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D.O.A. (1988)

Remake of "D.O.A." (1949)

Dennis Quaid, Meg Ryan, Charlotte Rampling, Daniel Stern, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Neame, Robert Knepper & Brion James

Directed by: Annabel Jankel & Rocky Morton (Max Headroom, Super Mario Bros.)

Platform: Recorded from TV

IMDB: 6.1/10, RT: 61% Fresh

Synopsis: A college professor's day: his top student allegedly commits suicide, his wife presents him with divorce papers and he overnights in a freshman girl's dorm. The next day: more murders around him. Will he find the killer in time?

Verdict: Watchable neo-noir mystery thriller, Quaid is good in the role frenetically running around trying to figure out who is to blame. Meg Ryan looks so young! 

Circus of Fear (1966)

Based on the novel "Again the Three Just Men" (1928) by Edgar Wallace

Christopher Lee, Leo Genn, Anthony Newlands, Heinz Drache, Klaus Kinski, Margaret Lee, Suzy Kendall

Directed by: John Moxey

Platform: Recorded from TV

IMDB: 5.4/10

Synopsis: A circus becomes the location for stolen loot and murder.

Verdict: Not a bad whodunnit murder mystery from the 60s.

Django Unchained (2012)

Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo Dicaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins

Written & Directed by: Quentin Tarantino 

Platform: NowTV

IMDB: 8.4/10, RT: 86% Rotten

Christoph Waltz won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor

Synopsis: With the help of a German bounty hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.

Verdict: I usually find Tarantino to be hit and miss, I know people hold him in high regard, this was a definite hit though. Really enjoyed this from start to finish with all 3 leads giving great performances. Recommended!

Distorted (2018)

Christina Ricci, Brendan Fletcher, Vicellous Shannon, Nicole Anthony & John Cusack

Directed by: Rob W. King

Platform: NowTV

IMDB: 5.3/10, 18% Rotten

Synopsis: A couple moves to an isolated, modern, safe apartment building with CCTV after the wife has problems with nightmares. However, something's not quite right with the building.

Verdict: Its a film with a really good performance by Ricci but other than its a pretty much paint by the numbers thriller.

Dismissed (2017)

Kent Osborne, Dylan Sprouse, Rae Gray, Alycia Delmore, Chris Bauer

Directed by: Benjamin Arfmann

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 5.8/10

Synopsis: An idealistic, straight-edge teacher is drawn down a horrid rabbit hole by an honors student when he gives him a B+ on a paper.

Verdict: Watchable but cliched thriller that hinges on Patrick Bateman Jr (Sprouse) giving a pretty good sociopath performance.

Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009)

Animation 

Based upon the novel "A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas" (1843) by Charles Dickens

Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Robin Wright, Bob Hoskins, Cary Elwes

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Platform: NowTV

IMDB: 6.8/10, RT: 53% Rotten

Synopsis: You know the story.

Verdict: I'm a sucker for this story, it's one of my favourites. I really liked the animation style and think Carrey did a good job but its not up there with some of the previous adaptations. Worth a watch although not with young children as there are some dark scenes.

The Discovery (2017) - A Netflix Original Movie 

Robert Redford, Jason Segel, Rooney Mara, Jesse Plemons, Ron Canada & Mary Steenburgen

Directed by: Charlie McDowell

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 6.3/10, RT: 45% Rotten

Synopsis: Two years after the afterlife is scientifically proven, a man attempts to help a young woman break away from her dark past.

Verdict: I really liked the idea of this movie but the first 30 mins absolutely bored the pants off me I couldn't be bothered to continue. Judging by the reviews I wasn't missing much!

Dirt (2018)

Kevin Dillon, DeRon Horton, Christina Moore, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Dominic DeVore

Directed by: Alex Ranarivelo (American Wrestler: The Wizard)

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 6.2/10

Synopsis: In search of a lifeline for his struggling off road racing team, a man takes on a young car thief looking for a second chance, but as their worlds collide, they must struggle to forge a successful alliance.

Verdict: Predictable and cliched TV movie thats elevated by its likeable cast and decent racing scenes.

The Dinner (2017)

Based upon the Dutch novel "Het diner" (2009) by Herman Koch

Richard Gere, Steve Coogan, Laura Linney, Rebecca Hall & Chloe Sevigny 

Directed by: Oren Moverman 

Platform: Netflix

IMDB: 4.5/10, RT: 46% Rotten

Synopsis: Two sets of wealthy parents meet for dinner to decide what to do about a crime their sons have committed.

Verdict: Its more like watching a play at times, its a great cast who does a great job especially Coogan, but its 20 mins too long with the whole Gettysburg scene could be cut out. Its a film that has to deal with a lot of issues, family drama, the past, mental health, a crime committed and how far parents are willing to go to protect their children. It does some of these things well and others not so well and it's brought to a shoulder shrugging conclusion. From the reviews i've read people are disappointed with this adaptation citing the book being much better, for me its a film where the performances shine more than the movie itself.

The Dilemma (2011)

Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly, Wynona Ryder, Channing Tatum, Queen Latifah

Directed by: Ron Howard

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 5.3/10, RT: 24%

Synopsis: While pursuing the biggest deal of their professional lives, Ronnie (Vaughn) discovers that his partner's wife is having an affair. He faces the Dilemma of telling his best friend which will also put their business deal in peril.

Verdict: Not much of a comedy really, more of a light drama with the only funny moments coming when Tatum is onscreen. Vince Vaughn in his usual role with Kevin James alot more restrained than usual, its ok overall. Bit long and a bit bland with Connelly not given much to do.

Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009)

Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sam Elliott, Elisabeth Moss, Michael Kelly

Directed by: Marc Lawrence (Two Weeks Notice)

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 4.8/10, RT: 12% Rotten

Synopsis: In New York City, an estranged couple who witness a murder are relocated to small town Wyoming as part of the Witness Protection Program.

Verdict: I can't stand Hugh Grants acting, had to turn it off.

Devils Gate (2017)

Amanda Schull, Shawn Ashmore, Milo Ventimiglia, Bridget Reagan, Jonathan Frakes

Directed by: Clay Staub (Directorial debut)

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 5.1, RT: 33% Rotten

Synopsis: Seeking a missing woman in North Dakota, an FBI agent and a sheriff focus on her religious zealot husband but discover something far more sinister.

Verdict: Its passable, it starts off as one genre of film and slowly becomes another with a definite influence by one of my favourite films from the 70s, can't say much more without giving it away. Decent cast but the --script is lacking.

Detroit (2017)

Based upon the 1967 Detroit riots

John Boyega, Will Poulter, Anthony Mackie, Algee Smith, Jason Mitchell, John Krasinski, Hannah Murray

Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow (Point Break, K-19 The Widowmaker, The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty)

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 7.3/10, RT: 84% Fresh

Synopsis: The true story of one of the most terrifying moments during the civil unrest that rocked Detroit in the summer of '67. Amidst the chaos of the Detroit Rebellion, with the city under curfew and as the Michigan National Guard patrolled the streets, three young African American men were murdered at the Algiers Motel. 50 years after the events of July 25th, 1967, the question remains: what happened at the motel?

Verdict: Powerful true drama which is uncomfortable to watch at times but is relevant now as its ever been.

Deadly Detention (2017)

Alex Frnka, Sarah Davenport, Henry Zaga, Coy Stewart, Jennifer Robyn Jacobs, Gillian Vigman, Kevin Blake

Directed by: Blair Hayes

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 3.5/10

Synopsis: Five high school students are having Saturday detention in a former Correctional Facility, and must find a way to outsmart an unseen menace out to kill them.

Verdict: Yawn!

Den of Thieves (2018)

Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, O'Shea Jackson Jr, 50 Cent, Meadow Williams

Directed by: Christian Gudegast

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 7/10, RT: 41% Rotten

Synopsis: A gritty crime saga which follows the lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff's Dept. and the state's most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank.

Verdict: Not a bad action heist movie, Butler isn't too bad, its more understated performance than I expected from him. The runtime is too long at 2hrs 20mins, some of the cat & mouse stuff could be cut for a more streamlined movie. Obviously Heat was an influence, However I thought it was a good movie and had a fair amount of tension during the heist and a decent amount of action.

The Delta Force (1986)

Somewhat "Inspired" by the real life hijacking of flight TWA 847 in 1985

Chuck Norris, Lee Marvin, Martin Balsam, Joey Bishop, Robert Forster, George Kennedy, Shelley Winters, Robert Vaughn, Steve James

Directed by: Menahem Golan (Over The Top)

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 5.6/10, RT: 18% Rotten

Lee Marvin's final movie, he was ill while filming and would pass away a year later.

Synopsis: A 707 aircraft jetliner on its way from Athens to Rome and then to New York City is hijacked by two Lebanese terrorists. The terrorists demand that the pilot take them to Beirut. What the terrorists don't realize is that an elite team of commandos led by Major McCoy (Norris) and by Colonel Alexander (Marvin) as been called into service to eliminate all terrorists on the jetliner and who's involved in the hijacking and try to retake the plane before the terrorists kill all the hostages.

Verdict: Not as "Yeah Murica!" as I thought it would be, with the hijackers on the plane, there was quite a bit of drama and tension juxtaposed with Alan Silvestri's upbeat electronic score anytime Chuck Norris appeared on screen who himself is rather subdued and not firing a gun until over an hour into the movie. Of course the last 30 mins of the film is where the meat & potatoes of this movie sits as Chuck and Team America go gung-ho to rescue the hostages. Entertaining piece of 80s fluff that wouldn't get made today.

Delivery Man (2013)

Remake of "Starbuck" (2011)

Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt, Cobie Smulders, Jack Reynor, Andrzej Blumenfeld, Simon Delaney

Directed by: Ken Scott (Starbuck)

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 6.4/10, RT: 40% Rotten

Synopsis: An affable underachiever finds out he's fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them file a lawsuit to reveal his identity.

Verdict: An ok touching comedy with a rather understated performance by Vince Vaughn, it has its moments but is ultimately forgettable.

Deliver Us From Evil (2014)

Based on the non-fiction book "Beware The Night" (2001) by Ralph Sarchie & Lisa Collier Cool

Eric Bana, Edgar Ramirez, Olivia Munn, Chris Coy, Dorian Missick, Sean Harris

Directed by: Scott Derrickson (The Day The Earth Stood Still, Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister, Doctor Strange)

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 6.2/10, RT: 28% Rotten

Synopsis: New York police officer Ralph Sarchie investigates a series of crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rites of exorcism, to combat the possessions that are terrorizing their city.

Verdict: Expected better from this director than this duller than dishwater jump scare horror.

Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War (2016)

Documentary 

Tom Hanks (Voice), Marina Goldman (Voice)

Directed by: Ken Burns

Platform: Netflix 

Synopsis: When seventeen others turned down the Unitarian Association's request for relief volunteers, Waitstill and Martha Sharp committed to the dangerous mission. "Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War" is the story of their humanitarian work and the effect it had on their lives. The Sharp's left their two young children behind in Wellesley, Massachusetts and traveled to Czechoslovakia to aid refugees just as war was about to break out in Europe. While abroad, they combated political and social legislation, breaking laws in order to get imperiled individuals exit visas. From involvement with black market, money laundering, to the clandestine transportation of refugees, the Sharps played a vital role in the rescue of Jews and dissidents from persecution. The film features interviews with the refugees rescued as children, now adults, who were taken to America by Martha Sharp, and interviews with family members. These personal stories highlight the impact of social change and the effect of the Sharp's move to Europe during this turbulent time on their young children.

Excellent documentary told through archive footage, interviews and readings by Tom Hanks, recommended!

Deceit (2017) - In the U.S. its called "Where is Kyra?"

Michelle Pfeiffer, Kiefer Sutherland, Suzanne Shepherd

Directed by: Andrew Dosunmu

Platform: NowTV

IMDB: 5.5/10, RT: 81% Fresh

Synopsis: In Brooklyn, New York, Kyra (Michelle Pfeiffer) loses her job and struggles to survive on her ailing mother's income. As the weeks and months go on, her problems worsen. This leads her on a risky and enigmatic path that threatens her life.

Verdict: A low key indie film with a really good performance by Pfeiffer and reminds me what a great actress she is, the film looks at the spiralling effect debt can have, what it does to a person and how far that person will go. My only complaint is whoever lit this film must have been the same guy who did the Battle for Winterfell, was like watching the movie with 10 pairs of sunglasses on.

The Debt Collector (2018)

Scott Adkins, Louis Mandylor, Vladimir Kulich, Tony Todd

Directed by: Jesse V.Johnson 

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 5.7/10, RT: 80% Fresh

Synopsis: A classically-trained martial artist goes to work as a mob debt collector. The job seems easy enough, until a client drags him into a situation deeper than could ever be anticipated.

Verdict: Its a Scott Adkins movie, I expected a typical B movie actioner with decent fights poor acting and a paper thin plot however I was quite surprised and very entertained, Adkins is quite humorous and the film has an old school buddy cop feel to it. The fights are good, its funny in parts and it just works as it doesn't take itself seriously.

Trailer doesn't do it justice.

Death Wish (2018)

Remake of Death Wish (1974)

Bruce Willis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Elisabeth Shue, Camila Morrone, Dean Norris

Directed by: Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, Hostel, The House With a Clock in its Walls)

Platform: Netflix 

IMDB: 6.4/10, RT: 18% Rotten

Synopsis: Dr. Paul Kersey is an experienced trauma surgeon, a man who has spent his life saving lives. After an attack on his family, Paul embarks on his own mission for justice.

Verdict: Actually not as bad as I thought it would be especially with Bruce Willis squinting his way through the movie, its lost the grittiness of the original but I did like the modern updates such as Willis looking up YouTube videos to assist in his vigilantism. Reviewers were up in arms (not literally) again regarding the message and theme of the movie but after watching 2 seasons of The Punisher this is no where near as violent. I prefer the original because of the grittiness but Roth does an ok job. I actually think overall "Death Sentence" with Kevin Bacon which was based on the 2nd novel was closer to what Brian Garfield intended.

Dead Rising: Watchtower (2015)

Based upon the video game series "Dead Rising" and is set between Dead Rising 2 & 3

Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory, Virginia Madsen, Keegan Connor Tracy, Dennis Haysbert

Directed by: Zach Lipovsky (Leprechaun: Origins)

Platform: Recorded from TV

IMDB: 5.2/10

Synopsis: A group of people fight to survive in a zombie-infested town.

Verdict: Anyone who has played the video game series knows its played for laughs and is pretty daft, the film does a great job of adapting that. If you like zombies, interesting ways of disposing them and Sharknado level acting, this film is for you! However the 2 hour run time might put you off.

Death Wish (1974)

Based upon the novel "Death Wish" (1972) by Brian Garfield

Charles Bronson, Hope Lange, Vincent Gardenia, Steven Keats

Directed by: Michael Winner (The Mechanic, The Sentinel, The Big Sleep, Death Wish 2 & 3)

Platform: NowTV

IMDB: 7/10, RT: 65% Fresh

Marks the film debut of Jeff Goldblum.

Synopsis: A New York City architect becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is murdered by street punks in which he randomly goes out and kills would-be muggers on the mean streets after dark.

Verdict: A decent revenge thriller ruined only by the awful 70s soundtrack, reading some of the old reviews regarding the violence and theme of the movie most of those reviewers will be aghast at what came later!

Death Race: Beyond Anarchy (2018)

Zach McGowan, Danny Glover, Danny Trejo, Lucy Aarden, Cassie Clare, Christine Marzano, Cameron Jack

Directed by: Don Michael Paul (Half Past Dead, Lake Placid 4, Tremors 5, Kindergarten Cop 2)

Platform: NowTV

IMDB: 5.3/10

Synopsis: After an attack on inmate Frankenstein fails, a Black Ops specialist enters the maximum prison to join the illegal Death Race and take down Frankenstein.

Verdict: Gratuitous sex, nudity, violence, blood with a paper thin story and B movie acting... whats not to like! The 4th entry inti the Death Race franchise, I remember the first one with Jason Statham I didn't realise there were three more! The race scenes are entertaining enough but the rest is forgettable, better off sticking a Mad Max movie on, any of them.