DVD: Wolf Hound

Wolf Hound: From The Family Of Grey Dogs is the full title of this Russian

fantasy epic which ticks all the right boxes.

After the slaughter of his tribe Wolf Hound vows revenge and we join him and Torn Wing (his pet Bat) on their quest.

This harks back to films like Conan The Barbarian and The Beastmaster and if you can see past the dodgy beards and over the top acting you are left with a satisfying old fashioned story of honour and revenge.

Wolf Hound makes friends and enemies along the way and they are all colourful characters but I can't help thinking some of the names (like Greedy) have been a little bit lost in translation although that's just a small complaint for a film that's big fun.

Ric's Rating: 74%

Film: Predators

This latest attempt to kickstart the franchise sees the unlikely choice of
Adrien Brody stepping into Arnie's shoes.

It's pretty much a sequel to the original and kicks off with a group of (mostly military) people finding themselves in an unknown place.

The Predators then start hunting them down.

No need to go on about the story as that's about it, the film is about the action and I really don't think there was enough of it, actually I reckon A v P had more.

Brody shows his versatility as a believable action star and the rest of the cast are adequate without being outstanding although Walton Goggins from TV's The Shield steals a few scenes.

No new twists here and not a patch on the original, this just about gets by as a straight forward action movie but I wouldn't recommend a cinema visit, wait for the DVD.

Ric's Rating: 53%

Book: Tooth And Nail by Craig Dilouie

The Hong Kong Lyssa virus could end the world as we know it as the
severely infected become "Mad Dogs", Zombies basically.

An atmosphere of dread is quickly created as stark images of a virus ravaged New York City emerge. Streets littered with unmoving cars, the infected roaming the streets among famous landmarks and civilians trying to survive.

The book boils down to a series of battles between a Platoon of soldiers (who question orders to shoot American citizens) and the Mad Dogs with a mission to rescue a scientist on the brink of a cure thrown in.

The action scenes are fantastic as the Grunts fight off the infected masses but there are so many soldiers in the story it's hard to become attached to any of them, except in the end when honour is paramount.

Dr Petrova steals the show as she fights her own battles while awaiting rescue, there is a depth to her character missing from the guys and you really want her to make it. But will she?

Recommended for Zombie and action horror fans.

Ric's Rating: 61%

DVD: Feed

This DVD had been collecting dust on my shelf for quite a while
as I'd never seemed to be in the right frame of mind to give it a try. I shouldn't have waited so long as it's a decent little film.

Internet Detective Phil Jackson (Patrick Thompson) discovers a website that shows grossly obese women literally being fed to death by a tattooed man.

The quest to track down this man turns into a creepy game of cat & mouse as the two exploit each other's weaknesses.

Far better filmed (nice use of colours) and acted (Patrick Thompson and Alex O'Loughlin are excellent) than I expected but this won't be to everyone's taste as there are some pretty nasty themes going on.

If that doesn't put you off then give it a try.

Recommended if you liked Hostel and Seven.

Ric's Rating: 73%

DVD: Valhalla Rising

We join One-Eye (Mads Mikkelsen) as he is being held captive (for an
unknown reason) and forced to compete in vicious fights to the death.

He soon escapes and joins a team of wandering fighters as they prepare to travel to Jerusalem.

Well that's it as far as the story goes I'm afraid because from that point onwards the film becomes an aimlessly wandering mess as the gang shore up on an unknown land and face an unknown foe while struggling to know who to trust. Wait a minute, I just made that sound good.

That's the trouble here, it should be good but the story goes nowhere through achingly long periods of complete silence. Mikkelsen himself does not utter a word throughout although the performance is still decent.

This movie was filmed in Scotland and has a mostly Scottish cast so maybe I just couldn't take a bunch of guys I'm more used to seeing in the likes of Taggart and River City (Scottish tv shows) seriously as mysterious warriors. A pity as I so wanted to like it.

It is beautifully shot, all the scenery looks great but being lucky enough to live in Scotland I have scenery every bit as striking five minutes walk from my house.

Ric's Rating: 39%

DVD: Spiral

Every once in a while a little film comes along that makes me glad I still
have faith in the straight to DVD market.

Avatar's Joel David Moore is dazzling in his portrayal of Mason, a shy, troubled man who's only friend happens to be his call centre boss Chuck (Zachary Levi).

Chuck constantly tries to bring Mason out of his shell but he prefers to paint and listen to jazz over truly interacting with other people until a chance encounter with a co-worker (Amber Tamblyn) brightens up his life.

The two become friends as Mason sketches Amber and persuades her to pose for him. She doesn't know the troubles that lurk in his mind.

All violence is implied here, there is none on screen, this helps crank up the tension as the cracks in Mason's psyche begin to show.

Excellent performances all round and a few unpredictable twists make this an excellent little known film. Seek it out, you won't regret it.

Ric's Rating: 84%

DVD: Heartless

Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm watching something different from everyone else...
Every review I have read heaps praise on this British horror film, I'm not going to.

There is a moment in this film where we get to see monsters in hoodies and I'm afraid it's all downhill from there. Reminded me of the moment in Jeepers Creepers where the bad guy sprouted wings, I just couldn't take it seriously from then on in.

It had a promising start too as we join a young man living with a "strawberry" birth mark, constantly hiding his face behind his hood. He lives with his Mum and starts to see an increase in violence all around.
Unfortunately it becomes a jumble of mental illness and supposed Demons on the loose and I found myself reaching for the fast forward button just to get to the limp conclusion.

Ric's Rating: 25%

Magazine: DVD & Blu Ray Review

The latest edition of DVD & Blu Ray Review is in the shops now (if you're in the UK) in which you will find my brief review of 70's TV show 4 Idle Hands as well as top quality reviews of all the latest releases.

The Movie Dirty Dozen Blogfest: 12 All Time Greats

At the behest of Alex J Cavanaugh (check out his excellent blog) I somewhat reluctantly decided to take part in this Blogfest. This list is by no means definitive as I'm bound to have forgotten a few and there were so many more I'd like to mention that I'll talk about them later. So, here goes, in alphabetical order these are 12 movies that have entertained and moved me in such a way that they live long in the memory and improve with every viewing.

Be sure to check out Alex's own choices as well as Dezmond's at Hollywood Spy and Nebular's at Cinemarvellous.

Amores Perros - Mexican film which follows three separate lives as they become connected following a devastating car crash.

Violent and unpredictable this stunning tale of love, betrayal and cruelty reveals further complexity with repeated viewing. Brought Gael Garcia Bernal and Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu to the attention of Hollywood.

Apocalypto - Mel Gibson's Mayan chase movie grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. Amazing settings and authentic language add to the experience.

Big Trouble In Little China - Scratch the surface of John Carpenter's wild 80's kung-fu movie and you'll see why it has become a cult hit. Join Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) as he tries to regain his stolen truck and rescue a friend's girl from the Evil Lo-Pan. Brimming with energy and fun it makes you laugh, dazzles with effects and provides top notch action scenes. Fantastic one line wisecracks from hapless hero Burton including the catchphrase "It's all in the reflexes" help make this a fantastic feel good romp.

Brotherhood Of The Wolf - If cinema is art then this is a masterpiece. In the year 1764 a Beast has slain 123 women and children in the French town of Gevaudan. To prevent a Peasant revolt The King sends two men to investigate. Enter Fronsac and Mani (Samuel Le Bihan and Mark Dacascos) who set out to reveal the truth no matter what the cost. This has it all, fantastic story, excellent acting, wonderful action and great characters. Visually and emotionally stunning. I urge you to see it.

Made - Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau before they (sort of) sold out to Hollywood. Following the cult success of Swingers the guys re-unite in this crime comedy caper about two wannabee gangsters sent on a mission to New York. It's the quick fire humour that makes this one stand out. Vaughn's portrayal of the constantly talking Ricky has to be seen to be believed and alongside Favreau's straight laced Bobby it works like a dream. Watch it and be amazed at the rapid fire comedy in the office scene with Peter Falk and the scene on board the plane. I catch more gags with every viewing and each time is funnier than the last.

Mine - Heart wrenching documentary following Hurricaine Katrina survivors as they struggle to be re-united with their beloved Dogs. Full of joy and despair, this is achingly moving stuff and deserves to be seen. It even helped change American Law regarding evacuation of animals.

Sling Blade - A powerhouse performance from Billy Bob Thornton as he portrays a mentally challenged man trying to adjust to life outside an institution after being incarcerated for 20 years for murder.

This is the best acting performance I have ever seen, I was amazed at the showing here from Thornton as his character faces new troubles that challenge his ability to cope.

The Bear - Jean-Jacques Annaud's mesmerising story of an oprhan bear cub's struggle for survival.

Fantastic footage here and the tale is told from the perspective of The Bear.

Unique and touching, it's a film that provides plenty of food for thought.

The Crow - The ultimate story of love and revenge as Brandon Lee's Eric Draven returns from the dead to seek out the killers of himself and his Bride - to - be.

Visually arresting and mega violent even the unfortunate accidental death of it's star couldn't stop this one being a box office hit. The film is in fact all the more poignant because of it.

The Jacket - Adrien Brody excells and Keira Knightley proves she can act in this mind bending thriller.

Elements of time travel and mental illness combine to provide a tense claustrophobic film in which Brody investigates his own death.

The Karate Kid - Everyone's favourite karate movie has stood the test of time and remains just as uplifting as it ever was.

Who wouldn't want Mr Miyagi to teach them how to best the bullies?

The Shawshank Redemption - Emotionally charged prison movie that finds us rooting for Tim Robbins even if he might be guilty.

Terrific performances all round and a captivating story with wonderful characters make this a must - see.

There you have it, 12 all time greats. I couldn't include so many films that it has made me consider doing a regular Ric Recommends post featuring some of the near misses. All movies listed are highly recommended and would score Ric's Ratings of above 90 %

Film: Hot Tub Time Machine

For some reason I assumed that this was a comedy aimed at teenagers,
fortunately I was wrong.

Three middle aged men (and a nephew of one of them) find themselves transported back in time to their hayday of 1986.

Full of crude gags this won't be everyone's cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

The cast look like they are having a great time and John Cusack delivers his best performance since Grosse Point Blank as the guys try their best to re-enact the events of the time in order to keep their future intact.

If your looking for some light hearted entertainment, your over the age of 30, are nostalgic about the 80's and you have an open mind you won't be disappointed.

Ric's Rating: 77%

Book: Little Girls Lost by Jack (J.A) Kerley

This sixth book in the Carson Ryder series was originally scheduled to
be the fourth but its release was postponed due to it's similarity to real life events at the time. Fans of the series will notice hastily edited details, like a very brief mention of Carson's dog, Mr Mix Up, who first appeared in the previous book, In The Blood (see review elsewhere here).

Young Black girls are being abducted and Carson must investigate the case without his partner Harry Nautilus who is in hospital, the victim of a vicious late night mugging.

Enter The Gumbo King, Conner Sandhill, a former cop who is called in as a consultant and teams up with Carson to examine the case and hopefully make connections that others have missed.

While the pair investigate the abductions Ryder looks into Sandhill's reasons for leaving the force and opens up a whole new can of worms.

This is the best in the series so far, Sandhill is an excellent addition and I didn't even mind that Jeremy (Ryder's psychotic Brother) didn't appear.

It features a host of excellent characters: Squill the weasely police chief and his sidekicks, The Desmond Brothers and Mr Mattoon all spring to mind each bringing their own vitally important presence to the story.

Ryder takes a bit of a co-starring role in this one (it's the first he doesn't narrate) as it's Sandhill's show this time around, I just hope he features again or even gets his own spin off series.

Tension, terror, unpredictable twists and turns a plenty. What more could you ask for.

Outstanding.

Ric's Rating: 92%

Preview: Tooth And Nail by Craig DiLouie

In another first for myself and the blog, author Craig Dilouie has been kind / courageous enough to send me a copy of his new book to review.

It's a Zombie apocalypse story told from the perspective of the soldiers fighting to save their dying country.

Check back soon for a full review.

In the meantime check out www.infectedwar.com for more information.