It’s “Die Hard.” But now it’s set in a private school. And it stars a bunch of child actors now young men that band together to bring down terrorists. You have to love the nineties. Most of it tried to establish its identity, while the rest pretty much cribbed ideas from the eighties. If you can buy that Will Wheaton and Sean Astin are action heroes, “Toy Soldiers” is passable action escapism that mixes “Die Hard” with a touch of “Red Dawn.”
Thinner Blood (2013)
It’s very refreshing when indie filmmakers don’t just seek to create a short film, but a short film that can make a difference. “Thinner Blood” is a remarkable and effecting short drama that could easily be stretched in to a feature film. But on its own it works and stays with you long after the credits have rolled.
Skinhead Requiem (2013)
Director Jason Victor Everett’s short dramatic thriller “Skinhead Requiem” is a powerful and compelling short look at two men on the cusp of realization in their lives that they will take with them to their graves. Director Jason Victor Everett takes a startling transformation as the ultimate extremist skinhead, while the legendary Tom Noonan plays a priest speaking with him as he prepares to leave for his execution.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995)
It’s kind of sucky that, though “Mighty Morphin” is a solid bit of silly escapism, it’s also a film that promises a lot, but never really amounts to anything, in the end. If you followed “Power Rangers” in the 90’s rabidly like I did, the series was overhauled again after the movie, and everything cool that was in this movie was never featured. Even the cool helmet headlights/scanners. Also, how horrible must it be to live in Angel Grove, eh? Does anyone else suspect this is a hell mouth or is it just me?
Hey Marvel, How About Another Punisher Movie?
We’ve reached that time again where we, the Punisher fans of old and new begin wondering what is happening with Frank Castle also known as The Punisher. Last year Marvel Studios bought back their properties including Daredevil and The Punisher and are now basically just sitting on them. And we’re wondering when we’re going to see another bonafide Punisher movie in theaters. Surely making revenge films isn’t that hard an endeavor since every studio has released their own revenge film over the years. But for some reason you’d think making a revenge film about a stone cold avenger with a skull on his black shirt is something that requires rocket science.
Venom: Truth in Journalism (2013)
With “Truth in Journalism” director Joe Lynch proves that he’s not only a wonderful indie filmmaker, but that he knows how to add flavor and originality to a popular property. This time it’s a comic book property, and one that’s been iconic since the late eighties.
Our Top 5 Favorite Power Rangers Series
This year, Power Rangers celebrates its twentieth anniversary. The legions of fans that have been watching since 1993 are reveling in the success of the Saban fueled series that has gone on for many years. Hell, even Shout! Factory is releasing a deluxe 98 disc set featuring the first twenty seasons.
I was fortunate enough to enjoy the craze of Ninja Turtles and watch as Power Rangers was also ushered in to take our attention, and for many years I watched Power Rangers religiously. I still am very fond of the series, and watch whatever iteration is on. It’s always been a fun and exciting bit of fantasy fare for kids and teens, and I may just tune in for the upcoming twentieth season.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let Us Know!