THE DANMAN CAN

I rarely write about or review television on my blog, but I felt that I should make an exception with Ash Vs Evil Dead   (2015–2018). The first episode was directed by Sam Raimi and it certainly shows, though I wonder to what degree the future episodes/directors will emulate his style. The first episode,  El Jefe , has everything you'd expect from the Evil Dead franchise: shotguns, chainsaws, hammy dialogue, blood splatters, deadites, and of course the one and only Bruce Campbell   as Ash. Army Of Darkness  (1992) ( review ) is treated as if it doesn't exist in this series, even though the Ash portrayed here is most like the AOD Ash. The action and tone is most akin to  Evil Dead II   (1987) ( review )—  a strong balance of horror and comedy. I do feel that this first episode was a bit of a retread in some regards but not enough to detract from the overall experience. I like  Ray Santiago  as Pablo; he finds a good balance of nerdy and tr...

Focus On Film   Episode 34  is up! Download the MP3  HERE In this episode: January 2016  Criterion Collection   Titles Announcement Best & Worst Of The Month  –  LAID TO REST  (2009), THE IRON GIANT - Signature Edition (1999), THE GREEN INFERNO (2013), THE MARTIAN (2015) Criterion Most Wanted "Focus On Film Theme"  & commercial music:  Daniel Sardella

Danny Boyle   is a director that I'm largely hot and cold about - I love Shallow Grave   (1994), very much enjoy  Trainspotting   (1996), hated  Sunshine   (2007), was lukewarm for Slumdog Millionaire   (2008), I used to really like 28 Days Later  (2002) and now I'm lukewarm on that as well. I wasn't dying to see Steve Jobs  (2015) but ended up enjoying it much more than expected. The dialogue by Aaron Sorkin   is what shines. Boyle  does some interesting things with the camera and his images and that's expected as well, though I don't feel that every choice works. All the actors inhabit their roles well, particularly Fassbender , who was inspired casting, portraying a man who truly was an innovator, yet was a flawed human being, as we all are. The film is very humorous and largely avoids falling into "feel-good" territory. Definitely recommended.