Review by John Delia
Thrilling and compelling the movie Behind the Line: Escape to Dunkirk puts you in the middle of a life and death situation. The production value depicting the initial battle, the barracks, jail and farm look very good. The storyline, although a work of fiction, shows another kind of battle to win freedom for a squad of British soldiers. Read more…
Review by John Delia
It may be a story plot that gets a bit familiar, but The Shadow of Violence has a different feel to it. A guy has had a tough life as a child and ends up in the home of a drug lord who wants revenge for a wrong doing. The main character finds that he can’t come to grips with carrying out a hit and everything goes south for him. However, this one has some excellent acting, directing and even the cinematography plays a nice part in the film. Read more…
Review By John Delia
An interesting view of WWII the movie Secret Weapon involves a mission of no return. The true story comprises a little known mission that, because of its goal, saved many Russian lives from the German invasion. The locations, costumes/wardrobe, firearms, German trucks and much more adds to the storyline giving it a measure of realism. The film does give the feel of the movie The Dirty Dozen, but considering the low budget production, does not come up to that level. Just as a suggestion, the film is best seen played in Russian with English subtitles to get better expression from the character roles and more realism. It does however, have an option of English dubbing that actually isn’t very convincing playing it that way. Read more…
Review by John Delia
“Since the beginning of the Mexican drug wars in 2006, 160,000 people have been killed and 53,000 have disappeared in Mexico. Entire areas of some cities are turning into ghost towns. There are no numbers for many children dead and the missing that have been left behind.†The Producers
Taking you into the slums of a small town in Mexico, the movie Tigers are Not Afraid brings you up-close to a group of destitute children orphaned by a narcotics and human trafficking gang. Told from one young girl’s viewpoint, it’s a very heartbreaking and disturbing film that’s well made with very good direction, acting and visually powerful cinematography. Read more…
Review by John Delia
A twisted tale The Night Clerk is now available on DVD and it’s a stunner. The film should have audiences engrossed from the very start to its surprise finale. While all the clues are laid out for you before midpoint, the writer/director holds back just enough in this mystery to make the movie a winner. Acting is sharp and pin point, the direction strong and impeccable, and the credible protagonist in the plot makes for the perfect thriller. Read more…
Review by John Delia
A cool film that mixes music with fear, The Sonata takes you into a world surrounded by evil and death. Nicely written to move along at a slow pace, the production, location and the sets play a big part in this mystery for fans of the genre. It’s the kind of movie that you can relax at home alone or with a loved one on a dark evening with nowhere to go. But beware, The Sonata is a cunning film that’s best served with company. Read more…
If you are a romantic or an avid novel reader of dramas that are vivid, engrossing, and compelling, then you will be able to binge watch this very moving series by one of America’s best read writers. Brought together as a collection the 5 TV episodes of the “Casteel Family†written by V. C. Anderson, the DVD is one of the best produced of the genre. Pick an afternoon and evening combined and sit back in your easy chair and press play for 7 plus hours of pure Lifetime enjoyment. Read more…
Review by John Delia
Bringing you back to the 15th Century with a historical action thriller, the movie The Hunt for Vlad the Impaler is now available on VOD, Blu-ray and DVD. The film has some good acting, direction and production value, especially the costuming and special effects. The filmmakers do explain the history a bit, but I have not fact checked it for the opening dialogue on the subject. Actually most of the audiences that will watch the film will be more attuned to the warring factions and the bloody battles. The film has been dubbed in English so it may throw you off a bit, but for the most part they use adequate voice overs that are equal to each of the characters persona. Get caught up in the story early and you will enjoy it as intended. Read more…
Review by John Delia
With a huge cast of fine actors, nice cinematography, amazing period costumes, perfect locations and dynamic direction the drama Sunset enters this weekend’s theatrical releases. Although a bit long and drawn out, the movie, laced with history that complements the storyline, becomes a showy drama that plays out seamlessly for lovers of mystery period pieces. Read more…
Review by John Delia, Sr.
Very compelling and heartfelt, the true story A Bag of Marbles (Un sac de billes) shows the determination and courage of one family in France during World War II. While other films deal with combat with the enemy on foreign shores, this movie conveys one of many untold stories of the people caught up in it. This one becomes a journey so perilous that just a hint that you’re a Jew can send you to certain death. Seek out A Bag of Marbles at a local theater when it comes to your city, it’s truly astounding. Read more…
