Sherlock Holmes: a Game of Shadows - DVD and Blu-ray (2011) - Grade A
Click here to read my review for Sherlock Holmes: a Game of Shadows on Commentary Track.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance - DVD and Blu-ray (2012) - Grade D
The CGI and practical special effects are pretty good but the film lacks an engaging screenplay, or a screenplay in general, and the character of The Ghost Rider meanders about mostly and prefers to stare at his enemies rather than murder them, using the fires of hell. Directors Nevldine/Taylor were not part of the screenplay process and the end result is proof of that.
The Gold Rush - Criterion Collection DVD and Blu-ray (1925) - Grade A+
Here is vintage and classic Chaplin, and The Gold Rush is one of his three greatest films. This is the film where he famously eats his shoe (in actuality it was made of chocolate) out of sheer starvation. Watching The Tramp suck the flavour out of the shoe's nails is equal parts hilarious and melancholy; which were the core emotions that Chaplin portrayed best.
Harold and Maude - Criterion Collection DVD and Blu-ray (1971) - Grade A
An entertaining film through and through. It focuses on a troubled and misunderstood boy that falls for a an elderly woman. They quickly become terrific friends and their relationship grows to become a wonderful one. Harold and Maude is terrific entertainment.
In Darkness - DVD and Blu-ray (2011)
Superman vs. The Elite - DVD and Blu-ray (2012) - Grade B
Superman meets and teams up with a group of super-powered youngsters named The Elite and shortly after teaming up, he realizes that the world's moved on and that he's become a relic. The average American prefers to live in the now and The Elite are the next best thing. The media ignored Superman because he's still too righteous (and boring) but the line must be drawn when it comes to killing one's enemies, a line that Superman will never cross.
The film focuses on what it truly means to be a hero and how to properly handle bad guys in front of cameras and tabloids. The Elite have no problem killing their enemies but Superman has a big problem with them.
Good screenplay; terrible character design; good animation and graphics. Check this film out, folks.
