Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on April 24th, 2007
Ahead of the pack with eight nominations, Dreamgirls had a lot of buzz leading up to this year’s Academy Awards. In the midst of it all, there was talk of a surprise standout performance by American Idol alumnus Jennifer Hudson in her first film role, and even more surprisingly, Pluto Nash – I mean, Eddie Murphy was up for best supporting actor.
With that many nominations, Dreamgirls, in yet another surprise, was not up for the coveted best picture Oscar. And after the dust settled, the film had been honored with just two of the golden statues, for Jennifer Hudson as best supporting actress and best achievement in sound mixing. No best picture nod and so few wins seemed to say, ‘yeah, your movie had a lot of good parts, some even great, but they didn’t add up to something more.’
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on April 24th, 2007
Every so often you find yourself blown away by the sheer power of a film. A film’s power can do a lot to one’s mind. Remember what Schindler’s List did to you? I certainly do. Charlie Kaufman’s latest effort is a fantastic masterpiece that will certainly leave an impact on your mind, soul, and body that few films can leave.
Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star was Joel Barish and Clementine. The two seem like they’re happy until the two suddenly break it off. Joel has turned from a happy man full of lif... into a depress slug. Trying to get his life back together, Joel travels to his local library where he runs into Clementine. Something strange has occurred, as Clementine has no recollection of who Joel is. After researching into what’s she has been doing since they broke it off, Joel finds out that Clementine has involved herself in a new scientific research method that resulted in her mind, particularly the painful portion of her mind, getting wiped. This is when Joel realizes he must go see this doctor immediately in hopes of getting the same procedure done.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on April 24th, 2007
Synopsis
Robert Francis is a wet-behind-the-ears naval officer whose first posting is aboard the Caine, a ramshackle minesweeper. He is dismayed by the rough-looking crew and captain, and when that captain is replaced by Bogart, a by-the-book commander, Francis is initially relieved. But Bogart’s fixations on minutiae are tyrannical and obsessive, his refusal to admit error dangerous, and his behaviour increasingly erratic and paranoid. Francis and fellow officers Fred MacMurray and Van Johnson reali...e that Bogart is unfit for command, and one stormy night, Johnson (the first mate) is forced to take action. The consequences are serious.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on April 23rd, 2007
The History Boys is a film version of the award-winning play of the same name. The link between film and play is especially strong here, as not only was it adapted and directed by the original writer and stage director, but each member of the stage cast also reprised his or her role for the film.
Set in the early 80’s, The History Boys is about a group of bright young men preparing for their futures and the teachers helping them along. The boys have just received top marks at their grammar sch...ol, and the next step is studying for university entrance exams, on the subject of history. With Oxford or Cambridge in their sights, the students enter the new term ready to study under three remarkable teachers, one of whom wants to fondle their genitals, and another who’s new and barely more than a boy himself.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on April 23rd, 2007
I’ve just watched Smokin’ Aces for the first time. What. A. Mess.
Having read and heard comparisons with Tarantino films like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, I had anticipated a violent, highly entertaining romp. The violence part I get, no problem. Smokin’ Aces is certainly a bloody film, but come on, ”Tarantino”? You’ve got to be kidding me.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on April 22nd, 2007
Synopsis
Who would have thought that after an amazing performance in Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain that Heath Ledger would return to his native Australia and do an independent film? Well for those who did and put long odds on it, you get the prize in the pool. I just wish that after things like Trainspotting, Half Nelson and similar films, this one would have a little more impact than it does.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on April 22nd, 2007
Synopsis
The first thing that surprised me when I did some minor research on The Addams Family was that as a show, it was barely on for a cup of coffee, lasting two seasons. Maybe because it was on around the same time as The Munsters shortened its shelf life. However three decades later, the film (and its sequel) helped propel it into fan appreciation.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on April 20th, 2007
As I watched the DVD for Deja Vu I had this uncanny feeling that I’d seen it all somewhere before. Suddenly it hit me. I had seen it all before. It was a darkened multi-plex last Thanksgiving weekend. That’s when I saw the film for the first time and was somewhat intrigued by the originality of the story. I have to say that watching it again on DVD, I think I liked it more the second time around. The basic concept is perhaps not original at all. It is the framework of the idea that I found refreshing. The film also...sparks more than a casual philosophical debate that brings in such high concepts as morality and paradox. This is certainly a film worth thinking about, and that is all too rare today.
Another area in which this film excels is the casting. It’s not that these are the most stunning performances I’ve seen. What I admire most here is the way the actors easily blended into their parts like a chameleon disappearing from a predator. None of the portrayals leap from the screen and dazzle you with their art, but you almost instantly accept all of them as the characters they play. For such a well known actor like Denzel Washington that is no small feat but, I believe, one of the best compliments one can pay to an actor. Paula Patton is stunning without looking like a typical sex symbol.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on April 18th, 2007
Synopsis
Anna Karenina (Vivien Leigh) is married to a rigid and boring politician (Ralph Richardson). Despite herself, she falls in love with the dashing young Kieron Moore. Richardson retaliates by cutting her off from her son. And though having an affair is tolerated by upper class Russian society, the couple wind up challenging convention too far, and Anna finds herself completely ostracized.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on April 18th, 2007
There was a time when National Lampoon’s was known for their comedic presence, with classics like the Vacation franchise, Animal House, and their first decent production in ten-years - Van Wilder. Since then they have seldom come out with anything remotely humorous, usually brining in novelty has been or never was actors/actresses to fill the roles, such as Paris Hilton (Pledge This), Vida Guerra (Dorm Daze 2), and David Faustino (Pucked). I’ll admit having not seen or even h...ard of this movie prior to now, I’m a little curious to see what’s come of David Faustino (Bud Bundy from Married with Children) as well as Bon Jovi and his bleached white teeth.
The plot is very simplistic, Frank Hopper (Bon Jovi) was formerly a lawyer who has since become a dreamer residing in his sister’s garage. Carl (David Faustino) is Frank’s loyal best friend whom is slightly more successful as of late. While out looking for a birthday present for his mom, Frank fills out a credit application that he presumes to be a survey; jokingly he fills out his annual income as a million dollars. Before long he gets a high limit credit card in the mail, in his eyes this is a way to finance his newly realized get rich dream - an all-woman hockey league.
![Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind [HD DVD] dvd cover art](https://upcomingdiscs.com/ecs_covers/eternal-sunshine-of-the-spotless-mind-hd-dvd-large.jpg)
