Mark Wahlberg stars in "Max Payne."
This week’s DVD releases include an outstanding sports drama, a traditional shoot-em-up and an animated feature starring the voice of John Cusack.
Tag Archives: reviews
‘Pajama Game’ lively in Reno
Cast of the national touring company of "The Pajama Game."
Modern musicals are dandy, but they are rarely as charming as Golden Age Broadway works. Like classic film, vintage musicals are a reminder of an earlier, less cynical age. Yet, when well-staged, they feel fresh and relevant thanks to live performance.
The national touring production of “The Pajama Game,” which opened a three-day run at Reno’s Pioneer Center Friday, is particularly well-staged. Everything from set changes to curtain drops are timed to perfection, and the musical numbers feature dazzling Mark Minnick choreography.
Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/article/20090117/ENT/90117012&OAS_sitepage=news.rgj.com%2Fbreakingnews
Filed under Theater Reviews
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Jan. 13
Kevin Costner stars in "Swing Vote."
This week’s new video releases include two mainstream comedies, a Kiefer Sutherland horror film, and a terrific Western with Ed Harris’ fingerprints all over it.
Filed under Video Verdict
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Jan. 6
(Left to right) Robert De Niro and Al Pacino star in "Righteous Kill."
This week’s DVD releases target mostly male viewers, as they’re heavy on action and include a gritty Robert De Niro and Al Pacino cop drama, a Nicolas Cage thriller and a drug comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco.
Filed under Video Verdict
Top 10 movies of 2008
Angelina Jolie discovers she's being given the wrong boy in "Changeling."
With 2008 behind us, it’s time to look back at what were among the year’s best movies, albums, concerts and more. So let’s cut to the chase, and get the best of last year behind us.
Click below for top 10 movies list: http://www.rgj.com/article/20090102/ENT/90102007/1056
Filed under Features
‘Doubt’ open to viewer interpretation
Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman in a scene from "Doubt."
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 she rules St. Nicholas with iron-clad certainty. But beneath the dark robes and steely demeanor is a woman who cares deeply about her students and the church. This is clear when she begins to suspect the new parish priest of wrongdoing, and asks her nuns to stay vigilant.
It’s 1964 and St. Nicholas has just admitted its first black student, and the young man’s skin color has made him a target. The boy isn’t experiencing any real trouble, however, because Father Flyn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) has taken him under his wing. But, as Father Flyn spends an increasing amount of time with the boy, Sister Aloysius becomes concerned by their relationship.
Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/article/20081225/ENT01/312250001/1056/ENT
Filed under Movie Reviews
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Dec. 23
Jason Statham gets ready to ride in "Death Race."
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.
Filed under Video Verdict
Don’t kick ‘Slumdog’ to the rear
Dev Patel, left, and Anil Kapoor in "Slumdog Millionaire."
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 is doing well on “Millionaire” when he is hauled off by police and interrogated on suspicion of cheating. And, as Jamal explains how he knew the answers to the show’s questions, police officials and moviegoers get a playback of his tragic-yet-fascinating life. They also learn of his lifelong, unrequited love for a beautiful girl named Latika.
Click here for full review: http://www.rgj.com/article/20081219/ENT01/812190465/1056/ENT
Filed under Movie Reviews
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Dec. 16
Don Cheadle stars in "Traitor."
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. Continue reading
Filed under Video Verdict
Video Verdict: New DVDs for Dec. 9
Heath Ledger stars as The Joker in "The Dark Knight."
We might as well call this the week of the bat because “The Dark Knight” is sure to outsell all other DVD releases. Still, there are options for folks who don’t like their movie stars dressed in a cape and a cowl.
Filed under Video Verdict
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