jedi1007 Reviews

The Brasher Doubloon (1947)

What's up, Fox?

[15 July 2008]

I really can't comment on this title because I've never seen it. No station (including TCM) ever shows it, and it's not available on DVD or VHS. What bothers me the most is that Fox Studios still has the rights, and, with their Fox Film Noir series, one would think that it would be made available. So, what's up, Fox? What are you waiting for? I've been disappointed with the manner in which Fox has handled this series: they've had extremely long gaps between releases, they have actually yanked titles the day of release (this happened with the DVD of "Boomerang"), and they do not update the website with new or future releases. "Brasher Doubloon" and "Cry of the City" should have been included already.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

Fantastic Four: Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun

[6/10 · 15 June 2007]

First, let's start with the bad news: The film is much too short. It clocked in at just about ninety minutes. The first film did a great job of laying the groundwork. Ideally, the second film should be the monumental epic. Director Tim Story certainly has a feel for the material, yet there is still the missing piece: the soul of the movie. The movie feels rushed and truncated. Next: the Galactus dilemma. With all of the CGI at their fingertips, and this was the best they could do for Galactus? I think this will be the major sore spot for many fans. One can't help but feel slighted by the producers concept of Galactus. If, as I have heard from the rumor mill, that the makers of the film are planning to unveil Galactus in either the next Fantastic Four or the Silver Surfer spin-off, then I suppose I could partly forgive them. After all, that has been the problem with so many comic book adaptations: too many villains. So, that brings us to the good news: FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN! Forget the negative reviews, this film is all about having a good time at the movies. Tim Story, as I have said, has a great feel for the material. He realizes that the essence of the Fantastic Four is rooted in the family dynamic. The chemistry between the Four is flawless. The writers understand that the theme is not just how the heroes deal with the enemy, but with each other as well. The humor that is derived from this set-up is spot on. One memorable scene has Johhny coercing Reed into a bachelor party. The camaraderie among the actors lends these scenes the credibility for the familial interaction. It's not just about buying into the special effects, it's about buying into the human aspects as well. I would like to have seen more of the Surfer. However, I suspect that will come in the aforementioned spin-off. True to the source material, we learn that the Surfer was once Norrin Radd. Otherwise, the effects are great, the cinematography awesome, and Story keeps the action going from start to finish.

Basically, this a great summer, popcorn flick. It delivers the goods with much respect given to the source material. Highly recommended.

Fantastic Four (1967–1968)

One of the Best Superhero series ever!

[9/10 · 21 April 2007]

This Fantastic 4 cartoon series nailed it. It ranks right up there with the "X-Men" and "Spiderman" series of the '90s. The art direction matched the comics, the choice of villains was on the money, and most of the stories were taken directly from the comics. How about that? A TV series that has respect/regard for the source material? What a novel concept. These are worth seeking out for any fan of the FF4 comics. AND SPEAKING OF WHICH. . .There are now two FF4 films and this series has yet to see the light of day on DVD! What's up with that? I'm sure there's that issue of ownership of the rights, but no DVD release tie-in? The other FF4 series don't hold a candle to this one! I mean, c'mon, Herbie the Robot(ouch!)? This FF4 kept it real. Unfortunately, the only way to see this is if you have the Boomerang network(which I don't) Let's hope that the folks at Time Warner get the led out and get this series on DVD soon!

Space Ghost (1966–1968)

About Time!

[9/10 · 14 April 2007]

Well, Time-Warner(or whoever owns the rights at this hour) has finally gotten around to releasing the ORIGINAL "Space Ghost" on DVD! These are the cartoons that I grew up watching. While I'm certain that there are a lot of fans for "Space Ghost Coast to Coast," "Harvey Birdman," etc., but let's face it: There are a good many of us who remember these shows in their original format. Watching them in their pure form is not just about nostalgia. There might be a new audience waiting to discover these lost treasures. Space Ghost was the baddest dude in the galaxy: with those power bands, the inviso-ray, and, best of all, that ship, THE PHANTOM CRUISER. That has to be one of the coolest starship names EVER! Then, there's "Dino Boy" which was part of the "Space Ghost" series. The DVD is set for a July 15, 2007 release. Also, the original "Birdman/Galaxy Trio" series will be released on that day. "Birdman" was AWESOME, fighting intergalactic crime with the help of falcon (or was it a hawk?) named "Avenger." And the Galaxy Trio. . . who could forget "Gravity Girl" (what a babe). Hopefully, Turner will continue to release the rest of the Hanna-Barbera superhero series, such as "The Herculoids," and, of course, the original "Fantastic Four" cartoon series. Also, while they're at it what about "Frakenstein,Jr," "The Impossibles," "Secret Squirrel," and "Atom Ant?" Alright, I'm getting carried away. Sorry.

Grindhouse (2007)

Rodriguez and Tarantino: Feel the Genius

[8/10 · 9 April 2007]

I have just returned from seeing "Grindhouse." My heart is still racing so much, I just don't know where to begin. First, let me say that my only disappointment had nothing to do with the film itself. Rather, it was the fact that there were so few people in the audience. Even though the film received favorable reviews, its opening weekend return was considered a disappointment. What a shame. (Especially when one notices that the big grosser was, again, "Blades of Glory" ...BE FOR REAL!) I am happy to see that so many of the other reviewers regarded this film as more than just a movie, but instead as an experience. Folks, that's what this film is all about: NOT SIMPLY WATCHING A MOVIE, BUT EXPERIENCING IT. There are so few films out there these days that actually invite an audience to do that. Now, I'm not suggesting that "Grindhouse" needs mainstream acceptance for validation. My point is that art of this magnitude should be witnessed and shared by as many as possible. The film itself? I'd rather you go see it to feel the genius of Rodriguez and Tarantino. Here are two master filmmakers doing what they do best, and, not coincidentally, doing it better than any other writers/directors out there today. What do they do? It's not only about exceeding audience expectations, it's about SUBVERTING them. It is true that this film invokes the "moviehouse" feel of the 1970's (for me, it was a return trip to the world of mid-70's drive-ins), but the two directors take that cinema experience and create a new cinematic juggernaut that grips you from the very start and will not turn you loose, until it has turned you every which but loose. NOTE: To all those waiting for "Grindhouse" to come to DVD or for some criminally bad bootleg: YOU WON"T GET THE FULL EXPERIENCE OF THIS MOVIE SITTING AT HOME NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF HOME THEATRE YOU HAVE OR HOW BIG THE SCREEN. The only screen big enough is the one at the theatre. For the fans that really dig this movie, SPREAD THE WORD! It's not too late to make this a huge sleeper hit. The talent in front of and behind the camera should not be neglected. Excuse my gushing, but I haven't been this hyped about a film in quite some time, and I see no less than 150 films a year. Everything works in this movie: the acting, the writing (no one is better at using dialogue for character development than Tarantino), the soundtrack. . .I could go on, but I won't. Just this: Catch this movie the way it was meant to be seen, on the big screen. "Grindhouse" is neither parody nor spoof, yet more than just nostalgia or even homage. It's the movie to see this year. I can't wait to see it again in a couple of days.