Fortress [Blu-ray]

Reaching for the sky
I normally prefer to review the disc release and not the movie but, obviously, this disc is not yet available and the movie is enough of an unknown quantity (evidenced by this being the first review) that it seemed an exception was due this time.

I came across FORTRESS by accident. I had not seen any publicity for it and I follow movie releases fairly closely. It is apparently a low budget, independent production. It is pretty ambitious for such a film. To recreate the large bomber formations, fighter plane attacks and even the base camp it uses a lot of CGI.

So, I have seen FORTRESS and I very much enjoyed it. Sure, the visual effects are sometimes a bit crude, but most of the time they are pretty effective and certainly good enough to support the story. I'd say the visual effects are a bit better than those in the TV series DOGFIGHTS (which were pretty good) but not up to the standards of RED TAILS (a high bar, IMO). The movie was well written and I was...

About as good as Memphis Belle
I too saw this movie at the store so I picked it since I collect WWII movies. I'll try to break this review down into several things.

The actors did an okay job. Remember that most air crews, especially replacements, in WWII were very young. If you were 25 years old you were considered an "old man". The crews in this movie are a lot younger than say those in Memphis Belle which gives it some credability. Remember our grandfathers were just young kids barely out of high school who fought WWII. There were not 40 year old Hollywood A list actors like in Saving Private Ryan.

A few people have ccomplained about the drinking in the film. Again, having served myself in the Army in the GWOT, I think the drinking is right on. Everyone deals with things in their own way. For many they turn to alcohol.

As far as no threat or fear, obviously the other reviewer has not done any history research about the air crews in WWII. The threat of death that ground...

Fortress Fan
While this movie is a low budget independent film, it has true heart! The Director and Director of Photography did an excellent job!
The actors, while somewhat unknown (becoming more known, post the making this film) bring believability and passion to the screen!
BTW, the same CG company that worked on "Red Tails" did the CG work for "Fortress" and the original music was written by multiple award winner, Chris Ward!
What I know is that a band of young creative artists came together and brought their heart and soul and did what aspiring film makers only dream of doing....they made an overall entertaining nostalgic WWII movie! No easy feat!!
Congratulations!!!

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Moss Two-Disc Special Edition (or Iggi)

A Dark and Immersive Mystery-Thriller
Moss is a mystery/thriller from South Korea. A young man is called into a small village to settle the estate of his dead father. He gets suspicious of the villagers as they quickly and anxiously try to push him to leave as soon as possible. When he decides to stay, he uncovers the dark truth...

Although it is a very long film (over 2hr and 40 min), it kept me entertained and captivated through its immersive dialogue. I don't watch mystery films often, but this one kept me guessing until the end. It's not a complete mystery film though, it also has some dreadful suspense and thrills; he's often snooping around and you can't help but grip your seat or clench your fist as you fear for his safety. I really liked the way the film moves forward as he moves deeper and deeper into the mystery; the main villain has several henchmen and they help push the movie forward with some thrills/action. You really wonder: who killed his father? (whodunit?) Also, the whole mystery is...

Atmospheric, claustrophobic Korean thriller with a surprise ending worth getting to (more like 3-1/2 stars)
In this South Korean mystery thriller, a young Korean man receives a call that his father - leader of a small village whom he'd become estranged from years ago - has died. Visiting the village, the son quickly becomes aware that not only do mysterious circumstances surround his father's death ... but that the quirky and somewhat menacing villagers in no way want him to stick around anywhere long enough to discover the truth. A long film (over 2-1/2 hours), with some nice twists and turns, and although never truly scary the atmosphere is creepy and sinister up until the end (where one final surprise awaits, literally within the last few seconds of the film). Nicely done!



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Hell (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Decent, If Not Great, Post-Apocalyptic Thriller
The year is 2016. Because of the increasing solar activity, the earth's temperature has become higher by 10 degrees Celsius. The land has dried up and crops have perished. Modern civilization has collapsed and the earth has become an uninhabitable place for humans. Few survivors keep travelling under the scorching sun, looking for water. Two young sisters Marie and Leonie are among them, travelling with a man named Phillip driving around in a dust-covered car.

Executive-produced by Roland Emmerich ("Independence Day" and "2012"), the low-budget post-apocalyptic thriller begins with an interesting premise, but without developing the sci-fi theme, "Hell" quickly shifts into a familiar formula about the travelers and their predicaments in the backwoods. In short, you have seen this in "The Road" or other horror films.

Tim Fehlbaum's direction is slick once action gets started, but details of this catastrophic disaster remain vague at best. The cinematography of the...

Great post-apocalyptic story
With no opportunities to rent this film, besides iTunes, I decided to purchase the film on the strength of the trailer. These days I seem to be a good judge of what I will like based on a trailer.

Hell is a post-apocalyptic film set in the near future 2016. Solar flares have caused mass overheating of our planet laying waste to the environment. With no way to sustain plant or animal life and with natural water supplies all but gone; people will now do anything to survive.

Visually the movie sells the idea the earth is burnt out and desolate. The acting is good, albeit this american version defaults to an over-dubbed english soundtrack. I suggest watching it with subtitles.
For a film like this simplicity is important. All our characters need to do is survive. There are a few little twists and turns that keep it interesting.
Overall a fan of films like this will be more than entertained. And I'm happy to add this film to my collection.

Don't go in expecting a timeless piece of cinema and you'll have a good time with it.
Hell (Bright) (Tim Fehlbaum, 2011)

Hell reminded me a great deal of another, even lower-budget, German film for no real reason I can put my finger on, Jens Wolf's Noctem. While this one has more plot, better acting, and an even bleaker outlook on life, while I was watching it, my mind kept stealing back to Wolf's 2003 effort, which I found quite good given its lack of professional talent both in front of and behind the camera; "a labor of love" is, at least when I use it, often a synonym for "unrepentantly amateur", but Wolf transcended that and came up with something, if not deathless, quite watchable and a good deal of fun. I got that same vibe from Fehlbaum (Nicht Meine Hochzeit)'s second feature, though I rush to add that with both of these films I'm using the word "fun" in a rather loose sense.

Fehlbaum's movie gives us a makeshift family--Tom (Unknown's Stipe Erceg), Marie (The Reader's Hannah Herzsprung), and Leonie (Hanni and Nanni's Lisa Vicari)--living...

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Chico & Rita

The ups and downs of love: In memory of Chano Pozo vaya!
Chico and Rita is the third Latin movie throughout the last two decades(after Buena Vista Social Club and Estudio 54), inspired on Latin music, but unlike the previous ones it's much more ambitious about its proposal.

Fernando Trueba made an amazing journey through some unforgattable moments and first-rate figures of jazz to tell us a love story thatlooks like a tragic bolero sprayed with this bitter ending cadence ruptruras, troubles and nostalgia.

Both are from humble origin, but each of them bursts on stage and shine like a star for its own account. And despite the conflicts come and go the love never does.

A memorable tribute to Chano Pozo, Gillespie, Parker, Casablanca, Boggie, Tito Puente, Miguel Valdez and Tito Rodriguez, among other ones. Interesting artistic proposal and refreshing gaze to the Latin Universe.

Havana, Cuba in 1946 with warm colors and hot music
I love good animation, I love great music, and I love a good movie.

Three for three on "Chico and Rita". Two Afro-Cuban musicians who meet in classic "cute" movie fashion and then have an on-again, off-again, love affair in various locales (Havana, NYC, Las Vegas, etc.), and always, there is wonderful music (mostly jazz and Latin jazz) in the forefront or the background.

Let me pull on your coat about something here - the guy who plays the original piano pieces for this film is 93 years old. He's also playing the piano and conducting the Havana ballroom orchestra present in parts of the soundtrack, albeit when he was much, much younger as those recordings were made in the 40's and 50's. His name is Bebo Valdes, and he is as old-school as it gets at 93, but, man, that cat can still play.

I've ordered this film in advance as I know I will want to watch it at least a few times, and therefore I have no hesitation in recommending that you watch it at least...

Music And Passion Are Always In Fashion: A Cuban-Set Animated Treat For Adults
Watching this nostalgic love letter to Cuba, jazz, and enduring passion unfold, I was struck by how little the medium of animation is used to tell serious adult stories. "Chico & Rita," therefore, benefits greatly from this straightforward and unorthodox approach. Had the exact same screenplay been filmed with live actors, I think the tale might have been equally compelling. But there is something about the simplicity and beauty of the hand drawn passages that really evokes an artistic vibe. And as the movie is an homage to an era, a culture, and an art form, it's fascinating to see this world come alive as if from thin air. "Chico & Rita" was Oscar nominated as Best Animated Feature in 2012, and it is truly a must-see for lovers of quality adult entertainment. A visual treat with its earthy pallette, the movie also boasts an impressively colorful soundtrack that recalls the jazz age in vibrant detail. Lushly romantic, I think those that adore "Chico & Rita" will be rapturous...

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The Aristocats

The approach Disney seems to have forgotten
Considering Disney's recent track record, it would appear that they think the average kid is maturing faster than before. Thus, they seem to put out movies that are dark and inappropriate for the average kid. The only exceptions to this trend are the wonderful Toy Story movies and A Bug's Life. Flash back a decade or two, and you'll find a different Disney, a Disney that made movies everybody could enjoy. Aristocats comes from that era. True the animation from this decade is weak, and the story loses a few points in some areas. The villain is also quite tame. All of that, however, disappears under the movie's charm, upbeat attitude, and general fun. It's certainly more fun than Hercules. People looking for something intense should avoid this. Families with small children and those who love adorable cats will love this movie. From this era, I also recommend Robin Hood. As I've said before, you just can't beat old school Disney.

Wonderful film!
I'm so glad that Disney made this film. I much prefer the more innocent Disney movies of the past. Movies like Lady and the Tramp and The Aristocats are truly fun, wholesome entertainment. Don't get me started on the new Disney films which are way too interested in pushing hit pop songs and attracting adults with more action, violence, and suggestive dialogue. I know things can't stay the same so I'm glad we have this film from a more innocent era. I particularly like the fact that the pacing is relaxed and the villain is not very scary. I'm always looking for what I call "calm" movies and videos for my 2 and a half year old. I don't want him seeing frightening or fast-paced images. Lady and the Tramp and Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas are other great shows for young viewers. Unlike the sterile environment of the Teletubbies, these movies are full of wonderful images and interesting music. I find the backdrop drawings extremely interesting and stylized...

Fine Family Fun, but: All Reviews for Previous Editions Lumped Together
There are over a hundred reviews for The Aristocats as of this date. They all refer to the previous edition (Disney Gold Classic Edition or whatever they called it years ago when it first came out on dvd).
So now we will have those reviews mixed up with new reviews for the Feb 5, 2008 version which offers more extras and a different aspect ratio. This may make things a bit confusing.

Moving on...
People compare this film to 101 Dalmations. This is Disney's "cat" movie, they say. You can't compare them; they're too similiar somehow.
But they are both decent, cute family films.
Yes, Cruella is scary compared to the bumbling butler Edgar. There is a sense of jeopardy but Dalmations is much stronger in that sense.
Both films were made using the 1960's Xerox method where the resulting animation is more sketchy looking and more close to the original animator's drawings.
The Aristocats is more of a musical, definitely. A few forgettable songs, but...

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Mallrats [Blu-ray]

"That Kid Is Back On The Escalator!"
Well, folks, it's been ten years since the would-be cult classic "Mallrats" bombed both critically and at the box office. To celebrate such failure, director Kevin Smith and company have erected a brand new double-dip...errr...I mean special edition DVD. Aside from the usual distractions (i.e. featurettes, commentary), the main attraction is an all new extended-cut of the flick, done by Kevin Smith himself. This new cut (don't fret, the original remains intact on the opposite side of the disc) integrates deleted footage and alternate takes into what ends up being a sprawling two hour and three minute epic. Think James Cameron re-editing "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." Ok, maybe not that big of a deal, but it's still cool, nevertheless. The "Extended Version" is (as Smith describes it in his introduction) basically the script put to screen. The "new" film is just as funny, and actually, better. I never had a problem with the original "Mallrats," but for some reason, this version feels...

"Okay Lunchbox, let's try this again"
Mallrats, to me, has always been an excellent and hilarious movie bordering on "comedy classic status". Not until watching the bonus material included on this Anniversary Edition DVD did I learn that it was basically a critical failure.

The quotable lines are countless. The talent found in casting is absolutely outstanding. The dialogue is quirky, thoughtful and biting, etc., etc... It's difficult to attribute the movie's failure to anything other than poor marketing and it not being properly prioritized by Rogue Pictures. But, whatever the cause, Mallrats has found it's cult following in the years following its release. It's too good a movie to have remained unnoticed and unappreciated for too long.

The 10th Anniversary DVD includes an extended version of the movie, as edited by Kevin Smith himself, while pleasuring himself so that he could truly "enjoy" his work (as revealed in the bonus interview). This version is hilarious and it gives you a slightly...

Ahead of its time
I think it's safe to say this movie is a cult classic; my friends and I have seen it countless times.

Kevin Smith's follow-up to 1994's "Clerks" was not-so-well-recieved by the critics.

The box-office numbers didn't treat the flick too kindly, either.

See? The stuff cult classics are made of.

The critics were wrong and the movie goers must have been napping in late 1995, because this film is hysterical from start to finish.

Buy this one, folks. You can't go wrong with a Kevin Smith movie. Buy it for the commentary, buy it for the deleted scenes (over one hour's worth), buy it for the witty dialog of Jason Lee, buy it to laugh at Jeremy London's acting skills; but most of all, buy it for the movie itself.

While you're at it, buy "Clerks" and "Chasing Amy," too. And get a copy of "Dogma" (the best of the four) when it's released on DVD on May 2.

Remember: Kevin Smith is the best screenwriter out there, so buy it. You...

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When Death Calls

Just watched when Death Calls
I just watched this movie and I really have nothing bad to say about it. It was obviously done on a limited budget but that just means a person has to work harder to make things work rather rely on the effects to save the show. The stories were quite good and had a nice twist to them that sets them apart from many other shows in this genre. One of the things I really liked about this movie was that the actors look like real people, folks we work with and talk to in everyday life, this makes the film more believable and realistic to me.

My best to Director: Jim Haggerty and Actors: Suzi Lorraine, Tina Krause, Nathalie Bryant, Jae Mosc, Pooya Mohseni for a cool movie. I am looking forward to the next one.

"When Death Calls" is a winner in my opinion, I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes a good suspenseful scary movie.





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