MHBK's Cool Stuff: Movies

Cool Stuff: Movies

This page is where I put up my movies that I currently own, want, and what you should avoid. I spend most of my money on anime, but I do everyonce in a while check out the lastest sci-fi flick, Hong Kong action flick, or Hollywood shoot 'em up. If it just so happens that the movie is cool, where does it end up? On the Cool Stuff page of course!

Notes:

The movie titles are underlined because the lawyers say so
Movies with an (R) are rated R and movies with an (UR) are un-rated.

Movies: currently owned

Aliens: Special Edition: Unlike the original Alien, Aliens focuses on pure adrinalin to make it go. A few suspensful moments are placed throughout the movie that give it some of the suspense of the original. The onlt thing I have a problem with is the gratuitis swearing. Did they really need to swear that much? This is the "Special Edition" so here's what makes it special. The now manditory digital remastering on both the picture and sound was done, but the big draw is the addition of 17 minutes of footage the was left on the cutting room floor. The new scenes add to the narrative scope of the movie and add something that was missing from the original release. Aliens is personally my favorite of the series.**** (R)

Army of Darkness: (aka: Evil Dead 3) The third title in the Evil Dead series, AoD takes a different turn from the previous two. For one thing the old cabin only appears in the begining. Also, you can tell right from the start that there is a lot more money in the buget. Of coarse this means that the effects are larger and fancier. But one of the signature elements is missing from this installment...Ash doesn't get drenched in gallons of blood (even though in the begining there is a big blood explosion). The over-all creepiness is still there though and you can tell that Ash is starting to lose it. Though not as good as the first two, it does manage to keep the feel. **** (R)
Army of Darkness: Director's Cut: ****(UR)

City Hunter: Not excactly like the anime or a Jackie Chan film, it is somewhere inbetween. The comedy sometimes gets to the point of "Looney Toons," but not all the time. The action though is above average and Chan does his usual magic. Since I have never seen much of the anime or manga, I can't say how close this is. I can say that this was something meant to be fun and not serious. The (in)famous "Street Fighter" sequence is an example of this (Jackie dressed as Chung-Li....). In another scene Jackie gets some help from Bruce Lee (as a movie being played) in how to defeat some tall baddies. Not great, but enough to please most. ***1/2 (NR)

Dark City: This is one of those movies that just makes you go "wow." Featuring some of the best effects I've seen since The Matrix, this is a movie that makes you think about reality. The actors do a good job, partly because the script is well written. Even though I think it would have been better if they would have left out the narritive at the begining, which reveals a little too much about what is going on. The ending is quite action filled and makes me wish I would have seen this movie in the theaters! **** (R)

Drunken Master: One of Jackie Chan's most famous movies. There are some seriously funny moments combined with lightning fast kung-fu. The sound and picture may be a little fuzzy (depending on who made the tape) but it's nothing serious. Just one little thing, there is a lot of drinking going on in this movie. **** (UR)

The Evil Dead: A unique mix of comedy, gore and horror, this movie is a classic. It may not have super special effects, but who really cares about those any way? This movie gets things done with a few hundred gallons of fake blood and "just when you least suspect it" horror. The acting is actually pretty good as it the picture and sound quality. It should be noted that I bought the digitally remastered version (which you should too).***** (UR)
Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn: While it is the official sequel, it's a little hard to explain this movie. This movie is basically a remake of the first, but it makes reffernces to the original. Oh well, this isn't too plot heavy. It is simple, but will keep you freaked out until the very end. Still utilizing gallons and gallons of blood and horror as it's main points, it is also a classic.***** (R)

From Dusk 'Till Dawn: One Clooney's better films, it shows his better side. This film's main focus is on the splatter fest action and not the plot-light story. The story is pretty easy to follow as it's pretty linear. The adult humor is another place where this movie shines, and there is alot of it :) There is also a sense of claustraphobia in the final scenes, simular to Night of the Living Dead, which is a good thing. There are however some really messed-up scenes in here so little kids and the squeemish should be kept away. ***1/2

Heavy Metal: This was originally released in 1980 (it's older than I am) and is starting to show it's age animation wise. That doesn't stop it from delivering a gut busting heavy metal ride. The soundtract is purely late 70's and that's a GOOD thing, all the classic rockers are there. It's true however, that the story is a little thin, but all of the shorts were never supposed to be linked anyway, so it isn't a big problem. ***1/2 (R)

The Matrix: ***** (R)

Metallica: Cunning Stunts: There is nothing like seeing Metallica live. Even though you have to see them live to get the whole effect, this tape is enough to give you the feel of the live show. Some who haven't heard Metallica live may be a little shocked at how much they swear, but its not over-done. This tape has most of their top songs and the music never stops. I am a little confused as to what happened near the end, but the guys still kept playing.***** (R)
Metallica: 2 of One: This tape features both versions of the "One" video and a little explanation of the song. Unless you recorded it way back in the day when MTV played real metal and you still have your Beta, this is a must buy.*****

Mr. Nice Guy: Though not as exciting as other Jackie Chan movies, this one is still up there. Seeing Jackie cook is one of the main highlights ^_^ This movie does have it's fair share of action and as always, Jackie goes all out to give his fans what they want. I recomend this for your collection, but you might want to get something else first.

New Fist of Fury Classic Jackie Chan. That's not really a good thing though, as in the case of most early Hong Kong action flicks, the dubbing isn't that great. Some of the accents are wrong, the picture quality is grainy, all the moves sound like wet rags and the sound gets fuzzy sometimes. For some, that is how it should be, and others will be turned off by it. It's all personal reference. ** (UR)

Night of the Living Dead: A true classic, this movie started the zombie genre. Right from the begining there is a sense of claustraphobia as the heros lock themselves up in the farm house and the zombie hordes start to close in. The makeup is actually quite effective, given the technology and the small budget. And for all those who think black and white isn't gorey, let me tell you that seeing a zombie eat a person's liver is sick anyway you see it. The acting may be a little campy, but it's not like they were Hollywood big shots. NOTE: There are currently acouple different versions of the movie out (digital remaster, widescreen, ect.) and I would suggest looking around for the one you want.***** (R)

Police Story: This movie (and the series) is regarded as Jackie Chan at his best. With some of the wildest (and expensive) stunts and action sequences caught on film, this movie is a classic. Chan's trademark humor is also present, along with an interesting story. A must have for any Hong Kong fan. NOTE: This is just the first of a series of movies that were made, but some of the names were changed when they were shown in theaters here in the U.S. *****

Ronin: Yet more proof Robert De Niro is a complete bad-ass. This film features several big stars from Europe, some of which have appeared here in U.S. films. An interesting tale of international mercenaries and espionage, this movie pacts both action and story into a great movie. I must admit that this movie features some of the most wild and explosive car chases I have seen to date. The gun fights are worth noting also for thier fast pace. On the story side of things, the question of morality and honor is brought up at a couple points and there are plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing. The acting is also worth noting as great. ***** (R)

Spawn: The Series (season 1)***
Spawn: The Series (season 2)****
Spawn: The Series (season 3)*****

Super Cop: Another of Jackie Chan's explosive movies. Featuring more of Chan's magic, it is a blend of action and comedy. Paired with several other actions stars, there is planety of action to go around. Featuring some darring stunts and amazing martial arts, this movie belongs in your collection. ****

Movies: What I Want
Here's what I might pick up if the store doesn't have the anime I want:

The Hunted
Jackie Chan's: selected titles
Robot Jox
Metallica: S&M and "A year and A Half..."

Movies: The crap I want get rid of
The following movies have earned there places as crap. Take my word for it, they blow!!!

Jackie Chan's Second Strike: STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS MOVIE! Jackie Chan IS NOT in this movie!!! Don't be fooled by the cover, this movie sucks.
Fantasy Mission Force: I think Jackie is in this movie...the picture quality is so bad I can't really tell. It's some sort of action comedy, witht the emphasis on comedy. I can't really say much more do to the fact the that it was so bad I turned it off in thirty minutes!
Um, I haven't had to get rid of much and besides, I usually rent non-anime before I buy it so go to my Movies: Rented page. Trust me, there is be some crap on that list!

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