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GREASE: ROCKIN’ RYDELL EDITION

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 50 Min.

Paramount Pictures’ 2006 DVD widescreen release of 1978’s Grease is single-disc.  Randall Kleiser directed the film, which is adapted from the long-running Broadway stage musical.  It isn’t specified as to the film’s exact locale, but a subsequent drag race through a familiar river basin implies a Los Angeles, California suburb. 

Set in 1958, over a blissful California summer, shy Australian high schooler Sandy Olsson (Newton-John) falls in love at the beach with a local gang member, Danny Zuko (Travolta).  Not expecting to see her again, Danny begins his senior year at Rydell High School, with his fellow car-crazy and girl-crazy Thunderbirds (Conaway; Pearl; Tucci; & Ward). 

Unbeknownst to Danny, Sandy has since moved to town and soon affiliates herself with Rydell High’s Pink Ladies (Channing; Conn; Manoff; & Donnelly) faction.  Weary of Sandy’s dreamy romantic claims and Danny’s own incessant (and egged-on) bragging, an abrasive Rizzo (Channing) deliberately reunites the couple – with awkward results.

The school year progresses, as romances between Sandy & Danny, as well as Rizzo and Kinickie (Conaway), undergo bouts of typical teenage angst. Danny becomes a school athlete attempting win Sandy back from the school’s dim-witted star quarterback, Tom Chisum (Lamas).  Other shenanigans involve the Thunderbirds’ auto shop class effort to soup up Kinickie’s (Conway) beat-up convertible; the school dance contest’s appearance on a live edition of TV’s National Bandstand; Rizzo’s possible pregnancy; and Frenchie’s (Conn) failed attempt at beauty school. 

Circumstances unexpectedly prompt Danny to replace Kinickie in a dangerous drag race in his friend’s refurbished ‘Greased Lightning’ convertible.  Awaiting Kinickie and Danny on ‘Thunder Road’ (the Los Angeles River Basin), with all their friends in attendance, is the despised punk, Leo (Stewart) – with his own tricked-out convertible.  Watching the climatic race, Sandy has an unexpected epiphany. 

On the last day of school, the new graduates energetically conclude their intertwined stories at their Seniors’ Day carnival.     

                                  Primary Cast:

Danny Zuko (The Thunderbirds): John Travolta

Sandy Olsson (Pink Ladies associate): Olivia Newton-John

Rizzo (The Pink Ladies): Stockard Channing

Kinickie (The Thunderbirds): Jeff Conaway

Frenchie (The Pink Ladies): Didi Conn

Marty (The Pink Ladies): Dinah Manoff

Doody (The Thunderbirds): Barry Pearl

Sonny (The Thunderbirds): Michael Tucci

Jan (The Pink Ladies): Jamie Donnelly

Putzie (The Thunderbirds): Kelly Ward

Principal McGee: Eve Arden

Coach Calhoun: Sid Caesar

Blanche: Dody Goodman

Patty Simcox: Susan Buckner

Mrs. Murdock: Alice Ghostley

Tom Chisum: Lorenzo Lamas

Leo: Dennis C. Stewart

Vi: Joan Blondell

‘Cha Cha:’ Annette Charles

Eugene: Eddie Deezen

Nurse Wilkins: Fannie Flagg

Mr. Lynch: Darrell Zwerling

Waitress: Ellen Travolta

Vince Fontaine: Edd “Kookie“ Byrnes

Johnny Casino & The Gamblers: Sha-Na-Na

Teen Angel: Frankie Avalon     

REVIEW:

Aside from its ultra-flimsy plot (i.e. an implausible timeline and no parents on screen), the cinematic Grease wins on rollicking pure charm.  This asset can be effectively divided amongst its musical numbers, a game cast, and a campy escapist fantasy take on high school life in the Late 1950’s.  The lesson to take from Rydell High is that this romantic musical-comedy doesn’t have to be even remotely believable – just be as entertaining as possible.    

Led by John Travolta and undeniably Stockard Channing, the cast consistently delivers the necessary goods, no matter if a few scenes don’t age well.  The cast is assisted mightily by Patricia Birch’s choreography and a batch of timeless showtunes.

Overall, Grease lives up to its reputation as one of the best feel-good musical comedies of its era.  Including this DVD’s surplus of extra goodies, the Grease: Rockin’ Rydell Edition is a welcome treat.        

BONUS FEATURES:

The impressive roster of additional materials is easily accessible via the DVD’s main screen.  The bonus features consist of (not necessarily in this particular order):

  • director Randall Kleiser’s optional brief introduction;
  • optional commentary by Kleiser & choreographer Patricia Birch;
  • an interactive ‘Rydell Sing-Along’ where fans can join on the film’s featured tunes;
  • 11 deleted-extended-and-or-alternate scenes;
  • DVD Launch party: footage from 2003’s 25th Anniversary DVD launch party;
  • John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John’s joint interview and Grease memories;
  • “The Moves Behind the Music” featurette;
  •  photo albums: ‘Rydell High Year Book,’ ‘Production,’ ‘Premiere,’ and ‘Grease Day;’
  • theatrical trailer; 
  • John Travolta and Allen Carr “Grease Day” interview;
  • Olivia Newton-John &  Robert Stiegman “Grease Day” interview;
  • “Thunder Roadsters” featurette.

The DVD’s widescreen format is ‘enhanced’ for 16:9 televisions.  The film’s sound is in Dolby Digital: English 5.1 Surround; English 2.0 Surround; and French 2.0 Surround.  English subtitles are available.  

Also included are Paramount DVD preview ads for Failure To Launch; Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; and Titanic.

PACKAGING:

The disc is sturdily protected.  The DVD case’s advertising is verified as accurate.  Given the number of special features, the main screen portal is easy to navigate.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

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DC-Related DVD DVD/Blu-Ray Extra Movies Movies & Television (Videos) TV Series

BATMAN (1966)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 45 Min.

Producer William Dozier had initially intended to make this film as a big-screen advertisement for the premiere of his same-named TV series.  Instead of a high-profile pilot film, Dozier had to settle for concocting the movie between the TV program’s first and second seasons.  Released by Twentieth Century Fox, the prolific Leslie H. Martinson directed the project off Lorenzo Semple Jr.’s original script.  Both Martinson and Semple had previously worked with Dozier on the TV series during its first season.   

Failing to thwart Commodore Schmidlapp’s (Denny) abduction, the Dynamic Duo (West and Ward) soon realize that their four most elusive super-foes: the Joker (Romero); the Penguin (Meredith); the Riddler (Gorshin); and Catwoman (Meriweather) have formed a sinister alliance.  While Batman and Robin decipher this quartet’s outlandish scheme, wealthy Bruce Wayne falls for an alluring socialite, Miss Kitka.  Taken captive, Wayne must somehow escape and return to action as Batman.  Attempting to free an oblivious Schmidlapp, the Dynamic Duo later engage their enemies in a fistfight atop an at-sea submarine.      

Possessing Schmidlapp’s experimental dehydrator capable of rendering humans to molecular dust (and yet conveniently able to restore its victims to normal), the four villains pursue their endgame.  Specifically, they intend to target the United Nations’ diplomats and hold them as high-profile hostages to the world.  It’s time for Gotham City’s legendary Caped Crusaders to catch up and end this dastardly extortion scheme.

Note: This film is available in DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital formats.

Batman / Bruce Wayne: Adam West

Robin / Dick Grayson: Burt Ward

The Joker: Cesar Romero

Catwoman / ‘Miss Kitka:’ Lee Meriweather (Note: Due to Julie Newmar’s unavailability, Meriweather is her substitute.)

The Penguin: Burgess Meredith

The Riddler: Frank Gorshin

Alfred Pennyworth: Alan Napier

Commissioner James Gordon: Neil Hamilton

Police Chief O’Hara: Stafford Repp

Aunt Harriet: Madge Blake

Commodore Schmidlapp: Reginald Denny

Vice-Admiral Fangschleister: Milton Frome

Morgan: Dick Crockett

Bluebeard: Gil Perkins

Quetch: George Sawaya

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson: The Green Hornet’s Van Williams (voice only)

U.N. Delegates: Teru Shimada; Albert Carrier; Maurice Dallimore; George J. Lewis; Robert Goodwin; Wolfe Barzell; William Tannen; Ivan Triesault; & Gregory Gaye

Man on Gotham City Rooftop: Jack LaLanne (cameo)

Voice of Bat-Computer & Narrator: William Dozier.

REVIEW:

Unlike big-screen outings during that era for The Saint, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., etc., the 1966 Batman caper enjoys a distinct advantage justifying its cult favorite status.  Chiefly, Adam West and Burt Ward’s sole Batman feature film isn’t derived by merely pasting two or three TV episodes together and then calling it a movie — usually released for overseas audiences. The film’s big-screen plotting is also independent of the TV series, making it deliberately easier to reel in casual viewers.  

Two impressive factoids stand out: 1. Lorenzo Semple Jr. somehow devised an original feature script in only a few days; and 2. The movie was subsequently cranked out in only a month’s filming.  Despite its expedited nature, the film delivers to fans of the iconic TV series a practically can’t- miss prospect.  Lee Meriweather’s one-time appearance, in that sense, doesn’t diminish Catwoman’s role whatsoever.

Afforded the movie’s bigger production values (i.e. the submarine fistfight), viewers score the most Bat-bang for the buck from a game cast.  Hence, the TV show’s uniquely colorful qualities are expanded enough without losing its creative grip.  All that is regrettably absent is Neal Hefti’s title song, which is replaced by Nelson Riddle’s cinematic instrumental score.  From a grown-up’s perspective, this element better distinguishes the film from the TV series.  Still, even a brief homage to Hefti’s pop tune at some juncture would have made for some welcome fan service.    

Another hiccup is that the film occasionally falls flat between action set pieces.  That isn’t surprising, as the TV series relied upon superior pacing in 25-minute installments.  Accordingly, its two-part episodes, as separated by their signature cliffhangers, were often high-caliber in conveying a live-action comic book.  If fairly compared to the TV show’s best storytelling, the 1966 film doesn’t surpass episodes where the cast is at the top of their game. The movie’s wacky (and, ultimately, message-laden) plot, however, is still well-anchored somewhere within the series’ upper half. 

This kid-friendly 1966 film delivers sufficient goods — even if its running time doesn’t mean more Batman is necessarily better.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Presented in anamorphic widescreen, this single-disc DVD’s aspect ratio of 1.85:1.  Audio options are: English (Stereo); English (Mono); and French (Mono).  Subtitles are available in both English and Spanish.  The primary screen provides: appropriately enough, ‘Bat Movie!!’; ‘Bat Features!’ ‘Bat Scenes!’ and ‘Bat Languages’ options.  The DVD’s scene selection insert identifies all thirty-two scenes.   

The Caped Crusaders: Adam West & Burt Ward supply an optional audio commentary.  This special edition’s other features consist of a Batmobile tour; a making-of-the-film featurette; a photo still gallery; the theatrical trailer; and its pre-release teaser.    

PACKAGING:

The contents are confirmed as exactly as the DVD’s case advertises. The disc is firmly enclosed.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6½ Stars

Categories
Blu-Ray DC-Related Movies Movies & Television (Videos) Sherlock Holmes-Related

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 18 Min.

This 2018 DC animated film loosely adapts 1989’s Batman: Gotham By Gaslight graphic novel – DC Comics’ first Elseworlds project.  Days before hosting the World’s Fair, a Victorian-era Gotham City is besieged after nightfall by a knife-wielding serial killer targeting the city’s perceived prostitutes.  Simultaneously, the vigilante Batman is now protecting Gotham’s most defenseless from street crime. 

Facing off against one another, the Dark Knight and the Ripper find that stage entertainer Selina Kyle has her own hellbent score to settle with the elusive killer.  Worse yet, this fearsome adversary can successfully fend them both off in 2-on-1 combat. Other wildcards in play are Police Commissioner James Gordon, Police Chief Harvey Bullock, and District Attorney Harvey Dent in their efforts to thwart the grisly murders.    

Personal tragedy strikes Gotham’s greatest philanthropist, Bruce Wayne, who finds himself framed for the Ripper’s murders, including a beloved friend.  Mere hours before the World’s Fair’s opening, Batman races the clock to reach down his foe before the Ripper strikes the one closest to Bruce Wayne’s heart.    

Note: Unlike the graphic novel, Batman’s tragic origin dating back to childhood is neither depicted nor re-imagined.  The film only briefly alludes to why Bruce Wayne began his familiar obsession declaring war on street crime.  

Principal Voice Cast:

Bruce Wayne/Batman: Bruce Greenwood

Selina Kyle: Jennifer Carpenter

Alfred Pennyworth: Anthony Head

District Attorney Harvey Dent: Yuri Lowenthal

Commissioner James Gordon: Scott Patterson

Sister Leslie Tompkins, Jason Todd, & Selina Kyle’s Singing Voice: Grey Griffin

Timmy Drake & Marlene Mahoney: Tara Strong

Dickie Grayson: Lincoln Milcher

Hugo Strange: William Salyers

Barbara Eileen-Gordon & Pamela “Poison Ivy” Isley: Kari Wuhrer

Police Chief Harvey Bullock & Big Dill Dust: John DiMaggio

Mayor Tolliver: Bob Joles

Note: Though the entire set of bonus features may not be included, this R-rated title is also available digitally and on DVD.

REVIEW:

Enhanced by impressive production values, this grisly animated adaptation surpasses its source material.  Instead of transplanting Jack the Ripper from London as a ‘sequel’ to the killer’s historical notoriety, this version devises its own shadowy ‘Ripper’ to face Gotham’s rookie Dark Knight.  Cleverly, the film adheres far closer to familiar Bat-mythology, including the presence of Selina Kyle, Poison Ivy, Hugo Strange, a trio of young Robins, and even a name drop of ‘Cyrus Gold’ (a reference to DC’s Solomon  Grundy).  Hence, this adaptation benefits from a welcome unpredictability in its plot twists.

Two caveats, however, should be considered.  One: the film’s R-rating allows the Ripper’s bloody predatorial stalking of women to be visualized in multiple brutal deaths; the same applies to brief nudity and profanities.  Two: deviating from Brian Augustyn’s graphic novel, the culprit’s identity has been changed, presumably for shock value purposes.  The gamble mostly works, but it’s justifiable that Bat-fans may be unhappy at the desecration of an iconic character.

Ultimately, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight scores on all creative counts: spot-on voice casting (especially Bruce Greenwood & Jennifer Carpenter), high-caliber animation, and a haunting musical score.  Despite a disturbing violence quotient, the animated Gotham By Gaslight fulfills its creative potential.          

BONUS FEATURES:

Language options and subtitles consist of: English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Spanish-Castellano, and Spanish-Latino.  Optional audio commentary with executive producer Bruce Timm, screenwriter Jim Krieg, and director/producer Sam Lieu is available. 

Aside from the trailer for the animated Batman vs. Two-Face (Adam West’s final Batman project), sneak peeks are included for upcoming DC animated films: Justice League Dark, Batman: Bad Blood, and Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay.  There is also a featurette entitled “Caped Fear: The First Elseworld.” 

The two bonus cartoons are: 1. Batman – The Brave and the Bold’s “Trials of the Demon!,” which includes appearances from Sherlock Holmes & Dr. John Watson; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Scream Queen (a purplish re-working of Silver Banshee); the Scarecrow; Jason Blood/The Demon; and the Gentleman Ghost; and 2. Batman: The Animated Series’ “Showdown,” which co-stars Ra’s al Ghul in Jonah Hex’s animated debut. 

Re: “The Trials of the Demon!” (6 Stars), it is a fun supernatural caper where the Gentleman Ghost proves a most formidable Bat-foe.  Still, this episode’s most glaring weakness is Holmes’ ludicrous instant ‘deductions’ confirming Batman’s intents and origin – no matter Holmes’ legendary observational talents, he is not that good. 

As for the flashback-driven “Showdown” (8 Stars), pitting an adaptation of Jonah Hex vs. Ra’s al Ghul is an inspired Western action-adventure.  This episode’s final plot twist is exceptionally well-played.        

PACKAGING:

Possessing a standard casing, this Blu-Ray’s contents are accurately advertised.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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DVD MARVEL-Related Movies Movies & Television (Videos)

SPIDER-MAN 2

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 2 Hours, 8 Min.

In 2004, Columbia Pictures released director Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2, theatrically and later to DVD.  Peter Parker’s (Maguire) dual identity as Spider-Man continues to provoke multiple crises simultaneously.  Coping with his beloved Mary Jane’s (Dunst) imminent nuptials to celebrity astronaut John Jameson (Gilles), Peter experiences slow-brewing tension with best friend Harry Obsorn (Franco), who already blames Spider-Man for his father’s death. 

Above all, a freak accident sets in motion a deadly feud pitting Spidey against Peter’s former mentor, Dr. Otto Octavius (Molina), soon to be publicly known as the monstrous Doctor Octopus. 

Peter Parker / Spider-Man: Tobey Maguire

Mary Jane Watson: Kirsten Dunst

Dr. Otto Octavius / Doctor Octopus: Alfred Molina

Harry Osborn: James Franco

Aunt May Parker: Rosemary Harris

John Jameson: Daniel Gilles

J. Jonah Jameson: J.K. Simmons

Dr. Curt Connors: Dylan Baker

Robbie Robertson: Bill Nunn

Betty Brant: Elizabeth Banks

Norman Osborn / Green Goblin (flashback): Willem Dafoe

Uncle Ben Parker (flashback): Cliff Robertson

Notes: This title is also available in Blu-Ray, including as part of various combo packages, and as a digital purchase. Both Maguire & Molina reprise their roles in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home.

REVIEW:

The film deserves its reputation as the best of Maguire & Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, as its surefire creative content (including Danny Elfman’s instrumental score) is balanced by top-caliber special effects.  The only caveats would be: first, too many maskless scenes to spell out Maguire’s facial reactions as Spider Man, which should leave Peter’s secret identity fair game to the public; and, secondly, one can cite the ludicrous runaway subway train sequence as a prime example of going ‘maskless’ in public. 

Risking a plot credibility-killer, Maguire’s Spider-Man demonstrates a desperate burst of Superman or Hulk-caliber strength when, logically, his arms should have been ripped off.  All super-hero fantasies aside, this subway scene should have been reworked, so an unmasked Spider-Man’s powers (not to mention, his secret identity) could still be grounded in some semblance of sci-fi reality.  Still, the sequences before and after the subway rescue demonstrate Raimi’s Spider-storytelling at its best.       

Though the movie misses the original film’s supplemental rock tunes, composer Elfman continues his Spider-Man repertoire to flawlessly narrate Raimi’s plot.  With Maguire and the ensemble cast in vintage form, Spider-Man 2 sets an impressive bar for excellence that even Tom Holland’s Spider-Man films are challenged to live up to. 

BONUS FEATURES:

Available languages are English, French 51. (Dolby Digital), and Spanish (Dolby Surround), as each of them has applicable subtitles.  Disc 1’s extras consist of: commentaries from Maguire, Raimi, and producers Avi Arad & Grant Curtis; a technical commentary; blooper reel; a ‘Spidey Sense 2’ pop-up trivia track; Train’s “Ordinary” music video; four ‘web-i-sode’ featurettes hyping the film’s theatrical release; and some obligatory trailers.  

The more extensive Disc 2 adds various documentaries and featurettes.  Specifically, they are:

  • “Making the Amazing” – a 12-part step-by-step evolution revealing the film’s production through to its premiere.
  • “Hero in Crisis” explores new problems for Maguire’s Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
  • “Eight Arms to Hold You” ock-umkentary explains how Molina’s Dr. Octopus was translated from comics to live-action.
  • “Interwoven: The Women of Spider-Women” is self-explanatory.
  • “Enter the Web” is a close-up of behind-the-scenes work filming the ‘Pier’ sequence.
  • an Alex Ross concept art gallery used for the opening credits.
  • “Spider-Man 2: Spinning the Game” hypes Activision’s video game tie-in.
  • various weblinks.   

PACKAGING:

Each disc has a separate casing.  As indicated on the case, the contents are accurately advertised.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        9 Stars

Categories
DVD MARVEL-Related Movies Movies & Television (Videos)

X-MEN

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 44 Min.

Responsible for Marvel’s initial big-budget live-action adaptation, 20th Century Fox produced Bryan Singer’s first X-Men film.  The movie was released in 2000, both theatrically and then to widescreen DVD. 

After glimpsing Magneto’s bleak World War II-era origin, the storyline segues to present-day U.S. Senator Robert Kelly (Davison), who controversially pushes the federal government’s investigation of mutant existence.  Observing close by and from afar, Professor Charles Xavier (Stewart) and his covert X-Men sense ominous consequences as a result of Kelly’s public power play.   

In Northern Canada, the enigmatic Logan’s (Jackman) rescue of young Rogue (Paquin) sets in motion a high-powered showdown between Xavier’s forces and Magneto’s deadly Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.  Having first abducted Kelly and then later Rogue, Magneto’s vengeful scheme against the world at large has one obstacle left: the X-Men.  Attempting to free Rogue, Logan/Wolverine must trust his new allies, if there’s any chance of thwarting Xavier’s most formidable enemy. 

Logan/Wolverine: Hugh Jackman

Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto: Ian McKellen

Professor Charles Xavier / Professor X: Patrick Stewart

Rogue: Anna Paquin

Professor Robert Kelly: Bruce Davison

Ororo Munroe / Storm: Halle Berry

Jean Grey: Famke Janssen

Scott Summers / Cyclops: James Marsden

Mystique: Rebecca Romijn

Sabretooth: Tyler Mane

Toad: Ray Park

Note: This title is also available in Blu-Ray, including as part of various combo packages, and as a digital purchase.

REVIEW:

Given its inadequate running time, director Singer opts to devote sufficient character depth only to McKellan’s Magneto, Jackman’s Wolverine, Paquin’s Rogue, and, to a lesser extent, Davison’s Kelly.  As a result, Jackman’s instant star power alone makes him this movie’s undisputed MVP, in terms of pitching his character’s transition from roguish loner to the X-Men’s pivotal loose cannon. 

The surplus of other relevant characters (including Stewart’s Professor X and Halle Berry’s under-utilized Storm), otherwise, struggle too often to rise above talking cardboard.  Still, there’s consistently excellent CGI  and stunt work (i.e. the high-caliber Statue of Liberty showdown), along with sufficient plotting, to make up just enough of the storytelling difference for viewers. 

This rudimentary first X-Men film, if anything, lays out the franchise’s bare-bones blueprint all the way up through 2016-2017’s X-Men Apocalypse and Logan.  More aptly, its legacy is concocting a watchable (and unconvoluted) prelude to 2003’s far superior X2: X-Men United.  

BONUS FEATURES:

Languages are available in English 5.1 Surround Sound; English Dolby Surround; and French Dolby Surround, with English and Spanish subtitles.  An insert booklet provides a list of scenes.  Extras include: interview(s) with Bryan Singer; a Hugh Jackman screen test; a still gallery; animatics, and obligatory trailers.  Ten minutes of previously-unreleased footage is provided to enhance the film’s theatrical version.  

PACKAGING:

Remarkably elaborate in mirrored silver, the case slides from the protective box seen below.  The disc is well-protected on its casing.  The contents listed on the box’s reverse side are accurately advertised. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           6 Stars

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DVD INDEPENDENT-Related (Comic Books & Graphic Novels) Movies Movies & Television (Videos)

MEN IN BLACK: DELUXE EDITION

SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 38 Min.

Columbia Pictures & Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment released this sci-fi action-comedy from director Barry Sonnefeld in 1997.  This ‘deluxe’ two-disc, widescreen/full-screen DVD was subsequently in 2002. 

Adapting Lowell Cunningham’s same-named Malibu Comics title, Men in Black depicts a top-secret government agency responsible for apprehending fugitive aliens hiding out on Earth by any means necessary.  Once recruited, NYC street cop James Edwards (Smith) becomes ‘Agent Jay’ and the new partner of enigmatic veteran Agent Kay (Jones) – complete with inconspicuous black-tie suits, heavy-duty firepower, and ever-cool dark shades. 

With the help of a suspicious medical examiner (Fiorentino), the straight-faced duo faces off against a monstrous threat that destroy the galaxy … starting with Earth. 

Agent Jay (James Edwards): Will Smith

Agent Kay: Tommy Lee Jones

Dr. Laurel Weaver: Linda Fiorentino

Zed: Rip Torn

Edgar: Vincent D’Onofrio

Jeebs: Tony Shalhoub

Beatrice: Siobhan Fallon Hogan

Gentle Rosenburg: Mike Nussbaum

Arquillian: Carel Struycken

Jose: Sergio Calderón

Agent Dee: Richard Hamilton

INIS Agent Janus: Fredric Lehne

Note: This film is also available in Blu-Ray and digital formats, as well as included in various Men in Black combo packages.

REVIEW:

The original Men in Black is the ideal alien-busting counterpart to Ghostbusters (and similarly 1987’s Dragnet and/or TV’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E.).  Sporting top-caliber special effects and director Barry Sonnenfeld in vintage form, this high-octane sci-fi caper delivers stellar entertainment.  Though one visual of an alien shedding a murdered human’s skin is definitely kid-unfriendly, the movie, otherwise, seamlessly proportions comedy, action, and sci-fi/horror parody in a coherent manner. 

The ‘odd couple’ acting chemistry between the energetic Smith and a deadpan Jones is the film’s other best asset, as Fiorentino & Torn contribute reliable support in their scenes.  Ultimately, Men in Black earns its stylish reputation, three-fold.  All in one, it’s among the best comic book adaptations, sci-fi/horror parodies, and (let’s not forget) buddy action-comedies ever produced.  Including its surplus of DVD goodies, this first-class treatment for viewers is recommended.

BONUS FEATURES:

A superb booklet insert spells out the set’s multitude of extras, including a list of scenes.  Disc 1 includes digitally-mastered audio and anamorphic video, along with visual and audio commentaries.  Audio options include: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, 2-Channel (Dolby Surround), and French 2-Channel (Dolby Surround).  Subtitles appear in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Utilizing animated menus, Disc 2 offers a Men in Black II teaser and ‘secret files’ hyping this sequel; extended and alternate scenes; Will Smith & Mikey’s Men in Black music video; a making-of-the film documentary; production notes; a scene editing workshop; a conceptual art gallery; DVD-ROM & web-related links; and some obligatory trailers.     

PACKAGING:

Each disc has a solid casing.  The DVD set’s contents are accurately advertised. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8½ Stars

Categories
DVD Movies Movies & Television (Videos)

BETTER OFF DEAD

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 37 Min.

In 2002, Paramount Home Video released this 1985 John Cusack teen comedy to DVD; its writer-director is “Savage” Steve Holland.  Oblivious California teenager Lane Meyer’s (Cusack) idyllic life crumbles once his self-involved girlfriend (Wyss) dumps him for the high school ski team captain, super-jerk Roy Stalin (Dozier). 

Despondently, Lane attempts suicide multiple times, only to meet inept failure and even further humiliation.  Further complicating his wacky life are two well-intended yet utterly clueless parents (Ogden Stiers & Darby); a hyper-precocious little brother (Stevens); a snow-sniffing best friend (Armstrong); and a paperboy (Slade) relentlessly stalking him for two dollars in back pay.

His only hope may be the enchanting French exchange student (Franklin) living across the street with his cringe-worthy neighbors (Schneider & Waterbury).  Feeling a jolt of energizing self-esteem, Lane re-discovers other worthwhile passions and possibly a new one he doesn’t yet realize. 

Lane’s fate is ultimately decided by a winner-take-all ski showdown vs. Stalin off the notorious K-12 mountain … with a demented paperboy in hot pursuit.  

Lane Meyer: John Cusack

Monique Junot: Diane Franklin

Charles Del Mar: Curtis Armstrong

Al Meyer: David Ogden Stiers

Jenny Myer: Kim Darby

“Badger” Meyer: Scooter Stevens

Beth Truss: Amanda Wyss

Roy Stalin: Aaron Dozier

Johnny Gasparini: Damien Slade

Ricky Smith: Dan Schneider

Mrs. Smith: Laura Waterbury

Rocko: Chuck Mitchell

School Dance Singer: E.G. Daily

Note: This title is also available on Blu-Ray.

REVIEW:

If one is in the mood for dark mid-80’s teen humor, then Better Off Dead delivers the anything-goes goods.  This cult favorite’s worst offense is playing laughs off teen suicide, even if the gags are generally well-played.  Still, anchored by a game John Cusack, the cast’s acting is spot-on parodying perpetual teen angst. 

Writer-director “Savage” Steve Holland, in that sense, doesn’t miss any genre tricks wildly depicting this semi-autobiographical take on his own teenage mishaps.  Suffice to say, the film’s terrific last stretch justifies giving Holland’s low-rent comedy a chance.  Guilty pleasure laughs will surely be awaiting viewers. 

Better Off Dead, as a suggestion, would be an ideal double-feature with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

BONUS FEATURES:

The sole extras are English subtitles and Dolby Digital (English) Stereo sound.

PACKAGING:

The DVD has a standard casing.    Its contents are accurately advertised. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     5½ Stars

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DISNEY/PIXAR-Related DVD Movies Movies & Television (Videos)

ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING (1987)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 42 Min.

Released by Touchstone Pictures in 1987, Chris Columbus (before Home Alone and the Harry Potter franchise) directed this teen comedy starring The Karate Kid’s Elisabeth Shue.  In suburban Chicago, 17-year old Chris Parker’s (Shue) special date night is inexplicably canceled by her smarmy boyfriend (Whitford).  As her evening is now conveniently free, her mom (Shuman) prods a disappointed Chris into a routine babysitting gig. 

With her three young charges in tow, Chris must then reluctantly drive into downtown Chicago to rescue her stranded best friend, Brenda (Miller). A series of bewildering mishaps inadvertently puts Chris and the three kids in the crosshairs of ruthless mobsters.  Finding her inner hero, Chris might still discover an unexpected reward salvaging undoubtedly the worst night of her teenage life.

Chris Parker: Elisabeth Shue

Sara Anderson: Maia Brewton

Brad Anderson: Keith Coogan

Daryl: Anthony Rapp

Dawson: Vincent D’Onofrio

Brenda: Penelope Ann Miller

Dan: George Newbern

Mike: Bradley Whitford

Joe Gipp: Calvin Levels

Graydon: Ron Canada

Bleak: John Davis Chandler

Mrs. Anderson: Linda Sorensen

Mr. Anderson: Dan Ziskie

Mrs. Parker: Sandra Shuman

Bag Lady: Sandi Ross

Notes: The film is also available in Blu-Ray and digital formats.  A remake was filmed for the Disney Channel in 2016.

REVIEW:

Bolstered by Chris Columbus’ spot-on directing, Elisabeth Shue’s effervescence surpasses an otherwise standard-issue, 80’s kiddie PG-13 sitcom.  Aside from occasional profanities, both the acting and mild plot twists work well for the movie’s intended audience. 

Though today’s generation will likely deem the humor outdated, Adventures in Babysitting may prove an unexpected nostalgia treat on family movie night.        

BONUS FEATURES:

Included is Dolby Digital Surround Sound and a French language track.

PACKAGING:

The DVD has an average yet sturdy casing.  The DVD’s contents are accurately advertised. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            6 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels) Movies

THE MUMMY {adaptation of 1932 Boris Karloff movie} (1993 DARK HORSE Comics)

Adapted by Dan Jolley

Art by Tony Harris; Matt Hollingsworth; & Lois Buhalis

Cover Art by Tony Harris

SUMMARY:

This 48-page adaptation of Boris Karloff’s 1932 film is a 1993 collaboration between Dark Horse Comics and Official Universal Studios Monsters.  In 1921, at a British archaeological dig outside Cairo, members of the Reed Expedition (Dr. Joseph Whimple; Dr. Frank Muller; and assistant Ralph) breach a ceremonial box kept within the mummy Imhotep’s tomb they have uncovered.  They interpret that the box supposedly possesses a mystical curse.  While Whimple and Muller argue outside, Ralph encounters a resurrected Imhotep.

In 1932, a follow-up expedition has Whimple’s adult son, Frank, help find an artifact linked to the tomb of Imhotep’s would-be bride: Princess Ankhsenamun.  The corpulent Ardeth Bey of Cairo offers to lead the archaeologists to the site where they can excavate her tomb.  Once their discovery makes the news, Ankhsenamun’s mummy is moved to a Cairo museum.  Bey contemplates how to reunite with his ancient lover. 

At his Cairo home, an aged Muller has a lovely British-Egyptian ward, Helen Grosvenor, who is mutually attracted to Frank.  Muller and the Whimples encounter Ardeth Bey, at last realizing his horrific true nature.  To rescue a mesmerized Helen from Bey’s scheme to reincarnate his fiancée, who dares face the wrath of the Mummy?             

REVIEW:

Supported by mostly solid visuals (especially the decrepit Ardeth Bey), this adaptation proves a faithful recreation of Karloff’s horror classic.  Much of the credit (including for his cover image) goes to artist Tony Harris, as his work is a convincing argument to view the movie.  Though he doesn’t have enough pages to develop the characters (or at least add much depth), writer Dan Jolley smartly leaves enough gaps for readers to make necessary inferences.  Good read!   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7 Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels) Movies

HIGHLANDER # 0 (2006 DYNAMITE Entertainment)

Written by Brandon Jerwa & Michael Avon Oeming

Art by Lee Moder; Brian Buccellato; & Simon Bowland

Cover Art by Gabriele Dell’Otto

SUMMARY:

Published by Dynamite Entertainment in 2006, this preview issue occurs weeks after the first Highlander film. 

Set in late April 1986, three KGB agents pursue a sword-wielding serial killer into a Parisian nightclub late one night.  Among them, Tasya Desny (a female Immortal) is mortified by their target’s ominous chest tattoo. At his London antique shop, Connor MacLeod (aka Russell Nash) is summoned by Desny to Interpol’s Paris office.  Two others: Paul Furio and Dr. Arman Volkov come, as there is a long-standing pact amongst them.  A startled MacLeod remembers facing Kurgan before he is left an incendiary riddle linked to the Chérnobyl nuclear incident.  The Highlander grimly intends to infiltrate Russia to hunt down remnants of Kurgan’s barbaric cult.           

REVIEW:

Writers Brandon Jerwa and Michael Avon Oeming’s twelve-page teaser suggests a far better continuation of the first movie than the atrocious Highlander: The Quickening.  Although artist Gabriele Dell’Otto’s stellar cover is close to the caliber of Alex Ross, the same doesn’t apply to the rudimentary interior artwork.  At best, the art is adequate.  As sufficient compensation, this intriguing opener makes it easy to visualize actor Christopher Lambert mouthing MacLeod’s dialogue.  For classic Highlander fans, it’s at least worth checking out.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a five-page preview of Dynamite’s Lone Ranger # 1.  Suffice to say, its artwork easily surpasses Highlander’s interior visuals.  Among the various ads, the back cover is a cover reveal for Highlander # 1.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars