***1/2 02.16.0 – Bound... 1996... Director’s The Wachowski Brothers The Wachowski Brothers know how to work the Film Noir style to perfection in this film. They start right off the bat and never let up on the gas! From the sets to the costumes to the script to the transitions from scene to scene, this film hits all of the marks you need for a great Film Noir picture.
Now add in Joe Panoliano playing a great mob guy and Jennifer Tilly the femme fatal and Gina Gershon the down on her luck lug who gets caught up in a wild scheme and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for a solid film. And yes there are a couple of love scenes in it that will leave you steamed up!
Nothing exciting about the DVD, but still a hot film!
**** 02.15.09 – Clerks... 1994... Director Kevin Smith
Now add in Joe Panoliano playing a great mob guy and Jennifer Tilly the femme fatal and Gina Gershon the down on her luck lug who gets caught up in a wild scheme and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for a solid film. And yes there are a couple of love scenes in it that will leave you steamed up!
Nothing exciting about the DVD, but still a hot film!
**** 02.15.09 – Clerks... 1994... Director Kevin SmithClerks, is one of the films that have affected me a lot, because like Spike Lee’s, “She’s Gotta Have It,” it proved once again that films don’t have to cost a ton of money to be good and have a heart.
Again it’s the quirky, ensemble cast film that I love so much and there are no special effects in this bad boy, but the dialogue is smart, funny and clever.
Now I own two versions of this film, the first DVD release and the 10th anniversary special edition… if you can get a hold of the latter, it is worth your while. So much extra stuff, it’s so good it’s hard to put into words.
Technically you’re never going to confuse this film for say, “The Big Chill,” but it’s just as good if not better than 80% of what comes out of Hollywood today and it’s affect on a generation of filmmakers will be felt forever!
**** 02.13.09 – Saving Private Ryan... 1998... Director Steven Spielberg
Again it’s the quirky, ensemble cast film that I love so much and there are no special effects in this bad boy, but the dialogue is smart, funny and clever.
Now I own two versions of this film, the first DVD release and the 10th anniversary special edition… if you can get a hold of the latter, it is worth your while. So much extra stuff, it’s so good it’s hard to put into words.
Technically you’re never going to confuse this film for say, “The Big Chill,” but it’s just as good if not better than 80% of what comes out of Hollywood today and it’s affect on a generation of filmmakers will be felt forever!
**** 02.13.09 – Saving Private Ryan... 1998... Director Steven Spielberg
Another standout film by Spielberg, the first 30 minutes of the film are the best and probably give you the most realistic example of what it might have been like to be on the beaches in France on “D-Day.”
Tom Hanks is perfectly cast, the film won 5 Academy Awards and the Widescreen Special Limited Edition of the DVD is great.
Like, “Schindler’s List,” be prepared… this film takes you on a journey.
***1/2 02.9.09 – The Ten Commandments... 1956... Director Cecil B. DeMille
Tom Hanks is perfectly cast, the film won 5 Academy Awards and the Widescreen Special Limited Edition of the DVD is great.
Like, “Schindler’s List,” be prepared… this film takes you on a journey.
***1/2 02.9.09 – The Ten Commandments... 1956... Director Cecil B. DeMilleOne of the great films of all time, it’s worth owning or at least seeing from time to time. DeMille’s story telling is big time Hollywood Epic. Taking into consideration the time the film was made and the special effects they used, it WAS and is an important piece of filmmaking.
The cast is huge and full of stars including Charlton Heston, Vincent Price, Yvonne DeCarol and of course the amazing Yul Brenner.
The DVD I have is a widescreen edition and is fine, but I’ve learned there is a newer version that has a documentary on the making of it, which I now have to get my hands on.
Like the subject matter or not, this is a must view film.
The cast is huge and full of stars including Charlton Heston, Vincent Price, Yvonne DeCarol and of course the amazing Yul Brenner.
The DVD I have is a widescreen edition and is fine, but I’ve learned there is a newer version that has a documentary on the making of it, which I now have to get my hands on.
Like the subject matter or not, this is a must view film.
**** 02.9.09 – Hearts of Darkness A filmmakers’s Apocalypse... 1991... Director Elanor CoppolaWhile “American Movie” gives you a look into the world of a low-budget film director, “Hearts of Darkness,” does the same, but with a big time director, Francis Ford Coppola and the funny thing… both films are more similar than different.
Elanor Coppola does a masterful job showing the insanity around the making of, “Apocalypse Now.” You see Francis start off relatively sane and then see him morph into a director nearly out of control. He in fact follows the story of his own film and almost turns into the character played by Marlon Brando.
A “Go-to-Film” at least twice maybe even three times a year, it shows you why even when things seem to be going against you that if you’re a filmmaker, you HAVE to make your film.
Elanor Coppola does a masterful job showing the insanity around the making of, “Apocalypse Now.” You see Francis start off relatively sane and then see him morph into a director nearly out of control. He in fact follows the story of his own film and almost turns into the character played by Marlon Brando.
A “Go-to-Film” at least twice maybe even three times a year, it shows you why even when things seem to be going against you that if you’re a filmmaker, you HAVE to make your film.
**** 02.4.09 – American Movie... 1999... Director Chris SmithA perfect look into the insanity of making low-budget films. Chris Smith follows filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he tries to make not one, but two films and how life intervenes. You want to see a good example of what it’s like to be a filmmaker, yep… this is a pretty darn fair example.
The special edition DVD has tons of extras, it will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
A great documentary even if you’re not a filmmaker because like “Frida” and “Hearts of Darkness,” it takes you inside the world, head and experience of an artist and does an amazing job at it!
*** 02.3.09 – The Spanish Prisoner... 1997... Director David Mamet
The special edition DVD has tons of extras, it will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
A great documentary even if you’re not a filmmaker because like “Frida” and “Hearts of Darkness,” it takes you inside the world, head and experience of an artist and does an amazing job at it!
*** 02.3.09 – The Spanish Prisoner... 1997... Director David Mamet
This one’s not for everyone, but it is still a very good film. David Mamet, directs his own script and does a decent job of not getting in the way too much. His dialogue, for the most part is rich and fun to watch. The story intriguing from the word go and Steve Martin and Rebecca Pidgeon are perfectly cast.
No extras on the DVD, but for Mamet lovers, this is a solid film.
No extras on the DVD, but for Mamet lovers, this is a solid film.
***1/2 01.29.09 – The Cooler... 2003... Director Wayne Kramer
A solid film that I can watch almost any time of the year… why? Let’s just start with the cast, Maria Bello and William H. Macy are outstanding and a great team. Then you add in an Academy Award nominated performance by Alec Baldwin and you can seal it with a kiss! For me, next to “Glen Gary Glenn Ross” it’s his best performance on screen.
This is about Vegas, but it’s no “Swingers” baby and it’s still money!
This is about Vegas, but it’s no “Swingers” baby and it’s still money!
****1/2 01.28.09 – West Side Story... 1961... Directors Robert Wise & Jerome Robbins
One of the great musicals and films of all time! Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins take one of the hottest plays of the day and turn it into an equally compelling film.
Amazing performances from George Chakiris and Rita Moreno. A big score that dominates the film and locations, locations, locations to help it feel bigger than it was.
Now I own the special edition DVD and that is packed with more stuff than you can even imagine and is worth every red cent!
Put it in, settle in and enjoy a great American film!
01.22.09
**** Oceans Eleven... 2001
Amazing performances from George Chakiris and Rita Moreno. A big score that dominates the film and locations, locations, locations to help it feel bigger than it was.
Now I own the special edition DVD and that is packed with more stuff than you can even imagine and is worth every red cent!
Put it in, settle in and enjoy a great American film!
01.22.09
**** Oceans Eleven... 2001
*** Ocean’s Twelve… 2004 
*** Ocean’s Thirteen… 2007… Director Steven Soderberg
I’m grouping these all together and for a trilogy, it is definitely one of the better ones out there. Ocean’s 11 was really the bomb. A fun big Hollywood type film with stars, stars and more stars. They also looked like they had a blast making the film and it shows up on the screen.Ocean’s 12, I was not originally as much of a fan of it in the theater, but when I watched it again on DVD, it grew on me and I think I may have been harder on it than I needed to be when I first saw it.
Ocean’s 13, brings it all back together and creates more of the magic from the first Ocean’s film. The fact that every major character and the director took part in all three films is a huge reason why this grouping stands out.
Now you don’t have to watch all three films in one sitting like I did, but you won’t be disappointed if you do. It’s another fun film or set of films to watch in a group.
***** 01.13.09 – Schindler’s List... 1983... Director Steven Spielberg
One of my all time favorite movies that still rocks me to my core every time I watch it. Spielberg absolutely nails it with this film and it deserve every bit of praise it has garnered to date.
I love the fact it was shot in black and white and it has one of my favorite shots of all time in it. Liam Neeson is sitting in a bar looking and the camera just slowly circles him, a trail of smoke coming up from his cigarette… it’s amazing!
Too many great performance to list and when you factor in the art design, costumes, script, and score… you can see why this is at the top of film lists around the world.
The DVD extras are solid as well. It’s a 3 hours and 16 minutes, but you never feel it. Just make sure when you watch this film, you’re ready… it takes a lot out of you.
I love the fact it was shot in black and white and it has one of my favorite shots of all time in it. Liam Neeson is sitting in a bar looking and the camera just slowly circles him, a trail of smoke coming up from his cigarette… it’s amazing!
Too many great performance to list and when you factor in the art design, costumes, script, and score… you can see why this is at the top of film lists around the world.
The DVD extras are solid as well. It’s a 3 hours and 16 minutes, but you never feel it. Just make sure when you watch this film, you’re ready… it takes a lot out of you.
**** 01.6.09 – The Commitments... 1991... Director Alan ParkerCan still remember seeing this film for the first time in a small theater in San Luis Obispo, California. It was fun, unexpected and full of life and it remains that way every time I look at it.
Parker’s direction is near perfect and the performances, mostly from unknowns… outstanding. They cast played their own instruments and did all of the vocals as well and it the film more authentic.
Now for the Collector’s edition DVD… amazing! Tons of material on it from then and from now. You can spend two nights watching everything and you won’t be disappointed!
See it once, twice… however many times you need to, you’ll love it every time!
Parker’s direction is near perfect and the performances, mostly from unknowns… outstanding. They cast played their own instruments and did all of the vocals as well and it the film more authentic.
Now for the Collector’s edition DVD… amazing! Tons of material on it from then and from now. You can spend two nights watching everything and you won’t be disappointed!
See it once, twice… however many times you need to, you’ll love it every time!
**** 01.5.09 – Bagdad Cafe... 1987... Director Percy AdlonThis is the kind of film that continues to grow on you every time you watch it. Up on the big screen it’s haunting and memorable and at home the impact is the same when you watch it in total darkness.
Jevetta Steel’s theme song, “Calling You” was nominated for an Academy Award and was well deserved. The feel of the film is more European than anything else and it works. CCH Pounder, Marianne Sagbrecht, and Jack Palance make you feel this film at your very core.
No special material on the DVD, but after watching it you may need a smoke because you’ll be spent… but in a good way.
Jevetta Steel’s theme song, “Calling You” was nominated for an Academy Award and was well deserved. The feel of the film is more European than anything else and it works. CCH Pounder, Marianne Sagbrecht, and Jack Palance make you feel this film at your very core.
No special material on the DVD, but after watching it you may need a smoke because you’ll be spent… but in a good way.
**** 12.30.08 – Gregory’s Girl... 1981... Director Bill Forsyth This film will always have a special place in my heart because as I was growing up and learning about film outside of my own little world, my Dad took me to see this film in a small funky little theater. It was hysterical and it home as a young man learning how to date. That day I became a huge fan of Bill Forsyth and the small, quirky ensamble cast-type of film.
A great script by Forsyth and performances by Gordon John Sinclair, Dee Hepburn and Clare Grogan make this another “Go-to-Film.” It’s not about huge special effects, but smart characters, great writing and connecting with an audience about everyday life… another film I watch 2 or 3 times a year!
A great script by Forsyth and performances by Gordon John Sinclair, Dee Hepburn and Clare Grogan make this another “Go-to-Film.” It’s not about huge special effects, but smart characters, great writing and connecting with an audience about everyday life… another film I watch 2 or 3 times a year!
*** 12.16.08 – Chicago... 2002... Director Rob MarshallA solid piece of filmmaking and a fun modern day musical romp. Renee Zellweger, Queen Latifah and Richard Gere do a good job singing, dancing and acting in the film, but for me Catherine Zeta Jones lights up the screen from the word go and stands out above all of the rest.
A couple of nice extras on the DVD that give you a feel for what it took to make the film. Looking for a fun group movie to watch… this is a good bet.
A couple of nice extras on the DVD that give you a feel for what it took to make the film. Looking for a fun group movie to watch… this is a good bet.
**** 12.15.08 – Frida... 2002... Director Julie Taymor
One of those go to films for me when I need to recharge my juices. Taymor gives us an amazing look inside the life of artist Frida Kahlo. A pet project of Salma Hayek, this is must see viewing.
In addition to the rich colors and great cinematography, Rodrigo Prieto, the performances are amazing with Hayek and Alfred Molina as artist, lover and husband Diego Rivera.
The extras on the DVD are well worth it and make cuddling up on the couch with someone special or not and a good bottle of wine, a night worth staying in for!
In addition to the rich colors and great cinematography, Rodrigo Prieto, the performances are amazing with Hayek and Alfred Molina as artist, lover and husband Diego Rivera.
The extras on the DVD are well worth it and make cuddling up on the couch with someone special or not and a good bottle of wine, a night worth staying in for!
***** 12. 11.08 – Casablanca... 1942... Director Michael Curtiz
One of the most perfect films ever made! Michael Curtiz did a fabulous job telling the story and the performances are amazing starting with Humphrey Bogart who is brilliantly paired with Ingrid Bergman.
It's still a stunning picture to look at visually and the dialogue is quick and witty and the themes of the story stand up today.
The DVD is nice as well, with a documentary on the making of it. And with arguably the best line to end a film, this IS something you can watch over and over and over again.
* 12.10.08 – Be Kind Rewind... 2002... Director Michael GondryBe kind and don’t pick this up! I’m still not sure how this ended up in my library, but it is a bad film. Once again, filmmakers don’t know what to do with Jack Black and he’s lost in this mess of a film. Not sure why Danny Glover or Mia Farrow are in this train wreck. The behind the scenes documentary on the making of the film is better than the film itself and that is not saying much at all!
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