| ALL ARTICLES BY Jonathan Baylis |
Alien 2: On EarthDVD Review - Mar 24, 2011
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Midnight Legacy launches to give the Blu Ray restoration treatment to a rare Italian genre film |
Prime Suspect: The Complete CollectionDVD Review - Sep 14, 2010
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One of the best detective drama series ever produced gets collected in one set. |
Tetro (Blu-Ray)DVD Review - May 14, 2010
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Coppola has called “Tetro” his most personal film and it shows. I think it’s his best since “The Conversation”. |
Facing AliDVD Review - Dec 30, 2009
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If “When We Were Kings” was the best Ali doc to date, “Facing Ali” might be the most stylish. |
Tyson (Blu-ray)DVD Review - Aug 27, 2009
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Toback's film made me feel more sympathetic towards Mike than I've felt in many, many years. He creates a human portrait, which in today's day of short clips, soundbites and paparazzi, is extremely difficult to do. |
Kagemusha - Criterion CollectionDVD Review - Aug 21, 2009
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Criterion is back with another Blu-ray Kurosawa release, “Kagemusha (Shadow Warrior)”, another fine color film on the road to his masterpiece, “Ran”. |
Eddie Murphy: DeliriousDVD Review - Jun 4, 2009
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When I was a kid, I inherited a gaggle of comedy albums: Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, Mel Brooks, etc. But the first album I actually bought? Eddie Murphy: Comedian. "Delirious" is the live performance of that album. |
Goldfinger [Blu-Ray]DVD Review - May 4, 2009
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"Goldfinger" is probably the undisputed best Bond film of the pre-Craig era as well as being the quintessential Bond film featuring all of the favorite elements. |
Dodes'ka-denDVD Review - Mar 5, 2009
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Chances are if you're reading a review of "Dodes'ka-den," not one of Kurosawa's best-known or regarded films, you've probably already been through a good portion of his oeuvre. The film takes place in a slum, but there's no "Who Want's to be a Millionaire" to get its residents out of it. |
Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of AmericaDVD Review - Feb 26, 2009
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In this documentary series, contemporary funnyman Judd Apatow spouts the old adage that there's nothing more boring than explaining why things are funny. This documentary doesn't necessary try to explain so much as it does outline the progression to modern "funny". |
A Technicolor DreamDVD Review - Nov 20, 2008
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It's been a Pink Floyd year for me. Somehow I've come across Pink Floyd specials and Syd Barrett docus wherever I looked. So when "A Technicolor Dream" crossed my path, I just let it flow over me like a psychedelic haze. |
Priceless (Hors de Prix)Movie Review - Mar 28, 2008
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To paraphrase the bard, Audrey Tautou’s character Irène is a golddigger, but she ain’t messin’ with no broke, um, garçon. |
AtonementDVD Review - Mar 17, 2008
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Something about the word “Atonement” bugged me into thinking that there was no way that watching this film would be a pleasant experience. Kind of like Yom Kippur services. |
CloverfieldMovie Review - Jan 22, 2008
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The pitch was easy. "Godzilla" meets "Blair Witch Project". But does it succeed more as a monster movie or as an exploitation of 9-11 imagery? |
The Muppet Show: The Complete Second SeasonDVD Review - Aug 28, 2007
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If you're trying to rekindle your Muppet love, this is a great way to do it. If you want to share these with someone new, they're as fresh and entertaining as ever. |
The Film Crew: Hollywood After DarkDVD Review - Jul 25, 2007
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The Mystery Science Theater 3000 guys are back with a new project. But now that DVD commentaries are ubiquitous, does the concept still hold up? |
The AFI Top 100Editorial - Jun 26, 2007
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The AFI Top 100 Films from 1997 to 2007: An arbitrary conversation with myself. An analysis of American Film Institute's 10th Anniversary Top 100 film list (that no one asked for!) and a comparison to the list from ten years ago. |
King Boxer (Five Fingers of Death)DVD Review - Jun 20, 2007
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Clearly, it's been a cult movie week for me. First, it was Sergio Leone's first film, "The Colossus of Rhodes". And now, it's the Shaw Bros. classic, "King Boxer". From Supertotalscope to Shawscope, it's been a Cinemascope kinda week. |
The Colossus of RhodesDVD Review - Jun 18, 2007
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Finally, the first film of Sergio Leone comes to DVD along with other cult classics! |
Bitter Films: Volume OneDVD Review - Jun 16, 2007
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I remember watching Don Hertzfeldt's "Ah, L'amour" for the first time and it being one of the few times in my life where uncontrollable laughing led to tears of joy. |
Letters From Iwo JimaDVD Review - Jun 15, 2007
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If the media in "Flags of Our Fathers" is to the media in the Iraq War, are the Japanese in "Letters From Iwo Jima" to compare with the Fundamentalist Muslims? |
OverlordDVD Review - Jun 6, 2007
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I guess there are really only two types of war movies, right? The "war is glorious" kind and the "war is hell" variety. "Overlord" is the latter. |
Children of MenDVD Review - Mar 27, 2007
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A few months ago, I was told that "Children of Men" might've been the best movie of the year. Was it? |
Little Dieter Needs to FlyDVD Review - Mar 22, 2007
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Before you see Werner Herzog's Rescue Dawn, you might want to check out the documentary this story is based on. |
Zack Galifianakis: Live at the Purple OnionDVD Review - Mar 20, 2007
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Can a spoof of a comedy special format make for actual comedy? Not this time. |
300Movie Review - Mar 6, 2007
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300 lives up to the hype visually, but is it actually any good? |
This Film is Not Yet RatedDVD Review - Feb 7, 2007
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Did you know that filmmakers David Lynch, The Wachowski Bros, Quentin Tarantino, Sam Raimi, Spike Lee, and Martin Scorcese have had their films rated X or NC-17, or have been forced to cut their films to avoid those ratings? |
Cowboy Del AmorDVD Review - Jan 23, 2007
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What makes a New York City boy want to see a movie about a Southern cowboy matchmaker? It's all about the love, baby. |
Rocky (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)DVD Review - Jan 11, 2007
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You'd have to live in a cave to have not seen "Rocky" at this point, but this collector's edition provides plenty of extras to allow for greater insight into this American classic. |
Rocky BalboaMovie Review - Dec 18, 2006
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I've always felt that at its core, the soul of "Rocky" was romance, not boxing. Well, I think Stallone has revived that romance. |
Gene Yang: Writer/Creator of "American Born Chinese"Interview - Dec 13, 2006
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Gene Yang's "American Born Chinese" has the distinction of being the first graphic novel nominated for a National Book Award. It was easily one of the best comics I've read in years. It's my pleasure to interview Gene. |
Superman II: The Richard Donner CutDVD Review - Nov 28, 2006
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The version you have never seen. You'll believe a DVD can fly (off the shelves, that is!) |
52 - #1 - 26Comic Book Review - Nov 24, 2006
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This was supposed to be a sequel to "Infinite Crisis" full of sound and fury. But so far? It don't signify nothin'. |
Flags of Our FathersMovie Review - Oct 20, 2006
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I love Clint Eastwood, but I keep wondering if he should've quit directing with "Unforgiven". Will it be V-Day for "Flags of Our Fathers"? |
Marie AntoinetteMovie Review - Oct 19, 2006
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The French hated this movie at the Cannes Film Festival. I couldn't think of a better reason to get me to see it. Vive le Coppola! |
Man of the YearMovie Review - Oct 13, 2006
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When I think of Barry Levinson, I like to remember "Diner" and "Rain Man". Throw Robin Williams into the mix and you get "Good Morning, Vietnam". But... you also get "Toys". Aiming a little bit more towards "Wag the Dog", Levinson and Williams go unto the breach once more. Do they succeed? |
PaprikaMovie Review - Oct 10, 2006
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Growing up on healthy doses of "Battle of the Planets" and "Robotech" didn't turn me into an obsessive anime fan. But despite this, every once in a while, I'll take a dip into the pool and see what the mizu's like. |
RankMovie Review - Oct 9, 2006
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A couple of weeks ago, I went to see "Jackass 2". I watched these guys risk harm and maybe even their lives doing some of the craziest stunts I'd ever seen. And then someone sent me "Rank". Johnny Knoxville and gang are pussycats compared to the men in this film. |
Thank You for SmokingDVD Review - Oct 2, 2006
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"Thank You for Smoking" is a satire of the tobacco industry, and who wouldn't like that? (Sorry North Carolina!) But does it go far enough? |
Joe Cartoon: Beyond the BlenderDVD Review - Aug 26, 2006
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My Spidey sense is tingling and I'm sensing my shortest review ever with this one. |
Do You Like Hitchcock?DVD Review - Aug 24, 2006
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Dario Argento, the Italian Hitchcock, dips into the well once more to see if he's worthy of that title. |
Emperor of the NorthDVD Review - Aug 2, 2006
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Holy cow! A hobo played by Lee Marvin vs. an evil train conductor played by Ernest Borgnine? How have I never heard of this movie? Where have you been all my life? |
Shakespeare Behind BarsDVD Review - Aug 1, 2006
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The tagline reads, "Murderers, Fugitives, Thieves... Shakespeare would have loved these guys." But would I? |
Little Miss SunshineMovie Review - Jul 26, 2006
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Don't believe the hype, folks. "Little Miss Sunshine" is a farcical update of "National Lampoon's Vacation" and not much more. |
Clerks IIMovie Review - Jul 21, 2006
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When Joel Siegel walked out of my screening, I knew that it was an extra stamp of approval. Dante and Randal are back! |
Superman ReturnsMovie Review - Jun 23, 2006
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It's a bird, it's a plane, no it's a movie review! Clark Kent's alter ego returns to Earth and to the movie screen in this summer's best blockbuster. |
Plunder of the SunDVD Review - Jun 22, 2006
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While I’m waiting impatiently for my "Superman Returns" screening tomorrow, I decided to view a film starring (the 1978) Supe's dad. No, not Brando. Pa Kent. You know, Glenn Ford? |
Sunday DriverDVD Review - Jun 13, 2006
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From behind the chrome, a look at lowriding and its culture. |
Dave Chappelle's Block Party (Unrated Widescreen Edition)DVD Review - Jun 9, 2006
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On September 18th, 2004 in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Dave Chappelle threw the biggest hip-hop block party of all time. |
A Jew Reads and Sees "The Da Vinci Code"Editorial - May 21, 2006
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The words "Ye have little faith" have been resonating with me lately. I wonder why? |
The Da Vinci CodeMovie Review - May 20, 2006
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Ron Howard yet again underwhelms with a multi-million dollar film that feels more like a made-for-tv movie and I believe that most of the controversy surrounding this film has been manufactured for maximum publicity. |
The World's Greatest LoverDVD Review - May 17, 2006
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"The World's Greatest Lover" was Gene Wilder's sophomore directorial effort ("The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" was his first.) Is he the World's Greatest Director? Or even close? |
Sketches of Frank GehryMovie Review - May 11, 2006
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First-time director Sydney Pollack captur... well, I mean first-time DOCUMENTARY director Pollack, attempts to capture some some of the magic behind his friend, brilliant architect, Frank Gehry. |
Infinite Crisis #7Comic Book Review - May 3, 2006
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Was it all about the hype? Was it all about the multiverse? Was it all about the Trinity? Nah. It was about the action. |
Dave Attell Insomniac Tour Presents: Sean Rouse, Greg Giraldo & Dane CookDVD Review - Apr 17, 2006
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My girlfriend's a stand-up comic. I'm not sure if that makes me a good candidate for reviewing this DVD or a lousy one. Can I listen to these guys with fresh ears or have I heard it all before? |
Stalag 17DVD Review - Mar 19, 2006
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No matter what you've heard, Stalag 17 was not the inspiration for Hogan's Heroes. It is, however, one of the all-time great films and perhaps the best POW escape movie. Take that, Great Escape! |
V for VendettaMovie Review - Mar 8, 2006
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"Remember, remember the 5th of November..." This might be the most relevant -- if not the only relevant -- film you see this year. |
Breakfast at Tiffany's (Anniversary Edition)DVD Review - Feb 7, 2006
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In a year filled with nominations and awards for the dark side of Capote, what better time to cash in, I mean, revisit the lighter side of Truman. And the buck stops with Breakfast at Tiffany’s. (I have no clue what that means.) |
Where the Sidewalk EndsDVD Review - Dec 20, 2005
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Film noir is just a genre. It's not a stamp of quality, as Where the Sidewalk Ends proves. |
King KongMovie Review - Dec 12, 2005
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So Peter Jackson can successfully make one of the biggest and best epic trilogies ever made... but can he make a love story... between a woman and a big ape? |
TransamericaMovie Review - Dec 9, 2005
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Bob and Harvey return to release an old school indie film. Trannies, gigolos, and the open road, oh my! |
Aeon Flux - The Complete Animated CollectionDVD Review - Nov 28, 2005
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Those Charlize Theron ads are ubiquitous, but Aeon was originally animated. |
The Right Spectacle - The Very Best of Elvis Costello - The VideosDVD Review - Oct 25, 2005
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Music Videos. Remember those? Remember when MTV showed them? Rhino releases a collection of Elvis Costello videos from the birth of the medium. |
Infinite Crisis #1Comic Book Review - Oct 12, 2005
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OK, ok, so I was the first one in line at my store to buy this thing. Could it possibly live up to the hype that's been building for over a year? |
Creature Comforts - The Complete First SeasonDVD Review - Oct 9, 2005
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For those that are clamoring for more Aardman Animation post Wallace and Gromit screening, perhaps we've got some Comfort food for ya. |
The Office - Season OneDVD Review - Oct 5, 2005
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America takes its shot at one of the best and funniest British series ever. |
Major Dundee (The Extended Version)DVD Review - Aug 27, 2005
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This was a lost and now restored Peckinpah classic? Explore the film Bloody Sam directed before The Wild Bunch. |
The 40 Year-Old VirginMovie Review - Aug 18, 2005
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Steve Carell gets his shot at headlining the latest slapstick, gross-out comedy. |
Grizzly ManMovie Review - Aug 15, 2005
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Werner Herzog is the most interesting filmmaker ever and therefore, one of the greatest directors of all time. In "Grizzly Man" he brings us the true story of Tim Treadwell, a man who refused to accept the conflict between man and nature. |
Ministry of Space TPBComic Book Review - Apr 15, 2005
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Trading Up #1 - It was a Warren Ellis weekend, but totally by coincidence. Apparently, he�s one of these guys that write almost everything... |
Frank Miller's Sin CityPrimer - Apr 5, 2005
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Before it was an ultra-violent movie, it was an ultra-violent comic book. Discover the origins of Frank Miller's Sin City |
The Animation ShowMovie Review - Mar 13, 2005
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Sometimes a cartoon is a cartoon. And sometimes... |
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CD Giveaway - Paper Bird, "Rooms"
Ends May 28, 2013
Drifting ever so slightly away from traditional folk music, this Colorado band delivers harmony and energy aplenty. |
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