Apocalypto (2006)
Note: This edited version is still quite violent.
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
X Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
As noted above, though edited, “Apocalypto” is still brutally violent. The warfare depicted is that of an ancient civilization, so we see wounds with knives, spears, hatchets, and even beheadings. Oh, and I shouldn’t forget horrific animal attacks.
“Apocalypto” is a well-executed action drama. Set among the ancient Mayan culture, this movie depicts one man’s harrowing journey to save his wife and children before it’s too late.
One morning Jaguar Paw’s (Rudy Youngblood) tribe is attacked by another malicious tribe. The murderous assailants slaughter most of the village, capturing the young men for an even more unpleasant purpose.
Amid the attack, Jaguar Paw hides his pregnant wife and his little boy in a deep hole. He must survive and escape his captors and rush back to rescue his family from said hole.
The movie looks great and seems to be authentic. All of the Mayan dialogue is subtitled.
Some movies simply shouldn’t be edited; “Apocalypto” is one of them. Its scantily clad male and female natives’ partial nudity is one indicator. But I can spot the “shouldn’t be edited” movies pretty easily: When my wife leaves the room in disgust, I know I’ve found another one. Rent something else.
Directed by Mel Gibson
Rudy Youngblood / Morris Birdyellowhead / Raoul Trujillo
139 min. Action / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 18 and up
DVD release date: May 22, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0116 : 199
Epic Movie (2006)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
X Rent ANYTHING else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
There are dumb movies, then there are “the intelligence of an amoeba” movies. “Epic Movie” is the latter. You’d be hard pressed to find something half as idiotic on YouTube — and that site has people setting themselves on fire.
Basically, “Epic Movie” is like the “Scary Movie” series (but not funny). It incoherently ties together and spoofs the characters and plot points from many of the 2005 and 2006, big-budget, blockbuster movies, such as “The Da Vinci Code,” “Superman Returns,” “Nacho Libre” and so forth.
The story primarily follows “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Four orphans embark on misadventures when they venture into a mysterious wardrobe. Honestly, there’s no point in describing it any further.
So, if you really like really silly humor and the epic Hollywood blockbusters, you might be able to enjoy “Epic Movie.”
But seriously I doubt it.
Directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer
Kal Penn / Adam Campbell / Jayma Mays / Faune Chambers
86 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: May 22, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0117 : 146
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
X Rent ANYTHING else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
There are dumb movies, then there are “the intelligence of an amoeba” movies. “Epic Movie” is the latter. You’d be hard pressed to find something half as idiotic on YouTube — and that site has people setting themselves on fire.
Basically, “Epic Movie” is like the “Scary Movie” series (but not funny). It incoherently ties together and spoofs the characters and plot points from many of the 2005 and 2006, big-budget, blockbuster movies, such as “The Da Vinci Code,” “Superman Returns,” “Nacho Libre” and so forth.
The story primarily follows “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Four orphans embark on misadventures when they venture into a mysterious wardrobe. Honestly, there’s no point in describing it any further.
So, if you really like really silly humor and the epic Hollywood blockbusters, you might be able to enjoy “Epic Movie.”
But seriously I doubt it.
Directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer
Kal Penn / Adam Campbell / Jayma Mays / Faune Chambers
86 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: May 22, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0117 : 146
Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
The masterstroke of “Letters From Iwo Jima” is its ability to depict both warring nations, the United States and Japan, with humanity. Lesser movies just show us “the enemy.”
“Letters” is a companion movie to Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of Our Fathers” (2006). The former shows the battle at Iwo Jima primarily from the Japanese perspective, while the latter shows the battle from the American point of view. But “Flags” goes amiss as it strays from the island into the controversy of a famous photograph.
“Letters” is the better movie. The dialogue is almost entirely in Japanese, so be prepared to read some fast subtitles. We follow the perils of a few Japanese men and learn of their inner thoughts and struggles through hearing a narration of their letters home.
With interest and concern, we follow these men and see what happens to them. This is a bizarre movie in that it tends to make us root for the Japanese, rather than the Americans. More accurately, we don’t want either side to be killed.
In addition to being a good war movie, “Letters” is a good drama that depicts credible characters. It’s fascinating to compare and contrast the two cultures.
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Ken Watanabe / Kazunari Ninomiya / Tsuyoshi Ihara
141 min. War / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: May 22, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0118 : 199
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
The masterstroke of “Letters From Iwo Jima” is its ability to depict both warring nations, the United States and Japan, with humanity. Lesser movies just show us “the enemy.”
“Letters” is a companion movie to Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of Our Fathers” (2006). The former shows the battle at Iwo Jima primarily from the Japanese perspective, while the latter shows the battle from the American point of view. But “Flags” goes amiss as it strays from the island into the controversy of a famous photograph.
“Letters” is the better movie. The dialogue is almost entirely in Japanese, so be prepared to read some fast subtitles. We follow the perils of a few Japanese men and learn of their inner thoughts and struggles through hearing a narration of their letters home.
With interest and concern, we follow these men and see what happens to them. This is a bizarre movie in that it tends to make us root for the Japanese, rather than the Americans. More accurately, we don’t want either side to be killed.
In addition to being a good war movie, “Letters” is a good drama that depicts credible characters. It’s fascinating to compare and contrast the two cultures.
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Ken Watanabe / Kazunari Ninomiya / Tsuyoshi Ihara
141 min. War / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: May 22, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0118 : 199
Sling Blade (1996)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
From its title, everyone always assumes that “Sling Blade” is some kind of slasher, horror movie. It’s not. “Sling Blade” is a masterpiece and among my top three, all-time favorite films.
Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed and starred in this drama about friendship. Thornton plays Karl Childers, a simple man who has some kind of mental imperfection that provokes unkind people to call him “slow” or “retarded.”
At the age of 12, Karl killed two people. Since that time, he has been locked away for years in a state hospital for those who have mental problems. “Sling Blade” begins on the day of his release back into society. Karl is sent to the tiny town of Millsburg, where he grew up, somewhere in the south.
Karl gets a job and becomes fast friends with a boy named Frank (Lucas Black). This drama is about their friendship and those they associate with in the town.
“Sling Blade” is predictable, but its story is so well told that we don’t mind. This edited version has violence that is either verbally described or is implied, not depicted. Even so, “Sling Blade” is not for children but for anyone who loves great movies.
Directed by Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton / Lucas Black / Dwight Yoakam
135 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: (Director’s Cut) June 7, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0115 : 199
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
From its title, everyone always assumes that “Sling Blade” is some kind of slasher, horror movie. It’s not. “Sling Blade” is a masterpiece and among my top three, all-time favorite films.
Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed and starred in this drama about friendship. Thornton plays Karl Childers, a simple man who has some kind of mental imperfection that provokes unkind people to call him “slow” or “retarded.”
At the age of 12, Karl killed two people. Since that time, he has been locked away for years in a state hospital for those who have mental problems. “Sling Blade” begins on the day of his release back into society. Karl is sent to the tiny town of Millsburg, where he grew up, somewhere in the south.
Karl gets a job and becomes fast friends with a boy named Frank (Lucas Black). This drama is about their friendship and those they associate with in the town.
“Sling Blade” is predictable, but its story is so well told that we don’t mind. This edited version has violence that is either verbally described or is implied, not depicted. Even so, “Sling Blade” is not for children but for anyone who loves great movies.
Directed by Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton / Lucas Black / Dwight Yoakam
135 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: (Director’s Cut) June 7, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0115 : 199
O (2001)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
“O” is a surprisingly intriguing modern spin on Shakespeare’s “Othello.” As is characteristic with Shakespeare’s works, this is a story full of intrigue and despicable characters.
Hugo (Josh Hartnett) is a talented basketball player (and the coach’s son). But that hasn’t won him any favoritism. The coach’s favorite is an even more talented African American player named Odin (Mekhi Phifer).
Hugo’s jealousy and secret contempt for Odin leads him to weave a web of wickedness so vile, that we wonder how he can possibly face himself in the mirror. His treachery is so reprehensible that we cannot look away because we must see what incredulous scheme he’ll implement next.
Basically, Hugo wishes to remove his obstacle, the school’s star player and O’s girlfriend, Desi (Julia Stiles), so he can receive the limelight that he feels he rightfully deserves.
“O” is mostly filled with lies and deceit, though it does have a few violent scenes that are necessary to the plot. What I love about this “sleeper” is its dialed-down, quiet nature. It’s not flashy like some summertime blockbuster, but it’s simple and confident in its story.
I wish we had Shakespeare here to write plays for the silver screen.
Directed by Tim Blake Nelson
Josh Hartnett / Mekhi Phifer / Julia Stiles
95 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 19, 2002
Copyright 2007.
JP0121 : 199
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
“O” is a surprisingly intriguing modern spin on Shakespeare’s “Othello.” As is characteristic with Shakespeare’s works, this is a story full of intrigue and despicable characters.
Hugo (Josh Hartnett) is a talented basketball player (and the coach’s son). But that hasn’t won him any favoritism. The coach’s favorite is an even more talented African American player named Odin (Mekhi Phifer).
Hugo’s jealousy and secret contempt for Odin leads him to weave a web of wickedness so vile, that we wonder how he can possibly face himself in the mirror. His treachery is so reprehensible that we cannot look away because we must see what incredulous scheme he’ll implement next.
Basically, Hugo wishes to remove his obstacle, the school’s star player and O’s girlfriend, Desi (Julia Stiles), so he can receive the limelight that he feels he rightfully deserves.
“O” is mostly filled with lies and deceit, though it does have a few violent scenes that are necessary to the plot. What I love about this “sleeper” is its dialed-down, quiet nature. It’s not flashy like some summertime blockbuster, but it’s simple and confident in its story.
I wish we had Shakespeare here to write plays for the silver screen.
Directed by Tim Blake Nelson
Josh Hartnett / Mekhi Phifer / Julia Stiles
95 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 19, 2002
Copyright 2007.
JP0121 : 199
Lord of the Flies (1990)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
Based on the novel by William Golding, “Lord of the Flies” has become a modern classic, particularly for junior high readers.
Some criticize this slightly modernized adaptation, but it still makes the same scary statements about human beings and still contains its small glimmer of hope.
A group of boys, between nine to 12 years old, are cadets in a military boys’ school. While traveling from overseas, their plane crashes into the ocean. The survivors manage to swim to a small, deserted island somewhere “in the tropics.” There are no functional adults present to supervise the castaways, so they establish their own society.
But the movie takes a dark turn as it observes the boys’ rapid descent into lawlessness and savagery. Not all of the boys succumb to animalistic tendencies, however.
The movie’s tagline summarizes it best: “No parents. No teachers. No rules … No mercy.”
This edited version is still somewhat violent and disturbing. But perhaps because of my own upbringing with this story, I would still recommend it for junior high viewers.
“Lord of the Flies” is most upsetting because we can easily see the truth of its painful commentary about human nature.
Directed by Harry Hook
Balthazar Getty / Chris Furrh / Danuel Pipoly
90 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: November 20, 2001
Copyright 2007.
JP0120 : 195
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 29, 2007
Based on the novel by William Golding, “Lord of the Flies” has become a modern classic, particularly for junior high readers.
Some criticize this slightly modernized adaptation, but it still makes the same scary statements about human beings and still contains its small glimmer of hope.
A group of boys, between nine to 12 years old, are cadets in a military boys’ school. While traveling from overseas, their plane crashes into the ocean. The survivors manage to swim to a small, deserted island somewhere “in the tropics.” There are no functional adults present to supervise the castaways, so they establish their own society.
But the movie takes a dark turn as it observes the boys’ rapid descent into lawlessness and savagery. Not all of the boys succumb to animalistic tendencies, however.
The movie’s tagline summarizes it best: “No parents. No teachers. No rules … No mercy.”
This edited version is still somewhat violent and disturbing. But perhaps because of my own upbringing with this story, I would still recommend it for junior high viewers.
“Lord of the Flies” is most upsetting because we can easily see the truth of its painful commentary about human nature.
Directed by Harry Hook
Balthazar Getty / Chris Furrh / Danuel Pipoly
90 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: November 20, 2001
Copyright 2007.
JP0120 : 195
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 15, 2007
Please note that “Pan’s Labyrinth” is not a children’s movie; it has been called “a fairy tale for adults.” In any case, “Pan’s Labyrinth” is a remarkable film.
You should also know that “Pan’s Labyrinth” is filmed in Spanish with English subtitles. (Some people have an aversion to foreign films for this reason.) And even though it’s edited, this movie is still fairly violent, including shootings, beatings, stabbings and mild violence toward a child.
Set in war-torn Spain, 1944, “Pan’s Labyrinth” tells the story of Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), an 11-year-old girl whose widowed mother recently married a ruthless military captain.
Ofelia lives in two worlds: the unhappy misery of her new home amid warring soldiers, and she’s somehow drawn into a magical, fairy-tale-like realm. A creepy fawn tells Ofelia that she is actually the princess of an underworld king (not Satan), but she must complete three quests before the next full moon to regain her throne.
“Pan’s Labyrinth” shows us how the young girl struggles to negotiate both of her dangerous worlds. The truly fascinating element of the movie is determining whether Ofelia’s fairy tale world actually exists or is merely a traumatized little girl’s imaginary coping mechanism.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Ivana Baquero / Sergi Lopez / Maribel Verdu
112 min. Drama / Fantasy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: May 15, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0112 : 198
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 15, 2007
Please note that “Pan’s Labyrinth” is not a children’s movie; it has been called “a fairy tale for adults.” In any case, “Pan’s Labyrinth” is a remarkable film.
You should also know that “Pan’s Labyrinth” is filmed in Spanish with English subtitles. (Some people have an aversion to foreign films for this reason.) And even though it’s edited, this movie is still fairly violent, including shootings, beatings, stabbings and mild violence toward a child.
Set in war-torn Spain, 1944, “Pan’s Labyrinth” tells the story of Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), an 11-year-old girl whose widowed mother recently married a ruthless military captain.
Ofelia lives in two worlds: the unhappy misery of her new home amid warring soldiers, and she’s somehow drawn into a magical, fairy-tale-like realm. A creepy fawn tells Ofelia that she is actually the princess of an underworld king (not Satan), but she must complete three quests before the next full moon to regain her throne.
“Pan’s Labyrinth” shows us how the young girl struggles to negotiate both of her dangerous worlds. The truly fascinating element of the movie is determining whether Ofelia’s fairy tale world actually exists or is merely a traumatized little girl’s imaginary coping mechanism.
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Ivana Baquero / Sergi Lopez / Maribel Verdu
112 min. Drama / Fantasy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: May 15, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0112 : 198
Stomp the Yard (2007)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 15, 2007
“Stomp the Yard” tells the same story as “The Karate Kid” movies but with dancing.
DJ Williams (Columbus Short) is sent from his mother in L.A. to live with his aunt and uncle in Atlanta, so he can attend Truth University. DJ is a dancer. But this isn’t your typical type of dancing, it’s a blend of hip hop, gymnastics, and at times, it appears to contradict the laws of physics. Surely such dancers risk paralysis. The movie’s dancing alone is sufficiently entertaining.
But DJ must adjust from L.A.’s street-dancing scene to the fraternities’ “step dancing,” a stomp-oriented version of cheerleading for men. DJ also must endure being the misfit new guy while trying to date the enemy frat’s star pupil’s girlfriend. And, of course, the movie has a big dance competition finale.
This edited version has some mild violence and a couple of brief scenes of scantily clad females dancing sensuously.
But what makes “Stomp the Yard” good is its positive portrayal of black youth: While many movies unfairly depict African Americans grimly, this movie shows them pursuing education and making good decisions. Even the vilified frat recites the Lord’s Prayer before the final competition.
Directed by Sylvain White
Columbus Short / Darrin Henson / Brian J. White
115 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 14 and up
DVD release date: May 15, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0113 : 196
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 15, 2007
“Stomp the Yard” tells the same story as “The Karate Kid” movies but with dancing.
DJ Williams (Columbus Short) is sent from his mother in L.A. to live with his aunt and uncle in Atlanta, so he can attend Truth University. DJ is a dancer. But this isn’t your typical type of dancing, it’s a blend of hip hop, gymnastics, and at times, it appears to contradict the laws of physics. Surely such dancers risk paralysis. The movie’s dancing alone is sufficiently entertaining.
But DJ must adjust from L.A.’s street-dancing scene to the fraternities’ “step dancing,” a stomp-oriented version of cheerleading for men. DJ also must endure being the misfit new guy while trying to date the enemy frat’s star pupil’s girlfriend. And, of course, the movie has a big dance competition finale.
This edited version has some mild violence and a couple of brief scenes of scantily clad females dancing sensuously.
But what makes “Stomp the Yard” good is its positive portrayal of black youth: While many movies unfairly depict African Americans grimly, this movie shows them pursuing education and making good decisions. Even the vilified frat recites the Lord’s Prayer before the final competition.
Directed by Sylvain White
Columbus Short / Darrin Henson / Brian J. White
115 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 14 and up
DVD release date: May 15, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0113 : 196
Because I Said So (2007)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007
“Because I Said So” is vibrant and delightful. It possesses all of the elements for a successful romantic comedy, such as weddings, misunderstandings, endearing foibles and so forth. If that’s your genre, then I highly recommend this movie.
Daphne (Diane Keaton) is the meddling, controlling, busybody mother of three daughters. Daphne’s marriage didn’t work out favorably. Consequently, she has spent years obsessing over her daughters’ lives, trying to ensure that they don’t make the same mistakes she made — especially when it comes to love.
Two of the daughters, Maggie (Lauren Graham, “Gilmore Girls”) and Mae (Piper Perabo), have successfully found their mates. But one daughter, Milly (Mandy Moore), has had considerable difficulty.
To help Milly along, Daphne places a dating ad for her daughter. Daphne plans to hold prescreening interviews with each applicant. This process yields two contenders.
“Because I Said So” is cute and colorful. Its charm is a result of having multiple love stories within the same movie. There’s even a singing opportunity for Mandy Moore, naturally.
Diane Keaton’s character wears thin, but she’s supposed to be annoying. Even so, I felt so fortunate to have such a great mother-in-law. Movies like this reinforce my gratitude.
Directed by Michael Lehmann
Diane Keaton / Mandy Moore / Gabriel Macht
102 min. Romance / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0109 : 198
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007
“Because I Said So” is vibrant and delightful. It possesses all of the elements for a successful romantic comedy, such as weddings, misunderstandings, endearing foibles and so forth. If that’s your genre, then I highly recommend this movie.
Daphne (Diane Keaton) is the meddling, controlling, busybody mother of three daughters. Daphne’s marriage didn’t work out favorably. Consequently, she has spent years obsessing over her daughters’ lives, trying to ensure that they don’t make the same mistakes she made — especially when it comes to love.
Two of the daughters, Maggie (Lauren Graham, “Gilmore Girls”) and Mae (Piper Perabo), have successfully found their mates. But one daughter, Milly (Mandy Moore), has had considerable difficulty.
To help Milly along, Daphne places a dating ad for her daughter. Daphne plans to hold prescreening interviews with each applicant. This process yields two contenders.
“Because I Said So” is cute and colorful. Its charm is a result of having multiple love stories within the same movie. There’s even a singing opportunity for Mandy Moore, naturally.
Diane Keaton’s character wears thin, but she’s supposed to be annoying. Even so, I felt so fortunate to have such a great mother-in-law. Movies like this reinforce my gratitude.
Directed by Michael Lehmann
Diane Keaton / Mandy Moore / Gabriel Macht
102 min. Romance / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0109 : 198
The Painted Veil (2006)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007
“The Painted Veil” is a drama that has a hint of romance and the passing suggestion of a thriller. Though it begins with a lot of stamina, “The Painted Veil” tends to drag here and there. Nevertheless, this movie is still worth seeing if you enjoy good dramas.
“The Painted Veil” begins at point H, flashes back and catches us up from point A to point G, then continues on to point Z. This technique is wonderfully effective at drawing us into the story.
The year is 1923. Kitty (Naomi Watts) is rich, miserable and unmarried. Her older sister married well, and Kitty’s nagging mother is pressuring her to also “leave the nest.” A timid bacteriologist, Dr. Fane (Ed Norton), comes courting and proposes to Kitty. She doesn’t love him, but Kitty accepts so she can escape her mother.
When Fane later finds that his discontent wife is having an affair, he volunteers to treat a cholera epidemic in a small town in rural China. He, more or less, forces her to accompany him to the dangerous, diseased wilderness.
That’s the storyline, but that’s not what the movie is about. The most important developments in this film are subtle.
Directed by John Curran
Naomi Watts / Edward Norton / Liev Schreiber
125 min. Drama / Romance
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 14 and up
DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0110 : 199
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007
“The Painted Veil” is a drama that has a hint of romance and the passing suggestion of a thriller. Though it begins with a lot of stamina, “The Painted Veil” tends to drag here and there. Nevertheless, this movie is still worth seeing if you enjoy good dramas.
“The Painted Veil” begins at point H, flashes back and catches us up from point A to point G, then continues on to point Z. This technique is wonderfully effective at drawing us into the story.
The year is 1923. Kitty (Naomi Watts) is rich, miserable and unmarried. Her older sister married well, and Kitty’s nagging mother is pressuring her to also “leave the nest.” A timid bacteriologist, Dr. Fane (Ed Norton), comes courting and proposes to Kitty. She doesn’t love him, but Kitty accepts so she can escape her mother.
When Fane later finds that his discontent wife is having an affair, he volunteers to treat a cholera epidemic in a small town in rural China. He, more or less, forces her to accompany him to the dangerous, diseased wilderness.
That’s the storyline, but that’s not what the movie is about. The most important developments in this film are subtle.
Directed by John Curran
Naomi Watts / Edward Norton / Liev Schreiber
125 min. Drama / Romance
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 14 and up
DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0110 : 199
Music and Lyrics (2007)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007
“Music and Lyrics” has potential, but Drew Barrymore assassinates it with her portrayal of a ditzy, innocent, little girl persona that’s prevalent in her latest roles.
Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) was a pop icon during the ‘80s. His group, Pop!, had a hit song called “Pop Goes My Heart.” We get to see the music video. It’s scarily accurate in every way and quite funny. In present day, however, Fletcher is a has-been who struggles to even get gigs at state fairs and amusement parks.
Luckily, the current pop diva, Cora Corman, commissions Fletcher to write a duet for them to sing at an upcoming concert. And, she offers to include it on her new album. The problem is, Fletcher is a composer, not a lyricist. But when he meets Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), he learns that she has a gift for writing.
The movie has funny parts, but 98 percent of them are thanks to Hugh Grant’s keen delivery. The love story between the collaborators is more annoying than cute. And the pop diva (who’s obviously based on Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera) wears costumes and performs dance moves that easily keep this edited version’s rating at PG-13.
Directed by Marc Lawrence
Hugh Grant / Drew Barrymore / Brad Garrett
96 min. Comedy / Romance
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0107 : 199
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007
“Music and Lyrics” has potential, but Drew Barrymore assassinates it with her portrayal of a ditzy, innocent, little girl persona that’s prevalent in her latest roles.
Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) was a pop icon during the ‘80s. His group, Pop!, had a hit song called “Pop Goes My Heart.” We get to see the music video. It’s scarily accurate in every way and quite funny. In present day, however, Fletcher is a has-been who struggles to even get gigs at state fairs and amusement parks.
Luckily, the current pop diva, Cora Corman, commissions Fletcher to write a duet for them to sing at an upcoming concert. And, she offers to include it on her new album. The problem is, Fletcher is a composer, not a lyricist. But when he meets Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), he learns that she has a gift for writing.
The movie has funny parts, but 98 percent of them are thanks to Hugh Grant’s keen delivery. The love story between the collaborators is more annoying than cute. And the pop diva (who’s obviously based on Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera) wears costumes and performs dance moves that easily keep this edited version’s rating at PG-13.
Directed by Marc Lawrence
Hugh Grant / Drew Barrymore / Brad Garrett
96 min. Comedy / Romance
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0107 : 199
Catch and Release (2006)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007
Many love stories highlight the problems of an old relationship while investigating the difficulties of a new one. But “Catch and Release” does this in a fascinating way: The man of the old relationship is deceased; and the man of the new relationship is the deceased’s best friend.
Gray Wheeler (Jennifer Garner) was about to be married when her fiancé died on a fishing trip. Again, this happened right before their wedding. But it’s not the new love story that makes this romantic comedy so interesting, it is the old one. (That’s not to say that we don’t cheer for the new guy, however.)
Gray begins to discover that she didn’t know her fiancé very well at all. In the days following his death, she stumbles upon some startling revelations. This is the primary appeal of “Catch and Release”: waiting to see what she’ll discover next.
Most of the humor comes from the dead guy’s pals, particularly Sam (Kevin Smith). I recommend “Catch and Release.” It still follows the romantic comedy formula, but it does it with originality.
Directed by Susannah Grant
Jennifer Garner / Timothy Olyphant / Kevin Smith
124 min. Romance / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0106 : 178
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007
Many love stories highlight the problems of an old relationship while investigating the difficulties of a new one. But “Catch and Release” does this in a fascinating way: The man of the old relationship is deceased; and the man of the new relationship is the deceased’s best friend.
Gray Wheeler (Jennifer Garner) was about to be married when her fiancé died on a fishing trip. Again, this happened right before their wedding. But it’s not the new love story that makes this romantic comedy so interesting, it is the old one. (That’s not to say that we don’t cheer for the new guy, however.)
Gray begins to discover that she didn’t know her fiancé very well at all. In the days following his death, she stumbles upon some startling revelations. This is the primary appeal of “Catch and Release”: waiting to see what she’ll discover next.
Most of the humor comes from the dead guy’s pals, particularly Sam (Kevin Smith). I recommend “Catch and Release.” It still follows the romantic comedy formula, but it does it with originality.
Directed by Susannah Grant
Jennifer Garner / Timothy Olyphant / Kevin Smith
124 min. Romance / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0106 : 178
Little Children (2006)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 1, 2007
“Little Children” is about people who live lives of desperation. Some are selfish. Some feel helpless. All are unhappy.
A 48-year-old, convicted sex offender named Ronnie McGorvey (Jackie Earle Haley) has just moved into small town with his elderly mother. She encourages him to place dating ads in the newspaper. A woman in his life might help him fight his “urges.”
The community of parents is uneasy about Ronnie’s presence, especially a retired cop named Larry (Noah Emmerich) who feels it’s his personal mission to continually remind Ronnie (and the neighborhood) that Ronnie is a child predator. But Ronnie is just a side plot.
“Little Children” shows how to fall into an extra-marital affair. Or, it shows how and why not to commit adultery. Sarah (Kate Winslet) and Brad (Patrick Wilson) meet in a park with their children and begin a romantic relationship after rendezvousing at the public pool with their kids on a daily basis. Both are unhappily married.
A fascinating element to “Little Children” is how few of the main characters are innocent: the children and perhaps Ronnie’s mother. An occasional, omniscient narrator (Will Lyman) gives us special insights.
“Little Children” is an uncommonly excellent, involving drama.
Directed by Todd Field
Kate Winslet / Patrick Wilson / Jackie Earle Haley
130 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: May 1, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP00103 : 199
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 1, 2007
“Little Children” is about people who live lives of desperation. Some are selfish. Some feel helpless. All are unhappy.
A 48-year-old, convicted sex offender named Ronnie McGorvey (Jackie Earle Haley) has just moved into small town with his elderly mother. She encourages him to place dating ads in the newspaper. A woman in his life might help him fight his “urges.”
The community of parents is uneasy about Ronnie’s presence, especially a retired cop named Larry (Noah Emmerich) who feels it’s his personal mission to continually remind Ronnie (and the neighborhood) that Ronnie is a child predator. But Ronnie is just a side plot.
“Little Children” shows how to fall into an extra-marital affair. Or, it shows how and why not to commit adultery. Sarah (Kate Winslet) and Brad (Patrick Wilson) meet in a park with their children and begin a romantic relationship after rendezvousing at the public pool with their kids on a daily basis. Both are unhappily married.
A fascinating element to “Little Children” is how few of the main characters are innocent: the children and perhaps Ronnie’s mother. An occasional, omniscient narrator (Will Lyman) gives us special insights.
“Little Children” is an uncommonly excellent, involving drama.
Directed by Todd Field
Kate Winslet / Patrick Wilson / Jackie Earle Haley
130 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: May 1, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP00103 : 199
Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock (2006)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 1, 2007
“Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?” is a documentary. But it’s just as much a mystery. This movie is filled with unlikely characters and even unlikelier circumstances, insomuch that it could not possibly be fictitious; it has to be true to be this bizarre.
Teri Horton is an older lady who is a truck driver. (Think “Large Marge” from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985), but not large.) One day Teri wanted to cheer up her friend, so she bought a big painting from a thrift store for five bucks. At a garage sale, a local art teacher told her that the artwork looked like a Jackson Pollock painting. The film’s title came from Teri’s reaction, “except she didn’t say ‘fudge.’”
It turns out that Jackson Pollock is considered by many to be one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. And consequently, her five-dollar painting may be worth more than $50 million. This documentary follows Teri’s battle with “the art world” to try to prove this painting’s authenticity.
“Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?” is worth renting strictly to watch interviews with Thomas Hoving, art expert, and John Myatt, art impersonator. I recommend this to documentary fans.
Directed by Harry Moses
Teri Horton / Thomas Hoving / John Myatt
74 min. Documentary
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 8 and up
DVD release date: May 1, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0099 : 197
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 1, 2007
“Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?” is a documentary. But it’s just as much a mystery. This movie is filled with unlikely characters and even unlikelier circumstances, insomuch that it could not possibly be fictitious; it has to be true to be this bizarre.
Teri Horton is an older lady who is a truck driver. (Think “Large Marge” from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985), but not large.) One day Teri wanted to cheer up her friend, so she bought a big painting from a thrift store for five bucks. At a garage sale, a local art teacher told her that the artwork looked like a Jackson Pollock painting. The film’s title came from Teri’s reaction, “except she didn’t say ‘fudge.’”
It turns out that Jackson Pollock is considered by many to be one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. And consequently, her five-dollar painting may be worth more than $50 million. This documentary follows Teri’s battle with “the art world” to try to prove this painting’s authenticity.
“Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?” is worth renting strictly to watch interviews with Thomas Hoving, art expert, and John Myatt, art impersonator. I recommend this to documentary fans.
Directed by Harry Moses
Teri Horton / Thomas Hoving / John Myatt
74 min. Documentary
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 8 and up
DVD release date: May 1, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0099 : 197
Dreamgirls (2006)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 1, 2007
“Dreamgirls” is a musical (and a drama) that is based on a group of black, R&B entertainers during the 1960s and 1970s.
To be fair, I’m not fond of musicals or R&B, particularly when female vocalists (so-called “divas”) are given free reign to bellow on and on, continually traversing musical scales with increasing volume. (We often hear such embellishments of our national anthem.) But if you enjoy musicals and deafening divas, “Dreamgirls” is probably for you.
Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose play a trio who is trying to break into show business. They get their first gigs as the back-up singers for Jimmy “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). Murphy plays his typical Eddie Murphy part — minus the humor. (So, basically, he plays Chris Tucker.)
We see all of these performers struggle to cross over to the pop music scene, as well as the typical pitfalls associated with stardom and the music business.
The movie’s greatest strength is the discreet emergence of its true villain. The costumes are impressive, as well.
This edited version of “Dreamgirls” has mild, brief scenes of sensuality and drug use. I cannot recommend it; but if you do watch “Dreamgirls,” I recommend Tylenol.
Directed by Bill Condon
Eddie Murphy / Jamie Foxx / Beyonce Knowles
131 min. Drama / Musical
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 14 and up
DVD release date: May 1, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP00102 : 199
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 1, 2007
“Dreamgirls” is a musical (and a drama) that is based on a group of black, R&B entertainers during the 1960s and 1970s.
To be fair, I’m not fond of musicals or R&B, particularly when female vocalists (so-called “divas”) are given free reign to bellow on and on, continually traversing musical scales with increasing volume. (We often hear such embellishments of our national anthem.) But if you enjoy musicals and deafening divas, “Dreamgirls” is probably for you.
Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose play a trio who is trying to break into show business. They get their first gigs as the back-up singers for Jimmy “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). Murphy plays his typical Eddie Murphy part — minus the humor. (So, basically, he plays Chris Tucker.)
We see all of these performers struggle to cross over to the pop music scene, as well as the typical pitfalls associated with stardom and the music business.
The movie’s greatest strength is the discreet emergence of its true villain. The costumes are impressive, as well.
This edited version of “Dreamgirls” has mild, brief scenes of sensuality and drug use. I cannot recommend it; but if you do watch “Dreamgirls,” I recommend Tylenol.
Directed by Bill Condon
Eddie Murphy / Jamie Foxx / Beyonce Knowles
131 min. Drama / Musical
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 14 and up
DVD release date: May 1, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP00102 : 199
The Science of Sleep (2006)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 3, 2007
Many people, if not most, would probably hate “The Science of Sleep,” dismissing it as weird, abstract and bizarre. This artsy movie is indeed whimsical and wacky, but that’s because it has more to do with dreams than science.
As near as I can tell, “The Science of Sleep” is about a delusional young artist named Stephane (Gael Garcia Bernal) who has trouble separating his dream states from reality. He falls in love with his next-door neighbor, Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg). His friendship and aspiring romance with her is endearing, heartwarming and creepy — all at the same time.
We see daily dreamscapes and the real-world wrestles of Stephane, including the job he despises and his love for Stephanie. And like all love stories, we think the two should be together, but they can’t communicate well enough to make that happen.
I liked this film, but it’s definitely an acquired taste. It features three languages: English, French, and some Spanish, and is subtitled accordingly.
“The Science of Sleep” leaves you with the same kind of aftertaste as “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004). It’s a movie that’s like eggnog: sweet, unusual and a little bit goes a long way.
Directed by Michel Gondry
Gael Garcia Bernal / Charlotte Gainsbourg / Alain Chabat
105 min. Fantasy / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 9 and up
DVD release date: February 6, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0097 : 198
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 3, 2007
Many people, if not most, would probably hate “The Science of Sleep,” dismissing it as weird, abstract and bizarre. This artsy movie is indeed whimsical and wacky, but that’s because it has more to do with dreams than science.
As near as I can tell, “The Science of Sleep” is about a delusional young artist named Stephane (Gael Garcia Bernal) who has trouble separating his dream states from reality. He falls in love with his next-door neighbor, Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg). His friendship and aspiring romance with her is endearing, heartwarming and creepy — all at the same time.
We see daily dreamscapes and the real-world wrestles of Stephane, including the job he despises and his love for Stephanie. And like all love stories, we think the two should be together, but they can’t communicate well enough to make that happen.
I liked this film, but it’s definitely an acquired taste. It features three languages: English, French, and some Spanish, and is subtitled accordingly.
“The Science of Sleep” leaves you with the same kind of aftertaste as “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004). It’s a movie that’s like eggnog: sweet, unusual and a little bit goes a long way.
Directed by Michel Gondry
Gael Garcia Bernal / Charlotte Gainsbourg / Alain Chabat
105 min. Fantasy / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 9 and up
DVD release date: February 6, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0097 : 198
The Black Dahlia (2006)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 2, 2007
There is a critical, invisible element to filmmaking called “pacing,” which simply means the speed at which the story unfolds and the significant sequences occur. “The Black Dahlia” isn’t a tortoise or molasses; it is a three-toed sloth, stuck behind a tortoise traffic jam on a road of molasses.
And this is more of an observation than a criticism: Some period pieces look authentic; others, like this one, have an artificiality to them. Since “The Black Dahlia” is “inspired by the most notorious, unsolved murder in California history,” it should have been more realistic.
“The Black Dahlia” is an adaptation of the James Ellroy novel about a 1940s movie star who is gruesomely murdered and disemboweled. It follows the investigation of two cops who both become emotionally (and otherwise) involved.
Josh Hartnett, Aaron Eckhart, Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank and Mia Kirshner (who plays Elizabeth Short) are all entertaining to watch. There are also interesting developments, but they’re few and far between.
This edited version deletes the murder gore, but there are still scenes of violence and some blood.
It’s a shame that Elizabeth Short became more famous after she was dead. Painters tend to have that problem, too.
Directed by Brian De Palma
Josh Hartnett / Aaron Eckhart / Scarlett Johansson
121 min. Crime / Mystery
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 16 and up
DVD release date: December 26, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0095 : 198
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / May 2, 2007
There is a critical, invisible element to filmmaking called “pacing,” which simply means the speed at which the story unfolds and the significant sequences occur. “The Black Dahlia” isn’t a tortoise or molasses; it is a three-toed sloth, stuck behind a tortoise traffic jam on a road of molasses.
And this is more of an observation than a criticism: Some period pieces look authentic; others, like this one, have an artificiality to them. Since “The Black Dahlia” is “inspired by the most notorious, unsolved murder in California history,” it should have been more realistic.
“The Black Dahlia” is an adaptation of the James Ellroy novel about a 1940s movie star who is gruesomely murdered and disemboweled. It follows the investigation of two cops who both become emotionally (and otherwise) involved.
Josh Hartnett, Aaron Eckhart, Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank and Mia Kirshner (who plays Elizabeth Short) are all entertaining to watch. There are also interesting developments, but they’re few and far between.
This edited version deletes the murder gore, but there are still scenes of violence and some blood.
It’s a shame that Elizabeth Short became more famous after she was dead. Painters tend to have that problem, too.
Directed by Brian De Palma
Josh Hartnett / Aaron Eckhart / Scarlett Johansson
121 min. Crime / Mystery
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 16 and up
DVD release date: December 26, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0095 : 198
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