Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

It's been a while since I've seen Zack Snyder's remake, but the recent Mondo screening of the George Romero original piqued my interest to revisit. I still think it's a damn fine remake that incorporates changes required of so drastic a change in the film and sociopolitical landscape since the 70s. There are some bizarre cinematography choices with over-saturated color that I don't quite understand, but other than that I have very few complaints. 


Rating: 7/10 Atkins

Spies Like Us (1985)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

Gave it another shot, still don't love it. It's got some great bits, but the script deflates after they get to the snowy parts of Russia.

Rating: 5/10 Atkins

The Mummy (1999)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

As fluffy as adventures films get, but that does little to detract from the experience. My boy Luke covered this tightly-wrapped schlock tart for this week's Junkfood Cinema. Read it from Film School Rejects...not the Book of the Dead.

Rating: 7/10 Atkins

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

Still one of my favorite Coen Bros movies. It took my many years to understand how much a traditional film noir it really is, just with a few extra esoteric trappings. The dude does indeed abide.

Rating: 9/10 Atkins

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell (Toni's Potterthon)

Liked the fourth film much more upon this viewing. Sadly, this was the last I made it all the way through before crashing hard.

Rating: 7/10 Atkins

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell (Toni's Potterthon)

I was in and out during the wife's Potterthon due largely to having to work, but I did see all of this one again. Still my favorite.

Rating: 8/10 Atkins

The Fast & The Furious (2001)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

Guilty pleasure film if there ever were one. Subject of this week's Junkfood Cinema at Film School Rejects. If you also live life one quarter-mile at a time, give it a read.

Darkman (1990)

1st View
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

I enjoyed Sam Raimi's Spiderman dry run quite a bit; emo hero notwithstanding. It also served as the sophomore entry for my brand new Ain't It Cool News column Motion Pixels. The column features video games adapted from movies (and not the other way around). Give it a read, won't you? 

Dead Silence (2007)

1st View
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

Overall, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. It has some woefully silly stuff in it but James Wan's affinity for creepy puppets lends itself well to some great atmosphere and general creepiness.

Rating: 6/10 Atkins

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

The next few posts will be bereft of commentary as I need to rapid fire a batch in order to keep accurate track.

Rating: 9/10 Atkins

Hustle and Flow (2005)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

The Good: I love this movie! It's the hip-hop Rocky. We have an underdog making ends meat via illicit means (Rocky was a collector for a loan shark where DJay is a pimp) they both dream of fighting their way to the top of their respective pursuits, and they must both beat down an established, trash-talking veteran to get to the top. Awesome! Craig Brewer does such an amazing job making hip-hop music as much a character as any of the actors. The music is also phenomenal.


The Bad: Some of the dialogue shoots for authenticity and comes off as just plain silly. Also, the film feels a bit long near the end of the second act.

The Weird: God, remember D.J. Qualls? He's that skinny little freak-stick from Road Trip. Where did he go and why was he a star in the first place?

Rating: 8/10 Atkins

The Frighteners (1996)

Revisit
Format: HD-DVD
Venue: Rivendell

The Good: Sharp, fun, popcorn-y horror film. Solid script and stellar performances from Michael J. Fox (one of his absolute best), Jeffrey Combs, and Dee Wallace Stone. Peter Jackson proves that those LotR films were no fluke.

The Bad: Watched the Director's Cut with 14min of additional footage...12 of which was deleted for good reason. The theatrical cut is far superior; tighter, more cohesive, far more entertaining.

The Weird: Jeffrey Comb's character lives on his own planet: Planet Looney Tunes. It's bizarre, but also entirely captivating.









Rating: 8/10 Atkins