Here are our latest reviews of films on DVD.
Pre-2020 Film Reviews
Annie Hall (1977)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: The film is worthy for Best Picture on two fronts: the magical chemistry between Diane Keaton in the title role as a wannabe singer, and Allen’s perfectly timed wisecracks as a comedian on the rise playing Alvy Singer.
The Apartment (1960)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: In 1960, Billy Wilder won Best Picture with a film—whose basic plot swirls around the trials and tribulations of infidelity of both sexes—seemed like a shock to some, but for many more was the ideal precursor to the Swinging ‘60s and free love.
The Artist (2011)
- Excerpt: Words defeat me
The Avengers (2012)
David “DC” Bolling @ DC’s Take
- Excerpt: The Avengers should’ve not worked for a massive superhero film, but it did rightfully so. While it isn’t perfect, this is what a summer blockbuster should be like when it’s a fun and adventurous time with an ensemble of memorable characters and action wildly succeeding on every level.
Beh-Hur (1959)
- Excerpt: Death by spectacle
Braveheart (1995)
- Excerpt: It’s our wits that make us men.
A Chance to Die (2000)
- Excerpt: “A Chance to Die” is not high art, but as far as action crime “b-movies” go, you will not find many better, also because Chen managed to incorporate the aforementioned social comments.
Flower Drum Song (1961)
James Plath @ Family Home Theater
Forrest Gump (1994)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: Seeing this 1994 winner of Best Picture in 2022, immediately reminded me of how far cinema has come in portraying the “different amongst us”.
Gladiator (2000)
- Excerpt: No, this is not Trump in 2021, but Roman Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix is completely believable as the murderous despot) in 130 AD. Seeing this Best Picture of 2000 now brought mixed emotions.
Going My Way (1944)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: Any excuse for a song
Goodbye Tsugumi (1990)
- Excerpt: “Goodbye Tsugumi” has its merits, particularly through the presentation of the town and the intense character of Tsugumi, but lacks impact, emotion, and drama, resulting in a title that does not do justice to the original in any way.
The Last Emperor (1987)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: Asia belongs to us!
The Life of Emile Zola (1937)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: The search for truth against all odds takes on a decidedly romanticized tone in the 1937 Best Picture winner.
Oliver! (1968)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: There must have been something in the water. In the same year that Oliver! was nominated, while Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey didn’t even come into contention, this trite musical took home Oscar’s Best Picture gold.
Ordinary People (1980)
- Excerpt: The 1980 Best Picture winner is an impressive study of how families CAN fall apart after a tragic death of son/sibling.
Rain Man (1988)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: Far and away the best thing about Barry Levinson’s production is Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of autistic savant, Raymond Babbitt.
Sacco & Vanzetti (1971)
- Excerpt: Montaldo’s sometimes showy camera work emphasizes the theatrical nature of the trial and appeals, as well as how quickly Sacco and Vanzetti became symbols of a nation’s fears or ideals, depending on which side you’re on.
Spring Tide (2019)
- Excerpt: “Spring Tide” does a bit more than it should (could if you prefer), particularly in its comments and episodes, but when considered individually, all the remarks are pointed and rather interesting, while the acting alone make the movie a must-watch.
Terms of Endearment (1983)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: My sweet-ass gal
Terror of Yakuza (1976)
- Excerpt: “Terror of Yakuza” is an excellent exploitation/yakuza film, that fans of Fukasaku’s style will definitely enjoy.
Tom Jones (1963)
- Excerpt: Count me out!
Unforgiven (1992)
James Wegg @ JWR [French]
- Excerpt: They had it coming.
The Warped Forest (2011)
Gregory J. Smalley @ 366 Weird Movies
- Excerpt: Shunichiro Miki melds the weirdly organic and the comically absurd into a singular pocket of dreamspace, presenting a completely personal and unduplicatable vision that is simultaneously shocking, angularly erotic, and heartwarming.
The Wobblies (1979)
Rick Aragon @ Rick’s Texan Reviews
- Excerpt: Using interviews and archival footage, The Wobblies gives a human, albeit biased, face to this labor organization that had a powerful impact on our world.
