Recent Film DVD ReviewsMonday, December 14 2009Terminator SalvationTerminator Salvation:The future begins? The future might have been better left a looming threat. Friday, December 11 2009The Brontë CollectionLovers of all things Brontë will want to check out this BBC box set. Thursday, December 10 2009
Mystery Science Theater 3000: XVISanta Claus, post-apocalyptic warriors, mad scientists, and alien spawn: another top-notch MST3K collection. Food Beware: The French Organic RevolutionWithin the rural French countryside depicted here is a stubborn, quite heartening, uniquely Gallic iconoclasm. Wednesday, December 9 2009Tuesday, December 8 2009
Imagine ThatEddie Murphy may still be in need of a box office hit, but this enjoyable family film should help him gain back a little respect. Bootleg FilmEverything is cinema, unfortunately, in Masahiro Kobayashi's existential crime comedy. Monday, December 7 2009New Police StoryJackie Chan’s 2004 return to Hong Kong cinema is a late career attempt to gain some critical respect for taking on a dramatic role. Friday, December 4 2009GodzillaRun from your lives from Godzilla 1998, a Hollywood monstrosity so absurd that it makes the film’s title song, Puff Daddy’s cover of Led Zeppelin’s classic “Kashmir”, seem like a good idea. Thursday, December 3 2009
Downhill RacerA visually stunning sports movie that tweaks the formula just enough to make a personal, thoughtful film without refuting genre expectation. Forrest Gump: 15th Anniversary EditionWhy Gump is not the poster boy for every Palin and Buchanan on the pundit circuit is astonishing. Wednesday, December 2 2009My Life in RuinsIt's not exactly Greek, and it's not entirely good. Tuesday, December 1 2009RebornCall it “torture porn”, “gorenography” or some other variation, but Reborn has little reason for existence apart from showing people – most often women – subjected to brutality. Monday, November 30 2009
Angels & DemonsA slight upgrade from its predecessor is not enough to recommend such a forgettable production. LionessThe first women sent into combat in the history of the American military tell their stories. Who Does She Think She Is?Women often feel they must choose between motherhood and art, but the five artists profiled in Who Does She Think She Is? demonstrate that you can have both. Wednesday, November 25 2009FrailtyAs the film unravels in a series of shocking twists and turns, the audience’s perception of morality and faith is put to the test. The Monster Squad: 20th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)The juggling act of comedy, horror, and children mostly works because Dekker was able to find a group of kids to carry the film who, while not quite Abbott and Costello, are neither cutesy nor campy. Tuesday, November 24 2009Audition: Collector’s Edition“I’d be so happy if people enjoy this movie—it was made ten years ago…this is the new edition. You may regret watching it, though.” -- Takashi Miike, director of Audition ChopsWith its exuberance of youth, the mesmerizing presence of Marsalis, and the music of Ellington for a soundtrack, Chops exudes “soulfulness”. Monday, November 23 2009
Virtual JFK: Vietnam If Kennedy Had LivedDocurama Films’ DVD Virtual JFK: Vietnam If Kennedy Had Lived does the near impossible by presenting incredibly familiar information in a compelling and entertaining way. Easy Rider 40th AnniversaryThis 40-year-old classic still has its thrills -- enough to make you wish that you, too, had a bike with a teardrop gas tank emblazoned with the American flag. |
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