O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007
“Notes on a Scandal” is a sad yet alarming tale about debilitating loneliness. Most of the characters suffer from (and for) this affliction, in one way or another. And the acting performances are so authentic, we truly believe that we are witnessing real, hurting people.
As a critic, I’m usually careful to not give away too much in the plot summary, but considering the conservative tastes of Flix Club renters, you should know — up front — what this movie entails: “Notes on a Scandal” is about a female teacher who becomes intimately involved with a 15-year-old male student; and, about another, much older female teacher who has romantic inclinations toward the younger, aforementioned female teacher.
“Sheba” Hart (Cate Blanchett) is a first-year Art teacher at a high school in London. (This character’s full name, Bathsheba, was no doubt selected for its Biblical parallels.) Sheba’s presence in the school seems to affect students and faculty alike in “Bathsheba-like” ways. Sheba is married to a much older man (played by Bill Nighy), and she has two children: an atypical son with Down’s Syndrome and a typical teenaged daughter.
And though she seems so, Sheba is not perfect. When one of her 15-year-old students continues to make advances toward her, Sheba eventually submits and begins a pedophilic affair.
Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) is a seasoned History teacher, who seems bitter, but she secretly struggles with profound loneliness and an affinity toward women. Barbara has affections for Sheba that are, again, to use a Biblical adjective, unseemly. When Barbara finds out about Sheba’s secret, she tries to strategically use the revelation to obtain her wishes.
This edited version of “Notes on a Scandal” is devoid of depictions of sexuality and nudity, though we do briefly see Cate Blanchett wearing a bra. One line of particularly descriptive dialogue is cut off in the middle. And the editor has been careful to cut away from scenes where Blanchett kisses the boy, though it is evident what is about to happen.
“Notes on a Scandal” and its themes, I suspect, will not be for everyone. But as far as its performances and dramatic quality, it is a fine film.
Directed by Richard Eyre
Judi Dench / Cate Blanchett / Bill Nighy
92 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 16 and up
DVD release date: April 17, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0192 : 361
The Italian Job (2003)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007
It’s this simple: If you liked “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), then you’ll like “The Italian Job.” And if you loved “Ocean’s,” then this movie is a must-see.
“The Italian Job” is one of those heist movies that has you cheering for the criminals. Alfred Hitchcock enjoyed making his audiences feel inner conflict by manipulating them to relate or sympathize with “the bad guy” or worse yet, “the killer.” This movie, like many others these days, has that same audacity.
“The Italian Job” begins with Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) leading a team of professional thieves in Italy. Their targeted loot equates to major bucks for each of their crewmembers; but unfortunately, there is no honor among thieves.
The balance of the movie involves the betrayed team members reassembling to regain what was rightfully not theirs; and, moreover, taking revenge on the movie’s Benedict Arnold.
As you can see, the plot closely resembles that of “Ocean’s Eleven.” It also has the clever, sneaky, high-tech schemes and humorous dialogue that makes “Ocean’s” so delightfully entertaining.
As far as editing goes, “The Italian Job” was initially rated PG-13 for violence and some language. The language has been edited and the violence is minimal. So, if you can live with rooting for a bunch of criminals, then don’t miss “The Italian Job.” It is excellent.
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Mark Wahlberg / Ed Norton / Donald Sutherland
111 min. Crime / Action
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: October 7, 2003
Copyright 2007.
JP0186 : 219
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007
It’s this simple: If you liked “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), then you’ll like “The Italian Job.” And if you loved “Ocean’s,” then this movie is a must-see.
“The Italian Job” is one of those heist movies that has you cheering for the criminals. Alfred Hitchcock enjoyed making his audiences feel inner conflict by manipulating them to relate or sympathize with “the bad guy” or worse yet, “the killer.” This movie, like many others these days, has that same audacity.
“The Italian Job” begins with Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) leading a team of professional thieves in Italy. Their targeted loot equates to major bucks for each of their crewmembers; but unfortunately, there is no honor among thieves.
The balance of the movie involves the betrayed team members reassembling to regain what was rightfully not theirs; and, moreover, taking revenge on the movie’s Benedict Arnold.
As you can see, the plot closely resembles that of “Ocean’s Eleven.” It also has the clever, sneaky, high-tech schemes and humorous dialogue that makes “Ocean’s” so delightfully entertaining.
As far as editing goes, “The Italian Job” was initially rated PG-13 for violence and some language. The language has been edited and the violence is minimal. So, if you can live with rooting for a bunch of criminals, then don’t miss “The Italian Job.” It is excellent.
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Mark Wahlberg / Ed Norton / Donald Sutherland
111 min. Crime / Action
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: October 7, 2003
Copyright 2007.
JP0186 : 219
300 (2007)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 25, 2007
Even though this version is edited, “300” is still remarkably violent and bloody, and it still includes two beheadings.
This movie could have also been titled “Testosterone.” It is a “guy movie” in every way, and as macho as it can be. The last movie with this much manhood was “Fight Club” (1999).
Not a movie for plot or story, “300” is a war movie whose warriors battle with spears and swords. And that’s really all there is to it.
A tyrannical, self-proclaimed “god-king” named Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) leads countless Persian hosts to dominate and enslave many lands, including Greece. Mighty king Leonidas (Gerard Butler) fiercely repels the threat.
And though Leonidas cannot get approval for a full-scale war, he assembles 300 “body guards” and takes a walk to a narrow corridor of land by the sea. This geographic advantage will funnel Xerxes’ numbers into manageable targets.
So, we watch the 300 receive wave after wave of enemies, some monstrous, some gigantic animals, all of them bleeders. (There is a lot of blood spatter, albeit CGI blood spatter.)
Other than this battle ground, the movie doesn’t really go anywhere else, except for the occasional glimpses back at Sparta. But as I indicated, this is an action/war movie, not a story like “House of Sand and Fog” (2003).
Despite the editing, this is still, at the very least, PG-13 — if not R. To be fair, “300” is a movie that probably could not successfully be edited down to PG. We see swords run through necks, eyes, arms, etc. You get the picture. All of the Spartan men are buff, bare-chested battlers; and the females in the movie are typically scantily clad.
If you love bloody action movies, “300” is for you. If not, rent the edited version of “House of Sand and Fog.”
Directed by Zack Snyder
Gerard Butler / Lena Headey / Rodrigo Santoro
117 min. Action / War
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 18 and up
DVD release date: July 31, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0183 : 302
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 25, 2007
Even though this version is edited, “300” is still remarkably violent and bloody, and it still includes two beheadings.
This movie could have also been titled “Testosterone.” It is a “guy movie” in every way, and as macho as it can be. The last movie with this much manhood was “Fight Club” (1999).
Not a movie for plot or story, “300” is a war movie whose warriors battle with spears and swords. And that’s really all there is to it.
A tyrannical, self-proclaimed “god-king” named Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) leads countless Persian hosts to dominate and enslave many lands, including Greece. Mighty king Leonidas (Gerard Butler) fiercely repels the threat.
And though Leonidas cannot get approval for a full-scale war, he assembles 300 “body guards” and takes a walk to a narrow corridor of land by the sea. This geographic advantage will funnel Xerxes’ numbers into manageable targets.
So, we watch the 300 receive wave after wave of enemies, some monstrous, some gigantic animals, all of them bleeders. (There is a lot of blood spatter, albeit CGI blood spatter.)
Other than this battle ground, the movie doesn’t really go anywhere else, except for the occasional glimpses back at Sparta. But as I indicated, this is an action/war movie, not a story like “House of Sand and Fog” (2003).
Despite the editing, this is still, at the very least, PG-13 — if not R. To be fair, “300” is a movie that probably could not successfully be edited down to PG. We see swords run through necks, eyes, arms, etc. You get the picture. All of the Spartan men are buff, bare-chested battlers; and the females in the movie are typically scantily clad.
If you love bloody action movies, “300” is for you. If not, rent the edited version of “House of Sand and Fog.”
Directed by Zack Snyder
Gerard Butler / Lena Headey / Rodrigo Santoro
117 min. Action / War
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 18 and up
DVD release date: July 31, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0183 : 302
Derailed (2005)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 11, 2007
I love my life just fine. But I’m the type of person who loves to watch thrillers because it makes me feel so thankful and cozy in my comparatively uneventful, everyday life. For this reason, I especially like disturbing moves. “Derailed” is only mildly disturbing but an overtly excellent, emotionally engaging thriller.
“Derailed” is a movie about escalating bad choices. But not just bad choices — terrible choices.
Charles Schine (Clive Owen) is restless. His relationship with his wife is tense, but probably because their daughter has a serious medical condition. While taking the train to work one day, Schine encounters Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston), a flirty charmer who is also quite a looker. Oh, and she’s also married with a child, just like Charles.
Against their better judgment, the two cave in and decide to rendezvous at a motel in downtown Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they have a traumatic experience courtesy of the big city’s criminal underworld. This experience, by the way, continues to haunt and revisit them throughout the movie, especially Schine.
I know I’m being vague, but this is a movie filled with surprises. It’s one of those films where you think that it couldn’t possibly get any worse for our protagonist, then it does.
The edited version is still rather violent. There is fighting, gunfire and bloodshed. Of course, there’s the adultery theme, too, along with some fairly brief, passionate kissing.
“Derailed” is intense and will anger you (in a good way), but if that emotional ride is your thing, then this movie is an absolute must-see.
Directed by Mikael Hafstrom
Clive Owen / Jennifer Aniston / Vincent Cassel
112 min. Thriller / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: March 21, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0172 : 260
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 11, 2007
I love my life just fine. But I’m the type of person who loves to watch thrillers because it makes me feel so thankful and cozy in my comparatively uneventful, everyday life. For this reason, I especially like disturbing moves. “Derailed” is only mildly disturbing but an overtly excellent, emotionally engaging thriller.
“Derailed” is a movie about escalating bad choices. But not just bad choices — terrible choices.
Charles Schine (Clive Owen) is restless. His relationship with his wife is tense, but probably because their daughter has a serious medical condition. While taking the train to work one day, Schine encounters Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston), a flirty charmer who is also quite a looker. Oh, and she’s also married with a child, just like Charles.
Against their better judgment, the two cave in and decide to rendezvous at a motel in downtown Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they have a traumatic experience courtesy of the big city’s criminal underworld. This experience, by the way, continues to haunt and revisit them throughout the movie, especially Schine.
I know I’m being vague, but this is a movie filled with surprises. It’s one of those films where you think that it couldn’t possibly get any worse for our protagonist, then it does.
The edited version is still rather violent. There is fighting, gunfire and bloodshed. Of course, there’s the adultery theme, too, along with some fairly brief, passionate kissing.
“Derailed” is intense and will anger you (in a good way), but if that emotional ride is your thing, then this movie is an absolute must-see.
Directed by Mikael Hafstrom
Clive Owen / Jennifer Aniston / Vincent Cassel
112 min. Thriller / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 17 and up
DVD release date: March 21, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0172 : 260
Grizzly Man (2005)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 11, 2007
“Grizzly Man” is one of the great documentaries by one of the great filmmakers, Werner Herzog. If you are not familiar with Werner Herzog, then make that your first priority. Herzog is to filmmaking what Evel Knievel was to “stuntmanship.” Or, more accurately, Werner Herzog is the Evel Knievel of filmmaking.
In “Grizzly Man,” Herzog introduces us into the world of Timothy Treadwell, a man who chose to live in the Alaskan wilderness among grizzly bears for 13 summers. Unlike Herzog’s other documentaries, much of the footage was shot by Treadwell himself — of himself, dangerously close to the bears.
For 11 of the 13 summers, Treadwell lived alone with the wild animals, 24 hours a day, for months at a time. His last two summers, he dragged his reluctant girlfriend, Amie Huguenard, with him. It is no secret (in the film or otherwise) that the inevitable happened: Both people were eaten in 2003 by a grizzly bear. (Visual footage of the fatal attack does not exist, and we are spared from hearing the audio recording.)
Herzog selects phenomenal footage from more than 100 hours of Treadwell’s video diary. Also, the German director interviews friends and associates of Treadwell; they say surprising things.
As for the editing, this documentary was initially rated R for language. All of that has been removed from this version, of course, but at one time Treadwell says “frikin’,” and it sounds like something else. But I would warn sensitive viewers about the frank discussions of the grizzly (and grisly) attack. Although some of this has been edited, too, much of it remains. It is vivid, explicit and horrifying.
“Grizzly Man” is an absolute masterpiece whose credit partially belongs to Herzog, but even more so to Timothy Treadwell, the so-called Grizzly Man himself, who loved bears more than anything, including his own life.
Directed by Werner Herzog
Werner Herzog / Timothy Treadwell / Jewel Palovak
103 min. Documentary
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: December 26, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0171 : 306
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 11, 2007
“Grizzly Man” is one of the great documentaries by one of the great filmmakers, Werner Herzog. If you are not familiar with Werner Herzog, then make that your first priority. Herzog is to filmmaking what Evel Knievel was to “stuntmanship.” Or, more accurately, Werner Herzog is the Evel Knievel of filmmaking.
In “Grizzly Man,” Herzog introduces us into the world of Timothy Treadwell, a man who chose to live in the Alaskan wilderness among grizzly bears for 13 summers. Unlike Herzog’s other documentaries, much of the footage was shot by Treadwell himself — of himself, dangerously close to the bears.
For 11 of the 13 summers, Treadwell lived alone with the wild animals, 24 hours a day, for months at a time. His last two summers, he dragged his reluctant girlfriend, Amie Huguenard, with him. It is no secret (in the film or otherwise) that the inevitable happened: Both people were eaten in 2003 by a grizzly bear. (Visual footage of the fatal attack does not exist, and we are spared from hearing the audio recording.)
Herzog selects phenomenal footage from more than 100 hours of Treadwell’s video diary. Also, the German director interviews friends and associates of Treadwell; they say surprising things.
As for the editing, this documentary was initially rated R for language. All of that has been removed from this version, of course, but at one time Treadwell says “frikin’,” and it sounds like something else. But I would warn sensitive viewers about the frank discussions of the grizzly (and grisly) attack. Although some of this has been edited, too, much of it remains. It is vivid, explicit and horrifying.
“Grizzly Man” is an absolute masterpiece whose credit partially belongs to Herzog, but even more so to Timothy Treadwell, the so-called Grizzly Man himself, who loved bears more than anything, including his own life.
Directed by Werner Herzog
Werner Herzog / Timothy Treadwell / Jewel Palovak
103 min. Documentary
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: December 26, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0171 : 306
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007
During the introductory comments, one of this documentary’s three writers, Bethany McLean, tells us that “this isn’t a story about numbers and complicated transactions, it’s about people and is really a human tragedy.”
I beg to differ about one point: “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” is indeed a human tragedy (namely for all of the employees who lost their retirement and pension plans, not the crooks), but it is also about numbers and complicated transactions and is therefore, somewhat tedious to watch.
Basically, rent this video if you’d like a blow-by-blow, play-by-play recounting of what the corporate, criminal masterminds, Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling and Andrew Fastow (and many others) did to “cook the books,” pull “the corporate crime of the century” and bring about America’s largest corporate bankruptcy. (Oh, and it would also help if you have a good grasp on financial matters.)
There are interesting parts in this documentary, particularly ironic file footage and recordings of devious, despicable phone conversations. Some of the documentary will make you sad. Most of it will cause your blood to boil.
“Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” is fairly well made. I particularly liked the soundtrack selections. It was not, however, as clear and accessible to “common folk” like me, and I’m no dummy, usually.
Since this documentary was initially released in April of 2005, it does not contain some of the updates, such as Kenneth Lay’s dying on July 5, 2006. Even so, this documentary is a decent recap for a history class.
Directed by Alex Gibney
Ken Lay / Jeffrey Skilling / Andrew Fastow
110 min. Documentary
(No original MPAA rating)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: January 17, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0164 : 254
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007
During the introductory comments, one of this documentary’s three writers, Bethany McLean, tells us that “this isn’t a story about numbers and complicated transactions, it’s about people and is really a human tragedy.”
I beg to differ about one point: “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” is indeed a human tragedy (namely for all of the employees who lost their retirement and pension plans, not the crooks), but it is also about numbers and complicated transactions and is therefore, somewhat tedious to watch.
Basically, rent this video if you’d like a blow-by-blow, play-by-play recounting of what the corporate, criminal masterminds, Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling and Andrew Fastow (and many others) did to “cook the books,” pull “the corporate crime of the century” and bring about America’s largest corporate bankruptcy. (Oh, and it would also help if you have a good grasp on financial matters.)
There are interesting parts in this documentary, particularly ironic file footage and recordings of devious, despicable phone conversations. Some of the documentary will make you sad. Most of it will cause your blood to boil.
“Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” is fairly well made. I particularly liked the soundtrack selections. It was not, however, as clear and accessible to “common folk” like me, and I’m no dummy, usually.
Since this documentary was initially released in April of 2005, it does not contain some of the updates, such as Kenneth Lay’s dying on July 5, 2006. Even so, this documentary is a decent recap for a history class.
Directed by Alex Gibney
Ken Lay / Jeffrey Skilling / Andrew Fastow
110 min. Documentary
(No original MPAA rating)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: January 17, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0164 : 254
King Kong (2005)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007
Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” remake is a masterpiece and nearly perfect. You must see this film. In fact, if I ever met a person who had never seen a movie, and I could only show her three movies, “King Kong” would be one of them.
To be objective, the two most common complaints about this movie are that it’s too long, about three hours long. The other complaint is that it takes too long (an hour) to get to Kong. But I suspect that Jackson was employing the anticipation technique that we experience with “Jaws” (1975). (The next time you watch that shark classic, note how long it takes to actually see the shark.)
These two complaints are legitimate, but only after your first viewing. Your first viewing of “King Kong” will fill you with wonder. When I first saw this in the theater, I had tears in my eyes from pure cinematic awe.
You already know the story from the 1933 original (If you don’t know the story and would rather learn it from the movie, skip this paragraph.): A filmmaker takes his crew to film the mysterious location of Skull Island. The travelers encounter an inhospitable place filled with unfriendly natives, prehistoric monsters and a giant gorilla called “Kong.” Kong claims Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) and becomes infatuated with her. Writer Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) attempts to save her from the gorilla and Carl Denham (Jack Black) wants to capture Kong to take him back to New York to be a moneymaking spectacle.
This edited version removes the language and brief references to a burlesque theater. But the intense creature violence and harrowing situations remain in the edited version. “King Kong” really isn’t a movie for children, despite the monkey. For kids, rent “Curious George” (2006), instead.
But for a spectacular, action-adventure, creature-feature, “King Kong” is exceptional.
Directed by Peter Jackson
Naomi Watts / Adrien Brody / Jack Black
187 min. Adventure / Action
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: November 14, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0162 : 309
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007
Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” remake is a masterpiece and nearly perfect. You must see this film. In fact, if I ever met a person who had never seen a movie, and I could only show her three movies, “King Kong” would be one of them.
To be objective, the two most common complaints about this movie are that it’s too long, about three hours long. The other complaint is that it takes too long (an hour) to get to Kong. But I suspect that Jackson was employing the anticipation technique that we experience with “Jaws” (1975). (The next time you watch that shark classic, note how long it takes to actually see the shark.)
These two complaints are legitimate, but only after your first viewing. Your first viewing of “King Kong” will fill you with wonder. When I first saw this in the theater, I had tears in my eyes from pure cinematic awe.
You already know the story from the 1933 original (If you don’t know the story and would rather learn it from the movie, skip this paragraph.): A filmmaker takes his crew to film the mysterious location of Skull Island. The travelers encounter an inhospitable place filled with unfriendly natives, prehistoric monsters and a giant gorilla called “Kong.” Kong claims Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) and becomes infatuated with her. Writer Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) attempts to save her from the gorilla and Carl Denham (Jack Black) wants to capture Kong to take him back to New York to be a moneymaking spectacle.
This edited version removes the language and brief references to a burlesque theater. But the intense creature violence and harrowing situations remain in the edited version. “King Kong” really isn’t a movie for children, despite the monkey. For kids, rent “Curious George” (2006), instead.
But for a spectacular, action-adventure, creature-feature, “King Kong” is exceptional.
Directed by Peter Jackson
Naomi Watts / Adrien Brody / Jack Black
187 min. Adventure / Action
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: November 14, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0162 : 309
Changing Lanes (2002)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007
“Changing Lanes” was released in 2002. But there is another movie (which is superior but different) that was released in 2006 called “The Prestige.” Both movies are about two men battling each other in escalating revenge, tit for tat. Both movies are consuming, and I recommend them.
Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck) and Doyle Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson) are both driving in busy, morning traffic on the FDR highway when they have a small fender bender. No one is hurt. Both are reasonably collected and commendably civil. But they are both in a profound hurry.
Doyle wants to do things “by the book” and exchange insurance information. Gavin simply needs to quickly be on his way, so he offers to leave a blank check with Doyle for damages. Doyle refuses because he wishes “to do this the right way.” Gavin does not comply and leaves.
This is the inciting incident that sets a series of events in motion like a snowball rolling down a slope. I will not disclose any more about the plot; but rest assured, “Changing Lanes” does an excellent job at depicting how scarily ugly vengefulness can become.
Where “Changing Lanes” goes amiss is with its characters: We should equally like and equally root for both individuals, back and forth, as their battle ensues. But we don’t, because, Gavin is too immoral. Neither person is an angel, but we tend to lean toward Doyle’s predicaments.
“The Prestige” corrects this oversight. We are equally heartbroken and equally angry with both of the movie’s characters as they trade blows.
Directed by Roger Michell
Samuel L. Jackson / Ben Affleck / Sydney Pollack
99 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: September 10, 2002
Copyright 2007.
JP0161 : 259
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007
“Changing Lanes” was released in 2002. But there is another movie (which is superior but different) that was released in 2006 called “The Prestige.” Both movies are about two men battling each other in escalating revenge, tit for tat. Both movies are consuming, and I recommend them.
Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck) and Doyle Gipson (Samuel L. Jackson) are both driving in busy, morning traffic on the FDR highway when they have a small fender bender. No one is hurt. Both are reasonably collected and commendably civil. But they are both in a profound hurry.
Doyle wants to do things “by the book” and exchange insurance information. Gavin simply needs to quickly be on his way, so he offers to leave a blank check with Doyle for damages. Doyle refuses because he wishes “to do this the right way.” Gavin does not comply and leaves.
This is the inciting incident that sets a series of events in motion like a snowball rolling down a slope. I will not disclose any more about the plot; but rest assured, “Changing Lanes” does an excellent job at depicting how scarily ugly vengefulness can become.
Where “Changing Lanes” goes amiss is with its characters: We should equally like and equally root for both individuals, back and forth, as their battle ensues. But we don’t, because, Gavin is too immoral. Neither person is an angel, but we tend to lean toward Doyle’s predicaments.
“The Prestige” corrects this oversight. We are equally heartbroken and equally angry with both of the movie’s characters as they trade blows.
Directed by Roger Michell
Samuel L. Jackson / Ben Affleck / Sydney Pollack
99 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: September 10, 2002
Copyright 2007.
JP0161 : 259
Field of Dreams (1989)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007
I am part of an unpopular minority, but I must confess that I don’t love “Field of Dreams” the way everyone else seems to. Chances are you’ve seen this movie about 100 times. But if you haven’t, I have indicated that it is a “Good video rental” because it is well made, and it clearly has undeniable widespread appeal.
In my mind, “Field of Dreams” is about as American as apple pie and baseball; perhaps that’s because baseball is a major part of this movie. When you watch this again, take note: The very best part is the first five minutes of Kevin Costner’s voice-over narration. While he talks, we get what is called a “filmograph sequence,” which combines still photos and live action to make a creative montage, of sorts. This portion of the film is its masterstroke.
Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) is a new corn farmer in Iowa. One day he begins to hear “The Voice,” which tells him, “If you build it, he will come.” Ray learns that he is being instructed to build a baseball field in the middle of his corn field. Obeying this construction commission rewards Ray with unlikely visitors. The Voice keeps instructing Ray further, and he keeps following its instructions. The Voice has an eventual purpose for giving Ray these baseball-related chores.
“Field of Dreams” is pleasant, mystical, sweet and warmhearted; it is a good choice for “a family movie” ... much better, for example, than something like “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2003) or “RV” (2006). Please don’t subject your children to such things. I will have to report you.
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Kevin Costner / Ray Liotta / James Earl Jones
107 min. Fantasy / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: PG)
Edited version age recommendation: 8 and up
DVD release date: June 8, 2004
Copyright 2007.
JP0163 : 268
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / August 4, 2007
I am part of an unpopular minority, but I must confess that I don’t love “Field of Dreams” the way everyone else seems to. Chances are you’ve seen this movie about 100 times. But if you haven’t, I have indicated that it is a “Good video rental” because it is well made, and it clearly has undeniable widespread appeal.
In my mind, “Field of Dreams” is about as American as apple pie and baseball; perhaps that’s because baseball is a major part of this movie. When you watch this again, take note: The very best part is the first five minutes of Kevin Costner’s voice-over narration. While he talks, we get what is called a “filmograph sequence,” which combines still photos and live action to make a creative montage, of sorts. This portion of the film is its masterstroke.
Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) is a new corn farmer in Iowa. One day he begins to hear “The Voice,” which tells him, “If you build it, he will come.” Ray learns that he is being instructed to build a baseball field in the middle of his corn field. Obeying this construction commission rewards Ray with unlikely visitors. The Voice keeps instructing Ray further, and he keeps following its instructions. The Voice has an eventual purpose for giving Ray these baseball-related chores.
“Field of Dreams” is pleasant, mystical, sweet and warmhearted; it is a good choice for “a family movie” ... much better, for example, than something like “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2003) or “RV” (2006). Please don’t subject your children to such things. I will have to report you.
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Kevin Costner / Ray Liotta / James Earl Jones
107 min. Fantasy / Drama
(Original MPAA rating: PG)
Edited version age recommendation: 8 and up
DVD release date: June 8, 2004
Copyright 2007.
JP0163 : 268
Thank You for Smoking (2005)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
Yes, the title is actually “Thank You for Smoking.” The writing for this movie (specifically the dialogue) is nothing less than verbal euphoria. Indeed, “Thank You for Smoking” is excellent and a must-see.
Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is often equated with the devil himself. Why? Because he is a silver-tongued lobbyist who speaks on behalf of Big Tobacco, defending and promoting cigarettes. Seems like an impossible job, right? Well, you will not believe Nick’s skill with words and manipulation.
Basically, the movie shows us Nick hard at work, promoting and protecting his poison. We also witness the efforts of his outraged enemies and the adoration of his impressionable son, Joey (Cameron Bright).
Though this may sound like a horror movie, “Thank You for Smoking” is actually an effective, intelligent comedy. This movie has that slick look of greatness and the writing to match. The last time I can remember having this much fun listening to something was 1989 when I bought the tape of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s (Will Smith) “He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper” album.
If you wish to be delighted and entertained, rent “Thank You for Smoking.” It doesn’t pitch that smoking is cool, but it makes a convincing case for being a good liar.
Directed by Jason Reitman
Aaron Eckhart / Cameron Bright / Robert Duvall
92 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: October 3, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0156 : 211
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
Yes, the title is actually “Thank You for Smoking.” The writing for this movie (specifically the dialogue) is nothing less than verbal euphoria. Indeed, “Thank You for Smoking” is excellent and a must-see.
Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is often equated with the devil himself. Why? Because he is a silver-tongued lobbyist who speaks on behalf of Big Tobacco, defending and promoting cigarettes. Seems like an impossible job, right? Well, you will not believe Nick’s skill with words and manipulation.
Basically, the movie shows us Nick hard at work, promoting and protecting his poison. We also witness the efforts of his outraged enemies and the adoration of his impressionable son, Joey (Cameron Bright).
Though this may sound like a horror movie, “Thank You for Smoking” is actually an effective, intelligent comedy. This movie has that slick look of greatness and the writing to match. The last time I can remember having this much fun listening to something was 1989 when I bought the tape of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s (Will Smith) “He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper” album.
If you wish to be delighted and entertained, rent “Thank You for Smoking.” It doesn’t pitch that smoking is cool, but it makes a convincing case for being a good liar.
Directed by Jason Reitman
Aaron Eckhart / Cameron Bright / Robert Duvall
92 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: October 3, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0156 : 211
The Good Girl (2002)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
When you hear what this movie is about, you’re going to think that “The Good Girl” is a misnomer. Justine Last (Jennifer Aniston) really is a good girl, deep down, but she just keeps making very bad decisions.
As the movie opens, our ears twitch to hear Jennifer Aniston affect a southern accent. It’s bothersome for a few minutes, but go with it. You’ll get used to it.
Justine works as a clerk at the Retail Rodeo in a small town in Texas. She’s deeply depressed and discontent. She hates her job. Her clueless husband (John C. Reilly) is a pot-smokin’ couch potato, along with his friend, Bubba (Tim Blake Nelson).
Now, I’ll break here to tell you that the casting for this movie is absolutely perfect, perhaps the best I’ve seen, at least since “The Wizard of Oz” (1939).
Inevitably, as is standard in such movies, a fresh-faced young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins working at the Retail Rodeo and catches Justine’s eye.
Now, I’m sure you can guess what happens next. But what happens after that, and after that, and after that — you’d never guess. This is one of those movies that, when it ends, you really aren’t sure how you should feel. You only know that you’re feeling something, and it’s strong.
Directed by Miguel Arteta
Jennifer Aniston / Jake Gyllenhaal / Tim Blake Nelson
93 min. Drama / Romance
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 1, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0155 : 230
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
When you hear what this movie is about, you’re going to think that “The Good Girl” is a misnomer. Justine Last (Jennifer Aniston) really is a good girl, deep down, but she just keeps making very bad decisions.
As the movie opens, our ears twitch to hear Jennifer Aniston affect a southern accent. It’s bothersome for a few minutes, but go with it. You’ll get used to it.
Justine works as a clerk at the Retail Rodeo in a small town in Texas. She’s deeply depressed and discontent. She hates her job. Her clueless husband (John C. Reilly) is a pot-smokin’ couch potato, along with his friend, Bubba (Tim Blake Nelson).
Now, I’ll break here to tell you that the casting for this movie is absolutely perfect, perhaps the best I’ve seen, at least since “The Wizard of Oz” (1939).
Inevitably, as is standard in such movies, a fresh-faced young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins working at the Retail Rodeo and catches Justine’s eye.
Now, I’m sure you can guess what happens next. But what happens after that, and after that, and after that — you’d never guess. This is one of those movies that, when it ends, you really aren’t sure how you should feel. You only know that you’re feeling something, and it’s strong.
Directed by Miguel Arteta
Jennifer Aniston / Jake Gyllenhaal / Tim Blake Nelson
93 min. Drama / Romance
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 1, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0155 : 230
Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
Just in case, allow me to make sure you know three things about this movie before renting it:
First, it is filmed in beautiful black and white. (I mention this because some people refuse to watch black-and-white films.)
Second, even though it was co-written and directed by George Clooney, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” is not a George Clooney film, per se. Sure, he’s in it, but not very much ... just so you know.
Third, unless you’re a history buff, older than 70, or just have an interest in McCarthy’s Red Scare and the 1950s, then this movie probably isn’t for you.
Watching “Good Night, and Good Luck.” feels like you’re dozing off and dreaming during history class. But don’t get me wrong; it’s well done all the way around. This movie is well written, well acted and well ... a little boring. It is only marginally interesting, sometimes.
With a blend of fly-on-the-wall perspective and excellent archival footage, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” plays more like a History Channel documentary, which is a compliment. It recounts the historical fight that CBS’s Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) started with Senator Joseph McCarthy via television broadcast in 1954.
Murrow (and others) were concerned that McCarthy’s Communist fear-mongering was leading to infringements of U.S. citizens’ constitutional rights. In return, McCarthy retorted with accusations that questioned Murrow’s loyalty to the United States. And so on and so forth.
The file footage and old commercials are fascinating, but the film ends rather abruptly and is, overall, not very satisfying.
Directed by George Clooney
David Strathairn / George Clooney / Robert Downey Jr.
93 min. Drama / Historical
(Original MPAA rating: PG)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: September 7, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0159 : 254
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
Just in case, allow me to make sure you know three things about this movie before renting it:
First, it is filmed in beautiful black and white. (I mention this because some people refuse to watch black-and-white films.)
Second, even though it was co-written and directed by George Clooney, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” is not a George Clooney film, per se. Sure, he’s in it, but not very much ... just so you know.
Third, unless you’re a history buff, older than 70, or just have an interest in McCarthy’s Red Scare and the 1950s, then this movie probably isn’t for you.
Watching “Good Night, and Good Luck.” feels like you’re dozing off and dreaming during history class. But don’t get me wrong; it’s well done all the way around. This movie is well written, well acted and well ... a little boring. It is only marginally interesting, sometimes.
With a blend of fly-on-the-wall perspective and excellent archival footage, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” plays more like a History Channel documentary, which is a compliment. It recounts the historical fight that CBS’s Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) started with Senator Joseph McCarthy via television broadcast in 1954.
Murrow (and others) were concerned that McCarthy’s Communist fear-mongering was leading to infringements of U.S. citizens’ constitutional rights. In return, McCarthy retorted with accusations that questioned Murrow’s loyalty to the United States. And so on and so forth.
The file footage and old commercials are fascinating, but the film ends rather abruptly and is, overall, not very satisfying.
Directed by George Clooney
David Strathairn / George Clooney / Robert Downey Jr.
93 min. Drama / Historical
(Original MPAA rating: PG)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: September 7, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0159 : 254
Rumor Has It (2005)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
In 1967, Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft made a little movie called "The Graduate." Most people are familiar with it and consider it a classic. That movie never officially had a sequel, but in 2005 it came close with "Rumor Has It." This Jennifer Aniston / Kevin Costner movie is almost a sequel to the original 1967 film (but not quite).
"Rumor Has It" works from this premise: "The Graduate" was about real people whose actual names were never revealed to the public. The real-life Benjamin Braddock is actually Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner). And the real-life Mrs. Robinson is played wonderfully well by Shirley MacLaine. Jennifer Aniston's character happens to be the real Mrs. Robinson's granddaughter.
"Rumor Has It" is a delightful comedy that has lots of fun with exploring the characters from "The Graduate" — 30-some years later. Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) is mixed up about her life and her identity. When Sarah learns that she may be intimately affiliated with the scenarios found in "The Graduate," it only enhances her confusion.
Watching "Rumor Has It" is comparable to eating those big, fluffy, orange circus peanuts: You know it has no real nutritional value, but you thoroughly enjoy it, anyway.
Directed by Rob Reiner
Jennifer Aniston / Kevin Costner / Shirley MacLaine
96 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating:PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: May 9, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0151 : 199
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
In 1967, Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft made a little movie called "The Graduate." Most people are familiar with it and consider it a classic. That movie never officially had a sequel, but in 2005 it came close with "Rumor Has It." This Jennifer Aniston / Kevin Costner movie is almost a sequel to the original 1967 film (but not quite).
"Rumor Has It" works from this premise: "The Graduate" was about real people whose actual names were never revealed to the public. The real-life Benjamin Braddock is actually Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner). And the real-life Mrs. Robinson is played wonderfully well by Shirley MacLaine. Jennifer Aniston's character happens to be the real Mrs. Robinson's granddaughter.
"Rumor Has It" is a delightful comedy that has lots of fun with exploring the characters from "The Graduate" — 30-some years later. Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) is mixed up about her life and her identity. When Sarah learns that she may be intimately affiliated with the scenarios found in "The Graduate," it only enhances her confusion.
Watching "Rumor Has It" is comparable to eating those big, fluffy, orange circus peanuts: You know it has no real nutritional value, but you thoroughly enjoy it, anyway.
Directed by Rob Reiner
Jennifer Aniston / Kevin Costner / Shirley MacLaine
96 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating:PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: May 9, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0151 : 199
Friends With Money (2006)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
“Friends With Money” is a pensive, reflective drama about a sad group of people. These friends have weightier problems than the group of “Friends” that we usually associate Jennifer Aniston with. If you like stories that are sketches about characters who are tangible people, then buy some Ben & Jerry’s and rent “Friends With Money.”
Olivia (Jennifer Aniston) is unmarried and works as a cleaning lady, much to the chagrin of her rich friends. She used to be a teacher, but kids say the darndest things. She likes smoking marijuana, free cosmetic samples and wishful thinking about finding the right guy.
Olivia’s wealthy friends are a mostly motley crew: Jane (Frances McDormand, “Fargo”) is a clothing designer who is “falling down,” much like Michael Douglas’s William Foster. She is married to the effeminate Aaron (Simon McBurney), who is one of the movie’s nicest characters but is highly sought after by gay men.
Christine and David are co-writers whose home improvements are almost as insensitive as their marriage. Franny and Matt are semi-normal, self-absorbed and determined to rope their cronies into attending the culminating fundraiser dinner.
There are other interesting individuals whom you will meet, should you see this movie. As for the editing, the drugs and gay themes are recurring, but “Friends With Money” has otherwise been rendered benign.
Directed by Nicole Holofcener
Jennifer Aniston / Frances McDormand / Jake Cherry
88 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: August 29, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0153 : 219
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
“Friends With Money” is a pensive, reflective drama about a sad group of people. These friends have weightier problems than the group of “Friends” that we usually associate Jennifer Aniston with. If you like stories that are sketches about characters who are tangible people, then buy some Ben & Jerry’s and rent “Friends With Money.”
Olivia (Jennifer Aniston) is unmarried and works as a cleaning lady, much to the chagrin of her rich friends. She used to be a teacher, but kids say the darndest things. She likes smoking marijuana, free cosmetic samples and wishful thinking about finding the right guy.
Olivia’s wealthy friends are a mostly motley crew: Jane (Frances McDormand, “Fargo”) is a clothing designer who is “falling down,” much like Michael Douglas’s William Foster. She is married to the effeminate Aaron (Simon McBurney), who is one of the movie’s nicest characters but is highly sought after by gay men.
Christine and David are co-writers whose home improvements are almost as insensitive as their marriage. Franny and Matt are semi-normal, self-absorbed and determined to rope their cronies into attending the culminating fundraiser dinner.
There are other interesting individuals whom you will meet, should you see this movie. As for the editing, the drugs and gay themes are recurring, but “Friends With Money” has otherwise been rendered benign.
Directed by Nicole Holofcener
Jennifer Aniston / Frances McDormand / Jake Cherry
88 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: August 29, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0153 : 219
There's Something About Mary (1998)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
I dare anyone to challenge this statement: “There’s Something About Mary” is THE comedy of the ‘90s.
This is not my own sweeping conviction, mind you; but I submit that this movie was the most popular, most beloved comedy of the decade. As for my opinion, it’s fun, but it’s no masterpiece. The Farrelly brothers lose the reigns and the movie dives over the top on a few occasions.
But the premise is beautiful: It opens in Rhode Island, circa 1985. Awkward, nerdy Ted (Ben Stiller) proves that nice guys don’t always finish last by earning an invite to the prom from Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz), the perfect gal. But a horrific “wardrobe malfunction” blows Ted’s chances of enjoying that date.
Years later Ted is still lamenting about what might have been, so he hires a low-life private investigator (Matt Dillon) to look Mary up. Unfortunately for Ted, the P.I. decides that there’s something about Mary that he likes, too. Essentially, we get a romantic comedy (minus the romance), where silly, scheming guys compete for the heart of a saccharine-sweet girl.
“There’s Something About Mary” has some unforgettable surprises (some of which had to be completely edited out for this version). The movie is still quite funny, coherent and entertaining.
If you haven’t seen “There’s Something About Mary,” you really should. After all, it was THE comedy of the ‘90s.
Directed by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly
Cameron Diaz / Ben Stiller / Matt Dillon
119 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 1, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0154 : 230
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
I dare anyone to challenge this statement: “There’s Something About Mary” is THE comedy of the ‘90s.
This is not my own sweeping conviction, mind you; but I submit that this movie was the most popular, most beloved comedy of the decade. As for my opinion, it’s fun, but it’s no masterpiece. The Farrelly brothers lose the reigns and the movie dives over the top on a few occasions.
But the premise is beautiful: It opens in Rhode Island, circa 1985. Awkward, nerdy Ted (Ben Stiller) proves that nice guys don’t always finish last by earning an invite to the prom from Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz), the perfect gal. But a horrific “wardrobe malfunction” blows Ted’s chances of enjoying that date.
Years later Ted is still lamenting about what might have been, so he hires a low-life private investigator (Matt Dillon) to look Mary up. Unfortunately for Ted, the P.I. decides that there’s something about Mary that he likes, too. Essentially, we get a romantic comedy (minus the romance), where silly, scheming guys compete for the heart of a saccharine-sweet girl.
“There’s Something About Mary” has some unforgettable surprises (some of which had to be completely edited out for this version). The movie is still quite funny, coherent and entertaining.
If you haven’t seen “There’s Something About Mary,” you really should. After all, it was THE comedy of the ‘90s.
Directed by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly
Cameron Diaz / Ben Stiller / Matt Dillon
119 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 1, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0154 : 230
Outbreak (1995)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
"Outbreak" is a fun, thrilling movie because it puts us face to face with the unthinkable: a deadly virus epidemic spreading in the United States.
This movie is about 12 years old now; but with fears of bird flu and biological terrorism, this is still a timely film and unfortunately, probably always will be.
When a dreadful disease called Motaba is unwittingly brought into the U.S. through animal smugglers, its repercussions are hideously disastrous. Sam Daniels (Dustin Hoffman) works for the Army and is an expert on disease-causing organisms. He becomes the alarmist, warning voice against the contagious bug, but is, of course, disregarded to the detriment of many.
"Outbreak" is suspenseful and fiendish in its devilish scenarios. For example, we nervously watch the disease-carrying monkey approach a little girl who loves animals. We cringe and squirm. And more than anything, "Outbreak" is one of those "race against time" movies.
The edited version omits the profanity. But we still see the visually unpleasant effects that the disease has on its victims. Naturally, "Outbreak" is shamelessly contrived, but a good rental choice for those who are entertained by disaster movies.
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Dustin Hoffman / Morgan Freeman / Cuba Gooding Jr.
127 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: May 21, 1997
Copyright 2007.
JP0150 : 189
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
"Outbreak" is a fun, thrilling movie because it puts us face to face with the unthinkable: a deadly virus epidemic spreading in the United States.
This movie is about 12 years old now; but with fears of bird flu and biological terrorism, this is still a timely film and unfortunately, probably always will be.
When a dreadful disease called Motaba is unwittingly brought into the U.S. through animal smugglers, its repercussions are hideously disastrous. Sam Daniels (Dustin Hoffman) works for the Army and is an expert on disease-causing organisms. He becomes the alarmist, warning voice against the contagious bug, but is, of course, disregarded to the detriment of many.
"Outbreak" is suspenseful and fiendish in its devilish scenarios. For example, we nervously watch the disease-carrying monkey approach a little girl who loves animals. We cringe and squirm. And more than anything, "Outbreak" is one of those "race against time" movies.
The edited version omits the profanity. But we still see the visually unpleasant effects that the disease has on its victims. Naturally, "Outbreak" is shamelessly contrived, but a good rental choice for those who are entertained by disaster movies.
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Dustin Hoffman / Morgan Freeman / Cuba Gooding Jr.
127 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: May 21, 1997
Copyright 2007.
JP0150 : 189
Falling Down (1993)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
"Falling Down" ranks among my top 25, all-time favorite films. I have seen it many times, and it never gets old. "Falling Down" is a must-see.
This movie is a drama that initially plays like a comedy. The key to a successful movie is one where we, the audience, can relate to the characters. Even though Michael Douglas plays a man who's lost his mind, I suspect that most people can relate to his frustrations.
Bill Foster (Michael Douglas) has "had it up to here" with his life and its myriad frustrations. One day he snaps and decides to "go home." Unfortunately, he is divorced and unwelcome at his daughter's birthday party.
No matter. Foster abandons his car in a traffic jam and begins walking across town to see his daughter and ex-wife. And he doesn't let anything (or anybody) get in his way.
There is a concept called "the Ideological Safety Valve." It is often used to defend violent filmmaking. The theory is, that we enjoy violent movies where we can watch characters participate in violent acts that we secretly would like to do ourselves. But since we vicariously watch them in movies, then we don't have to do those things in real life … hence, the safety valve.
I don't know if that is really true; perhaps it's the other way around, meaning people see violence then mimic it. But I've also felt like I was "falling down" (more than once) while trying to order at fast-food restaurants.
Directed by Joel Schumacher
Michael Douglas / Robert Duvall / Barbara Hershey
113 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: October 26, 1999
Copyright 2007.
JP0152 : 250
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
"Falling Down" ranks among my top 25, all-time favorite films. I have seen it many times, and it never gets old. "Falling Down" is a must-see.
This movie is a drama that initially plays like a comedy. The key to a successful movie is one where we, the audience, can relate to the characters. Even though Michael Douglas plays a man who's lost his mind, I suspect that most people can relate to his frustrations.
Bill Foster (Michael Douglas) has "had it up to here" with his life and its myriad frustrations. One day he snaps and decides to "go home." Unfortunately, he is divorced and unwelcome at his daughter's birthday party.
No matter. Foster abandons his car in a traffic jam and begins walking across town to see his daughter and ex-wife. And he doesn't let anything (or anybody) get in his way.
There is a concept called "the Ideological Safety Valve." It is often used to defend violent filmmaking. The theory is, that we enjoy violent movies where we can watch characters participate in violent acts that we secretly would like to do ourselves. But since we vicariously watch them in movies, then we don't have to do those things in real life … hence, the safety valve.
I don't know if that is really true; perhaps it's the other way around, meaning people see violence then mimic it. But I've also felt like I was "falling down" (more than once) while trying to order at fast-food restaurants.
Directed by Joel Schumacher
Michael Douglas / Robert Duvall / Barbara Hershey
113 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: October 26, 1999
Copyright 2007.
JP0152 : 250
Free Zone (2005)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
X Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 23, 2007
“Free Zone” is only a good rental choice for two kinds of people: those who have an unconditional love for cinema and those who have an unconditional love for Natalie Portman.
I thought I had an unconditional love for cinema until I watched “Free Zone.” I love movies a lot, but not this much. “Free Zone” is hard to watch. Here is a perfect example of why:
For approximately the first six minutes of the film, we see an uninterrupted, close-up, profile shot of Natalie Portman crying in a car — with no dialogue. Then, for three additional minutes, the dialogue begins, and the camera remains on Portman’s face. This is the first nine minutes of “Free Zone.” Artsy? Yes. Entertaining? No.
“Free Zone” is set in the Middle East, is subtitled half the time, and is about an American girl from New York named Rebecca (Natalie Portman) who just broke up with her fiancé, Julio. So, she asks to tag along with her driver, Hanna (Hanna Laszlo), who is traveling to the Free Zone to collect money from her husband’s business partner, which proves to be an uneasy task.
And, of course, “Free Zone” is replete with symbolism of the conflict and unrest of the region. You may think I’m being lazy, but that’s about it.
Directed by Amos Gitai
Natalie Portman / Hanna Laszlo / Hiam Abbass
90 min. Drama
(No MPAA rating)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: May 29, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0149 : 216
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
X Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 23, 2007
“Free Zone” is only a good rental choice for two kinds of people: those who have an unconditional love for cinema and those who have an unconditional love for Natalie Portman.
I thought I had an unconditional love for cinema until I watched “Free Zone.” I love movies a lot, but not this much. “Free Zone” is hard to watch. Here is a perfect example of why:
For approximately the first six minutes of the film, we see an uninterrupted, close-up, profile shot of Natalie Portman crying in a car — with no dialogue. Then, for three additional minutes, the dialogue begins, and the camera remains on Portman’s face. This is the first nine minutes of “Free Zone.” Artsy? Yes. Entertaining? No.
“Free Zone” is set in the Middle East, is subtitled half the time, and is about an American girl from New York named Rebecca (Natalie Portman) who just broke up with her fiancé, Julio. So, she asks to tag along with her driver, Hanna (Hanna Laszlo), who is traveling to the Free Zone to collect money from her husband’s business partner, which proves to be an uneasy task.
And, of course, “Free Zone” is replete with symbolism of the conflict and unrest of the region. You may think I’m being lazy, but that’s about it.
Directed by Amos Gitai
Natalie Portman / Hanna Laszlo / Hiam Abbass
90 min. Drama
(No MPAA rating)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: May 29, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0149 : 216
Bobby (2006)
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
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
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