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Film & TV on DVD - John Doe News & Reviews

Greetings Film Fiends and welcome to John Doe's Film Blog. 30 years of dedicated celluloid obsession has meant that I have seen a few films. Drawing attention to some of the lesser discussed gems that I love. Cult classics, obscure curios and quality genre pictures. This blogs purpose is to translate some of my passion for these films and with luck, inspire you the reader to go check em out.

Top Irish Films to nurse that St Paddys Day Hangover Its the morning after St Patricks Day here in America and John Doe is struggling to see the world through blood shot eyes. Regretting downing that 15th pint of Guinness at 3am, the leprechaun inside his head relentlessly pounds on the si...

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Director: Martin McDonagh Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendon Gleason, Ralph Fiennes, Elizabeth Berrington Ken, I grew up in Dublin. I love Dublin. If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn't, so it doesn't. - Ray Irish playwright turned WriterDirector Mar...

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A Lost Boy Lost John Doe woke up this morning to the depressing news that former child star Corey Haim has died at the age of 38. Typically when JD is inspired to pen a eulogy it is to reminisce about the deceased's filmography and to lament what could have been or the legacy left behind. But...

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The Moonwalk That Might Have Been. Director: Kenny Ortega Starring: Michael Jackson This is It is a revealing music documentary that offers insight into an icon at work. Compiled from 100s of hours of behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage for what would have been Michael Jacksons final live...

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Director: James William Guerico Writer: Robert Boris Starring: Robert Blake, Billy Green Bush, Mitch Ryan, Jeannine Riley, Elisha Cook Jr, Peter Cetera Ten Hut! Good morning, you fascists. You pigs. You bigots. You Pinkos. You Fags! You Bastards. Fuzz. This indoctrination of vocal harassm...

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The Individual Expression of Foul Torture. Director: Monte Hellman Writer: Charles Willeford (Miami Blues) Starring: Warren Oates, Harry Dean Stanton, Ed Begley Jr, Laurie Bird, Troy Donahue, Steve Railsback Inhumane and barbaric, pitting animals in a ring to fight to death in the name...

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First Promo Reel for "The Killer Inside Me" Its Sundance Film Festival time again and this years roster is certainly not starved for quality of feature films or documentaries. As happens annually John Doe is cursing the celluloid deities for not being able to attend the event in person...

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Take Time to Indulge in A Fistful of Dirty Dozens Writer & Director: Quentin Tarantino Starring: Brad Pitt, Diane Krueger, Rod Taylor, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbinder, Daniel Bruhl, Melanie Laurent, Gedeon Burkhard, B J Novaks, Til Schweiger, Omar Doom Extraordinary, my ...

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JDs Favourite Films of the Decade - From #20 to 1 Click HERE to see John Does picks for numbers 40 - 21 Click HERE to see John Does picks for numbers 41-60 Thank you readers for your Ghost Dog like patience. 1. Donnie Darko (2001) Why are you wearing that stupid man suit? - Fran...

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JDs favourite films of the decade - From Number 40 to 21 Click HERE to see John Does picks for numbers 41-60 Continuing on from the previous post, here is John Does Favourite Films of the Past Decade from 40 to 21. No easier to mold and still questionable in rank. 21. Mullhol...

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JDs Favourite Films of the Decade - From numbers 60 to 41 Click HERE to see John Does picks for numbers 40 - 21 So the first decade of the new millennium comes to a close. 10 years in, (thats 365 days multiplied by 10 for those who wonder why these lists wont be compiled in 2010) and...

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Mandrill - Chilean for Bond, Roundhouse Bond. Cooler than Shaft, Hotter than Bond, Faster than Lee the tag line reads. The Comic Con buzz was enthusiastic and now the Chilean action sensation Mandrill gets a trailer.and its all smoking hot. Bullet chewing assassins and elite governme...

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Continuing the pedigree of the British Gangster Breed. Tonight the kid gloves are off. Kill him quick. Remember he had your wife Old Man Peanut Sexy Beast, was a tea sipping, psychotic bunny crime flick that sits on JDs shelf beside the likes of The Long Good Friday, The Limey and...

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Frantic Paced Comic Book Noir Suck my Sinatra, you dont need to cruise to far on this site to find John Does affection for the classic noir genre and its subversive offspring. The trailer for Give em Hell Malone offers a full check list of staples with distinct camera set ups, femme fatal...

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A Sliming thats good for 25 years Director: Ivan Reitman Writer: Dan Ackroyd & Harold Ramis Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, William Atherton, Ernie Hudson Ray. If someone asks if you are a god, you say, "yes!" Dr Pet...

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John Doe's 13 Favourite Irish Themed Films	In Bruges (2008) - Trailer Included	Corey Haim – A Nostalgic Loss
Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009) – Trailer Included	Electra Glide in Blue (1973) - Trailer Included	Cockfighter (1974) - Trailer Included
Sundance 2010 Buzz: The Killer Inside Me	Inglorious Basterds (2009)	John Doe’s Top 20 Favourite films of the Decade – Part 3 of 3.
John Doe’s 60 Favourite films of the Decade – Part 2 of 3.	John Doe’s Top 60 Films of the Decade – Part 1 of 3.	Mandrill – John Doe’s Trailer of the Moment
44 Inch Chest. - John Doe's Trailer of the Moment	Give Em Hell Malone - John Doe's Trailer of the Moment	Ghostbusters (1984) – Trailer included

John Doe's 13 Favourite Irish Themed Films

March 18th 2010 21:12

Top Irish Films to nurse that St Paddy’s Day Hangover

millers crossing, irish films, crime films, coen brothers

John Doe takes his hat off to the happy Go Lucky Land and the films that embrace the Culture.

It’s the morning after St Patrick’s Day here in America and John Doe is struggling to see the world through blood shot eyes. Regretting downing that 15th pint of Guinness at 3am, the leprechaun inside his head relentlessly pounds on the side of it's wretched pot of gold. JD had big plans for today, but now all he wants to do is lie on the couch and indulge in some shamrock cinema.

So in honour of the day that past and the green, green land that patron saint of Ireland loved so much, here are Johnny’s Top 13 Irish themed motion picture pleasures. (In no particular order)

The Coen Brother’s Millers Crossing(1990)
Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, John Turturro, Marcia Gay Harden, Steve Buscemi

The exquisite Tommy Gun scene set to "Danny Boy" from Miller's Crossing

John Huston’s The Dead (1987)
Starring: Anjelica Huston, Dan O’Herlihy, Donal McCann, Donel Donnelly

the dead, john huston, angelica huston, irish films

John Huston's final Directorial effort is a sumptuos adaptation of the james Joyce novel.

Carol Reed Odd Man Out (1947)
Starring: James Mason, Cyril Cusack, Robert Newton, Dan O’Herlihy

odd man out, irish cinema, irish films, ira, ira movie

James Mason stars in this hunted man masterpiece from the Director of The Third Man

John Ford’s The Informer (1935)
Starring: Victor McLaglen, Preston Foster, Margot Grahame, Heather Angel

The opening ten minutes of The Informers tells of an IRA man looking for redemption in Dublin, 1922.

Jim Sheridan In The Name of the Father (1993)
Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Emma Thompson, Nye Heron, Anthony Brophy

daniel day lewis, jim sheridan, in the name of the father

Daniel Day Lewis is caged in this politically charged protest film.

Tony Luraschi The Outsider (1980)
Starring: Sterling Hayden, Patricia Quinn, T.P McKenna, Niall O’Brien, Craig Wasson

John Boorman The General (1998)
Starring: Brendon Gleeson, Jon Voight, Adrian Dunbar, Paul Hickey, Angeline Ball, Sean McGinley

the general, john boorman, jon voight, brendon gleeson

Brendon Gleeson and Jon Voight at play in an Ordinary Decent Criminal way.

Paul Greengrass Bloody Sunday (2002)
Starring: James Nesbit, Allan Gildea, Mary Moulds, James Hewitt

bloody sunday, paul greengrass, james nesbitt, irish film

Bloody Sunday relives history with Paul Greengrass' breakout film.

John Ford The Quiet Man (1952)
Starring: John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, Ward Bond, Victor McLagen, Barry Fitzgerald, Joseph O’Dea

the quiet man, john wayne, maureen ohara, john ford

John ford's love of the Irish countryside is apparent throughout the film. John Wayne plays a guilt riddled boxer who flees to Ireland in hopes of never fighting again.

Phil Joanou State of Grace (1990)
Starring:Sean Penn, Gary Oldman, Ed Harris, Robin Wright Penn, John Turturro, Burgess Meredith, John C Reilly

state of grace, sean penn, ed harris, gary oldman, irish mob

The on form cast embrace their Irish-gangsters-in- New-York personas.

Mike Hodges A Prayer for the Dying (1987)
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Alan Bates, Bob Hoskins, Liam Neeson, Alison Doody

A dodgy trailer that at least gives you an idea what A Prayer for the Dying is about.

Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges (2008)
Starring:Colin Farrell, Brendon Gleason, Ralph Fiennes, Elizabeth Berrington

in bruges, colin farrell, brendon gleeson, beer, crime comedy, hitman

Colin Farrell and Brendon Gleeson get the laughs and our sympathies In Bruges

Troy Duffy’s The Boondock Saints (1999)
Starring:Willem DaFoe, Billy Connolly, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus

the boondock saints, willem dafoe, sean patrick flannery, boston

The city of Boston and its Irish heritage are never far from mind in this cult vigilante caper.

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Posted By: JohnDoe - Category: Crime, Drama, Film News and Views

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In Bruges (2008) - Trailer Included

March 17th 2010 22:41

in bruges, dvd, colin farrell, crime comedy, hitman

In Bruges - Available in Australia on DVD

Director: Martin McDonagh
Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendon Gleason, Ralph Fiennes, Elizabeth Berrington

“Ken, I grew up in Dublin. I love Dublin. If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn't, so it doesn't.” - Ray

Irish playwright turned Writer/Director Martin McDonagh makes his feature film debut, conjuring up a violent opera of whimsical joy with the five leaf clover crime comedy In Bruges. It’s a hushed tones fairytale told with flourishes of quiet, contemplation. An entertaining character comedy realized through snappy dialogue, nuanced performances and impeccable timing.

Nice city, lousy company!

Ken (Brendon Gleeson) the older, seasoned workhorse and Ray (Colin Farrell) the cocky first timer are everyday assassins with everyday foibles. Walking down quaint cobbled streets framed by medieval architecture the likeable hit-man duo are on the lamb in the Belgian haven called Bruges.

Ordered by kingpin Harry Walters (Ralph Fiennes), their unstable overlord they play tourists and take in the beautiful sights of the historically steeped locale. Waiting for the dust to settle on a recent job gone wrong in Cockney town the pair attempt to remain low key.

“After I killed him, I dropped the gun in the Thames, washed the residue off me hands in the bathroom of a Burger King, and walked home to await instructions. Shortly thereafter the instructions came through - "Get the fuck out of London, you dumb fucks. Get to Bruges." I didn't even know where Bruges fucking was.” - Ray as Narrator

in bruges, colin farrell, ralph fiennes, beer, crime comedy, hitman

Bruges, an easy place for diversions.

Ken is happy to bask in the cathedral atmosphere but the quixotic Ray with his childlike hyperactive can’t sit still. Grappling with an unspoken sin, lacking the discipline of his elder Ray is easily distracted by a midget on a film set or the pretty girl lurking in the service tent behind-the-scenes.

“I don't hit women! I would never hit a woman! I'd hit a woman who was trying to hit me with a bottle! That's different. That's self-defence, isn't it? Or a woman who could do Karate. I'd never hit a woman generally Chloe. Don't think that.” - Ray

Despite their differences there is a bond between this odd couple that grows as they question the morality of the job and other existential dilemmas. From across the pond the daunting presence of Harry looms over proceedings, a single phone call threatening to test their loyalty and skill over a matter of scruples.

“Number One, why aren't you in when I fucking told you to be in? Number Two, why doesn't this hotel have phones with fucking voicemail and not have to leave messages with the fucking receptionist? Number Three, you better fucking be in tomorrow night when I fucking call again or there'll be fucking hell to pay. I'm fucking telling you .” - Harry

Seriously, there's no Guiness in this country?

John Doe says:

Set against a storybook backdrop In Bruges is an entertaining escapade that has a naturalistic momentum, authentic characters and builds to a theatrically grandiose finale. Truly funny, with an undercurrent of deeper meaning this rewarding films success begins with its dexterous screenplay but the versatile performances and deliberate staging are what bolster the end result.

Martin McDonagh Directs with a keen eye for setting, pace and fourth wall reality. The city of Bruges becomes a silent counter point to the onscreen action and his actors are given gravity. What could have been a farcical third act is kept within the boundaries of the established mood and the violence is delivered with gut shot power.

The structure of the curvaceous script lets the central characters breath, not rushing to exposition but letting the chemistry of the two leads infect the audience. Building a tension that doesn’t sacrifice silent, introspection the story may follow the basic rules of its genre but with the locations and thickly accented attitude there is a rewarding freshness.

The exuberant energy of Colin Farrell (The War Zone, Ordinary Decent Criminal) is channeled perfectly, he pops as Ray. The immaturity of the part is an advantage not a hindrance for Farrell, his puppy dog eyed expressions adding personality. Finally living up to the charismatic potential displayed in Tigerland he effortlessly gets laughs and evokes emotion with heart.

The chemistry between Farrell and Brendon Gleeson (Harry Potter, 28 Days Later, The General) is exceptional. As the close mouthed Ken, Gleeson counterweights his chum and brings a balance to the relationship. Together they bounce off each other and there is sincere tenderness in certain moments and in others, utter disdain.

Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter, Strange Days, The Constant Gardener) brings a force of nature villainy that remains grounded as the reactionary Harry. His screen time may be limited but his presence is never far from centre stage. Carrying a hint of Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast to the more extroverted scenes of brutal blood lust, he pars it back for a working class aroma to domestic life.

in bruges, colin farrell, elizabeth bankson, beer, crime comedy, hitman

What reputation?

Charming as Natalie the romantic potential of the piece, Elizabeth Berrington (Quills, Agatha Christie’s Poirot) delights with slight quirkiness and determination.

The surreal edge that rears up throughout the film is embelished by Howard the Duck himself Jordan Prentice (Weirdsville) as a racist, drug addicted midget with rage issues.

Never losing John Doe’s attention, In Bruges stands up to repeat viewings and has become a much quoted pleasure. The air of mystery upon premiere screening may dissipate but what remains is still a captivating cruise, a Euro-flavoured black comedy that studies guilt, friendship and inevitable carnage.

The trailer for In Bruges - without ruining all the best bits.

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Posted By: JohnDoe - Category: Action, Crime, Comedy

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Corey Haim – A Nostalgic Loss

March 10th 2010 23:40

A Lost Boy Lost

Corey and the Frog Brothers

John Doe woke up this morning to the depressing news that former child star Corey Haim has died at the age of 38. Typically when JD is inspired to pen a eulogy it is to reminisce about the deceased's filmography and to lament what could have been or the legacy left behind. But in this case Johnny emotions are decidedly different. The actor’s passing is more of a nostalgic sorrow than the disappearance of an 80’s icon. Kind of like losing a school friend who for a short period of time you saw every day then you grew apart.

As a teen watching The Lost Boys and Lucas so many times that the VHS tape broke, the little Socially Rejected - Vampire Hunter became a buddy to hang out with after school and on weekends. (Yep Johnny’s adolescent years were that lonely.) Not that his was the strongest presence in his films but the cherub personality and abundant charisma meant he was always noticed as part of the gang.

Showing potential as Lucas

It really is impossible to talk about Corey without referring to the other Corey. The casual chemistry between Haim and Corey Feldman in there many collaborations like Dream a Little Dream and License to Drive was so rich it was easy to forget that they were playing fictional characters and believe they were best pals caught in a movie adventure. Crossing over into a warped reality that must have triggered identity crisis, it was as a pair that they seemed complete and relatable rather than two separate entities.

Anyone who has followed the Haimster over the last decade can’t be too surprised by today’s reports. His personal issues and struggles with addiction triggered by a level of fame that exceeded talent have been well publicized. Abused as a child, exploited by the corporate machine and forced to subsist on past spotlight moments, watch any episode of the short lived reality show “The Two Coreys” and it becomes painfully clear that he was his own worst enemy.

Here is a therapy session from “The Two Corey’s” where you see a saboteur whose own ego and persona was cemented by peaking in childhood and never gaining adult credibility.

The autopsy has not been completed yet, so speculation on prescription drug addiction, over dose and suicide are just rumors. For Johnny it is irrelevant what finally put the nail in the coffin and even less appropriate to judge, but being just 6 months younger than Doe and having such a strong presence in his youth this latest statistic has had a surprising impact. One that he wanted to share with genuine emotion without insulting the memory…hope that line was walked.