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Dragonslayer - Reviewed by Randy Miller

Let me begin by saying that no movie collection is complete without Dragonslayer. If you do not own it, search for it and buy it.Dragonslayer is the story of the wizard’s apprentice Galen (Peter MacNicol) and his attempt to fulfill the request of a group of villagers after his master, Ulric (Sir Ralph Richardson) meets an untimely demise. The villagers journey all the way from their homes to seek the help of Ulric and ask him to slay an ancient dragon that is plaguing their lands. Character actor, Sydney Bromley, plays a wonderful Hodge while the “Emperor” from Star Wars, Ian McDiarmid, even makes an appearance as a holy man before being burned alive by the dragon.

This movie is fantastic. While some of the younger generation may not appreciate them, the stunning and gritty visual effects stand the test of time. This movie was made when Disney was not afraid to be associated with quality work. I love models, animatronics and clay. The only cheesy part is really a quick shot of Galen on the back of the dragon’s neck. A great storyline complete with sacrificial lotteries to quell the dragon’s hunger, a Captain of the Guard that you hate in your first viewing but around the fifth or sixth you understand him. And let’s not forget the support of a powerful and dramatic score! As you all know, music can make or break a movie. Alex North gives us plenty of heart-pounding beats and dramatic woodwinds that keep you on the edge of your seat.

What are you waiting for, grab a copy, your D&D friends and spend a night watching a movie! Hey, dice need rest too!

Classic DVD Review - Dragonslayer

Storyline – 10 Acting – 8 Special Effects – 9 Music – 9 Test of Time – 9

Overall Rating: 9

Classic Movie Review -

Night of the Comet

Storyline – 6 Acting – 6 Special Effects – 7 Music – 5 Test of Time – 8

Overall Rating: 7

Night of the Comet -Reviewed by Rod Edwards

This is a triumph for B-Movie Fans around the world. Night of the Comet is now on DVD. With a modest budget and a handful of great B-List actors, this film would go on to become the best zombie-comedy-action flick of all time. The second best, Shaun of the Dead, came out just a couple of years ago, but thank goodness it did. If it hadn't, this movie would still only be availble of videocassette. Regardless... on with the review.

NOTC follows the story of Regina (Stewart) and Samantha (Maroney), two sisters from Southern California that survive worldwide devastation brought on by a passing comet. Most exposed individuals were instantly turned to dust, but some, who were partially exposed, turned into blood-thirsty zombies. Along the way, they meet a young truck driver named Hector (Beltran) who helps them fight off the the baddies.

Despite it's premise, NOTC is a clever, fun, well-paced film. It's a movie that knows that it's goals are not lofty and comfortably takes us along for the ride. Also, aside from the supporting roles which are expectedly two dimensional, the movie is surprisingly well-acted. The stars of this film, Catherine Mary Stewart (The Last Starfighter), Kelli Maroney (Choppin' Mall) and Robert Beltran (Star Trek: Voyager) are do an awesome job with this light material..The special effects are an exercise in budget control, but director Thom Eberhardt does the best he has with what he's got.

This film is scary, funny and more than worthy of a viewing, if not a being a permanent part of your dvd collection.

New DVD Review - Life On Mars - The Complete Series

Storyline – 8 Acting – 8 Special Effects – 9 Music – 10

Overall Rating: 9

Life On Mars-The Compete Series - Reviewed by Rod Edwards

After being hit by a car while apprehending a murderer in 2008, Det. Sam Tyler (Jason O'Mara) regains consciousness to find himself working as a detective in the 1970s. As he struggles to figure out if he is truly stuck in the past or stuck in a coma, he does what he does best - bring in the bad guys. Meanwhile, the line between fantasy and reality becomes massively blurred as the cases he's trying to solve in 1973 offer clues to the future/present.

I loved this show and I wish it had found the audience it was looking for, but it never did. Based on the BBC limited series of the same name, Jason O'Mara as Sam Tyler really keeps the show lucid and intriguing and Gretchen Mol (Annie Norris) adds smart sexual tension to the shows predominately male cast. Harvey Keitel as Gene Hunt seems a bit heavy handed at first, but when you consider that he is channeling a 1970's police lieutenant, it starts to work very well.

The music for this series deserves to be noticed as a character as well. From David Bowie's title track to The Who's Baba O'Reilly and other great 70's gems like Life is a Rock, this show creates an 8-Track soundtrack that sets the mood for each episode.

Even though this ABC series was short-lived, they gave the producers enough time to give the show a proper ending. While the final result was only semi-satisfying, at least some closure was given to viewers.

Classic Movie Review - Goonies

Storyline – 8 Acting – 9 Special Effects – 8 Music – 8 Test of Time – 9

Overall Rating: 8

On June 7th, 1985, Goonies was released. There was already a great deal of hype and cross promotion with the Cyndi Lauper music video in heavy rotation on MTV. Director Richard Donner's Ladyhawke, through sheer coincidence, was released just three months earlier. Steven Spielberg, in true form was producer or executive producer on four other films that year, including Back to the Future, The Color Purple and Young Sherlock Holmes and Chris Columbus was fresh off of writing Young Sherlock Holmes and Gremlins. All this talent, some would say, at the height of their game, came together to make one terrific movie.

The story centers around a group of kids from the small town of Astoria, Oregon. Their families face foreclosure on their homes from the local country club. While rummaging through the attic, they find a treasure map rumored to reveal the forgotten treasure of the pirate, One-Eyed Willie, who supposedly hid his treasure nearby. Soon, the whole gang gathers together for final "Goonie adventure".

Twenty-five years later, how does it hold up? Surprisingly well. First of all, the blu ray transfer is superb, with only a few scenes being a bit too dark. The editing is well paced and the bonus features, while all previously released, are still good to see here. What surprised me the most is the quality of the acting. I'm not talking about the adults, who seem ready to ham it up at the drop of a hat, but it's the kids who do a great job here. It honestly felt as if they were just caught in the act of being themselves and that is a rare occurrence and a testament to Richard Donner s direction and the talents of these young actors.

If this movie has eluded you for the last twenty-five years (or you're just not that old), pick it up today. It will bring back the wonder and excitement of being twelve years old again. If you really want to have fun, watch it with a couple of twelve year olds.

Goonies - Reviewed by Rod Edwards

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