With the CW’s “Smallville” (thankfully) dead and buried, “Arrow” just seemed to be the next step for the network. Green Arrow was one of the most popular elements of the later episodes of “Smallville,” thus Green Arrow is given center stage. Except, the producers make the wise decision of setting aside the bland Justin Hartley for the charismatic and often dazzling Stephen Amell. Fans of DC know the basics of the Green Arrow legend, and the character isn’t entirely an icon, so the writers are free to take liberties. And I’m quite happy that those liberties result in quite an entertaining and exciting Green Arrow adaptation.
Tag Archives: Crime
Heavy Nova (2013)
I really enjoy the fact that director Peter Leon has access to these incredible special effects, and pretty much just stages a murder mystery aboard a space ship. This premise could have been set anywhere, and that’s why the movie is so fun and creative. The humor doesn’t always land, but when it does, it’s pretty good. The special effects for the most part are spectacular (including the green screen), and I enjoyed how the establishing shots in space put you in the atmosphere of this science fiction comedy.
The Moleman of Belmont Avenue (2013)
I can appreciate what the director of “The Moleman…” is going for, but with his indie horror comedy, it often felt like a misfire in every sense. The DVD cover is quick to compare this to “Shaun of the Dead,” but while they were losers, they were at least likable. It’s really tough to empathize or root for two main characters who lure an old man to dinner to have him be eaten by the mole man, or are so stupid they leave a box of kittens in the trunk of their car and accidentally suffocate them all. I should be rooting for them, the script says, but in reality I just found them to be complete morons.
Horny Diver: Tight Shellfish (Zetsurin ama: Shimari-gai) (1985) (DVD)
As with most Nikkatsu Roman Porno, if you’re in it for the hardcore sex, you’re likely going to be disappointed. These films are mainly for the sake of kitsch value and their rarity. “Horny Diver” is one of the many in the later Nikkatsu titles that exercises blurring with the more graphic parts of certain sex scenes.
The Fugitive (1993) [Blu-Ray]
In a decade where Hollywood was adapting literally every classic show from the sixties, regardless of the format, it’s still surprising they not only got the formula right for “The Fugitive” but turned it in to an Oscar Caliber thriller. Twenty years later, “The Fugitive” is still a tense and gripping adaptation that’s set the template for many future on the run films. Harrison Ford is no stranger to films where he’s put at wit’s end by an unforeseen circumstance, but as Richard Kimble, the casting is brilliant.
Scanners II: The New Order / Scanners III: The Takeover (Blu-Ray/DVD Combo)
They may not be masterpieces, but the “Scanners” sequels do a damn good job in taking the Cronenberg universe established in “Scanners” and expanding upon it. I was never big on the original “Scanners,” anyway, so the brunt of disappointment with the follow-ups aren’t as rough. The sequels aren’t continuations of the characters, but more the idea of the world filled with Scanners. Scream Factory makes the second and third sequel finally available in a Double Disc combo on DVD and Blu-Ray for the consuming.
Bada$$ Mothaf**kas (2013)
Oh, Marilyn Joi. You truly are a babe. I may begin looking for your films just to bask in your curvaceous glory. That said, “Bada$$ Mothaf**kas” is the newest trailer compilation from Full Moon Entertainment, the sub-genre for this fun series is blaxploitation. To host the fun, they turned to the man, the myth, the legend: Fred “The Hammer” Williamson. He doesn’t just have a good time hosting this compilation, but is damn funny.