On DVD: Big Hero Six; John Wick

(2014) Chris Williams

I love this movie. It is double punch goodness and is (along with Guardians of the Galaxy) the best of the Marvel Films. Fantastic world building in the form of San Fransokyo; heart warming goodness; robots; awesome action; badass design; and the message that math, science, and making stuff is how heroes and heroines are made. I have watched this movie about 30 times.(7/7)




John Wick
(2014) David Leitch, Chad Stahelski

Ok so Keanu can kill movies with his intrinsic Keanuness however it is clear that he loves martial arts and action films (see his directorial debut(?) Man of Tai Chi). John Wick is a revenge tale about a skilled hitman whose dog is killed by Mick Jagger, er Theo Greyjoy, er the Russians played by Scandinavians and British Actors. Some nice close quarter combat martial arts. (5/7)

The Thin Man
(1934) WS Van Dyke

What can you say? William Powell and Myrna Loy are such badasses it hurts. This movie is a pitch perfect adaptation of the Dashiell Hammett novel. This movie was shot in 12 days. It is sexy, smart, warm and clever. And it has Asta the dog who (in various doggie incarnations) achieved celebrity on his/her own.

Baian the Assassin
(1990)

Super charismatic Watanabe Ken stars in this 1990s Japanese series about an acupuncturist/ doctor who is actually an underworld assassin. This tight drama shines best when showing the interactions between Baian and the toothpick craftsman/ assassin and the machinations surrounding the assassins go-between (motojime). Watching this show makes me hungry-- just like Zatoichi— they are always eating amazing food. *stomach growls* (6/7)

Avengers: Age of Ultron; Furious 7; DVD picks

(2015) Joss Whedon

James Spader plays a robot. Featuring the Avengers as themselves. Overall this was an enjoyable romp but it seemed like it could have been better. Typical of Marvel movies there were huge battles in a city. Why can’t the Avengers lure their enemies out into the countryside? Cameo by Thanos as himself.
(5/7)

Furious 7
(2015) James Wan

The 7th entry in the actioner series. Jason Statham does a fantastic job as the bad guy.  This film is a celebration and a send off for brother in arms Paul Walker who died as the film was being completed. I admit I shed a few tears in what felt like the end of the series. Martial arts badasses Tony Jaa and Ronda Rousey appear in small but supportive roles. Crazy stunts and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson— what else does one need for Double Punch Goodness? Some odd edits and a longish runtime subtract a few points— entertainments! (5/7)

on BluRay and DVD:

The Criterion Collection Zatoichi box set. Awesome box and booklet art by favorite ink drawer Yuko Shimizu and other notables.  Includes a must see doc which shows how wacky Shintaro Katsu was during the filming of the TV series. This box set contains all the feature films less “Darkness Is His Ally” which is the weakest of the films. Binge watch one of the greatest film series of all. (100/100)