Quick Shot: Unstoppable (2010)

2010
Directed by: Tony Scott
Category: Action/Thriller

The only reason I gave this film a shot was because it's directed by Tony Scott, plain and simple. While he hasn't matched his amazing output from the 80's or 90's, if he's attached as director, I'll watch it no matter what. Even knowing it could very well become a nausea inducing crapfest like Domino. But I always hold out hope.

Thankfully, Unstoppable is one of his better films from the last 20 years, but sadly his very last film before his untimely passing. In 2004 with the release of Man on Fire and then in Domino a year later, he adopted a new style of filmmaking, a new technique that every new filmmaker seems to be using these days, the hyper-active camera work and quick-edit gimmick. For Man on Fire, it wasn't so bad and actually worked in some scenes, but for Domino it just made me hate what has become of Tony Scott as a director. His subsequent films never got me to change my feelings. I had always hoped that he would have eventually gone back to his signature style that gloss over every Scott film, where you just can't mistake any other film for a Tony Scott film. Top Gun, Revenge, Beverly Hills Cop 2, The Last Boy Scout, True Romance; these are all examples of his best work as a visual filmmaker and his best films to date, in my humble opinion.

Unstoppable sees Scott returning to his former visual style for the most part. He does throw in a few quick edit scenes in there, but overall it's much more in tune with his former films style, which was a very nice surprise. And you know, I really enjoyed it. Yea it's a movie about a runaway train, but he makes it exciting and blows shit up and demolishes the way only he can on film. Denzel Washington doesn't even need to try anymore. He's just a natural at these kinds of roles and pulls off the older, wiser conductor with gusto. Chris Pine as the rookie on the job on probably the worst day of his life is fine, as are the supporting actors.

I would like to take a moment to bitch about something. Is it just me, or does every Tony Scott film these days suffer from the worst poster art? I tell you, they do nothing for me and are as lame as they come. Truthfully, I think the last poster art I actually dug from one of his films would have to be True Romance back in 1993. I mean, look at this U.S. poster up above? It's like no thought or care went into the design at all. Now compare it to this International poster here on the right. What a difference.

All in all, about as exciting as a film about a runaway train can be. With Scott's refreshing throwback to his older style of filmmaking, it certainly raises the entertainment value. Most importantly, it was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. Sometimes that's all you want. R.I.P. Tony Scott.

Quick Shot: The Grey (2011)

2011
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Category: Suspense/Thriller

This film has most split right down the middle. I personally know several people who just hate it. After just now finally getting a chance to see it, I honestly have no idea why. I found it to be an engrossing thriller with top notch talent both in front of and behind the camera.

I'll be honest. I'm not a fan of director Joe Carnahan. His style of filmmaking gives me headaches. I was hoping that The A-Team would have been his one film where he didn't submit to the "Michael Bay school of filmmaking", but alas that was a huge disappointment. As much as I love those characters and that franchise, I just didn't like the film and that's mainly because of how Carnahan filmed the action. I just can't stomach lazy camera work, especially when it comes to action and the The A-Team was one of the worst. But whatever.

So I think that might have kept me from watching this until now. Just knowing it was another Carnahan film. But like Netflix always seems to do to me, I thought "why not?".

What I found immediately attractive about this film is that he's scratched his hand-held quick edit style of filmmaking and actually made a good looking film. Combined with Neeson in the lead as the unofficial tough guy leader of a group of men stranded after a plane crash in freezing temperatures who soon realize that the weather is not their only enemy and you have a solid action/thriller.

You know, the haters of this film hate on it for various reasons. One of them being that they thought the CGI'd wolves in certain sequences looked fake. I never noticed that at all. Of course I assumed the wolves would be CGI'd at some point in the film, and they did in fact use real wolves for some sequences and I never noticed that transition from real to CGI. I thought it was done well and never looked lame or cheesy. I also felt the buildup of tension that immediately began as the crew stepped foot on that plane and worked it's way all the way through to the very last frame was pretty damn effective. I've also heard people do not like that ending at all, and while it was different, I actually loved it and found it fitting.

So yea, much better than I was expecting and if you haven't already seen it, I hope you give it a try. And if nothing else, if Taken hasn't proven what a badass Liam Neeson is, then this film will certainly change your mind.

Lost Empire Strikes Back Documentary Unearthed!!

Wow, just wow. For any Star Wars fan in general, this is a must watch and so much fun. Nothing like unearthing lost behind the scenes footage of one of the greatest franchises in film history, not to mention probably the best Star Wars film to date.

This originated from an article by Charlie Schmidlin on IndieWire on Feb. 28 that tells a fascinating story about how this documentary was originally a Dutch TV Program documentary by French journalist Michael Parbot that had only ever been available in snippets until now. This is so much fun, you should really give it a watch and dedicate 30 minutes of your life to it. It's pretty awesome. If anything, it's a fascinating testament to old school "practical" filmmaking. To see the hellish conditions they went through to film the Hoth sequences in freezing temperatures in Norway, or the difficulties of getting some Wampa action on screen is a sight to behold. You also get some cool lightsaber training, yoga puppetry, and tons of other practical effects footage.

To view the original article via IndieWire, click HERE.

Cyborg: Director's Cut Remastered Blu ray is available now!

Now here's some exciting news for filmgeeks like myself. 

Cult director Albert Pyun is releasing a new remastered transfer of his Director's Cut of Cyborg on both Blu ray "and" DVD. I've been following Albert on Facebook for some time now and I can tell you, he put a "lot" of work into this remaster doing it all by himself. I've seen some screen grabs and well, it looks amazing. Much better quality than his previously released Cyborg Director's Cut DVD. 

Here's some info from Albert Pyun himself regarding this release:

The new version of the CYBORG: DC is a few minutes longer and contains the original main title sequence. It also contains my full commentary where I discuss how Cyborg came to be born in 1987 (from the ashes of FOUR projects - Johnny Guitar, Alex Rain - the precursor to what became Nemesis - Masters of the Universe and Spider-Man). 

Nemesis has as many v2.0 vefx shots as I could locate. So its got a fair amount of new material. 

CYBORG: DC re-mastering has gotten rid of the time code windows and is presented in 2:35 now. In the commentary I discuss my relationship with JCVD and the conflicts we had during shooting and in post. There's a few new music cues and shots as well.

Here's a quick note he posted on Facebook on Thursday regarding this release:

"Well, after 3 weeks of constant work, the CYBORG / Slinger uprez is complete. It's wide screen without time code windows and with added Cyborg nemesis peek at the end.

Here's the great cover art by Jerry Scullion. This "Misery" version will be screened in Chicago on March 9th. Now to complete Nemesis DC and the world will be good!"

Here is some official info from Curnan Pictures head Cynthia Curnan:

CYBORG: Director's Cut: Misery Version -  Blu-Ray 

2 Dics set: - The first Disc is Cyborg: DC feature blu-ray in BD case with art. The second disc is the CYBORG COMMENTARY DVD. The commentary begins 40 minutes before the start of the movie and runs through out the movie

COST to the US                       $33.00 -    free shipping    $28 for DVD 

           To Canada                     $42.00  -  free shipping  (Shipping cost increased to $13.00) $36 for DVD (if you buy 2 sets the second set is $30BD/$26 DVD) including shipping

To  International destinations  $43.00  - free shipping    (International shipping costs $13.00 - if you buy two sets, the second set is $30BD/$27DVD)

Click on the link below to order and fill in the correct amount for your destination. Include your name and address and the one line personal message you want from Albert Pyun, or any instructions for your order. You will find this on the review page of your order.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYUGLMUADW9J4

 The cost is for Albert Pyun's  autograph, on a BD case art with the behind making CYBORG commentary.. CYBORG:DC is a free extra.

This is not a studio release . It was created only for Cyborg fans who want Albert Pyun's director's cut. This version of the movie is a darker story than the original release, which was cut to make an "R" rating and it has a different ending. The movie has Tony Riparetti's more aggressive soundtrack. We do not accept returns except for defective discs.

If you have any questions, please contact Cynthia at:

curnanpictures@gmail.com

A Filmgeek's Blu-ray Wish List # 1

This is basically a "dream" list of mine. Films that have not yet gotten the Blu-ray treatment and have no plans to in the near future. But with the recent awesome releases of unknown and forgotten gems from companies like Shout! Factory, I can't help but get excited at the thought that maybe one day one of these few will get the special treatment. One can only hope. 

Transformers The Movie (1986)

This would probably be number 1 on my list of "dream" Blu-ray releases. I mean, I'm sure it's going to happen, it's inevitable I suppose. This property is huge and with each new Michael Bay live action film that comes out, I'm constantly shocked that no one has released this on Blu-ray yet. It's just dying to get the Blu treatment, if ever there was a film.

Transformers The Movie is without a doubt one of my favorite animated films of all time. And just in terms of the Transformers universe in general, this is the best interpretation. It's surprisingly violent considering this is a kids property and also taking into account this was 1986. It's got a vicious pace with some intense sequences that always surprise me. Top notch clean animation and a thunderous rockin' 80's soundtrack only make this 100% certified Badass. The 20th Anniversary DVD edition released in 2006 is pretty good. with a decent picture quality and a healthy dose of extras. But I'd be fine without the extras if they were to clean this baby up for Blu-ray.
It bothers me so much these days that whenever anybody mentions Transformers, their mind automatically now goes to Michael Bay's films rather than this film or even the original cartoon. This needs to reemerge for a new audience to appreciate and to remind people that there was life in The Transformers universe before Bay turned the franchise into a mess.

The Punisher (1989)

This. This just has to happen. This just needs the badass treatment. Whether you love or hate this as an official "Punisher" film, you can't deny that this isn't one helluva badass action film in general. Relentless, violent and certainly entertaining, Dolph Lundgren was just awesome as The Punisher. I know, I know. He didn't have the trademark costume, was considerably thinner than usual, and in the official U.S. release, there was barely a glimpse of Frank Castle. But duuuuude, this movie rocks with solid action from beginning to end.

I 'd love to see this get cleaned up for Blu, include some interviews, maybe some on set footage and a trailer for sure. But most of all, I'd want to see the U.S. cut along with the full uncut version in here as well that has become legendary. I don't think these extra scenes make the film any better, but more people need to see them. And there is a lot of extra footage. If I remember correctly, just the beginning alone had something like 30 extra minutes. Personally, after having seen the extended version, I still prefer the U.S. cut. While cool to see all that footage of Lundgren as Frank Castle, I didn't necessarily feel it added anything to the film.

For all things Punisher here on robotGEEK'S Cult Cinema, here are some links:

http://robotgeekscultcinema.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-punisher-1989.html

http://robotgeekscultcinema.blogspot.com/2011/11/punisher-workprint-edition.html

http://robotgeekscultcinema.blogspot.com/2012/03/punisher-1989-german-big-box-vhs.html

http://robotgeekscultcinema.blogspot.com/2011/10/vhs-cover-of-day-punisher-1989.html

http://robotgeekscultcinema.blogspot.com/2012/07/punisher-short-film-dirty-laundry.html

Action Jackson (1988)

Aaaaaahhhh I loooooove this film so damn much. To the average moviegoer, this looks like a standard 80's action film. But to the filmgeek, this is so much more. I would actually considered this a bonafide Blaxpoitation film. This has all the elements; ridiculous action, hot chicks, a bigger than life titular character, and just his fucking name.....Action Jackson. It doesn't get any better than that!

Directed by legendary stunt coordinator turned action director Craig R. Baxley, who also gave us the triple threat of Action Jackson, I Come in Peace aka Dark Angel and Stone Cold before converting to television work, Action Jackson is an amazing piece of Badass Cinema. His stunt work and direction are top notch and the score by Michael Kamen and Herbie Hancock add that special touch to an already awesome film.

Being one of my absolute favorite action films of all time, one thing that "always" bothered me was that this has never been available in widescreen. VHS, DVD and Laserdisc all come in annoying full frame or pan and scan and even the DVD has nothing in the way of extras. I did see it on Netflix Instant once and to my disbelief, it was shockingly in widescreen. I couldn't believe it. It looked amazing. I'd say it's about time this one got the Blu ray treatment.

Never Too Young To Die (1986)

Words alone cannot explain this film. This truly is a piece of cinema that needs, no.....begs, to be seen.

I remember this when it first hit VHS way back in the mid 80's, but remember virtually nothing about it other than it starred John Stamos and Gene Simmons (KISS). But when my VHS obsession began a year ago I tracked this sucker down and let me tell you, I was not prepared for what I was about to see. This is without a doubt one of the biggest "WTF?!" movies I have ever seen. It's hard to explain and it's hard to wonder what the filmmaking team was thinking when they were making this. At times it's like a low-budget mash-up of James Bond and Mad Max (that alone is strange enough). At other times it feels like another film entirely. It's completely and utterly ridiculous from start to finish, but it's got nice production value and it's competently made, which throws you off. John Stamos's character is named Stargrove. Gene Simmons plays a hermaphrodite lounge singing villain named Velvet Von Ragnar. Seriously. Vanity appears throughout either half naked or just naked. Nice. And well, what can I say. I love this film to death. It has everything you want for an awesome time.

This has never been officially released on DVD, and there's no widescreen print of this available anywhere. Not even on Laserdisc, which typically sells for the insane amount of $100 a pop. The VHS though is fairly cheap and easy to get. This just needs a proper release in it's proper aspect ratio and considering it's never been released on DVD at all, what better time than now.

Raiders of Atlantis (1983)

Oh wow. What a gem in the Trash Cinema genre this one is.

Directed by Cannibal Holocaust director Ruggero Deodato and shamelessly ripping off everything from Mad Max, Indiana Jones, Night of the Living Dead to Assault on Precinct 13 and everything in between, Raiders of Atlantis aka Atlantis Inferno is one of the best examples of Trash Cinema if ever there was one.

This has been released countless times on VHS all over the world, of which I own many. But so far to my knowledge, the Greek VHS release is the only one I've found in letterbox format. So it is possible and it is available that way. Some online sellers have even converted this Greek VHS release onto DVD making it easily available for purchase from major online outlets. But I'd still like a cleaned up Blu-ray edition in widescreen because as ridiculous as this film is, it's soooooo much fun. It would be fun to see some onset footage or even some old interviews and even a trailer for this one. Someone buy the rights and release this now!

Wonder Woman fan made trailer / Fan Film

Now this is a Wonder Woman film I'd love to see. I'm not generally a Wonder Woman fan, but this is just too badass not to share. Here's some further info via Cinema Blend:

This teaser trailer, shared by Latino-Review, was conceived and shot by one-time stunt coordinator Jesse V. Johnson (Planet of the Apes, Lincoln) who reportedly recruited cinematographer friend HC Van Urfalian, a striking brunette actress named Nina Bergman, and character actor Peter Stormare (!!) to record a reel of Wonder Woman in action. The director told the site: 

“It was my manager/producing partner Kailey Marsh’s idea to shoot the trailer. She really believes I should be a studio director, and thought shooting Wonder Woman would be a great way to show off my skills in a fun way that people could get excited about.”

They even recruited Robert Sebree to come up with a teaser poster:  

Quick Shot: Frankenhooker (1990)

1990
Directed by: Frank Henenlotter
Category: Horror

I wouldn't call this a horror film as it's more of an excuse to show off some bugnuts insane crazy effects and a completely ridiculous storyline with equally ridiculous scenarios. But you know what? It works. It's fun, and obviously doesn't take itself seriously at all so what would you expect from a film titled Frankenhooker?

I will say this, my expectations were indeed exceeded by the sheer amount of balls Henenlotter (Basket Case 1, 2, 3, Brain Damage) and company displayed by making this thing. It's an acquired taste, definitely. But watch it with the right company, with the right amount of alcohol and this thing is a blast. One of the better "So Bad It's Good" horror films out there and one I'll probably revisit from time to time.

Do I even need to bother with a synopsis? Okay, here's a quick one. Average New Jersey girl gets cut to pieces by her nerdy boyfriends automatic lawnmower invention. Nerdy, slightly insane boyfriend decides to bring her back to life by killing and cutting up hookers for body parts and preserving his dead girlfriends head and brain. Only problem is that by taking on all these random hooker body parts, she's also acquiring all of there tricks and trades naturally making her a hooker at heart.

This was really fun. Though made in 1989 and released in 1990, it looks and feels like something from 1982, which only adds to its' charm. Throw in some truly horrendous acting from a plethora of non-actors and casting the truly hot Patty Mullen in the lead with surprisingly good comedic skills and it all makes for a good time. The effects were pretty inventive and impressive considering the budget, and Henenlotter's direction is what you'd expect it to be, competent for the most part considering the material.

If anything, this is worth a viewing if for nothing other than the scene in the hotel room where a half a dozen or so naked hookers spontaneously explode. I mean, there's no other way to describe it. You just have to see it to believe it. It's pretty far out there and it's spectacular.

The Presidio (1988)

1988
Directed by: Peter Hyams
Category: Thriller

This was a film I never felt the urge to watch ever since it was released. I don't know, the cover just doesn't do it for me, neither does the title. But as an adult, I love classic Peter Hyams films, no matter what the genre is. The guy was such an accomplished filmmaker in his prime, the 1980's and 1990's. Running Scared, Sudden Death, Timecop, Outland, 2010, all great fun films and visually an unmistakable Peter Hyams film.

So yea, then there's The Presidio, tucked away in his filmography between Running Scared and Timecop. One of the things I love about Netflix Instant is that it gives me the opportunity to watch films that I would not have given a second thought to. Films like this. Yet, as I browse occasionally when I'm looking for something to watch or play in the background, they suggest films to me based on my viewing history and this one popped up. I was intrigued. And I was also in the mood or something light and simple. An old school style thriller from the 80's, and this one certainly fit the bill. How was it? Here we go.

I actually liked this one a lot. It's a simply paint-by-numbers thriller about a civilian detective (Harmon), who teams up with a Colonel (Connery), his former commanding officer, to investigate the death of a soldier on base. There's nothing flashy or complex about this film at all. Nothing that makes it stand out from all the others that would make you remember it. But I think that's why I liked it so much. It's a competently made thriller with a visual panache, as Hyams is certainly capable of when he's running on all cylinders. There are no big action sequences or explosions or anything like that, but there is a good foot chase and small car chase sequence thrown in there, along with the films final showdown sequence, which was entertaining enough that it made up for the lack of any action for the majority of the film. But that's still not a complaint because I never got bored. All the leads were great, the film looked amazing and it possesses that old school "feel" about it.

There is one scene that will always stand out for me. It offers nothing to the film in general and is in reality a filler shot of someone walking up a flight of stairs outside an apartment building. It's the angle Hyams chose, the way he shot it and how he framed it that make it so amazing and why I love the way he directs films. It's a shot nobody would or should care about, but I do because it's a testament to this guy's talent as a director with enough visual ingenuity that he can make something so simple look so amazing.

For me, this was a great way to spend 90 minutes late at night. It reminded me of how films used to be made. Simple effective stories and execution. Oh, and before I forget. There's a scene where Sean Connery's character actually beats the shit out of a bigger dude in a bar by simply using his thumb. The best part is that he actually tells the poor schlob this before he does it. He tells him that he's going to beat the shit out of him by simply using his thumb, so at least the guy knew what he had coming. It needs to be seen to be believed, and it was definitely awesome.

Not Bad For A Human signed copy up for grabs on eBay!

Attention!
Our good friend and fellow filmgeek Ingo at Hellford 667 Movie Reviews is selling his signed copy of Lance Henriksen's autobiography 
"Not Bad For A Human" on eBay. 

To check out the listing, click Here.


This is a first edition with artwork and signatures. 

Here's some further info:

Not Bad for a Human, is now available in a signed, limited edition. This edition is a 6 x 9 hardback with 374 pages of text and illustrations. Published by Bloody Pulp Books, it features original dust jacket art by Bill Sienkiewicz, and interior art by Mike Mignola, Tom Mandrake, Tim Bradstreet, Eric Powell and Ashley Wood. Every copy is autographed by Lance Henriksen and co-author Joseph Maddrey.

Only a few days left on the listing, so I suggest you grab it while you can. Be aware though, this is on eBay Germany, so if you live in the U.S., take into account that this is an International listing. 

To check it out, here's the link again:
Not Bad For A Human