Apr 24
The emphasis on this war is personalized, and what Charlie Wilson learns from it could change the world now. Gentle spoof of the behind-the-scenes look at recent history and at the Beltway crowd. Charlie Wilsons War dvd manages to be at once utterly irresponsible and mildly entertaining. Genuinely witty and entertaining . A well-intentioned wreck. Out of the rash of socio-political movies this season, this stands as the best thanks in large part to the films trio of stars and the snarky script from Aaron Sorkin.
Apr 19
Something old, something borrowed… but still an assured, perfectly decent popcorn pleaser that sees the limber, likeable Heigl consolidate her Knocked Up lustre. Add sparky his/her chemistry and you’ve got a well-turned-out chick flick 27 Dresses Blu-ray. It proves that with the right cast and creative team in place, even an old formula can still entertain. The story requires an antagonist, so Jane’s sister is painted as a monster for most of the film. At the end, however, she is reshaped as Jane’s close friend and confidante. The film’s credibility crumbles like stale wedding cake. Like its protagonist, 27 Dresses undoes itself with niceness.
Jan 27
As overlong and pretentious as its title, The Assassination of Jesse James is worth a look almost in spite of itself. Casey Affleck gives an outstanding performance that proves him to be a character actor of immense creativity, clarity and composure.
Steeped in the lyrical fatalism of that last great decade for the western, the ’70s, The Assassination of Assassination of Jesse James DVD by the Coward Robert Ford owes a debt to myriad spiritual ancestors.
Dec 06
The perfect finale to a true trilogy … the quality of the filmmaking makes it the strongest Bourne movie yet. A skillfully executed work stripped of drama but saturated in tension, Bourne Ultimatum DVD. The payoff Bourne fans have been waiting for, a smart thriller for smart audiences.
Dec 06
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Blu-ray finds its title character on the backfoot for much of its running time, with a select band who firmly believe his story, and very powerful figures who don’t.