Monthly Archives: August 2008
‘Traitor’ is an intelligent summer movie
As the summer movie season winds down, it’s reasonable to start looking forward to intelligent pictures. Usually, the bulk of smarter, artier films come in November and December, as studios gear up for the Oscar push and remind moviegoers that … Continue reading
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Video Verdict: New DVDs for Aug. 26
It’s a solid week on the home video front as viewers are being treated to a new David Mamet drama, a charming childhood fable and a respectable documentary on Middle East politics. These three films are good enough, in fact, … Continue reading
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‘Hamlet 2′ has cult classic potential
No question about it. Dana Marschz (Steve Coogan) is a lousy actor. Whether peddling herpes medication or demonstrating the marvels of a new juicer, he fits in about as well as a zebra in a horse race. But, Dana loves … Continue reading
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Video Verdict: New DVDs for Aug. 19
There’s plenty of variety in this week’s video offerings, as we’re getting everything from a children’s concert film to a Keanu Reeves action flick. Street Kings 1 star Rated R for strong violence and pervasive language 20th Century Fox … Continue reading
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‘Tropic Thunder’ consistently funny
Ben Stiller is a triple threat in “Tropic Thunder.” Actor. Writer. Director. And the results are, well, really good. The film adds much-needed luster to Stiller’s directorial resumé, which — with the exception of 1994′s “Reality Bites” — was looking … Continue reading
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‘The Wackness’ tells good, oddball tale
Writer-director Jonathan Levine’s “The Wackness” has the type of self-assuredness that usually comes from a 20-year veteran, but I don’t think a man that old could have made this picture. The 30-something Levine came of age in the mid-1990s just … Continue reading
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Video Verdict: New DVDs for Aug. 12
It’s another slow week on the video circuit, as new releases are limited primarily to direct-to-DVD movies, television series and a handful of limited-run features. Fortunately, the one DVD title that received a wide theatrical release is a very good … Continue reading
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‘Pineapple Express’ goes up in smoke
Let’s clear the air both literally and figuratively. It’s not funny to watch people get stoned. Sure, there’s the momentary snigger that comes when folks make idiots of themselves, but it’s difficult to extend that sort of humor beyond 15 … Continue reading
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Video Verdict: New DVDs for Aug. 5
It’s a slow week for videos, as only a handful of major titles hit stores. The good news is that the most noteworthy entries are well made, well acted and well worth watching. Nim’s Island 3 stars Rated PG for … Continue reading
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‘Swing Vote’ misses the mark
When a political film hits theaters during a presidential election year, the hope is for a thoughtful piece that encourages viewers to more thoroughly examine the American political process. Alas, we’ve been saddled with “Swing Vote.” Despite problems — detailed … Continue reading
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