O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 23, 2007
Robert Kennedy won California’s primary election on June 5, 1968. That night, after giving a speech in the ballroom of his headquarters at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Kennedy was shot in the head by a Jordanian immigrant named Sirhan Sirhan. Kennedy died the next day.
Writing that isn’t a spoiler because people already know the story, and “Bobby” isn’t really about the assassination, anyway. Emilio Estevez wrote and directed this movie that focuses on satellite stories of fictitious human dramas that surround the events of that night.
Basically, to describe each of these tiny storylines is to give away the movie. Since there are a number of plot threads, each story only gets limited attention. But the huge, star-studded cast makes these mini dramas interesting enough.
Don’t mistake “Bobby” for an accurate, historical depiction. In fact, Kennedy is hardly in the movie at all. Most of his appearances are actual file footage. The actor who plays Kennedy doesn’t appear until about 75 minutes into the film.
This edited version has brief innuendo; several drug depictions; references to northward, female body parts and ample blood.
Overall, “Bobby” isn’t exceptional, but it’s a decent, historical fiction drama.
Directed by Emilio Estevez
Anthony Hopkins / Laurence Fishburne / William H. Macy
120 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: April 10, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0137 : 197
Wide Awake (2006)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 15, 2007
Alan Berliner claims to have a problem: insomnia. It’s not that I disbelieve that he’s afflicted with what we might call “problematic sleep habits,” I just don’t think their problematic for him. In fact, I’d say this guy likes being an insomniac.
“Wide Awake” is a documentary about the filmmaker himself. Typically, he gets about three hours of sleep each night (and it’s not always restful sleep). He thrives in the wee hours of the middle of the night. Consequently, he has been exhausted during the daytime for years.
Such a documentary subject sounds rather interesting; but ironically, this film tends to make you sleepy. I got tired just watching Berliner, partially from boredom. But this film is not without interest: Berliner’s supplementary montages rival that of any other filmmaker. He has an uncanny ability to include obscure, relevant footage.
This talent turns out to be one of Berliner’s best eccentricities. He is a collector with unsurpassed talents in cataloguing his treasures. His collections should have been the focus of his documentary. Wow. Then he would have had something truly fascinating to show us.
Instead, Berliner films himself drinking a cup of coffee ... while describing this process.
Directed by Alan Berliner
Alan Berliner / William C. Dement
90 min. Documentary
(No original MPAA rating)
Edited version age recommendation: 8 and up
DVD release date: May 29, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0128 : 198
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 15, 2007
Alan Berliner claims to have a problem: insomnia. It’s not that I disbelieve that he’s afflicted with what we might call “problematic sleep habits,” I just don’t think their problematic for him. In fact, I’d say this guy likes being an insomniac.
“Wide Awake” is a documentary about the filmmaker himself. Typically, he gets about three hours of sleep each night (and it’s not always restful sleep). He thrives in the wee hours of the middle of the night. Consequently, he has been exhausted during the daytime for years.
Such a documentary subject sounds rather interesting; but ironically, this film tends to make you sleepy. I got tired just watching Berliner, partially from boredom. But this film is not without interest: Berliner’s supplementary montages rival that of any other filmmaker. He has an uncanny ability to include obscure, relevant footage.
This talent turns out to be one of Berliner’s best eccentricities. He is a collector with unsurpassed talents in cataloguing his treasures. His collections should have been the focus of his documentary. Wow. Then he would have had something truly fascinating to show us.
Instead, Berliner films himself drinking a cup of coffee ... while describing this process.
Directed by Alan Berliner
Alan Berliner / William C. Dement
90 min. Documentary
(No original MPAA rating)
Edited version age recommendation: 8 and up
DVD release date: May 29, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0128 : 198
The Weather Man (2005)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 15, 2007
“The Weather Man” is an excellent film; but most people, I suspect, will probably just think it’s just so-so. Some will think it’s more depressing than funny, and others, vice versa.
David Spritz (Nicolas Cage) is not a loser. He’s actually a remarkably patient person who’s just unlucky — consistently. But his patience is limited to family members. Outside his family, he’s a loose cannon.
Basically, this movie depicts the struggles of a weather man who’s trying to get back together with his wife and connect with his two unhappy children. He seeks the approval of his critical father. And Spritz is also aspiring to get a job on Bryant Gumbel’s national morning news show, “Hello America.” In short, he wants himself and those he loves to be happy.
The movie’s pace doesn’t hurry one bit, much like real life. Cage’s intermittent narration is excellent. He is a master at odd characters, and this weather man is perfect for him. I especially admired how Spritz’s newfound hobby (archery) becomes indicative of the aims of his life.
In addition to using the phrase “Spritz Nipper” successfully, “The Weather Man” incorporates Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock” song in a moving way.
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Nicolas Cage / Michael Caine / Hope Davis
101 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: February 21, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0129 : 198
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 15, 2007
“The Weather Man” is an excellent film; but most people, I suspect, will probably just think it’s just so-so. Some will think it’s more depressing than funny, and others, vice versa.
David Spritz (Nicolas Cage) is not a loser. He’s actually a remarkably patient person who’s just unlucky — consistently. But his patience is limited to family members. Outside his family, he’s a loose cannon.
Basically, this movie depicts the struggles of a weather man who’s trying to get back together with his wife and connect with his two unhappy children. He seeks the approval of his critical father. And Spritz is also aspiring to get a job on Bryant Gumbel’s national morning news show, “Hello America.” In short, he wants himself and those he loves to be happy.
The movie’s pace doesn’t hurry one bit, much like real life. Cage’s intermittent narration is excellent. He is a master at odd characters, and this weather man is perfect for him. I especially admired how Spritz’s newfound hobby (archery) becomes indicative of the aims of his life.
In addition to using the phrase “Spritz Nipper” successfully, “The Weather Man” incorporates Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock” song in a moving way.
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Nicolas Cage / Michael Caine / Hope Davis
101 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: February 21, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0129 : 198
United 93 (2006)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007
When I watch “United 93,” the phrase “an important film” comes to mind.
I’d like to make clear that this film does not exploit the ill-fated flight(s) of September 11, 2001, but it does relive them. If you were like most of America and had a strong emotional reaction that day, you’ll experience it anew while watching “United 93.”
Much of the movie (if not most) takes place amid the chaos and confusion of various air traffic control centers. The narrative recreates the events of the day, beginning with the terrorists praying in the early hours of the morning, preparing for their mission.
We see actual footage of the towers, and the other three flights are discussed, but we only see the onboard goings-on of flight 93, the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania from an insurrection of courageous passengers.
To add to the authenticity of the film, many of the actual control center personnel on duty that day reenacted their same roles, including Ben Sliney.
Edited or not, this film is still upsetting no matter how you slice it. Even so, it’s an important historical film and a cinematic treasure depicting one of America’s darkest days.
Directed by Paul Greengrass
Ben Sliney / Peter Hermann / Saeed Al Ghamdi
111 min. Drama / Historical
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: September 5, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0124 : 196
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007
When I watch “United 93,” the phrase “an important film” comes to mind.
I’d like to make clear that this film does not exploit the ill-fated flight(s) of September 11, 2001, but it does relive them. If you were like most of America and had a strong emotional reaction that day, you’ll experience it anew while watching “United 93.”
Much of the movie (if not most) takes place amid the chaos and confusion of various air traffic control centers. The narrative recreates the events of the day, beginning with the terrorists praying in the early hours of the morning, preparing for their mission.
We see actual footage of the towers, and the other three flights are discussed, but we only see the onboard goings-on of flight 93, the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania from an insurrection of courageous passengers.
To add to the authenticity of the film, many of the actual control center personnel on duty that day reenacted their same roles, including Ben Sliney.
Edited or not, this film is still upsetting no matter how you slice it. Even so, it’s an important historical film and a cinematic treasure depicting one of America’s darkest days.
Directed by Paul Greengrass
Ben Sliney / Peter Hermann / Saeed Al Ghamdi
111 min. Drama / Historical
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: September 5, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0124 : 196
Primal Fear (1996)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007
“Primal Fear” is a masterpiece. There are some things in life that you wish you could have amnesia and experience anew for the first time. For me, “Primal Fear” is one of those things.
Richard Gere plays a slick, talented, criminal defense attorney named Martin Vail. He isn’t interested in knowing whether his clients are innocent; he just wants to know if he can convince a jury that his clients are innocent.
But something bizarre happens: A well-respected Catholic Arch Bishop is murdered — brutally. An altar boy named Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton) is caught fleeing the crime covered in the victim’s blood. The case seems to be closed. But the ambitious lawyer takes the case and discovers that things aren’t as they seem.
Yes, “Primal Fear” is largely a courtroom drama, perhaps the best one I’ve seen. Edward Norton’s performance is spectacular; it earned him an Academy Award nomination. (He should have won.)
Though “Primal Fear” is edited, there are images and descriptions of a gory murder scene and brief, very mild discussions of sexual activity.
There are many good movies to rent. But if you want to watch a phenomenal flick tonight, “Primal Fear” is a sure bet.
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Richard Gere / Edward Norton / Laura Linney
129 min. Thriller / Mystery
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: October 21, 1998
Copyright 2007.
JP0126 : 199
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007
“Primal Fear” is a masterpiece. There are some things in life that you wish you could have amnesia and experience anew for the first time. For me, “Primal Fear” is one of those things.
Richard Gere plays a slick, talented, criminal defense attorney named Martin Vail. He isn’t interested in knowing whether his clients are innocent; he just wants to know if he can convince a jury that his clients are innocent.
But something bizarre happens: A well-respected Catholic Arch Bishop is murdered — brutally. An altar boy named Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton) is caught fleeing the crime covered in the victim’s blood. The case seems to be closed. But the ambitious lawyer takes the case and discovers that things aren’t as they seem.
Yes, “Primal Fear” is largely a courtroom drama, perhaps the best one I’ve seen. Edward Norton’s performance is spectacular; it earned him an Academy Award nomination. (He should have won.)
Though “Primal Fear” is edited, there are images and descriptions of a gory murder scene and brief, very mild discussions of sexual activity.
There are many good movies to rent. But if you want to watch a phenomenal flick tonight, “Primal Fear” is a sure bet.
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Richard Gere / Edward Norton / Laura Linney
129 min. Thriller / Mystery
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: October 21, 1998
Copyright 2007.
JP0126 : 199
The Constant Gardener (2005)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007
This movie should have been called “Constant Attention,” because that’s what it requires. “The Constant Gardener” is one of those hurry-up-and-wait mysteries complete with twists, turns, murders, betrayal, lies, etc. Basically, if you don’t keep up, you’re lost.
Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) is a diplomat and a lover of gardening. (Yes, he sounds dreadfully dull.) But Fiennes portrays this character with such kindness and gentleness, that we latch on to him almost immediately.
Justin falls in love and marries Tessa (Rachel Weisz), a fireball of a crusader who is “all about causes.” The following is not a spoiler: Her secret life leads to her death. She was too deep into an investigation of a corporate drug company that uses “expendable Africans” as guinea pigs for its drug development.
After his wife’s murder, Justin begins to pick up her trail and tries to learn the secrets she was protecting him from. Naturally, Tessa’s killers find Justin to be a similar kind of irritant.
Although it is, at times, boring — and difficult to follow, “The Constant Gardener” has a moving moment when Justin starts to think (and even speak) the way his wife once did. Fiennes executes this moment perfectly.
Directed by Fernando Meirelles
Ralph Fiennes / Rachel Weisz / Hubert Kounde
129 min. Mystery / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: January 10, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0122 : 198
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / June 8, 2007
This movie should have been called “Constant Attention,” because that’s what it requires. “The Constant Gardener” is one of those hurry-up-and-wait mysteries complete with twists, turns, murders, betrayal, lies, etc. Basically, if you don’t keep up, you’re lost.
Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) is a diplomat and a lover of gardening. (Yes, he sounds dreadfully dull.) But Fiennes portrays this character with such kindness and gentleness, that we latch on to him almost immediately.
Justin falls in love and marries Tessa (Rachel Weisz), a fireball of a crusader who is “all about causes.” The following is not a spoiler: Her secret life leads to her death. She was too deep into an investigation of a corporate drug company that uses “expendable Africans” as guinea pigs for its drug development.
After his wife’s murder, Justin begins to pick up her trail and tries to learn the secrets she was protecting him from. Naturally, Tessa’s killers find Justin to be a similar kind of irritant.
Although it is, at times, boring — and difficult to follow, “The Constant Gardener” has a moving moment when Justin starts to think (and even speak) the way his wife once did. Fiennes executes this moment perfectly.
Directed by Fernando Meirelles
Ralph Fiennes / Rachel Weisz / Hubert Kounde
129 min. Mystery / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: January 10, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0122 : 198
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