Dead End (2003)

3.5 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: Read the signs.
Directed by: Jean-Baptiste Andrea, Fabrice Canepa
Written by: Jean-Baptiste Andrea, Fabrice Canepa
Actors include: Ray Wise, Lin Shay, Alexandra Holden
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Length: 85 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Although I thought this was relatively enjoyable there were some extremely cheesy things that kept this from being great. The story is about a family driving out on Christmas Eve to go to a relative's house. The father decides to take a short cut which lands them in a world of trouble. They end up on a extremely long road, all signs of life have disappeared except for a ghost (badly acted by model Amber Smith) who appears every time they have to stop the car. It's kind of a hybrid of a Stephen King novel and Identity in a way, sort of the mystery of what the heck is going on (though it's obvious). It's definitely a situational horror thing and it's quite effective on that level, there is some gore and even a tiny bit of comedy (I love Mom's drawing) packed in there. It's not the most amazing film one is likely to come across, but the family is well acted and somewhat believable and the what if factor is what really makes it work.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Die Hard (1988)

4.5 / 5
Tagline:  Twelve terrorists. One cop. The odds are against John McClane... That's just the way he likes it.
Directed by:  John McTiernan
Written by:  Roderick Thorp, Jeb Stewart
Actors include:  Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia
Genre:  Action
Length:  131 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:
Probably the first action movie I liked, I was pretty convinced that I would never get into the genre until I saw this.  Conveniently New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) is waiting for his wife to come out of a Christmas office party when the building is taken over by terrorists.  The evil terrorists have everyone held captive at gunpoint (except McClane of course) and the situation seems dire.  Luckily with lots of action and excitement McClane has to come to the rescue to save his wife and everyone else that's in peril.  It really is extremely easy to watch, fast paced exciting which I appreciated.  I think Willis makes a really likeable hero too which helps matters also.  Actually the first three movies in this series I've seen are all quite good though this is the best one.  A definite must for most, even if you think you aren't going to like this sort of thing.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray