Collection ID 403
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Starring: Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch, Martin Semmelrogge
Genre: Drama
Studio: Bavaria Film   Release date: 1981   Rated: R   
Language (Country): German (West Germany)
Summary: The claustrophobic world of a WWII German U-boat; boredom, filth, and sheer terror.
My Rating:
My Review: Das Boot - 1981 (Adventure, drama, thriller) Of course I own, and watched the director’s cut. I can’t believe that I’ve owned this movie since the 80s, and I’m just now (2016) writing a movie review about it. One of my all-time favorite movies, and one of the reasons why I own seven movies starring Jürgen Prochnow. Written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen (the NeverEnding Story, Enemy Mine, Shattered, In the Line of Fire, Outbreak, Air Force One, The Perfect Storm, Troy) this movie is based upon a novel by Lothar G. Buchheim. Starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann and many others. This is (imo) the best submarine movie ever made. Far better than U-571, Hunt For Red October, Run Silent Run Deep, The Enemy Below, Crimson Tide, Below. Admittedly, I haven’t seen every submarine movie ever made, but this one tops many lists (including mine). Set in 1942, the German submarine fleet is fully engaged in the ‘Battle of the Atlantic’. Sinking as many ships as they can, they’ve also started to take heavier losses due to the recent increase in convoy escorts with heavier caliber guns. This is the story of U-96 and its crew. The crew is professional, well disciplined and their morale is high. These sailors know what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and what the consequences are. This movie is more than a single tale, it’s a historical document, a period film, an epic film filled with many military and political themes. It explores many of the grand themes of war on a macroscopic scale. All these larger themes are crammed into the confines of a long slender metal tube, navigating the dark cold waters of the North Atlantic - In search of prey, evading hunters. Jürgen Prochnow is perfectly cast as the captain of this boat, and his expressions and mood haunt the movie like a drowned man haunts the place where the ice gave way. The movie begins slowly in the shallows, but tension soon begins to build as the crew sets out into deeper waters. The mission is clear, the consequences dire and the danger great. In mission after mission, the tension grows, the suspense builds, you’re gripping your seat - True terror is just minutes away as the depth charges continue to rain down, and the seafloor rises up like your certain and inescapable fate. The brave members of this sub are made helpless under the crushing weight of the sea, their clueless leaders and the ultimate futility of their nation’s destiny. The story feels so real. It feels like we’re watching a live event. The emotions rise quickly to the surface and you can’t help but feel everything they feel. By the end of the movie, you are one of the crew. You feel for them as if the outcome affects you personally. Perfect writing, perfect direction, perfect acting, truly amazing cinematography and no cgi! I give Das Boat a 5 out of 5. Do yourself a favor. Watch this very long movie (the Director’s cut is 209 minutes) with subtitles. The emotional cues and timing nuances are much stronger in the native language.

Collection ID 1123
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Starring: Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, Hubertus Bengsch, Martin Semmelrogge
Genre: Drama
Studio: Bavaria Film   Release date: 1981   Rated: R   
Language (Country): German (West Germany)
Summary: The claustrophobic world of a WWII German U-boat; boredom, filth, and sheer terror.
My Rating:
My Review: Das Boot - 1981 (Adventure, drama, thriller) Of course I own, and watched the director’s cut. I can’t believe that I’ve owned this movie since the 80s, and I’m just now (2016) writing a movie review about it. One of my all-time favorite movies, and one of the reasons why I own seven movies starring Jürgen Prochnow. Written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen (the NeverEnding Story, Enemy Mine, Shattered, In the Line of Fire, Outbreak, Air Force One, The Perfect Storm, Troy) this movie is based upon a novel by Lothar G. Buchheim. Starring Jürgen Prochnow, Herbert Grönemeyer, Klaus Wennemann and many others. This is (imo) the best submarine movie ever made. Far better than U-571, Hunt For Red October, Run Silent Run Deep, The Enemy Below, Crimson Tide, Below. Admittedly, I haven’t seen every submarine movie ever made, but this one tops many lists (including mine). Set in 1942, the German submarine fleet is fully engaged in the ‘Battle of the Atlantic’. Sinking as many ships as they can, they’ve also started to take heavier losses due to the recent increase in convoy escorts with heavier caliber guns. This is the story of U-96 and its crew. The crew is professional, well disciplined and their morale is high. These sailors know what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and what the consequences are. This movie is more than a single tale, it’s a historical document, a period film, an epic film filled with many military and political themes. It explores many of the grand themes of war on a macroscopic scale. All these larger themes are crammed into the confines of a long slender metal tube, navigating the dark cold waters of the North Atlantic - In search of prey, evading hunters. Jürgen Prochnow is perfectly cast as the captain of this boat, and his expressions and mood haunt the movie like a drowned man haunts the place where the ice gave way. The movie begins slowly in the shallows, but tension soon begins to build as the crew sets out into deeper waters. The mission is clear, the consequences dire and the danger great. In mission after mission, the tension grows, the suspense builds, you’re gripping your seat - True terror is just minutes away as the depth charges continue to rain down, and the seafloor rises up like your certain and inescapable fate. The brave members of this sub are made helpless under the crushing weight of the sea, their clueless leaders and the ultimate futility of their nation’s destiny. The story feels so real. It feels like we’re watching a live event. The emotions rise quickly to the surface and you can’t help but feel everything they feel. By the end of the movie, you are one of the crew. You feel for them as if the outcome affects you personally. Perfect writing, perfect direction, perfect acting, truly amazing cinematography and no cgi! I give Das Boat a 5 out of 5. Do yourself a favor. Watch this very long movie (the Director’s cut is 209 minutes) with subtitles. The emotional cues and timing nuances are much stronger in the native language.

Collection ID 559
Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, Ty Burrell
Genre: Action
Studio: Strike Entertainment   Release date: 2004   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: The survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing the flesh-hungry undead, take refuge in a mega shopping mall.
My Rating:
My Review: A remake of George Romero's classic. The director this time around is Zack Snyder. While the acting could have been a little better, the casting was great, and the script was excellent. The camera work was spot-on, and the zombies were extremely disgusting. Zombie movies seem to be the in-thing these days, and this one doesn't disappoint. With an ending that's different from the original, the action never relents in this gore-fest roller-coaster of a horror flick. Splendid fare for Halloween's eve.

Collection ID 1260
Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, Ty Burrell
Genre: Action
Studio: Strike Entertainment   Release date: 2004   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: The survivors of a worldwide plague that is producing the flesh-hungry undead, take refuge in a mega shopping mall.
My Rating:
My Review: A remake of George Romero's classic. The director this time around is Zack Snyder. While the acting could have been a little better, the casting was great, and the script was excellent. The camera work was spot-on, and the zombies were extremely disgusting. Zombie movies seem to be the in-thing these days, and this one doesn't disappoint. With an ending that's different from the original, the action never relents in this gore-fest roller-coaster of a horror flick. Splendid fare for Halloween's eve.

Collection ID 1593
Director: Matt Reeves
Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Studio: Chernin Entertainment   Release date: 2014   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, American Sign Language (USA, UK, Canada)
Summary: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.
My Rating:
My Review: The second film in the 'Reboot' series. This film follows Rise of the Planet of the Apes (10 years later); with the remake of Planet of the Apes being considered separately. With too many writers, this movie was directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In (remake of Swedish movie: Lat den ratte komma in (Let the Right One In)). Starring Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis and others. Here is the continuation of the Planet of the Apes story. Remade with better costumes, sets, and a lot of cgi - Thankfully, the CGI has progressed to the point where you barely notice that it's 'Fake' (the movie was made 13 years after the Planet of the Apes remake). Unlike the Planet of the Apes remake, the CGI is getting much better. It's still not perfect, and there were occasional scenes where I was cringing. In this story, the 'Apes' have made it past the initial apocalypse and disease ridden prequels. The Simian Flu has wiped out most of the humans and considerably increased the intelligence of apes. The surviving apes have established themselves in an isolated forest based community, and the remaining humans are eking out a meager existence in their ruined fortress. Both groups are living peacefully - Until the Humans stumble upon the Apes. Thankfully this movie slowed down enough to make sense of the plot. It wasn't just a bunch of shooting and killing. The story of Caesar the intelligent speaking ape continues. The movie operates at two different levels - A clash of societies; where the survival of each group is dependent on the actions of a few, and interpersonal relations; where the actions of the few affect the fate of the group as a whole. Very well written, despite the unusually high number of writers. The dialog is great, as is the dichotomy of words versus actions in the story. Apes Together Strong - Ape no kill Ape. I give this movie a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 620
Director: Hamid Rahmanian
Starring: Hoda Nasseh
Genre: Drama
Studio: 4th Row Films   Release date: 2006   Rated: NR   
Language (Country): Farsi (Iran)
Summary: In Iran, capital punishment is carried out according to Islamic law, which gives the family of the victim ownership of the offender's life. Bay Break, based on a compilation of true stories and shot inside of Tehran's cerntury-ol prison, revolves around the imminent execution of Mansour, a man found guilty of murder. WHen the family of the victim repeatedly fails to show up on the appointed day, the execution is postponed again and again. Stuck inside the purgatory of his own mind, he waits as time passes on without him caught between life and death, retribution and forgiveness.
My Rating:
My Review: Day Break is a pretty good story, but the movie wasn't directed or produced very well, and the acting wasn't the best. This incredibly depressing film is about capital punishment. Yeah, Iran practices capital punishment in accordance with Islamic law. Is this supposed to be some sort of political statement? The movie starts out in a documentary style, but eventually switches into a standard drama about a convicted murderer. The movie tries to portray the murderer as a victim. His sentence (death by hanging) cannot be carried out unless the family of the victim shows up. Three times he's led to the gallows, twice he's returned to his cell.. The movie ends with the outcome 'hanging' like a depressing but dramatic question. Darkness, boredom and depression ruled this film, and I couldn't help but wonder why I was watching such a depressing movie. There was good contrast between the depressing aspects of the movie and the hope of some redemption. Color and music made some difference in this regard. Unfortunately it didn't help enough.

Collection ID 1319
Director: Hamid Rahmanian
Starring: Hoda Nasseh
Genre: Drama
Studio: 4th Row Films   Release date: 2006   Rated: NR   
Language (Country): Farsi (Iran)
Summary: In Iran, capital punishment is carried out according to Islamic law, which gives the family of the victim ownership of the offender's life. Bay Break, based on a compilation of true stories and shot inside of Tehran's cerntury-ol prison, revolves around the imminent execution of Mansour, a man found guilty of murder. WHen the family of the victim repeatedly fails to show up on the appointed day, the execution is postponed again and again. Stuck inside the purgatory of his own mind, he waits as time passes on without him caught between life and death, retribution and forgiveness.
My Rating:
My Review: Day Break is a pretty good story, but the movie wasn't directed or produced very well, and the acting wasn't the best. This incredibly depressing film is about capital punishment. Yeah, Iran practices capital punishment in accordance with Islamic law. Is this supposed to be some sort of political statement? The movie starts out in a documentary style, but eventually switches into a standard drama about a convicted murderer. The movie tries to portray the murderer as a victim. His sentence (death by hanging) cannot be carried out unless the family of the victim shows up. Three times he's led to the gallows, twice he's returned to his cell.. The movie ends with the outcome 'hanging' like a depressing but dramatic question. Darkness, boredom and depression ruled this film, and I couldn't help but wonder why I was watching such a depressing movie. There was good contrast between the depressing aspects of the movie and the hope of some redemption. Color and music made some difference in this regard. Unfortunately it didn't help enough.

Collection ID 447
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Starring: Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier, Diane Venora, Mathilda May
Genre: Thriller
Studio: Universal Studios   Release date: 1973   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, French, Italian, Spanish, German (USA)
Summary: A professional assassin codenamed "Jackal" plots to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France.
My Rating:
My Review: Screenplay by Kenneth Ross, based upon the book (same name) by Frederick Forsyth. Directed by Fred Zinnermann (High Noon, From here to eternity, A man for all seasons). Starring Edward Fox, Terence Alexander, Michel Auclair and others. A superb political thriller based on a best-selling novel (of the same name). The clock is ticking, France is on guard against assassination. Someone is trying to assassinate Charles de Gaulle, and the killer is a professional assassin; a man known only as 'The Jackal'. This movie takes place in the early 60s in France and the location shots are excellent. Based partly on fact. There were many assassination attempts on Charles de Gaulle during this time period. The president of France was a favorite target of radical groups across Europe, and this book brings those fears to the screen. Edward Fox is superb as the calculating killer hired for a cool half million! As the Jackal makes his cold, calculated and precision plans, the French police are desparately scrambling to find the Jackal - They know that he's been hired to kill the President, but can they figure out where and when he will strike? Tense drama and a high stakes game of cat and killer. No need for absurd special effects or cgi. This movie keeps you at the edge of your seat without resorting to cheap thrills and scantily clad women. The first five minutes of the film are more than enough to convince you. You must watch this movie. Excellent editing, superb direction and splendid acting. A 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1158
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Starring: Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier, Diane Venora, Mathilda May
Genre: Thriller
Studio: Universal Studios   Release date: 1973   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, French, Italian, Spanish, German (USA)
Summary: A professional assassin codenamed "Jackal" plots to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France.
My Rating:
My Review: Screenplay by Kenneth Ross, based upon the book (same name) by Frederick Forsyth. Directed by Fred Zinnermann (High Noon, From here to eternity, A man for all seasons). Starring Edward Fox, Terence Alexander, Michel Auclair and others. A superb political thriller based on a best-selling novel (of the same name). The clock is ticking, France is on guard against assassination. Someone is trying to assassinate Charles de Gaulle, and the killer is a professional assassin; a man known only as 'The Jackal'. This movie takes place in the early 60s in France and the location shots are excellent. Based partly on fact. There were many assassination attempts on Charles de Gaulle during this time period. The president of France was a favorite target of radical groups across Europe, and this book brings those fears to the screen. Edward Fox is superb as the calculating killer hired for a cool half million! As the Jackal makes his cold, calculated and precision plans, the French police are desparately scrambling to find the Jackal - They know that he's been hired to kill the President, but can they figure out where and when he will strike? Tense drama and a high stakes game of cat and killer. No need for absurd special effects or cgi. This movie keeps you at the edge of your seat without resorting to cheap thrills and scantily clad women. The first five minutes of the film are more than enough to convince you. You must watch this movie. Excellent editing, superb direction and splendid acting. A 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1490
Director: Steve Sekely
Starring: Howard Keel, Nicole Maurey, Janette Scott, Kieron Moore, Mervyn Johns
Genre: Horror
Studio: Allied Artists Pictures   Release date: 1962   Rated: Approved   
Language (Country): English (UK)
Summary: A shower of meteorites produces a glow that blinds anyone that looks at it. As it was such a beautiful sight, most people were watching, and as a consequence, 99% of the population go blind. In the original novel, this chaos results in the escape of some Triffids: experimental plants that are capable of moving themselves around and attacking people. In the film version, however, the Triffids are not experimental plants. Instead they are space aliens whose spores have arrived in an earlier meteor shower.
My Rating:
My Review: Here's a movie that's ripe for a remake; by M. Night Shyamalan or Steven Spielberg. It had a lot of great sci-fi/horror elements in it. An alien invasion, Zombie like behavior, Global destruction; very post-apocalyptic. The story is fairly complex and I believe parts of it have showed up in many later day sci-fi horror movies. The opening sequence features a man in a hospital, who wakes up one day to find London? in Chaos (28 Days Later). World wide destruction is caused by blindness in 90% of the worlds population. Blind victims wander the streets with arms outstretched; looking very much like zombies. Then there's the alien plants. Eight to ten feet tall, flesh eating, poison spraying abominations that have an uncanny ability to home in on their victims. Lashing out with their prehensile tendrils, they threaten to eat the entire cast. It's a great B-movie which I enjoyed quite a bit. Unfortunately the quality of the movie transfer was terrible. Some parts are so washed out and damaged that you can barely follow the dialogue through the hazy images on the screen.