Question: About a week and a half ago, you reviewed “The Dark Knight” DVD release and gave it its deserved due. But you, as everybody has, elevated Heath Ledger to acting-sainthood, while the performance that I found most fascinating in the film has been mostly ignored by all media. Of course, I’m referring to Aaron [...]
Entries from December 2008
December 27, 2008
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Dec. 27
This week’s DVD releases include a Shia LaBeouf action flick, a Keira Knightley costume drama and an offbeat comedy starring British comedian Ricky Gervais.
December 25, 2008
‘Doubt’ open to viewer interpretation
It’s no surprise when Meryl Streep turns in a powerhouse performance, but it is worth noting. So, let’s get that out of the way. Streep is wonderful as Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the uber-strict principal of St. Nicholas Catholic School in the Bronx. The children fear her, the other nuns/schoolteachers treat her with kid gloves, and [...]
December 24, 2008
Some holiday fun
I would give this movie four stars because it’s so infused with holiday spirit. But the lead actor (wink, wink) never changes facial expressions, making his performance awfully wooden. I guess some folks should stick to criticism. more about “Some holiday fun“, posted with vodpod
December 23, 2008
Chamber music festival in Reno
Reno pianist James Winn says the Nevada Chamber Music Festival is not only an excellent event for local music lovers, it’s great for local musicians. “I think it’s good for Reno audiences because they get to hear these wonderful people,” Winn says. “It’s good for Reno musicians because we get to play with these wonderful [...]
December 20, 2008
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Dec. 23
A brainless action film, a girl-power drama, an intimate documentary and two offbeat comedies. In other words, this week’s DVD crop has something for all types.
December 19, 2008
Critics name ‘Frost/Nixon’ best film
The Las Vegas Film Critics Society announced its 2008 awards this week, and director Ron Howard’s “Frost/Nixon” was the runaway winner. The film, about British journalist David Frost’s post-Watergate interviews with Richard Nixon, nabbed five of the organization’s Sierra Awards, including best picture, best actor for Frank Langella and best director for Howard. “Frost/Nixon” was [...]
December 19, 2008
Don’t kick ‘Slumdog’ to the rear
Feeling bad about America’s economic woes? Then settle into a screening of “Slumdog Millionaire,” director Danny Boyle’s fresh and inventive tale of a parentless Indian boy named Jamal who becomes a contestant on that country’s version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Despite little formal education and a young adulthood spent in poverty, Jamal [...]
December 19, 2008
Ask Forrest: Is Will Smith a good actor?
Question: When you contrast the beginning of Will Smith’s career against what he’s doing now, it’s startling. What do you think of him as an actor? Answer: It’s true that Smith’s early acting work — think “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” — wasn’t exactly Oscar material. But, with maturity, he’s become one of the most [...]
December 15, 2008
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Dec. 16
This week’s DVD releases include an intense political thriller, the revival of Brendan Fraser’s “Mummy” franchise and a movie musical starring Meryl Streep.
