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 (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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
