There aren’t many comedies that can reduce me to tears like “A Shot in the Dark” does. It’s one of those rare incredible comedies where every element from the story to the characters is so pitch perfect, it’s astounding. Character Clouseau even breaks the fourth wall at one point, destroying the momentum of the final confrontations. But he gets away with it so slyly, because Peter Sellers’ timing, matched with his physical comedy is flawless and genius. Even if you’ve never seen a Pink Panther movie, getting acquainted with Jacques Clouseau is a breeze because Sellers and director Blake Edwards establish him with subtle idiosyncrasies and almost no dialogue.
Author Archives: Felix Vasquez
The Final Terror (1983) [Blu-Ray/DVD]
If anything you have to admire “The Final Terror” for being a slasher survival film that eschews the horny annoying teenagers. In exchange, we have younger adults that also happen to be forest rangers. And yes, they’re horny, too. But you take the good with the bad. Teamed together for some kind of task in the wilderness, they happen to mistakenly trespass in the backyard of a vicious hunter. Said hunter is part Jason Voorhees, and part Yautja sans the science fiction.
Beware the Batman: Shadows of Gotham – Season 1, Part 1 [Blu-Ray]
Yet another animated iteration of the dark knight, Glenn Murakami’s “Beware the Batman” tries to meet Cartoon Network in America down the middle. It’s an attempt to rework the Batman universe, while opening its world up to potential merchandise opportunities. Hence why much of the Batman universe here is filled with pandering, and characters so obviously built toward becoming action figures, it’s pretty sad. All things considered, the series was pulled very quickly by Cartoon Network, and it’s not difficult to figure out why. “Beware the Batman” is the most lifeless and lethargic of the animated Batman adventures, and we once had “The Batman.”
Batman The Brave & The Bold: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray]
For Batman fans that prefers their Batman with less substance and much more of the Adam West camp and adventure, “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” is right up your alley. With unique animation and solid voice work from Diedrich Bader, “Brave and the Bold” is mostly fan service, teaming Batman up with some of the most obscure and interesting Batman superheroes, while celebrating the more serial oriented side of the characters. There’s less of Bruce Wayne and his world involved in the series, with Batman mainly playing center to most of the events that occur.
Bring It On (2000)
You wouldn’t think a movie about cheerleaders and a rivalry between teams would be any good, but “Bring It On” manages to be lightning in a bottle that has yet to be topped by its terrible sequels. Not that cheerleading isn’t interesting, but “Bring It On” is such an entertaining and funny sports film, it sets the standard for movies about cheerleaders that has yet to be equaled or rivaled in quality. Director Peyton Reed’s film is a mix of comedy, drama, and light commentary on race and class warfare.
The PC Thug: 10 Facts about “Shasta McNasty” (You May Not Know)
One of the better movie series I’ve seen in a long time is “Paranormal Activity.” Yes, it has its detractors, sure. You either love the movies, or you act snooty and mock people for liking the movies. I don’t give a shit, either way. I think “Paranormal Activity” was great, and this was before it became a viral sensation with the ad campaign (featuring people that knew they were being filmed) of people screaming and shrieking at the movie’s events.
I fondly remember asking for a chance to review the screener from Oren Peli, and being stunned at what I’d finished watching when it ended. I loved “Paranormal Activity” then and never knew it’d become such a huge hit.
Years later, we’re on to “Paranormal Activity 4” moving on to part five, and we even have our own Latin spin off! And ever since part three I’ve been asking the same question: Where the hell is this all going?
Time to Kill (2014)
It’s impressive how some filmmakers can take a one setting short and turn it in to an event filled picture filled with sharp writing and rich characterization. “Time to Kill” is based on one character and one setting and still feels more complete than most films I’ve come across. Christopher T. Wood who penned the film, also gives a top notch performance as a hit man waiting for his target, and might be waiting for his target for as long as his patience and endurance can hold out.