RECommended Renting – Order of the Phoenix

This week saw the release of the latest Harry Potter film, Order of the Phoenix, on DVD.  Last week saw the completion of me finally reading all seven books.  Though I was very much a “Johnny-come-lately” with the Potter series I must say that I was immensely impressed with the experience as a whole.  I am not the the complete Potter geek that some maybe(K.C.), so I will not attempt to blow you mind with my knowledge of the history and lexicon.  There are few things that I can add that have not already been said about the genius of J.K. Rowling and the world she has created.  Read more

RECommended Renting – Superbad

The generation that came of age in the early to mid-1980’s, is chronicled in the works of John Huges.  Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off are staples that define the era.  Comedies certainly have a way of doing this.  The mid to late 90’s are trimmed with the likes of the Farrelly’s Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, and Kingpin.  This decade is certainly not lacking in a comedic filmmaker that is defining comedy for this generation.  Judd Apatow has been brilliant as writer, producer and director in films such as Anchorman, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Superbad.  Read more

RECommended Renting – SiCKO

One of the most talked about films of the summer finally was released this week on DVD.  Michael Moore’s most recent documentary,SiCKO, stirred a lot of discussion this year about our country’s health care system, and regardless of which side of the fence you sit regarding this matter, discussion in matters like these is a good thing.

The film follows several stories of how the American system is abandoning its own people.  Insured Americans living with out proper care so the insurance companies, drug companies, and our own government can reap the benefits of the cost savings.  As if this is not enough to make you blood boil, Moore, taps into our jealousy by showing us how universal health care benefits citizens of Canada, France, and Great Britain.  Read more

RECommended Renting – American Splendor

I am an idiot.  You know how sometimes when a film comes out, you say “I am definitely seeing that one,” and then for some reason or another you never get around to it?  Then, when it comes out on video you girlfriend wants to get something with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, so you agree because you think it might get you laid.  Before you know it you completely forget about that movie.  Until, you’re walking around the video store one night, trying carefully to avoid Hugh Grant’s enticing smile on every other box cover, and you finally remember, “oh yeah I’ve been meaning to see that!”  Read more

RECommended Renting – Knocked Up

I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.  Judd Apatow strikes gold again, with this summer’s hit comedy Knocked Up.  It seems that everything that Apatow touches lately has been golden.  From 2005’s The 40 Year Old Virgin and another 2007 hit Superbad.  I thought 40 Year Old Virgin was hilarious but for my money Knocked Up tops it in so many ways.

Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl are hilarious as unlikely parents to be, when a night of too much drinking leads to some serious bed squeaking.  My favorite, however, is the brother -in-law, Pete, played by Paul Rudd.  An Apatow favorite, Rudd might be the most seen actor that nobody knows.  He’s appeared in Night at the Museum, 40 Year Old Virgin, Anchorman, and Clueless, not to mention numerous guest appearances on television.  Read more

RECommended Renting – We Are Marshall

For the students of Marshall University and the people of Huntington, West Virginia, November 14 1970 is a date that no one will forget.  The team charter that carried seventy-five players, coaches, boosters, and flight crew were killed when the flight crash just short of the Huntington airport. 

Just released this week on DVD is the 2006 film, We Are Marshall, which depicts these events and the attempt to rebuild it football program.  Matthew Fox stars as the assistant coach, Red Dawson,  who, by chance, chooses not to take the flight.   Dawson must help new head coach, Jack Lengyel, played by Matthew McConaughey, rebuild the devastated football program and in turn the whole town. 

Sappy premise to say the least.  And the film will turn out exactly as you can imagine.  What makes this worth seeing are three things.  One, the performance of Fox.  He is perfect here as the reluctant coach.  Second, the performance of Anthony Mackie, who plays defensive back, and one of the few varsity players who was not on the 1970 flight, Nate Ruffin.  Mackie, normally playing very small roles, takes on a bigger one and delivers an inspiring performance.  Third, it is a feel good story. 

Most sports films are, from Rocky to Rudy to Seabiscuit, they are notorious crowd pleasers and tear jerkers.  We Are Marshall is no different.  And that’s fine with me.  

If you’re in the mood for a good emotional story and not much else, then this might be right up your alley.  Sometimes films like this are just enough to curb that sappy itch.

RECommended Renting – Black Snake Moan

Lost in the shuffle of the disaster that was the spring movie season (Wild Hogs), is a film that might turn out to be one of the best of the year.  Black Snake Moan is really a powerful film about redemption, second chances, and a dirty little slut. 

Christina Ricci plays said slut in a performance that is most certainly her best to date.  Samuel L. Jackson, as good as you would expect, is the man who who tries to cure the slut right out of her.  And the best surprise of the film is Justin Timberlake as the slut’s military bound boyfriend.  Coming of a respectable performance in Alpha Dog, there was reason to believe that Justin really had more than singing and dancing chops.  He proves it here. 

This is anything but a light-hearted movie.  It is in your face and at times difficult to watch.  For director Craig Brewer this is a brilliant follow up to 2005’s surprise hit Hustle and Flow.  We may need to pay a bit more attention to the name Craig Brewer; he has definitely got talent. 

Much like last year, it has been a really tough year for good films.  I am holding out  hope for this winter’s “awards” releases, but 2007’s first quality release was Black Snake Moan.