Reviews written by Mitch Schwartz

20 results - showing 1 - 15 1 2 Results per page:
 
Blu-Ray
 
Overall rating: 
 
8.0
The Film/Show:
 
8.0
Presentation:
 
8.0
Extra Features:
 
9.0
Tilt:
 
7.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
July 09, 2008

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Despite its somewhat lackluster critical and commercial success, the movie provides an exciting viewing experience, with both an intricate story befitting a thriller and enough gunshots, explosions, and chases to rival any action film. Additionally, although the movie’s cinematography doesn’t exactly complement its HD picture, the overall package does merit its Blu-ray treatment.

Movies

The Film/Show Intense action, suspenseful intrigue, and a unique format combine for a truly exhilarating action thriller
Presentation With everything in HD, the package is undeniably crisp and clear; unfortunately, the cinematography inhibits true appreciation of the picture quality
Extra Features Thorough treatment of the story and production enhance viewer appreciation of the movie; plus a pseudo-interactive feature
Tilt Great
 
Blu-Ray
 
Overall rating: 
 
6.3
The Film/Show:
 
6.0
Presentation:
 
6.0
Extra Features:
 
4.0
Tilt:
 
9.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
July 06, 2008

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Although the movie is suspenseful and entertaining, it’s not quite as exciting as contemporary thrillers and not quite timeless enough to be outstanding fifteen years after its original release. Moreover, I’m not sure the film itself or its HD treatment are quite good enough to justify buying it on Blu-ray.

Movies

The Film/Show Suspenseful throughout, with cerebral interplay between Eastwood and Malkovich, but lacks the amount of action necessary to make a thriller truly thrilling
Presentation Above average, but a bit disappointing for a Blu-ray Disc
Extra Features Although they cover the Secret Service thoroughly, they don’t really provide any insight into the movie or its story
Tilt Average to Good
 
PlayStation 3
 
Overall rating: 
 
6.6
Gameplay:
 
6.0
Presentation:
 
7.0
Value :
 
6.0
Fun Factor:
 
8.0
Tilt:
 
6.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 27, 2008

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Last updated: June 27, 2008

It’s not groundbreaking and it's not likely to be a classic, but it’s undeniably fun, especially for the Marvel fan. I’m still not sure, though, that the PS3 version is worth the extra money compared to the PS2 version.

Videogames

Gameplay Remarkably similar to the GTA series, but otherwise unremarkable
Presentation Lackluster graphics and sound, but thorough incorporation of the Marvel universe into the story
Value Marvel fans should enjoy it, but it is certainly not as challenging or intricate as other action games and the PS3 version may not be worth the additional cost compared to the PS2 version
Fun Factor Enough extras to keep it fun even when the primary story wanes; if nothing else, it’s always fun to destroy Manhattan
Tilt Average to Good
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
7.5
The Film/Show:
 
7.0
Presentation:
 
9.0
Extra Features:
 
8.0
Tilt:
 
6.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 15, 2008

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Last updated: June 15, 2008

Fans of Ferrell should enjoy it, and the amount of effort put into the two-disc package certainly deserves the title ‘sweaty’, but, ultimately, it is the same humor that Ferrell has already delivered, making it notable but not quite a resounding success.

Movies

The Film/Show Funny and entertaining, but too typical of Ferrell to be outstanding
Presentation Masterfully crafted with a consistent and fun theme
Extra Features Intriguing and at times funny; enhances viewer appreciation of the project
Tilt Good to Great
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
6.5
The Film/Show:
 
6.0
Presentation:
 
7.0
Extra Features:
 
5.0
Tilt:
 
8.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

Overall a fairly standard slapstick-style comedy, the movie is familiar in is mediocrity. It is funny, but not original enough to be truly hilarious. As such, it's a safe bet for a good laugh, but you probably won't be quoting it for months after as if it were a Mike Myers, Will Ferrell, or Adam Sandler movie.

Movies

The Film/Show Funny enough, but safe
Presentation Unexpectedly good
Extra Features Funny at times, insightful at times, but generally unremarkable
Tilt Average to Good
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
4.5
The Film/Show:
 
5.0
Presentation:
 
4.0
Extra Features:
 
6.0
Tilt:
 
3.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

While I can respect the Disney-family cross-promotion via ESPN tie-ins and the efforts of Johnson to expand his repertoire, ultimately, the movie is simply not as thoroughly entertaining or touching as other Disney films. It is a unique effort, but not quite a successful one.

Movies

The Film/Show Not terrible, but too ordinary and predictable; perhaps children will like it more
Presentation Minimal and sub-par
Extra Features Some good ESPN features and insights into the film
Tilt Bad to Mediocre
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
8.5
The Film/Show:
 
10.0
Presentation:
 
6.0
Extra Features:
 
8.0
Tilt:
 
10.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

Overall, this is both an excellent tribute to Star Wars and a testament to the genius of Family Guy. I would recommend it to fans of Family Guy who don't like Star Wars, to fans of Star Wars who don't like Family Guy, and I would highly recommend it to fans of both Star Wars and Family Guy.

Movies

The Film/Show A funny and fresh blend of Family Guy and Star Wars
Presentation Unimpressive considering the quality of the film
Extra Features Appropriately informative and humorous
Tilt Great to Excellent
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
7.5
The Film/Show:
 
8.0
Presentation:
 
5.0
Extra Features:
 
7.0
Tilt:
 
10.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

Although somewhat archetypal, it is exciting and intense. More than simply entertain, it presents some tough moral dilemmas, which only makes the movie further intriguing.

Movies

The Film/Show Respectable as both a genre piece and as a thought-provoking original
Presentation Everything functions well enough, but it’s as basic as it could possibly be
Extra Features Nothing special here, but they provide some insight
Tilt Good to Great
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
7.0
The Film/Show:
 
7.0
Presentation:
 
6.0
Extra Features:
 
7.0
Tilt:
 
8.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

It presents a respectably intricate and exciting drama. Despite some minor flaws, it is a thrilling and thought-provoking movie.

Movies

The Film/Show Some aspects fall short of potential, but a solid, thought-provoking piece
Presentation Sets the tone and fits the mood of the film well
Extra Features The features are average; I recommend the deleted scenes
Tilt Good
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
3.5
The Film/Show:
 
3.0
Presentation:
 
5.0
Extra Features:
 
5.0
Tilt:
 
1.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

It is perhaps entertaining for kids, but their parents will likely not find it enjoyable. I would suggest finding another Disney film that might also appeal to more adult sensibilities.

Movies

The Film/Show This rating would be lower, but I assume that children will like it; adults might not
Presentation Again, nothing extraordinary, but at least somewhat original
Extra Features No spectacular content, but the interactivity shows some creativity and effort
Tilt Very Bad to Bad
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
8.5
The Film/Show:
 
9.0
Presentation:
 
7.0
Extra Features:
 
8.0
Tilt:
 
10.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

It's not the greatest thriller or the most intricate drama, but it is still strong as both a thriller and as a drama. Moreover, the message and the political implications are powerful and relevant. I certainly recommend it to anyone interested in contemporary politics, foreign affairs, and/or activism.

Movies

The Film/Show Despite minor flaws, a compelling movie with a message that needs to be heard
Presentation Nothing outstanding, but appropriately fits the mood of the film
Extra Features Lengthy, but relevant; "Outlawed" and the deleted scenes are good, the making-of, not so much
Tilt Great to Excellent
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
6.0
The Film/Show:
 
6.0
Presentation:
 
8.0
Extra Features:
 
1.0
Tilt:
 
9.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

It presents a unique love story, even if it's not the most powerful or touching tale. More than the love story, though, the cinematography is magnificent, capturing some truly beautiful imagery.

Movies

The Film/Show The imagery is beautiful, but the story is lacking
Presentation As lovely as the movie’s cinematography
Extra Features Nonexistent, literally
Tilt Average
 
DVDs
 
Overall rating: 
 
7.5
The Film/Show:
 
8.0
Presentation:
 
6.0
Extra Features:
 
6.0
Tilt:
 
10.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

An incredibly endearing movie, its warmth is infectious. Additionally, it shows Carell continue to grow as an actor. I would certainly recommend cuddling up with a significant other to watch it.

Movies

The Film/Show Archetypal, but uniquely warm and welcoming
Presentation Simple, but fits the tone of the movie and has a surprise
Extra Features Fairly standard, but has some interesting content related to the tone of the movie
Tilt Good to Great
 
Xbox 360
 
Overall rating: 
 
6.4
Gameplay:
 
6.0
Presentation:
 
5.0
Value :
 
6.0
Fun Factor:
 
7.0
Tilt:
 
8.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

It's essentially a standard first-person shooter with a gimmick, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun. Even after the novelty wears off, it's still just as exciting as other first-person shooters.

Videogames

Gameplay Standard aside from the time-shifting capabilities
Presentation Average graphics and story
Value Has some novelty, but no lasting value
Fun Factor As fun as any first-person shooter; time-shifting remains fun even after its novelty expires
Tilt Average to Good
 
PlayStation 2
 
Overall rating: 
 
2.2
Gameplay:
 
2.0
Presentation:
 
4.0
Value :
 
3.0
Fun Factor:
 
1.0
Tilt:
 
1.0
Mitch Schwartz Reviewed by Mitch Schwartz
June 06, 2008

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Last updated: June 06, 2008

This one is only for extreme fans of the series. It feels like the original game in a new package, and, as such, it is extraordinarily boring.

Videogames

Gameplay Entirely too standard for the series
Presentation The graphics are poor and the story is weak, but the additional features will interest fans
Value Almost useless for the average user; clearly targeted toward fans, though, and it should satisfy them
Fun Factor The game isn’t challenging, exciting, or even interesting
Tilt Awful to Very Bad
 
20 results - showing 1 - 15 1 2 Results per page:
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