Monthly Archives: June 2009

Video Verdict: New DVDs for June 30

John Cena plays New Orleans police officer Danny Fisher in the thriller “12 Rounds.”

John Cena plays New Orleans police officer Danny Fisher in the thriller “12 Rounds.”

This week’s DVD releases include two amped up action flicks and a concert movie featuring one of America’s top teen acts.

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Video Verdict: New DVDs for June 23

Isla Fisher is on a permanent spending spree in the romantic comedy "Confessions of a Shopaholic."

Isla Fisher is on a permanent spending spree in the romantic comedy "Confessions of a Shopaholic."

This week’s video releases range from a family friendly fantasy starring Brendan Fraser to an R-rated animated film that won a Golden Globe.

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Like free movies? Reno’s got them

Paul Rudd, left, and Jason Segel in "I Love You Man." The film will be showing free of charge at the University of Nevada, Reno on June 23.

Paul Rudd, left, and Jason Segel in "I Love You Man." The film is showing for free at the University of Nevada, Reno June 23.

There might not be any free lunches, but there are free movies. At least there are in Northern Nevada.

For years, Artown has offered free movies in Wingfield Park during the month of July, but this summer free flicks aren’t limited to a single month. Heck, they aren’t even limited to the family friendly fare that has always been Artown’s trademark. There’s a series at the University of Nevada, Reno, for instance, that doesn’t include anything rated softer than PG-13. And tell me that a showing of “Dirty Dancing” at the Grand Sierra pool doesn’t have the potential to be a tad provocative?

Intrigued? Then grab your calendar and make plans. Here’s the skinny on several free movie series running throughout the summer.

Click here for full story: http://rgj.com/article/20090619/ENT/906190373/1056/ENT/Free-flicks-help-stretch-your-family-s-budget

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Reno club keeps R/C cars on track

Dan Walls of Reno likes racing radio-controlled cars for many reasons but one  is that he can put them through hell.

“It keeps me going, keeps me young,” he said. “I’d never drive my real car like this. I can drive this like I stole it.”

Click here for full story: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906190359

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Video Verdict: New DVDs for June 16

Chelsea (Willa Ford) discovers Jason (Derek Mears) watching her from the shores of Crystal Lake in the 2009 remake of "Friday the 13th."

Chelsea (Willa Ford) discovers Jason (Derek Mears) watching her from the shores of Crystal Lake in the 2009 remake of "Friday the 13th."

It’s an off week for mainstream DVD releases, but horror fans are getting something they can sink their teeth — or should I say machete — into with a remake of the horror classic “Friday the 13th.”

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Video Verdict: New DVDs for June 9

Clint Eastwood doesn't always play nice in the drama "Gran Torino." He directed the film, and he also stars in it.

Clint Eastwood doesn't always play nice in the drama "Gran Torino."

This week’s DVD releases are anchored by a Clint Eastwood drama that earned the veteran performer a best actor nod from the National Board of Review.

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‘Dances With Wolves’ writer attending this year’s Reno Film Festival

Michael Blake

Michael Blake

Michael Blake is best known as a behind-the-scenes guy, but the “Dances With Wolves” novelist and screenwriter stepped in front of the camera for “The American West: On the Road With Michael Blake.”

In the documentary film, showing June 21 at the Reno Film Festival, Blake takes viewers on a journey through great moments in U.S. history, especially as they relate to American Indians. He will be at the Reno screening to talk about the film, which was inspired by his first non-fiction book, “Indian Yell: The Heart of an American Insurgency.”

Click here for full story: http://rgj.com/article/20090607/ENT/906070305/1056/+Dances++writer+presenting+documentary+of+the+West

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Reno Film Festival: Indies and more

Actress Stella Stevens will appear at the Reno Film Festival this month

Actress Stella Stevens will appear at the Reno Film Festival this month

During its nine years, the Reno Film Festival has seen its share of change. It debuted in October 2000 and served as an outlet, primarily, for classic movies. In the early days, screenings of great films were paired with appearances by beloved stars and directors, including Rod Steiger, Tony Curtis and George Sidney.

Since, the festival has morphed, moving first to November, then May and finally this year to June. It also has shifted from showing mainly classics to include an increasing number of independent pictures. Also, organizers have placed less of a focus on celebrities.

“If Kevin Costner wanted to come, we would certainly have star power, but it’s always difficult for us to get them (stars) lined up and everything,” said festival spokesman Bob Alessandrelli. “We actually have, the last few years, morphed more into the indies.”

This year’s festival, running June 17-21, isn’t free of classic films or stars. For instance, actress Stella Stevens will be in town June 20 to sign autographs and talk about her 1970 feature “The Ballad of Cable Hogue.”

Click here for full story: http://rgj.com/article/20090607/ENT/906070304/1056/Reno+Film+Festival+focuses+on+indies++American+West+and+free+flicks

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Video Verdict: New DVDs for June 2

Leonardo DiCaprio, left, and Kate Winslet play Frank and April Wheeler in the drama "Revolutionary Road."

Leonardo DiCaprio, left, and Kate Winslet play Frank and April Wheeler in the drama "Revolutionary Road."

It’s a good week for movie lovers because the latest DVDs include two of the finest dramas released into theaters in 2008.

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