Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on February 6th, 2008
In the Valley of Elah is the second film I’ve seen recently that addresses the condition of soldiers returning from the Iraq war. Unlike Home of the Brave, however, Elah is actually a strong film with impressive performances and a story that hooks you and holds on to the end. It’s a Paul Haggis production – the two-time Oscar winner wrote, directed and produced the film – so Elah has some serious cred right off the bat, thanks to the success of other Haggis projects. Maybe you’ve heard of Crash, best picture winner of 2004, Million Dollar Baby or Letters From Iwo Jima?
Those credits aside, In the Valley of Elah’s best feature is a masterful performance by Tommy Lee Jones (No Country for Old Men), who’s up for a best actor Oscar for his portrayal of an old-school army veteran searching for his son.
Posted in: Dare to Play the Game, News and Opinions by Michael Durr on February 6th, 2008
The Devil May Cry over installation, Stop smashing my Poker, and downloading from Xbox Live could make you a winner? - Welcome to the column that thinks that DLC is something you might want to change your pants afterwards known as Dare to Play the Game.
Welcome to another edition of Dare to Play the Game. Level 17, ding ding ding. Okay so I'm still playing World of Warcraft (I still have a strange inclination to call it Whorecraft, cause I feel like a dirty dirty one). My new toy has to be the lockpicking skill. I already got it up to 62 which I know for non-noobs is nothing but I'm digging it. I'm completely fascinated by the pick-pocketing skill too.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on February 4th, 2008
I have watched these DVD episodes of the Ira Glass series This American Life, some segments more than once, and I have to say I just don’t get it. Perhaps it is because I never heard the radio program on which they are based. It is a somewhat popular show with a cult following. I tend to avoid public radio at all costs as it is far too heavy handed in its liberal politics for my particular tastes. Still, I approached the series with an open mind that knew literally nothing going in. I’m sorry to report that I still seem to know nothing about the show.
Posted in: Brain Blasters by David Annandale on February 2nd, 2008
Every few years, word arrives that the much-lamented Hammer Studios will shortly rise from the ashes. Back in the 90s, for instance, Richard Donner was supposed to be behind a resurrection of the Quatermass films. Well, the word has arrived again, and the revived Hammer has gone at least as far as releasing a teaser trailer and a set visit for its first production in decades: a vampire tale called Beyond the Rave.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on January 31st, 2008
I remember when Ocean’s Eleven was first announced, and how disappointed I was. Steven Soderbergh was already well-respected by critics and serious film buffs due to his films Sex, Lies & Videotape, Out of Sight, Erin Brockovich and Traffic. He was the last person in Hollywood that needed to sell out to the masses by directing a re-make packed with eye candy. Not only that, but he chose to re-make a fantastic film that starred the Rat Pack. Essentially, Soderbergh decided to go to Vegas and relieve himself on the legacy of Frank Sinatra in the name of the almighty dollar.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Michael Durr on January 31st, 2008
Director's cut can be a misleading term. The very definition of cut means to take away. A lot of Director's Cuts add in footage to the original release to make it longer. Then there are Director's Cuts which don't even involve the director. They involve a team which could possibly care less about whether the finished product resembles a movie or a saturday morning cartoon. Then there are Director's Cuts which involve a family member like a son. That my friends is another animal indeed.
Posted in: Expired Contests by Archive Authors on January 30th, 2008
Well it has all come down to this... Day 12 of our 12 Days Of Contests promotion. Today, to wrap it all up, we are giving 2 copies of the 6-disc (2x6= 12) set Atlas of the Natural World - Africa/Europe released by BBC.
So - enter away below by commenting! We have extended the draw dates for all 12 of our "12 Days of Contests" contests to Tuesday, February 5th... so check back at that time so see who won!
Posted in: Dare to Play the Game, News and Opinions by Michael Durr on January 30th, 2008
Wii equals gimmick, PS3 overtakes 360, and could a Bear stop piracy? - Welcome to the column that lives in a tiny little farming community called bizzarro world but known to the gaming community as Dare to Play the Game.
Welcome to another edition of Dare to Play the Game. Level 13 is the magic number for my Troll Rogue (Lantanador) in WoW. I've spent most of the last week improving my mining & blacksmithing skills. I'm just happy that I can make a Copper Short Sword all by myself. Too bad my rogue uses daggers and other small weapons.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 30th, 2008
PBS and producer Steve Boettcher have put together a rather nice time capsule. This four part series looks at four aspects of television: Late Night, Game Shows, Sit Coms, and Variety Shows. Each hour-long entry looks backward to the very infancy of the medium of television. The pieces examine the pioneers who gave birth to these genres and the innovative people who followed. There’s no question that some of the vintage clips alone are priceless
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on January 30th, 2008
JAG or Judge Advocates General might have gone silent on our television screens in 2005, but it really remains with us in its spin-off NCIS. Both shows explore the world of military justice. Both shows are also the masterworks of successful television producer David P. Bellisario, who also brought us Magnum PI and Quantum Leap. The idea behind JAG was likely inspired by the film A Few Good Men.
On The Web
Sponsors
