Christopher-Lee Movie Reviews

Related Subjects: Christina-Ricci
More Pages: Christopher-Lee Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
VHS movie reviews for "Christopher-Lee" sorted by average review score:
The Education of Little Tree
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (09 March, 1999)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Richard Friedenberg
Starring: James Cromwell and Joseph Ashton
In 1935, an 8-year-old orphaned boy is sent to live in the Tennessee mountains with his grandparents. He doesn't yet know that he is half Cherokee, on his grandmother's side. As he learns about life and the Cherokee "way" from his grandparents, Little Tree's sensitivity to nature and to others grows.

At first it might seem easy to dismiss this movie as hokey, especially when Little Tree's Scottish grandfather teaches him to make whiskey and he befriends a dog. But the film gains emotional power when Little Tree becomes close to an older Cherokee who tells him about the Trail of Tears. When the government places Little Tree in an Indian school, where he is abused physically and psychologically, the tough issue of the forced assimilation of Native Americans isn't glossed over. Excellent performances and a gripping story make this well worth watching with children ages 8 and up.

An interesting side note: Forrest Carter, who wrote the book the movie is based on, was a one-time KKK member and speechwriter for George Wallace. It's hard to imagine how a former white supremacist could write such a moving tale about racism. Despite the controversy surrounding Carter, this sensitive film deserves to be taken on its own terms. --Elisabeth Keating

Average review score:

Great portrayal of Cherokee Native American spirituality
Despite the positive light shed on the Native American culture,the white mountain folks are grossly stereotyped.The moonshining industry depicted in East Tennesee is true to life...it's just a shame that the main character Little Tree is shown actively learning this trade and working in it as a child 8-10 years old. With a few changes, this movie could have been true G-rated family fare.as a native American,I would still highly recomend the movie,but not for under 12 years old.It could not be shown in schools in most localities.

Tale Of Lost Opportunity
Like another movie I recently watched and commented upon, "The Education Of Little Tree", is not a five star film, but it becomes one when its message is included. James Cromwell, Tantoo Cardinal, Joseph Ashton, Mika Boorem, and Graham Greene all give wonderful performances. Joseph and Mika are both young children, so their performances are all the more worthy of praise.

The Native Americans that are included in this film are The Cherokee People, and their story, including, "The Trail Of Tears", play a prominent role. Like other Native Americans, The Cherokee lived without destroying the land and the wildlife they coexisted with. They only used what they needed, greed did not drive them to exploit nature and destroy her, as we and our ancestors have, and continue to do.

The movie is beautifully filmed in the mountains of Tennessee, and the director took the time to capture the natural beauty that European settlers were to exploit and ruin. It's true some of this beauty still exists, but is largely because it has become national parkland, rather than having been left unmolested out of respect for its intrinsic value. Poignant moments are frequent in this film, and one is certainly when a young boy who is half Cherokee is sent off to a Dickensian nightmare of a school to be abused because of his, "Indian Blood". Upon his arrival he is stripped of his Native American name and given an, "American replacement", Joshua. It appears that biblical names were originally written for re-naming true Americans.

Graham Greene is a familiar face to many moviegoers and he is a pleasure to watch in this film. Tantoo Cardinal who plays the role of the young boy's Cherokee grandmother is also wonderful.

The movie does not resolve its tale on a completely happy note, nor one of complete despair. As it has in real life, time has shown all that was lost when Genocide was carried out against Native Americans as federal government policy. Had good judgment, and lack of stupefying greed worked to integrate the newcomers to this country with the natives that were here, I have little doubt our country would be better for it, and the facts of the country's history would not include the genocide of those people we deemed to be in our way.

this movie is wonderful seen it before
this movie is wonderful educating when you learn thatan
8 year old boy has to live in 1930;s living in 2 worlds
the indian and the other world people the grandparents
who taught him the old and the new way...please watch it
youwill not be dissapointed

The Education of Little Tree
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (06 February, 2001)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Richard Friedenberg
Starring: James Cromwell and Joseph Ashton
In 1935, an 8-year-old orphaned boy is sent to live in the Tennessee mountains with his grandparents. He doesn't yet know that he is half Cherokee, on his grandmother's side. As he learns about life and the Cherokee "way" from his grandparents, Little Tree's sensitivity to nature and to others grows.

At first it might seem easy to dismiss this movie as hokey, especially when Little Tree's Scottish grandfather teaches him to make whiskey and he befriends a dog. But the film gains emotional power when Little Tree becomes close to an older Cherokee who tells him about the Trail of Tears. When the government places Little Tree in an Indian school, where he is abused physically and psychologically, the tough issue of the forced assimilation of Native Americans isn't glossed over. Excellent performances and a gripping story make this well worth watching with children ages 8 and up.

An interesting side note: Forrest Carter, who wrote the book the movie is based on, was a one-time KKK member and speechwriter for George Wallace. It's hard to imagine how a former white supremacist could write such a moving tale about racism. Despite the controversy surrounding Carter, this sensitive film deserves to be taken on its own terms. --Elisabeth Keating

Average review score:

Great portrayal of Cherokee Native American spirituality
Despite the positive light shed on the Native American culture,the white mountain folks are grossly stereotyped.The moonshining industry depicted in East Tennesee is true to life...it's just a shame that the main character Little Tree is shown actively learning this trade and working in it as a child 8-10 years old. With a few changes, this movie could have been true G-rated family fare.as a native American,I would still highly recomend the movie,but not for under 12 years old.It could not be shown in schools in most localities.

Tale Of Lost Opportunity
Like another movie I recently watched and commented upon, "The Education Of Little Tree", is not a five star film, but it becomes one when its message is included. James Cromwell, Tantoo Cardinal, Joseph Ashton, Mika Boorem, and Graham Greene all give wonderful performances. Joseph and Mika are both young children, so their performances are all the more worthy of praise.

The Native Americans that are included in this film are The Cherokee People, and their story, including, "The Trail Of Tears", play a prominent role. Like other Native Americans, The Cherokee lived without destroying the land and the wildlife they coexisted with. They only used what they needed, greed did not drive them to exploit nature and destroy her, as we and our ancestors have, and continue to do.

The movie is beautifully filmed in the mountains of Tennessee, and the director took the time to capture the natural beauty that European settlers were to exploit and ruin. It's true some of this beauty still exists, but is largely because it has become national parkland, rather than having been left unmolested out of respect for its intrinsic value. Poignant moments are frequent in this film, and one is certainly when a young boy who is half Cherokee is sent off to a Dickensian nightmare of a school to be abused because of his, "Indian Blood". Upon his arrival he is stripped of his Native American name and given an, "American replacement", Joshua. It appears that biblical names were originally written for re-naming true Americans.

Graham Greene is a familiar face to many moviegoers and he is a pleasure to watch in this film. Tantoo Cardinal who plays the role of the young boy's Cherokee grandmother is also wonderful.

The movie does not resolve its tale on a completely happy note, nor one of complete despair. As it has in real life, time has shown all that was lost when Genocide was carried out against Native Americans as federal government policy. Had good judgment, and lack of stupefying greed worked to integrate the newcomers to this country with the natives that were here, I have little doubt our country would be better for it, and the facts of the country's history would not include the genocide of those people we deemed to be in our way.

this movie is wonderful seen it before
this movie is wonderful educating when you learn thatan
8 year old boy has to live in 1930;s living in 2 worlds
the indian and the other world people the grandparents
who taught him the old and the new way...please watch it
youwill not be dissapointed

Bionicle - Mask Of Light
Released in VHS Tape by Buena Vista Home Vid (16 September, 2003)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Directors: David Molina and Terry Shakespeare
Lego's Bionicle line has sprouted this complicated but impressive family movie, Bionicle: Mask of Light, to bolster the toys' mythic appeal. The story focuses on the robotic Matoran tribe from the island of Mata Nui, which is protected by six powerful guardians known as the Toa. Two small Matorans--one a potentially heroic "herald" and the other a historian-witness called "chronicler"--find a sacred mask of light, suggesting the imminent of arrival of a seventh Toa. Identifying that mystery figure proves difficult, however, especially with the evil spirit of shadows, Makuta, attacking Matorans with mechanized-crayfish warriors in a bid to possess the precious mask. This is the kind of out-of-nowhere, dense fantasy that requires one to get up to speed quickly on a lot of exotic detail, terms, history, etc. But Mask of Light is also enjoyable as expressive, CGI animation with thoughtful art design, striking color, and excellent vocal performances. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:

It's very nice!
This is a nice movie and I would recommend it to anyone. I'm a...er...veteran Bionicle fan, and I was impressed of how the movie stayed with the story. I enjoyed it, although I noticed that there a lot of "rocks-falling-and-people-running-and-screaming-everywhere" scenes. The computer graphics are very very good, but sometimes some scenes look strangely sped up a bit or shaky. The biggest annoyance in the movie was probably Lewa's voice. It seemed way too fake, and he said things like "windfly", "footwalkin'" and "quickspeed" too much.
I loved the commentary because it was really interesting. The Behind-the-Scenes are very nice too.
It's a good movie for everybody, even my 4-year-old brother demanded to see it again as soon as the credits started rolling, so it's not THAT scary. You should buy it!

surprisingly good
when I first heard there was gonna be a bionicle movie i thought, oh great, another piece of garbage. But when we finally rented this movie and popped it in, i have to admit i was psyched.

This movie has an excellent score, good cgi, and a great story.
I gave this only four stars cause Jaller came back to life and dead people oughta stay dead.

Couple side notes: the r in jaller's name is silent cause his name is actually Jala and Takua misspelled it on the wall of history. and, near the end of the credits, there is a message written in matoran runes. if you're fluent in this writing like me you can just read this, but you can also print a decoder off www.maskoflight.com. the message is funny.

Overall, this movie is a must-have for any major bionicle or scifi fan.

Excellent and intelligent
Besides reading the other reviews here I didn't really know what to expect from this movie. I was very pleasantly suprised how well done this movie is. It's a movie that the entire family can enjoy (yes even the parents) and you can tell the people involved knew how to handle the material.

I have to agree with the other reviewers though that the voice given to Lewa was all wrong.

The extras on the DVD are also nice and give more backround info into the Bionicle world.

Even if you are new to the Bionicle scene or know nothing about it at all you will not be let down by this fine feature.

Wayne's World 2
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (06 February, 2001)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Stephen Surjik
Starring: Mike Myers and Dana Carvey
Somewhere in the world, there are probably people who don't understand why Mike Myers's character, Wayne Campbell, is funny--which is too bad. Granted, the laughs are often cheap and silly, but there's no one who can embody a comic character and riff within that character the way Myers does. Wayne and his pal Garth (Dana Carvey) were fixtures on Saturday Night Live before the unexpected success of Wayne's World, which is about what happened when they tried to take their local cable-access show citywide. This time, they want to stage Waynestock, a mammoth rock festival in their little Chicago suburb, even as Wayne copes with girlfriend Tia Carrere's interest in record-company exec Christopher Walken. For extra fun, Garth gets involved with the babelicious Kim Basinger. Yes, the humor is scattershot and the plot is lame--but you'll find yourself laughing nonetheless. --Marshall Fine
Average review score:

"If you book them they will come"
As good as the first! Mike Myers is one of my favorite actors, and I love everything he is in! He and Garth never fail to make me laugh. The funniest bits come from him getting seduced by Kim Basinger. Tia Carrere (a gorgeous woman) returns as Cassandra, Wayne's babelicious girlfriend. But she is being led astray by Christopher Walken, will Wayne prove his worthiness? A movie that I have watched over and over, and still laugh. Schwing!

the second one is just as better
dana carvey and mike myers, team up together for the second time in the movie wayne's world 2. this was just as good as the original. no one can forget that classic mortal combat scene between wayne and jeff. it was the funniest part in the movie for me. then you have help from one of the biggest names in hollywood, christopher walken, who played the part of bobby perfectly. myers and carvey also worked great together, as usual, who would of thought that a sketch form saturday night live, would turn into two very funny and successful movies. waynes world 2, i salute you, schaaaaaawing!

Not as ZANG as the first film
Wayne's World 2 came to theaters on December 10,1993. That month also came sequels to SISTER ACT and BEETHOVEN. Wayne's World is now taped in the building where Acme Doll Factory once operated in. Wayne and Garth are now living together(platonically of course). Wayne and Garth attend an Aerosmith concert in downtown Chicago(part of Aerosmith's GET A GRIP tour). They meet Heather Locklear(as herself in a cameo) who is also in attendance. Wayne is still dating Cassandra(Tia Carrere). She now has a new producer Bobby(Chris Walken). Wayne and Garth plan to form an all-star concert called Waynestock(parody of Woodstock,the famous '69 concert held in upstate New York). One day at a business luncheon,Wayne spies on Cassandra and Bobby,angering Cassandra when she learned of it. So they broke up briefly again. Chris Farley plays Milton,an obnoxious buddy of Wayne's and Garth's. Wayne and Garth fly to England to meet a guy named Del Preston who helps organize Waynestock. Surprise,Cassandra plans to marry Bobby and the wedding almost happened! Also in the film we meet Cassandra's father,who is impressed by Wayne's knowledge of Cantonese,which he learned in the first film. It was the father who told Wayne about the Cassandra/Bobby wedding. The father told Wayne on the phone,"You're an excellent warrior but I require more in a son-in-law". Wayne and the father briefly do a sword duel. At Waynestock,guess who arrives at the request of Wayne and Garth? Their idols,Steven Tyler,Joe Perry,Brad Whitford,Joey Kramer and Tom Hamilton,aka Aerosmith. They perform from their GET A GRIP album,SHUT UP AND DANCE. In the Aerosmith concert scene,they perform DUDE(Looks Like A Lady).

A Very Brady Sequel
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (06 June, 2000)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Arlene Sanford
Starring: Shelley Long, Gary Cole, and Tim Matheson
This second ironic send-up of the old Sherwood Schwartz sitcom is even funnier than The Brady Bunch Movie. Shelley Long and Gary Cole return as the married heads of the merged family known as the Bradys, and Christopher Daniel Barnes and Christine Taylor reprise their roles as eldest stepsiblings Greg and Marcia. As with the first film, the clever premise finds the Brady clan caught in a kind of '70s time warp, while the rest of the world has moved well into the '90s. Greg is still looking for a "groovy girlfriend," Mr. Brady thinks the idea of a cable that sends 50 channels to one's TV set must be a joke, and Mrs. Brady spends hours at the beauty shop only to look exactly the same as she went in. There's a plot involving an imposter (Tim Matheson) who claims to be Carol's long-lost husband, but the real charge in this comedy comes from the way these pseudohip characters deal with sexual taboos (is there any real reason that Greg and Marcia shouldn't get it on?) and the incredulous reactions of other people. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:

A hilarious treat for Brady lovers
"A Very Brady Sequel," directed by Arlene Sanford, continues the comic adventures of the recast Brady clan (headed by Shelley Long as Carol and Gary Cole as Mike). Like the preceding film, this is a campy but affectionate riff on the original "Brady Bunch" television series.

In "Sequel," a man claiming to be Roy Martin (Carol's first husband) enters the Brady's lives. It's a bizarre situation (unthinkable as a plot in the original series!), and Carol and the bunch must figure out how to deal with this challenge to their established family. Clever twists on plot points from the original series are interwoven as subplots in the film; Jan's imaginary boyfriend, for example, is a key running gag (which has a marvelous resolution, and well showcases Jennifer Elise Cox's comic appeal). Another key subplot involves an unexpected attraction between step-siblings Greg (Christopher Daniel Barnes) and Marcia (Christine Taylor); the filmmakers, I believe, keep this potentially kinky theme within the bounds of good taste.

"Sequel" continues the first film's running gag that the Bradys are stuck in a sort of 70s time warp, and are oblivious to 90s culture. Some of this "fish-out-of-water" humor is weak; the movie Bradys are at their best and funniest, I believe, when they are wholly in their own groovy element. The cast members seem really comfortable in their roles, and have a great chemistry together. As an ensemble they hit just the right balance between campiness and genuine familial affection.

Overall, "Sequel" gave me lots of smiles and chuckles, and the 70s-style costumes provided constant visual appeal. If you're a long-time Brady fan (like me!), don't miss it.

A Brady Bunch Review
A Very Brady Sequel is a funny spoof of the shows premeired on television in the 70's. It features the bradys living in the 90's, but stuck in the 70's. Such as when a soliciter calls up offering the family cable service, Mr. Brady says: "So, you're saying I can connect a wire to my TV and in will come 50 channels? I don't think so, good bye." The main event of the movie is when Mrs. Brady's old husband comes back. Really, he is an imposter but the bradys do not notice. When he whisks Mrs. Brady off to Hawaii, Mr. Brady decides to teach him a lesson on kindness. This is a funny movie and good entertainment.

very funny
i saw this a long time ago when i was younger and after just watching it recently i realized how many jokes i missed cause i didn't get back then. this movie is soo funny. the bradys are like clueless and hopelessly stuck in the 70s while the world around them is so modern. its funny to see how they act compared to everyone else around them.

Star Wars - Episode III
Released in Theatrical Release by (25 May, 2005)
MPAA Rating:
Director: George Lucas
Average review score:

What role does Chewbacca play here.....
Chewie has always been one of my favorite SW characters and it was great to hear that Peter Mayhew will play him again in Episode III. I am interested in seeing what kind of role Chewie will play here. He will most likely meet Obi-Won and fight alongside him, In Episode four, they do seem to know each other quite well when they meet in the bar....I think it will be a large role. George Lucas has stated that our favorite Wookie will be present throughout much of the picture, maybe we will even see the Wookie homeworld. I hope so.

The final piece
I had seen Star Wars IV-VI many times, and still enjoy it quite well. After Seeing I, I was sort of disappointed. It seem to have gone from pretty good creative work in IV-VI to an episode where there are very dumb, so called funny characters and a lot of kids.
It didn't always feel like IV-VI. IV-VI seemed a bit more mature, mature here meaning not very silly.
Episode II was a bit better in some cases, but the falling in love was a bit annoying. I understand it was needed that they fall in love, and then she has Luke and Leia, but maybe it was all the way he tried to be with her.
Taking I and II, I can sort of see as to why it was a bit more mellow and in a way, light, is because the dark side is in the last three, and "maybe" George Lucas wanted IV-VI "dark" so he had to make I and II lighter.
I is pretty light, II is getting somewhat dark, seeing the death star, clone army, Star Destroyers, then III i imagine is even darker, Anakin becomes Darth Vader, all jedi's expect for Yoda is killed off.
Taking the title "A New Hope" something major must happen in III. I'm guessing on some of these, but being all but one jedi are dead, they must have also killed the republic, and now in a sense overrule the galaxy.
You get an idea of what it's about when you watch IV-VI.
I just hope III is closer to IV-VI than having it like I or even II.
But even still, it will be complete. Everything that goes on in I, II, IV-VI, will be seen, and not just imagined.

"The circle is complete. Now, i am the Master!"
The title of Star Wars - Episode III appearingly will have some connection with this line spoken by Darth Vader in Episode VI, A New Hope. The response it gets from Obiwan Kenobi: "Only a master of evil!" will be a hallmark of the story in Episode III.
Anakin Skywalker will become evil, and it will destroy the entire cast of the Jedi Knights, from its own anger and fear, fear of loosing Padme, his power, rank and his future master (Palpatine - Darth Sidious).

Only Darh Sidious will recognize him as a Jedi, the Jedi Council will not give him the rank of Jedi Knight since Anakin will not pass the trials.

Anakin Skywalker it will become a Jedi, but only a dark Jedi, which is fine for him, as long as his power is absolute and is recognized (feared) by others. There will be no other Jedi to challenge him.

Yoda is faraway, hiding from his powers behind the dark force generated by the death of a dark Jedi (possible Count Dooku ?) wich is killed by Yoda on Dagobah, or is transported there. Obiwan Kenobi escapes from his light saber and is hiding on Tatoine, secretly watching Luke, his newborn son.

Episode III will be very dark, much darker than Episode II, Attack Of The Clones. The construction of the Death Star will begin, showing the emerging powers of the Emperor, by betraying the Separatist Alliance, wich will be disolved in the Clone Wars. Slowly, the new stormtroopers will conquer every system of planet from Republic, griping in the hands of the Emperor the faith of all.

I expect to leave the movie theatre very sad, since in the final of the movie there will be no hope for better things. The Empire will be there to stay..., for about 20 years, until "a new hope" will begin to show, in the person of Anakin son, Luke Skywalker. Only trough his son Anakin will fulfil the propheacy, that he is "The One, that will bring balance to the force", destroying the Dark Lord Of The Sith, the Emperor, ending his inner torment and the ruling of the Empire over the Republic.

I hope that Episode III will be a great ending to this epic saga that has captured so many people over the 25 years.

The Guyver 2: Dark Hero
Released in VHS Tape by New Line Studios (18 March, 1997)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Steve Wang
Average review score:

An Underrated and Relatively Unknown Little Actioner
Fans of the Guyver Manga, Anime and original live-action flick will get a kick out of this sometimes cheesy, but thoroughly entertaining flick. Sporting talent that includes Director Steven Wang (who also directed Drive, the Power Rangers Movie, and did special FX for a wide range of Horror and Sci-Fi movies) and David Hayter (voice actor for Solid Snake and writer of the X-Men movie screenplay) in the lead role of Sean Barker, Guyver 2 improves upon the original with a stronger emphasis on martial arts, drama, and character development.

Special effects, such as the transformation of Sean into the Guyver are either cleverly hidden, or done courtesy of CGI that still manages to impress nowadays. A well-done score by Les Claypool III helps add a dark mood and sense of urgency to many scenes, particularly fight scenes.

The majority of people seem to either love or hate this film, and I fall into the latter category; it's definitely gots its weak points with some cheesy villain character designs, gangster cliches (as depicted in the opening intro sequence), and the usual romance involving a cynical woman who eventually warms to a misunderstood hero. But all in all, it's definitely worth a rental for Sci-Fi fans who want some high quality cinematic junk food.

A Good Sequal
When I saw "The Guyver 1", I thought that it was one of the very best superhero/sci-fi films ever made, ranking on a list of greats like "BatMan", "SuperMan", "Spider-Man", and "DareDevil." When I saw "Guyver 2", I thought that they had captured the essence of a superhero that didn't know if he was a good guy or not, like the same dilemma that was bestowed upon DareDevil in his film.

This has all the makings of a good "Comicbook-to-movie" film that it's over and above any understanding that superhero fans don't check out this film. It has good fight scenes (although some of the dialogue is a bit campy) and the special effects are good considering that it's an indie film. This is a must-see for all sci-fi and superhero fans alike.

Guyver 2: Dark Hero
Even though this film was made in 1993, it is still one of the best sci-fi action flicks you'll see, even 10 years after its release. I remember seeing the first one and thinking 'It's good', but when i saw this one, i was blown away. Better actors, better story and better costumes, not forgetting better action. It's so involving you wish you where the Guyver. David Hayter is a vast improvement on the original guy who played Sean Barker, and just in case you didn't know, David Hayter wrote the screen play for the excellent X-Men movie and did the voice of Solid Snake for Metal Gear Solid one and two. I didn't see the anime series until a few years later and was blown away by that to. So to all you anime/sci-fi fans, i recommend you buy this one, and get the first one, if only to make sure you know what's going on in Guyver 2. Even though it's been 10 years, i still hope they get round to doing a third Guyver to bring it full circle. Well, go on, buy it. Go on... what are you waiting for.

Guyver: Data 4
Released in VHS Tape by Palm Pictures/Manga Video (21 May, 1996)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Steve Wang
Average review score:

An Underrated and Relatively Unknown Little Actioner
Fans of the Guyver Manga, Anime and original live-action flick will get a kick out of this sometimes cheesy, but thoroughly entertaining flick. Sporting talent that includes Director Steven Wang (who also directed Drive, the Power Rangers Movie, and did special FX for a wide range of Horror and Sci-Fi movies) and David Hayter (voice actor for Solid Snake and writer of the X-Men movie screenplay) in the lead role of Sean Barker, Guyver 2 improves upon the original with a stronger emphasis on martial arts, drama, and character development.

Special effects, such as the transformation of Sean into the Guyver are either cleverly hidden, or done courtesy of CGI that still manages to impress nowadays. A well-done score by Les Claypool III helps add a dark mood and sense of urgency to many scenes, particularly fight scenes.

The majority of people seem to either love or hate this film, and I fall into the latter category; it's definitely gots its weak points with some cheesy villain character designs, gangster cliches (as depicted in the opening intro sequence), and the usual romance involving a cynical woman who eventually warms to a misunderstood hero. But all in all, it's definitely worth a rental for Sci-Fi fans who want some high quality cinematic junk food.

A Good Sequal
When I saw "The Guyver 1", I thought that it was one of the very best superhero/sci-fi films ever made, ranking on a list of greats like "BatMan", "SuperMan", "Spider-Man", and "DareDevil." When I saw "Guyver 2", I thought that they had captured the essence of a superhero that didn't know if he was a good guy or not, like the same dilemma that was bestowed upon DareDevil in his film.

This has all the makings of a good "Comicbook-to-movie" film that it's over and above any understanding that superhero fans don't check out this film. It has good fight scenes (although some of the dialogue is a bit campy) and the special effects are good considering that it's an indie film. This is a must-see for all sci-fi and superhero fans alike.

Guyver 2: Dark Hero
Even though this film was made in 1993, it is still one of the best sci-fi action flicks you'll see, even 10 years after its release. I remember seeing the first one and thinking 'It's good', but when i saw this one, i was blown away. Better actors, better story and better costumes, not forgetting better action. It's so involving you wish you where the Guyver. David Hayter is a vast improvement on the original guy who played Sean Barker, and just in case you didn't know, David Hayter wrote the screen play for the excellent X-Men movie and did the voice of Solid Snake for Metal Gear Solid one and two. I didn't see the anime series until a few years later and was blown away by that to. So to all you anime/sci-fi fans, i recommend you buy this one, and get the first one, if only to make sure you know what's going on in Guyver 2. Even though it's been 10 years, i still hope they get round to doing a third Guyver to bring it full circle. Well, go on, buy it. Go on... what are you waiting for.

Guyver: Data 5 (Sci-fi live action movie based on cartoon series)
Released in VHS Tape by Palm Pictures/Manga Video (18 June, 1996)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Steve Wang
Average review score:

An Underrated and Relatively Unknown Little Actioner
Fans of the Guyver Manga, Anime and original live-action flick will get a kick out of this sometimes cheesy, but thoroughly entertaining flick. Sporting talent that includes Director Steven Wang (who also directed Drive, the Power Rangers Movie, and did special FX for a wide range of Horror and Sci-Fi movies) and David Hayter (voice actor for Solid Snake and writer of the X-Men movie screenplay) in the lead role of Sean Barker, Guyver 2 improves upon the original with a stronger emphasis on martial arts, drama, and character development.

Special effects, such as the transformation of Sean into the Guyver are either cleverly hidden, or done courtesy of CGI that still manages to impress nowadays. A well-done score by Les Claypool III helps add a dark mood and sense of urgency to many scenes, particularly fight scenes.

The majority of people seem to either love or hate this film, and I fall into the latter category; it's definitely gots its weak points with some cheesy villain character designs, gangster cliches (as depicted in the opening intro sequence), and the usual romance involving a cynical woman who eventually warms to a misunderstood hero. But all in all, it's definitely worth a rental for Sci-Fi fans who want some high quality cinematic junk food.

A Good Sequal
When I saw "The Guyver 1", I thought that it was one of the very best superhero/sci-fi films ever made, ranking on a list of greats like "BatMan", "SuperMan", "Spider-Man", and "DareDevil." When I saw "Guyver 2", I thought that they had captured the essence of a superhero that didn't know if he was a good guy or not, like the same dilemma that was bestowed upon DareDevil in his film.

This has all the makings of a good "Comicbook-to-movie" film that it's over and above any understanding that superhero fans don't check out this film. It has good fight scenes (although some of the dialogue is a bit campy) and the special effects are good considering that it's an indie film. This is a must-see for all sci-fi and superhero fans alike.

Guyver 2: Dark Hero
Even though this film was made in 1993, it is still one of the best sci-fi action flicks you'll see, even 10 years after its release. I remember seeing the first one and thinking 'It's good', but when i saw this one, i was blown away. Better actors, better story and better costumes, not forgetting better action. It's so involving you wish you where the Guyver. David Hayter is a vast improvement on the original guy who played Sean Barker, and just in case you didn't know, David Hayter wrote the screen play for the excellent X-Men movie and did the voice of Solid Snake for Metal Gear Solid one and two. I didn't see the anime series until a few years later and was blown away by that to. So to all you anime/sci-fi fans, i recommend you buy this one, and get the first one, if only to make sure you know what's going on in Guyver 2. Even though it's been 10 years, i still hope they get round to doing a third Guyver to bring it full circle. Well, go on, buy it. Go on... what are you waiting for.

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
Released in VHS Tape by Mgm/Ua Studios (01 August, 2000)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Billy Wilder
Starring: Robert Stephens and Christopher Lee
This 1970 Billy Wilder comedy-drama about a major defeat in the career of Sherlock Holmes may have little to do with the legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but in its uncut form it happens to be one of the finest films of the decade. Robert Stephens makes a perfectly splendid Holmes, brilliant, sophisticated, and deeply flawed, while Colin Blakely plays Dr. Watson as a drinker and ladies' man with more personality and intelligence than is often granted him by filmmakers. The case (which has some echoes of Doyle's story "The Bruce-Partington Plans") begins with Holmes aiding the distressed Madame Valladon (Geneviève Page), who is searching for her missing husband. The inquiry shifts to Scotland, and despite a stern warning from the hero's brother, Mycroft Holmes (Christopher Lee), Sherlock pursues events that reveal a top-secret government plan. Lush, energetic, funny, gorgeous to look at, and ultimately tragic, the film is layered with Wilder's familiar collision of cynicism and yearning, hope and betrayal, grace and isolation. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:

Very entertaining film
Boasting an excellent cast (including Christopher Lee of former Dracula and current Lord of the Rings fame), this 1970 film directed by none other than Billy Wilder engages the redoubtable Sherlock Holmes (well played by Robert Stephens) in a complex tale involving midgets, canaries, Trappist monks, the Loch Ness monster, a beautiful widow, a top secret government project, and a very stuffy Queen Victoria--among other items.

Also included are a haughty Russian ballerina, a Stradivarius violin, Sherlock's supercilious but wickedly intelligent brother Mycroft, hints of sexual deviance, and a drunken Dr. Watson. Oh yes, and let's not forget a woman in a wheelchair, a signalling parasol, and a Scottish castle under construction.

Put these all together and you get a devilishly entertaining film shot through with Holmes' mordant wit (for which Watson is the perfect foil), and, as well, with his keen intelligence. The only (minor) flaw I found was how it was that Holmes was not able to decipher the real identity of a critical personage in the tale; that person's real identity was supplied by someone other than Sherlock, which was very surprising. Nevertheless, this is a great film that never bores. Laughter, thrills, and puzzles abound.

Colin Blakely is Dr. Watson--to a T. The remaining supporting cast is equally fine. A shame this is not yet on DVD. Perhaps someday....

Highly recommended.

70's Masterpiece finally available on DVD
It's a sad commentary on the films featuring Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, that two of my favorites have nothing to do with Doyle at all. The first is They Might Be Giants (with Joanne Woodard a woman named Watson and George C. Scott as a man who believes he is Sherlock Holmes) and Billy Wilder's late period masterpiece. Stuffed with Wilder's characteristic cynical wit, sophisticated dialog and outstanding performances The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes has been out of circulation for too long.

MGM's terrific reissue features a number of extras that make this edition worth waiting for. While it doesn't have the cut scenes reintegrated into the film, it does feature a deleted scenes gallery that suggests how the film might have been had it not been butchered prior to general release. Sadly, there's much missing from this "lost" footage and, as a result, we don't get a restoration as much as a "recreation" with bits and pieces and script segments.

While this isn't the best transfer I've seen, the overall look is still pretty good. Yes, the look of the film is a bit washed out (not sure if that's due to the transfer or film stock but, knowing about the instability of film stock and less than pristine storage conditions many of these films were kept in, I'd vote for negative deterioation)but it is presented in its original aspect ratio. The overall presentation is quite good considering what MGM had to work with and, barring a restoration by someone like Robert Harris, this is probably the best version we'll ever see.

Christopher Lee shines during his brief screen time as Holmes brother. Lee did eventually get to play Holmes as well so it's rather funny to see him playing Holmes brother (after also playing Baskerville in Terry Fisher's Hound of the Baskervilles). Robert Stephens IS Holmes in this film. He lives and breathes the character in ways that Rathbone and others never quite did. I've seen some criticism of Colin Blakely's Watson here but find it to be little more than critcial bluster. Blakely's take on Watson manages to both tip the hat to Nigel Bruce and satirize the way the character was emasculated in most of the film adaptions of Doyle's work.

Oh, I'd like to add The Seven Percent Solution to my list of great Holmes adventures not written by Doyle but, sadly, it isn't available in widescreen(at least I haven't been able to find it) on DVD.

Feels like there's something missing.
And there is. This film is infamous for having much cut from it by Billy Wilder himself. And while I appreciate his choices I am annoyed with the fact that they are not featured as extras on this DVD. I'm not exactly sure what the deleted scenes (or should that be plots) are but I can't shake the feeling that the first 30 minutes are completely redundant in relation to the rest of the movie and perhaps it might not have been if the movie were longer. Cutting a movie down to size is always a very tough thing to do. The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes suffers, but still manages to be entertaining.

Complaints aside, I really do enjoy Wilder's bizarre approach to Sherlock Holmes. Robert Stephens plays him with more a touch more humor and pathos than most other actors and comes across as a mix between Alan Rickman and Rick Mayall. It's definitely the most pleasant I've seen Holmes. The mystery he gets involved in may be huge, though it's not exactly exciting. Wilder seems more interested in having every element of the story fall into place than give us something with a sense of urgency. And for a film over 2 hours long (it was meant to be 3) it's not cool to have every scene presented at its own pace. There has to be some compromise.

The photography is excellent. The 2.35:1 widescreen frame is used expertly and one can only imagine the horrors of this film being presented in pan and scan. The anamorphic picture looks fine for a 33 year old film and the Mono sound is completely adeqequate. Extras consist of a trailer, an interview with the editor, deleted sequences (not the all of them) and a photo gallery.

Related Subjects: Christina-Ricci
More Pages: Christopher-Lee Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42