wdgreen

I've read a number of scathing reviews of this flick here at IMDb. Look, it's no Wild Bunch, but it does have some heart. The story, such as it is, has some intrigue to it. And the cast, gives it their best shot. I've sat through movies where the cast was clearly phoning it in, but I felt like the whole gang was giving it all they had. And how many films of this genre actually attempt any type of character development. One of the weak points of all 80s slasher films.

Thats not to say you'll care for all the characters - most of them are self absorbed nags. But again, that was the 80s for you. I don't remember knowing a single female that wasn't utterly self absorbed.

The location and set dressing was more than adequate for this type of movie, especially considering the budget.

Point is, you'll never think about this movie once after you've seen it, but there are many worse ways to kill 90 minutes than Findlay's Blood Sisters.

After years of false starts, rumors of Nicholas Cage and Tim Burton, and the hacks McG and Brett Ratner making a Superma movie all fanboy geeks can rest easy knowing that Singer not only stepped up to the plate, but drove the ball out of the park.

While the movie runs over two and half hours, only my bladder noticed. Honestly, if you haven't seen a friend in 19 years, wouldn't you want to spend at least two and half hours with them? Routh and Spacey were spot on, and even though I'd been having doubts about Bosworth I actually ended up enjoying her take on Lois.

I have only one small complaint, and it will probably get me flamed. "Truth, justice and all that stuff..." C'mon. I understand this film has to be bankable overseas, but even in the post-Watergate, post-Vietnam 70's Donner version of Superman he was allowed to fight for "Truth, Justice and The American Way." I comprehend that many people understandably chafe at the fact that the U.S.shoves a lot of its "culture?" down the world's throat. Often times I don't appreciate being exposed to much of my country's pop culture. But really, is there anything more American than Superman? Even if the movie tanks and no sequel is in the future, much thanks must go out to Bryan Singer for managing to update Supes for the 21st Century but keeping him as true to himself as he was in 1938!

If only the DVD had come out earlier. Perhaps Paul Bartel could have been around to ensure the transfer was worthwhile and provide what would have been, no doubt, an excellent director's commentary. The story of the dreams and career goals and the lengths to which the Blands are willing to go to achieve them is as funny now as it was in the early 80s when the film was released theatrically.

However, in spite of Mr. Bartel's passing, it simply is beyond belief that the DVD is such a poor release. A shoddy transfer, no commentaries at all, no behind the scenes footage...nothing. I bought the DVD shortly after it came out because, well, my VHS copy was in sad shape. Nevertheless, Paul Bartel has a body of work that I hope receives better treatment than this film did.