Rita (Danish tv series)

A clever tv show about a school teacher, her three kids, and her lovers. It's really well written and acted. America can see Season one on Netflix, but we have to wait for season two which just finished in Denmark. Bjornlund the principal was in the remake of The Thing. Hilingso who is the school counselor was in The Bridge (Danish tv series). Norgaard who plays one of her lovers has been in tons of American films (Soldier, The Three Musketeers, D2: Mighty Ducks, and AVP). Anderson who plays her sons mother-in-law was in The Killing (Danish tv series). Man do we steal a lot from Denmark - which means it has to be good. All in all, I say: STREAM IT

The Goonies

Classic for the 80s - cult classic from that moment on. IMDb writes, "A group of kids embark on a wild adventure after finding a pirate treasure map." Written by Spielberg (Jaws) and one of my all time favorites, Chris Columbus (also writer of Gremlins, Young Sherlock Holmes, Nine Months, and producer & director of over 16 films). Astin (LOTR), Brolin (W), Feldman (The Lost Boys), Plimpton (Raising Hope), Ke Quan (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), and Green (Lucas). There are some really good lines, some amazing actors, and a fun plot. All in all, I say: not only should you have already SEEN IT by now, but you should totally already OWN IT.

The Oranges

IMDb writes, "The enduring friendship between the Walling and Ostroff families is tested when Nina, the prodigal Ostroff daughter, returns home for the holidays after a five-year absence and enters into an affair with David, head of the Walling family." Laurie (House) is David, Keener (Into The Wild) is his wife, Platt (West Wing) is Nina's father, Janney (West Wing) is Nina's mother, and Meester (Gossip Girl). It's ok, but not that great. All in all, I say: SKIP IT if you have seen one mid-life crisis movie you have seen them all,

Low Winter Sun

Strong (Sherlock Holmes) is a cop. During the first episode he and another cop kill a man, dump him and his car in the water, and then find out later that the man they killed is wanted by Internal Affairs - he was a cop too. It was slow, irritating, and didn't seem to have a point. It also seemed cliche and too much like they were trying to imitate The Shield. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - I was bored to death and don't even want to give it another shot.

Notorious Nineteen

Amazon describes the plot as," After a slow summer of chasing low-level skips for her cousin Vinnie’s bail bonds agency, Stephanie Plum finally lands an assignment that could put her checkbook back in the black. Geoffrey Cubbin, facing trial for embezzling millions from Trenton’s premier assisted-living facility, has mysteriously vanished from the hospital after an emergency appendectomy. Now it’s on Stephanie to track him down. Unfortunately, Cubbin has disappeared without a trace, a witness, or his money-hungry wife. Rumors are stirring that he must have had help with the daring escape . . . or that maybe he never made it out of his room alive. Since the hospital staff’s lips seem to be tighter than the security, and it’s hard for Stephanie to blend in to assisted living, Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur goes in undercover. But when a second felon goes missing from the same hospital, Stephanie is forced into working side by side with Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, in order to crack the case." As always you can expect some temptation and some destruction of cars. The humor in this series still makes me laugh. All in all, I say: READ IT if you have read the other ones.

The Chronicles of Riddick

 IMDb writes, "5 years after Pitch Black, the wanted criminal Riddick arrives on a planet called Helion Prime, and finds himself up against an invading empire called the Necromongers, an army that plans to convert or kill all humans in the universe." His main reason for being there is to check on the other survivor from the last movie and to evade more mercenaries. Dench (Skyfall) is a seer of sorts who wants to help Riddick discover who he really is and where he came from. Newton (2012) is a conniving wife who wants to see her husband (Urban from Red) take over as ruler. Riddick gets the middle of their plans and by the end is their new ruler. We are left wondering what will happen next - excellent effects. All in all, I say: SEE IT after Pitch Black so you don't lose any of the plot and you are ready for the next film.

Pitchblack

Diesel is an escape convict who is transit to prison after being captured by a mercenary (Hauser from Good Will Hunting). Unfortunately, the ship hits a meteor field and is forced to land. The co-pilot (Mitchell from Red Widow) refuses to dump the section of the ship where a small group of passengers are, which forces the landing. The survivors find out quickly that they have 2 things to fear - Diesel and the aliens on the planet. They only come out at night and they eat everything - who is the only one that can see at night - Diesel. It is your typical who is going to survive by the end action/horror with a science fiction twist. Diesel and Mitchell make this film amazing. The effects are pretty good, too. All in all, I say: SEE IT before the next movie comes out.

Easy Rider

A few years ago I decided to watch this because it was on someone's 100 top cult classics or something like that. Fonda (Ghost Rider) and Hooper (Speed) are more than the main characters - they wrote the film. When you watch you will be able to tell that they might have written while they were stone.IMDb writes, "Two counterculture bikers travel from Los Angeles to New Orleans in search of America." All in all, I say: SKIP IT unless you are really into movies from the 60s that document some of the 60s.

Boondock Saints II

They tried so hard for a sequel,  but the chemistry wasn't there and making it a bigger budget film hurt the film. IMDb writes, "The MacManus brothers are living a quiet life in Ireland with their father, but when they learn that their beloved priest has been killed by mob forces, they go back to Boston to bring justice to those responsible and avenge the priest." Collins (Red Widow), Benz (Dexter), and Fonda (Ulee's Gold) join this cast. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - knowing it's bad will ruin some of your happy thoughts from the first one.

Boondock Saints

In 1999 at the art film house of Tara Cinemas I sat - just me and two senior citizens. I had no idea why no one wanted to see this and no idea why it wasn't out long. It didn't take long once it was out on video though before people realized they had missed out and it became a cult classic. It had a plot like no other before it, it had direction and editing like no other before it. Everything was right with the world when this was made. I have seen it about 100 times and I love, love, love it. Twins (Flanery from Dexter and Reedus from Walking Dead) want to rid their city of Boston of the evil crime lords - they sort of fumble along which is so funny. There is a scene about rope that will have you laughing so hard you will cry. DaFoe (Platoon) is a police officer trying to figure out their crimes - his character is just...it will leave you in no doubt of his talent.  Connolly (Brave) shows up at the end, but I can't tell you who he is or why he shows up because I want that to be a surprise. All in all, I say: if you have similar tastes to me then go BUY IT - and SEE IT - now.

The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones

There were two short seasons of this tv show in the early 90s. I watched because I loved Indiana Jones and because I was in love with Sean Patrick Flanery (Boondock Saints). The consisted of a lot of flashbacks - the was young and then really young. They were fun and almost an entire hour. It was family oriented and some action - although not the same caliber as the movies. All in all, I say: SEE IT - not sure where though.

Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull

IMDb writes, "Famed archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones is called back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls." Fans had to wait a long time for this one over 10 years before there were rumours. Allen comes back and she comes back with a kid. LaBeouf (Transformers) plays her son. As always there is a really good motorcycle scene, a good tank scene, and a good fight scene. Winstone (Ashes), Broadbent (Closed Circuit), and Blanchett (Knight of Cups) join the cast - not sure why so many Brits were invited, but that's just what happened. Fans sort of believed that LaBeouf was brought in to replace Ford so the Jones' adventures would continue. We will see there is a rumour of any film. All in all, I say: SEE IT - even though the plot is horrible (don't say I didn't warn you) the action is good.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Fans worried that the word Last was in the title because Ford was getting older and he was ready to be done with the character or that Spielberg who had moved on to become an even bigger deal was done. Not the case - it has to do with the story line. IMDb writes, "When Dr. Henry Jones Sr. suddenly goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, eminent archaeologist Indiana Jones must follow in his father's footsteps and stop the Nazis." This is my favorite in the series - I don't know what it is about me and the third installments. We get to see why and how Indiana is the way he is. River Phoenix (Stand By Me) played Ford as a child. Connery (James Bond) played his father. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it helps with some stuff that is in the next film and it's really good.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

The least liked of the series - I agree. Capshaw (Space Camp) who was seeing Spielberg at the times was the woman of interest - we were sad to see Allen go. IMDb writes, "After arriving in India, Indiana Jones is asked by a desperate village to find a mystical stone. He agrees, and stumbles upon a secret cult plotting a terrible plan in the catacombs of an ancient palace."This film had bugs and I hate bugs! There was one scene in particular that was gross. All in all, I say: SKIP IT I don't want it to ruin the series for you.

Raiders of the Lost Ark

When this came out in 1981 people screamed at the opening scene. I saw it a couple of times in theatres. Except for the James Bond movies this was the only other movie that started with an unbelievable scene. Harrison Ford (Enders Game) was at his peak for acting and good looks. The character of Indiana Jones was born and is an American icon. IMDb writes, "Archeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis." Allen (Starman) played his girlfriend and fellow adventurer - she was in a couple of really good movies around this time. There was sense of humor and action with a whip. There were also snakes!!!! All in all, I say: SEE IT because if you haven't there is something wrong with you.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Just like Return of the Kings was my favorite movie in Lord of the Rings trilogy, Return of the Jedi is my favorite in the Star Wars trilogy. This had Ewoks!!!!!!! IMDb writes, "After rescuing Han Solo from the palace of Jabba the Hutt, the Rebels attempt to destroy the Second Death Star, while Luke Skywalker tries to bring his father back to the Light Side of the Force." Released in 1983 fans were so relieved to see Hans Solo ok and being rescued. There some sand worm kind of things inspired by Dune in this too. Fans know what comes next - the twins of Leia and Hans Solo. I haven't read the books so don't give anything away people - I think Abrams will do better than George Lucas. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

IMDb writes, "After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke." This is usually the fan favorite. Yoda is the highlight of this film. Williams (General Hospital) plays Lando Calrissian. The ending leaves everyone wishing the next film was already out. Released in 1980 audiences had to wait three years for this one. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope aka Star Wars

In 1977 the iconic Star Wars written and directed by George Lucas set a new bar for science fiction. It created a new culture and it was a metaphor for life. A balance between good and evil - a balance between those who wear white and those who wear black. Audiences wouldn't know for years and another movie that the main character Luke was the son of a Princess, had a twin sister, and had a father that went to the dark side. Hamill (Turbo) was Luke, Fisher (When Harry Met Sally) was Leia, Ford (Indiana Jones 5 - announced this year) was Han Solo, and the voice of Darth Vader was done by James Earl Jones..Kids everywhere including me collected figures, fighters, and loved R2-D2 and C-3PO.  All in all, I say: SEE IT. I saw it around 1978 or 1979 at a drive-in with my parents.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

The third prequel in the series. IMDb writes, "After three years of fighting in the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker falls prey to the Sith Lord's lies and makes an enemy of the Jedi and those he loves, concluding his journey to the Dark Side." The end helps explain how the twins became separated. All in all, I say: SKIP IT even though it is the best of the three prequels.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

The second prequel in the series. IMDb writes, "Ten years later, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé, while Obi-Wan investigates an assassination attempt on the Princess and discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi." Canadian Christensen (Jumper) is still Skywalker, Portman (Thor) is still Padme, and McGregor (Haywire) is still Obi-Wan. Lee from Lord of the Rings is Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus. Jackson (RoboCop remake) reprises his role as Windu. Frank Oz (Sesame Street) continues as Yoda. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - the love scenes are nauseating.

Rise of the Guardians

I never did get around to taking the kids to see this over the holidays. It premiered on HBO this weekend. I'm glad I didn't take the kids because I got a little weepy/mushy. It was sad in a couple of parts. It has a message of hope and faith. Pine (This Means War) does the voice of Jack Frost. Baldwin (Blue Jasmine) does the voice of North - Santa Claus with a German accent. Fisher (Now You See Me) is the voice of the tooth fairy.  Jackman (The Wolverine) does the voice of the Easter Bunny. Law (Side Effects) is the boogeyman who is trying to rid all kids of their hopes and belief in the others known as Guardians. All in all, I say: SEE IT on HBO.

Dune

The plot is beyond complicated - the background history of the story is beyond complicated. I had to watch this several times to catch everything. I imagine if you have read the books it makes more sense. You gain a better understanding of the culture, language, and roles everyone plays. IMDb writes, "A Duke's son leads desert warriors against the galactic emperor and his father's evil nemesis when they assassinate his father and free their desert world from the emperor's rule." MacLachlan (Twin Peaks), Madsen (The Number 23), Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Sting are some of the most notable by mainstream Americans, but this film is a veritable who's who of British and American film. It has inspired countless other films and film plots. All in all, I say: SEE IT - I haven't read the books and I love sci-fi, so keep that in mind.

Tremors 2,3,4 & tv show

IMDb writes, "When an army of Graboids - giant, carnivorous underground worms - threaten the Petromaya oil refinery in Mexico, its owners call on Earl Bassett, who once helped kill four of the creatures in Perfection, Nevada. Having squandered the money that came from his resulting celebrity status, Earl is convinced by the $50,000-a-head bounty offered, as well as the enthusiasm of admirer Grady Hoover, who becomes his partner. At Petromaya, Earl and Grady meet geologist Kate Reilly, and begin Graboid hunting, tricking several Graboids into swallowing bomb-rigged, remote-controlled cars. When they find they're facing a lot more Graboids than they ever expected, Earl calls his friend Burt Gummer, a survivalist who arrives well-stocked with weapons." So, Ward (The Right Stuff) and Gross (Family Ties) repeat their roles from the first film. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Straight to video for a reason. Gross goes back to Perfection. All in all, I say: SKIP IT. In fact, let's pretend I never brought it up.

4th in series. It is a prequel back to western days. All in all, I say: SKIP IT. Why oh why are the continuing.
There was also briefly a television series which as you can imagine came to nothing. So, to sum up - just see the 1st one. Please!

Spaceballs

A parody of space films back when parodies were good like Airplane. This one is a Mel Brooks (Blazing Saddles) film from the 80s. It is my #1 favorite comedy! Brooks (The Producers) plays a President who wants air because there is so little of it, so he has Dark Helmet (played by Moranis from Honey I Shrunk the Kids) kidnap a Druish princess (played by Zuniga from The Fly II) forcing her father (played by Patton from Eight is Enough) to give over the air from his planet. Lone Starr (played by Pullman from Independence Day) saves her and they fall in love. If you love sci-fi films you will have a fun time trying to name all the films this one makes fun of. Candy (Trains, Planes, and Automobiles) does an amazing job as a Mog - half man, half dog - "I'm my own best friend." It's like this and the amazing actors that make me love it so - so much I quote it often. All in all, I say: SEE IT & let me add I can't believe you haven't already. May the Schwartz be with you.

Hudson Hawk

Although, no where near as bad as Ishtar it is almost always referred to as one of the worst films ever and certainly one of Willis' worst films ever. I, however, love it. Willis (Nancy Drew) and Aiello (Jacob's Ladder) are great together as buglers- they are very funny and have perfect comedic timing. IMDb writes, "A cat burglar is forced to steal Da Vinci works of art for a world domination plot." Willis falls for MacDowell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) who is kidnapped by Grant (born in Swaziland and did a voice in Corpse Bride), Bernhard (Rosanne), and Caruso (CSI: Miami). All the characters have quarks and I just really like the humor. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Mad Max Series

Yes, the guy that brought you the two Happy Feet movie, Miller, also brought you the Mad Max series. The first was filmed in 1979 in Australia and it put Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon) on the map. IMDb writes, "A vengeful Australian policeman sets out to avenge his partner, his wife and his son whom were murdered by a motorcycle gang in retaliation for the death of their leader."  I remember it was a lot like a ton of other horror/action movies out in the 70s - very gritty. All in all, I say: SEE IT

The first was so popular even in the US that a second was mad. IMDb writes, "In the post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland, a cynical drifter agrees to help a small, gasoline rich, community escape a band of bandits." I never did read about why it had to become post-apocalyptic. But, it was cool. Gibson was a bit more comfortable and even cuter in this one. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you are going to be committed to the series. If not, then just this the 3rd in the series.

Arriving in the 80s with a big budget and a killer soundtrack this third movie in the series was awesome. The sets, costumes, and kids in this were really good. It was typical of other sci-fi, post-apocalyptic films from the 80s, but good none the less. IMDb writes, "A former Australian policeman is rescued by a tribe of children when he is banished from a desert town and sent into the desert to die by the desert town's evil queen." The Queen is played by Tina Turner (Goldeneye). All in all, I say: SEE IT - even if you don't watch any of the others see this one!

Reindeer Games

IMDb writes, "After assuming his dead cellmate's identity to get with his girlfriend, an ex-con finds himself the reluctant participant in a casino heist." Affleck (Pearl Harbor) plays the ex-con who takes the id of his cell mate to have sex with Theron (Mad Max: Fury Road) which turns out to be a big mistake. She's the master mind of the whole plot. He gets away with the money though. Sinise (Apollo 13) is the bad guy. They all and I mean ALL do a horrible job of acting. All in all, I say: SKIP IT.

Gangster Squad

I just don't know where to begin. I...I...never mind. I can't review this because it's crap. It's so bad I don't even want to tell you who is in it. I feel bad for them having wasted their time. All in all, I say: SKIP IT