Recent Film DVD ReviewsFriday, November 6 2009The 39 StepsIn Hitchcock's world, we don't write the play; we just have to know when to act. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (Those Aren’t Pillows Edition)it's safe to say that John Hughes has a secure legacy in Hollywood laughfests. No matter the age bracket, this film stands as one of his very best. Thursday, November 5 2009
The Stepfather (1987)Unlike Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees, the monstrous title character of The Stepfather is both plausible and a rich metaphor. Monday, November 2 2009
The Taking of Pelham 123Money makes The Taking of Pelham 123 shine, but no amount of cash can buy creativity. Friday, October 30 2009
Drag Me to HellSam Raimi’s attempted return to the horror/comedy genre that was his stock in trade for the early part of his career is neither particularly horrific nor all that funny. Thursday, October 29 2009Jackass: The Lost TapesThe Jackass Boys embody a forward momentum that teeters towards the eradication of all that they can't stand: hypocrisy, condescension, and perhaps worst of all, the dull throbbing boredom of routine.
Champions Forever: Ali—The Lost InterviewsThe selling point of this release is its extras, and specifically its half hour of previously ‘lost’ interviews with Ali. Wednesday, October 28 2009
Private CenturyNot a single shot in Private Century is original to Sikl or his collaborators. This is a profound illustration of the significance of editing to the nature of film as an art and craft. Tuesday, October 27 2009
Cinema Different: Different Cinema Volume 3Nine selections from the 10th annual Festival des Cinemas Differents de Paris show a broad range of styles and approaches by contemporary film and video artists. Monday, October 26 2009
The Elephant KingA familiar story about two naive, young Westerners that head to the Far East in search of adventure and inner-peace. Latent Orientalism interferes with the visual delights. Thursday, October 22 2009Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Diamond EditionFor Walt Disney, it was the realization of a dream, nearly a decade of wondering if his already successful short film style could actually be expanded to feature film length.
The Least of TheseFor the three years of it’s operation, the T. Don Hutto detention center put a face of family togetherness on the harsh immigration policies of the Bush administration. Wednesday, October 21 2009
The Tales of HoffmannThis is perhaps the only filmed opera that one could view with the sound turned off and the viewer would still come away mesmerized. Tuesday, October 20 2009How the Grinch Stole ChristmasWhat did Dr. Seuss ever do to Hollywood? How did the genial children's author, responsible for many of the most memorable kid lit classics of all time turn into such a cinematic pariah?
Dusan Makavejev: Free RadicalThis brilliant and controversial director is the most successful and important figure in Serbian cinema. As with most Eastern European filmmakers, this equates to him being practically unknown in the West. Friday, October 16 2009
Throne of BloodIn Throne of Blood, Ambition appears as something outside of the human character that preys upon pride and contributes to the demise of the prideful. Thursday, October 15 2009The Girlfriend ExperienceThe camera continually zeroes on Sasha Grey's face: pretty, unknowable, sometimes out of focus. Wednesday, October 14 2009
Not Your Typical Bigfoot MovieIf you are on the search for Sasquatch, look elsewhere. Jay Delaney's film is about friendship on the economic margins of American society. |
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