was. I know Weng Weng is a secret agent, but that's it. He has some charisma and genuine skills in the action dept, but his acting is a bit suspect and sometimes he seems to lose concentration and just looks directly into the camera! It's pretty bad, but good fun. It would go great with 'Gymkata' as a double bill.
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsJohn TravoltaNancy AllenJohn LithgowA movie sound recordist accidentally records the evidence that proves that a car accident was actually murder and consequently finds himself in danger.Brian DePalma has a unique (although heavily Hitchcock influenced) style, very over the top camera movement and music mixed with a sometimes uneven mix of understatement and melodrama. At the moment I can't figure out if I liked it or not.
- DirectorMichael RitchieStarsChevy ChaseHal HolbrookJulianne PhillipsAfter receiving an inheritance in Louisiana, Los Angeles reporter Irwin Fletcher heads to the Belle Isle plantation where he gets himself into hilarious trouble.See my comments of the first 'Fletch'. This one is more of the same but a little broader.
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsMichael CaineAngie DickinsonNancy AllenA mysterious blonde woman kills one of a psychiatrist's patients, and then goes after the high-class call girl who witnessed the murder.A strange stylised Hitchcockian thriller with great performances from Keith Gordon, Nancy Allen, Dennis Franz, Michael Caine and especially Angie Dickinson.
- DirectorJoy BatchelorJohn HalasStarsGordon HeathMaurice DenhamA successful farmyard revolution by the resident animals vs. the farmer goes horribly wrong when the victors create a new tyranny among themselves.The first feature length British animated film. A great political satire with a hard edge and a terrific performance by Maurice Denham (as every character in the film). The Napoleon character is very well realized with very little dialogue.
- DirectorJoseph ZitoStarsDolph LundgrenM. Emmet WalshAl WhiteA Spetsnaz commando is sent on a covert mission by his Soviet superiors to infiltrate a rebel army and assassinate its leader.A cheesy but fun 80s action B-Movie. The action is all pretty standard fare, but in the current world of cgi, it's easier to appreciate these low budget old school actioners. Not a particularly skilled actor at the time, but Dolph Lundgren has great presence and before his character has a change heart towards the end, he's genuinely quite menacing.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsJames CaanTuesday WeldWillie NelsonAn ace safe cracker wants to do one last big heist for the mob before going straight.A stylish Michael Mann thriller with an excellent central performance by James Caan and a great electronic rock score by Tangerine Dream.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsBruce CampbellEllen SandweissRichard DeManincorFive friends travel to a cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly release flesh-possessing demons.An excellent relentless gory horror with a small cast and a dominant performance by Bruce Campbell.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodSondra LockePat HingleA hard but mediocre cop is assigned to escort a prostitute into custody from Las Vegas to Phoenix, so that she can testify in a mob trial. But a lot of people are literally betting that they won't make it into town alive.An underrated action film with Eastwood and Locke's best screen pairing. Very enjoyable.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingAndré MorellChristopher LeeWhen a nobleman is threatened by a family curse on his newly inherited estate, detective Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate.Well crafted, great performances all round with Hammer's usual high quality sets and costumes. Visually very impressive, but unfortunately not much happens and I found it a little dull.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsBruce CampbellSarah BerryDan HicksAsh Williams, the lone survivor of an earlier onslaught of flesh-possessing spirits, holes up in a cabin with a group of strangers while the demons continue their attack.A rehash of the first one, but without the eerieness of the first and with a lot more humour. Ok, entertaining, but not even close to being as good as the first one.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsRichard PryorJohn CandyLonette McKeeA minor-league baseball player must spend $30 million in 30 days in order to inherit $300 million. However, he's not allowed to own any assets, destroy the money, gift it, give it to charity, or tell anyone about the deal.I'm a big fan of Walter Hill but comedy is not one of his strong points. Richard Pryor is as likeable as always but unfortunately none of his films capture the comedic brilliance you see in his stand up shows.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsBruce CampbellEmbeth DavidtzMarcus GilbertWhen Ash Williams is accidentally transported to 1300 A.D., he must retrieve the Necronomicon and battle an army of the dead in order to return home.A sequel to Evil Dead I & II. It has very little connection to the first one in terms of tone and style. It completely leaves the horror genre and becomes a time travel action comedy. Bruce Campbell dominates the film and shows all of his comic skills. Very entertaining.
- DirectorRoel ReinéStarsLuke GossLauren CohanSean BeanExplores the origins of the first "Frankenstein" car driver, Carl "Luke" Lucas, who died in a race at the beginning of the first film.It's seems like it's made for 12 year old boys who have a 3 second attention span, an unhealthy attitude towards women and play video games all day. Its been 20+ years since I was 12 so I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped. Still, plenty of action
- DirectorRoel ReinéStarsLuke GossTanit PhoenixDanny TrejoConvicted cop-killer Carl Lucas, a.k.a. Frankenstein, is a superstar driver in the brutal prison yard demolition derby known as the Death Race. He is only one victory away from winning freedom for himself and his pit crew.A big improvement over the second one. The misogyny is still there, but not as prominent, the action is better, so are the performances. A very silly but fun DTV actioner. Better than part 2, but not quite as good as part 1.
- DirectorRobert HosseinStarsMichèle MercierRobert HosseinGuido LollobrigidaA melancholic gunfighter is drawn into a vengeful and tragic kidnapping plot by his widowed ex-lover.A great Franco-Italian Western. At times Robert Hossein directs like it's a silent film, long dialogue free scenes where everything is implied instead of explained. No long scenes of exposition, yet everything is clear. Terrific performances from Hossein and Michele Mercier. I love Arrow Video. If it wasn't for them I'd miss out on forgotten gems like this.
- DirectorJack HillStephanie RothmanStarsWilliam CampbellMarissa MathesLori SaundersA crazed artist who believes himself to be the reincarnation of a murderous vampire kills young women, then boils their bodies in a vat.Not good. There are several different edits of this film, reshoots with different directors. This has left it as an incoherent mess. The video essay special feature on the Arrow Video blu ray makes it worth keeping.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsBruce WillisYasiin BeyDavid MorseAn aging alcoholic cop is assigned the task of escorting a witness from police custody to a courthouse 16 blocks away. There are, however, chaotic forces at work that prevent them from making it in one piece.Not bad, but not that good either. Pretty unremarkable, I doubt I'll even remember having seen it in six months time.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsBruce WillisDamon WayansChelsea FieldA private detective's protected female witness is murdered, prompting him and the victim's boyfriend to investigate the crime that leads to a corrupt politician and a crooked football team owner.Very over the top and a bit stupid. Daman Wayans' character's girlfriend is murdered and he's wisecracking with Bruce Willis within a couple of hours. There's also a horribly irritating child in it. All the women are either cheating wives, murder victims or irritating bratty children. Despite the mysogeny and the almost cartoonish violence, it was a very enjoyable guilty pleasure.
- DirectorCarlo LizzaniStarsLou CastelMark DamonPier Paolo PasoliniA preacher's adopted son comes upon a village that is under the thumb of a deranged ex-Confederate officer who, among other things, is stealing land from the locals with phony land grants.A very good Spaghetti Western with a different kind of hero. Instead of the square jawed, hard as nails gun for hire, Lou Castel plays a naive, non violent young preacher who discovers he has a natural ability with a gun. The action is nothing special but Castel and Mark Damon (as the main bad guy) give excellent performances. It lacks some of the unique style of some of the better Spaghetti westerns, but makes up for it with a better plot and more interesting characters.
- DirectorJack HillStarsLeigh HarrisLynette HarrisRoberto NelsonSword and sorcery story of the cosmic struggle between white magic and black magic.A very cheap, bad film. A real shame the great Jack Hill ended his directing career with this.
- DirectorCraig R. BaxleyStarsBrian BosworthLance HenriksenWilliam ForsytheA tough Alabama cop is blackmailed by the FBI into going undercover in a violent Mississippi biker gang.About as over the top and overtly macho as an american action film can get. Brian Bosworth may not be the most versatile of actors, but he has great charisma and a huge physical presence and is totally believable as a super tough biker cop. Lance Henriksen and William Forsythe do what they do best and ham it up as sadistic villains. As you'd expect from the stunt/fight co-ordinater of The Warriors (Craig Baxley), the action is very well done. I really enjoyed it.
- DirectorSergio SollimaStarsLee Van CleefTomas MilianWalter BarnesAn unofficial lawman and would-be senator is tasked by a railroad baron with hunting down a knife-wielding Mexican peasant accused of raping and killing a young girl.A simple but classy Spaghetti western. Great watching Lee Van Cleef in the lead, he's easily my favourite actor in Westerns. Tomas Milian is good too in a role that seems to be partially based on 'Tuco' (Eli Wallach) in The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.
- DirectorJet LiStarsJet LiErkang ZhaoJia SongJet, a young soldier at the end of the second World War must overcome some abusive Americans who are bullying him as well as the Chinese people.A surprisingly good early Jet Li film. The fights are well staged and the basic 'oppressed people rise up/revenge' plot works. It's xenophobic, but towards Americans instead of the Japanese, which is at least a slight change.
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsJames WoodsDebbie HarrySonja SmitsA programmer at a Toronto TV station that specializes in adult entertainment searches for the producers of a dangerous and bizarre broadcast.Absolutely stunning, one of a kind, original psychological sci fi horror thriller. James Woods is fantastic and most (but not all) of the special effects and make up effects still hold up.
- DirectorLamberto BavaStarsMichael SopkiwValentina ForteGeorge EastmanA former policeman sets out to unleash violent vengeance upon deer poachers when they rape and kill his long lost daughter.Very enjoyable Italian action film shot in America, a sort of Deliverance/Southern Comfort/First Blood amalgamation. The music is a bit hit and miss and the performances range from solid to poor, but it's really well shot and the action is decent. Michael Sopkiw is pretty good, shame he didn't make more action films.
- DirectorMike MalloyStarsFranco NeroJohn SaxonHenry SilvaA documentary concerning the violent Italian 'poliziotteschi' cinematic movement of the 1970s which, at first glance, seem to be rip-offs of American crime films like DIRTY HARRY or THE GODFATHER, but which really address Italian issues like the Sicilian Mafia and red terrorism. Perhaps even more interesting than the films themselves were the rushed methods of production (stars performing their own stunts, stealing shots, no live sound) and the bleed-over between real-life crime and movie crime.A fun and interesting documentary about the Poliziotteschi films of the 70s. Lots of anecdotes from the actors and directors from that era. Unfortunately it did have a choppy editing style with unnecessary background music and talking head interviews moving across the screen with a retro scratched film effect that was just distracting.
- DirectorJack HillStarsJo JohnstonCheryl SmithColleen CampA college journalist infiltrates the campus' cheerleading squad to write an piece on female exploitation, but instead makes unlikely friendships and uncovers a conspiracy involving the football team's coach.Not normally the type of film I would bother with, but if it's an Arrow Video blu ray release of a Jack Hill film, I'm going to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised as it was more of a coming of age drama than a teen sex comedy (although there was a bit of that). In classic Jack Hill style he takes a low brow, low budget genre and gets the best out of it.
- DirectorPasquale Festa CampanileStarsFranco NeroCorinne CléryDavid HessA bickering couple driving cross-country pick up a murderous hitchhiker who threatens to kill them unless they take him to a sanctuary. In return he agrees to split some bank loot he has on him.Excellent thriller with three great central performances. Every time you think you can predict what's going to happen, it goes another way.
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsWilliam SmithClaudia JenningsJohn SaxonAfter his sponsor replaces him with his arch rival, a race-car driver decides to steal the car and race it himself.A fun sports drama with a nice understated performance by William Smith who is cast against type as an affable nice guy. The style, subject matter and tone is completely out of step with Cronenberg's other work.
- DirectorJohn FrankenheimerStarsRoy ScheiderAnn-MargretVanityA secret fling between a man and his mistress leads to blackmail and murder.Frankenheimer + Scheider = I want to see it. A good thriller with great performances by Roy Scheider, Ann Margaret and especially John Glover. Not Frankenheimer's best, but a mid range Frankenheimer film is still better than most directer's best films.
- DirectorSheng DingStarsJackie ChanYe LiuTian JingA man looking for the release of a long-time prisoner takes a police officer, his daughter, and a group of strangers hostage.
- DirectorMichael CurtizWilliam KeighleyStarsErrol FlynnOlivia de HavillandBasil RathboneWhen Prince John and the Norman Lords begin oppressing the Saxon masses in King Richard's absence in 1190s England, a Saxon lord fights back as the outlaw leader of a resistance movement.
- DirectorSam LiuStarsKevin ConroyMark HamillTara StrongAs Batman hunts for the escaped Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime attacks the Gordon family to prove a diabolical point mirroring his own fall into madness.
- DirectorPaul A. KaufmanStarsAdam WestBurt WardJack BrewerWhen the Batmobile is stolen, Adam West and Burt Ward search for it while remembering their days as the stars of the Batman live action series.
- DirectorSoi CheangStarsTony JaaJing WuSimon YamWhile undercover officer Kit is taken prisoner by the syndicate, he befriends his keeper and discovers an organ trafficking ring.
- DirectorJohn IrvinStarsPatrick BerginUma ThurmanJürgen ProchnowThe Swashbuckling legend of Robin Hood unfolds in the 12th century when the mighty Normans ruled England with an iron fist.
- DirectorMel BrooksStarsCary ElwesRichard LewisRoger ReesA spoof of Robin Hood in general, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) in particular.
- DirectorKevin ReynoldsStarsKevin CostnerJeanne TripplehornDennis HopperIn a future where the polar ice-caps have melted and Earth is almost entirely submerged, a mutated mariner fights starvation and outlaw "smokers," and reluctantly helps a woman and a young girl try to find dry land.
- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsRoy ScheiderWarren OatesCandy ClarkThe cop test pilot for an experimental police helicopter learns the sinister implications of the new vehicle.
- DirectorJoe DanteStarsJohn GoodmanCathy MoriartySimon FentonThe teenage son of a navy sailor newly stationed in Key West gets some excitement with his friends when a small-time film producer comes to town to premiere a kitschy horror film during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsRussell CroweCate BlanchettMatthew MacfadyenIn twelfth-century England, Robin Longstride and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power.
- DirectorRichard LesterStarsMichael YorkOliver ReedFrank FinlayIn France in 1649, the services of the Four Musketeers are needed again, and they run into some old foes from twenty years before.
- DirectorMark BuntzmanStarsRobert GintyMario Van PeeblesDeborah GeffnerThe flamethrower-wielding vigilante John Eastland returns to rid New York City of a drug lord and his gang.
- DirectorRoel ReinéStarsScott AdkinsRobert KnepperRhona MitraWes is slumming it in Bangkok 6 months after killing his best friend in a match in Vegas. He's tricked into Myanmar's jungle, where he's the fox in rich people's hunt.
- DirectorJohn FlynnStarsWilliam DevaneTommy Lee JonesLinda HaynesA recently-returned Vietnam POW loses his family and his right hand during a violent home invasion, and seeks retribution against those responsible.
- DirectorJohn FrankenheimerStarsScott GlennToshirô MifuneDonna Kei BenzA down-and-out American boxer becomes involved in a feud between two Japanese brothers.
- DirectorLance MungiaStarsJeffrey FalconJustin McGuireKim De AngeloIn the post-apocalyptic world of 1990s Nevada, a rock 'n' roll samurai on his way to Lost Vegas takes a young orphan boy under his protection as Death and his metalhead Horsemen chase after them.
- DirectorBurt KennedyStarsYul BrynnerRobert FullerJulián MateosTwo survivors of the original Magnificent Seven, Chris and Vin, recruit four new members to re-form the outfit and defend several Mexican villages from vicious bandits.
- DirectorRick MoralesStarsAdam WestBurt WardJulie NewmarBatman and Robin of the 1960s live action series are back in action to take down their fiendish foes united once more against them.
- DirectorBoris SagalStarsCharlton HestonAnthony ZerbeRosalind CashDr Robert Neville has developed an experimental vaccine which makes him the only immune survivor of a biological catastrophe. A gang of homicidal mutants blame science for their condition and attempt to kill him.