Nick of Time - 1995

Paramount Pictures

Directed by John Badham

Cast:

• Gene Watson – Johnny Depp
• Lynn Watson – Courtney Chase
• Mr. Smith – Christopher Walken
• Huey – Charles S. Dutton
• Ms. Jones – Roma Maffia
• Gov. Eleanor Grant – Marsha Mason
• Brendan Grant – Peter Strauss
• Krista Brooks – Gloria Reuben
• Officer Trust – Bill Smitrovich

Story: Gene Watson is coming from San Diego on the train with his daughter, Lynn. He arrives in Los Angeles and is headed to an appointment when he and his daughter are stopped by two police officers as they are leaving the train station and asked to come with them. They get into a van, where the man tells Mr. Watson he has two choices, do what he is told or they will kill his daughter. The time is shortly after noon. Mr. Smith tells Mr. Watson to go to the Bonaventure Hotel and kill the Governor. He has until 1:30 p.m., or his daughter dies. While Mr. Watson tries to figure a way out of killing the Governor, he discovers there are more people involved than just the two people who have kidnapped him. The plot leads all the way to the Governor's husband.

Review: Johnny Depp as your average Joe C.P.A.? Naw, say it isn't so. Isn't this the guy who rose to fame with strange robotic blades for fingers, with an eye-patch and catchy phrases, with a reputation for playing the strange and unusual? Well, the role may not be strange or unusual, but the movie certainly is. For one thing, it is extremely rare for a 90 minute movie to actually happen in 90 minutes. But Nick of Time is about the occurrences in Gene Watson's life over a span of 90 minutes. Christopher Walken shines as the SOB cop/assassin who manipulates Depp's character, and Roma Maffia excels as his partner. I think the most interesting aspect of this film is combining two powerful character actors (Depp and Walken) across from each other. The action is fast and non-stop, and the tension builds throughout the film. When Depp finally finds help in the form of Charles S. Dutton, a shoe shine man in the lobby of the Bonaventure, the help comes in the strangest way. Rated R for violence and language, this is a interesting, breakneck paced film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Flatliners - 1990

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Stonebridge Entertainment

Directed by Joel Schumacher

Cast:

• Nelson – Kiefer Sutherland
• David Labraccio – Kevin Bacon
• Rachael Mannus – Julia Roberts
• Joe Hurley – William Baldwin
• Randy Steckle – Oliver Platt
• Winnie Hicks – Kimberly Scott
• Billy Mahoney – Joshua Rudoy
• Anne Coldren – Hope Davis

Story: Five medical students are searching for proof of something beyond death. Nelson, the experiment's innovator and the leader of the five, has devised a plan to kill himself, temporarily, and be revived after a minute and a half of documented death. His classmates will then revive him and he can relate what happened. The experiment goes as planned, but there is one unforeseen complication. He brings his past sin with him. One by one, the students undergo the same experience, but they stay dead longer each time, and each of them brings something back with them. Each person finds the resolution in confronting the past, and each with terrifying results.

Review: Every time I think about this film, I have this flashback of Wednesday Addams about to electrocute Pugsly while playing a game called “Is there a God?” The premise of the film is that one could view the afterlife and come back with the ability to report on their findings. The idea that a medical school would admit or retain anyone who had these tendencies, let alone allow a sizable amount of expensive equipment to go unaccounted for, is ridiculous. Given that, I have to say the film has merit, but it is certainly not the merit of a sound plot. The acting, however, is superb, and every cast member should be applauded for their ability to rise to the occasion in this somewhat palatable “horror” film. Kiefer's ability to maintain his character's persona is exceptional, breaking at just the right moment in the film. Julia Roberts certainly gives us a performance rivaling her work in previous films, as well as adding an interesting perspective to the idea of guilt and redemption. Kevin Bacon is the glue than binds this band together, with his ability to maintain the focus of the five on the problems they are facing. Oliver Platt provides an interesting sort of comic relief, and William Baldwin brings his boyish demeanor into play with his particular sin, although you have to wonder how that character ever got into medical school. The sets really give us the “horror” feeling, and you have to give Joel Schumacher his props for his camera angles and framing of the these spooky rooms and buildings. Rated R for violence, sexual references and scenes, and language, definitely not one for the younger set. Wouldn't want to give anyone ideas.

The Double - 2011

Hyde Park Entertainment, Agent Two, Brandt/Haas Productions

Directed by Michael Brandt

Cast:

• Paul Shepherdson – Richard Gere
• Ben Geary – Topher Grace
• Tom Highland – Martin Sheen
• Bozlovski – Tamer Hassan
• Brutus – Stephen Moyer
• Oliver – Chris Marquette
• Natalie Geary – Odette Annable
• Amber – Stana Katic
• Leo – Yuri Sardarov
• Sen. Dennis Darden – Ed Kelly
• Agent Weaver – Jeffrey Pierce

Story: A cold war assassin previously thought dead, code named Cassius, has appeared to come out of retirement with the killing of a diplomat in the nation's capitol. FBI director Highland orders retired Special Agent Paul Shepherdson out of retirement. Shepherdson was the man who tracked Cassius and his crew of trained assassins for more than twenty years, but never caught him. But Director Highland thinks he is still the man for the job. Highland teams Shepherdson with Ben Geary, an analyst whose master's thesis was on Cassius. The two pursue leads, always one step behind the killer, who kills with a most unique cut to the throat. They soon discover there is a leak, but who?

Review: Lots of turns and twists in this fast paced tale of spies and espionage. Richard Gere and Topher Grace work well together in this excellently crafted spy thriller. The entire cast works as an ensemble to present a tale worthy of your interest. Without revealing too much, it is safe to tell you this story deals with what happened to the agents in the field at the fall of the Soviet Union and whatever became of the KGB. Odette Annable is remarkable as Topher's wife, and gives us the impression of the clean cut, all American wife supporting her FBI husband. Martin Sheen is, as always, remarkable in his portrayal of the FBI Director. Overall, the cinematography and photography are crisp and clear, the plot is excellent, and the film is an exceptional effort to keep your attention. Rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, and language, I can safely recommend this one to the parents for a good family film, as long as the little ones are in bed. Be prepared for the last 10 minutes of the film, you won't see it coming. Collectible, too soon to tell, but it ranks right up there with Bond and Bourne.

The Lincoln Lawyer - 2011

Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment

Directed by Brad Furman

Cast:

• Mick Haller – Matthew McConaughey
• Maggie McPherson – Marisa Tomei
• Louis Roulet – Ryan Phillipe
• Frank Levin – William H. Macy
• Ted Minton – Josh Lucas
• Val Valenzuela – John Leguizamo
• Jesus Martinez – Michael Pena
• Cecil Dobbs – Bob Gunton
• Mary Windsor – Frances Fisher
• Detective Lanksford – Bryan Cranston
• Eddie Vogel – Trace Adkins

Story: Ah, the life of a successful defense attorney in Los Angeles. All glamour and movie stars. Not! Matthew Haller realistically defends the scum of the Earth, and he knows it. His clients are drug dealers, murderers, and other criminals, but he comforts himself with the fact they pay well. His office is the back seat of his classic Lincoln Continental, and his part-time chauffeur and bodyguard is ready and observant. But sometimes, you have to actually defend a client who might be innocent, and if you lose, the fact that you failed at your job is likely to haunt you. That's what happens when another attorney, Val Valenzuela, drops a case in Haller's lap, a young man from a family with money accused of attempted rape and assault. His ex-wife is the prosecutor, and Haller discovers he is defending a guilty man, but a client of his who is serving time on death row may be innocent. How can Haller defend his client when he knows he is guilty?

Review: Okay, so not the most original plot, but some nice twists and turns. Matthew McConaughey gives a good performance in this courtroom drama, and is supported by an incredibly able cast. Veteran character actors William H. Macy and John Leguizamo add class and excitement with excellent portrayals of the investigator and the referring attorney. The remaining cast rises to their level, so we have a cast of professionals giving us a polished and entertaining production. The fact that two of the most beautiful ladies in film are included doesn't hurt. Marisa Tomei manages to keep her clothing on (unlike The Wrestler) in spite of a torrid love scene with McConaughey. And the absolutely beautiful Frances Fisher is incredible as the domineering mother of the accused who is footing the bill through her son. Kudos to Trace Adkins for a small but well done performance as the leader of the motorcycle gang who has Haller on retainer. (I guess no one is satisfied with just being an excellent singer and performer anymore.) Overall, the film is fast paced, well edited, and entertaining, exactly what a good movie should be. Rated R for violence, sexual innuendo, and language, this one is for the older teens and the adults. Too much explaining for the rug rats. Collectible? Not particularly, unless you are a fan of McConaughey, Tomei, or good courtroom drama.

Rambo III - 1988

Carolco Pictures

Directed by Peter MacDonald

Cast:

• John Rambo – Sylvester Stallone
• Col. Sam Trautman – Richard Crenna
• Col. Zaysen – Marc de Jonge
• Griggs – Kurtwood Smith
• Masoud – Spiros Focas
• Mousa – Sasson Gabai
• Hamid – Doudi Shoua
• Kourov – Randy Raney
• Tomask – Marcus Gilbert

Story: Three years have passed since John Rambo recovered the POW's in the Vietnamese prison camp and walked away from his connections with the U.S.. He's been living in Thailand with the monks, doing manual labor and odd jobs, and occasionally raising some cash by stick fighting. But eventually his past is going to come back to haunt him. Col. Trautman gets wind of his location and with the help of the U.S. Embassy, tracks him down. When he finally meets up with John, he offers him another mission, this one in Afghanistan. The Soviet commander in one zone just over the Pakistan border is a particularly cruel and effective man, the mission is to investigate and discover how this man is getting his intelligence. Rambo refuses the mission, and Trautman leaves. Several weeks later, Griggs, the man from the Embassy comes to tell Rambo his friend has been captured. Without hesitation, Rambo volunteers to go in to rescue Trautman, knowing full well if he is caught or captured, the U. S. government will not acknowledge him. When John goes into Pakistan to meet his guide, he discovers the source of the leak, and must go into battle against the Soviets to free his friend.

Review: So First Blood 2 was a segue? Start with the Vietnamese and end up with the Soviets? Sigh. Well, the truth of the matter is this third film of the franchise is no less exciting than the first two, although in the first film we were dealing with a man who felt disconnected from his country. In this film, Rambo has found a sort of peace in his life with the monks, a simple life without the hustle and distraction of modern living. While I doubt Stallone's character has achieved a state of Zen, there is a calmer, more focused individual who is working on the temple buildings. Even in his communication with his Afghan guide, John is calmer, more easy going, yet still guarded in his person. He lets go only what is needed. Technically, the film is superb. The photography and stunts are nothing short of amazing, and the quality of the plot is par for the Rambo action genre. Rated R for violence and language, this film is collectible with the set and viewable once if you have seen the others. Not my favorite of the series, but certainly not the worst.

First Blood: Part II - 1985

Anabasis N.V.

Directed by George P. Cosmatos

Cast:

• John Rambo – Sylvester Stallone
• Col. Sam Trautman – Richard Crenna
• Marshall Murdoch – Charles Napier
• Lt. Col. Podovsky – Steven Berkoff
• Co – Julia Nickson
• Ericson – Martin Kove
• Tay – George Cheung
• Banks – Andy Wood
• Capt. Vinh – William Ghent
• Sgt. Yushin – Voyo Goric
• Capt. Kinh – Dana Lee

Story: Three years after his brush with the law, John Rambo is doing hard labor at a Military prison when Col. Trautman shows up at the gate. He has a proposition for Rambo that might earn him a presidential pardon. He is verify a Vietnamese prison camp, the one he escaped from in Vietnam, is empty and there are no American prisoners being held there. He is inserted by parachute and is almost killed when his gear becomes entangled on the aircraft, but manages to cut himself free. He meets up with his guide, a lovely Vietnamese girl named Co, and proceeds to the camp, only to find there are prisoners being held. When he and one of the prisoners reach the extraction point, Murdoch, the CIA agent in charge, orders the helicopter to abort the mission, leaving Rambo and the prisoner to be recaptured by the Vietnamese and Soviet soldiers. Rambo is interrogated and tortured, but manages to escape with a new mission: Find Murdoch!

Review: Second film in the franchise and heading slowly downhill. While the level of action is certainly maintained in this second installment of the legendary Rambo, the film seems just a bit under the excitement level of the first. The addition of the Soviets in this film is certainly an accusation from Stallone's perspective, and I am sure managed to ruffle a few diplomatic feathers at the time [there was a Soviet Union in 1985, kiddies]. Because of that, the film was shot in Malaysia, since we had no real relationship with Vietnam at that time. So you have to understand the crew was working in miserable conditions with mosquitoes large enough to hold a gun on you while they sucked your blood and humidity thick enough to slice and eat for breakfast. As to the characters, Rambo seems a bit mellower following a three year stint of making little ones out of big ones. Trautman seems like he has lost his self confidence when dealing with Murdoch. And speaking of Murdoch (played by Charles Napier), would you ever trust a word this guy says? Martin Kove is the perpetual pseudo tough guy who has a small and fairly inconsequential role. The remaining cast is straightforward and somewhat boring, but overall the film is entertaining and does have the merit of putting the POW/MIA issue on the forefront. Rated R for violence, disturbing scenes, and language, First Blood 2 is worth seeing once and collectible if you have the set or love Stallone.

Texas Killing Fields - 2011

Anchor Bay Films, Blue Light, Infinity Media

Directed by Ami Caanan Mann

Cast:

• Mike Souder – Sam Worthington
• Brian Heigh – Jeffrey Dean Morgan
• Little Ann Sliger – Chloe Grace Moretz
• Shauna Kitteridge – Corie Berkemeyer
• White Kid – Trenton Perez
• Mrs. Kitteridge – Maureen Brennan
• Captain Bender – Tony Bentley
• Neighbor – Becky Fly
• Lucie Sliger – Sheryl Lee
• Eugene – James Hebert
• Pam Stall – Jessica Chastain

Story: Souder, a homicide detective in a small Texan town, and his partner, transplanted New York City cop Detective Heigh, track a sadistic serial killer dumping his victims' mutilated bodies in a nearby marsh locals call 'The Killing Fields'. Though the swampland crime scenes are outside their jurisdiction, Detective Heigh is unable to turn his back on solving the gruesome murders. Despite his partner's warnings, he sets out to investigate the crimes. Before long, the killer changes the game and begins hunting the detectives, teasing them with possible clues at the crime scenes while always remaining one step ahead. When familiar local girl Anne goes missing, the detectives find themselves racing against time to catch the killer and save the young girl's life. (borrowed from IMDb)

Review: Based on true events (again?), there seem to be a lot of these going around these days, but this one is not one of the better ones. While the actors play their roles well (and I must confess, part of the reason I rented this is because Sam Worthington was in it), the film lacks an overall sense of cohesion. We are tossed into the middle of things, and the dialog concerning the “Killing Fields” is sketchy at best. Sam Worthington's character seems to feel there is enough crime in his jurisdiction to let the killing fields be someone else's problem. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's character is taking those killings personally, for some reason that is never fully revealed until a local girl comes up missing. There's plenty of action, a fairly good plot, but not enough exposition to tell us what is going on. The depth of the character development is poor, and the photography looks like something out of the Blair Witch Project at times, nothing to write home about. Rated R for language, violence, and some sexual situations, I'd recommend this for people who have a lot of time on their hands and don't care about things like making sense. If you must rent it, do so, but can't see this one as being collectible.

Apollo 18 - 2011

Dimension Films, Bekmambetov Projects Ltd. (BPL), Apollo 18 Productions

Directed by Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego

Cast:

• Ben Anderson – Warren Christie
• Nate Walker – Lloyd Owen
• John Grey – Ryan Robbins
• Deputy Secretary of Defense – Michael Kopsa
• Mission Control – Andrew Arlie
• Laura Anderson – Kim Wylie
• Ryan Anderson – Noah Wylie
• Nate's Girlfriend – Ali Liebert
• John's Fiancee – Erica Carroll

Story: Unknown to the world, the US did launch another Apollo mission, a secret military mission with only one agenda: place listening devices and motion activated cameras on the moon. The three astronauts chosen were not briefed on any other details, and they are confused when their equipment begins to have problems. Because of communications problems, they miss one take off, and begin to realize there is more here than meets the eyes. They stumble upon a Russian lander, and realize the bodies of the two Cosmonauts did not die of natural causes. Their worst fears are realized when they are told they cannot return to Earth.

Review: Conspiracy theories and “recovered” footage, hmm...Blair Witch project, take three? While not quite ready to put this in the total waste of time category, I have to admit this could have used a lot of work. The acting is so-so, the dialog is “too” real, almost forced, and the story wanders around in search of a decent climax. Like “Cloverfield”, the project was a low-budget, ambitious film with that more than tripled its cost, which has to have made the investors happy. But the premise of the US sending three men into space to die, knowing the outcome of the mission, is sparse at best, and the worst kind of obscure and meaningless conspiracy theory. Hostile creatures on the moon, spider-like beings disguised as rocks then sent by the government to other nations to what, assassinate other leaders in mysterious, untraceable deaths? Sorry, but I just can't wrap my head around this one. Probably a “once see” for the scifi crowd, rated PG-13 for violence and language, I don't see this one as a collectible, or really as that entertaining.

Columbus Circle - 2012

Oxymoron Entertainment, Blue Star Entertainment, G4 Pictures

Directed by George Gallo

Cast:

• Abigail Clayton – Selma Blair
• Lillian Hart – Amy Smart
• Charles Stratford – Jason Lee
• Detective Frank Giardello – Giovanni Ribisi
• Klandermann – Kevin Pollack
• Dr. Raymond Fontaine – Beau Bridges
• Detective Jerry Evans – Jason Antoon
• Howard Miles – Robert Guillaume

Story: Abigail Clayton has not come out of her condo in nearly twenty years. Her self imposed agoraphobic existence is about to be disturbed when the neighbor across the way from her condo is found dead from a fall, an accident? Detective Giardello isn't convinced, and questions the neighbors, including Abigail. He is even more intrigued to find no trace of this mysterious woman before she moved into the condo. Abigail, in an attempt to protect her privacy, attempts to purchase the victim's condo, only to find out it has been sold to Lillian and Charles, a dysfunctional couple who soon intrude upon her privacy even more. Abigail hears them arguing loudly outside her door, and peeks through the peep hole to witness Lillian being hit across the face by Charles, who is obviously drunk. Abigail tries to help, but this only leads to further intrusions as she attempts to be supportive of the apparently abused woman. Meanwhile Detective Giardello and his partner, Jerry Evans, locate Dr. Fontaine, who they soon discover is also Abigail's doctor. As the plot unfolds, we learn this is a carefully orchestrated attempt to steal a fortune from Abigail. Will it work?

Review: Bravo to Kevin Pollack, who also co-wrote this refreshing mystery in the style of the Raymond Chandler stories of old. Selma Blair and Giovanni Ribisi (in my opinion one of the most underexposed and capable actors of recent years, re: The Other Sister, Boiler Room, Avatar, etc.) give plausible and perfectly tuned performances in this film. The supporting cast is exceptional. Jason Lee provides the audience with a new perspective on his already estimable talents, not falling back upon his comedic style. Pollack and Bridges, two actors whose abilities are well known, provide us with exceptional supporting characters, as do Jason Antoon and Amy Smart. Although the initial twenty minutes of the film are a bit slow, the action quickly picks up and the conclusion contains a refreshing twist. Cinematography and photography are excellent, and the film has a cohesive feel that provides the illusion of the first time, which is after all the point of acting. Rated PG-13 for language and violence, hats off to the director and writers for not falling into the “gratuitous sex scenes that so often accompany films of this nature. Collectible? Depends on your particular bent, but wouldn't rule it out. Watch it and decide for yourself.

Cloverfield - 2008

Paramount Pictures, Bad Robot

Directed by Matt Reeves

Cast:

• Marlena Diamond – Lizzy Caplan
• Lily Ford – Jessica Lucas
• Hudson 'Hud” Platt – T. J. Miller
• Rob Hawkins – Michael Stahl-David
• Jason Hawkins – Mike Vogel
• Beth McIntyre – Odette Annabele

Story: Shot from the perspective of a personal video camera, we follow five young adults through a night of sheer horror. Rob Hawkins, the older brother of Jason, is leaving tomorrow for Japan for his job, and his friends decide to throw him a going away party. We see moments leading up to the party, as well as some personal footage (they borrowed Rob's camera to shoot the memento video and forgot to change the tape) between Beth and Rob. While the party is in full swing, Beth shows up with another guy, and Rob and her argue, some of it on tape. Beth and her friend leave the party, and Rob is off sulking when an explosion rocks the building and the power flickers on and off. The guests quickly leave the party and go out into the street to see what is happening, when the head of the Statue of Liberty comes sailing through the air and lands in the street. They quickly learn the Army is battling a creature of unknown origin in the streets of Manhattan, and trying to evacuate civilians. Rob, Hud, and Lily head out to find Beth, who is injured and in her apartment. Along the way they discover Marlena, and together the four try to rescue Beth and make it to the evacuation area before the Army obliterates Manhattan.

Review: An interesting take on the horror genre, Cloverfield was not my first “recovered footage” film. I have to admit, once I got through the first 20 minutes of the film, it moved pretty well. The dialogue was interesting and the actors played their parts well. Since the entire film is comprised of “recovered classified footage”, the film is not of the quality you would expect from a big budget production. But the story is both plausible (except for the creature, which is never fully identified) and real. How would you react to that level of chaos and panic? This is an interesting character study which looks for the best in the participants, who are willing to sacrifice their lives to save another. While certainly not a huge collectible for the mainstream, I think this will be a favorite of lovers of the Blair Witch Project and Apollo 18. Rated PG-13 for terror, violence and disturbing images, I think this is one time you should heed the warning and watch this one after the little ones are asleep.

Mission Impossible; Ghost Protocol - 2011

Paramount Pictures, Skydance Productions, Bad Robot

Directed by Brad Bird

Cast:

• Ethan Hunt – Tom Cruise
• Jane Carter – Paula Patton
• Benji Dunn – Simon Pegg
• William Brandt – Jeremy Renner
• Kurt Hendricks – Michael Nyqvist
• Anatoly Sidorov – Vladimir Mashkov
• The Secretary – Tom Wilkinson

Story: Ethan Hunt is caught up in another mystery as he and his inexperienced IMF team is set up to take the fall for a massive explosion at the Kremlin. A rogue Russian physicist has concluded a nuclear war will save the planet and should happen so that only the fittest survive. He has anticipated the involvement of the super secret IMF,and as they are burglarizing the Kremlin in an attempt to safeguard the launch codes for their nuclear arsenal, they are set up to take the fall while the lunatic scientist escapes with the codes. The team travels to Dubai, where they must assault the building servers at the 130th floor, and ultimately to Mumbai, where they must prevent the detonation of a nuclear device on San Francisco.

Review: More of the same...with less. Don't get me wrong, I was a big fan of the television series, even the more sedate episodes where the team had to get in and out without ever being detected. And when Tom started the series with an excellent cast and a seriously good plot, I applauded the return to the adventures of the IMF. But this film lacks the power and the potency of it's three predecessors. While Cruise recaptures the role of Ethan Hunt well, his supporting team acts as if they have no clue as to what's happening. While I think the director was trying to inject a bit of humor in the incessant babblying of Simon Pegg, the false modesty of Paula Patton, and the hesitantcy of Jeremy Renner, these attempts fail miserably, and we are left with a Keystone Kops version of what should be a very dramatic and exciting film. The special effects and stunts are impressive, but that is a combination of money and technology, and with the backers for this film, I doubt either was in short supply. I am sure they were counting on the appeal of the franchise to carry this one to the box office hits column, and they were right. However, if this writing and acting are any indication of the future of this series, I think we would be better off with a remake of Space 1999. Rated PG 13 for the violence and language, rent it if you must, add it to your collection if you have the other three, I suppose. It will not be in mine.

Kill the Irishman - 2011

Anchor Bay Films, Code Entertainment, Dundee Entertainment

Directed by Jonathon Hensleigh

Cast:

• Danny Greene – Ray Stevenson
• John Nardi – Vincent D'Onofrio
• Joe Manditski – Val Kilmer
• Shondor Birns – Christopher Walken
• Joan Madigan – Linda Cardellini
• Ray Ferritto – Robert Davi
• Grace O'Keefe – Fionnula Flanagan
• Tony Salerno – Paul Sorvino
• Jack Licavoli – Tony Lo Bianco
• Jerry Merke – Bob Gunton
• Leo 'Lips' Moceri – Mike Starr

Story: Based on the true story of the Irishman who dared to defy the Mob in Cleveland in the 1970's. Danny Greene was a true Celtic warrior, or so the story goes. He's involved in the unions on the docks, unloading freight containers, when a few people encourage him to run for union president. When he helps out a friend who has run up a gambling debt with the local mob, he becomes involved in a spiral into the world of organized crime. He becomes the union president, and is involved in a number of enterprises, including organizing the local garbage men. A local reporter snoops around and discovers some of his dealings, which leads to his arrest and conviction. But Danny is still a force to be reckoned with, and he soon returns to the criminal life as a collection agent for a loan shark, Shondor Birns. When Birns eventually puts a contract out on Danny, he sets into motion a murder spree that accounts for more than 30 explosions and killings in the underworld, and a syndicate story that shocked the nation.

Review: Great cast, great acting, and an absolute must-see for mafia-philes. Ray Stevenson and Linda Cardellini give exceptional performances as Danny and Joan Greene in this hard hitting story based on his life. Unlike many bio-dramas, this one moves along at a rocket pace, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. D'Onofrio is exceptional in this role, as is Christopher Walken, and you have to wonder how Stevenson keeps up with such powerful performers, but he does. Lots of favorite character actors dress up this larger than life scenario, including the lovely and always enticing Fionnula Flanagan as the neighbor, Mike Starr as one of Tony Lo Biano's enforcers, and Bob Gunton as the Union President who can't stand on his own. Paul Sorvino gives us the perfect NYC mob boss image and, while his role is brief, it's a performance worth watching. Val Kilmer's role as the police officer who grew up with Greene is subdued, but he carries it off with the right tone and balance to the film. Since a great film always comes down to the director, we have to give Jonathon Hensleigh a resounding round of applause for this fascinating and entertaining portrait of the underworkings of the mob. Rated R for violence, language and sexual situations, if you like films like the Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino, etc, you are going to love this one. And if you are a fan of those, this needs to be added to your collection.

Trust_ - 2010

Millennium Films, Nu Image Films, Dark Harbor Stories

Directed by David Schwimmer

Cast:

• Will – Clive Owen
• Lynn – Catherine Keener
• Annie – Liana Liberato
• Doug Tate – Jason Clarke
• Gail Friedman – Viola Davis
• Charlie / Graham Weston – Chris Henry Coffey
• Peter – Spencer Curnutt
• Katie – Aislinn DeButch
• Al Hart – Noah Emmerich

Story: A cautionary tale that exposes the reasons for parents to educate their children on the dangers of online relationships. Annie, an innocent fifteen year old with a good family and loving parents, is deceived into thinking she is chatting with a boy her own age. After they have been chatting a while, he tells her he is actually in college. They continue their online relationship until she reveals her parents will be out of town for a weekend, then he asks for a meeting at the local mall where she lives, telling her he will be in town. When she finally meets Charlie, he is much older, but her inexperience allows her to be sucked into his lies and his pretended feelings for her. He convinces her to get into his car, takes her to a motel, and connives her into surrendering her virginity. She is so ashamed she fell for this deception she denies it is rape. The incident comes to light because a friend saw her in the mall with the man and reported it to the school, who called the police. Annie's father is lost in his emotions, and instead of confessing his shame at not knowing what was happening, is focusing on the man instead of his daughter.

Review: I would hope every student in every elementary school in the country would be required to watch this exceptional film. David Schwimmer proves himself as capable behind the camera as in front of it in this story of the internet and what can happen when more information that is prudent is revealed. Clive Owen gives a powerful performance as the father who discovers too late his daughter is the victim of an internet predator. Catherine Keener is equally as powerful as the mother who is trying to keep her family together. Liana Liberato assures us with this performance she will be rising on to many more films. The tone of the film, the tempo, even the photography is beyond reproach and why this wasn't nominated for content alone is beyond me. This is a dark and totally believable film, and the context and content are fitting for this electronic world we live in. Parent or child, you need to see this film if you are an internet user. Rated R for language, sexual situations and innuendo, and some violence, this film will hit you to your core and scare the hell out of you, especially if you are the parent of a teenage girl. Collectible for the family, and loan it to the school for their use.

Killer Elite - 2011

Omnilab Media, Ambience Entertainment, Current Entertainment

Directed by Gary McKendry

Cast:

• Danny – Jason Statham
• Spike – Clive Owen
• Hunter – Robert De Niro
• Davies – Dominic Purcell
• Meier – Aden Young
• Anne – Yvonne Strahovski
• Martin – Ben Mendelsohn
• Agent - Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Story: Based on a true story by Ranulph Fiennes, a British officer in the service of the Sultanate of Oman, orginally published under the title “The Feather Men.” A special ops team of assassins is sent in to eliminate a politician, but after the assassin kills the target, he discovers there is a child in the car. He hesitates, is shot in the arm, and his team manages to extract him before the police and guards can get to him. As he is being driven away, he tells the team leader “I'm out.” approximately a year later, while working on his property in Australia, he receives a package in the mail containing an airline ticket and a photo of his team leader in captivity. When he arrives in Oman, the Sultan explains there are three men responsible for the deaths of his sons, and he wants them killed before he will uphold his bargain with the British for oil rights. If Danny, the assassin, does not do this, they will kill Hunter, his old team leader. There is a slight problem, the men he wants killed are all Special Air Service commandos, known as some of the most skilled killers in the world. As Danny works with his former teammates, Davies and Meier, to complete the task, Spike, a former SAS operative in the service of the “Feather Men”, discovers his former teammates are being killed and alerts the SAS. Danny must battle the British government's most prolific killers to keep his team leader alive.

Review: This is NOT a remake of the 1975 film! This is a remarkable translation of a book that exposes the British government, or at least a scheming, ruthless portion of it, for the money grubbing, greedy opportunists they were. Set in Oman in the 1980's, the film focuses on an elite team of assassins sent in under the guise of maintaining political stability to take out elements of the government who were unfriendly to British interests. There missions are simple assassinations, usually clean kills, until the one we see at the opening of the film. I could digress into the book itself, but had better stick to the movie if I don't want to start an editorial. I do highly recommend the book, if you have the time. As to the film, it is a no-holds barred look at the seedy underside of political deals and the life of a trained mercenary. Jason Statham gives a rare and remarkable performance as the assassin who is tired of the game, yet pulled back in to save the life of his former team leader, Robert De Niro. De Niro's performance is highly reminiscent of his role in Ronin, and he brings that sense of a man who knows so much more than he is willing to tell. Clive Owen is a passionate, cold blooded killer who has trouble coming to grips with his physical impairment (he lost an eye) which led to his discharge from the SAS. Dominic Purcell gives a stellar performance as the assassin who resembles Fiona in Burn Notice in attitude (“Shall we shoot them?”), but is intensely loyal and follows orders as directed. The film moves quickly, and the action is appropriate to the scene, which means that there are no added explosions or visuals beyond what is needed to get the point across. Rated R for language, violence, and some sexuality/nudity, this is a carefully thought out film without a bias. The events unfold, the story is told, and it is up to you, the viewer, to determine right and wrong. I will leave collectible up to you, it will depend on your taste in politics and war films.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - 2011

Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Scott Rudin Productions

Directed by David Fincher

Cast:

• Mikael Blomkvist – Daniel Craig
• Lisbeth Salander – Rooney Mara
• Henrik Vanger – Christopher Plummer
• Martin Vanger – Stellan Skarsgard
• Dirch Frode – Steven Birkoff
• Erika Burger – Robin Wright
• Anita Vanger – Joely Richardson
• Cecilia Vanger – Geraldine James
• Dragan Armansky – Goran Visnjic

Story: A renown Swedish investigative reporter, Mikael Blomkvist, who has exposed the illicit dealings of a major financial player is taken to court and successfully sued. He resigns from his position at his newspaper and is approached by a retired industrialist to investigate the forty year old mystery of his granddaughter's disappearance. As he investigates, he finds there are many skeletons hidden in this family's closet, including the family Nazi's, but most of his leads are ending in dead ends. Mikael decides he requires assistance. The industrialist had Mikael's background checked prior to hiring him, so Mikael demands to see the report. Having read things that could only be discovered by an adept hacker, he insists on hiring this individual as his assistant. Lisbeth is a very different individual, a thin, goth appearing girl with multiple piercings and tattoos, including a large dragon across her left shoulder. We see enough of her life to know she is a hard individual who cares little for the conventions of society, and has a very mean temper. But she is an adept researcher who knows how to analyze information, and together, Mikael and Lisbeth must piece together the mystery of the disappearance of Vanger's granddaughter.

Review: Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig form an interesting and unusual pair in this thriller based on the book by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. There is a lot of exposition at first, since the characters are new and their lives complicated, to say the least. And frankly, at just under two and one half hours, I would not be a proponent, but this film is an exception. The background of the characters, especially Lisbeth's, is required to understand the darkness of not only the family being investigated, but the investigators themselves. The depth of Lisbeth's darkness can be seen in the way she deals with a purse snatcher in the subway, and with the abusive state appointed clerk who administers her funds after her guardian is hospitalized. Christopher Plummer is superb as the retired industrialist who only wants closure to the disappearance of his granddaughter, an event he might have put out of his mind except that every year on his birthday he receives the same gift she gave him before she disappeared. Stellan Skarsgard gives a wonderful performance as the incompetent grandson who is ruining the company, and Joely Richardson is magnificently understated in her role. Perhaps the most impressive player is Daniel Craig, who continues to astound us with his range and depth of ability. To transition from the hard, emotionless Bond to this role is a total reversal of character, but one we have seen before in Defiance and Lara Croft. Craig, I believe, is the next actor to be added to the list of phenomenal performers like DeNiro, Hopkins, Pacino, and a scattered few more. Lastly, Rooney Mara impresses me with her ability to remain detached yet empathic in this role. Overall, this film is a wonderful peek into the dark underbelly of the human condition, and a must see for fans of Hitchcock, Craven, and the other masters of horror who have gone before. Rated R for graphic violence, rape, torture, language, and sexuality, I would hazard to say this film belongs in your collection if you are a fan of the detective genre.

Resident Evil: Afterlife - 2010

Constantin Film Produktion, Davis-Films, Impact Pictures

Written and Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson

Cast:

• Alice – Milla Jovovich
• Claire Redfield – Ali Larter
• K-Mart – Spencer Locke
• Luther West – Boris Kodjoe
• Chris Redfield – Wentworth Miller
• Albert Wesker – Shawn Roberts
• Bennett – Kim Coates
• Jill Valentine – Sienna Guillory

Story: The clone Alice army has destroyed the Tokyo facility of the Umbrella Corporation in a daring move that kills everyone but Alice and Albert Wesker, one of the main leaders of the corporation. Wesker is also infected with the T-Virus, and like Alice, has incredible speed, agility, and healing powers. But as he is escaping from Tokyo, he is about to kill Alice on his escape plane when the plane crashes. Alice survives, even though she has been returned to human status thanks to an injection delivered by Wesker. Sic months later, Alice has located a plane and is flying to Alaska to find Claire and the others from the caravan. When she arrives, she finds only a deserted field with lots of abandoned planes and helicopters, and is almost ready to give up when she is attacked....by Claire Redfield. Claire and the others were captured by the Umbrella Corporation to be used as subjects for further development of the T-Virus. Together, Claire and Alice fly to Los Angeles, where they locate another group of survivors who are also looking for an escape to Arcadia. But Arcadia is not a city in Alaska, it is a ship off the coast broadcasting a signal to offer shelter and food with no fear of infection.

Review: Paul W.S. Anderson returns to direct this fourth installment of the incredibly popular franchise. Milla Jovovich and Ali Larter reprise their roles as Alice and Claire. Kim Coates is offered up as our resident “jerk”, a part he has played so well in so many films. And hats off to Shawn Roberts, who is the best villain of the series so far. While this film is far more expository that the first three, the level of zombie terror is maintained with the addition of mutated zombies who have grown mandibles similar to the Reaper strain in Blade 2. Overall, this film is less satisfying than the previous three, but does resolve some plot issues and returns Alice to humanity. Boris Kodjoe is excellent as the even tempered former basketball star who is trying to keep the small group alive in their fortress, and while Spencer Locke is in the film, her role is so small it barely merits credits. For the adrenaline junkies among us, the opening scenes of the film make the best use of the Alice clones, and the action there is excellent, although brief. The mutated baddie known only as the Axeman is an interesting contrivance, yet too easily done in by Larter and Jovovich. Consider this film a bridge between Extinction and Retribution, which is accented by the brief but ominous appearance of Sienna Guillory (hint: Don't skip the end credits). Rated R for violence and language, like Extinction, if you have them, you have to have this one for the collection.

Resident Evil: Extinction - 2007

Resident Evil Productions, Constantin Film Produktion, Davis-Films

directed by Russell Mulcahy

Cast:

• Alice – Milla Jovovich
• Carlos Olivera – Oded Fehr
• Claire Redfield – Ali Larter
• Betty - Ashanti
• K-Mart – Spencer Locke
• L. J. - Michael Epps
• Dr. Isaacs – Iain Glen

Story: The T-Virus has run amok, spreading faster than anyone would have imagined, and the earth is dying. Alice is staying on the run, trying to hide out from the satellites of the Umbrella Corporation, but there are other evils about. She encounters a small group of people who have gone savage, using a radio distress call to lure victims in to rape and torture for their entertainment. When they are done, they feed them to the mutated dogs in their cellar, but Alice has other ideas. Her powers are growing stronger as well, psychic powers that she has not learned to control yet, but they are growing. After an incident where she loses her motorcycle, she stumbles on a caravan of survivors out in the Nevada desert led by Claire Redfield, and runs into her old friends Carlos and L. J.. She has found there may be hope in Alaska, on a tiny island that is free of the disease, but in order to get there, the caravan must resupply, and that means they have to go to a big city, where the zombies are likely to be. The Umbrella Corporation has also regained their signal on Alice, and are tracking her along wit the caravan. Alice must defeat the corporation once again while trying not to endanger the lives of the survivors.

Review:

Alternative Title:
Hot women with guns taking on zombies and the bad guys responsible for making them.

Milla Jovovich kicks butt and takes names in this third installment of the popular series. This time the virus has spread and has encompassed the world, so Alice is out and about, trying to avoid the undead. Now toss in Ali Larter, the tough, smokin' hot gal from Final Destination and Heroes, add in some Ashanti, and spice it up with the return of Oded Fehr and Michael Epps, and you have an action film that is sure to please. The Umbrella Corporation is well represented, with Iain Glen returning as the infamous Dr. Isaacs, the Frankenstein of all Frankensteins. When he learns Alice is still around, he tries every trick in the book to get her back. Be careful what you wish for, Doc. Great stunts, great action, and every bit as exciting as the first two films, Resident Evil: Extinction is sure to please the fans of the video game and the movies. And for us old guys, there is an "homage" to the King of Horror himself, Alfred Hitchcock, that is sure to please. Rated R for brief nudity, violence, and language, if you have the others, you have to have this one in your collection.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse - 2004

Constantin Film Produktion, Screen Gems, Davis-Films

Directed by Alexander Witt

Cast:

• Alice – Milla Jovovich
• Jill Valentine – Sienna Guillory
• Carlos Olivera – Oded Fehr
• Major Cain – Thomas Kretschmann
• Angela Ashford – Sophie Vavasseur
• Dr. Ashford – Jared Harris
• L.J. - Mike Epps
• Terri Morales – Sandrine Holt
• Nemesis – Matthew G. Taylor

Story: We pick up where we left off in Resident Evil. The city is in a panic as the Umbrella Corporation evacuates key personnel and erects a wall around the city. Alice has managed to find an surplus store and is armed to the teeth. Meanwhile the police are trying to contain the panic, and a team of special officers known as S.T.A.R.S. are working in conjunction with Umbrella Corp. Special Forces to attempt to limit the spread of the disease. The zombies are winning, of course, and Alice is doing what she does best, kicking ass and taking names. When she rescues two STARS officers and a reporter from a mutant demon in a church, they all work together to find a way out of the city. Alice knows the Umbrella Corporation will sanitize the city with a 5 kiloton nuclear weapon at dawn, so they have that long to escape. Meanwhile, one of the scientists who created the T-virus is desperately seeking help to rescue his daughter from the city. He contacts Alice and her team and offers them a way out in exchange for the rescue of his daughter. When they have her, Alice must battle her counterpart, Nemesis, to survive.

Review: Milla Jovovich once again plays Alice, the genetically altered warrior whose powers are growing more and more powerful every minute she is alive. She is literally a one woman army, and her skills are impressive. Milla's character is bent on accomplishing one goal: Destroy the Umbrella Corporation. She exits the Raccoon City hospital and seizes a police shotgun out of an abandoned squad car, and begins to walk down the street littered with cars and other vehicles wrecked and destroyed. Meanwhile, Jill Valentine, a sexy and deadly STARS cop played by Sienna Guillory, is on alert as well, taking the initiative and shooting the zombies in the head. She and her partner are at the only exit from the city when a man becomes one of the walking dead and the gates are closed, sealing the city from the outside world. Oded Fehr and his team of commandos are pinned down by zombies and soon realize no help is coming. Jared Harris as Dr. Ashford has only one priority, to get his daughter out of the city. This film is as good as the first and perhaps a little better. Tina Gerussi and Robyn Ray deserve exceptional mention for their casting. Rated R for brief nudity, language, and violence, this is a must see if you liked the first movie, are a fan of the video game, or just like a good old fashioned high tech bloodbath with plenty of action.

The Prophecy 3: The Ascent - 2000

Dimension Films

Directed by Patrick Lussier

Cast:

• Gabriel – Christopher Walken
• Zophael – Vincent Spano
• Danyael – Dave Buzzota
• Maggie – Kayren Butler
• Joseph – Steve Hytner
• Zealot – Brad Dourif
• Pyriel – Scott Cleverdon
• Mary – Moriah Shining Dove Snyder
• Madge – Sandra Ellis Lafferty

Story: The Nephalim is fully grown and preaching. Young Danyael, who was orphaned when Molotov cocktails were thrown through the window of his home, is preaching against God to the homeless and disenfranchised when a zealot in the crowd opens fire and shoots him. Gabriel, who is mortal, defends the young prophet, and takes steps to clear his path as he comes back from the dead. Maggie, his companion and mate, is disbelieving, but soon realizes Danyael is not merely a “talking monkey” like the rest of us. The rebellious angels, now led by Zophael, must prevent Danyael from defeating Pyriel, the angel who has been chosen to lead the human race into genocide. When Danyael travels to meet Pyriel, he meets Mary, the native American girl, who prophecies to him. As Gabriel travels to observe the battle, he stops in to the same roadside cafe as the first movie, and has a meeting with Madge, the waitress. In the end, Nephalim and Angel must battle for the future of mankind.

Review: This final chapter of the trilogy brings together all the unanswered questions of the first two films. Walken, Hytner, and, delightfully, Sandra Ellis Lafferty reprise their roles with amazing clarity. Walken is the mortal Gabriel who was cast to earth after the final scene in Prophecy 2, and he makes it apparent whose side he is on. By becoming one of the “talking monkeys”, he now understands the value of their existence and realizes he can no longer oppose God's plan. Dave Buzzota, in his premier performance, is intense and powerful as the Nephalim who soon discovers he has been “kicking against the pricks”. When his destiny is revealed, he throws himself into the role with such vehemence that you get caught up in his mission. The characters are consistent with the first two films, and the overall feel of the movie is enticing and thrilling. Rated R for violence, language, and some brief nudity, this is a good film for followers of modern horror and a must see for anyone who enjoyed the first two film. Collectible with the set, meaningless without the others.

The General's Daughter - 1999

Paramount Pictures, Neufeld Rehme Productions, MFP Munich Film Partners GmbH & Company I. Produktions KG

Directed by Simon West

Cast:

• Warrant Officer Paul Brenner – John Travolta
• Warrant Officer Sara Sunhill – Madeline Stowe
• Lt. General Joseph Campbell – James Cromwell
• Col. William Kent – Timothy Hutton
• Col. George Fowler – Clarence Williams III
• Capt. Elizabeth Campbell – Leslie Stefanson
• Col. Robert Moore – James Woods
• Police Chief Yardley – Daniel von Bargen

Story: An Army Criminal Investigations Division Agent, Warrant Officer Paul Brenner, is undercover investigating the illegal sales of weapons to a civilian at Fort MacCallum. He is about to arrest the civilian when his suspect attempts to murder him and is killed in the process. As he is finishing up reporting to the local sheriff, he gets a call. When he arrives at a training area on the fort, he sees the body of a young woman lying staked to the ground and MP's all around. He has met her before, she helped him change a flat tire the night before. Also on the scene is a CID rape counselor and investigator, WO Sara Sunhill, with whom Brenner has had previous relations. Soon they discover the victim is none other than the daughter of the soon to retire General Campbell. As the two investigators probe into the crime, they discover a trail of coverups that lead back to West Point, the academy where the General's Daughter attended. Suspect after suspect is investigated until the truth is revealed, a truth the Army did not want revealed.

Review: Just how far should the military be allowed to “take care of it's own”? That is the underlying question in this fictional account of a rape covered over for the “good of the service”. Or was it? Travolta is at his best in this suspenseful thriller that places him between the proverbial rock and hard place. Is he a soldier first or a police officer? James Woods is equally good as the Commander and friend of the victim, and his position as the head of Psychological Warfare group makes him an interesting foil for the questions the investigator must ask. Madeline Stowe presents an interesting character as the skilled rape investigator who uncovers the perpetrators with a “minimum of effort”, and her conversations with Travolta (the character's ex-lover) bring out an interesting sub plot to the film. While the other actors in the film are adequate to the plot, the main conflict lies with Travolta and Stowe, so the remainder of the cast plays “second fiddle”. With scenes of nudity, sexual sadism, language and violence being strung throughout the film, it is well deserving of the R rating. While not particularly collectible, this film should be seen by any lover of a good drama with a surprising ending.