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 Writer: Various
Director: Various
Cast: William Conrad
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: July 8, 2008
I remember Cannon well. It was one of those shows that I would watch every week. I suppose I am getting older because I rarely think of it anymore, but when it turned up on my desk I was all ready to get reviewing. The 70s put out some pretty okay television and in the earlier part of the decade that included Cannon. While detective and cop shows can largely be the same, I always viewed Cannon as an overly chubby Robin Hood. Sure he drove a fly car (and wrecked it equally as much as he drove it) and lived well, but he always made sure to charge his rich clients a little bit more, just so he could give the poor ones a deal.
Cannon was a complete loner. He didn’t have a sidekick or a partner. Hell, he didn’t even have a secretary. This guy did it all alone. He might have had a weight problem and wanted to work it alone, but like my granddaddy always said, “If you want it done right do it yourself…” I guess Frank wanted it done right. Say what you will, he did it right enough to make it for about five successful seasons.
Release Information:
Cannon was a fan favorite back in the first season, or at least it was for me. I think the thing that initially attracted me to Cannon, was the action. I was a rough kid and liked rough, action shows. My parents always seemed to like the guest stars that appeared on the show. It seemed that the first season brought out all the popular stars of the early 1970s.
This DVD release marks the first time that Cannon has been on DVD. This first season, volume one set includes twelve episodes from the initial season. Paramount, in conjunction with CBS, will be release this first box set on July 8, 2008. You should be able to pick this set up at most stores that sell DVD box sets. You can find this on Amazon for pre-order to be shipped on July 8, for $25.99.
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 Writer: Various
Director: Various
Cast: Alan Campbell, William Conrad, Joe Penny
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: July 8, 2008
Back in December, I was your guy for reviewing Diagnosis Murder, so I suppose it was only natural that when Jake and the Fatman came out that I should review that, as well. If you’re wondering why that might be the case, it’s because Diagnosis Murder is actually a spinoff of Fat Man. If you like criminal dramas this one isn’t so bad. A product of its time with some behind the scenes drama attached, Fatman has some decent moments in this Volume One box set. In fact, one could wager to say that the most depressing part about this set is that it’s a split season set, and no fan wants to pay twice for the same season, while having to wait for the remaining episodes to come out.
This crime solving, prosecuting duo is a little unorthodox in some ways. The Fatman, played by William Conrad, is well acted, but anything other than smooth. He’s reminiscent of a single Uncle who has a relationship only with Cheetos and Beer. He’s pretty unkempt in the ways that you would expect criminal attorneys to be, but he makes up for it in all of his business matters. Meanwhile, his partner and the guy doing all the detective legwork is setup to be the ladies magnet. Whether he is a stud or not I cannot say, but the role he plays is set to make him look that way. While the Fatman is all about Cheetos, Styles (played by Joe E. Penny) is all about fine sophistication with expensive appearing suits, a sports car, and all of the finer things in life.
Release Information:
Jake and the Fatman was a part of some behind the scenes drama early on. The show was actually canceled in the first season though this ending was short lived. The show’s revival is due to the removal of Magnum PI from the CBS lineup. When the show was canceled CBS opted to take advantage of the Magnum setting, since they were paying for it anyway and it was incredibly expensive. This moved Fatman to Hawaii, which served to be a great move as the ratings rose dramatically.
Fans that have been clamoring for the Fatman to come to DVD will be pleased to know that Volume One of the First Season will be released on July 8, 2008. You can pre-order this on several sites on the Internet and once it is out, you should be able to find it just about anywhere that sells DVDs. If you plan to purchase it for pre-order, you can find it at Amazon for $26.99.
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 Writers: Numerous
Directors: Numerous
Cast: Chuck Norris, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Sheree J. Wilson, Noble Willingham
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Paramount & CBS
Release Date: July 1, 2008
I used to watch Walker, Texas Ranger with my dad when he was alive. My dad was a huge fan of martial arts films. One of his favorite American martial arts experts/actors was Chuck Norris. Needless to say, we both were huge fans of the show. I didn’t really get a lot of chances to bond with my father. He wasn’t always the most affectionate man. We had a few television shows we were able to enjoy and we both were passionate about baseball. Watching baseball and Walker, Texas Ranger together gives me a chance to remember the good times I shared with my dad.
Walker, Texas Ranger was more than just a show about a guy who could kick ass. Sure, Chuck Norris could do that. He also can act, and the show had both good writing and a lot of humor, all of which contributed to the success of this series. The show ran for eight seasons, starting in 1993 and ending in the year my father died, 2001. While shows generally go downhill after so many seasons, I don’t remember that happening quite as much with Walker, Texas Ranger.
Release Information:
As I mentioned previously, Walker, Texas Ranger ran for eight seasons. Before the first season, a three episode pilot debuted on CBS on April 21, 1993. Eight full seasons followed the pilot episodes. The fifth season ran between September 27, 1997 and May 16, 1998. There are 25 epsiodes included on the Walker, Texas Ranger: The Complete Fifth Season DVD.
CBS and Paramount Home Entertainment have set out to release Walker, Texas Ranger: The Complete Fifth Season. The DVD was made available in a seven disc DVD box set on July 1, 2008. This box set is just in time for celebrating Independence Day. Walker, Texas Ranger: The Complete Fifth Season can be found at most retailers both online and off. At Amazon, Walker, Texas Ranger: The Complete Fifth Season is available for $34.99.
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 Writer: Various
Director: Various
Cast: Michael Douglas, Karl Malden
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: July 1, 2008
The second season was an exciting time for the cast of The Streets of San Francisco. The show was finally being recognized at this point. The ratings were going up, nominations were pouring in, and life was pretty decent. It’s fairly safe to say that Streets was destined to be a hit. Not only does it include Michael Douglas, it was also produced by Quinn Martin Productions. While the name probably does not sound familiar now, this group was credited with producing popular shows like Cannon, The Invaders, The Fugitive, and Barnaby Jones.
This is actually my first encounter with Streets. That is not to say that’s a bad thing, it’s just that I had no clue that the show existed before it hit my desk. What I found was a fairly basic cop drama. Set in San Francisco and actually filmed there, the show offers a realistic setting and some interesting storylines. Most of it isn’t life changing, but if I have some time to kill and need something to do, I could easily see myself watching this to fill that time gap.
Release Information:
The Streets of San Francisco was on the air for about five seasons and a total of 119 episodes, from start to finish. No one was quite sure how the show would fare, when it started its run against two popular shows, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Bob Newhart Show. After the first season, the show moved from Fridays to Thursdays. The first volume of the second season of The Streets of San Francisco was released on July 1st, 2008.
You should be able to find The Streets of San Francisco - The Second Season, Vol. 1 just about anywhere that TV box sets are sold. If you are shopping online, Amazon is offering it for $29.99, which includes free shipping.
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 Writer: Barry Levy
Director: Pete Travis
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Bruce McGill, Edgar Ramirez, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ayelet Zurer, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt
Rating: PG-13
Studio: Sony
Release Date: July 1, 2008
**I’m going to warn you right now – This review possibly contains spoilers.
Once again the box office and the critics disagree. I am one of those critics that usually won’t go with the flow. I liked Vantage Point. A thriller in the best sense, the interwoven storylines, while inevitably predictable in theory give you just enough information throughout each segment to keep you wanting more.
While I thought I had figured out part of what happened I didn’t know why it had happened. The simple reality of the why left me slightly shell shocked. Could it be that a film was echoing the sentiment of the millions of Americans who spoke of the embattled and embittered war we’re going through right now?
I hate to give away what’s going to happen. Still, down to the vary last seconds of the film, all of the stories that tie into what seems like one event come together to paint one whole picture. When watching Vantage Point, I sort of felt like I was looking at one of those puzzles you have to figure out. Every few minutes a foggy piece of the puzzle becomes clear until every piece is revealed. With every second that passes in this heart pounding drama, new information comes into light and the mystery of ‘who’, ‘what’, and ‘why’ eventually is revealed.
I don’t know what critics seem to want from these types of movies because I felt Vantage Point hit the nail on the head when it came to getting down the “thriller” aspect of the film without pause. Either way, I liked this film and I’m already going to recommend it though for more information on the film, you should continue to read my review.
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 Writers: Matthew Grainger, Jonathan King
Directors: Peter Burger
Cast: Jason Behr, Mia Blake, David Fane, Robbie Magasiva, Caroline Cheong, Michael Hurst, Nathaniel Lees
Rating: R
Studio: Sony
Release Date: June 24, 2008
I really didn’t know how I felt about having to review a movie called The Tattooist. I’m not one of those people who think tattoos are bad. I’m also not a tattoo fanatic. I was unsure about an entire movie that revolved around tattoos and tattooing. Starting out as a lesson in the cultural practice of tattooing, the The Tattooist quickly becomes a thriller/horror movie with a fast paced storyline.
The Tattooist isn’t the best movie I’ve seen in recent days, but it is something I’d watch again. It’s a movie that is enjoyable and perhaps even a bit shocking. While some aspects of the movie are predictable as the movie goes along (I had a few “I bet this is going to happen” moments) this doesn’t seem to detract from the overall appeal of The Tattooist.
Release Information:
The Tattooist is a film that comes out of New Zealand. The film was actually co-produced between the countries of New Zealand and Singapore, and that is why the film debuted in New Zealand on August 30, 2007 and Singapore on November 29, 2007. The film has never been released in U.S. theaters though its main star is American.
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 Writers: Daniel D. Davis
Directors: Christopher N. Rowley
Cast: Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Joan Allen,Tom Skerritt, Christine Baranski, Victor Rasuk, Tom Amandes, Tom Wopat
Rating: PG
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 24, 2008
I’m not overly fond of the sentimental, chick-friendly flicks that so many men try to get out of watching with their girlfriends. While Bonneville has that chick-flick vibe, it also has big name actors. Seldom have I found a Kathy Bates movie I didn’t like. With her résumé including movies like Fried Green Tomatoes and Misery, it’s hard not to like Kathy in any of her roles. Now that she’s getting older, she’s being asked to play more mature roles.
The role she plays in Bonneville is rather spunky. The movie will appeal to mainly women, but it also tells a story that many men will find interesting. I don’t really want to classify this as a chick flick, because it’s not your standard, Cameron Diaz, lame-o chick flick. The story has depth. Rather, it is a sentimental journey of the human spirit. I enjoyed Bonneville not only because it had a story to tell, but also because the acting was flawless, the cast was stellar, and the movie made sense. Older individuals will be able to relate to this story, and as I age, I find myself asking the questions that are brought up through the story told by Daniel D. Davis.
Release Information:
Bonneville premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on September 11, 2006. For some reason, this film seemed to sit on the shelf for the past two years, though it did make two appearances at the Deauville Festival of American Cinema in France and the Film by the Sea Festival in September of 2007. On February 29, 2008, Bonneville had a limited U.S and Canadian theatrical release. That brings us to today.
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 Literary Illusions is proud to be giving away one Love Guru Prize Pack. To enter all you need to do is leave us a comment. Please be sure to only leave one. Comments are moderated to avoid spam, so it will not show up right away. People who leave multiple comments will be deleted from the contest altogether. If you do not see your comment within a day then by all means leave another one. Otherwise, do not worry as we accept comments several times a day.
To enter you need to be 18 years of age and a resident of the US. If you have won a contest within the last 30 days you are not eligible. Winners will be announced here. If we do not hear from you within 3 weeks from the date the winners are announced you forfeit your prize and we will select another winner. Prizes will be shipped within 45 days from the day you win.
We will begin choosing winners for this the week of July 28, 2008, which means you have until July 27, 2008 at 11:59 to enter.
From the Press Release
The Love Guru Soundtrack deluxe prizepack. The prizepack contains:
- CD of The Love Guru soundtrack
- A Love Guru t-shirt
- A Love Guru poster autographed by Mike Myers
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 Literary Illusions is proud to be giving away three copies of Stop Loss on DVD. To enter all you need to do is leave us a comment. Please be sure to only leave one. Comments are moderated to avoid spam, so it will not show up right away. People who leave multiple comments will be deleted from the contest altogether. If you do not see your comment within a day then by all means leave another one. Otherwise, do not worry as we accept comments several times a day.
To enter you need to be 18 years of age and a resident of the US. If you have won a contest within the last 30 days you are not eligible. Winners will be announced here. If we do not hear from you within 3 weeks from the date the winners are announced you forfeit your prize and we will select another winner. Prizes will be shipped within 45 days from the day you win.
We will begin choosing winners for this the week of July 16, 2008, which means you have until July 15, 2008 at 11:59 to enter.
From the Press Release
Stop Loss
MTV Films’ emotionally gripping story of a group of friends struggling with personal battles and moral conflict arrives on DVD when STOP-LOSS debuts July 8, 2008 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Featuring a sensational cast including Ryan Phillippe (Flags Of Our Fathers), Channing Tatum (A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Lookout), Timothy Olyphant (“Deadwood”), Abbie Cornish (Elizabeth: The Golden Age) and Ciaran Hinds (There Will Be Blood), STOP-LOSS is the second feature film from award-winning director Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry).
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 Writer: Tanya Biank, Katherine Fugate, Rama Stagner
Director: Ben Younger, Perry Lang, Patrick Norris, Michael Lange, and Others
Cast: Catherine Bell, Drew Fuller, Wendy Davis, Sterling K. Brown, Brian McNamara, Kim Delaney, Sally Pressman, Brigid Brannagh
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Disney
Release Date: June 10, 2008
I am not quite sure why, but when I first heard about the show Army Wives I immediately thought that the show was reality television. I suppose with all the war talk and experiences that are going on, it was a natural thought. However, I never turned it on for that reason. It wasn’t that I don’t support the troops, because I do, but rather that I didn’t feel the exploitation of the families of servicemen was the right way to go. Boy was I glad to learn that I was completely wrong.
This DVD box set showed up on my doorstep and my first thought was to cringe. I turned the box over to read the description and was pleasantly surprised to find that this show is fictional. The description led to my being curious, though I was still hesitant as it is a Lifetime show and I am not a huge fan of the Woman’s Network. Regardless, the DVDs were placed in the player and I set out to watch them with the most unbiased viewpoint possible, now that I finally knew what the show was actually about.
Release Information:
Army Wives may be fictional, though it is actually based on a non-fiction book, The Unwritten Code of Military Marriage by Tanya Biank. Biank is also a writer on the show, so I imagine that she offers a sense of reality to the show’s themes. The first season of Army Wives ran for 13 episodes. Apparently, it was popular enough to warrant a second season, as this 19 episode season began airing right before the June 10th DVD release of the first season, on June 8, 2008.
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 Literary Illusions is proud to be giving away three copies of The Ruins on DVD. To enter all you need to do is leave us a comment. Please be sure to only leave one. Comments are moderated to avoid spam, so it will not show up right away. People who leave multiple comments will be deleted from the contest altogether. If you do not see your comment within a day then by all means leave another one. Otherwise, do not worry as we accept comments several times a day.
To enter you need to be 18 years of age and a resident of the US. If you have won a contest within the last 30 days you are not eligible. Winners will be announced here. If we do not hear from you within 3 weeks from the date the winners are announced you forfeit your prize and we will select another winner. Prizes will be shipped within 45 days from the day you win.
We will begin choosing winners for this the week of July 18, 2008, which means you have until July 17, 2008 at 11:59 to enter.
From the Press Release
The Ruins
Based on the terrifying best-seller by Scott Smith, “The Ruins” follows a group of friends who become entangled in a brutal struggle for survival after visiting a remote archaeological dig in the Mexican jungle where they discover something deadly living among the ruins.
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 Writer: Gerald Green
Director: Marvin Chomsky
Cast: James Woods, Meryl Streep, Michael Moriarty, Joseph Bottoms, Tovah Feldshuh, Rosemary Harris, Deborah Norton, Sam Wanamaker, Fritz Weaver
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: May 27, 2008
I don’t remember when I watched my first movie on the Holocaust. I am going to wager a guess that it was one or two movies. I don’t know if it was The Diary of Anne Frank or Sophie’s Choice. All I know is that I have been addicted to movies on this subject for as long as I can remember.
Surprisingly, I do not remember ever hearing about Holocaust. Of course, due to the age of the mini-series I suppose it makes sense. It wasn’t on DVD, at least not until now, so it didn’t make a lot of sense to continue talking about the powe | | | | |
