Hudson Movie Reviews

John is one of the great drummers out there. He has an amazing groove and chops like I have never seen. This dvd shows both. The foot technique section is worth the price the of a 2 disc set. There is a lot of playing on this dvd. John is an incredibly nice man that clearly wants to share as much as he
can. There is a section on showmanship and stick twirling that I have never seen on any video or dvd. It is great and after watching it a few times, I was able to start doing. I highly recommend it for any drummer serious about playing the
drums. It is well worth the money.

This movie had me on the edge of my seat for two hours! This action packed thriller has it all. The beautiful young hostage (played by Becky Israel) is a star in the making. I think this is the beginning of a successful career for her.

I have both these movies and Mission to Mars is obviously the better one. It's interesting to see these two placed in a two-pack. Mission to Mars is a reasonably intelligent and moderately-paced adventure tale while Armageddon is a flashy, dazzling, and fast-paced thriller. Admittedly, it's a dumb movie, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable.

I just found out that the husband who pretended to commit suicide in this movie..and then moved to a new city to start a new family actually lives in my city! The real woman who this is movie is based on was just interviewed on 48 hours. Although the news story I saw was only a short segment..this was a full-length movie on this lady's life and....WOW...what she had to go through! This is a great movie if you feel like becoming totally involved in a really enjoyable drama.

Usually I wouldn't waste my time to write something on here that I don't think anyone will ever read, but in case you decided to here is what I think of this movie...Oh My God! I woke up at 2:00a.m. on Feb. 04, and I could not go back to sleep I was so into this movie, it kept me on the edge of my seat all night! I finally got to sleep at 4:00a.m. and I had a dream about it...LOL. Then the next day I was so upset because I was telling my friend about it at work and she asked me what the name of it was and I said "Trapper County...(someting) aaahhh! I couldn't remember the name! So I went home and I treid to look it up on the TV listings but it was the next day and I couldn't find it anywhere I was ready to give up...then 2 days later I found it..."Trapper County War"! I was so happy...that's how good this movie is! BUY IT NOW...don't waste anytime:o)

Highlights: Brandon Lee's doomed performance, resonating dread and malice; astounding sets that possibly rank amongst the best in comic book adaptations (except, perhaps, the original Batman and Alex Proyas' later Dark City), non-stop full-throttle energy.

Lowpoints: Over-dramatized bits; lack of decent dialogue.

Conclusion: The Crow, famous for its protagonist's death during the shoot, is a startlingly uncompromising visual experience that will be cherished by fans of dark comic books, such as Spawn, The Punisher and even Alien. Watch it for its groundbreaking special effects, efficient rock soundtrack and possibly the most agreeably gothic atmosphere ever created in a film.

SEE THIS IF YOU LIKED: Spawn, Batman I, II, Dark City, Aliens.
DON'T SEE THIS IF YOU LIKED: Daredevil, Spiderman, or any other PG-13 atrocity out there.

I never saw this originally in '94 because I dismissed it as A. a martial arts film (and I hate those) and B. adapted from a comic (and I just can't get into those) and C. aimed at a teen/goth/punk audience (and I am way too old for that). What a mistake! Finally almost ten years on, a friend heard me say I really liked Alex Proyas' DARK CITY -- a neat sci fi film with a very different story but the same kind of dark fantasy look -- and couldn't believe I had never seen THE CROW and made me watch it.

I have to say that I really think this is a fine, well made movie and none of my preconceptions were remotely correct. The art direction is brilliant, with a wonderful and creepy gothic fantasy look, almost but not quite black-and-white, set in a mysteriously surreal "Detroit" that is in some kind of alternate universe from the real Motown. Brandon Lee is really charismatic and haunting in the role of Eric Draven, and not merely because of the tragic incident surrounding the film. He was real star material and just totally inhabits this part.

After seeing the film, I did read the O'Barr comic, which is very sincere and heartfelt, but I think the filmakers -- in what is a pretty rare event -- IMPROVED the plot and characters while keeping all of the angst and atmosphere. They totally honored the character of Eric and the basic idea of the avenger, the memories of his beautiful girlfriend, and sense of overwhelming grief that inhabits the graphic novel. Where they impoved the storyline in cinematic terms is in the treatment of the minor characters and villians. They really fleshed them out, and it enriches the movie and balances the storyline well.

Bookending the film with quotes from Sarah (Rochelle Davis), the little girl who narrates and observes much of the story is an example of a good idea that doesn't really exist in the comic, where the little girl is called Sherri and only appears briefly. Even more so is the expansion of the character of Top Dollar, who again is a minor episode in the comic and more of a grubby hell's angel/drug dealer -- in the film he has been transformed into a complex and compelling crimelord. Michael Wincott is simply amazing in this part, playing Top Dollar as a kind of depraved, satanic, renaissance prince, and clearly having a great deal of fun with this role, especially some wonderful and very clever dialogue. The very, very sick but quite sincere love story between Top Dollar and his psychic half-sister is the reversed-mirror image of the pure and innocent love of Eric and his fiance, a clever idea.

Wonderful music, great visuals, terrific acting...The Crow should NOT be missed.

NOTE: I bought the "Collector's DVD". Don't bother. There is NOTHING worth looking at on the second DVD, some production sketches and posters, nothing special. The director's commentary (on the first disk) is interesting to listen to ONCE, but you can get that on the single disk DVD. There is a smattering of extra footage, but nothing you will miss. Save some bucks and just get the one disk wide screen version.

This IS, without a doubt, the Greatest Movie of all Time! Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant! Lee's portrayal as the murdered Eric Draven may have won him countless awards and accolades had he not been the victim of a tragic on set accident. He made his character believable, which considering he came back from the dead, was no mean feat! "Ghostbusters" star Ernie Hudson gives a surprisingly impressive performance as the Police Officer who can't quite believe Draven is back. Michael Wincott, as Top Dollor, is also great.With the opening narrative, Graeme Revell's emotional score, fantasy, action, love, violence, comedy, and brilliant ending, this film is a phenomenon. Buy It, Watch It, Make your friends watch it, and Share a truly unique experience. WE MISS YOU, BRANDON! 1st February 1965 - 31st March 1993.

Highlights: Brandon Lee's doomed performance, resonating dread and malice; astounding sets that possibly rank amongst the best in comic book adaptations (except, perhaps, the original Batman and Alex Proyas' later Dark City), non-stop full-throttle energy.

Lowpoints: Over-dramatized bits; lack of decent dialogue.

Conclusion: The Crow, famous for its protagonist's death during the shoot, is a startlingly uncompromising visual experience that will be cherished by fans of dark comic books, such as Spawn, The Punisher and even Alien. Watch it for its groundbreaking special effects, efficient rock soundtrack and possibly the most agreeably gothic atmosphere ever created in a film.

SEE THIS IF YOU LIKED: Spawn, Batman I, II, Dark City, Aliens.
DON'T SEE THIS IF YOU LIKED: Daredevil, Spiderman, or any other PG-13 atrocity out there.

I never saw this originally in '94 because I dismissed it as A. a martial arts film (and I hate those) and B. adapted from a comic (and I just can't get into those) and C. aimed at a teen/goth/punk audience (and I am way too old for that). What a mistake! Finally almost ten years on, a friend heard me say I really liked Alex Proyas' DARK CITY -- a neat sci fi film with a very different story but the same kind of dark fantasy look -- and couldn't believe I had never seen THE CROW and made me watch it.

I have to say that I really think this is a fine, well made movie and none of my preconceptions were remotely correct. The art direction is brilliant, with a wonderful and creepy gothic fantasy look, almost but not quite black-and-white, set in a mysteriously surreal "Detroit" that is in some kind of alternate universe from the real Motown. Brandon Lee is really charismatic and haunting in the role of Eric Draven, and not merely because of the tragic incident surrounding the film. He was real star material and just totally inhabits this part.

After seeing the film, I did read the O'Barr comic, which is very sincere and heartfelt, but I think the filmakers -- in what is a pretty rare event -- IMPROVED the plot and characters while keeping all of the angst and atmosphere. They totally honored the character of Eric and the basic idea of the avenger, the memories of his beautiful girlfriend, and sense of overwhelming grief that inhabits the graphic novel. Where they impoved the storyline in cinematic terms is in the treatment of the minor characters and villians. They really fleshed them out, and it enriches the movie and balances the storyline well.

Bookending the film with quotes from Sarah (Rochelle Davis), the little girl who narrates and observes much of the story is an example of a good idea that doesn't really exist in the comic, where the little girl is called Sherri and only appears briefly. Even more so is the expansion of the character of Top Dollar, who again is a minor episode in the comic and more of a grubby hell's angel/drug dealer -- in the film he has been transformed into a complex and compelling crimelord. Michael Wincott is simply amazing in this part, playing Top Dollar as a kind of depraved, satanic, renaissance prince, and clearly having a great deal of fun with this role, especially some wonderful and very clever dialogue. The very, very sick but quite sincere love story between Top Dollar and his psychic half-sister is the reversed-mirror image of the pure and innocent love of Eric and his fiance, a clever idea.

Wonderful music, great visuals, terrific acting...The Crow should NOT be missed.

NOTE: I bought the "Collector's DVD". Don't bother. There is NOTHING worth looking at on the second DVD, some production sketches and posters, nothing special. The director's commentary (on the first disk) is interesting to listen to ONCE, but you can get that on the single disk DVD. There is a smattering of extra footage, but nothing you will miss. Save some bucks and just get the one disk wide screen version.

This IS, without a doubt, the Greatest Movie of all Time! Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant! Lee's portrayal as the murdered Eric Draven may have won him countless awards and accolades had he not been the victim of a tragic on set accident. He made his character believable, which considering he came back from the dead, was no mean feat! "Ghostbusters" star Ernie Hudson gives a surprisingly impressive performance as the Police Officer who can't quite believe Draven is back. Michael Wincott, as Top Dollor, is also great.With the opening narrative, Graeme Revell's emotional score, fantasy, action, love, violence, comedy, and brilliant ending, this film is a phenomenon. Buy It, Watch It, Make your friends watch it, and Share a truly unique experience. WE MISS YOU, BRANDON! 1st February 1965 - 31st March 1993.

There is so much to this film! You have the whole "Kabbalah" thing going on. You have the idea of improving yourself. The idea that one small thing you do can impact other people way beyond what one would think. You have the love story... It's just a good film. And it's funny. I am NOT a Bill Murray fan by any stretch, but this is a good flick. Check it out!

It just might be. It is certainly something to have in your collection, because there is so much more you discover every time you see it. Perfect vehicle for Bill Murray's lovable scoundrel personna. Thought provoking and funny.

When Bob Whiley doesn't spend his day the way fate wanted, he get's a second chance. And a third chance. And a forth chance. etc..
Groundhog day is a comedy classic and deserves it. Bill Murray is great.
Starring Bill mUrray

A tedious film, but I give it two stars instead of one since films are usually about beautiful people and the subtext of this film was: the pain of ugly people. That's original. But it was a dull film; and I'm a fan of that rock era, and I still couldn't wait for it to end.

I picked this up to find out why Dave Grohl was parodying the bus scene, where the cast sang Elton John's "Tiny Dancer," on late night comedy. Either he's fed up with British bands being touted as the heart of American rock, or (inadvertently?) contributed to the film himself. I tend to agree that the sixties and seventies nostalgia (er, materialism) invading ads and films for the past ten years or so gets rather trite; too bad this came along late in the game. While "Almost Famous" has a refreshing story line, the action dragged at times, especially when the band hit the road. It rates more as a Saturday morning teen comedy, even with its sexual nuances. The best parts in my opinion were the scenes with the young rock critic's mother, an aging Alanis Morrisette lookalike who really knows how to give a kid self-esteem.

...A great movie that manages to capture the joy, decadence, fun and earthy feel of the rock scene in the early 70's. While much is made of Kate Hudson and Billy Crudup (who are both solid actors in star-making performances)my favorite performances are by Jason Lee (he oozes real rock star appeal without being a jerk) and the always terrific Frances McDormand (is it me, or is she REALLY SEXY in this role?)both underrated actors who seem to flourish in these surroundings. While this is a semi-fictional account of an up and coming band starting to make waves and a loving homage to the music of Cameron Crowe's youth, many have questioned it's authenticity. You people are totally missing the point! This is a film made for music junkies like me who smile everytime we recognize a song (the movie is chock-full of those moments)and for those who were actually around during that magical era in music. Moments like Stillwater taking to the stage and ripping into "Fever Dog" or sitting around thier hotel strumming guitars and drinking with their women are classic! This film isn't meant to reflect everybody's reality, it's a fond remembrance of what that time was like for one young man who got the chance of a lifetime and lived it to the fullest. This is one of the best rock'n'roll movies ever made and gets better every time I watch it. "Almost Famous" is very enjoyable and hits all the right notes for a music/film geek like myself. Any lover of music should own a copy of this.

A tedious film, but I give it two stars instead of one since films are usually about beautiful people and the subtext of this film was: the pain of ugly people. That's original. But it was a dull film; and I'm a fan of that rock era, and I still couldn't wait for it to end.

I picked this up to find out why Dave Grohl was parodying the bus scene, where the cast sang Elton John's "Tiny Dancer," on late night comedy. Either he's fed up with British bands being touted as the heart of American rock, or (inadvertently?) contributed to the film himself. I tend to agree that the sixties and seventies nostalgia (er, materialism) invading ads and films for the past ten years or so gets rather trite; too bad this came along late in the game. While "Almost Famous" has a refreshing story line, the action dragged at times, especially when the band hit the road. It rates more as a Saturday morning teen comedy, even with its sexual nuances. The best parts in my opinion were the scenes with the young rock critic's mother, an aging Alanis Morrisette lookalike who really knows how to give a kid self-esteem.

...A great movie that manages to capture the joy, decadence, fun and earthy feel of the rock scene in the early 70's. While much is made of Kate Hudson and Billy Crudup (who are both solid actors in star-making performances)my favorite performances are by Jason Lee (he oozes real rock star appeal without being a jerk) and the always terrific Frances McDormand (is it me, or is she REALLY SEXY in this role?)both underrated actors who seem to flourish in these surroundings. While this is a semi-fictional account of an up and coming band starting to make waves and a loving homage to the music of Cameron Crowe's youth, many have questioned it's authenticity. You people are totally missing the point! This is a film made for music junkies like me who smile everytime we recognize a song (the movie is chock-full of those moments)and for those who were actually around during that magical era in music. Moments like Stillwater taking to the stage and ripping into "Fever Dog" or sitting around thier hotel strumming guitars and drinking with their women are classic! This film isn't meant to reflect everybody's reality, it's a fond remembrance of what that time was like for one young man who got the chance of a lifetime and lived it to the fullest. This is one of the best rock'n'roll movies ever made and gets better every time I watch it. "Almost Famous" is very enjoyable and hits all the right notes for a music/film geek like myself. Any lover of music should own a copy of this.