Brian-55 Reviews

The Making of 'Dungeons and Dragons' (2001 Video)

It's OK...

[5/10 · 23 May 2002]

...but a little light on interviews and information. I was hoping for some more depth on the sets, FX, and how they integrated the game rules/setting into a movie. I guess I shouldn't expect too much since the game seemed to be hardly referenced in the movie at all.

Let the Games Begin (2001 Video)

Nice History of D&D and RPG Games

[7/10 · 23 May 2002]

This short documentary (available on the D&D Movie DVD), is a great little history lesson for the uninitiated in the gaming world. It's a little bit self-gratifying and doesn't even mention the trouble TSR got into in the late 80s (that forced Gygax out).

Got a friend that doesn't get gaming, have them check this out.

Phantasmagoria 2: A Puzzle of Flesh (1996 Video Game)

Slightly Enjoyable

[6/10 · 10 May 2001]

Most of the game was OK, just not good. The acting (like the first game) is sub-par. The game is really, really easy especially if you've played the first one. Most of the layout is now old-hat and other FMV games have gone the way of the dinosaur.

It's a pity these couldn't amount to more.

Phantasmagoria (1995 Video Game)

If you can stick with it, you'll be rewarded

[7/10 · 10 May 2001]

It isn't until the very end of the game that things get good. Really good, and really suspenseful. Up until that point the game is really easy to play (since there's no way you can get killed until the end).

The acting is bad...porn film bad. The effect of the house (a 3D construct) is really cool and very creepy. The plot leaves a lot to be desired and even a six-year-old can follow it. This game falls into the DOA genre of FMV games of the mid-90s. May they rest in peace.

A quick note about the music: Incredible!!! Rock meets Gregorian Chant. Freaky!

Beast Machines: Transformers (1999–2001)

Not a true part of the TF universe

[6 April 2001]

There are some major continuity problems with this, and Beast Wars, though it is all well animated and looks stunning. The story lines, by themselves are pretty good, but have major highs and lows.

The last episode ends with a major let down, making the viewer thankful the whole mess is over.

I hope Mattel takes better care with the next series and has a little respect for the Transformer universe.

Final Destination (2000)

Truly Scary

[8/10 · 11 January 2001]

This really was a frightening movie with a clever premise. Some very solid acting from a set of teen actors, but the overall thrill is in figuring out death's little game.

Highly recommended for fans of 'Scream' and the like. Not recommended for those afraid of flying!

How to Marry a Billionaire: A Christmas Tale (2000 TV Movie)

Just horrid.

[1/10 · 21 December 2000]

This movie was the worst Christmas film I've ever seen. Totally inappropriate for any family viewing. Cheap exploitation and crude humor does not make a film! Grotesque "Sweaterpuppets" and dirty old scotsmen grabbing and yanking on something under another man's kilt is truly awful for a evening "family" movie. Needless to say Fox really blew this one.

Quake II (1997 Video Game)

Awesome

[8/10 · 16 November 2000]

This game picks up (technologically) where Quake left off. The only real complaint (as with most other id titles) is a lack of a good story, though in all fairness, this is not what we play these games for.

Excellent play and graphics, not for the easily nausiated.

Lost in America (1985)

Incredibly dated humor!

[2/10 · 5 September 2000]

Was this sort of movie funny back in the 80's? I really don't remember. Basically a pair of yuppies want to lose themselves ala "Easy Rider" but instead whine and quibble about every possible thing in their lives. It tries to be a funny workplace humor piece, but fails miserably. It tries to be a road-trip film and fails there too.

No one will like the characters or the plot or anything. For funnier workplace humor, rent Mike Judge's masterpiece "Office Space." For the best road-trip humor, the classic "Vacation" and "European Vacation" can't be beat.

What distresses me most, is this film made the AFI's top 100 funniest movies (why we rented it in the first place). We have since stopped working through that list.

Ladyhawke (1985)

My Favorite Movie

[10/10 · 9 August 2000]

This movie is, hands down, my absolute favorite. It doesn't have a little of everything, it has a lot! Action, drama, comedy, suspense, even romance! The characters are wonderful and fully realized all the way down to the "bit-parts." The story is a fantastic concept that truly shows off the writers' imaginations. If you haven't seen it yet, rent it now! Also out on DVD!

The Whole Nine Yards (2000)

Very Funny

[8/10 · 27 July 2000]

This is just too much fun. Perry and Willis have great chemistry. A comedy-thriller that will keep you guessing about the next plot twist. Supporting cast is a delightful blend of sexy and goofy. Rent and enjoy!

The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Treasure of the Peacock's Eye (1995 TV Movie)

Fun extension on a great franchise.

[20 July 2000]

This movie was loads of fun. It's obviously made-for-TV, but still has a higher production value than most of them.

The story follows a 20-year-old Indy (Flannery) and his friend Remy from the battlefields of Belgium to the South Pacific in search of a precious gem.

Along the way we get to peak inside young Indy as he must decide whether it's the prize or the chase that he loves.

All-in-all fun family fare. If you're a big Indy fan, I recommend this flick to add to your collection.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Honestly better the second time around

[9/10 · 10 April 2000]

This movie is a classic example of how we can allow the media to persuade our way of thinking. I liked this movie a lot when I saw it in the theaters, but after review after review panning it, my memory become colored by them.

I just recently got the special edition on VHS (widescreen is really the only way to experience these movies) and watched it twice. I loved it even more! One of the best parts is now I can actually understand Jar Jar Binks and Trade Federation characters. Originally their accents were just too thick to be comprehensible.

I'm sure there are others that feel as I do, so go ahead, watch it again and see if you can find more to the movie this time around, I know I did.

The Krofft Supershow (1976–1978)

Fun Show!

[28 January 1999]

Ah the wonderful memories. I remember getting up way too early in the morning just to catch Wonderbug.

Alas there aren't enough fun shows like this for my kid.

The Black Cauldron (1985)

A bit disappointing

[7 August 1998]

This was one of the few Disney flix I had yet to see. I read all 5 Lloyd Alexander stories about Taryn, and I was a bit let-down by the movie version. The plot was altered a lot, and some of the key elements that had me riveted to the book were gone. The movie was a little intense for younger viewers I felt, but the plot butchery aside, the movie can stand on its own, albeit wobbly. I'd love to see more of the intense imagery shown here (Hunchback of Notre Dame is my favorite Disney). Rent it? Yes Buy it? Ehh...rent it first.