Monthly Archives: September 2008
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Sept. 30
It’s a slow week for mainstream video releases, but the two big titles hitting stores are among the best of the year so far. Iron Man 3 1/2 stars (out of four) Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi … Continue reading
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‘River’ reflects tough economic times
Nothing goes better in tough economic times than a movie about people living in such abject poverty that they turn to smuggling as a means of survival. I’m being facetious, of course, but “Frozen River” does stand the chance of … Continue reading
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‘Eagle Eye’ works as mindless entertainment
In less than 10 years as a feature film director, D.J. Caruso has established himself as a workmanlike Hollywood talent. The sort producers can turn to if they’re looking for a solidly mainstream thriller that punches most of the right … Continue reading
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Video Verdict: New DVDs for Sept. 23
It’s a good week for comedy, with George Clooney, Simon Pegg and Danny McBride all offering films designed to make us laugh. What’s more, the “Sex & the City” movie has fashion fans everywhere drooling in their cosmos. Sex and … Continue reading
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Kerry Washington on ‘Lakeview Terrace’
Kerry Washington says she’s never seen a black woman on screen like the one she plays in “Lakeview Terrace.” “I loved the idea of playing this kind of Berkeley graduate, environmentalist, crunchy granola, progressive, open-minded young woman because I have … Continue reading
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Strong performances in ‘Lakeview Terrace’
Most people have had a dispute with a neighbor, roommate, landlord or boss. So, there’s no need to explain how uncomfortable it is to quarrel with a person who has influence over one’s life. Imagine the increase in discomfort if … Continue reading
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Video Verdict: New DVDs for Sept. 16
This week’s crop of videos includes something for everyone: a fast-paced family adventure, taut crime thriller, trite romantic comedy, and touching documentary. Surely, there’s something appropriate for that upcoming movie night. Speed Racer 4 stars (out of four) Rated PG … Continue reading
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‘Burn’ is a lighthearted Coen film
Take a self-important CIA analyst, womanizing Treasury department officer, plastic surgery-obsessed customer service rep, daft personal trainer and religious-leader-turned-gym manager, and you’ve got the ingredients for “Burn After Reading,” a Joel and Ethan Coen film that’s the polar opposite of … Continue reading
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Video Verdict: New DVDs for Sept. 9
It’s a busy week on the home video front with new releases ranging from a sweeping martial arts adventure to a Tina Fey comedy. The Forbidden Kingdom 3 stars (out of four) Rated PG-13 for sequences of martial arts action … Continue reading
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Video Verdict: New DVDs for Sept. 2
Although plenty of television series are hitting DVD this week, things are slow for mainstream feature films. In fact, once you get beyond the TV shows, a small film by Helen Hunt and a direct-to-DVD superhero cartoon are the biggest … Continue reading
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