Nobody Is Untouchable

The Reel Deal on The Untouchables

Faces of the Film: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Andy Garcia and Robert De Niro

What's the Reel Deal?: This action packed adventure takes us into the world of Al Capone and the story of the unit dedicated to bringing him down. The film is packed with memorable scenes of Mafia madness and some of the best gun fights a crime flick has to offer.

Standing on the Podium: Gold. First the awesome lineup of Connery, Garcia, Costner and De Niro is a surefire way to deliver on a flick. If their stellar performances weren't enough the amazing job bringing the 1920's back to life was beyond compare. Put all of that together with some amazing action scenes and you have a sure fire Mafia hit! Do not miss this one!

So You Wanna Be In the Mafia?

The Reel Deal on The Goodfellas


Faces of the Film: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci

What's the Reel Deal?: The Goodfellas offers us a story of what it takes to make it into the mob A group of friends who come together to work their way up through the ranks in order to be a somebody. Unfortunately things don't always work out the way we plan.

Standing on the Podium: Bronze. The movie has Mafia stuff for sure. The only problem with this one is that it almost feels like Godfather light. With the Goodfellas being on the outside looking in you lose out on a lot of the great Mafia stuff. Worth a view but not a must see.

The Road Is Long

The Reel Deal On  "Road To Perdition"

Faces of the Film: Tom Hanks, Tyler Hoechlin, Paul Newman, Jude Law and Rob Maxey

What's the Reel Deal?: Here is one that didn't make the cut last week but is all too deserving this week. Road to Perdition is the live action rendition of the popular graphic novel. It tells the tale of an Irish mob hitman whose son witnesses him "working". The remainder of the movie is a tale of loyalty, bonding and the fear associated with a life of crime.

Standing on the Podium: Silver. This one has a killer lineup and the storyline is unbelievable. At points there is a feeling that the film is drawn out but this one is worth picking up and checking out for sure.

I'm Gonna Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse

The Reel Deal on The Godfather

Faces of the Film:Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and James Caan

What's the Reel Deal?: This film sets the standard for any mafia or crime film. A star studded cast brings you the story of the Corleone crime syndicate. It takes you through the workings and dealings of a sicilian crime lord succession and by the end you are cheering for the gangsters.

Standing on the Podium: Gold. Godfather will stand as the eternal benchmark for the industry. With iconic roles, lines, and storyline the Godfather is a hands down must see.

The Reel Deal Goes To the Crooks

The Reel Deal Does Crime

Inspired by The Shadow I walked down memory lane into the old gangster flicks. What I realized was they aren't all so old! There are many great mafia/crime flicks out there and I can't wait to dive in. 

Look forward to seeing all of the classics! Until next week , this is the Reel Deal.

The Shadow Knows!

The Reel Deal on The Shadow

Faces of the Film: Alec Baldwin, John Lone, Tim Curry and Penelope Ann Miller

What's the Reel Deal?: Unlike the rest of our big budget superhero pictures this week "The Shadow" is a throwback piece. Before movies there were radio shows and The Shadow was the best of them. An opium warlord turned into a telepathic, gunslinging, vigilante. The amazing story of a man trying to change his past and save 1920's USA from a nuclear attack!

Standing on the Podium: Silver. This film shows us what the old heroes were like. A great story set in a classic setting. Alex Baldwin fills the role well and Tim Curry offers some great comic relief. Not a must see flick but if you take the time you won't be dissapointed.

Hulk SMASH!

The Reel Deal on The Incredible Hulk


Faces of the Film: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler and Tim Roth

What's the Reel Deal?: All the earlier attempts at bringing the Hulk to the big screen were failures at best. This time around Marvel sought out some talent and a plot to bring us an amazing story. This film was exactly what the Hulk was meant to be.

Standing on the Podium: Gold. With Edward Norton playing the perfect Incredible Hulk this one is not to be missed. Sit back and enjoy as HULK SMASH!

I AM IRON MAN!!!!

The Reel Deal On Iron Man

Faces of the Film:  Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard

What's the Reel Deal?: Iron Man was the first of the Avenger's series. The casting was perfect with Robert Downey Jr stepping into the role of the millionaire playboy Tony Stark. Great battles, special effects and villain. The soundtrack was amazing with heavy rock guiding the way. This film set the standard a little bit higher for comic book films.

Standing on the Podium: Gold. This movie pulled no punches and offered us laughs, thrills and an abundance of explosions. Iron Man is not to be missed!

The Overrated Return Of Superman

The Reel Deal on Superman Returns

Faces of the Film: Brandon Routh, Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth

What's the Reel Deal?: Superman Returns is the first shot Hollywood has taken at rejuvenating the Man of Steels film career. With a big budget great special effects and the best Lex Luthor the series has seen yet they set the bar high. Unfortunately a poor story and bad casting for the lead role really hurt what this movie could offer.

Standing on the Podium: Bronze. The effects are fun and it is good to see Superman in the contemporary world. Kevin Spacey nails Luthor. Unfortunately the length of the film couple with Brandon Routh's dismal performance leave Superman Returns as a last resort on movie knight.

Why So Serious?

The Reel Deal On 'The Dark Knight'

Faces of the Film: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart

What's the Reel Deal?: There is no better film to start a comic book week off with than this great. Heath Ledger offers a dark and chilling rendition of the Joker like no one has ever seen. Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman and  Michael Caine all return as their stand-by characters.

Standing on the Podium: Gold. This one was the role of Heath Ledger's career. Christopher Nolan goes all out to deliver the dark and scary world that Batman thrives in. He also leaves it open to a sequel that should be explosive. If you haven't seen this yet get on it!

Coming Soon: Superhero Madness

With all the great superhero flicks Reel Deal is going to take a swing at it next week. If you have any favorites you would like reviewed just leave a comment and we will do our best to get it covered. Get revved for your Superhero fix.

Heston Does Rome

The Reel Deal on Ben-Hur

Faces of the Film: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins and Stephen Boyd

What's the Reel Deal?: This movie was the real deal when it came to Rome. One of the biggest movie budgets of all time, Ben-Hur was an epic among epics. The tale of the rise, fall and rise of a Jew in the world of Rome. Multiple cameos by Jesus throughout. 

Standing on the Podium: Gold. If there was something higher Ben-Hur would get it. This film pulls no punches and delivers an amazing story. Charlton Heston delivers the performance of his career and it walked away with 11 Oscars! If you have never seen Ben-Hur, it is well worth the watch.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

The Reel Deal on "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Faces of the Film: Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers and Buster Keaton

What's the Reel Deal?: This film is all about the laughs. A funny story about a slave who wants his freedom, a master who wants a slave girl, a slave girl who is betrothed to a general, and a general who promises to kill everybody if things don't go just right. Of course things never go right. 

Standing on the Podium: This one grabs a bronze. It's a funny plot and the characters do it justice. Unfortunately time has worn this one down and most of the jokes feel dry. While the movie dragged in an Oscar in 1967 it would be a direct to film release these days. If you are looking for old school slapstick comedy give it a shot.

I Am Spartacus!

The Reel Deal on Spartacus

Faces of the Film:  Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier and Jean Simmons

What's the Reel Deal?: As much as Gladiator offers us a look at the glory and passion those who were citizens had for Rome Spartacus shows us how much Rome was despised by those it conquered. This movie is a sad tale of a slave named Spartacus who sought only freedom for him and the other slaves of Rome. He broke away from his owner and built an army to fight the Romans. It is an inspiring story of those who would stand against Rome and a tragic reminder of what happens to those who would challenge the strength of the empire.

Standing on the Podium: Spartacus grabs a silver. The film is an early direction by famed director Stanley Kubrick and one of Kirk Douglas' best roles. Unfortunately the film is dated and its scene can be almost laughable at times when the tone is driving to be more serious. 

Gladiators! We Salute You

The Reel Deal on The Gladiator


Faces of the Film: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix and Connie Nielsen

What's the Reel Deal?: The Gladiator is an adrenaline   overdose into the Colosseum of Rome. A heart breaking tale of betrayal, death and vengeance. A general of the Roman Legions is sentenced to death for standing against a coup. He escapes his sentence only to find his family slaughtered and his home destroyed. He ends up in the arena of the gladiators. In his new home he finds the way to fight back, rise to greatness and even challenge an emperor for the control of Rome.

Standing on the Podium: The film takes gold. It captures the brutal nature and treachery of Rome while at the same time showing what it looked like when men actually hold to their ideals despite all odds. If you are looking for the most historically accurate film on Rome this isn't it. But if your are looking to feel all it meant to be Roman than this is the film for you!

When in Rome...Not The Romantic Comedy

This Week On Reel Deal Reviewer
This week we are going to be heading back to action Rome and Greece. There have been an abundance of films over the years in, around and/or about Rome and Greece.

These stories range from telling the glory of the Aegean all the way to painting these great nations into the merciless persecutors of the world.

There are a couple of films we are going to hit for sure but I would love to hear suggestions on your favorite Roman/Grecian films. Tomorrow we will start with something light hearted before diving into the serious stuff with "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum".

Sunday Bloody Sunday

The Reel Deal on Bloody Sunday


Faces of the Film:James Nesbitt, Tim Pigott-Smith and Nicholas Farrell

What's the Reel Deal?: This film is a powerful telling of the events of the massacre of Irish Nationalists by British forces on January 30, 1972. While there have been several films made on the topic this is the one that stands tall among the rest. The film is shot in the style of a documentary and allows the viewer to really understand the passion, pain and pride of Ireland during this time.

Standing on the Podium: This film takes Gold. This event is a key part of modern Irish identity. The film does its best to portray the roles with the utmost respect and accuracy to both the British and the Irish. The actors of the film truly steal the show as they suck you and refuse to let go until you are weeping for the loss of Irish.

The Wind That Shakes The Barley

The Reel Deal On The Wind That Shakes The Barley


Faces of the film:  Cillian Murphy, Padraic Delaney and Liam Cunningham


What's the reel deal?: We have seen quite a few films with Irish people and themes but The Wind That Shakes The Barley is different. It is a movie set in Ireland, for Ireland, about Ireland. A stirring performance but Cillian Murphy as the story unfolds of two brothers caught up in the Irish revolt against britain.


Standing on the Podium: This one takes gold. A blend of a dynamic story line, rich in Irish history filled with a powerful performance from the entire cast. The Wind That Shakes The Barley will get your blood flowing green as a shamrock.

The Irish Take Their Games Seriously

The Reel Deal On Patriot Games


Faces of the Film: Harrison Ford, Sean Bean, James Earl Jones and Anne Archer.


What's the Reel Deal?: Patriot Games gives us a Tom Clancy spin on Irish national pride. Harrison Ford puts on an amazing performance as CIA agent Jack Ryan. Jack gets in the way of an IRA assassination and come looking for Jack and his family to get some satisfaction.


Standing on the Podium: This film takes a silver. We see a picture of some of the sectarian violence that has plagued Ireland in the past. Great performances by Sean Bean and Harrison Ford suck you right into the culture of the film. The only setback is that if not taken in context it could leave an unsavory taste for the Irish with you. Ireland is so much more than bombs, assassinations and extremists and it would have been great to see the film make that point more vividly.

Darby and the Little People

The Reel Deal on Darby O' Gill and the Little People

Faces of the Film: Albert Sharpe, Janet Munro, Jimmy O'Dea and Sean Connery

What's the Reel Deal?: Darby O'Gill is a blast from the past. Albert Sharpe plays an old gaffer who dares to challenge the King of  the Leprechauns. He is not completely self serving as he hopes to have the new caretaker (Sean Connery) fall in love with his daughter (Janet Munro). 

Standing on the Podium: Darby takes silver. This films is good time for sure and  the film is just plain old fun. Disney delivers a slice of Irish culture and one of the most frightening scenes of  most kids childhood as they reveal the Banshee. Definitely worth a watch if your looking to get little luck o' the Irish.

        

The Saints Go Marching In

The Reel Deal on The Boondock Saints

Face of the Film: Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Connolly, Ron Jeremy and Norman Reedus.

What's the Reel Deal?:  The Boondock Saints was an underground hit. The film is jam-packed with good ol' Irish boys taking down the denizens of society. As righteous militants the MacManus brothers smite everyone who gets in their way. The nitty gritty no hold barred action leaves little lacking. With a stellar performance by Willem Dafoe, a fun cameo by Ron Jeremy, and not stop Irish hellraising from beginning to end there is little that is left desired to get revved up for St. Pat's than a visit with the Saints.

Standing on the Podium: This film takes gold. The film is one that you can watch over and over and just grow in enjoyment. Fights, fun, drinking and yes even a cliffhanger courtroom ending. The Boondock Saints is not to be missed!

St Patrick's Day Preparation

 In honor of St. Patrick's day this week at Reel Deal Reviewer we will be going through films that are packed full of good ol' Irish. If you have a favorite Irish packed flick you would like to see review just leave a comment and we will see what we can do!

Top o' the mornin' to you'all!

Acting Beastly

The Reel Deal on Beastly

Faces of the Film:Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris, Peter Krause, Lisa Gay Hamilton

What's the reel deal?: This film is a modern adaptation of the classic "Beauty and the Beast". Please do not be fooled by this association. The only thing this film has going for it is that tie-in. The film offers us a romp through a deeper darker high school musical group searching for the source of true beauty. The film is a parade of teenage angst that would nauseate even the most insecure high schooler. The film is a poor attempt at an honest message and the appearance of Neil Patrick Harris completes the cheese. Even die hard fans of any of the teen stars would do well to avoid this so as not to have their teen idols dirtied in their mind.

Standing on the podium: Didn't place. There is no medal awarded for the film that fails to complete the race. The promise of a fulfilling modern adaptation of a classic piece of literature never comes to fruition. The title truly says it all, this film is Beastly.