Luce Rains

Late for Dinner [VHS]
$9.95
I first saw this movie in 1991 in the theatre. I'd long forgotten most of the movie, just remembered the basics of what it was about, and that Brian Wimmer, lifeguard on "China Beach" was one of the stars. I had the opportunity to see this movie just last month and was surprised to see that some 18 years later, I still liked this movie. It's the niceness of the two main characters that carries the unbelievable premise and the unlikely romantic angle of the movie. You just want things to work out for these guys, they're such honest, decent guys.

You get to see Jeanine Garafolo play "Counter Girl" and Michael Beach play a small role as well. Hey, it was 1991.

I purchased this VHS for conversion to DVD because I decided that it was one of those keepers that I'd want to come back to once every 6 years or so.

Rags to Riches/ Take Me Home Country Road/ Have You Ever Seen the Rain
$0.99

First Snow
$14.94
Guy Pearce was great in Momento - but that was a Christopher Nolan film. First Snow reminds me a bit of Momento mixed with Insomnia but with markedly less dramatic results. Somehow, somewhere, I didn't quite connect with this 100 %.

The dust jacket of the DVD tells us why this is a compelling premise - Guy Pearce plays Jimmy, a man who's trying to fight against his own fate. And with no surprises, this is exactly what plays out with few surprises. Or rather, the twists aren't quite twisted enough, leaving the audience with an average noir-psychological drama aftertaste. First Snow almost but doesn't quite hit the mark.

This is not the easiest of genres to satisfy demanding viewers. The film won't quite give you the chills or make your head scratch - it's watchable but it won't have you on the edge of your seats.

Love Lies Bleeding
$14.99
Who cares if I give it away. Most of you have probably seen this flick anyway. No,no....Bad DEA Agents (Christian Slater and Co.) with dirty money in cahoots with scumbags. Bad DEA Agents kill scumbags, someone else gets a hold of the money (19+ something young couple), Bad DEA Agents hunt them down while other cops figure out DEA Agents are the "bad guys" not the kids who stole their (DEA) money. DEA and kids tussle a bit, someone is killed (guess which side?) and finally Bad, Bad DEA Agents (CS and Co.) die. Someone gets away/off; "significant other" dies.

I think that about sez it all. Not one of Christian Slater's better efforts (read stinker. See Hard Rain).