VideoMagicRental Reviews

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Maybe not intended for Xennials and older?

[4/10 · 26 April 2023]

I think this is a decent movie for most people under 30. Kids around me in the theatre seemed to enjoy it.

Having said that......that was actually the only thing I enjoyed. They seemed genuinely scared and grossed out and I really enjoyed them (teens) jumping up out of their seats.

But to me, a big horror fan, this movie didn't do it for me. That's a personal opinion of course but I have the feeling that people over 40 are used to lots more gore or scary movies, whilst nowadays teens are a lot softer. And it shows.....they had a good time, and I was extremely bored.

Who do I blame? Me of course. I've been fortunate enough to live through the 80s, together with the 70s the best decade in horror.

Was Evil Dead Rise a terrible story? Not at all. But the editing could've been much better in order to scare Xennials and older!

The Allnighter (1987)

If you love the 80s you'll love it

[6/10 · 29 March 2023]

Not much of a script but a perfect zeitgeist of life in the 80s.

If you just relax and want a slow movie featuring beautiful girls and surfer dudes, it's worth the watch.

It's clear that Hoffs was casted because of her Bangles fame and her mother directing this movie but she can acually quite well. She's vulnerable, charismatic and stunning. I loved seeing Cusack in this as well, you won't see another movie where her facial expressions come this close to her famed brother.

Go watch it if you don't expect much, love the 80s simplicity, sun, beach and simple life.

Cool guest starring role of Pam Grier.

Pixels (2015)

Great throwback! Underrated movie.

[8/10 · 24 June 2022]

This movie is great for anyone who has nostalgic feelings for the 80s, even if you never played the games yourself but just heard of 'm.

It is funny, smart, great acting, very good in-jokes and lots of throwbacks.

I would give it a 7 out of 10 but since I want more people to enjoy this, I've awarded this with an 8.

Superstore: Olympics (2016) Season 2, Episode 0

Do NOT watch this episode if you're a fan....

[1/10 · 29 September 2021]

Do NOT watch this episode if you're a fan....... and appreciate continuity.

Continue with episode 2.

Magnum P.I. (2018–2024)

Take a minute to read this coming from a big fan of the original series

[8/10 · 3 May 2019]

Let me start with making one thing very clear: I was (and still am) a big fan of the orignal series. No love lost over the last 30 years, I still watch the original series and nothing can be compared to it.

Ok now that's clear, let's get back to this reboot, which receives a 5.5 rating on IMDB at the moment of this writing.

But now scroll down.... check the episodes....and check these individual ratings. Quite high, right? Actually...if you add these all up and divide it over the episodes, you'll probably end up with a rating closer to an 8.

So why the 5.5 as an average overall rating?

That's quite easy to explain: it's coming from people like me, who are so desperately stuck in the 'good old days'. We loathe any reboot because nothing these days can be compared to what we had back than. I know.... it was a magical time. Magnum P.I., Miami Vice..... we were extremely lucky to witness it all.

This time I actually bothered to WATCH the series first before talking bad about yet another reboot (like the upcoming Miami Vice we're getting next year. Let's hope it's better than the 'movie'....yikes...)

And what did I see? A very fresh and cool approach very similar to the original series but not quite the same. Oh boy....I hated the fact that Higgins was now a woman, because you know....who better than John HIllerman?

But the series grew on me....Close your eyes and Jay Hernandez sometimes even has the same voice as Selleck. And Perdita Weeks (the new Higgins) adds something to the series....

Would I prefer this over the original series? No. But that was then.... And you don't have to watch it if you're a hater from the start. But I highly recommend you just give it a chance and admire the fact that these directors, cast and location managers actually work hard to recreate that feeling we had back then. It's 2019.....we live in a world full with people ready to be the next Jersey Shore. We should be rooting for people who at least try to give us quality tv.

So, in my humble opinion, what could be improved? Rick.

I really like the new actor, but the original series was very funny and often mocked Rick. The new Rick is a lot tougher and bigger than the original one, and that makes it hard to mock this character. Also, the original Rick (Larry Manetti) was really concvincing being a connected guy. His accent, the clothes.... it was perfect. Hard to believe he was almost axed when the original series started, right? I read Larry Manetti's Aloha Magnum book and it sheds a light on how things went down in those days. I'd highly recommend it.

What I'm basically trying to say... Don't compare, but be grateful there are still some people trying to recreate that feeling we had back then.

And please remember that the IMDB rating is unreliable. People who didn't even bother to watch the show just give it a poor rating.

Always look at the ratings PER episode.... that's the rating which was done by people actually watching the show.

Columbo: Columbo Likes the Nightlife (2003) Season 10, Episode 14

Don't watch it if you're a REAL fan

[1/10 · 30 March 2010]

Let me start by saying I am probably one of the biggest Columbo fans. I have obtained many original scripts and personal things and drawings from the hand of Peter Falk and his entourage.

So why do I rate this episode with a 1 ???

Because this is NOT Columbo. To me (and most fans) a Columbo episode stands for a good story, cunning opponents, mystique, and a good music score done by an orchestra.

Columbo Likes the Nightlife lacks all three of them.

My wife and I bought this last season a few months ago (we lost the VHS tapes) on DVD and every time we wanted to watch this very last episode, we convinced each other it wasn't the right day, the right night, the right mood etc to finally put Columbo to rest. We would ruin this very last episode if the things around it wouldn't be perfect. (yes...that shows you exactly HOW much we love Columbo) .

Last week we decided it was finally the right moment, but all we got was pure rubbish. In fact...this Columbo episode ruined OUR perfect evening!

Please....believe me....I LOVE COLUMBO, but it's a shame this episode is ever been written, and who ever thought it was funny to add disco music as music score must have been on soft drugs. Writer Michael Alaimo wrote some good Invasion and Closer episodes, but his very first writing, this episode of Columbo, is dreadful. Such a pity.....Peter Falk will never wear that raincoat again because he's too ill. So this really is the last episode, and that's not a nice thought at all.

If you just like to watch a simple detective...watch it. If you're a fan, don't. And if you're a real fan but also curious? Just watch it, and after wards picture me sitting next to you on the couch telling you: I told you so......

Sin Nombre (2009)

Touching piece of reality

[7/10 · 24 March 2010]

Sin Nombre isn't a new concept, it's been done numerous times. Nonetheless it gives you an inside view of how it's like to be on the run, escaping to a better world.

The casting for this movie is really good. Youngsters (and even one kid) acting convincingly, like it could have been a documentary about troubles they encounter.

I would highly recommend this movie to everyone, but especially to youngsters who glamorize the 'gang' thing. You will probably think twice after seeing (and understanding) this movie.

Don't hesitate. Go and watch this movie. It won't be your favorite movie, but it will give you something to think about.