"Stiffed" DVD (director: Billy Garberina)

Like a budget mash-up between "Reservoir Dogs" and "Shaun Of The Dead", this micro-indie summons a clever idea, and works it admirably. First, the premise is good fun...a trio of bumbling robbers die in an auto accident, only to be re-animated by a black magic-worshipping stripper to do her bidding. There's a wicked mess of gooey gore (well-done), and a little sex to spice things up, too.

Overall, "Stiffed" is alright, though not a classic by any means. Some of the acting is, puns aside, stiff, as is the dialogue. Thus, I can't fully recommend this one, though I did notice some fine ideas and well-done cinematography. (Independent Entertainment)

Sidney Lumet - "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead"

First, Philip Seymour Hoffman is apparently king of all Hollywood. He's seemingly everywhere, and that ain't a bad thing, necessarily, as his chops in his biz is considerable, yo. Well, this murder-crime caper film, directed by the geriatric Lumet, is solid, to be sure. Ethan Hawke plays Hoffman's bro, and together, this pair struggles with life itself, culminating in a robbery that they scheme up to offset some 'expenses'. Trouble is, the robbery they concoct is of their own family's jewelry shop. Needless to say, things go horribly awry. It's well-done, though the film's a bit jumpy, timewise, adding to the confusion. Factor in that I was exhausted while watching this, fending off sleep, and I'm perhaps not the best source of a review. Nonetheless, this film was certainly likeable, but I'm somehow just not convinced all the way.