Entries from August 2009

August 31, 2009

Video Verdict: ‘State of Play,’ ‘Disneynature: Earth,’ ‘Sugar’

This week’s DVD releases include a sharp thriller starring Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck, a beautifully photographed nature film and a foreign drama that casts a new light on America’s pastime.

August 25, 2009

Video Verdict: ‘Adventureland,’ ‘Rudo y Cursi,’ ‘Goodbye Solo,’ ‘Sunshine Cleaning’

It’s a great week for home video, with a handful of mainstream titles supplemented by an exceptional independent film and an equally good foreign offering.

August 18, 2009

Video Verdict: ‘Hannah Montana,’ ‘Last House on the Left,’ ‘Tyson’

This week’s DVD releases cover a lot of territory, with major titles ranging from a documentary about fighter Mike Tyson to an easygoing adaptation of Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana” TV series.

August 14, 2009

Quote of the day: Sun Tzu

“All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable of attacking, feign incapacity; when active in moving troops, feign inactivity. When near the enemy, make it seem that you are far away; when far away, make it seem that you are near.” – Sun Tzu

August 13, 2009

Quote of the day: Ruth Anne Kocour

“I am more afraid of not living than I am of dying” – writer-photographer Ruth Anne Kocour

August 12, 2009

Quote of the day: Pablo Picasso

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso

August 11, 2009

Video Verdict: ‘I Love You, Man,’ ’17 Again,’ ‘Alien Trespass,’ ’90210′

It’s a great week for new DVD releases, with movie studios rolling out everything from a raucous, mainstream comedy to an homage to classic science-fiction films.

August 11, 2009

Quote of the day: Jean Cocteau

“I believe in luck: How else can you explain the success of those you dislike?” – Jean Cocteau

August 10, 2009

Quote of the day: Anonymous

“The best cure for insomnia is a Monday morning.” – author unknown

August 9, 2009

Great classic car movies

Cars and cinema share a rich heritage, so with Hot August Nights winding down in Reno, I thought it would be fun to look at some of the greatest classic car films of all time. Some of my picks, such as the Stephen King thriller “Christine,” have a car at the heart of the plot. Others, [...]