(2004). For a movie such as this (i.e. bold colors & action) I expected a better print on the blu-ray. Still enjoy this film but liked it better theatrically on the big screen (like Zhang Yimou's other strikingly colorful Hero).
Because it's expiring tomorrow on NWI, I chose King Kung Fu
(1976), which is fairly awful spoof film in the line of They Call Me Bruce and others from around that time. This is another one that might have been better esp. w/knock-out model Maxie Gray as "Rae Fay" but even her running around in a bikini isn't enough to make this watchable.Right on schedule Asylum releases a film to compliment to recent RDJr/Guy Ritchie Holmes flick by releasing Sherlock Holmes
(2010) DTV. And as you'd expect from Asylum it's not very good. That said I thought it was okay as another take on a younger Holmes sans any real quality mystery. And they found a way to incorporate crappy CG dinosaurs and monsters! Go Asylum!- April New: 38
- April Re-watch: 30
- April Total: 68
- 2010 TOTAL: 255
(1971). Last saw this while visiting my relatives in Idaho back around 1980 or so. Was a rental that looked ridiculous so my cousin & I picked it up. Thought it was hilarious. Strangely enough having now just watched it, I find it more terrifying. Surprised to see Bruce Dern and Casey Kasem in this but nice to see Pat Priest (The Munsters). Sure, this flick ain't great but an interesting and creepy watch.
(1941). Haven't seen this since my college film class. Bogart as Sam Spade is so damn fun to watch. Glad to see this again.
(1995). Can we all agree that this film needs a blu-ray release? My god the set pieces are beautiful.
(1972). Picked up the blu-ray from my library as I've been wanting to revisit for some time now. The opening Dueling Banjo sequence w/Ronny Cox will remain one of the greatest classic moments in film. Sadly the BD print isn't so great (again, typical of 70s films).
(2006). As you easily guessed it's a modern retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel. But unfortunately not a very good retelling. Actually it's just annoying. If there's a saving grace (not really) it's watching Bree Turner twist and turn onscreen. Man, do I love that girl. She's like a younger Alicia Coppola, whom I also adore. Anyhoo, this movie stinks.
(2008). Yet another film my brother hadn't seen (notice a trend here?). Figured he'd be all over this one since he actually had his wedding party on Halloween last year. And of course he dug the hell out of it. Won't be surprised if he ends up picking this one up.
(2009). Another film my brother hadn't seen (this time b/c he "doesn't watch kid's movies"). Told him he didn't have a choice and was looking for an excuse to watch my blu-ray. When it was over I think he found a new appreciation for "kid's movies." Yes, this is still a great film and I'm no longer regretting having it in my top ten for 2009.
(2009) on Blu-Ray. Picked up the BD at Best Buy after our Chicago eats & craft beer tour for the day. My brother didn't see it theatrically and had no desire to ever see it citing his hatred towards James Cameron. But I think he was engrossed as we watched. The BD looks incredible (possibly the best I've seen).
(2009). My brother flew into town today so tonight I fired up this flick via NWI since he hadn't seen it. Forgot how much I love this film! Sam Rockwell is a treasure.
April Re-Watch Film: 
(1964). Shouldn't be surprised how well this film still holds up. Crazy good.
(1977). Been way too long since I've watched Bill "Rack" Shatner fend off deadly spiders that inexplicably appear by the thousands to devour a small town. But now I want the recent special edition release.
(2002). Cast with famous faces of Japanese cinema (stalwart Tsutomu Yamazaki in the lead), this is a simple story of the daily lives of men imprisoned. Watching this kinda makes one want to be placed in this prison, as life, while still quite structured, is actually quite good (so long as they follow the rules). Even solitary confinement isn't so bad! I'm also putting this one in my top 5 foodie films because hot damn these prisoners eat well (better than me, in fact). My stomach grumbled aching for the incredible food on display. Highest recommendation for this film.
(1981). Truth: saw this theatrically and didn't care so much for it. Over the years it's grown me but still was meh about it. But found on this viewing that I enjoy it a lot more despite the issues I still have in the third act. 
(1992), is OOP. While not being the best of its kind it still has a charm worthy of any kid's collection. If I were a youngster and viewed this, I'm sure I'd love it. What kid wouldn't want their own little creature that makes wishes come true? I know I did (still do). Great cast too with Andrew Effin' Stevens, Loni Anderson, a fragile Jennifer Love Hewitt and the voice of Dom DeLuise. Fun seeing Wynorski's risque sensibility threaded throughout. 
(1969). And thanks to Warner Archives, I now own this film. Directed by James Hill and featuring Robert Ryan as Nemo there's a lot to enjoy in this ridiculous installment on the adventures of Nemo and his hatred towards land-dwellers. The underwater city & models are outstanding. The set pieces are crazy. And the idea they harvest gold so easily it's literally scrap metal is also crazy. Chuck Connors makes for an admirable hero and Luciana Paluzzi (Thunderball) is as fetching as ever. Not for everyone but people like me.
(2005). Think I love this flick more after each viewing. Wondering if I should get the Blu-Ray (if the quality is worthy). This film makes me believe that Joss Whedon could make a stellar Avengers flick; he handles the ensemble well here.
(1983 - USA) a.k.a Turkey Shoot. Whether you're a BTS fan or not, there is a lot to love here, esp. if you enjoy the theme & general exploitive time in which it was made. Features Olivia Hussey (yum!) and tremendous kill scenes in addition to loads of general character wackiness. Steve Railsback is also great. The behind the scenes featurettes are also excellent as is BTS's commentary. Highly recommended. This makes at least 2 The Most Dangerous Game flicks I can remember viewing this month. There must be a list out there of all the films with the same theme.
(1979). Library Blu-Ray grab but isn't enhanced on that format (typical late 70s film issue). Doesn't hold up as well for me unfortunately.
(1989). Long day downtown @ Cubs game + pre/post festivities meant only one tally today. Still dig this flick & ensemble cast: Weller, Hudson, Crenna, Stern, et al. And always had (have) a thing for Amanda Pays. mmmm. 
(1993). Always bugged me that I knew the identity of the Phantasm before seeing the film b/c of the action figure.
(1987) isn't half bad. That is to say if you enjoy cheesy 80s films as I do. Scream Queen Brinke Stevens is relegated to third behind the two leads, which I actually preferred over her in this. I'm sure someone out there has noted that Don Scribner is ringer for Christian Bale's much older brother (or father). Same jaw line. Silly but fun flick.
(1999), first in Takashi Miike's exacerbated yakuza DOA trilogy. 竹内力は良いです! Would love to have a clean hi-def print of this one.
(2009) on Blu-Ray. Couldn't resist picking this up from the Quick Picks at my library. Despite numerous problems this is my kind of dumb film.
(1985 - US) that's actually a decent Little Red Riding Hood thriller despite being entirely told within in a dream sequence. Love the set pieces along w/look & feel. Effects are dated but work. A decent entry in the werewolf lineage. 
(1965) a.k.a. The Embalmer. Not a great film by any means but attractive actresses (of course) and sneaky villain who embalms his beautiful victims and puts them on display made for a solid watch.
(1993). Another Sidaris flick I saw a lot of on cable/skinemax back in the day. 
(1973). Fairly solid flick but think I enjoy the sequel better. Appreciate that Reynolds seemed to gravitate towards car chase flicks during his heyday.
(1960) available. Two dinosaurs discovered underwater brought to life by... lightning! A little sad that of the two remaining dinosaurs the humans let one kill the other then proceed to kill the last dinosaur while allowing the last living caveman to also be killed. Sad! Fun watch tho.
(1959) features Lon Chaney Jr. in a supporting role in a nice, old school horror flick w/some fun creature effects. I'm kinda fond of any flick involving reptile people.