Collection ID 1319.5
Director: Deco dawson
Starring: Anders Erickson
Genre: Short, Music
Studio: Endstop and Elsewhere   Release date: 2005   Rated: NR   
Language (Country): English (Canada)
Summary: Inspired by fragments of Gus Van Sant's LAST DAYS, DUMB ANGEL features 17 year-old preternaturally talented rock drummer Anders Erickson, the undisputed incarnation of the Who's Keith Moon. Equal parts short film, improvised performance, documentary, music video, experimental film and audio composition, DUMB ANGEL presents an odd examination of fame, talent and television celebrity.
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Collection ID 162
Director: David Lynch
Starring: Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, José Ferrer, Linda Hunt
Genre: Action
Studio: Dino De Laurentiis Company   Release date: 1984   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: In the distant future, a man appears who may be the prophet that a long-suffering galaxy has been waiting for.
My Rating:
My Review: I love David Lynch movies, and this was one of my first. Aside from the fact that this movie was written (screen play) and directed by one of my favorite directors, it's also based upon my favorite novel. How could it possibly be bad? Thankfully, it's not. While there are some who decry it's deviation from the novel, it is only the truly faithful who see beyond the slight imperfections to the soul of this movie. A bold and certain direction - an imaginative and fresh perspective - an epic, grand exposition - A masterpiece. In my opinion, one of the best movies ever made. If you're looking for a Star Wars clone go elsewhere (the novel Dune was inspirational to the development of the Star Wars movies). Any comparison fails, as this film build its own mystique, its own adventure, its own legend. I've read the Dune series (first by Frank Herbert, then by his son Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson) since the early 80s, and I've still got plenty of reading to do (5 more to read out of 6 original novels and one autobiography by Frank Herbert, and 12 novels by Brian & Kevin). The original Dune movie - Starring Kyle MacLachlan (as Paul Atreides/Usul/Muad'Dib/The Mahdi/The Kwisatz Haderach), Kenneth McMillan (Baron Vladimir Harkonnen), Francesca Annis (Lady Jessica), Jurgen Prochnow (Duke Leto Atreides), Everett McGill (Stilgar), Jose Ferrer (Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV), Patrick Stewart (Gurney Halleck), Freddie Jones (Thufir Hawat), Dean Stockwell (Doctor Wellington Yueh), Brad Dourif (Piter De Vries), Sting (Yes the musician - as Feyd Rautha), Paul L. Smith (The Beast Rabban), Sean Young (Chani), Sian Phillips (Rev. Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam), Max Von Sydow (Dr. Kynes), Linda Hunt (Shadout Mapes), Alicia Witt (Alia), Virginia Madsen (Princess Irulan), Richard Jordan (Duncan Idaho), Jack Nance (Cpt. Lakin Nefud), Leonardo Cimino (The Baron's Dr.), Silvana Mangano (Rev. Mother Ramallo), and many others. A huge cast of talented actors. An excellent cast, which resulted in a superior movie. This movie, despite its 'short' run time of only 2 hours, 17 minutes manages to capture a small piece of the rich tapestry woven by the books of Frank Herbert. In a far, far, far, far distant future (we're talking the year 10,191), mankind has colonized the universe, conquered space, and become a highly evolved, speciezed race of beings, inhabiting all manner of environment. Despite the technological, psychological and physical achievements of mankind, the universe is still ruled by corruption, intrigue and deception. In this futuristic vision of mankind's fate, an obscure desert planet and its hardy desert dwellers become the focal point for an evolutionary change in mankind's struggle. As man testers on the brink of a new dark age, one man becomes the fulcrum of change - destined to tip the balance one way or the other. This movie is full of pageantry, style and vision. Populated with a rich, colorful palette of characters, some excellent special effects, and outstanding acting. The story is epic, dramatic and powerful. I love it! 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 357
Director: David Lynch
Starring: Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, José Ferrer, Linda Hunt
Genre: Action & Adventure
Studio: Universal Studios   Release date: 1984   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: Even more than most of David Lynch's deliberately bizarre and idiosyncratic movies, "Dune" is a "love-it-or-hate-it" affair. An ambitious, epic, utterly mind-boggling--and, let's admit it, all-out weird--adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novel, "Dune" remains one of the most controversial films in the director's exceedingly provocative career. The story (if "Dune" can be said to have just one story) is complex and convoluted in the epic tradition; it has something to do with political intrigue and a planet that is home to a precious spice and gigantic sand worms. Think Shakespeare's "Henry IV" with a dash of "Tremors", and set in another galaxy. But despite plenty of strangely whispered voice-overs that explain the characters' thoughts (and endlessly detailed exposition), storytelling is not really among the film's strong points. There are, however, a lot of memorably fantastic/grotesque images, an extraordinary cast, and a soundtrack featuring Toto. I told you it was weird. Among the stars are Kyle MacLachlan, José Ferrer, Dean Stockwell, Brad Dourif, Sting, Kenneth McMillan, Patrick Stewart, Sean Young, and Linda Hunt. The DVD contains the original release version; a shorter version cut for television has been disowned by Lynch, who insisted his name be replaced by that famous Hollywood pseudonym "Alan Smithee." "--Jim Emerson"
My Rating:
My Review: I love David Lynch movies, and this was one of my first. Aside from the fact that this movie was written (screen play) and directed by one of my favorite directors, it's also based upon my favorite novel. How could it possibly be bad? Thankfully, it's not. While there are some who decry it's deviation from the novel, it is only the truly faithful who see beyond the slight imperfections to the soul of this movie. A bold and certain direction - an imaginative and fresh perspective - an epic, grand exposition - A masterpiece. In my opinion, one of the best movies ever made. If you're looking for a Star Wars clone go elsewhere (the novel Dune was inspirational to the development of the Star Wars movies). Any comparison fails, as this film build its own mystique, its own adventure, its own legend. I've read the Dune series (first by Frank Herbert, then by his son Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson) since the early 80s, and I've still got plenty of reading to do (5 more to read out of 6 original novels and one autobiography by Frank Herbert, and 12 novels by Brian & Kevin). The original Dune movie - Starring Kyle MacLachlan (as Paul Atreides/Usul/Muad'Dib/The Mahdi/The Kwisatz Haderach), Kenneth McMillan (Baron Vladimir Harkonnen), Francesca Annis (Lady Jessica), Jurgen Prochnow (Duke Leto Atreides), Everett McGill (Stilgar), Jose Ferrer (Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV), Patrick Stewart (Gurney Halleck), Freddie Jones (Thufir Hawat), Dean Stockwell (Doctor Wellington Yueh), Brad Dourif (Piter De Vries), Sting (Yes the musician - as Feyd Rautha), Paul L. Smith (The Beast Rabban), Sean Young (Chani), Sian Phillips (Rev. Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam), Max Von Sydow (Dr. Kynes), Linda Hunt (Shadout Mapes), Alicia Witt (Alia), Virginia Madsen (Princess Irulan), Richard Jordan (Duncan Idaho), Jack Nance (Cpt. Lakin Nefud), Leonardo Cimino (The Baron's Dr.), Silvana Mangano (Rev. Mother Ramallo), and many others. A huge cast of talented actors. An excellent cast, which resulted in a superior movie. This movie, despite its 'short' run time of only 2 hours, 17 minutes manages to capture a small piece of the rich tapestry woven by the books of Frank Herbert. In a far, far, far, far distant future (we're talking the year 10,191), mankind has colonized the universe, conquered space, and become a highly evolved, speciezed race of beings, inhabiting all manner of environment. Despite the technological, psychological and physical achievements of mankind, the universe is still ruled by corruption, intrigue and deception. In this futuristic vision of mankind's fate, an obscure desert planet and its hardy desert dwellers become the focal point for an evolutionary change in mankind's struggle. As man testers on the brink of a new dark age, one man becomes the fulcrum of change - destined to tip the balance one way or the other. This movie is full of pageantry, style and vision. Populated with a rich, colorful palette of characters, some excellent special effects, and outstanding acting. The story is epic, dramatic and powerful. I love it! 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 482
Director: Courtney Solomon
Starring: Jeremy Irons, Bruce Payne, Justin Whalin, Marlon Wayans, Robert Miano
Genre: Adventure
Studio: New Line Cinema   Release date: 2000   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Profion, a tyrant attempts to overthrow a peaceful kingdom ruled by a tough empress.
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Collection ID 1041
Director: Courtney Solomon
Starring: Jeremy Irons, Bruce Payne, Justin Whalin, Marlon Wayans, Robert Miano
Genre: Adventure
Studio: New Line Cinema   Release date: 2000   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: Profion, a tyrant attempts to overthrow a peaceful kingdom ruled by a tough empress.
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Collection ID 1543
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace-Stone, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote
Genre: Family
Studio: Universal Pictures   Release date: 1982   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: A group of Earth children help a stranded alien botanist return home.
My Rating:
My Review: A family friendly classic. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie stars a relatively unknown cast: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote and others in this heart-warming tale of a loveable little alien who gets left behind during a scouting mission in the woods outside a sleepy California town. E.T. is befriended by a group of Earth Children. While E.T. attempts to 'Phone Home', a group of scientists is trying to track him down for scientific study. E.T. is going to need the help of his new found friends if he's going to avoid the specimen table. It's a touching drama that tugs at the heartstrings, and makes you wish you were a kid again. The acting is pretty good, the writing excellent, and the direction very good. Admittedly, the story is somewhat sappy and the dialog a bit corny. Still a classic tale, and a great movie. 4 out of 5. (Avoid the re-release as it has been heavily edited to 'correct' this outstanding film. I'm glad I still own the original theatrical release.)

Collection ID 28
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace-Stone, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote
Genre: Family
Studio: Universal Pictures   Release date: 1982   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: A group of Earth children help a stranded alien botanist return home.
My Rating:
My Review: A family friendly classic. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie stars a relatively unknown cast: Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote and others in this heart-warming tale of a loveable little alien who gets left behind during a scouting mission in the woods outside a sleepy California town. E.T. is befriended by a group of Earth Children. While E.T. attempts to 'Phone Home', a group of scientists is trying to track him down for scientific study. E.T. is going to need the help of his new found friends if he's going to avoid the specimen table. It's a touching drama that tugs at the heartstrings, and makes you wish you were a kid again. The acting is pretty good, the writing excellent, and the direction very good. Admittedly, the story is somewhat sappy and the dialog a bit corny. Still a classic tale, and a great movie. 4 out of 5. (Avoid the re-release as it has been heavily edited to 'correct' this outstanding film. I'm glad I still own the original theatrical release.)

Collection ID 684
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Dorothy Boyd, Darcia Deane, Franklin Dyall, Frank Elliott, Violet Farebrother
Genre: Drama
Studio: Digiview   Release date: 1927   Rated: Unrated   
Language (Country): English ()
Summary: I have to admit that I toyed between rating this movie a "3 star" or a "4 star" and I deferred to 3 star. I've seen too many movies over-rated and I must admit that there were times I wondered how much longer this movie would go on. I never did get any actual time on the movie but it seemed to run about 2 hours (I took time out from the DVD for dinner so I didn't have a good read on the time). I thought the movie was a bit long but, on the other hand, it seemed to me to be well put together. It is a morality play written by Noel Coward. It tells of a society lady who goes through a scandalous (by the English standards of the times) divorce. The noteriety she receives from the press causes her to leave for the south of France. There she meets a young(er?) English man and they fall in love. They return home to his parents remote rural estate. Father-in-law is impressed but mother-in-law is definitely not and she isn't afraid to let her son (as well as the rest of the world within earshot) know it. Life is tough for our lady of the "easy virtue but I won't elaborate further. The script, directing and the acting are well-done.

For the record, this is a silent movie which delivers some challenges to viewers not accustomed to these early films. I have generally appreciated the special talent that goes into making a good silent movie. The interruptions for titles need to be kept to a minimum or else we spend more time reading than watching (and that might give us ideas). In "Easy Virtue" the titles were surprizingly few yet always helpful when they appeared. The credit for this, I believe, can be shared by actors and director alike. The acting is very good in "Easy Virtue". The names are not familiar but the talent seems like it came from the English stage. Hitchcock deserves accolades for focussing on expressions of emotion that tell most of the story as we go along. There are also some uniquely Hitchcockian touches the best of which happened when the young Englishman was asking our heroine for her hand in marriage. She told him that she would think it over and call him that night with her answer. We see the scene where the young man is pacing and looking at the clock and then we see an operator putting through the call and listening in on the conversation. As the camera stays with the operator, it is through her varied emotional reactions we know just whose call it was and the exact moment she said "Yes".

I was a bit surprized at the sets. They went from the south of France to an impressive country estate to an indoor scene where mother-in-law walks into the room from a backdrop so cheaply two-dimensional that I could have probably drawn it better myself. The picture is understandably faded a bit but not enough to interfere with our viewing. All in all, a professional production that merely lacked a storyline strong enough to maintain our attention for the full time it ran. The more I write about it, however, the more I'm inclined to change my rating from 3 to 4 stars. I guess I better quit before I do.
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Collection ID 569
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker
Genre: Drama
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Video   Release date: 1990   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): German, English (USA)
Summary: I distinctly remember seeing the trailer for this film in the movie theater and a person near me said loudly "won't be seeing that movie." It's not for everyone - But it has since become my favorite fantasy film. Straight from Tim Burton's subconscious vision he paints the tale a sensitive, isolated stranger who is brought into the realm of Day-Glo suburbia by an Avon lady with the best of intentions. The story unfolds as the Main character is perceived as both creative and destructive by the denizens of this pristine, ordered world. The consequences are always grimm - but bittersweet, beautiful, visual storytelling takes this classic theme and elevates it to the highest artform a film can acheive. Edward is Frankenstein's Monster as the artist in society. The outsider who is appreciated for what they produce - but abhorred as a personality by those who worship their art. This should have been out on DVD much sooner! With commentary by Burton and the soundtracks composer Danny Elfman. I can't say how much of a treat this will be for fans of both. So to quote a classic episode of Seinfeld featuring two Italian Barbers " Edwardo Scissorhandsa, He maka me cry..." I am it it is me and so on.Omnia mutantur nihil interit
My Rating:
My Review: A magical tale. A fairy tale fable, a wondrous piece of work from Tim Burton. Written by Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson, this highly visual movie was directed by Tim Burton. The original score by Danny Elfman is evocative and soulful. Combine the writing, direction, music and acting talent of Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Vincent Price and Dianne Weist and you've got a great movie. Johnny Depp plays an unfinished outcast in a nearly perfect world. Created by a 'mad' scientist, who dies before he can afix real hands to his creation, Edward is left to fend for himself in a world thats not as non-judgemental as it claims to be. Befriended by the local Avon lady, everything starts out rosy, but quickly turns south when petty jealousies and insecurities begin to take there toll on the protagonist. The costumes, sets, and makeup are perfectly matched to the characters and milieu of this fictional suburban village. A must see for Tim Burton fans.

Collection ID 1270
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker
Genre: Drama
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Video   Release date: 1990   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): German, English (USA)
Summary: I distinctly remember seeing the trailer for this film in the movie theater and a person near me said loudly "won't be seeing that movie." It's not for everyone - But it has since become my favorite fantasy film. Straight from Tim Burton's subconscious vision he paints the tale a sensitive, isolated stranger who is brought into the realm of Day-Glo suburbia by an Avon lady with the best of intentions. The story unfolds as the Main character is perceived as both creative and destructive by the denizens of this pristine, ordered world. The consequences are always grimm - but bittersweet, beautiful, visual storytelling takes this classic theme and elevates it to the highest artform a film can acheive. Edward is Frankenstein's Monster as the artist in society. The outsider who is appreciated for what they produce - but abhorred as a personality by those who worship their art. This should have been out on DVD much sooner! With commentary by Burton and the soundtracks composer Danny Elfman. I can't say how much of a treat this will be for fans of both. So to quote a classic episode of Seinfeld featuring two Italian Barbers " Edwardo Scissorhandsa, He maka me cry..." I am it it is me and so on.Omnia mutantur nihil interit
My Rating:
My Review: A magical tale. A fairy tale fable, a wondrous piece of work from Tim Burton. Written by Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson, this highly visual movie was directed by Tim Burton. The original score by Danny Elfman is evocative and soulful. Combine the writing, direction, music and acting talent of Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Vincent Price and Dianne Weist and you've got a great movie. Johnny Depp plays an unfinished outcast in a nearly perfect world. Created by a 'mad' scientist, who dies before he can afix real hands to his creation, Edward is left to fend for himself in a world thats not as non-judgemental as it claims to be. Befriended by the local Avon lady, everything starts out rosy, but quickly turns south when petty jealousies and insecurities begin to take there toll on the protagonist. The costumes, sets, and makeup are perfectly matched to the characters and milieu of this fictional suburban village. A must see for Tim Burton fans.