5/29/08---And its movie review time

Okay, so I've got a chance to check out some movies recently....and there was not a dog amongst 'em!  Here we go:

1) Blade Runner--okay, let's be honest.  This is my favorite movie of alltime, and I've seen it before.  Here I'm referring to the most recent DVD release, the "remastered" edition with all the bells and whistles.  And?  Naturally its great.  The movie is awesome, but the extras are terrific also.  There's a retrospective that has interviews with director Ridley Scott, Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Darryl Hannah.....and others.  Awesome.
2) Shadow of a Doubt--Its Alfred Hitchcock just as he's hitting his prime as a director.
Here he ventures into an average american town, featuring in on an average american family and the average american teenager who are about to be visited by a beloved uncle.  Who might be a serial killer.  Don't ya hate when THAT happens.  This is a little bit different Hitch, with lots of stuff happening in broad daylight.  The as-per-usual stellar cast includes Teresa Wright, Jospeh Cotten, McDonald Carey and a young Hume Cronyn.  ****1/2
3) Iron Man--when I first heard that Robert Downey Jr was cast as Tony Stark, the millionaire industrialist who becomes Iron Man, I have to say I was sort of skeptical.
Boy was I ever wrong.  Downey totally nails it with just the right of sarcasm and self deprecating humor.  The supporting cast is lead by Jeff Bridges, chewing up scenary like a starving man as Starks partner//rival.  Great special effects and tons of fun!  ****3/4
4) Sweeney Todd--okay, here's what you need to understand.  There will be no middle ground on this film, the movie version of the long running Broadway play.  You will either love it or completely hate it.  This may be the first film ever involving slashers, cannibals, a love story and a musical.  Its quite the odd mix.  Me?
I love it.  That stinkin Johnny Depp.  He just doesn't make bad movies.  He's his usual solid self as the "demon barber of Fleet Street", out for revenge after being jailed for 15 years for a crime he didn't commit, costing him his young wife and the early childhood years of his daughter.  Depp is ably supported by Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman & Sacha Baron Cohen.  Not for everybody, but definitely for somebody.  ****1/2

Later,
Jeff