DVD Releases - April 25

Some more winter releases make their way to DVD this week, featuring some critically acclaimed films mixed in with one of last year’s biggest critical and box office disappointments. Oscar-winner Charlize Theron in spandex? How do you screw that up? Well, here’s some of the noteworthy releases for April 25:

“Aeon Flux: Special Edition” (PG-13) - The aforementioned Theron stars as the title character, based on the animated series that aired on MTV in the 1990s. The cartoon had earned a fairly passionate and devoted following over the years, who must have stayed away from the movie in droves. Yet Theron would certainly seem to be well cast as an assassin working with a group of rebels to overthrow the government.
Extras: Commentary with Theron, producer Gale Anne Hurd and more, multiple featurettes focusing on various production aspects such as stunts, costume design and locations.
Official Web site

“Casanova” (R) - In a clear departure from his Oscar-nominated role in “Brokeback Mountain,” Heath Ledger plays the title character in director Lasse Hallstrom’s romantic comedy. In this, Ledger is definitely a ladies man, who falls for the one woman who wants nothing to do with him. Let the wooing begin!
Extras: Commentary with Hallstrom, featurettes focusing on costume design and recreating 18th century Venice.
Official Web site

“Match Point” (R) - Writer-director Woody Allen stepped into a bit of new territory with a thriller involving a social climber (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) falling into a passionate affair with his brother-in-law’s fiancée (Scarlett Johansson). Allen actually chose to film this one in England, away from his typical and trademark New York locations. It was also widely considered a return to form of the quality films he did earlier in his career.
Extras: Woody’s not a fan of DVD extras, so you’ll get a big heaping help of nothing with this movie.
Official Web site

“Shopgirl” (R) - Never mind the unnecessary resurrection of “The Pink Panther” series, good critical marks were given for Steve Martin’s adaptation of his own novella in last fall’s romantic comedy. The film primarily focuses on Mirabelle (Claire Danes), an aspiring artist who finds herself the object of affections between two very disparate people (Martin and Jason Schwartzman).
Extras: Commentary by director Anand Tucker, deleted scenes and a making of featurette.
Official Web site

“The Wedding Singer: Totally Awesome Edition” (PG-13) - This re-release of a what amounts to a pretty darn good Adam Sandler film doesn’t give you much new to enjoy (see below). But if you don’t already own a version of the movie that trades on a heavy 1980s music soundtrack, not to mention a very likable performance from Drew Barrymore, you could do a lot worse.
Extras: Well, there’s some karaoke here, a featurette about an upcoming “Wedding Singer on Broadway” production, and more than five minutes of never-before-seen footage. So what are we talking about? Six, seven minutes? Not quite totally awesome.
Official Web site

Summer 2006 Movie Preview

Wow, where in the world did the spring go?! Just a quick glance at the calendar and you’ll see May is just around the corner. And now that in recent years Hollywood has ditched the long standing tradition of kicking off the summer movie season over Memorial Day weekend, the big movies waste no time at making a play for your time and money as May begins. Movies like “The Mummy Returns” and “Van Helsing” have employed this strategy to largely successful results, despite the fact that their primary audience was still in school. Doing so also helps movies avoid the jam packed release schedules in the months of June and July, while getting a head start on the box office battle.

This year’s summer movie schedule has got a lot of promising looking and sounding films, mixed in with the usual overblown junk that is splattered on movie screens at this time of year. The aforementioned head start strategy will be launched on the very first Friday of next month with no less than a big-budget sequel starring Tom Cruise and helmed by “Alias” and “Lost” creator J.J. Abrams. As a side note, Paramount is obviously pleased with the job done by Abrams that they’ve entrusted their most profitable franchise to him. He’s just been tabbed to direct the 11th installment of the “Star Trek” movie series.

But back on the central subject, let’s take a look at what we’ll be seeing open in a theater near us for the next few months. With such a busy schedule to cover, you might want to go grab some refreshments before jumping in, as this could take a while.

May
“Mission: Impossible 3”
Starring Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Laurence Fishburne, Billy Crudup, Keri Russell and Michelle Monaghan
You would be hard pressed to find a better looking cast than this one for the third installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series, featuring a newly named Oscar winner (Hoffman) to boot. Hoffman plays the baddie in this one, making life rough for secret agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his IMF team. J.J. Abrams directs from a script by himself, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who have collaborated on many TV episodes of “Alias” and “Lost.” The first two films in the series were both big money makers and there’s certainly a buzz that this one should be the biggest and best of them all. No pressure or anything. (May 5)
Official Web site

“Poseidon”
Starring Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Emmy Rossum, Jacinda Barrett, Mike Vogel, Jimmy Bennett, Mia Maestro, Andre Braugher and Richard Dreyfuss
A luxury cruise ship runs into big trouble (no, Kathy Lee Gifford isn’t on board) when a huge wave capsizes it, turning the journey into a struggle for survival for the passengers, which includes a veritable cornucopia of characters. Hope the ship is reinforced for possible scenery chewing. Of course, this film is a remake of the 1972 disaster classic, although this film evidently doesn’t want to call itself an “adventure.” To each his own. Director Wolfgang Petersen is back in the water with his third movie to center around boats (“Das Boot,” “The Perfect Storm”). Is this a fetish or what? (May 12)
Official Web site

“The Da Vinci Code”
Starring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jurgen Prochnow, Paul Bettany and Jean Reno
The big screen adaptation of the seemingly unstoppable best-selling novel by Dan Brown, “The Da Vinci Code” reunites star Tom Hanks and director Ron Howard (both of whom met with great success on “Apollo 13”). Hanks plays Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (somebody that badly needed to see a barber, evidently) who is called to the scene of a murder, only to find clues in the works of Da Vinci that point to a conspiracy and secret society within the Catholic church. I’m willing to give Hanks and Howard the benefit of the doubt here, but let’s go easy on the Catholic-bashing. (May 19)
Official Web site

“Over the Hedge”
Starring the voices of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Avril Lavigne, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy and Wanda Sykes
The suburbs meets the woods when a group of woodland animals find their land being infringed on by a housing development. Rather than run away, the animals find their own way to deal with their new neighbors. This certainly has got some good talent involved, but have audiences seen one too many animated animal movies lately? There seems to be a new one every other week. (May 19)
Official Web site

“X-Men: The Last Stand”
Starring Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellan, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Kelsey Grammer, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden and Patrick Stewart
Director Brett Ratner (“Rush Hour”) takes over for Bryan Singer in this third (and stressed, final) installment of the “X-Men” series. Although that can’t be completely believed, as a Wolverine spin-off, starring Hugh Jackman, has already been announced. But as for this one, the gang’s all back, even adding Kelsey Grammer as a superstrong blue-furred mutant. (Way to go, Frazier!) Some of the hardcore fans have been critical of Ratner as the director, but maybe they should at least reserve judgment until they’ve seen it. Radical concept, I know. (May 26)
Official Web site

June
“The Break Up”
Starring Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, John Michael Higgins, Vincent D’Onofrio
A couple buys an expensive condo, only to later decide to split up, with both stubbornly hoping the other will move out. That’s a simple enough premise and as far as comedians go, Vince Vaughn is “so money” right now, to snag one of his catchphrases from “Swingers.” Incidentally, his co-star and friend in that movie, Jon Favreau, is also in this one. Oh, and so is some girl named Jennifer Aniston. I think she and Vaughn might kind of like each other. I haven’t really heard much, so I can’t be sure. (June 2)
Official Web site

“The Omen”
Starring Julia Stiles, Liev Schreiber, Mia Farrow, David Thewlis, Pete Postlethwaite, Michael Gambon and Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick
Amazingly, it’s been 30 years since the original “Omen” was released and evidently, that’s long enough of a wait before doing a remake. Why leave generally good horror movies well enough alone when there’s more money to be made? At any rate, Damien (Davey-Fitzpatrick) is back and his parents aren’t going to get much guidance from parenting books about how to deal with your child when he’s the Antichrist. (June 6 – 06/06/06 – Get it?)
Official Web site

“Cars”
Starring the voices of Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Richard Petty, Bonnie Hunt, Dan Whitney, John Ratzenberger, Larry the Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, George Carlin
Before the very expensive buyout of Pixar by Disney, this was to be the last film that the two animation giants would be involved in together. But now, the collaboration that delivered “Toy Story 1 & 2,” “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters, Inc.” should continue – and that’s good news for those looking for good quality family entertainment. That said, can “Cars” deliver what would be the seventh straight box office smash for Pixar? This one could be a challenge. (June 9)
Official Web site

“The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”
Starring Bow Wow, Lucas Black, Brian Tee, Nikki Griffin, Sung Kang, Jason Tobin, Nathalie Kelley
A sequel basically in name only, as no stars remain from the first two films, and the series has its third different director. However, it does still have cars going really fast, and one would assume spectacular driving stunts and crashes. And isn’t that the only real reason the first two movies were successful in the first place? No one was going to those to witness outstanding acting and stories that engaged the mind, were they? For what it’s worth, this one is set in the underground world of Japanese drift racing and speed limits are likely to be exceeded. (June 16)
Official Web site

“Nacho Libre”
Starring Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jimenez, Richard Montoya and Peter Stormare
From the creators of “Napoleon Dynamite” comes this comedy starring Jack Black as Ignacio (nicknamed “Nacho”), a priest who decides to become a wrestler to raise money for his Mexican orphanage. It’s hard to tell which is more of a stretch, Black as a priest or as a Mexican, but for anyone who’s seen “Napoleon Dynamite” and/or the trailer for this, expect a lot of that same odd sense of humor to reign. (June 16)
Official Web site

“Garfield’s A Tale of Two Kitties”
Starring Breckin Meyer, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Billy Connolly, Lucy Davis, Ian Abercrombie, and the voice of Bill Murray
As if once wasn’t enough, here comes the kind of creepy animated feline back for more in this sequel that no one asked for. Garfield (voiced by Murray) tags along with his owner Jon (Meyer) to England, where the cat is promptly mistaken for a look-alike who has inherited a castle. Naturally, there’s a villain (Connolly) looking to do away with him, as he has designs on turning the castle into a resort. (June 16)
No official Web site yet.

“Click”
Starring Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, Blake Heron, David Hasselhoff, Henry Winkler, Julie Kavner and Sean Astin
Adam Sandler finally portrays somebody in a movie that isn’t in a state of arrested development, as he’s Michael Newman, a family man that has too many demands for his time. He goes shopping for a remote control one day and is given one with magical powers that allow him to better control his life. Do they sell those at Best Buy? If so, I need to get me one. Maybe this is the sign of a more mature Sandler comedy. Then again, that just may be wishful thinking. (June 23)
Official Web site

“Superman Returns”
Starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Frank Langella, Eva Marie Saint, Parker Posey, Sam Hunington, Kal Penn and Kevin Spacey
Relative unknown Brandon Routh dons the tights of the Man of Steel in this fifth big screen film of Superman. (Of course, most would be better off forgetting the previous two efforts.) This one takes place chronologically a couple years after the events of “Superman II,” as Superman takes an extended break only to find many things have changed in his absence. One thing that hasn’t is the nefarious scheming of archenemy Lex Luthor (Spacey), who has hatched another evil plan. Director Bryan Singer left the helm of “X-Men” to take on his childhood dream job, and the early buzz is good. (June 30)
Official Web site

July
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
Starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Stellan Skarsgard, Bill Nighy, Jack Davenport, Kevin R. McNally and Jonathan Pryce
After the huge success of the first “Pirates,” Disney green-lighted not one, but two sequels. So in this first one, Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) is racing against time to find a way out of a debt to the legendary Davy Jones (not the Monkee) or face eternal damnation. He once again enlists the reluctant help of Will Turner (Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Knightley) to save his hide. Director Gore Verbinski is also back on board in what should be one of the summer’s biggest hits. (July 7)
Official Web site

“You, Me and Dupree”
Starring Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon and Michael Douglas
Wilson stars as Dupree, a perpetual bachelor and slacker who is invited to stay at his best friend’s place for a few days, as he attempts to get his life back on track. But his friend (Dillon) and his new wife (Hudson) find starting their new life together a challenge with Dupree around. Wilson could probably do this kind of role in his sleep by now, but hopefully, he’ll bring something new to the table here. There is reason for hope, as directors Joe and Anthony Russo were both quite involved in TV’s late, great “Arrested Development.” (July 14)
Official Web site

“Lady in the Water”
Starring Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffery Wright, Bob Balaban, Freddy Rodriguez, Sarita Choudury, Jared Harris, Bill Irwin
A building superintendent (Giamiatti) finds his life transformed after finding a sea nymph (Howard) swimming in his apartment complex’s pool. Hopefully, M. Night Shyamalan can get back on track after the disappointing taste left behind by “The Village.” Howard, who was the best part of that film, reunites with the writer-director, while Giamatti gets a chance to once again take on a bit of a romantic lead. (July 21)
Official Web site

“Miami Vice”
Starring Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell, Gong Li, Naomie Harris, Ciaran Hinds, Justin Theroux
The hit 1980s cop drama gets an updated makeover as it makes a trip to the big screen, with Farrell and Foxx portraying Detectives Crockett and Tubbs. No word on whether the cool theme music will make the cut, but writer-director Michael Mann knows a little bit about the series – he was its executive producer when it aired on NBC. (July 28)
Official Web site

August
“The Ant Bully”
Starring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Lily Tomlin, Cheri Oteri, Alan Cumming, Regina King, Ricardo Montalban, Zach Tyler Eisen
Tired of being picked on by a school bully, a 10-year-old decides to take it out on an ant hill in his yard. But the ants get revenge through a magic potion that shrinks him to their size and put him to work for them. This one’s from the director of “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” and producers Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman. The voice talent ain’t too shabby, either. (Aug. 4)
Official Web site

“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
Starring Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sascha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb, Jane Lynch
From the slightly twisted minds behind “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy” comes this equally wordy and overstated tale of an intelligence-deficient guy (again played by Ferrell) trying to stay on top in his profession. This time, it's the world of NASCAR, as a flamboyant French racer (Cohen) challenges Ricky Bobby’s status as the sport’s top racer. Anyone who’s seen “Anchorman” should be prepared for this film’s likely anything for a laugh mentality. (Aug. 4)
Official Web site

“Flags of Our Fathers”
Starring Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, Paul Walker, Jamie Bell, Barry Pepper, John Benjamin Hickey
Taking a significant departure from many of the season’s movies that preceded it, comes a true World War II story based on the book by James Bradley that focuses on the Battle of Iwo Jima. Before you dismiss this as yet another war movie, keep this in mind: It’s directed by Clint Eastwood with a screenplay by Paul Haggis, the same combo that struck Oscar gold in 2004 with “Million Dollar Baby,” also a late summer release. You might want to start placing some Oscar bets on this one for 2007. (Aug. 4)
No official Web site yet.

“World Trade Center”
Starring Nicolas Cage, Michael Peña, Maria Bello, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jay Hernandez
OK, it has to be said that the combination of director Oliver Stone and anything to do with 9/11 probably has many people a bit uneasy. This is, after all, the director of “JFK” and “Nixon.” But on the other hand, this story mostly focuses on the true story of two Port Authority policeman John McLoughlin (Cage) and Will Jimeno (Peña), who got trapped in the WTC rubble and their subsequent rescue. The strong cast is another plus, so we’ll see what kind of controversy follows. (Aug. 9)
Official Web site

“Snakes on a Plane”
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Nathan Phillips, Benjamin McKenzie, Julianna Margulies
In what may be a first for a studio, New Line Cinema recently had the makers of this action pic go back for reshoots to make the movie more violent, as it’s now aiming to move the rating from a PG-13 to R. The movie centers on an FBI agent (Jackson) trying to keep a witness on a plane alive after an assassin has unleashed hundreds of reptiles on board. There’s already a ravenous fan following of this movie, months before it’s set to open. But will this be a case of too much attention, too early? (Aug. 18)
Official Web site

“Clerks 2: The Passion of the Clerks”
Starring Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Rosario Dawson, Trevor Fehrman, Jennifer Schwalbach, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, Kevin Weisman, Wanda Sykes
It’s 12 years after the original “Clerks” and Dante (O’Halloran) and Randall (Anderson) have still not really grown up, nor have Jay (Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith). But will a fire that destroys the stores where they work and hang out change all that? Writer-director Smith returns to the scene of his first film, presumably to finally put these characters to bed. Expect lots of cameos from some of his friends, including Ben Affleck and Jason Lee, both of whom have appeared in most, if not all of his films. (Aug. 18)
Official Web site

DVD Releases - April 18

Only a couple limited appeal movies represent those recently in theaters for this week’s releases, and it’s safe to say they couldn’t be more different in their appeal. Other than that, it’s pretty quiet on the new release front. Here are some of the notables for April 18, coming a bit later than usual for me, due to a recent excursion out of town.

“Hostel” (Unrated) - As if the movie doesn’t already appeal to horror movie aficionados, this release is the unrated version of the film, likely meaning more violence. But when you’re dealing with a movie that centers around two Americans (played by Jay Hernandez and Derek Richardson) who go to Europe to party, only to find themselves lured into a torture-for-profit business, how much more do you need?
Extras: Multiple commentaries, including one with director Eli Roth and executive producer Quentin Tarantino, behind-the-scenes featurette, and a multi-angle interactive feature.

“Laurel and Hardy Collection: TCM Archives” - Two of the classic comedy team’s feature films are included in the Turner Classic Movies collection, “The Devil’s Brother” and “Bonnie Scotland.” Both were released more than 70 years ago, but thank goodness for a format such as DVD to preserve the duo’s wonderful work.
Extras: Commentaries on both films from L&H aficionados Richard W. Bann and Leonard Maltin, a feature-length TCM documentary on the pair, and several excerpts from other L&H films.

“Moonstruck: Deluxe Edition” (PG) - The seemingly odd pairing of Cher and Nicolas Cage sure worked for this popular romantic comedy that snagged three Oscars, including one for Cher. Oscar-winner Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello, Vincent Gardenia and John Mahoney co-star for director Norman Jewison.
Extras: Audio commentary with Cher, Jewison and writer John Patrick Shanley, a making-of documentary, featurette on the music, interactive map of Little Italy and collectible Italian recipe cards (trade with your friends – collect them all!).

“Mrs. Henderson Presents” (R) - Snagging her fifth Oscar nomination, Judi Dench stars with Bob Hoskins as a World War II-era widow in London who decides to support the fighting soldiers with a theater production that’s not afraid to show a bit (OK, a lot) of skin. The blitz-bombing in England sets the scene for this crowd-pleasing British comedy.
Extras: Commentary with director Stephen Frears and a making-of featurette.

“Remington Steele: Season 3” - It was right around this time that James Bond producers expressed interest in “Remington Steele” star Pierce Brosnan to become 007, but he was stuck in his contract with the show. Wonder what would have happened had he got to play Bond. (Oh yeah, he did. Never mind.) Well, viewers also got to see a younger Brosnan play the title character, a former thief who partners with a private eye (Stephanie Zimbalist) to solve crimes.
Extras: All 22 episodes are here, with commentary from various people on three episodes, several featurettes and character profiles.

Movie Review: "Good Night, and Good Luck"

Starring David Strathairn, Patricia Clarkson, George Clooney, Jeff Daniels, Robert Downey Jr. and Frank Langella
Directed by George Clooney

When it comes to the field of broadcast journalism, few, if any, are held in as high regard as Edward R. Murrow. With a broadcasting career that spanned over 25 years, all with CBS, Murrow was known for his hard-hitting style and integrity. Nowhere was that better demonstrated with his CBS show, "See It Now," which tackled numerous controversial topics, including the activities of Sen. Joseph McCartney and his relentless, highly controversial crusade against Communism.

Primarily focusing on Murrow and producer Fred Friendly's decision in the mid-1950s to challenge the junior senator's intimidating tactics, director George Clooney's "Good Night, and Good Luck" is a smart, earnestly acted drama. Without resorting to melodrama or grandstanding theatrics, the movie clearly demonstrates the dedication of a small group of reporters and producers, and their desire to show people that McCarthy's mission to expose Communists is an errant one.

Anchored by a straightforward and focused performance by David Straithairn as Murrow, the film essentially covers three episodes of "See It Now," and their subsequent aftermath. In one of the episodes, the show, predictably unable to get the participation of McCarthy, decides to use past footage of him, highlighting some of the inflammatory and contradictory statements he had made over the years. McCarthy would eventually appear on an episode to present a speech, in which he would criticize Murrow, even making untrue statements about the newsman's supposed "un-American" activities. But by then, the damage against Sen. McCarthy was already done, and the public made it clear in overwhelming numbers that they supported Murrow, thus signaling the beginning of the end for McCarthy's political career.

Clooney, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Grant Heslov, certainly knows his way around a newsroom, as his father was a longtime newsman himself. The almost claustrophobic and smoke-filled CBS studios are captured flawlessly, aided in large part to the smart decision to use wonderful-looking black and white cinematography by Robert Elswitt.

There was obviously a clear decision to keep the focus of the movie squarely inside CBS, as only a handful of scenes are even set outside of the network's building. And while Murrow is the central character in the film, this is by no means a biopic. Next to nothing is revealed about Murrow's personal life, and the same can be said for practically all the supporting cast, save for a brief and rather underdeveloped subplot involving the secretive marriage of Joe and Shirley Wershba (played by Robert Downey Jr. and Patricia Clarkson). Back then, CBS corporate policy forbid the employment of married couples.

While the cast, which also includes Clooney, Jeff Daniels and Frank Langella, can certainly not be faulted for any shortcomings in their performances, several of them aren't really utilized much. That decision undermines some of the narrative thrust of the film. The running time is a sleek 93 minutes, but it leaves a feeling of wanting a bit more. In fact, the movie is bookended with a 1958 appearance at a banquet honoring Murrow that ultimately adds little to the movie, except the chance for Murrow to chide the television industry on its leanings towards insignificance. There's certainly truth to his statements today, but they seem tacked on as more of a commentary on the television industry in general – a medium that Clooney has certainly had some conflicts with in recent years.

What the film does get exactly right is the power that the medium and journalism in general can have. The fearful and distrustful atmosphere that McCarthy helped create in 1950s America was challenged and eventually overcome by people like Murrow. But the movie also makes it clear that we as a society must be ever vigilant, as it can easily happen again.

Grade: B
(Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language.)

DVD Releases - April 11

After several weeks in a row of Oscar-winning and award nominated films taking up the release schedule, this week’s highlights are a decidedly different bunch of DVDs. Two are clearly meant to generate some interest in an upcoming sequel next month, while the rest ... well, they’re not Oscar winners, that’s for sure. Here’s some of the releases heading your way April 11:

“Fun with Dick and Jane” (PG-13) - A remake of the 1977 film starring George Segal and Jane Fonda, Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni take the leads in this comedy about a couple who turn to crime when both find themselves out of work. There’s probably a good, but depressing drama that could be made of this same concept. And that title would certainly be a bit of a stretch in that case. Then again, it’s probably a bit of a stretch with this particular comedy too.
Extras: Audio commentary with director Dean Parisot and screenwriters Judd Apatow and Nicholas Stoller, deleted scenes, and a gag reel (see Jim Carrey become unhinged, over and over!).

“In Living Color: Season 5” - Speaking of Jim Carrey, here he is again, in what would be the final season of the sketch comedy show. This is the one that doesn’t have any of the Wayans family involved, but does include a more visible Carrey and Jamie Foxx, as well as Chris Rock. Still, if memory serves, this season was pretty weak overall.
Extras: A big, fat nada, unless you consider it providing all 26 episodes of the season an extra.

“Mission: Impossible - 10th Anniversary Edition” (PG-13) - It’s been 10 years already? Well, for those of you who can’t remember that far back, Tom Cruise starred as super agent Ethan Hunt in this adaptation of the 1960s TV show. The character of Jim Phelps is in the film, but is portrayed by Jon Voight, not Peter Graves. What gives? Graves was great. I loved it when he asked the kid in the plane’s cockpit if he’d ever seen a grown man naked. Umm, I think I might have mixed up my movies.
Extras: Lots of featurettes, as well as a teaser trailer for M:I-3 (how generous of them).

“Mission: Impossible 2 - Special Edition” (PG-13) - The sequel brings on director John Woo, co-stars Thandie Newton and Dougray Scott, as well as a lot of shots of people looking cool shooting guns and blowing stuff up. Oh, and you get to see Cruise do some extreme rock climbing, just because he can.
Extras: Commentary from Woo, several featurettes, a Metallica video and a funny M:I-2 parody featuring Cruise and Ben Stiller.

“An Unfinished Life” (PG-13) - Despite a strong cast of Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez and Josh Lucas, this film directed by Lasse Hallstrom, quietly went in and out of theaters last year, after sitting on Miramax’s shelf for a while. However, I will say making Redford and Lopez father and daughter seems a bit of a stretch. Maybe they should have tried Freeman and Lopez.
Extras: Commentary featuring Hallstrom, producer Leslie Holleran and editor Andrew Mondshein, a making of featurette and a featurette on training Bart the Bear (he’s appeared in several movies, most of which have been better than J. Lo’s recent offerings).

Movie Review: "Inside Man"

Starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Christopher Plummer
Directed by Spike Lee

Having built his career over the past 20 years largely focusing on passion projects, its a bit surprising to see Spike Lee directing what, at first glance, seems to be a straightforward genre picture. And to be certain, "Inside Man" is undoubtedly the most commercial film that Lee has ever made. But thanks to a smart script and strong performances, this crime caper is able to bring a freshness to the proceedings.

Demonstrating a strong focus, Russell Gewirtz, in his first produced screenplay, wastes no time getting to the central focus of the movie, as a Manhattan bank robbery is swiftly executed. Disguised as painters, the four-person gang of thieves, led by Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), quickly show they've come prepared, as they have all the hostages in the bank strip down and put on identical uniforms to theirs. Demonstrating a calm, yet very serious demeanor, Russell and his gang would seem to have ample time to take money and make their escape. However, their goals extend beyond a simple cash grab.

Before long, the authorities surround the bank and a standoff fraught with danger and risks ensues. This leads to a cat-and-mouse battle of wills between Russell and Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington). Frazier, a headstrong and stubborn detective, gets this huge assignment, even as he and partner Bill Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) are in the doghouse for the mysterious disappearance of $140,000 in another case. The moral character of Frazier's character is quickly brought into question, but Washington brings a lot of charm to the role, making him someone for the audience to immediately want to believe and root for.

As if Frazier didn't have enough to deal with, a wild card gets involved in the negotiations, when Madeline Smith (Jodie Foster) shows up. Smith, a mysterious power broker with very high connections, is brought into the situation by the bank's chairman, Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer), who has a very strong and personal desire for something in the bank to remain a secret. Smith doesn't know what the secret is, and seemingly doesn't care, while Frazier doesn't even know the real reason why Smith is involved. "Look detective, there are matters at stake here that are a little bit above your pay grade," Smith calmly informs Frazier.

Although they only share a few scenes together, it's fun to see Washington and Foster (both two-time Oscar winners) square off, as each are arguably the best actors of their generation. Foster has always shown a propensity for playing strong-willed women and while she has limited screen time, she makes the most of what's essentially an underwritten part.

Lee generally keeps the story moving forward, while still allowing for astute character observations, such as a seemingly racist cop making adjustments to a story he tells Frazier. One of the best moments takes place in the bank vault, as Russell observes a particularly gruesomely violent video game that a young boy is playing on his portable game machine. As both sit on giant piles of money, he comments that after the boy is finished eating, he'll have to talk to the boy's father about the game. Little moments like that help distinguish the film from the cliched checklist that many heist movies seem to follow.

While most of the story plays out with a solid sense of realism, the film does misstep some down the stretch, as character motivations and their knowledge are conveniently adjusted to fit in the confines of the script. But the story does generally keep the audience engaged, even if the ends don't ultimately seem to justify the means. Much like its somewhat enigmatic title, "Inside Man" primarily succeeds in throwing some mystery into what is normally a conventional genre.
Grade: B+
(Rated R for language and some violent images.)

Attack of the Sequels

Aside from adaptations of popular comic books, sequels are the security blanket of the movie business. If a movie is successful (sometimes even mildly so), the likelihood of a sequel is very strong. If such a movie had a relatively small budget and stars without huge salaries, then the sequel chances grow exponentially. But how many sequels out there are really necessary? With the possible exception of sequels based on multiple books in a series, the number is undeniably low. Horror movies are probably the biggest offender, as they're relatively cheap to produce, rarely have big name stars attached and the scripts are, let's just say less than Oscar-worthy.

That said, Entertainment Weekly recently released its list of the 25 worst sequels ever made. Its list used criteria that measured the sequels' drop-off in quality from the original, but left off movies that were deemed "so bad they're good." Not really sure what that means, but you'll find only three horror movie sequels on the list – a rather shocking outcome. Heck, you could make a 25 worst list in that genre alone.

So here's the list, accompanied by my brief comments on them. Admittedly, a number of them I've never seen – and I'm sure my life is all the better for it. Feel free to interject your comments too, including any you might think are missing from the list.

25. "The Matrix Reloaded" - OK, so this is clearly inferior to the 1999 original, but I thought it was still pretty good overall. Plus, it's not even the weakest movie of the trilogy, as "The Matrix Revolutions" seems to run out of creativity about halfway through, going into special effects overload.

24. "The Next Karate Kid" - Once I heard Ralph Macchio wasn't returning for the third "Karate Kid" movie, I was outta there. So I've never seen this alleged hunk of junk starring some nobody named Hilary Swank. I wonder whatever happened to her?

23. "Porky's II: The Next Day" - I've seen this, but would have a difficult time distinguishing it from the first one. As I recall, the first one pretty much stunk too. Somehow, this sequel would somehow spawn another with "Porky's Revenge."

22. "Teen Wolf Too" - The original one, starring Michael J. Fox, was barely passable as far as teen comedies went, but at least was cleaner than "Porky's." But without Fox returning for a sequel, did the filmmakers really think they had a potential hit on their hands? Pity poor Jason Bateman for getting involved with this, as well as any viewers who actually watched it.

21. "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" - Reese Witherspoon proved her ability to carry a film with the first "Legally Blonde," as she was clearly the best part of what was a likable, but slight film. Critics and audiences weren't too kind on the sequel, however, meaning all concerned would probably have been better off leaving well enough alone.

20. "The Godfather Part III" - The only reason I can think this film is on here is that the first two films in the series won best picture Oscars and the third is a fair drop off. But it also got nominated for best picture and should not be on this list. Did they really think Sofia Coppola's acting was that bad? Granted, she was definitely the weakest acting link in the film, but I guess this is seen as a failure due to its lofty aspirations and expectations.

19. "Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise" - I'm sure "The Godfather" is thrilled to be in company with those lovable nerds, making their unnecessary return to the big screen. I mean, they already had their revenge at the end of the first film. How much more did they need? I've actually lost count of how many sequels this series has spawned, with the last one a made-for-TV one, if memory serves. Then again, it's probably best I don't remember.

18. "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" - Damn you! Damn you all to hell for making this sequel! Actually, Charlton Heston had nothing to do with this, the fifth film in what had become a tired franchise by this point.

17. "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" - If you've ever desired to see Kirk, Spock and "Bones" McCoy sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" around a campfire, then you're in luck. For the rest of us, it's a painful sight indeed. And that's not even counting the barely competent directing job done by William Shatner, his first and only foray into movie directing. This one makes the first "Star Trek" movie look like an Oscar-winner. And I hated the first movie.

16. "Ocean's Twelve" - Frankly, I don't believe this one belongs here either, as it was fairly entertaining, in my opinion. Sure, it's a bit too pleased with itself and just isn't as fun as the first one. But you can do a whole lot worse than this. Maybe some people think that a cast this talented shouldn't be allowed to have more fun than the audience.

15. "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd" - So, you've got no Jim Carrey and no Jeff Daniels, or any of the original cast, for that matter in this movie. No problem, just move them to high school and cast younger actors in the roles. Does that work for you? No, me neither.

14. "Conan the Destroyer" - Cast Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grace Jones and Wilt Chamberlain in a film together and you have comic gold. Of course, this wasn't a comedy, so that's kind of a problem. And with that trio, Schwarzenegger is clearly the closest to a seasoned thespian and that spells trouble.

13. "The Sting II" - Substitute Paul Newman and Robert Redford with Jackie Gleason and Mac Davis for the sequel to the 1973 best picture winner and you just know something stinks. Plus, this movie is 10 years after the original. Was there an audience clamoring for it? If so, why?

12. "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" - Yes, Jar Jar Binks was a horrible idea and one that George Lucas may never live down. But this film is not that bad. It just happens to be the one forced to introduce most of the characters and wade through a lot of exposition. Still, it had some great light saber duels and a great looking villain in Darth Maul. And little Jake Lloyd (who played young Anakin) has never been heard from again ...

11. "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights" - I thought the first film was stupid, so imagine my complete indifference to its sequel. This one was filmed about 17 years after the original and has really no connection other than the catering. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure that isn't even the same. Patrick Swayze does have a brief cameo and if you look hard enough, you'll see him reach for his paycheck before the scene's conclusion.

10. "Jaws: The Revenge" - Michael Caine actually missed picking up his Oscar for "Hannah and Her Sisters" to film this piece of crap. This one makes "Jaws 3" (actually filmed in 3-D) look decent in comparison. You'll be rooting for the shark this time around.

9. "Speed 2: Cruise Control" - Keanu Reeves opted out of the movie, leaving "Speed" co-star Sandra Bullock to sink on her own in this waterlogged sequel. It quickly flopped at the box office, leaving the future of "Speed 3: Deaf Children at Play" in serious jeopardy.

8. "Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan" - Having stopped watching the "Friday the 13th" movies around Part III, I'd have to imagine this must really suck to be the lone film in the series to make the list. It amazes me that there was still a demand for this series to even reach Part VIII, since there was barely an original idea in all the films that preceded it.

7. "The Fly II" - What was Eric Stoltz doing in this way inferior sequel to the Jeff Goldblum - Geena Davis 1986 remake? This film has the distinction of having even more gross out sequences than the first one. And with David Cronenberg having directed the original, that's really saying something.

6. "Weekend at Bernie's II" - This guy died in the first film and should be stiff as a board and stink something awful by the time of the sequel. This time, the two morons (Jonathan Silverman and Andrew McCarthy) bring their dead boss to the Virgin Islands. So it's not really a weekend or at Bernie's this time. If only that was the lone thing to fault with this unfunny movie.

5. "Batman & Robin" - Star George Clooney seems to joke about this movie at every opportunity and director Joel Schumacher actually apologized for it in his commentary on the DVD. So that should say it all about this movie that almost ended the franchise.

4. "Blues Brothers 2000" - A "Blues Brothers" sequel without John Belushi and nearly 20 years after the original? Where do I sign up? For that matter, I hardly think the flawed original was even deserving of a sequel. Belushi would probably be spinning in his grave, but is probably too busy partying to care.

3. "Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha' Hood" - Having never seen any of the "Leprechaun" movies, I'd have to think, judging by the title alone, that this one has got offensively God-awful written all over it. This is actually the sixth in the series. The sixth?! Who out there can actually admit to having seen the previous five?

2. "Caddyshack II" - Casting Jackie Mason as your lead actor is trouble sign number one. The fact that from the original cast, only Chevy Chase reappears (in a cameo), and you've got trouble sign number two. Plus, this movie actually seems to have less of a plot than the original – a true dubious accomplishment.

1. "Staying Alive" - For future reference, if you're a film producer and you have Sylvester Stallone and Frank Stallone signed on to direct and provide music for your movie, run away. Quickly. And no matter what you do, don't look back. I thought "Saturday Night Fever" was great, with its opening sequence of John Travolta walking the street to the Bee Gees' "Staying Alive." You get to relive that moment in the sequel. Unfortunately, you have to suffer through a veritable cinematic hell to get there, as it takes place in the last scene. I'm pretty sure you can't put Travolta and Stallone together in a room together anymore, as it would certainly be hazardous to the health of anyone else in there.

DVD Releases - April 4

The top winners at this year’s Oscars highlight a fairly light release week, as one makes its debut, while the other predictably capitalizes on its best picture win with a rerelease. After all, when an extra buck can be made, why not? Oh yeah, I know why not. Because some people just shelled out money for the original DVD release just a few months ago and aren’t happy that there’s a new version coming already. Setting aside that bitterness, here’s some of the releases for April 4:

“9 to 5: Sexist, Egotistical, Lying, Hypocritical Bigot Edition” (PG) - Possibly qualifying as the longest special edition title in DVD history, the 1980 workplace comedy is quite outdated in many aspects. But with a cast of Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman, the humor still holds up quite well.
Extras: Commentary from Fonda, Parton, Coleman and producer Bruce Gilbert, a featurette, gag reel, deleted scenes and “9 to 5” karaoke (now you can sing just like Dolly!).

“Brokeback Mountain” (R) - Winner of three Academy Awards (but not best picture, as picked by many), the drama depicting the friendship and concealed romance between two cowboys (played by Oscar nominees Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) makes its DVD debut. The movie was critically acclaimed, won lots of awards and did remarkably well at the box office, yet has had more cornball gay jokes lobbed its direction than one could count.
Extras: Multiple featurettes, including ones focusing on Oscar-winning director Ang Lee and the adaptation of the script to the screen.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (PG) - The first big screen adaptation of the popular C.S. Lewis novel, “Chronicles” was a huge hit over the holiday season. And with several other books in Lewis’ series available for adaptation, count on Disney studios to fast track a new franchise, much in the vein of the “Harry Potter” series.
Extras: The two-disc special edition features lots of goodies, including a pair of commentaries, bloopers, numerous featurettes, such as a director’s diary and the secrets behind the creation of many of the film’s creatures.

“Crash: Director’s Cut” (R) - Coincidentally (or not), the recently crowned best picture at this year’s Oscars is back in its second incarnation on DVD. The two-disc set gives consumers more bang for their buck over the suckers who went and spent money on the first release several months ago. Those poor, poor fools.
Extras: Director Paul Haggis includes deleted scenes with commentary, as well as a commentary track with himself, co-screenwriter Bobby Moresco and star Don Cheadle. Also included are several featurettes and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.

“Magnum P.I.: Season 4” - Tom Selleck fans rejoice! The actor and his mustache are back for the fourth season of the private detective’s exploits in Hawaii. All 21 episodes of the season are featured, as are many shots of a shirtless Magnum and bikini-clad women. Heck, he’ll even occasionally solve cases.
Extras: Not much, save for “The Great ‘80s TV Flashback,” whatever that is. Although I imagine that would beat a drug-induced flashback. Also included is a bonus episode of season 5 of “Magnum,” which will hardly be a bonus once fans go and buy season 5. Thanks a lot, MCA Home Video!

Movie Review: "V for Vendetta"

Starring Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry and John Hurt
Directed by James McTeigue

After the completion of "The Matrix" trilogy, a movie series that ultimately suffered from diminishing returns, there was probably more than a healthy dose of skepticism from the moviegoing public about whatever the Wachowski brothers' next project would be. But those skeptics can breathe a bit easier now, as "V for Vendetta," while not an absolute return to greatness, is a big step forward from the overblown messiness of "The Matrix Revolutions."

Based on Alan Moore's graphic novel of almost 25 years ago, the screenplay by the Wachowskis focuses on Britain in 2020, as the country is governed under a totalitarian regime. Sutler (John Hurt), the government's leader, is that nation's version of Big Brother, ruling the land with an iron fist through fear and intimidation. As most of his communication with the citizens, and even his own government officers, takes place on televisions or giant video screens, there is an obvious disconnect between Britain's leaders and the people. In short, it's a place that's ripe for rebellion.

Thus enters a mysterious freedom fighter named V (Hugo Weaving). Enshrouded in a black cape and mask patterned after Guy Fawkes, a true-life rebel who attempted to blow up Parliament in 1605, he quickly becomes a thorn in Sutler's side. V's initial appearance in the movie plays out almost like he's a superhero, saving Evey (Natalie Portman), an employee at a television station, from assailants. Then again, most superheroes aren't nearly as eloquent with a propensity for quoting Shakespeare. But V quickly shows he has more on his agenda than saving damsels in distress by escorting Evey to a rooftop to witness the destruction of the Old Bailey (where British courts are housed).

The government tries to put a positive spin on what they see as a terrorist act, only to have V quickly claim responsibility and announce plans for his next major action to take place in exactly one year. Evey is reluctantly drawn into V's revolutionary agenda, making her and her friends targets of the state. Drawing on some parallels to "The Phantom of the Opera," V and Evey's relationship is one of curious fascination to each other, as they both reveal their troubled past and come to realize they each have legitimate and understandable reasons to rebel against their government.

Confidently directed by James McTeigue (a former assistant director under the Wachowskis), "V for Vendetta" is one of those rare action movies that can equally flex its muscles while still stimulating the mind. Granted, some of its characters are a bit thinly veiled (Cutler's political rallies resemble Hitler's, a corrupted priest has a fetish for young girls), yet its depiction of V is thankfully a bit more gray. His hatred of the government is born primarily out of deeply personal reasons, and his actions are elaborately staged, yet are sometimes morally questionable.

The movie mostly avoids a heavy handed approach with the presentation of its terrorist themes, even as today's "war on terrorism" continues. Some of that credit has to go to the game cast, headed up by Portman, who has to do most of the emotional heavy lifting in the film, not to mention the sacrifice of her hair after her character is imprisoned. Weaving is also very good in what had to be a terribly difficult role, as his face remains hidden behind a mask for the film's duration. (Weaving was actually brought on board after James Purefoy dropped out, due to the difficulty of acting in a mask.)

With numerous action set pieces that carry some of the same visceral thrills of "The Matrix," people looking for escapist popcorn fare can generally get their fill with "V for Vendetta." But those looking for a little story with their fights and explosions are likely to find some challenging ideas being bandied about here. And in today's Hollywood, where the practice of dumbing down movies for mass consumption is more the norm, such an approach seems pretty revolutionary.
Grade: B+
(Rated R for strong violence and some language.)

DVD Releases - March 28

It’s a rather eclectic collection of new releases I’ve gathered together for you this week, as King Kong, 50 Cent and some French schoolchildren mix it up. If this group got into a fight, I’m thinking three words: Pay Per View. In this corner are some of the notable releases for March 28:

“Au Revoir Les Enfants: Criterion Collection” (PG) - French writer-director Louis Malle uses some events from his own childhood to frame the story of a 12-year-old French boy who befriends a new classmate at a Catholic boarding school in World War II-era France. Yeah, this is a foreign flick with subtitles, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing this wonderfully shot and performed film.
Extras: Essays by film critic Phillip Kemp and historian Francis J. Murphy (yeah, I’ve never heard of them either), and more.

“Get Rich or Die Tryin’” (R) - Certainly an odd combination on paper, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and director Jim Sheridan teamed up for last fall’s drama based on parts of Jackson’s life. In “Get Rich,” Jackson is an inner city drug dealer who sees a way out of the life by becoming a rap star. Likely hoping to capitalize on the success that Enimen’s similarly themed film debut had, 50 Cent’s movie wasn’t nearly as successful with critics or audiences.
Extras: A making of featurette and that’s about it. What, no videos?!

“King Kong: Special Edition” (PG-13) - Coming off the gigantic success of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the success of director Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” almost seems to pale in comparison. But with a large worldwide box office haul and three Oscars, the big ape didn’t do too shabby. Just don’t go expecting a sequel. Although seeing Jackson attempt to remake “Son of Kong” would be quite amusing.
Extras: Numerous featurettes on the two-disc release, including some on the recreation of 1930s New York, as well as Skull Island. Plus, Jackson’s extensive post-production diaries make up almost three hours of footage.

“Knots Landing: Season 1” - Billed as the second longest running TV drama in history, this glorified nighttime soap opera makes its debut on DVD. Following the lives of five suburban families in southern California, this release features all 13 of the first season’s episodes and more back stabbing and scheming than you can shake a stick at. Not that doing so would be recommended in the presence of star Joan Van Ark in the first place.
Extras: Interviews with Van Ark and co-star Ted Shackleford, cast commentary on a couple of episodes.

“Memoirs of a Geisha” (PG-13) - Winner of three Academy Awards, “Memoirs,” an adaptation of a best-selling book by Arthur Golden, seemed to be generally liked, but hardly loved by critics or audiences upon its release last December. Having a Chinese cast of Ziyi Zhang, Michelle Yeoh and Gong Li, among others in the lead roles, was a sticking point with some. The film is labeled as an historical and romantic epic, but it looks like there could be some awesome geisha catfights. A kick from one of those wooden shoes would hurt, I tell ya.
Extras: Commentary from director Rob Marshall and John DeLuca, commentary from several on the production crew, tons and tons of featurettes on just about every aspect of the production, including geisha bootcamp and a history of sumo wrestling (cool!).

“Quantum Leap: Season 4” - Scientist Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) keeps “leaping” around, getting transported into the lives of various people, trying to make their lives not suck so much. His only help, if you can call it that, comes from Al, a holographic image played by Dean Stockwell. Originally aired on NBC, this was one of the better shows from the 1980s, helped in no small part from the likable performances from Bakula and Stockwell.
Extras: The Great ‘80s Flashback (whatever that is), and the truly novel idea of a bonus episode of “Quantum Leap.”

“Stay” (R) - Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts and Ryan Gosling star in what is billed as a horror movie (?!) about a psychologist (McGregor) who attempts to stop a deeply troubled patient (Gosling) from killing himself. In doing so, he becomes wrapped up in trying to unlock the screwed up psyche of the patient. (Good luck trying to get that guy to pay his medical bill.) This film did the exact opposite of its title upon hitting theaters last year. (Umm, that is, it left – and quickly.)
Extras: Commentary from director Marc Forster, Gosling and various crew members, featurettes.

DVD Releases - March 21

This week features some more Oscar-nominated fare along with multiple TV season releases. There’s quite a bit of variety in this week’s offerings overall, so here are some highlights (maybe a matter of opinion) for March 21:

“Bewitched: Season 3” - The popular sitcom’s first color season features 33 episodes on four discs. Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), Darrin (Dick York) and Endora (Agnes Moorehead) are back, with new baby Tabitha showing off witchcraft powers of her own.
Extras: Evidently, Samantha made them all disappear, as there are none.

“Capote” (R) - Oscar-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman gives a sensational performance as the title character in this examination of author Truman Capote’s research and subsequent writing of the classic non-fiction book “In Cold Blood.” Oscar nominee Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr. and Chris Cooper co-star in the drama nominated for five Academy Awards.
Extras: Commentary with Hoffman and director Bennett Miller, commentary with Miller and cinematographer Adam Kimmel, a Truman Capote documentary, and two behind the scenes documentaries.

“Chicken Little” (G) - Disney made its first significant foray into computer animation without Pixar in this fairly popular movie about the chicken who thought the sky was falling. However, critical response to it was mixed, at best, and the box office receipts weren’t as strong as hoped by the studio. Their recent expensive buyout of Pixar means the studio should likely stay solidly on top of the computer animation heap for a long time.
Extras: Making of featurette, deleted scenes, an interactive game and music videos.

“Derailed” (Unrated) - Jennifer Aniston takes a dark turn away from “Friends” by starring in a thriller with Clive Owen. The two stars play strangers who meet on a commuter train and have a one-night stand that leads to dangerous consequences for both. The movie didn’t seem to make an impact on critics or audiences, and is one that Aniston and Owen will probably quickly put behind them.
Extras: Deleted scenes and a making of featurette.

“Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story” (PG) - Dakota Fanning continues her career ascension to becoming the most powerful pre-teen in America, co-starring in this family drama about the bonding between a father and daughter, thanks to an inspiring horse. There’s likely few surprises in the movie, co-starring Kurt Russell and Elizabeth Shue, but those who can’t get enough out of Fanning (who seems intelligent and poised well beyond her 11 years of age) should be satisfied.
Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes and multiple featurettes.

“Paradise Now” (PG-13) - Two Palestinian friends are recruited for a suicide bombing strike against Tel Aviv and spend their last days together, comtemplating their past and seemingly short future. Oscar-nominated for best foreign film, “Paradise Now” examines the Palestinian/Israeli conflict on a very small scale, written and directed by Hany Abu-Assad.
Extras: None.

“Roseanne: Season 3” - The third season of the Conner family’s exploits features 25 episodes and numerous guest stars, including Martin Mull, Ned Beatty, Shelley Winters and some guy named Leonardo DiCaprio.
Extras: Interviews with cast members Laurie Metcalf and Lecy Goranson, best of season clips.

“The Squid and the Whale: Special Edition” (R) - A two-time winner at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, writer-director Noah Baumbach’s independent comedy-drama snagged a best original screenplay Oscar nomination, not to mention lots of critical praise. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney star as a couple whose marriage is falling apart and their two children are inevitably drawn into the conflict.
Extras: Commentary with Baumbach, behind-the-scenes featurette.

Movie Review: "The Weather Man"

Starring Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, Hope Davis, Gemmenne de la Pena, Nicholas Hoult, Michael Rispoli, Gil Bellows
Directed by Gore Verbinski

With a release date delayed by its studio for several months last year, it’s clear that Paramount executives weren’t really sure about what to make of “The Weather Man.” The movie’s trailer and ads make it look like an unconventional comedy about a dysfunctional family, when in fact it’s much more of a drama with comedic elements about a man struggling to find his true identity amidst a series of family crises.

Nicolas Cage captures just the right amount of inner turmoil as Dave Spritz, a Chicago weather man, who sees his professional star rise, even as the star in his personal life is sinking rapidly. Dave desperately wants the potential career high of the former (a weatherman job on a New York morning show, hosted by Bryant Gumbel) to turn things around in what’s failing in the latter.

However, what’s failing is something that a new job can do little to fix, what with a failed marriage and two troubled children to contend with. Misery just seems to follow Dave around, and is occasionally hurled at him, as passersby pelt the poor sap with a variety of fast foods – presumably because they’re upset about his forecasts.

Dave’s father Robert (Michael Caine) meets his son right after one such drive-by incident and questions why anyone would want to do this. After all, Dave just tells the weather and doesn’t even have a degree in meteorology, Robert not-so-helpfully points out.

Little character jabs like that from his father are also dealt with on a regular basis from Dave, who desperately wants the admiration and respect from Robert, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Caine gives a very good performance by capturing the essence of a disappointed father in just a few scenes. He doesn’t inherently see his son as a failure (although Dave has a way of feeding into that possible perception), just as someone who needs to “knuckle down” to improve his life.

While he also gets good supporting performances from Hope Davis as his frustrated ex-wife, and Gemmenne de la Pena and Nicholas Hoult as his sullen, yet likable children, the majority of the film rests on Cage’s shoulders. Cage has shown the ability to carry pictures playing characters that are difficult to like, such as his Oscar-winning turn in “Leaving Las Vegas.” His portrayal as Dave captures some of that same vibe, as he carries a sad hangdog look through much of the film. Moments where he seems happy come across almost as a force of will, such as his smile as he gets ready for work at the movie’s start. The smile he gives for the mirror simply can’t last for long, before his more natural propensity for sadness overtakes him.

Having such a character as the movie’s center provides a challenge for director Gore Verbinski, as audiences are asked to spend time with a man that few in the movie itself even seem to like or respect. There are certainly moments when you might feel like chucking some food at him yourself, or glove slapping him, as he embarrassingly does to a character in one scene.

But for those who can hang with the movie through some of its more turbulent moments and tonal shifts might just find a man discovering the warm sunshine lies just behind those storm clouds in the sky.
Grade: B
(Rated R for for strong language and sexual content.)

DVD Releases - March 14

After such a deep offering from the first week of March, what can March 14 releases hold for us? Press on, intrepid reader ...

“Basic Instinct: Ultimate Unrated Director’s Cut” - Marking at least the third different version of this movie to come on DVD, this one is clearly meant to capitalize on the release of the movie’s sequel that next to no one has been anticipating. Sharon Stone will be the lone link from the original, released 14 years ago. In this DVD release, Stone will still not get charged with smoking in the police department and Michael Douglas still plays a too close variation on his cop character from “Black Rain.”
Extras: Features an introduction and conversation from Stone, commentary from director Paul Verhoeven and director of photography Jan De Bont, screen tests and more.

“Good Night, and Good Luck” (PG) - The 1950s period that focused on reporter Edward R. Murrow’s decision to take on the Communist witch-hunt of Senator Joseph McCarthy through his CBS-TV show is dramatized in director George Clooney’s Oscar-nominated film. David Strathairn, Frank Langella, Clooney, Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Daniels and Patricia Clarkson (what a cast!) star, along with actual footage of McCarthy.
Extras: Commentary with Clooney and his co-screenwriter Grant Heslov.

“A History of Violence” (R) - The seemingly ideal life of an Indiana man, played by Viggo Mortensen, is thrown into conflict when a heroic act he performs has undesired consequences. Mario Bello, Ed Harris and Oscar-nominated William Hurt co-star in this intense, but involving movie by director David Cronenberg.
Extras: Commentary by Cronenberg, a deleted scene with commentary, an “Acts of Violence” documentary and multiple featurettes.

“I Dream of Jeanie - The Complete First Season” - More than 40 years after its debut, “I Dream of Jeanie” finally makes it to DVD with this collection of all 30 episodes of its first season. Larry Hagman, Barbara Eden and Bill Daily starred in this slightly unrealistic portrayal of an astronaut and a genie from a bottle falling in love. These guys never even had one scene of drinking Tang!
Extras: Commentary on the pilot episode from the show’s stars, as well as interviews with Hagman, Eden and Daily.

“Murder, She Wrote - The Complete Third Season” - Its another season of that intrepid, yet snoopy mystery writer Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) making the local law enforcement look stupid by solving crime after crime. Somehow, murders just keep following her around. Surely it’s just coincidence, right?
Extras: A featurette called “The Great 80s Flashback” and a bonus “Magnum, P.I.” episode – a logical addition as I’m sure these shows shared lots of the same viewers. I mean the two shows are pratically interchangable.

“The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio” (PG-13) - Julianne Moore stars as a mother of 10 children who overcomes household financial struggles by becoming a successful writer for jingle contests. Woody Harrelson co-stars as her alcoholic husband in a movie that barely made a dent at the box office.
Extras: Commentary with Moore and director Jane Anderson.

“The Year of the Yao” (PG) - A documentary focusing on the NBA arrival of Yao Ming, a 7’6” center for the Houston Rockets, the tallest player in the league. A superstar in his native China, the film follows Yao in his first season as he learns the language, customs and lifestyle of playing as a high profile athlete in America.
Extras: More than an hour of deleted scenes.

"Crash" Climbs Over "Mountain"

Hollywood’s annual gala to celebrate the finest in film concluded Sunday night as the Oscars went off with little surprise, until the final award in the broadcast. “Crash” upset “Brokeback Mountain” for best picture, taking home its third Academy Award of the night.
“Brokeback Mountain,” generally considered the front-runner for the Oscar, based on its strong showing at other award shows leading up to the Oscars, received a total of three awards.
In fact, three seemed to be a popular number during the solid, but unspectacular broadcast, as “King Kong” and “Memoirs of a Geisha” also took home three Oscars each – all in technical categories. Neither of those films managed nominations in any of the major categories.
Among the acting categories, all four were first-time winners. Phillip Seymour Hoffman won for his portrayal of author Truman Capote in “Capote,” while Reese Witherspoon received a best actress Oscar for her performance as June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line.” Supporting actor and actress nods went to George Clooney for “Syriana” and Rachel Weisz for “The Constant Gardener.”
“Crash” and “Brokeback Mountain” each garnered screenplay Oscars, while Ang Lee was honored as best director. However, other best picture hopefuls, “Good Night, and Good Luck” and “Munich” both were shut out in the five categories for which they received nominations.
Jon Stewart from TV’s “The Daily Show” made his debut as Oscar host, with middling results. The popular comedian had his moments, but the telecast was missing much of the irreverent humor that he and his staff bring to the typical “Daily Show” episode. Perhaps the show’s producers restricted Stewart’s freedom, but where were any reports from his show’s correspondents? Plus, a golden opportunity to have Stewart reunite with former correspondent Steve Carell was lost, as he appeared as a presenter with Will Ferrell.
One segment that featured a humorous faux negative campaign ad from one of the nominees for sound editing hinted at the funnier direction the show could have gone.
Among the more interesting portions of the evening was the performance from Three 6 Mafia for best original song for the hip-hop number “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” from “Hustle & Flow.” The song won the Oscar, but was a real departure from the normally stoic and generally boring performances trotted out on stage in that category. Still, Stewart made a funny, yet pointed observation shortly after the group grabbed their Oscar – noting that for those keeping score, it’s Three 6 Mafia - 1, Martin Scorsese - 0.
Other observations from the 3-hour and 33-minute broadcast:
• Was it just me or did Charlize Theron’s bow on the shoulder of her dress look to be getting bigger as the evening went on?
• It's starting to feel like only the host of the show gets more screen time than Jack Nicholson these days. I mean, he hasn't even been in a movie since 2003. And was that just coincidental seating, or was Keira Knightley Jack's date?
• It’s good to encourage award winners to keep their acceptance speeches short, but having the band practically playing the people off the stage the moment they got up there seemed a bit rash. Not to mention it had to be a bit distracting for the winners.
• Two categories that were weakened for their lack of nominees were best visual effects (where was “Star Wars: Episode III”?) and best makeup (how does “Sin City” miss out here?). For that matter, “Star Wars” only got one nomination total, while “Sin City” was shut out entirely. Regardless of what you thought of those films’ overall quality, they were pretty amazing on the technical level.
• George Clooney’s acceptance speech that mentions his pride at being a part of the Academy seemed to be a bit self-congratulatory – especially for mentioning the 1939 Oscar going to Hattie McDaniel for “Gone with the Wind.” He referenced how bold that was of the Academy, as blacks were still forced to sit in the back at the time.
Yeah, but George, how long did it take for the Academy to honor a black woman for best actress? Answer: 2002, when Halle Berry won. That’s pretty slow progress. To my knowledge, no black woman has even been nominated in that category since then.
Don’t get me wrong – I like George Clooney. But let’s face it: The Academy has a long ways to go to seem truly progressive. Maybe finding a way to break up the predictability of the annual broadcast would be a good step. Then again, giving an Oscar for a song about a pimp doesn’t happen every year.

The Return of the DVD Releases

OK, seeing as how I started with the idea of posting weekly updates on the latest (and not necessarily greatest) coming out on DVD several months ago, you’d think I’d have been able to produce more than one by now.
Alas, I allowed myself to be distracted – but I shan’t let that happen so easily again. (Nor use the word shan’t again.)
These weekly lists will include mentions of movies, TV show collections, and occasionally, the just plain odd releases of the week. So, once again, here comes my plan to offer weekly rundowns of upcoming DVDs, beginning with some of the notable releases for March 7:

“The Brady Bunch: Season 5” - Here’s the story of the final season from the Brady clan. By now, storylines were becoming even more of a stretch (if that seems possible), and the kids weren’t quite as cute and lovable as they were when the show started. So enters the Notorious Cousin Oliver (nephew to Carol), who proceeds to stay with the family while his parents are in South America – presumably to keep him from screwing up their major drug deal. (I kid!) Anyway, this marked the beginning of the end for the series. That is unless you count the bazillion TV movies they’ve had since then.
Extras: None (but you get plenty of Oliver, so what do you want?)

“The Cosby Show: Season 2” - The Huxtable clan just started to pick up steam in its second season, becoming a #1 hit show for NBC. It was with this show (along with “Cheers”) that NBC built its Must See Thursday ratings powerhouse. Oh, but how they would gladly sell their soul to have that strength back now. Thank you very much, “Joey.” Sorry, I digress.
Extras: Audio commentary from director Jay Sandrich, bloopers and a featurette.

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Special Edition” (PG-13) - A two-disc special edition also offered as a single disc, the latest in the “Harry Potter” movies makes its first foray into PG-13 territory. In this one, Harry is entered into a grueling competition known as the Triwizard Tournament. This one was another huge hit in theaters and should do equally well on DVD.
Extras: Interview with the cast, multiple featurettes, additional scenes, and DVD-ROM interactive games (Special Edition only).

“Howl’s Moving Castle” (PG) - A teenager is cursed by a witch into the body of an old woman and embarks on an adventure with a magician named Hauru, his fire demon and a moving castle. Yeah, that’s pretty weird, but this movie, from director Hayao Miyazaki (“Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke”) is Oscar-nominated for best animated film. It was a huge hit overseas, yet made next to no impact in America. Go figure.
Extras: Interview, featurettes and storyboards.

“Jarhead” (R) - Initially thought to be a serious contender at the Oscars, this Gulf War-set drama based on the book by Anthony Swofford didn’t even garner any nominations. It did get quite a few good reviews; it just wasn’t seen as a consensus great movie. But it does feature a topnotch cast, with Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, Peter Sarsgaard and Chris Cooper included.
Extras: Two commentary tracks, deleted scenes with optional commentary. (Also available in Collector’s Edition with additional behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast and former Marines.)

“Prime” (PG-13) - Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman star in this box-office dud about an older single woman (Thurman) falling in love with the son of her therapist (Streep). Naturally, neither woman knows his connection to the other. It’s good to see Streep in a comedy, a genre she’s just as adept at as drama, when given the chance. But this sounds like a case where the actors probably outshine the material.
Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes and outtakes.

“Three’s Company: Season 6” - During the course of this season, Jenilee Harrison (the first Chrissy replacement) moves out and Priscilla Barnes (the next replacement) moves in. Cue the misinterpreted and partially overheard conversations and let the hilarity ensue! But for those Don Knotts fans out there, this is a chance to see him in fine comic form as landlord Mr. Furley.
Extras: Commentary from director Dave Powers, a presentation from Lucille Ball (?!)

Spring 2006 Movie Preview

Well, the winter season (an unusually mild one in this neck of the woods) is just about done, meaning the flowers, birds (and yes, bugs) will be back as the warmer weather of spring pushes to the forefront. That also means that Hollywood will be gearing up for its next slate of films – typically a build up to the big summer movie season. Spring films usually fall into holes in studios schedules (not quite summer blockbuster possibilities, but also not typically seen as Oscar fodder). Of course, the audiences generally have the last word. Some gems usually crop up at this time period (last spring’s “Crash” is a perfect example).
So here’s a look at the next couple of months worth of some of the big and little films expected to hit a theater near you. Naturally, release dates are subject to change.

March
“Inside Man”
Starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Christopher Plummer.
A terrific cast heads up this New York crime drama about a standoff between a bank robber (Owen) and police, led by a driven detective (Washington). Director Spike Lee might just have his biggest commercial hit on his hands here, teaming up with Washington for the fourth time. This also marks the first screen pairing of Washington and Foster, both two-time Oscar winners. (March 24)

“V for Vendetta”
Starring Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea and John Hurt.
Pushed back from its original November release, due to its terrorist themes, this movie’s script comes from Larry and Andy Wachowski, the creators of “The Matrix” trilogy. A totalitarian society is undermined by a freedom fighter only known as “V” (Weaving), who enlists the aid of a young woman (Portman) to take down the government. (March 17)

“16 Blocks”
Starring Bruce Willis, Mos Def, David Morse.
Bruce Willis plays (surprise) a burned-out New York cop forced to escort a prosecution witness (Mos Def) for a court trial. Complications ensue when he realizes this case involves the witness testifying against cops and is forced to protect him from his own department. Clearly, Willis is in his comfort zone with this pic, and with director Richard Donner (“Lethal Weapon” series) at the helm, this one might exceed expectations. (March 3)

“Failure to Launch”
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel, Terry Bradshaw and Kathy Bates.
In some casting creativity, Bates and Bradshaw are parents of McConaughey, looking to get their slacker son out of their home by enlisting the aid of a woman (Parker). Naturally, sparks fly between the cute couple. This seemingly quintessential date movie should work well for both men and women – provided it’s halfway decent. (March 10)

“The Shaggy Dog”
Starring Tim Allen, Kristin Davis, Robert Downey Jr., Danny Glover, Spencer Breslin, Zena Grey.
Yet another remake of a Disney film, Allen plays a constantly busy district attorney with too little time for his family, who then has to deal with being infected by a top-secret serem that occasionally turns him into a dog. It’s a family-oriented comedy and if you’ve seen any of the ads, you can figure out what you’re getting. (March 10)

“Dave Chappelle’s Block Party”
Starring Dave Chappelle, Kanye West, Lauren Hill, Pras, Wyclef Jean.
It’s like “Chappelle’s Show,” only you have to pay to see it now. Actually, this mix of sketch and standup comedy, along with music from West and the reunited Fugees, has the potential to be a breakout hit for Chappelle and director Michel Gondry. One only needs to look at DVD sales for “Chappelle’s Show” to know his popularity. (March 3, limited)

April
“American Dreamz”
Starring Hugh Grant, Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore, Marcia Gay Harden, Willem Dafoe.
Reuniting with Paul Weitz, his director from “About a Boy,” Grant stars as the host of a hugely popular TV singing competition show, with Quaid as a less-than-brilliant President of the United States asked to serve as a judge. Farfetched? Sure, but this satirical film has a cast worth watching and is pretty topical to boot. (April 21)

“The Benchwarmers”
Starring Rob Schneider, David Spade, Jon Heder, Jon Lovitz, Tim Meadows.
With a large contingent of former “SNL”-ers, most of whom have starred in a lot of lowbrow comedies, you should know what you’re getting with this one. For the record, a trio of nerds, played by Schneider, Spade and Heder, are picked to participate in a highly competitive Little League tournament. OK, reality and logic are probably not strong suits of this particular movie. (April 7)

“The Wild”
Featuring the voices of James Belushi, Kiefer Sutherland, Eddie Izzard and William Shatner.
On the heels of last year’s “Madagascar” comes another animated movie centering around a group of animals having to work together to solve a problem – this one involving a teenage lion being accidentally shipped from a New York zoo to Africa. With not a lot of family-oriented films clogging up the release schedule in April, this one might be poised for success. (April 14)

“R.V.”
Starring Robin Williams, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Daniels, Kristin Chenoweth.
Williams and Hines are a married couple who take their kids on an R.V. trip, hoping to bond as a family. Naturally, things don’t quite go according to schedule. It’s been a while since Williams has been in a truly funny film. Not sure if this one’s going to be it, either. (April 28)

“The Sentinel”
Starring Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria and Kim Basinger.
A longtime and highly trained Secret Service agent (Douglas) attempts to foil a plot to assassinate the U.S. President. But when he’s framed for the murder of another agent, he’s forced to elude authorities, including his protégé (Sutherland). (April 14)

Movie Review: "Capote"

Starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Clifton Collins Jr., Bruce Greenwood, Bob Balaban and Chris Cooper
Directed by Bennett Miller

With popular, early literary works such as "The Grass Harp" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to his credit, author Truman Capote stumbled upon an article in the New York Times in 1959 that would lead to writing "In Cold Blood," largely considered one of the great pieces of non-fiction in the 20th century. It would also forever change his life – for the worse.
Focused on the several years that would go into researching, writing and finally finishing the book, "Capote" is powered by a sensational and detailed lead performance by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. His portrayal of Capote is less of an exact duplication of the diminutive author (Hoffman stands nearly six inches taller), but an uncanny channeling of his spirit. The mannerisms, flamboyance and lisp are all there, to be sure, but Hoffman takes care to avoid the temptation of making the man a caricature. His confident take on Capote is evident from his opening scene, as he holds court in the New York social scene, by enrapturing a group of friends with his storytelling prowess.
One morning, he sees an article about a Kansas farm family brutally killed in their home. While one would have to imagine that murders were not that unusual in New York, Capote took a particular fascination with the death of the Clutter family. After selling William Shawn (Bob Balaban), editor of the New Yorker, on doing a story of his own about how the small town of Holcomb, Kan., was dealing with the tragedy, he quickly finds himself in a completely different world from the Big Apple. To help him in the jarring transition, he enlists the aid of longtime friend Nelle Harper Lee (Catherine Keener), who would go onto success of her own upon writing "To Kill a Mockingbird." Lee proves to be invaluable during his early research, as she is much more approachable and less of an outside presence than Capote.
Eventually making headway with many of the town's residents, including the case's chief investigator, Alvin Dewey, Capote soon realizes he has material beyond just a magazine story. Instead, he decides to approach the story as a reporter would, with the intent of crafting his material into a full-fledged book, "a non-fiction novel," as he repeatedly tells people. His story truly comes into focus once Perry Smith and Dick Hickok, the two killers, are apprehended. He quickly takes a strong, some would say unhealthy interest in Smith (Clifton Collins Jr.), a quiet, sullen young man, who shows more of an interest in doodling on a notepad than paying attention to his trial.
When both men are found guilty and sentenced to death, Capote almost recklessly intercedes on their behalf to find them better lawyers. They didn't get sufficient representation, he reasons, managing to help draw out the legal process. But, as the film makes perfectly clear, Capote has ulterior motives for his early involvement in their case. After all, he needs them to stay alive long enough for him to get the full story of the case.
Through his repeated visits in Smith's jail cell, Capote begins to understand what makes the young criminal tick. In doing so, he realizes that he and Smith aren't too different. Both came from broken homes with neglectful mothers, and Capote soon feels empathy for how Smith's life has turned out.
"It's as if Perry and I grew up in the same house. And one day he went out the back door and I went out the front," he tells Lee.
Of course, even as he learns more about Smith, he grows frustrated at the man's unwillingness to share with him what happened that fateful night in 1959. Gaining confidence from Capote's involvement in the case, the two criminals begin a long appeal process that is a form of torture for the author. Without their execution, he has no end to his book.
Always a regular social drinker, Capote begins drinking more, falling into a deep depression over his inability to finish his book. In the process, he keeps Smith at bay by claiming he's not even come up with its name, let alone made any real progress in writing it. The scenes between Hoffman and Collins (who gives a very effective performance of his own) are pretty riveting stuff, with each character seemingly opening up his heart, even as both hold back pertinent information from each other.
Obviously, Capote eventually got his ending and finished his book. But the experience, which included being a witness to the execution, left him a shell of his former self. At the end of his five and a half year journey to create a great literary work, it would seem that the Clutters weren't the only victims.
In his desire to craft a masterful piece of non-fiction, Capote (who never took notes during his interviews, claiming to have a 94 percent retention rate) disregarded an important and generally followed rule of journalism: don't get too close.
Grade: A-
(Rated R for some violent images and brief strong language.)