JURASSIC PARK (1993)

Featuring: Sam Neill; Laura Dern; Jeff Goldblum; Richard Attenborough

Director: Steven Spielberg

This film was a technical breakthrough in as far as it was the first to make fully use of computer generated images or CGI. Previously these type of animated special effects was usually done through stop motion. This is the technique whereby a figure or object is physically manipulated while filmed one frame at a time so that it appears to move on its own. However, the problem Steven Spielberg had with this is that the movement of the final product always seems to be somewhat woody. And he wanted his dinosaurs to move fluently, more gracefully. Although this was a big gamble for Spielberg and team of animators (at one stage the film studio almost pulled the plug on the whole project) they persevered and, as they say, the rest was history.

Dr Alan Grant (Sam Neill) is a paleontologist who is invited to assess and endorse a new theme park resort with a difference. Situated on a private island off the coast of Costa Rica, the owner of the resort, John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) managed to genetically engineer and populate the entire island with real life dinosaurs. However, things go very wrong very quickly...

Scripted by Michael Crichton from his even named novel, there is plenty of action and special effects to behold; enough to keep you at the edge of your seat throughout. But what makes this movie special further is that, not only did it go on to become one of the most successful at the box office ever, it also won no less than three Oscars. And this makes it another must for any serious DVD collection.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc0UehYemQA

 Ariana Richards, Laura Dern, Sam Neill and Joseph Mazzello

GOODFELLAS (1990)

Featuring: Ray Liotta; Robert De Niro; Joe Pesci

Director: Martin Scorsese

Like The Godfather, Goodfellas is also based on a book about organized crime. But whereas Mario Puzo's novel, THE GODFATHER (which inspired the movie series) is mostly fictional, WISEGUY, the book by Nicholas Pileggi and on which Goodfellas is based, is a true story.

Ray Liotta is Henry Hill, the New York mobster who turned FBI informant and ended up testifying against the Lucchese crime family in the early 1980's. This movie tells of his rise and fall in the organization and the events that ultimately led him to turn against his erstwhile friends.

Although the film contains some graphically violent scenes, Martin Scorsese manages to present it in such a way that it doesn't become gratuitous. And that is what makes him such a master at his craft. Many regard this film still to be one of his best to date. It has been nominated for six Academy Awards, among others for Best Picture and Best Director. It did, however, earn Joe Pesci an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role

I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo5jJpHtI1Y

Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Paul Sorvino, Martin Scorsese and Joe Pesci

AFTER HOURS (1985)

Featuring: Griffin Dunne; Rosanna Arquette; Verna Bloom

Director: Martin Scorsese

If you are into black comedy, you will be sure to enjoy this one. This was Martin Scorsese's first stab at this genre and laid the foundation for a number of his later films.

Done in typical Scorsese style, the story unfolds slowly to reveal a peek at one night out of the life of a very ordinary guy...when things go horribly wrong!

The cast is a veritable who's who of the 1980's comedy scene which include the likes of Cheech-and-Chong and a very young Bronson Pinchot. But don't let the names fool you. The comedy is as dark as they come and to many a bit off-putting. However, it is an acquired taste. So, if you are into stuff like the Blackadder series (which I am) this movie will definitely be right up your alley.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMYk34uwFro

 Griffin Dunne and Rosanna Arquette

ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE (1974)

Featuring: Ellen Burstyn; Kris Kristofferson; Alfred Lutter

Director: Martin Scorsese

With this movie Martin Scorsese showed his versatility as director. Unlike his first few films which were based on sort of own experiences, this one is a totally different kettle of fish.

Ellen Burstyn (in a roll that earned her an Oscar for Best Actress) plays Alice, a single mother in search of a lost dream after the death of her husband. Along the way, she and her son, Tommy (brilliantly portrayed by newcomer Alfred Lutter) make their acquaintance with all sorts of people. But nowhere they arrive, feel like home...until they find Ben (Kris Kristofferson).

This is a timeless slice of life picture of so many women who feel trapped by the hand life dealt them. But when the opportunity comes to do something about it, they feel wholly unprepared for what lies ahead. Although Burstyn received the accolades, the real star here is young Lutter.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jFhv9mPqk4

Ellen Burstyn, Alfred Lutter and Kris Kristofferson in a scene from the movie

MEAN STREETS (1973)

Featuring: Robert De Niro; Harvey Keitel; David Proval

Director: Martin Scorsese

In so far as Who's That Knocking At My Door placed Martin Scorsese on the map, Mean Streets is generally regarded as the film that established him as director of note. It was also the first of many movies that he and Robert De Niro did together. 

This movie is about...actually, why should I be the one to tell you what the movie is about if the accompanying trailer does it so well? So, for once, rather watch the trailer (see link below) in stead of reading your truly's version...

One must keep in mind that this was made during the early '70's. So if everything - and I mean everything - seems to be a bit old fashioned and outdated, that is the reason.

With this in mind also, I can rate it 2 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCwjzn0CncA

 Harvey Keitel and Robert De Niro in a scene from the movie