Topic: The Movies from Within My Lifetime: 2012 Edition

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A Return to Salem's Lot (1987/United States) Warner Home Video Director: Larry Cohen Writing: Stephen King (1947) (Original Characters By), Larry Cohen (Screenwriter), James Dixon (Screenwriter), Larry Cohen (Story By) Length: 100 min. Rating: R Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono Subtitles: None

Stars:
Michael Moriarty as Joe Weber
Ricky Addison Reed as Jeremy Weber
Samuel Fuller as Van Meer
Andrew Duggan as Judge Axel
Evelyn Keyes as Mrs. Axel
Jill Gatsby as Sherry

Plot:
In a certain New England town, it's hard to keep the undead down. It's shocking story continues courtesy of Larry Cohen, a maestro of cinematic horror (the It's Alive trilogy) and writer of police-action thrillers (Best Seller, Maniac Cop), tapping into his senses of the macabre as well as satire in a clever chiller based on characters created by Stephen King. Joining in to bedevil and terrify are Michael Moriarty as an anthropologist asked to write a "bible" for the town's ghastly group, Andrew Duggan as the leader of the townfolk (including June Havoc and Evelyn Keyes) who hide their blood-feasting bent behind sweet exteriors and filmmaker Samuel Fuller in a rare on-screen role as a vampire hunter. For mortals who occasionally like to go to the devil – and come back – A Return to Salem's Lot is one terrific terror trip.

Extras:

• Scene Access

My Thoughts:

OK... I haven't seen this movie since I was a teen. I have to say... it wasn't as good as I remember it being. I mean I still enjoyed it in a cheesy fun sort of way. But it don't hold up compared to Salem's Lot. But I am sure it is also partially because of my taste in movies maturing... as I did find some of the scenes silly now. But for the most part... still enjoy it... glad I have it in my collection.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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Anaconda 3: Offspring (2008/United States) Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Director: Don E. FauntLeRoy Writing: Nicholas Davidoff (Writer), David Olson (Writer) Length: 91 min. Rating: Rated R : Bloody Violence Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround Subtitles: English, French

Stars:
David Hasselhoff as Hammett
Crystal Allen as Amanda
Ryan McCluskey as Pinkus
Patrick Regis as Nick
Anthony Green as Grozny
John Rhys-Davies as Murdoch

Plot:
Coil up on the couch and prepare yourself for more action, more danger and more snakes! The giant anacondas are back in the next chapter in the thrilling series, starring David Hasselhoff as Hammett, the ruthless mercenary and snake slayer. In a secret government compound, two mega snakes are undergoing testing by a brilliant scientist, Amanda (Crystal Allen). But when the financier, Murdoch (John Rhys-Davies), pushes the experiments too far, the snakes escape, hungry and heading for civilization. What Hammett doesn't know is that one of the snakes is expecting a litter of slithering offspring. Now the race is on to head off the snakes' unstoppable onslaught before they reach the city.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Bonus Trailers
• Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:

Oh well... what to say about this one. It is not a good movie... though it does have a it's moments here and there with the snake attacks and such. David Hasselhoff is just plain laughable in this movie. I did like Crystal Allen though. Just not sure if that is because she is good or that everyone else in this movie is so bad it made her look better then she actually is. The story itself just didn't keep my interest... I found myself doing other things while pretty much just having this on in the background. Basically ending up just paying any attention to the scenes with the snake. But even with that being said... I find myself with the urge to get part 4 in my next DVD order... how weird is that?

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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Out Cold (2001/United States) Touchstone Home Entertainment, Buena Vista Home Entertainment Director: Brendan Malloy [The Malloys], Emmett Malloy [The Malloys] Writing: Jon Zack (Writer) Length: 90 min. Rating: Rated PG-13 : Language, Crude and Sexual Humor, and Substance Abuse Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
Flex Alexander as Anthony
A. J. Cook as Jenny
David Denman as Lance
Caroline Dhavernas as Anna
Derek Hamilton as Pig Pen
Zach Galifianakis as Luke

Plot:
This wild comedy is an intoxicating mix of mountain-high hilarity and radical winter sports action! For snowboarders Rick (Jason London – Dazed And Confused), Luke (Zach Galifianakis – Bubble Boy) and their buddies, life at the Bull Mountain ski area is about partying hard, looking for girls and doing anything for a good time! But when the town's founder dies, his son decides to sell the mountain to a sleazy developer (Lee Majors – TV's Six Million Dollar Man) who's intent on turning Bull Mountain into a slick yuppie ski resort! Featuring outrageous stunts by real-life snowboarding champions like Todd Richards, Rio Tahara, Tara Dakides, Devun Walsh and Rob "Sluggo" Boyce – and a red-hot soundtrack – it's an avalanche of laughs as the guys do whatever it takes to save their mountain!

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Bonus Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:

This is really no more then an average comedy. There isn't too much here you haven't seen many times over. Though I did get a kick out of the "King of the Mountain" competition. Where snowboarders started on the top of the mountain... with a mug of beer in their hand. Then went down the mountain... holding the mug of beer. Whoever had the most beer left in their mug at the bottom of the mountain wins. This film does have a lot of familiar faces that I know from various TV Shows. A. J. Cook and Zach Galifianakis were both in Tru Calling. Caroline Dhavernas was in Wonderfalls and Off the Map. And then of course there was Lee Majors who was the Six Million Dollar Man. Even with these well known actors... the acting left plenty to be desired. But there is enough fun here to keep you entertained through-out the entire movie. Just not something I see myself re-watching often.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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Sisters of Death (1977/United States) Mill Creek Entertainment Director: Joseph Mazzuca Writing: Peter Arnold (Screenwriter), Elwyn Richards (Screenwriter) Length: 87 min. Rating: PG Video: Full Frame 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: None

Stars:
Arthur Franz as Edmond Clybourn
Claudia Jennings as Judy
Cheri Howell as Sylvia
Sherry Boucher as Diana
Paul Carr as Mark
Joe Tata as Joe

Plot:
During a sorority initiation ceremony, something horrible goes wrong and one of the new members is accidentally killed. Seven years later, the remaining sorority sisters receive invitations to attend a reunion at an isolated mountain estate. Unbeknownst to any of the women, the resort is owned by the father of the deceased sorority member and he is looking for revenge.

Extras:

• Scene Access

My Thoughts:

This is a movie I got in the Horror Classics: 100 Movie Pack that I got cheap from Mill Creek Entertainment. Unfortunately... but not unexpected... the quality leaves a bit to be desired. The image seemed to have a slight blur to it... and there was a slight hissing to the audio in some scenes. I wasn't too thrilled with the movie itself either. I found my attention drifting away from the movie. Ending up doing other things while the movie played in the background. But while I didn't get much out of the movie itself... I did find I liked the ending quite a bit. I just wish that the movie up till that point was better then what it is.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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The Client List (2010/United States) Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Director: Eric Laneuville Writing: Suzanne Martin (Writer) Length: 88 min. Rating: NR Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1 Subtitles: English

Stars:
Jennifer Love Hewitt as Samantha Horton
Teddy Sears as Rex Horton
Sonja Bennett as Dee
Lynda Boyd as Jackie
Chelah Horsdal as Doreen
Heather Doerksen as Tanya

Plot:
Jennifer Love Hewitt stars in her sexiest role ever as Samantha Horton, a former Texas Homecoming Queen who always relied on her beauty and charm to navigate life, something her beautician mother Cassie (Golden Globe® award winner Cybill Shepherd*) taught her. But when the Horton family finds itself facing financial ruin, Samantha must take a job at a local massage parlor, only to discover it's a front for a high-end call girl operation — one so lucrative, she can't afford to turn it down. And when the parlor is raided, Samantha must either cooperate with police and give up her clients' identities, or lose everything she tried so hard to save.

*1987, Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical, Moonlighting

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Bonus Trailers

My Thoughts:

This is a 2010 Lifetime TV Movie... one that spawned a series also starring the lovely Jennifer Love Hewitt. I have been watching the series since it started... but I never seen this movie till now. This movie is apparently based off a true story. I enjoyed the movie quite a bit.... but I definitely prefer the series. Of course Jennifer Love Hewitt looks fabulous... but her character is much more likable in the series then she is in the movie. While a couple of the cast members remained the same from the movie to the series... the majority of them changed. There was other changes in the series as well. But as I said... I personally prefer the series... though that could be because it is what I saw first.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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It's Alive (1974/United States) Warner Home Video Director: Larry Cohen Writing: Larry Cohen (Writer) Length: 91 min. Rating: 14A Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Mono, French: Dolby Digital: Mono, Commentary: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
Mary Nancy Burnett as Nurse
Patrick McAllister [Patrick MacAllister] as Expectant Father
Diana Hale as Secretary
Gerald York as Expectant Father
Jerry Taft as Expectant Father
Gwil Richards as Expectant Father

Plot:
It's newborn. It's Alive (Disc 1). And murder is what it knows best! A proud couple's bundle of joy is really a newborn terror in filmmaker Larry Cohen's cautionary cult hit that tapped into environmental fears. The horror grows when multiple child monsters rampage in It's Lives Again (Disc 2/Side A) – and as two brave parents try to stop them by becoming the bait for their spree. The now global terrors are rounded up and relocated to a far-flung island (but not for long!) in It's Alive III: Island of the Alive (Disc 2/Side B). Will a parent's greatest nightmare become the world's greatest fear? Find out...if you dare.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Audio Commentary
• Feature Trailers
• Bonus Trailers
• Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:

The first movie in the It's Alive box set (3 movies on 2 Discs)... This is a film I haven't seen since I was a kid. Which going into it worried me a little. I remember enjoying it back then... so my expectations were up a little. But at the same time I was worried it wouldn't hold up to my memory. While I remembered it to be better then what it was... I still enjoyed this one quite a bit. It is a little slow in spots, but not so much so that it takes away from the enjoyment of the storyline. I enjoyed watching the style this one is in... seldomly getting only slight looks at the mutated infant. Making you use your imagination more then you do for films now a day. If you never seen this movie... I recommend checking it out.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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Two Evil Eyes: Limited Edition (1990/United States) Blue Underground Director: The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar: George A. Romero [George Romero], The Black Cat: Dario Argento Writing: The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar: George A. Romero [George Romero] (Screenwriter), The Black Cat: Dario Argento (Screenwriter), Franco Ferrini (Screenwriter) Length: 120 min. Rating: NR Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital EX: 5.1 (Matrixed 6.1), English: DTS ES: 5.1 (Matrixed 6.1), English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround Subtitles: None

Stars:
Adrienne Barbeau as Jessica Valdemar
Ramy Zada as Dr. Robert Hoffman
Bingo O'Malley as Ernest Valdemar
Jeff Howell as Policeman
E. G. Marshall as Pike

Plot:
The masters of modern horror - George Romero and Dario Argento - bring you an unprecedented pair of shockers inspired by the tales of Edgar Allan Poe.

In Romero's The Facts In The Case of Mr. Valdemar, a conniving wife (Adrienne Barbeau of THE FOG) and her lover use a hypnotic trance to embezzle a fortune from her dying husband, only to receive some chilling surprises from beyond the grave. Then in Argento's The Black Cat, a deranged crime scene photographer (Harvey Keitel of RESERVOIR DOGS) is driven to brutal acts of madness and murder by his girlfriend's new pet. But will this cunning feline deliver a final sickening twist of its own?

Martin Balsam (PSYCHO) and Tom Atkins (MANIAC COP) co-star in this wild horror hit that also features grisly effects by gore master Tom Savini (DAWN OF THE DEAD, THE PROWLER). Blue Underground is proud to present TWO EVIL EYES newly transferred from an original vault negative and loaded with exclusive Extras for the first time ever on DVD.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Featurettes
• Gallery
• Production Notes

My Thoughts:

This is an Anthology Horror movie I never heard of before. It was suggested to me by a couple friends that said I HAD to see it. Though it is a little different then most anthology horrors I have seen. There is only 2 stories in this one... which I am used to seeing at least 3 in most of the others. Plus there is no wrap-around story to this one. The first story, The Facts In The Case of Mr. Valdemar, has a bit of a slow start. I still enjoyed every minute of it, so this didn't hurt it much at all. I also enjoyed the second story, The Black Cat. This one can be a little on the weird side at times. I was happy to see a favorite actress of mine, Julie Benz (Dexter), has a small part in it. She is young in this movie. So young in fact I almost didn't recognize her. She looked to be in her mid-teens here. Harvey Keitel stars in this second story... and I think he did a great job. I am thrilled I finally got to see this film. Over-all I enjoyed it very much. This special edition DVD has a nice selection of extras. Most of which is on a bonus disc. I only glanced at these extras so far... but they look pretty solid. This is one I feel comfortable recommending.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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Murder at 1600 (1997/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Warner Home Video Director: Dwight Little Writing: Wayne Beach (Writer), David Hodgin (Writer) Length: 107 min. Rating: Rated R : Sexuality, Violence and Some Language Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.78:1, Pan & Scan 1.33:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Stars:
Wesley Snipes as Detective Regis
Diane Lane as Nina Chance
Daniel Benzali as Spikings
Dennis Miller as Detective Stengel
Alan Alda as Jordan
Ronny Cox as President Jack Neil

Plot:
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Not your address, but if you're an American, it is your house. It's the White House, home of the President and site of state dinners and world-shaping decisions. But what if it's also the site of a hushed-up murder in a room just steps from the Oval Office?

Who did it — and why? That's what homicide cop Harlan Regis (Wesley Snipes) wants to know. And what you'll discover as Murder at 1600 sweeps you into an exciting mystery thrill-packed with suspects, cover-ups, covert agents, daring action sequences and an overseas crisis that could blow at any instant. Dwight Little (Marked For Death, Rapid Fire) directs Snipes and a top-notch cast featuring Diane Lane, Alan Alda, Daniel Benzali and Dennis Miller. It's up to Regis to sort through the clues and make sure the killer doesn't get away. It's up to you to make sure this gut-grabbing thriller doesn't get away.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Production Notes
• Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:

I remember seeing this movie years ago when it first came out on VHS. I remember enjoying it back then... but I haven't watched it since. This DVD was in a box full of DVDs that was given to me a couple years back... and I am just now getting the chance to watch it again. This one held up well for me over the years. I still found I enjoyed the movie quite a bit. Unfortunately shortly into the movie I remembered the ending... who the murderer was... even after all these years. But that's ok...it don't take away from the enjoyment. Recommended... if you never seen it.... check it out.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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Dr. Dolittle (1998/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Director: Betty Thomas Writing: Hugh Lofting (Original Material By), Nat Mauldin (Screenwriter), Larry Levin (Screenwriter) Length: 85 min. Rating: Rated PG-13 : Crude Humor and Language Video: Widescreen 1.85:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, French: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround Subtitles: English, Spanish

Stars:
Eddie Murphy as Dr. John Dolittle
Ossie Davis as Archer Dolittle
Oliver Platt as Dr. Mark Weller
Peter Boyle as Calloway
Richard Schiff as Dr. Gene Reiss
Kristen Wilson as Lisa

Plot:
A successful physician and family man, John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) seems to have the world by the tail, until a long-surpressed talent he possessed as a child – the ability to communicate with animals – is suddenly reawakened with a vengeance! now every creature within squalking distance wants the good doctor's advice, unleashing an outrageous chain of events that turns his world upside down!

Featuring an all-star menagerie of voice talent (including Chris Rock, John Leguizamo, Norm MacDonald, Albert Brooks, Gary Shandling and Ellen DeGeneres), this wild and woolly free-for-all is your perscription for hilarious highjinks and "mischievious fun!" (The New York Times)

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:

This is part of a box set that contains the first 4 movies in the series. It is a fun movie. There is a lot of laugh out loud moments. Though I must admit that I remember it being a little better then what it actually is. While I did laugh at most of the jokes... some of them did fail. Rodney the guinea pig was a lot of fun. And I liked the drunk monkey. I felt the main storyline with the tiger was good... but think it could have been a little better... as my attention did drift a little here and there. But over-all it is one I would recommend for some family fun. Being the first movie in the set I am surprised at how little extras is added. I would definitely liked to of seen a few more things added.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5

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"Crocodile" Dundee (1986/United States) IMDb |Wikipedia |Trailer | Paramount Home Entertainment Director: Peter Faiman Writing: Paul Hogan (Story By), Paul Hogan (Screenwriter), Ken Shadie (Screenwriter), John Cornell (Screenwriter) Length: 97 min. Rating: PG-13 Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: Dolby Surround, French: Dolby Digital: Mono Subtitles: English

Stars:
Paul Hogan as Mick 'Crocodile Dundee'
Linda Kozlowski as Sue Charlton
John Meillon as Walter Reilly
David Gulpilil as Neville Bell
Ritchie Singer as Con
Maggie Blinco as Ida

Plot:
Paul Hogan's hilarious, endearing performance made "Crocodile" Dundee™ the biggest box-office comedy smash of 1986! Michael J. "Crocodile" Dundee (Hogan) is a free-spirited Australian who hunts crocodiles with his bare hands, stares down giant water buffaloes, and drinks mere mortals under the table. But he's about to face the ultimate torture test - a trip to New York City. Beautiful and tenacious reporter Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) gets more than just a story as the "wonder from Down Under" rocks the Big Apple to its core.

Extras:

• Scene Access
• Feature Trailers
• Closed Captioned

My Thoughts:

This is another good comedy that I haven't seen in a very long time. There is many laugh out loud moments here... though I must admit it really don't take off until Mick gets to New York. I mean it is still good before that point... but at least for me... the real comedy is seeing Mick out of his element in the big city. It is definitely another one I would recommend. Though I would have liked to have seen a few extras with it.

My Rating:
Out of a Possible 5