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Border Radio

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 9th, 2007

Border Radio is an independent film written and directed by Allison Anders, Kurt Voss and Dean Lent. The film serves as more of a curiosity than a great film on its own merits. Released in 1987, the film fell in amongst the wave of indie filmmakers making an impact at the time, including Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. In fact, Anders directed one of the segments in the film Four Rooms, which also featured stories by these two filmmakers, in addition to Alexandre Rockwell. While Tarantino and Ro…
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Jackass – Number Two

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 9th, 2007

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Four years after Jackass: The Movie took the popular MTV franchise to the big screen, Johnny Knoxville and his gang returned to theatres with Jackass – Number Two. The sequel is bigger, bolder and much more disgusting. But is it better?

In my humble opinion, the sequel equates to more of the same. If you loved the original, you’ll eat this up. If you hated it – and we both know those are the only two options – you can happily make indignant remarks to any friends or family in the “love it” camp.
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Highly Defined – The World of High Definition

Posted in Highly Defined, News and Opinions by Archive Authors on January 8th, 2007

What kind of oil is used on stripper poles again?

OK, this round of activity should be pretty bland, as all the rage and anticipation is saved for the coming days, as CES has just started (or about to start) as you’re reading this. Lots of announcements are forthcoming, with the speculation apparently that Blu-Ray will be the king of new news, with many new releases and perhaps the revelation of a second-generation Samsung player. The HD-DVD camp is a mystery at this point, but we’ll have a roundup and spec…
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The Spy Who Loved Me (Region 2)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 8th, 2007

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After seeing Casino Royale it’s hard to look at a Bond film the same way, and when Roger Moore inhabited the guy who likes martinis, fast cars and dangerous situations, it may have been a little cheesy. Granted, Moore did appear in a couple of notable Bond misses, but in the tenth release of the James Bond franchise, The Spy Who Loved Me stands as one of his best, if not the best Moore film.

From a screenplay by Richard Maibaum (his 7th Bond film) and Christopher Wood (his first) and directed by Lewis Gilbert (his 2nd Bond film), this new situation finds James at first in Austria, being chased by assassins, with everyone on skis.
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Gears of War (Xbox 360)

Posted in Game Reviews by Archive Authors on January 7th, 2007

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Gameplay

Hype. Hype is a piece of the media that we never want to admit to ourselves, or anyone for that matter, we let get the best of us. After all, how many times has the hype for something become so huge that it turned out to be a real bummer once you finally played it? When message boards started rambling in 2005 about a game coming from Microsoft Studios (made by Epic) entitled Gears of War, a small look into Microsoft’s history of product release, would easily entail a game that would …
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 7th, 2007

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Some of you might know the book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream, then others of you might known the movie simply called Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but one way or another you know about the crazy days Hunter S. Thompson had in Vegas. Hunter Thompson along with his buddy Oscar Zeta Acosta are the credited creators of Gonzo Journalism (Journalism with indistinct lines between fact and fiction), so the book and movie are partially based on their accounts, except replace Thompson with Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and Acosta with Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro).
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The Breakfast Club (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 7th, 2007

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Truth be told ladies and gentlemen, before receiving The Breakfast Club in for review, I couldnï¿½t even begin to fathom the fan base this film has had since its 1985 release. After all how interesting does a film where 5 students are put in detention sound? After seeing the film, I believe the interest lies not necessarily in the basic premise of the film, but the overall impact the five students have on themselves and, more importantly, the viewer.
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Field of Dreams (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 7th, 2007

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For the longest time I avoided Field of Dreams. This is simply because Iï¿½ve never really liked Kevin Costner as an actor, and mainly because I figured a film about baseball starring him would be boring. Boy was I wrong on this one. Sure Field of Dreams isnï¿½t the best film ever made, but damn if itï¿½s not a film that one canï¿½t help but enjoy slowly falling for the story, characters and surroundings.

Ray Kinsella (Costner) is a simple man who has a lovely wife named Annie (Amy Madigan). Ray decides to move to Iowa soon buying a farm.
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The Simple Life – The Complete Fourth Season (‘Til Death Do Us Part)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 7th, 2007

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If you haven’t heard of The Simple Life, the reality series starring celebrity debutantes Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie, you must not own a TV. If you just haven’t ever watched the show, you’re one lucky person. I used to be lucky, too, but now I’ve seen the show’s fourth season on DVD.

The Simple Life features Hilton and Ritchie, spoiled rich and absolutely clueless, experiencing everyday American life. You know, like doing chores on a farm. What’s new for this season?
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Matador, The (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 5th, 2007

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Pierce Brosnan as a hit man, something were all used to with the James Bond franchise, but this time heï¿½s not killing for the good guys. Instead he is a freelance assassin traveling the globe killing whoever heï¿½s told and for good money too. But comparing Pierceï¿½s role in this film to James Bond isnï¿½t exactly fair, although the characters share some similarities; you really have to watch this one to appreciate the uniqueness of the character.
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Dane Cook’s Tourgasm

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 3rd, 2007

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I’ve gotta say, I love stand-up comedy. My first albums were George Carlin records, and I’d always listen to my Dad’s recorded tape of a Friar’s Club roast of Don Rickles, where four letter words would get dropped as often as the drinks in the room. Then it was on to Richard Pryor, then onto the R-rated genius of Sam Kinison and to a lesser extent, Andrew Dice Clay. And now, it’s Lewis Black, David Cross, Dave Attell and Robert Schimmel.
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The Year Without a Santa Claus (2006)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 3rd, 2007

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Two things you should know about me before reading this review: I’ll watch anything involving John Goodman, and I’ve never seen the animated classic this live-action version of The Year Without a Santa Claus is based on. So unlike when I watched the horrendous Jim Carrey-Ron Howard take on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, in this case I hold no special place for an original.
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The Promise

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 2nd, 2007

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On its surface, The Promise seems to have a good pedigree backing it up. You’ve got the guy who directed Farewell, My Concubine and the cinematographer of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, combining forces for a Chinese film that is epic in scope, similar to the Zhang Yimou films Hero and House of Flying Daggers.

The problem with The Promise is that the story rambles a bit, and the characters are ones that you don’t care about. The stunts aren’t even breathtaking either, as the visual effects are apparently done with wires and green screens, and can be made out so obviously, they lack the magic and wonder of the Yimou films, or even other films like Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle.
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Highly Defined – The World of High Definition

Posted in Highly Defined, News and Opinions by Archive Authors on January 1st, 2007

Give a brutha some slack, OK?

So in between a busy daytime job that included being in the office for 19 hours of a 24 hour day and the holiday week, things have been a little busy at the casa de Keefer. Besides, everyone’s bracing themselves for the CES show next week and the fun stuff to come from it, right? So let’s take a look at those next-gen discs that have made this particular reviewer stand up and smile. Oh, and as far as the lack of Blu love here, if someone wants to spring for a player for me, fee…
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Casino (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 1st, 2007

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Letï¿½s face it people. Martin Scorsese, for most part, is a god amongst filmmakers. The man canï¿½t do anything wrong in the filmmaking. Film after film he continues to amaze me with his sheer ability to tell a story bundled together with fantastic acting. Even though many donï¿½t name Casino as one of his best works (rightfully so), the film is still excellent as it shows the gritty 1980s Las Vegas mob world.

One cursory glance at the plot of Casino would make the smallest Scorsese fan think that the film should be called Goodfellas 2.
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World Trade Center

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 30th, 2006

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Comments on the supplemental material on this edition have been ported over from Ryan Erb’s excellent (and recent) review of the HD DVD, which also can be enjoyed on this site.Â Now onto this review…

Remember when it was announced that far-left conspiracy theorist (and resident Castro admirer) Oliver Stone would be making a film about the September 11 attacks? Of course you do. In fact, the collective pucker of the nation tightened in horror and trepidation when the notion was first thrown around, and later grew in suspicion as the film’s realization became closer and closer.
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Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law – Volume 2

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 29th, 2006

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I’d never seen, nor heard of, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law before I received my review copy of this second volume of the series, which aired as part of Adult Swim. What a bizarre show! Not since Ren and Stimpy have I seen such a strange, adult-oriented cartoon.

Harvey Birdman was a shoddy superhero who has become a substandard Attorney. His firm handles cases for well-known animated Hanna-Barbara characters like The Jetsons, with each of the 13 episodes in this second volume presenting a new case.
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The Scorpion King (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 29th, 2006

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Truth be told, when I first heard of the idea of a new Mummy film, I became excited. The first two in the series were surely not examples of Oscar material, but were damn entertaining films. Then news slipped out that the next film would be based on WWE Superstar The Rockï¿½s character The Scorpion King, which seemed like an odd idea on paper. Was The Scorpion King that much of an awesome character that he needed his own film? Well, success continues as The Scorpion King isnï¿½t excellent film making, but sure is pretty entertaining.
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Jet Li’s Fearless (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 29th, 2006

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Based on a true story, Jet Liï¿½s Fearless takes place just after the turn of the 20th century. Huoï¿½s father is challenged and beaten by the leader of the Zhao Clan leading to sheer embarrassment for everyone involved. Soon Huo Yuanija, his son, suffers a similar fate. Only Huo swears to never let a beating like this occur again. Huo wants nothing more in the world than for his father to teach him the way of the wushu, which is the way of fighting. The problem is that Huo doesnï¿½t tend to put his heart in the right places. He hates studying his medicine and doing his calligraphy leaving his mother to tell him that wushu is not all about winning, but rather about patience and self-discipline.
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Material Girls (2006)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 29th, 2006

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Hilary Duff vehicle Material Girls hit theatres in August 2006, and failed miserably. That fact was my only comfort while I wasted 98-minutes of my life watching this movie.

I fully expected to dislike this teeny-bop flick, but I was actually surprised by just how bad it actually was. Hilary Duff and sister Haylie probably wish they’d never made this movie, though I imagine the paycheck would make up for this blotch on their filmography. I’m hoping the same is true for Angelica Huston (The Royal Tenenbaums) and Brent Spiner (Star Trek’s Data), who play cringe-worthy supporting roles.
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Jet Li’s Fearless

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 28th, 2006

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Jet Li’s Fearless is reportedly the star’s final martial arts epic. Since we’re talking about the guy who did Once Upon a Time in China, Twin Warriors and Hero, that fact alone makes this is a significant film for martial arts fans.

Fearless tells the story of Huo Yuanjia, who in 1910 helped found the Jin Wu Sports Federation (Chin Woo Athletic Association), the first civil Kung Fu organization in China. Li plays Yuanjia, who is a Chinese folk hero. The film follows Yuanjia’s life from early childhood until his last days, showing his journey from a weak, little boy to a cocky, selfish bully, and finally to a respected martial arts master and Chinese patriot.
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Hulk, The (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 27th, 2006

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Synopsis

I must be crazy, but I kinda liked Hulk! Although, this is coming from the kid who faithfully watched the old CBS show and loved every damn minute of it. When Universal decided they were going to make a big-screen adaptation, with a computer created green machine, so be it. I fell for the trailers, and everything else. So when it came out to theaters, it seemed like the consensus result was: ï¿½Blah!ï¿½ in large part to said CG leading man/monster. But at the end of the day, it doesnï¿½t seem like he takes up much of the movie, and the action scenes arenï¿½t hurt by his presence, some of them look very good.
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The Last Kiss (2006)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 22nd, 2006

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Don’t pay any attention to the description on the back of DVD case. Described as “hilarious”, this film is anything but. While it may have a few funny moments, we’re talking about a serious drama. The Last Kiss is a cautionary tale about temptation. It presents the circumstances and life choices of 30-year-olds in an intense, honest way, which makes the film both completely engrossing as well as difficult to watch.
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World Trade Center (HD DVD)

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 22nd, 2006

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Everyone in the world knows about the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. With films hitting the big screen in 2006, I guess the studios thought time enough had gone by to start making movies on the tragedy. World Trade Center is based on the attacks on the World Trade Center, as obvious by its name, but makes mention of the other attacks of the day. I canï¿½t comment on the realism of the movie pertaining to the individuals depicted in the film (John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno) but they were involved with the production of the film, and since film is based on their accounts of the day I could imagine itï¿½s very realistic. There are a few factual inaccuracies regarding some of the events of the day, but nothing major.
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Lonesome Jim

Posted in Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on December 20th, 2006

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Some films never achieve greatness, but still manage to leave their viewers with a wry smile, and a “that wasn’t so bad, I’m glad I watched it” mentality. Lonesome Jim from IFC Films is one such motion picture. Starring Casey Affleck and Liv Tyler and directed by Steve Buscemi, this is one mood-swinging comedy that will lull you into complacency, then occasionally drop large hilarious bombs into the experience when least expected. Centered on a depressing, tight-lipped, tell-it-like-it-is, loner, who is for…
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