‘Nick & Norah’ earthy, memorable

When I was a younger film critic, a handful of relationship movies resonated more deeply than the standard Hollywood fare.

In particular, “Reality Bites” and “Singles” stood out. Not because they were brilliant, but because they reminded me of my own life. … at least more so than the more popular romantic comedies.

It is a compliment then that “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” reminds me of both films.

Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081003/ENT/810030485/1056

Leave a comment

Filed under Movie Reviews

Cera, Dennings talk ‘Nick & Norah’

Michael Cera and Kat Dennings play the title characters in “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” a new romantic comedy about two youngsters who get to know each other during a wild night in New York City.

Question: How did you two get involved in this project?

Michael: I met with Peter (Sollett), the director, and really loved him and loved his other movie “Raising Victor Vargas.”

Click here for full story: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081003/ENT/810030489/1056

Leave a comment

Filed under Features

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 action and violence,
and brief suggestive content
Paramount Pictures
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

“The Dark Knight” may be the superhero film of 2008, but “Iron Man” is a close second. Based on the popular Marvel Comics books, the film centers on Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a brilliant scientist who heads a weapons manufacturing company.

When viewers meet Stark, he’s arrogant and careless, but that changes when a military convoy that he’s traveling with is attacked and he’s nearly killed by one of his own weapons. Suddenly awakened to the horrors that his products inflict, Stark manufactures a suit of high-tech armor and begins playing hero in hopes of making amends.

“Iron Man” packs all the action and special effects one expects from a summer blockbuster, but it’s also an intelligent film with solid plotting and interesting political undertones. Downey, a brave choice to play a comic book hero, is wonderful, and his supporting cast — Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges — is outstanding.

Bottom line: “Iron Man” is super.

The film is available in single-disc and two-disc versions. Extra features vary.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall
3 1/2 stars
Unrated
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

“How I Met Your Mother” star Jason Segel proved he is more than a television front man by writing and starring in this outstanding and raucous romantic comedy. Segel wrote himself the role of Peter Bretter, a Hollywood composer famous for his relationship with actress Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). He’s fine playing second fiddle to her stardom until she dumps him for a ridiculous rock star named Aldous Snow (Russell Brand).

In despair, Peter books a Hawaiian vacation to get Sarah off his mind. Then, she and Aldous show up at the same resort. In a stubborn effort to prove that he’s fine without her, Peter refuses to leave, leading to a series of wonderful relationship gags and the possibility of a new romance with a beautiful hotel employee (Mila Kunis).

“Sarah Marshall” is inventive, unusual and consistently funny. It’s also extremely raunchy, with graphic nudity and profanity making its way into countless scenes. This won’t be a problem for folks who enjoy movies like “Knocked Up” and “Superbad,” but those who prefer tamer fare could be offended. That’s worth chancing though because movies as funny as “Sarah Marshall” don’t come along often.

The picture is available in single-disc and three-disc unrated versions. Extra features vary.

Bigger, Stronger, Faster
3 stars
Rated PG-13
Magnolia Home Entertainment
Available on: DVD

Director Chris Bell’s documentary on anabolic steroid abuse in the U.S. is entertaining, informative and surprisingly personal. That’s because Bell and his two brothers grew up idolizing famous muscle men like Hulk Hogan, and both of his siblings are consistent steroid users.

Although hardly pro-steroid, “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” shows a side of steroid use that rarely makes its way into the media. For example, the movie questions the difference between athletes who take steroids and musicians who take anti-anxiety medication. The film also dares to question whether steroids are really as unhealthy as their reputation suggests.

The real point of the film, however, is not to make a judgment on steroid use. Rather, it’s to examine the mentality that drives people to take them. Ultimately, Bell asserts that the American quest to be No. 1 has a poisoning effect on society, and it’s tough to argue against his premise.

Folks with no interest in athletics or drug abuse may find “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” long-winded, but Bell does his best to keep the tone light and entertaining. The result is a documentary that leaves viewers with some thinking to do.

DVD extras include 40 minutes of deleted scenes and a behind-the-scenes featurette.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

“Taxi to the Dark Side”: This documentary about government abuse of power — particularly as it relates to the torture and killing of an innocent Afghani taxi driver — won the 2007 Oscar for best documentary feature.

“Beauty and the Beast” — The Complete Series: Fans of this 1980s fantasy drama can now catch every episode on DVD. In the first two seasons, Linda Hamilton stars as a New York assistant district attorney and Ron Perlman plays the man-beast who befriends her. Hamilton left after two seasons, leaving Jo Anderson to take over as the new female lead in season three.

“Ax Men” — The Complete Season One: All 13, first-seaon episodes of the History Channel reality series about loggers in the Pacific Northwest.

“When We Left Earth” — The NASA Missions: Four-DVD set looking at human space exploration. This material was originally broadcast on the Discovery Channel as part of a documentary miniseries, but this set contains nearly four hours of material that wasn’t shown on TV.

“Numb3rs” — The Fourth Season: Another season of the FBI crime drama where special agent Don Eppes (Rob Morrow) engages the help of his mathematical genius brother, Charlie (David Krumholtz), to solve crimes.

“Pulse 2”: Direct-to-DVD horror sequel about phantoms who haunt the living through cellular phones and wi-fi devices. Jaime Bamber and Boti Bliss star.

“My Three Sons” — The First Season, Volume 1: There’s something charming about old-school sitcoms. In this one from the 1960s, Fred MacMurray plays Steve Douglas, a widower doing his best to raise three sons on his own.

“My Name is Earl” — Season Three: The continuing adventures of a one-time ne’er do well (Jason Lee) trying to make up for all the bad things he’s done. Doesn’t sound like it, but it’s a comedy.

“An Autumn Afternoon”: The final film of Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu, this 1962 effort focuses on a widower overseeing the wedding of his grown daughter. Presented by the Criterion Collection.

Leave a comment

Filed under Video Verdict

‘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 driving its viewers to depression, despite being a beautifully made and exceedingly well-acted drama.

Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080919/ENT01/809190423/1056/ENT

Leave a comment

Filed under Movie Reviews

‘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 buttons.

Sometimes, as with “Disturbia” — a “Rear Window” remake that was so thinly veiled it prompted a copyright infringement lawsuit — Caruso’s work results in a film that is enjoyable after multiple viewings. In other cases — think “Taking Lives” — he’s saddled with such inept screenplays that failure is the only option.

Either way, Caruso himself is competent. He is not, however, the sort of director who pushes artistic limits … at least not yet. Rather, Caruso takes the hand he’s dealt and makes the best of it.

With “Eagle Eye,” he was dealing with a story that is preposterous on almost every level, but still possesses camp appeal.

Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080926/ENT01/809260472/1056/ENT

Leave a comment

Filed under Movie Reviews

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 the City
3 stars (out of four)
Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language
New Line
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

After knocking people out for years on HBO, “Sex and the City” made a successful trip to the big screen this year. And why not? The movie version of “SATC” is a solid relationship drama featuring strong performances in all key roles.

Sarah Jessica Parker is Carrie Bradshaw, a fashion-loving writer who is about to settle down with her on-again-off-again boyfriend “Mr. Big” (Chris Noth). And, because you can’t have a wedding without friends, Carrie’s TV series pals are on hand to help her prepare.

There’s Samantha (Kim Cattrall), the sex addict; Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), the hard-working attorney; and Charlotte (Kristin Davis), the stay-at-home mom. Although the movie is built around Carrie’s impending marriage to Big, each lady gets a complete story arc. That makes the film longwinded, but the solid performances overshadow all dead spots.

Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the series. Writer-director Patrick King crafted a story that allows viewers to quickly “get” each character, so newcomers and longtime fans can watch and enjoy together.

The movie is available on a single DVD or on a 2-disc special edition featuring an extended cut. Extra features vary.

Leatherheads
3 1/2 stars
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language
Universal
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

George Clooney can’t seem to do wrong, at least not in the entertainment field. He’s been a fine actor for years, and with 2002’s “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” and 2005’s “Good Night, and Good Luck” he proved an adept director.

In “Leatherheads,” he stars and directs, handling both roles beautifully. The film is a throwback to 1930s and 1940s screwball comedies, with Clooney playing Jimmy “Dodge” Connelly, an aging football player trying to keep his professional team afloat during the uncertainty of the 1920s.

Desperate, Dodge hires college football’s biggest star, Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski). His plan works, but it also sparks a classic love triangle, as Dodge and Carter both fall for a no-nonsense reporter played by Renee Zellweger.

“Leatherheads” is essentially an homage to Golden Era movies so it plays like a film made 60 years ago. The dialogue is sharp and the performances stylized, making it perfect for folks who love classic cinema and long walks down memory lane.

DVD extras include deleted scenes, a commentary with Clooney and producer Grant Heslov and several making-of features.

Deception
2 stars
Rated R for sexual content, language, brief violence and some drug use
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

One would think a thriller centered on executive sex clubs would be too titillating to fail, but “Deception” is surprisingly bland. Ewan McGregor stars as Jonathan McQuarry, a hard-working accountant who is so immersed in numbers that he doesn’t have a social life. That changes when he meets Wyatt Bose (Hugh Jackman), a smooth-talking businessman who knows how to live it up.

When Jonathan mistakenly ends up with Wyatt’s phone, he’s introduced to a club where business people routinely hook up for commitment- and guilt-free sex. Jonathan is intrigued but realizes he’s not cut out for such a radical lifestyle when he meets a beautiful blonde (Michelle Williams) that he wants to start a relationship with. Before he can go any further, he learns that he’s been sucked into a radical blackmail scheme with the girl, millions of dollars and his life at stake.

The premise of “Deception” is decent, but director Marcel Langenegger telegraphs several key plot twists, leaving viewers with a thriller that forgets to thrill.

DVD features include deleted scenes, a making-of short, and a commentary by Langenegger.

Run, Fatboy, Run
3 stars
Rated PG-13 for some rude and sexual humor, nudity, language and smoking
New Line
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

What happens when a middle-aged Brit realizes he made a mistake by running out on his pregnant girlfriend? He tries to make up for it — and prove that he can commit — by competing in the ultimate athletic event, a marathon.

Things would have been easier for Dennis Doyle (Simon Pegg) if he had stuck with his girl (Thandie Newton), especially since she is now involved with a handsome American named Whit (Hank Azaria). But simplicity doesn’t suit a good romantic comedy, and “Fatboy” is good.

Pegg is so winning that he keeps viewer interest even when the plot becomes routine, and his supporting cast — especially Harish Patel as Dennis’ landlord and coach — is equally strong.

Special DVD features include a filmmakers’ commentary, deleted scenes and outtakes.

The Foot Fist Way
1 1/2 stars
Rated R for strong language and some sexual content
Paramount
Available on: DVD

Danny McBride is no household name, but recent appearances in “Pineapple Express” and “Tropic Thunder” are putting him on the map. While he was a supporting player in those big-budget flicks, he is the main man in “The Foot Fist Way,” an independent comedy about Fred Simmons, a moronic tae kwon do instructor.

As Simmons, McBride is the worst possible leader, speaking to his young students in an inappropriate manner, running down their self esteem, and even placing them in physical danger. The concept has comic value, especially since there are martial arts instructors who have no business working with children. Unfortunately, the gags aren’t consistent enough to merit a recommendation.

DVD extras include bloopers, deleted and extended scenes, an alternate ending and a commentary by McBride and director Jody Hill.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

The Godfather — The Coppola Restoration Collection: Might this be an offer you can’t refuse? Classic gangster films “The Godfather” and “The Godfather, Part II” have been painstakingly restored to provide better picture quality, and “The Godfather, Part III” has been digitally remastered for DVD. The films, which are frequently ranked among the best in American cinema, are also available on Blu-ray for the first time.

Reno 911!: Miami — More Busted Than Ever! Unrated Cut: New release of the “Reno 911!” movie featuring an unrated cut and a new “lost” version.

High School Musical 2 — 2-Disc Deluxe Dance Edition: The popular youth-friendly movie gets a new DVD treatment with never-before-seen extra features.

Leave a comment

Filed under Video Verdict

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 a lot of girlfriends like that, and I have a lot of that in me,” she says. “I think she really represents a new kind of young woman. I think sometimes Hollywood has a hard time dealing with hybrids. You know, we kind of want to go, ‘This is what black people are like and this is what white people are like or this is what women are like and this is what men are like.’ I think that we’re moving into a world where all of those lines are getting more fluid and more movable.”

Click here for full story: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080919/ENT01/809190416/1056/ENT

Leave a comment

Filed under Features

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 the antagonist was an ultra-conservative Los Angeles cop with a vendetta. That’s the setup for “Lakeview Terrace,” the latest from Detroit-born director Neil LaBute, whose movies rarely skimp on social commentary. In “Terrace,” the themes are no less than racism, relationship honesty and abuse of power, and they’re all set against the backdrop of a raging California wildfire.

Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080919/ENT01/809190421/1056/ENT

1 Comment

Filed under Movie Reviews

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 for sequences of action, some violence, language and brief smoking
Warner Brothers
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

With its over-the-top visuals, stylized acting and fast-moving plot, “Speed Racer” is one of the greatest cartoon adaptations ever put to screen. The only down side is that most people don’t have a home theater capable of recreating the theatrical experience. But don’t let that stop you from renting the DVD. Nab the biggest TV you can, crank up the sound, and enjoy.

It’s no small challenge to take a classic Japanese cartoon series, introduce it to a new generation of fans and convert it to live action. Fortunately, filmmaking brothers Andy and Larry Wachowski — the guys behind “The Matrix” films — were up to the task. Visually, they have created one of the most astounding films to hit theaters this year. They also relate a pretty good story.

Emile Hirsch stars as Speed Racer, a young man who has dreamt of racing cars his entire life. He’s haunted by the fact that his older brother, Rex, died in a car accident, but that doesn’t prevent him from driving like a madman. It’s apparent that Speed is one of the finest drivers in the world, and that draws the attention of a schmaltzy corporate race team owner named Royalton (Roger Allam). He offers Speed a racing contract, but the young driver turns him down, leading Royalton to start a vendetta.

What follows is a smart-but-easy-flowing story that addresses corporate greed and family honor. Of course, those things take a backseat to the futuristic racecar action that drives the film. Every racing sequence is dominated by saturated primary colors, and Speed’s car careens through physically impossible stunts that make it seem as though the old-time cartoon has actually come to life.

“Speed Racer” is a near-perfect movie.

DVD special features include a tour of the movie set, a piece on the cars and racetracks, and a short about the racecar drivers.

Made of Honor
2 stars
Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language
Columbia Pictures
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

Director Paul Weiland’s latest boasts the most overused premise in the romantic comedy genre: old friends falling in love.

Sure, this happens in real-life, but it rarely happens as depicted in “Made of Honor,” a trite bit about a womanizing guy named Tom (Patrick Stewart) who finally falls for his pal Hannah (Michelle Monaghan). Trouble is, he realizes he loves her after bedding countless women and making it pretty clear that he’s not marriage material.

Still, he’s set to convince Hannah otherwise when she announces — of course — that she is engaged to a perfect guy named Colin (Kevin McKidd). And, guess what? Hannah asks Tom to be her maid of honor. Intent on breaking the engagement, Tom agrees.

If the plot sounds like the much-better “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” that’s because it is. “Made of Honor” is also like countless other “friends falling in love” flicks, and that makes it slow-moving, dull and predictable.

An audio commentary by Weiland is the only extra on DVD, but the Blu-ray disc adds deleted scenes and a couple making-of features.

88 Minutes
3 stars
Rated R for disturbing violent content, brief nudity and language
Tri Star
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

When “88 Minutes” was released in theaters, it was hammered by critics nationwide, and that makes me the odd man out. Maybe I’m getting soft, but I didn’t find it half bad. In fact, I’ll argue that it’s plenty entertaining in that “turn off your brain and enjoy” sort of way.

Al Pacino stars as Jack Gramm, a psychologist who testifies against serial killers in court, a profession that has served him well until now. On the eve of the execution of a nasty murderer named Jon Forster (Neal McDonough), he receives a call saying that he has just 88 minutes to live. As it becomes clear that the threat is serious and that Forster ordered it from behind bars, Gramm tries to discover who’s trying to kill him.

Too deep an examination of the plot — and its ridiculous complexity — will surely lead to disappointment. But folks who can simply hang on and enjoy Pacino’s performance will be rewarded with a fast-moving and enjoyable thriller. Alicia Witt, Leelee Sobieski, Amy Brenneman and William Forsythe also star.

DVD extras include a director’s commentary, a discussion with Al Pacinco and an alternate ending.

Young@Heart
3 stars
Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements.
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD

Director Stephen Walker’s 107-minute documentary about the Young@Heart chorus of Northampton, Mass., is inspiring, funny, touching and, sometimes, quite sad. He followed members of the chorus — all age 70 or older — through preparations for a new show including performances of Sonic Youth’s “Schizophrenia,” Cold Play’s “Fix You” and James Browns “I Feel Good.”

Although the group draws attention through the gimmick of senior citizens performing rock music, the documentary focuses on the vitality of individual members and the leadership of chorus director Bob Cilman. Audiences get a feel for the group’s rehearsal process, and they are also exposed to the real-life drama surrounding the health concerns of several members.

It’s saddening that several Young@Heart singers passed away during the making of the film, but it is stirring to see the dedication and love every member has for performing. Although it likely wasn’t his intent, Walker has crafted a piece that speaks to the power of music and its ability to bring out the best in people of all ages.

DVD extras include deleted scenes and a short feature about a Young@Heart appearance in Hollywood.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Chuck — The Complete First Season: Offbeat comedy series about an easygoing computer geek named Chuck (Zachary Levi) who accidentally downloaded top secret information to his brain, making him a hot property for the U.S. government and its enemies. Most episodes revolve around Chuck balancing his life as a box store employee with near-daily intelligence exploits courtesy of a smoking hot spy named Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski).

Private Practice — The Complete First Season: This “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff got its start when Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) left Seattle Grace Hospital to set up shop in California. Don’t remember what happened? It’s all here.

Pushing Daisies — The Complete First Season: New drama based on the adventures of a pie maker who learns that he can bring the dead back to life. Only thing is, his power comes with a price.

Dirty Sexy Money — The Complete First Season: ABC drama focused on Nick George (Peter Krause), an idealistic lawyer drawn into a world of dirty deeds after he becomes the personal attorney to an ultra-rich family.

The High School Flashback Collection: Classic teen movies “The Breakfast Club,” “Weird Science” and “Sixteen Candles” packaged together in a boxed set.

1 Comment

Filed under Video Verdict

‘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 “No Country for Old Men.”

While “Country” — also a Coen effort — was dark, uncompromising and downright depressing, “Burn” is a sprightly affair that’s lighthearted even when the characters are engaged in blackmail, theft and murder.

Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/ENT01/809120504/1056/ENT

Leave a comment

Filed under Movie Reviews