For folks that like to collect these kinds of compilations, they’re really cheap best of DVD’s from select Mill Creek series comprised of various subjects. “Cop Shows of the 70’s” is definitely one of the better sets from Mill Creek, featuring various episodes from some of the best cop shows of the decade. I would have loved to see some “Hill Street Blues,” but all things considered this is a fun mixed bag with nine hours of mostly Aaron Spelling led crime thrillers.
All Cheerleaders Die (2013) (DVD)
Director Lucky McKee and Chris Siverston attempt what many directors have in the past and remake their early film, “All Cheerleaders Die.” Now that they’ve reached a point of success, their considerably entertaining horror indie is now reworked in to a bigger scale, bigger budgeted, and gorier horror film. While the movie suffers from its caveats, “All Cheerleaders Die” works as a entertaining and twisted amalgam of “Heathers,” “I Spit on Your Grave,” and “The Craft.”
CBGB (2013)
How do you make a movie about CBGB in the structure of a routine narrative? Where do you start? Why do we have to see the origins of CBGB through a comedy lens? “CBGB” is what Hollywood envisions the origins of CBGB were. It’s clean, it’s sanitary, it’s inoffensive, and it paints some of the most iconic bands in rock music as mere footnotes in the world of the iconic New York club. To make things worse, its star looks really bored with the material, almost as if he’s slogging through a character and a script that he doesn’t quite understand.
Video Games: The Movie (2014)
One of the many things I really like about “Video Games: The Movie” is that it occasionally shares knowledge that not even vintage gamers like me knew. I was always convinced the term “bits” was a completely nonsensical buzzword invented to sell games, but surely enough it’s a real term. It’s not only real, but makes a big difference in regards to game consoles. While “Video Games: The Movie” may not shed new information for everyone, it’s at least a charismatic and entertaining celebration of the medium that’s become big business all over the world.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
It was established on the original “Planet of the Apes” series that there are many alternate realities to this universe. All of which end with the apes conquering the world and defeating humans. No matter what, the consequences are always the same. Director Matt Reeves returns to the concept once again, expanding on 2011’s “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” to chronicle how apes conquered the world, and how, regardless of the efforts to establish peace, war is inevitable. “Rise” was an already stellar science fiction reboot, and director Matt Reeves takes the entire new timeline to vast heights.
Grace Kelly Collection (DVD)
Fans of Grace Kelly will be impressed to see what Warner has in store for them with the release of the Grace Kelly Collection. It’s a compilation of six really important and notable films from Kelly’s acting career, spanning a four year period where she was quite the cinematic heavy hitter. The only caveat to the release is the omission of “Rear Window,” which I think would have topped a great set, but that’s not to say this box set isn’t a heavy weight in its own right either.
The Aberrant Set (2014)
Director Mike Chester only has a minute to unfold a narrative, and wow what a narrative it is. I’m not sure yet if that’s a recommendation or caveat. I know for certain it’s an experimental film and one with great skill and creativity behind it, but I can’t make heads or tails of anything that happens within the sixty seconds given to the audience.