DVD Releases - June 27

It’s a decidedly mixed bag of releases this week, as there are a couple of moderate hit movies mixed in, but little to rush out and see – unless you happen to be a Chuck Berry fan. Read on for more on some of the June 27 releases:

“Annapolis” (PG-13) - Probably with hopes of capturing a bit of that box office magic that propelled “Top Gun” to smash hit status 20 years ago (20 years?!), “Annapolis” failed to click with audiences in theaters. The U.S. Navy gets another showcase movie as James Franco plays a young cadet hoping to become an officer in the elite military academy. Naturally, obstacles stand in his way.
Extras: Commentary from crew, deleted scenes with commentary, making-of featurette, and an in-depth look at the boxing sequences.
Official Web site

“Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock n’ Roll: Limited Edition” (NR) - Just about 20 years after its filming, the huge musical talent brought out to celebrate Chuck Berry’s 60th birthday finally gets released on DVD. Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Linda Ronstadt, Etta James and more helped mark the occasion.
Extras: Released in two versions, the limited edition version is loaded with bonus material including a new introduction from director Taylor Hackford, never-before-seen rehearsal footage, making-of documentary, two huge documentaries on the birth and golden age of rock and roll, and more.
No official Web site

“Failure to Launch” (PG-13) - Critics could have cared less about this romantic comedy, but when you’ve got a cast headed by Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey, then I guess it doesn’t matter. This far-fetched movie featuring McConaughey as a lazy guy still living with his parents (Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw), who hire a woman (Parker) to motivate him out of the house.
Extras: Multiple featurettes and a “Failure to Launch” contest (whatever that may be), and more.
Official Web site

“Madea’s Family Reunion” (PG-13) - Following up on his surprise box office hit “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” Tyler Perry is back in drag as granny Madea in another mix of comedy and drama that also met with success in theaters. Whether his sense of humor works for widespread audiences is still a bit unclear, but there doesn’t seem to be much like it getting released into theaters.
Extras: Commentary with Perry, deleted scenes, making-of featurette and more.
Official Web site

“Monk: Season 4” - The dependably good comedic mystery show releases all 16 episodes of its fourth season, starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub. New episodes are still airing on USA Network and it’s one worth seeking out.
Extras: A pair of featurettes involving writing for “Monk.”
Official Web site

“Roseanne: Season 4” - Another fourth season comes out this week with the former hit ABC sitcom about the Conner household. Like her or hate her, Roseanne had a good thing going with this show.
Extras: Video commentaries by Roseanne, new interviews with Roseanne, as well as with two of her kids on the show, D.J. and Becky.
No official Web site

“Ultraviolet” (PG-13) - Milla Jovovich stars in this action-oriented sci-fi flick that was the second one in a few months time to star an attractive female that tanked at the box office (“Aeon Flux” being the other). Although also offered in an unrated, extended cut, seeing it would probably only mean wasting an extra seven minutes of your life that you can’t get back.
Extras: Commentary by Jovovich, and a making-of featurette.
Official Web site

Box Office Report: June 23-25

Despite mostly negative reviews (hardly a rarity for Adam Sandler movies), “Click” climbed to the top of the box office charts this week, taking in $40 million over the weekend. “Cars” held strong at number two, following a couple of weeks at the top spot, pushing it up the top 10 for 2006. Sandler’s reign at the top will definitely be short lived, as the Man of Steel is flying in fast, beginning with late night showings Tuesday, June 27.

Meanwhile, "The Da Vinci Code" is solidifying its status as the top worldwide grossing movie of the year, having surpassed $700 million over the weekend.

1. “Click”
(Weekend domestic gross - $40.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.4 million)
(Budget - $82.5 million)
2. “Cars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $23.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $181.1 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
3. “Nacho Libre”
(Weekend domestic gross - $12.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $53.2 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
4. “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $58.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Waist Deep”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $9.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “The Lake House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $31.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Break-Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $116.2 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
8. “Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $405.9 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
10. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $700.9 million)
(Budget - $125 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $700.9 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $636.5 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $405.9 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
4. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $337.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $181.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $180.2 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
7. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $169.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $164.4 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
9. “The Pink Panther”
(Worldwide gross - $158.6 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
10. “Big Momma’s House 2”
(Worldwide gross - $137.9 million)
(Budget - $40 million)

Movie Review: "Brick"

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Nora Zehetner, Lukas Haas, Noah Fleiss, Matt O'Leary, Emilie de Ravin, Noah Segan, Richard Rountree
Directed by Rian Johnson
Official Web site

One would have to imagine the marketing people entrusted to promote “Brick,” writer/director Rian Johnson’s attention grabbing mystery, had their work cut out for them. For one, the movie is a film noir, closely patterned after the classics starring Humphrey Bogart in the 1940s – not the most popular genre going right now. Then, Johnson chose to set the movie in a modern day Southern California high school, with teenagers filling out the cast. Most younger audiences are likely unfamiliar with movies like “The Maltese Falcon” and the writings of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, by which it’s obviously influenced. And adults might see an almost all-teen cast and think they’re in for a couple of hours of bad acting and a dumbed down script. But thankfully, they would be wrong on both counts.

If anything, the adults might be the ones that feel dumb as they try to wrap their heads around the fast, tough and fairly byzantine talking passing over the lips of these high schoolers, for whom homework seems the least of their concerns. This is a film that requires patience and most of all, attention.

“Brick” stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Brendan, a loner who gets a disturbing phone call from his ex-girlfriend (Emilie de Ravin), followed not long after by her death. Still holding feelings for her, Brendan takes it upon himself to find out who killed her and why. Naturally, this leads to him sticking his nose in other people’s business, with many showing various degrees of resistance to his “investigation.” Not unlike the hero in other film noirs, Brendan finds several people physically persuading him to stop his snooping – not that the frequent beatings he sustains deters him.

In fact, his persistence at taking a licking and coming back for more eventually makes inroads to The Pin (Lukas Haas in a pitch perfect performance), a mysterious and eccentric drug kingpin who might hold the key to Brendan’s case. Much of the film’s dark humor emerges from scenes with The Pin, who dresses in black, walks with a cane and seems to take up residency in the poorly lit basement of his mother’s house. Oh, and he drives in a minivan with a working table lamb, if you can figure out the logistics of that. But whatever, it’s still funny to see.

In all fairness, most of the characters in the film aren’t really grounded into any modern day reality. They’re basically high schoolers plopped into a film noir setting, with only the occasional reminder of today’s technology included, such as cell phones (although Brendan still seems to make frequent use of phone booths). As such, some people may have trouble caring about anyone’s fate, as relating to them is rather difficult.

But such a limitation should be able to be overlooked for one primary reason: the movie’s hook isn’t included as a lark. While there is some humor in the story, it’s played with a straight face and that helps “Brick” immensely. The actors are all in step with the language and attitude of the film from scene one – a challenging task indeed, what with all the twisty dialogue included. Gordon-Levitt particularly impresses as the undeterred amateur gumshoe and is building quite an eclectic acting resume.

Obviously a student of film noir, Johnson shows a remarkably focused vision of the world these young adults occupy. This achievement is all the more impressive when it’s factored in that this marked Johnson’s first film.

Audiences could probably watch “Brick” several times over and not completely understand all that is being said by the characters, but few should struggle to realize that there’s some real up-and-coming talent on display here.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for violence and drug content.)

DVD Releases - June 20

Another mix of movies and TV shows make up the lineup for this week’s wildly divergent releases. The first two on this list clearly demonstrate that observation. Here’s some of the notables for June 20:

“Eight Below” (PG) - It seems sensible that Disney is the movie studio behind this true tale of eight sled dogs stranded in Antarctica during a brutal winter, while their owner struggles to get back to rescue them. It’s one of those heartwarming stories where the animals are undoubtedly more interesting than the humans in it. Paul Walker and Jason Biggs are among the cast, so that theory is likely the case here.
Extras: Several commentaries, as well as a making-of featurette.
Official Web site

“The Hills Have Eyes” (R/Unrated) - Gather the family around for another heartwarming tale – this one about a stranded family on a cross country trip encountering a violent collection of mutants who will definitely not be providing directions out of town. This remake of Wes Craven’s 1977 horror film comes in an unrated version and the theatrical version for you wimps out there.
Extras: Pair of commentaries, including one featuring producers Craven and Peter Locke, a making-of documentary, production diaries and a music video.
Official Web site

“The King of Queens: Season 5” - For years, this show lingered in the shadows of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” but has consistently delivered good ratings and certainly has a solid cast headed by Kevin James, Leah Remini and Jerry Stiller.
Extras: However, this release does not deliver anything beyond the full season of 25 episodes.
Official Web site

“Mary Tyler Moore: Season 4” - The TV classic’s fourth season marks the final season for Rhoda (Valerie Harper) with a spin-off to come for her, but the show remained as popular as ever.
Extras: Nothing? Wow, nice way to treat one of TV’s most respected comedies.
No official Web site

“Newsradio: Season 4” - Another great season of this seriously underrated sitcom that aired on NBC, it would also mark the final one for the great comic actor Phil Hartman, who would be killed by his wife before season five. But DVDs such as this will keep the laughs coming.
Extras: Cast and crew commentary on select episodes, a gag reel, and a short film called “One Man News Radio.”
No official Web site

“NYPD: Season 4” - The award-winning police drama from producer Steven Bochco returns for its fourth season release, with a few cast changes, but still has Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) on board.
Extras: Commentary on select episodes and a pair of featurettes.
No official Web site

“The Omen: Collector’s Edition” (R) - Forget that version in theaters now, this “Omen” is the only one you need to see – that is if you don’t mind spending a couple of hours hanging with a really creepy kid who evidently is the son of Satan. To each his own. Director Richard Donner, who would go on to big success with “Superman” and “Lethal Weapon” is at the helm of the 1976 original.
Extras: The two-disc collection features two commentaries including Donner, multiple featurettes, a deleted scene and an introduction from Donner.
No official Web site

“Syriana” (R) - From writer/director Stephen Gaghan (an Oscar-winner for the screenplay to “Traffic”) comes another similarly movie with intertwining storylines, featuring a very strong cast headed by Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, Christopher Plummer, Amanda Peet and George Clooney (who won an Oscar for his performance as a troubled CIA operative).
Extras: Deleted scenes, a featurette and a conversation with Clooney.
Official Web site

Box Office Report: June 16-18

Well, if you’re a movie buff like me, you probably take at least somewhat of an interest in the box office performance of movies from week to week. You might study them like some sort of addictive mathematical equation or simply observe them in passing on Mondays when the weekend grosses are announced. But one way or another, most movie fans tend to know who the winners and losers are at the box office. For many movies, the opening weekend goes a long way to determine its financial fate. That especially applies in the summer, as new potential blockbusters open every weekend, looking to take crowds away from winners of the previous week.

So for you loyal readers out there (all two or three of you), this very site will start to offer weekly top 10 box office numbers (domestic and worldwide), both for the weekend and the year. (At least until I get bored with it – which will hopefully be never!) The budgets of the movies will also be provided, where available, which really helps determine their financial success or failure.

Now you’ll be able to see how well your new favorite movie did over the weekend, or lament at why seemingly brain dead material such as “Big Momma’s House 2” avoids becoming a box office bomb. Got to give credit to Box Office Mojo for the stellar info, providing way more box office numbers than you could ever hope to consume.

Of course, if seeing this many numbers tends to make your eyes glaze over, then quickly avert them, because here comes the totals for June 16-18:

1. “Cars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $33.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $132.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Nacho Libre”
(Weekend domestic gross - $28.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.3 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
3. “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”
(Weekend domestic gross - $24.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $31.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “The Lake House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $73.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “The Break-Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $98.9 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
6. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $378.5 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
7. “Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “The Omen (2006)”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $80.4 million)
(Budget - $25 million)
9. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $677.7 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
10. “Over the Hedge”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $157.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $677.7 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $634.1 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $378.5 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
4. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $334.1 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $179.2 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
6. “The Pink Panther”
(Worldwide gross - $158.6 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
7. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $158.5 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $157.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Big Momma’s House 2”
(Worldwide gross - $137.9 million)
(Budget - $40 million)
10. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $132.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Movie Review: "Nacho Libre"

Starring Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez, Darius Rose, Moises Arias
Directed by Jared Hess
Official Web site

In his sophomore effort, “Nacho Libre” director Jared Hess has concocted a movie that is by turns funny, odd, sweet-natured, and above all else, ridiculous. The heartbeat of the film is star Jack Black, who provides a physical and wildly expressive performance that shows a willingness to do anything for a laugh. Through his sheer force of will, he makes the film better than it probably has any right to be.

Undoubtedly, the storyline of “Nacho Libre” is an unusual one and generally stretched thin just to reach its 91-minute running time. Black plays Ignacio (Nacho becomes his wrestling name), a monk at a monastery in Oaxaca, Mexico, who is a hit with the orphaned children living there, despite the poor quality of food he prepares for them every day.

He’s also a huge fan of lucha libre wrestling – a fact he keeps hidden from his fellow monks, who don’t seem to respect him much in the first place. Riding into town one night on his transportation (imagine a cross between a motorcycle and a shopping cart), he is attacked by Esqueleto (Héctor Jiménez), a rail-thin thief. The encounter inspires Ignacio to recruit Esqueleto to become his tag team partner in the wrestling ring, an arrangement that begins to produce money for the duo along with fairly regular beatings. The two demonstrate high energy in the ring, yet little discernible skill.

The wrestling scenes, while generally well shot, don’t generate many laughs and tend to grow redundant and predictable as the film wears on. Better results involve Nacho’s unusual attempts at impressing Sister Encarnacion (Penelope Cruz lookalike Ana de la Reguera), a new arrival at the monastery. One sequence of events has Nacho asking to have the nun join him for some late night toast, later awkwardly sliding said toast under her door, and then getting invited into the room to noisily eat the food. If you can visualize the odd humor in that, then you’ll probably find it funny on screen.

Much like his first feature, “Napoleon Dynamite,” Hess demonstrates some pacing difficulties as director. Some scenes seem to exist for no reason, other than to generate a laugh or two, while others simply drag on beyond the point of effectiveness. For that matter, the script by Hess, wife Jerusha Hess and Mike White (a collaborator with Black on “The School of Rock”) doesn’t seem that comfortable with developing the supporting cast, as few scenes exist without Black.

But then again, Black is clearly the best thing the movie has going for it, as the overweight actor shows no self-consciousness in looking and acting as a fool. With a fashion ensemble that includes a cape and colorful “stretchy pants,” Nacho is a wild physical specimen. Even more impressive are Black’s seemingly endless facial expressions, maybe best captured when explaining to the orphans how “great” his life is, waking up at 5 a.m. to cook and going to sleep alone every night.

While some people might be put off by Black’s brand of humor, which certainly can’t be labeled as subtle, his comic muscles certainly get a chance to be showcased as Nacho. Whether you can stand to watch him flex them is another story.

Grade: B
(Rated PG for some rough action and crude humor including dialogue.)

DVD Releases - June 13

Some TV shows make their debut on DVD this week, while some overlooked movies hope to find a new audience, beginning this week. Here are a few of the many June 13 releases:

“16 Blocks” (PG-13) - 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 director Richard Donner (“Lethal Weapon” series) knows a thing or two about delivering action.
Extras: Deleted scenes with commentary from Donner and screenwriter Richard Wenk, and an alternate ending.
Official Web site

“Cheers: Season 8” - The eighth season of the hugely popular NBC sitcom probably makes the network misty-eyed thinking about the good old days when “Must See TV” actually stood for something. All 26 episodes of the season are featured.
Extras: Nope, this beer tap is dry on that.
No official Web site

“Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” (UR) - 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, didn’t catch on in theaters for Chappelle and director Michel Gondry, despite wide critical acclaim. Perhaps an unrated version of the feature will take off in sales, in much the same way the seasons of Chappelle’s now defunct Comedy Central show did.
Extras: Extended music acts, and a couple of featurettes on the making of the film.
Official Web site

“Dharma & Greg: Season 1” - Forget the poorly received sitcom of hers that just got axed on CBS, Jenna Elfman was a real standout in this ABC show about a seemingly mismatched couple married in San Francisco. This show was actually quite entertaining until it started running out of ideas in its later seasons. Thomas Gibson co-stars, in case you were wondering who Greg was.
Extras: Commentary on select episodes from Elfman, Mimi Kennedy and Alan Rachins, a featurette, and an interactive game.
No official Web site

“Frasier: Season 8” - It’s Kelsey Grammar again! The eighth season of “Cheers” wasn’t good enough for him this week, so here comes season eight from his spin-off show that wasn’t too shabby of a performer for NBC, in its own right. All 22 episodes of the series’ Emmy-award winning season are here.
Extras: The doctor appears to be out in regards to this area. Try back again later.
No official Web site

“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” (R) - Probably the most unfairly overlooked film of the year, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” stars a very game cast headed up by Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan. Writer-director Shane Black spins a twisty film noir that takes action movie conventions and has fun with them. Fun is the operative word here.
Extras: Commentary with Downey Jr., Kilmer and Black, as well as a gag reel.
Official Web site

“Medium: Season 1” - Yes, yes, Alison Dubois (Patricia Arquette) can see dead people in the hit NBC drama about a psychic helping crack criminal cases for the Phoenix District Attorney’s office. Yep, it’s pretty far fetched, but Arquette has certainly achieved some notoriety for her role, having earned an Emmy for best actress.
Extras: Cast and crew commentaries on select episodes, deleted scenes, several featurettes, gag reel and an extended version of the pilot.
Official Web site

“The Pink Panther” (PG) - I generally really like Steve Martin and Kevin Kline, yet filling the shoes of Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom in the roles of Inspector Clouseau and Chief Inspector Dreyfus is a very tall order – and an unnecessary one. Critics generally lambasted the movie, but audiences still went to see it. Hence, a sequel is in the works. If you enjoyed the original “Pink Panther” movies, then there’s really no reason to see this.
Extras: Deleted scenes with director’s commentary, alternate opening sequence, several featurettes, a documentary and commentary with director Shawn Levy.
Official Web site

“Walker Texas Ranger: Season 1” - Playing the title character, Chuck Norris takes every opportunity to go ballistic on the villains, using his martial arts abilities over his gun. Isn’t that just like every Texas Ranger out there? All 26 episodes from the first season are featured, so you can create your own highlight reel to show off at a moment’s notice, just like Conan O’Brien.
Extras: Just like the number of Emmy awards this show earned during its run: 0
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Hard Candy"

Starring Patrick Wilson, Ellen Page and Sandra Oh
Directed by David Slade
Official Web site

Just to get it out of the way up front, “Hard Candy” is basically an exploitation movie, and it’s not an easy watch. The very subject matter of the material will clearly deter some people from seeing it, while others may be put off by some of the unlikely machinations of the story. But as a script that centers around a suspected pedophile being put through a tortuous ringer for his alleged misdeeds, it’s likely that there are some people out there that will quietly cheer its boldness.

The movie, directed with a nice visual touch by David Slade, could just as easily have been a stage production. It features only five characters, with just two of them garnering any significant screen time. Most of the action takes place in one location and centers around an arranged meeting between Hayley (Ellen Page), a young teenager, and Jeff (Patrick Wilson), a 32-year-old photographer. As the film opens, the two are exchanging some rather adult conversation on an Internet chat room, agreeing to meet in person. As recent news programs such as "Dateline NBC" demonstrate, the disturbing ease in which some of these inappropriate encounters take place is alarming.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries at a cafe, the action shifts to Jeff’s stylish and almost immaculately clean home. Demonstrating a rather remarkable intelligence for someone who claims to be just 14, Hayley chats up Jeff innocently at first, but after he passes out from a drink she makes for him, he wakes up tied to a chair and realizes he’s not in control of the situation anymore.

Hayley believes Jeff to be a pedophile – a murderous one, at that – a charge he consistently and desperately denies. She proceeds to play mind games with him in an attempt to get him to trip up, maybe say something he shouldn’t, while also searching his place for possible clues or evidence to his guilt. Psychological and physical torture ensues.

But to the film’s credit, while talked about, very little bloodshed or sexual imagery is shown. Of course, keeping an “R” rating might have had more to do with that decision than anything, but it works to the movie’s advantage – particularly in one scene that will have you squirming in your seat.

Without a doubt, the success or failure of a movie structured such as this is extremely dependent on the two lead performances. You have to buy into these characters from the very start, in order to believe there could be a hidden side to them. On that front, Wilson and Page do an exceptional job. Page especially impresses as a teen who can play sweet and innocent in one scene, then calculated and masochistic in the next. It’s a very challenging and substantial role for such a young actress to be able to sink her teeth into (in contrast, she is largely wasted in “X-Men: The Last Stand”).

While the screws are effectively tightened during the movie’s second act that keeps the proceedings ambiguous, things start to come undone in the third act, with a debatable denouement. Even aside from its finale, the one almost guaranteed outcome of this movie, like it or hate it, is that it will get you talking. And when it comes to shining a light on the seemingly growing problem of dangerous dealings between adults and underage youths on the Internet, a little conversation is a good thing.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for disturbing violent and aberrant sexual content involving a teen, and for language.)

Movie Review: "X-Men: The Last Stand"

Starring Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Kelsey Grammar, Rebecca Romijn and Patrick Stewart
Directed by Brett Ratner

Practically promising a conclusion to the “X-Men” movies by stressing “The Last Stand” over “X3,” the popular Marvel Comics series gets its biggest, although not best big-screen treatment this go around.

That said, director Brett Ratner largely acquits himself from the firestorm of criticism he received upon news that he would be taking over the movie franchise from Bryan Singer, who directed the first two installments. Singer, who left the project in pre-production, moved on to his career dream project of helming a “Superman” movie. That film, “Superman Returns,” will look to compete with “X-Men: The Last Stand” for box office supremacy when it opens later this month.

Picking up a short time after the events in “X2,” the mutants face their biggest challenge yet, as news quickly spreads of a scientific “cure” to mutancy that will allow them the ability to be entirely human. In the collective thinking of the government and probably most of the human population, that means being “normal.”

Naturally, not everyone is thrilled with the newly developed opportunity, particularly Magneto (Ian McKellen), one of the more powerful mutants with the power to control and manipulate metal. He sees the cure not as an option, but as the beginning of a war to wipe out mutants altogether. The fact that he learns many doses of the antibody are being loaded into guns to be used against them only serves to fuel his already heavy skepticism.

But his more ego-like counterpart, Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), ever the optimist, holds out hope that a peaceful coexistence can still be attained. He tries to convey this outlook upon his colleagues and students at his school, with varied degrees of success. Among them are Woverine (Hugh Jackman), Storm (Halle Berry) and Rogue (Anna Paquin).

The wild card in the conflicting philosophies of Magneto and Xavier arrives when Wolverine and Storm find friend and fellow mutant Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), believed to have perished in “X2.” As the X-Men quickly realize, Jean’s not quite her normal self and is in fact, capable of destroying pretty much anything in her path, if she sets her mind to it. This puts her former colleagues in the unenviable position of trying to decide if she can be saved or whether she must be destroyed.

As the mutants led by Magneto choose to fight tooth and nail against the human’s desire to administer a cure, Xavier’s side tries desperately to fend off an impending war.

While the script by Zak Penn and Simon Kinberg brings up some quite interesting philosophical dilemmas and complicated issues of conformity versus individuality, they tend to get muted beneath all the noise and special effects. That’s not to say the special effects don’t impress, because they do – perhaps no more so than an intense sequence at Jean’s house where characters and the house’s very frame are being lifted into the air. It’s just that by the film’s near chaotic conclusion, which features more characters than you can keep track of, “X-Men” starts to break down.

If anything, this is a movie that probably could have stood to be a little longer, as it features so many new characters, that few of them are very well developed. Meanwhile, older ones are pushed to the background or disappear altogether. Some of those developments bring a bit of surprise to the proceedings, but still leave you wanting more.

As for this film truly being the end of the “X-Men,” don’t believe the hype. With the franchise showing it still has life in story and at the box office, you can bet they’ll be no “cure” coming for at least some of these mutants anytime soon. Let the spinoffs begin.

Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence, some sexual content and language.)

DVD Releases - June 6

It’s another busy week in DVD-land, as some spring box office disappointments mix together with some lower profile, yet critically acclaimed films. Here’s a look at some of the variety coming out June 6:

“Dazed and Confused: Criterion Collection” (R) - Fans of writer-director Richard Linklater’s depiction of high school life in 1976 were subjected to two crappy DVD releases of this movie in the past. But leave it to the cinema lovers at Criterion to give the comedy-drama a DVD version worth owning. The movie was never a big box office hit, yet ask around – I bet you or someone you know has seen it.
Extras: Commentary from Linklater, a making-of documentary, a 72-page book featuring essays and character profiles, lots of on-set interviews, deleted scenes and footage from the 10-year anniversary celebration.
No official Web site

“Entourage: Season 2” - The HBO series that follows the life of film star Vince Chase, his friends and agent is back for its second hit season. This season features a story arc that has Vince involved in making the potential blockbuster movie, “Aquaman.” Well, every other comic book hero is getting a movie made, so why not him?
Extras: Behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and crew by executive producer Mark Wahlberg.
Official Web site

“Firewall” (PG-13) - Harrison Ford struck out at the box office with this thriller about a bank security expert (Ford) being forced to use his knowledge against the very bank he’s supposed to be protecting. So why would he do such a devious thing? His family’s been taken hostage, of course. Paul Bettany and Virginia Madsen co-star.
Extras: A pair of featurettes, including an interview with Ford and director Richard Loncraine.
Official Web site

“Glory Road” (PG) - The gang that brought you “Remember the Titans” presents another true inspirational sports story – this one focusing on the 1966 season of Texas Western University, who would form the first all-black lineup in college basketball history. Josh Lucas plays future Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins.
Extras: Several featurettes focusing on Coach Haskins, numerous interviews with his players and colleagues, two audio commentaries, deleted scenes and an Alicia Keys music video.
Official Web site

“Home Improvement: Season 4” - While the cast headed by Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson was likable enough, it’s hard to understand how this show was so popular during its run on ABC. And did anyone else get sick of the decision to hide the next door neighbor behind a fence in every episode? Sorry, just ranting a bit there.
Extras: Bloopers, bloopers and more bloopers! They loved to screw up on this show!
No official Web site

“NCIS: The Complete First Season” - The hit CBS series about the Naval Criminal Investigative Service makes its DVD debut with Mark Harmon at the helm. Does it seem like Harmon has been in the cast of about 20 series over his career? Its yet another crime drama procedural, this one from the same guy who brought you JAG – also on CBS.
Extras: Multiple featurettes on the show’s creation, as well as a commentary on one of the episodes from series creator Donald P. Bellasario.
Official Web site

“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” (R) - Marking the directorial debut from Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, the veteran actor also stars as a Texas ranch foreman who forces a U.S. border patrolman (Barry Pepper) to take the body of a man he accidentally killed back to Mexico for a proper burial. The journey is a personal one for the foreman, who was good friends with the deceased.
Extras: Commentary with Jones and co-stars Dwight Yoakam and January Jones.
Official Web site

“Underworld: Evolution” (R) - A relatively quick arriving sequel to the hit 2003 film, “Underworld: Evolution” continues the bloody and stylish war between vampires and werewolves as they fight, swap recipes, and go clubbing together. Or something like that. Heck, it’s got Kate Beckinsale dressed up in tight leather for a couple of hours, OK? Isn’t that the main attraction for the guys?
Extras: Commentary from director Len Wiseman and other crew members, several featurettes on various aspects of the production, including its journey from script to screen.
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Match Point"

Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Emily Mortimer, Scarlett Johansson, Matthew Goode, Penelope Wilton and Brian Cox
Directed by Woody Allen

Writer-director Woody Allen has been making movies for so long now at such a consistent clip (generally about one per year), that audiences tend to take him for granted. In recent years, the general consensus of his newer movies are that they are perfectly watchable, but very unexceptional.

So it comes as a bit of a surprise (although it really shouldn’t) that Allen still has the ability to deliver a standout movie that actually marks a bit of a departure for the 70-year-old filmmaker. Not only is Allen not in “Match Point,” but there isn’t even a Woody-like character to be found. Then again, there are no laughs to be had in this beautifully shot and well-crafted drama that delves into passion, deception and desire.

Having such a distinction is one manner in which the movie differentiates itself from his 1989 film with similar themes, “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Another way is that “Match Point” is set outside of Allen’s usual New York backdrop – landing smack dab on the other side of the pond in London. Still, Allen’s always demonstrated a knack for showing off classic cities and he, along with cinematographer Remi Adefarasin, capture wonderful shots of London, largely seen through the eyes of the film’s central figure, Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).

As a good, but not great former tennis pro, Chris is restlessly teaching the sport at a London country club as the film opens. But he soon has the luck of teaching Tom Hewett (Matthew Goode), the son of a very well off family headed by parents Alan and Eleanor (Brian Cox and Penelope Wilton). Tom invites Chris to an opera, where he meets an almost instantly smitten Chloe (Emily Mortimer), the Hewett’s lovely and spoiled daughter.

It might not quite be love at first sight for both of them, but Tom certainly knows a good thing when he sees it. So he quickly gains in trust and favor in the family, eventually being hired into one of the father’s companies. Around the same time, he meets Tom’s fiancée, struggling American actress Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson), who should come equipped with a warning sign. A smoker, drinker and heavy flirter, Lola has trouble written all over her. Yet, Chris is almost irresistibly attracted to her, even as he is fully aware of the risks attached.

Those risks only become greater after Chris marries Chloe, while Nola, never a favorite with Eleanor, splits up with Tom. Now she is available while Chris is decidedly not. He knows that their relationship has no real foreseeable future. After all, neither of them have any money or any real solid prospects away from the Hewett family. So for Chris, the question becomes, is the risk worth it?

Meyers does a very good job at capturing the internal conflict of his character, a generally affable and good-natured person caught in a struggle between his head and his heart. His character’s decisions basically determine the direction of the film, particularly in the third act, which reveals itself to be a rather effective thriller by that point.

Near the beginning of the movie, Tom remarks that he’s rather be lucky than be good. Of course, being lucky doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with being happy. By film’s end, one has to wonder if Tom can believe the same thing.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for some sexuality.)