Tag: George Clooney

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) VHS Movie Review

by AnalogJonesTOF

Analog Jones finishes off TarantinOctober by taking a trip below the border for cheap drinks, boobs, and VAMPIRES! Enjoy our Halloween episode by watching our review of From Dusk Till Dawn.  

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) VHS Movie Review

Quick Facts

Directed by Robert Rodriguez

Produced by Gianni Nunnari and Meir Teper

Screenplay by Quentin Tarantino

Story by Robert Kurtzman

Starring

Harvey Keitel

George Clooney

Quentin Tarantino

Juliette Lewis

Cheech Marin

Fred Williamson

Salma Hayek

Production companies: Dimension Films, A Band Apart, Los Hooligans Productions

Distributed by Miramax Films

Release date: January 17, 1996

Budget: $19 million

Box office: $59.3 million

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) VHS Movie Review | VHS Box
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) VHS Box

VHS Description

“An Action Extravaganza!” –Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It’s nonstop thrills when George Clooney (Batman and Robin, TV’s ER) and Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction) star as the Gecko brothers – two dangerous outlaws on a wild crime spree! After kidnapping a father (Harvey Keitel – Pulp Fiction) and his two kids (including Juliette Lewis – Natural Born Killers), the Geckos head south to a seedy Mexican bar to hide out in safety. 

But, when they face the bar’s truly notorious clientele, they’re forced to team with their hostages in order to make it out alive! 

From Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino – creators of Desperado and Pulp Fiction – From Dusk Till Dawn is explosive action entertainment! Plus, exclusive never-before-seen interviews with hot star Clooney – and filmmakers Tarantino and Rodriguez. 

“Hip, Funny, and Smart!” –CBS-TV

Trailers

Hidden Assassin 

Halloween 6: The Origin of Michael Myers

Hellraiser: Bloodline

Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering

Pulp Fiction Soundtrack 

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Ocean’s 8

by MCDave

Fresh off a Best Director Oscar win for the pulsating drama, Traffic, Steven Soderbergh followed up his awards contender with the uptempo heist film Ocean’s Eleven. Little did he know that the film’s success would not only help spawn a trilogy of features, but it would also serve as the backbone of this weekend’s eventual spin-off, Ocean’s 8. However, this time around the “Ocean’s” brand gets a complete makeover, spearheaded by a fresh collection of capers, all of which are female, who aim to rejuvenate the energetic and comedic tone that Soderbergh crafted nearly 17 years ago.

After Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), sister of the presumably deceased caper legend Danny Ocean (George Clooney), is released from prison, she immediately reconnects with her former con artist friend Lou (Cate Blanchett) in order to get back into the family business. Having more than five years in the slammer to construct the perfect plan, Debbie assembles a team of specifically talented women to help pull off an unthinkable heist at the prestigious Met Gala in New York City. Yet, the job becomes even more complicated when Debbie makes things personal by trying to pin the robbery on Claude Becker (Richard Armitage), the rat who had her put behind bars years ago.

Flawless pacing navigates Ocean’s 8 through an effortless 110 minute joy ride, fully equipped with staunch performances and loads of laughs. Academy Award Winner Sandra Bullock takes up the mantle as this new crew’s ringleader and her onscreen work proves masterful once again. Comedy and edginess have always come naturally to Bullock, making her a no-brainer for the role of Debbie Ocean. Yet, it would be neglectful to discount the other women who help bring this worthwhile summer popcorn flick together. Each character delivers a fond uniqueness that ushers a delicate balance to the entire team. Whether it’s Cate Blanchett’s foresight and voice of reason, or Sarah Paulson’s longing for thrills and adventure, everyone serves a purpose. Strong, unexpected performances are given by Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, and Neighbors 2 co-star Awkwafina, all of whom portray secondary characters as far as screen time goes, but each as essential as any singular member to the team. Let me also commend the strong work of proven stars Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway who both round out this exceptional crop of acting talent. But despite this heist film’s impressive cast, entertaining story and uptempo cadence, Ocean’s 8 suffers from a shortage of genre staples such as clever cons and misdirection, as well as an influx of unthreatening conflicts that cycle through the movie without a hitch. These shortcomings suggest a slight laziness in writing, yet they’re easily overshadowed by a fun and mindless experience that optimizes the summer movie season.

GRADE: 3.5/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Hail, Caesar!

by MCDave

The dynamic sibling duo of Joel and Ethan Coen have already left a tremendous imprint on the film industry. As gifted writers and prolific visionaries who are all too familiar with Oscar acclaim, any entry of theirs is graciously accepted by critics and viewing audiences alike. Oddly, though, Joel and Ethan’s latest cinematic work, Hail, Caesar!, lands as an early year release competing in theaters against numerous elite Oscar contenders, something the brothers haven’t experienced since they debuted The Ladykillers in March of 2004. But despite their multiple pieces of Academy Award-winning hardware, Hail, Caesar! reveals itself as a comedy-heavy film that’s far from the brothers’ finest achievements.

Set throughout 1950s Hollywood, Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) is a movie executive for Capital Pictures who’s known for cleaning up a mess or two (or three). If a director encounters a problem or the acting talent becomes entangled in a poor decision, Eddie arrives to reset the world back to normal. But when the studio’s most prominent release of the year is compromised because its leading star, Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), is kidnapped and held for ransom, Mannix begins to question his love for the job while he works to fix this potentially final problem.

hail1

Although it suffers from a few devastating flaws, Hail, Caesar! serves as another fine comedic endeavor for the Coen brothers. The laughs are endless and the film’s tone is almost absurdly jocular enough to overshadow its blatant disregard for a cohesive storyline. This self-mocking examination of Hollywood and filmmaking in general possesses a certain spark and bravado that eases the viewer to the final credits. Hail, Caesar! engages with a natural wit and humor that’s effortlessly provided by a star-studded cast which includes Brolin, Clooney, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes and newcomer, Alden Ehrenreich. Be warned, though, the film is completely devoid of any dramatic elements whatsoever, making Hail, Caesar! a limited effort from a duo with unlimited potential.

hail 2 (extra)

Through no fault of its own, Hail, Caesar! will unfairly be measured beside a long list of exceptional titles previously released by the Coen brothers. And in no way, shape or form can this new entry stack up against hits such as Fargo, No Country for Old Men and The Big Lebowski. Structurally, the Coen’s offer a jumbled story that struggles to develop characters and deliver a meaningful message. The film is riddled with random scenes and highlighted moments that work well on their own but fail to amount to a greater whole.

If you’re dying for the next great Coen brothers epic, you’ll have to keep waiting. Hail, Caesar! is a reasonable comedy that gets by on mild humor and admirably committed performances. Yet, the film falls well shy of the duo’s reputable heights which will surely disappoint many. Rushing out to theaters to catch it on the big screen may be a bit rash, but there are still a few reasons worth enjoying Hail, Caesar!.

GRADE: 3/5

Check out other reviews and write-ups at MCDAVE’s host site

The New ‘Tomorrowland’ Trailer Is Here, And It’s Full Of New Footage

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: We’ve been beyond-excited for Brad Bird’s Tomorrowland since the first teaser debuted all the way back at NYCC, and we’ve been eating up every little tidbit of info about the production every since.

Today, Disney debuted a new theatrical trailer for the film, and it’s chock-full of gorgeous new footage.

Now, it also reveals a lot about the plot of the movie, so if you’re trying to retain the mystery that the first teaser left you with, I’d probably stay away from this one.

For everyone else, take a look below, and let us know how excited you are. Tomorrowland hits theatres on May 22nd.

‘Tomorrowland’ Still Looks Incredible, Watch The Super Bowl Spot!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The Super Bowl spot for Tomorrowland didn’t show off a ton of new footage, but it’s really hard not to be excited for the May 22nd release.

In the film, “former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.”

The Iron Giant, Ratatouille, and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol director Brad Bird is at the helm of this one, and the script comes from Bird himself and Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof. We’re damned excited for this one, so take a look at the new teaser below, and let us know what you think!

http://youtu.be/ksax9gbhIhE

NYCC 2014: Watch The Brilliant First Teaser Trailer For Brad Bird’s ‘Tomorrowland’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: I love this teaser.

Too often today (read: all the time) a film’s first teaser or trailer reveals all too much of the film, leaving little mystery for the viewer to wonder, talk, or speculate about.

The first teaser for Brad Bird’s Tomorrowland is the exact opposite of that. It’s a short, beautiful look into the world of the film, but it reveals just enough for us to think ‘oh.my.god. this looks incredible’ before concluding. Now we’re left to speculate for who knows how long.

In the film, “former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.”

Again, The Iron Giant, Ratatouille, and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol director Brad Bird is at the helm of this one, and the script comes from Bird himself and Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof. We’re damned excited for this one, so take a look at the teaser below, and let us know what you think!

http://youtu.be/1k59gXTWf-A

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Monuments Men

by MCDave

George Clooney is one of the most prominent figures in Hollywood. As an Academy Award winner for both acting (Syriana) and producing (Best Picture winner Argo), many believed Clooney had a strong chance at pulling off the trifecta with a potential Best Director win for his newest film, The Monuments Men. However, that was before post-production issues delayed the feature’s release until 2014. Unfortunately, we now know that The Monuments Men is light-years away from the prototypical Oscar Nominee.

Clooney stars as Frank Starks, an art historian who makes a pitch to the president of the United States during the closing months of World War II about preserving all of the various artwork spread throughout Europe and returning it to its rightful owners. After being given the green light, Starks enlists six other museum directors, curators and art historians to help him see this mission through. Yet, this group (known as “The Monuments Men”) must stare the dangers of war in the eyes and overcome countless obstacles along the way.

Matt Damon

Clooney’s latest effort has been panned by critics for a multitude of reasons. I wouldn’t be the first to address the movie’s problems with developing distinct tonal differences between comedy and drama, or even the condescending lecture-like dialogue intended to force the audience into accepting the importance of this mission, rather than making us “feel” something. There’s a huge disconnect between film and viewer, something that can never work for a project of this type. Consequently, The Monuments Men is nothing more than an elongated and mediocre fluff piece filled with a strong cast, but weak and ineffective narrative.

mon2

Although The Monuments Men never escapes its stagnant vibe, it’s an interesting premise that remains mildly entertaining at the hands of many fine performances from stars such as Bill Murray, John Goodman, Matt Damon and Cate Blanchett. However, the long list of great actors in the film are required to make the most out of thinly crafted characters. But while the film hopes to elicit suspense and emotion, The Monuments Men instead outstretches minimal plot progression to a near two-hour running time. With the superficial makings of a compelling and moving examination of an inspiring true story, even Clooney’s admirable direction fails to aid a brutally developed screenplay.

There are a few shining moments sporadically peppered throughout The Monuments Men, but they become quickly overshadowed by all of the film’s shortcomings. As a viewer you never feel transported into the story, rather just a spectator to its events. And ultimately, the truly great films know how to differentiate between the two and execute effectively. Illustrating that The Monuments Men is nothing more than an occasionally entertaining run-of-the-mill effort from mega-star George Clooney.

GRADE: 2.5/5

You can find lots of other work from Movie Critic Dave at his home site!

Amazing ‘Gravity’ Featurette Dives Into The Film’s Spectacular Sound

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: This video is well worth its ten minute running time.

The always-amazing team at SoundWorks Collection is at it again, and this time they’re taking on this weekend’s surprise hit, Alfonso Caurón’s Gravity.

You may still be revelling over the film’s breathtaking visuals, but did you notice just how spectacular the sound was? This new featurette explores just how Gravity‘s sound team was able to create such a soundscape, which was especially challenging, since the film is set in the silence of space.

Seriously, watch the featurette below, and if you haven’t, get out to your local theatre and see the film. Gravity is a movie that you need to see on the biggest, loudest 3D screen that you possibly can.

Already see the film? Let us know what you thought of it below!

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Gravity

by MCDave

I’ve always heard the rumblings. But after finally getting a chance to screen the upcoming sci-fi drama, Gravity, it goes without question that director Alfonso Cuarón is one of the most ambitious filmmakers on the planet … and perhaps beyond. It’s been 7 years since the Mexican-born director captivated audiences with his previous groundbreaking work, Children of Men. And if one thing’s for certain, it’s the fact that Cuarón constantly struggles to out-perform himself. Just takes the soon-to-be instant classic, Gravity, for example. Even renowned director James Cameron is calling it “the best space film ever done”. That’s high praises from someone who always strives to raise the bar himself. Enough said.

Dr. Ryan Stone (played by Sandra Bullock) is on her first space mission along with a team led by the aging astronaut, Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney), who is overseeing his final voyage. However, during a routine spacewalk, debris from a satellite comes crashing into their space shuttle killing the rest of Stone and Kowalsky’s team. Stranded in space with no contact from earth and a nearly depleted air supply, the pair of astronauts must work together to survive the ordeal.

gravity1

There are countless aspects of Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity that deserve to be commended. With an uncut 13 minute opening scene that’s completely mind-blowing and inarguably impressive, the director’s latest work begins without a hitch. Then, once Gravity has hooked the audience with a tension-filled first act, Cuarón’s film whisks along effortlessly like an astronaut in zero-gravity all the way to an astounding conclusion. And if this newest sci-fi drama doesn’t sound pleasing enough, its triumphant visual effects are so mesmerizing that they can probably start handing over the Oscar statues for most of the technological categories already. Aesthetically brilliant and wonderfully paced, Gravity feels like the sure-fire Best Picture contender that many predicted.

gravity2

While I thoroughly enjoyed Alfonso Cuarón’s long-awaited return, there are certain elements of the feature that irked me. First, there’s no question about it, George Clooney steals the show. So much, in fact, that it almost detracts from Sandra Bullock’s widely-lauded role. Although I’m a long-time fan of the Academy Award Winning actress, I didn’t “love” this performance. Once I recognized my complaint, I tried to break down the cause of the issue and I discovered that it stems from the movie’s dialogue. When it comes to comic relief, the verbal exchanges are spectacular. However, during the more dramatic moments, I found the screenplay’s dialogue to be elementary and trite. As a result, those pivotal onscreen scenes in which the audience is supposed to empathize with Bullock ultimately lack a “punch”. Therefore, Gravity never reaches the cosmic heights we’d all expect.

One thing is for sure, Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity offers filming techniques and space photography that is far beyond anything we’ve ever seen before. Thus, an unbridled appreciation is certainly in order. On the other hand, I freely acknowledge flaws in Cuarón’s latest work. After viewing Gravity in the light of other epic survival stories such as Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours, it’s clear that it doesn’t offer the same level of impact. But either way, Gravity is definitely a well-paced and gripping feature that deserves to be savored with a big-screen experience.

GRADE: 4/5

You can find plenty of other work from MCDAVE at his HOST SITE

Watch A New Featurette For ‘Gravity’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Alfonso Caurón’s Children of Men has remained one of the most impressive films that I have ever seen, ever since my first viewing back in 2006. From the fantastic performances, to the incredible sound design, and of course the breathtaking world and cinematography, Children of Men is a movie that I’ve introduced to dozens, all of which have walked away as amazed as I was all those years ago.

Now, Caurón’s back… and this time he’s taking his story to space.

Gravity hits theatres on October 4th, and has been one of my most anticipated films since I saw the first teaser trailer. Today, a new featurette for the film was released, which digs deeper into the lauded 3D effects that the film offers. Take a look at the featurette below, and let us know if you’ll be lining up for this one!

If you’re looking for more Gravity, be sure to read our resident critic’s review of the film!

Sandra Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone–tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

Watch A Fantastic Full Trailer For Alfonso Caurón’s ‘Gravity’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Alfonso Caurón’s Children of Men has remained one of the most impressive films that I have ever seen, ever since my first viewing back in 2006. From the fantastic performances, to the incredible sound design, and of course the breathtaking world and cinematography, Children of Men is a movie that I’ve introduced to dozens, all of which have walked away as amazed as I was all those years ago.

Now, Caurón’s back… and this time he’s taking his story to space.

Gravity hits theatres on October 4th, and has been one of my most anticipated films since I saw the first teaser trailer. Today, a full trailer for the film has been released, and as expected, it’s impressive as hell.

Watch the new trailer below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to Gravity.

Sandra Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone–tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

Watch Three Amazing New Clips From Alfonso Caurón’s ‘Gravity’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Alfonso Caurón’s Children of Men has remained one of the most impressive films that I have ever seen, ever since my first viewing back in 2006. From the fantastic performances, to the incredible sound design, and of course the breathtaking world and cinematography, Children of Men is a movie that I’ve introduced to dozens, all of which have walked away as amazed as I was all those years ago.

Now, Caurón is back… and this time he’s taking his story to space.

Gravity hits theatres this October, and has been one of my most anticipated films since I saw the first teaser trailer. Now, three phenomenal new clips have been released for the film, and they absolutely blow away everything we’ve seen so far.

I won’t gush over the movie any further (at least not today… it’s getting late), so watch the clips below, and let us know what you think! Gravity hits theatres on October 4th!

Sandra Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone–tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.