Falling Down (1993)

4.5 / 5
Tagline:  A Tale Of Urban Reality
Directed by:  Joel Schumacher
Written by:  Ebbe Roe Smith
Actors include:  Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey
Genre:  Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Length:  113 minutes
Banned:  Nope

Review:

Wow, this was not at all what I expected, it's almost like Death Wish in some ways...okay so less shooting and no Bronson but still!  The story is about an unemployed divorced fella named William (Michael Douglas).  We follow him on his quest to get home to see his Daughter for her birthday only just about everything that can go wrong does.  This leads to William abandoning his car in L.A. traffic and taking to the streets with a reckless demeanor...he's basically lost it.  The thing is, the streets are rather dangerous, but not as dangerous as him as he destroys and beats up just about anything in his path...it's really very exciting!  The only thing is a nearly retired Cop is on his path and not about to let him get away with all of his destruction.  This is one heck of a dark comedy that I really loved the heck out of, it's something different and one heck of a treat.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

A Time To Kill (1996)

4 / 5
Tagline: Experience a time you'll never forget.
Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Written by: John Grisham, Akiva Goldsman
Actors include: Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConoughay, Samuel L. Jackson
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Length: 149 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is a rather depressing adaptation of a John Grisham novel (that I've never read). It takes place in Mississippi where racism seems to run rampant unfortunately. When Carl Lee Hailey's (Samuel L. Jackson) daughter Tonya is raped and murdered the guilty parties were set free. He couldn't stand to see that happen so he shot the men down and now must go on trial himself. With the help of his friend and lawyer Jake (Matthew McConaughey) they set out to prove the disgusting racism that occurred. The thing is, while Jake's preparing the case of his career he's being tormented by the KKK who are leaving burning crosses and so forth. If you like powerful courtroom trials then this is one of the better ones that I've seen. Very impactful though rather simple in some ways, very easy to watch I think, most should be able to enjoy this I think.

Availability:  On DVD