MATHEW'S CLASSIC COMPARISONS

Welcome to the second of a series of Classic Comparisions features. This month we take a look at the selection from our youngest Site Assistant, Mathew. To access comparisons for any of the films, just click on the cover art.

	1. DIE HARD A classic action film, that despite approaching it's 20th birthday, puts many of the recent 'action' borefests to shame. Also notable for the wise choice of Bruce Willis as wise-cracking John McClane and the genius casting of Alan Rickman as the villan. Followed by two sequels, but only the second sequel comes close.		2. GHOSTBUSTERS A very early DVD release, but it's still a corker of a disc half a decade on. A brilliant film, complemented by a disc filled to the brim with great extras; this should be in every DVD fan's collection already. If you don't, you owe it to yourself to buy it dirt cheap. UK buyers should avoid the recently released version that packages the film with it's sequel, because it drops extras, including the fantastic deleted scenes.		3. SHATTERED GLASS I wrote a review of the disc a long time ago, and I stand by what I said about it. The film's great (although not to everyone's tastes, I've found) and while the extras are limited, they are excellent. The commentary is one of the best I've heard. This should be seen, at least to see Hayden Christensen act. Shocker, right there.
	4. X-MEN 2 The first one was OK. This one blows it out of the water. In terms of storytelling, this is not just the very best in the X-Men series, but also one of the best in terms of any of the recent comic book adaptations. Just make sure you get the 2 disc edition to get the very exhaustive extras.		5. THE INDIANA JONES TRILOGY Steven Spielberg's masterstroke trilogy is still great, even after all these years. Thanks to the restoration, they look like they were made a few years ago, rather than 20. The extras disc contains documentaries for each film and more. It's a shame there's no deleted scenes, but maybe next time...		6. THE STAR WARS TRILOGY I was tempted to leave it off this list, on the grounds of what Lucas is doing to the originals, but that's too harsh for a bunch of films that inspired a generation. I may disagree with the more notable changes (looking at you, Jabba...), but that's beside the point. At least we've got them in some form.
	7. DUMB AND DUMBER Yes, this is one some might disagree with, but Dumb and Dumber is one the funniest comedies of recent times, in my humble opinion. So what if it's got almost no plot to speak of? The point is make you laugh and I did that until I ached. The Unrated/Uncut versions are ones to get with 10 minutes of brand new, equally funny footage.		8. BATMAN BEGINS This is how the Batman should be. Brilliant casting, matched with a great script, and paired with a great looking DVD. Forget the Burton series that put far too much focus on the villians, and go for this dark, brooding action flick. I'm amazed that some people hate this, but each to one's own...		9. LETHAL WEAPON A lethal combination of action and humour. I have a fondness for the sequels too (the fourth entry in the series has a terrific fight with Jet Li), but if it's action you're looking for, head to the source. This film has some great action, with Gary Busey providing real menace. Seek out the Director's Cut for some great scenes - the one where Riggs takes on a sniper is worth checking out on it's own.
	10. TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY I'd say that this is the very best in the Terminator series. No doubt about it, this film is head and shoulders above most action films. Arnold and Cameron are on top form, pairing with ground-breaking special effects that still amaze in this age of CGI loaded 'blockbusters'. The end will have you reaching for your shades to cover those tears up... The DVD is fantastic, and anyone with an interest in films should check out Disc 2's "Data Core", which is like a film school on disc.		11. FUTURAMA I'd love to say that I have that huge boxset pictured next to this, but I'm afraid not. Even if you're not crazy enough to bring home that eye-catcher, any of the season boxsets will provide hours of entertainment. The commentaries are often as funny as the episodes themselves.		12. GOLDENEYE Let's face it, the Bond series have never been consistent in regards to quality. At times, you have to wonder how the same guys who made Goldfinger came up with Moonraker. Brosnan's first attempt at the spy legend is still one of the very best Bonds. I can't wait for the Ultimate Edition.
	13. MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN A great film adaptation of one of history's most well-known novels. Robert De Niro is a wonder as the creature, giving what could have been a bland performance a very sympathetic edge. The cast is all-star - John Cleese, Kenneth Brannagh, Helena Bonham Carter among others. Brannagh also directs.		14. SPIDER-MAN The first and best (the second is over-rated), we see the transformation from nerdy geek to superhero, setting the trend for nearly every comic book film that followed. Willem Dafoe and Kirsten Dunst give excellent supporting performances. Sam Raimi's direction is superb. Catch this DVD in your web...		15. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING Peter Jackson's epic trilogy comes to an end with this great 4 disc extended edition. The extras are extensive to say the least, and the film on the first 2 discs is vastly improved by the extensions. A must-buy to see what happened to Christopher Lee...
	16. THE NAKED GUN The problem with most comedies is that they're like eating a spoonful of Drano. Sure it'll make you clean you out, but it'll leave you hollow inside. Not The Naked Gun, the godfather of inspired lines like "I faked every orgasm" and "just think, next time I shoot someone, I could be arrested". This is one of the greatest spoofs ever. And to think the Zuckers gave us Scary Movie 4...		17. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES Sadly neglected on the extras front, this film is one of the funniest and most surprisingly poignant comedies around. As scenes like Steve Martin talking to the rental clerk and "those aren't pillows!" crack you up, the ending will warm you up, with a sting in the tale that'll bring a tear to your eye. John Candy has never been better.		18. STRIPES Bill Murray, John Candy, Ivan Reitman and Harold Ramis. Who can say 'no' to that combination? With the comedy and heart (and a little bit of random nudity, because this is the 80s...) of a true winner, this entry sees Bill Murray join the army. The DVD has an extended cut, including a completely omitted 10 minute sequence.
	19. A FEW GOOD MEN Still on the military theme is this classic featuring two expert scene stealers - Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. The Cruiser is on top form as the cocky hot-shot defending two soldiers who killed a fellow man in their platoon, while Nicholson shines in what is really an extended cameo. The imfamous scene where two lock horns in the courtroom makes for a thrilling climax.		20. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE Starting the franchise off is Brain De Palma's stylish and slick first entry in the franchise. While fans of the show may not like this (for obvious reasons), most viewers should have a blast. There's a plot that's 20 IQ points above the usual action flick, a solid cast and the thrilling climax, which is the only one I've seen where a helicopter follows a train into a tunnel.

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