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A Beautiful Mind Steve Gadd   DVD at home   22 August 2002 Now we know why Mr. Crowe was expecting that Oscar. Great portrayal of the life of a disturbed genius.

A Man and a Woman Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   15 November 2003 Although to contemporary viewers it does look like a long music video at times, for me this is *the* way to do romance, and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this film. Beautiful in every respect, and for its time (1964) -- very innovative.

Aguirre, the Wrath of God Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   22 October 2005 The film that started the Herzog-Kinski collaboration. Rough around the edges, to be sure, but still well worth seeing.

Analyze This Steve Gadd   DVD at home   27 August 2002 Well-written comedy about a gangster getting in touch with his sensitive side.

Austin Powers III Mike Gadd   dvd at home   30 March 2003 They still have a formula that has it's moments. I was near tears at times. The sight gags don't do much for me but I loved the more low key humor. I'm amazed this came out with a PG-13 rating. This would have been an R 10 years ago, but times are changing. I even heard the s-word on the USA network last night.

Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   13 October 2005 As if one guy in a gorilla suit wasn't enough

Big Trouble Steve Gadd   DVD at home   12 November 2002 Based on a Dave Barry book, the Elmore Leonard-style comedy has its moments. Probably the last time Johnny Knoxville and Martha Stewart will appear in a movie together.

Black Jesus Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   20 June 2003 One of the biggest travesties of modern cinema is that filmmaker Valerio Zurlini is not better known. If "Black Jesus" is any indication, he is right up there with the other greats, Italian and otherwise. Breathtaking cinematography, excellent acting (with Woody Strode in the lead) and a creative adaptation of the story of Jesus to the struggle for independence in colonial Africa. Do stay away from the current Ivy Video DVD edition, however. Besides being dubbed, which nearly ruined the film, the print used for the transfer looks like it was pulled from the dumpster, and the sound mix is abysmal.

Casino Royale Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   17 March 2007 Eh...

Chinatown Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home (Film Night #2 at Jenn & Tony's)   07 June 2003 Unlike many "classics," this one deserves every bit of its status. I suppose Jack Nicholson has not had a role like this in at least fifteen years for the same reason that the ending would never fly in Hollywood today (and barely did in 1975). See it -- no one's film experience is complete without seeing "Chinatown."

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Mike Gadd   dvd at home   08 May 2003 Only the second subtitled movie I've seen; 'Life is Beautiful' being the first (and worth a ten spot, if anything is), so it took a little while to get used to constantly looking down to read. Sometimes you didn't want to tear your eyes away from the action. I don't know how they kept from lopping off ears and noses with all the swordplay. I can't say I completely understand the end though. Why'd she jump?

Darkened Room Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   20 March 2006 See Rabbits below, though at eight minutes this is marginally more watchable than Rabbits' 50.

Edward Scissorhands Steve Gadd   DVD at home   20 January 2009

Eight and a Half Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   03 January 2004 Signalling the beginning of Fellini's highly allegorical later period, this is a film essentially about its own making. Undoubtedly chock-full of subtle references, ideas and messages, it is very difficult to track at first, but will no doubt reveal its charms on repeated viewings.

Eraserhead Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   13 February 2005 David Lynch's first feature-length film. While very amateurish, the historical value is undeniable as it is already supremely creepy and readily points the way to Lynch's later work. Note: The DVD is only available in the UK. The entertainment industry moves in mysterious and sinister ways. UPDATE: Region 1 DVD now available direct from David Lynch's web site.

Female Trouble Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   24 June 2006 Vintage John Waters. What less could you want?

Ghost Town Steve Gadd   DVD at home   31 December 2008

Heat Steve Gadd   DVD at home   04 May 2003 Michael Mann delivers the goods in this L.A. crima saga. Even at three hours, it's hard to pull away for a bathroom break. When I saw it on the big screen, I was amazed by the eye-popping bank heist scene, in which the police shootout spills out into the downtown streets (later emulated by some real-life hoodlums). In the home viewing, I was more taken by the craft of the rest of the film, each scene creating a mood and developing the story. The April 2003 issue of Vanity Fair has a nice homage to the film. An unsympathetic but captivating review here: http://www.culturecourt.com/F/LR/reviews.htm

Heaven Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   11 January 2007 Sure, a Kieslowski screenplay being realized after his death by Tom Tykwer (with a soundrack by Arvo Part to boot) is a cineaste's wet dream, but even without name dropping, Heaven is truly powerful. Not overwrought Hollywood power, but real, subtle and deeply affecting intensity.

Ice Age Mike Gadd   DVD at home   27 December 2002 Fun for the whole family. We saw it at the theater and the dvd was a christmas present. After the movie was over don't you know we had to watch every minute of bonus material we could squeeze out of disk 2. I enjoyed watching the actors read the parts as much as it did watching the show.

Insomnia Mike Gadd   dvd at home   27 April 2003 I don't know if Al Pacino got his facelift before or after the filming of this movie but he certainly needed something by the time it was over. Visually stunning and enjoyable throughout. Robin Williams still in his 'I can act serious' mode.

Kinsey Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   25 November 2005 A very good bio-pic of Alfred Kinsey, with both Liam Neeson and Laura Linney doing great jobs in the lead roles. Any complaints, though real, become infinitsemal in the face of the overall quality of the film. Highly recommended.

Koyaanisqatsi Steve Gadd   DVD at home   23 November 2002 An arresting and unique combination of time-lapse, slow motion, and stock film with a Philip Glass soundtrack. In part a documentary on technology, in part a medatative experience. Thanks to Gareth for the gift.

Left Behind Mike Gadd   dvd at home   07 June 2003 You would think that all the money the writers of this series have made that they could have thrown a little at the movie production studio. The actors seem to be trying hard, but after buying the cameras theres nothing in the budget for special effects (claymation can't be that expensive, can it?). Like the book series though, I imagine we'll stay with the movie sequels just to see how close they stay to the story.

Legally Blonde Mike Gadd   dvd at home   28 June 2003 All right... fine. I watched this movie. I'll fess up. Yes, it was 2 weeks ago. If Ms. Bennett can enter her Tivo'd Oxygen Channel movies then I can stand up and be counted. (No slight intended... don't hit me with your lacrosse stick :}...) This movie was fine I reckon. Not too painful. Don't look for Part II to make an appearance.

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Mike Gadd   dvd at home   18 March 2003 This was the super extended version dvd we got for Christmas last year. The kids wanted to watch it and we were curious to see what the extra 30 minutes of footage would show. Did a quick FF over just a couple of parts for 'ease of sleep' issues but otherwise they seemed to enjoy it as much as we did. As expected, the additional footage wasn't in the original for a reason. It made the movie experience longer, which was fine, but didn't add anything more than some idle chit-chat. I have no idea what's on the other two dvd's that came in the set. Maybe if there are some bloopers and goofs it would be worth a look. Otherwise I'll just spend my free time waiting for The Matrix 2 in two months.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Extended version Mike Gadd   dvd at home   27 December 2003 There's plenty of movie to go around. It took all afternoon to get through it, but I wanted to watch it before going to see part 3 tomorrow. It's amazing the material they had to cut out. The handy booklet was nice that indicated which scenes were new or just extended.

Marat/Sade Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   01 March 2008 I suppose it takes the Royal Shakespeare Company to peddle sixties' counterculture as delivered by insane asylum inmates in early XIX-century France.

Men in Black 2 Mike Gadd   DVD at home   13 January 2003 Bought this for the kids at Christmas because they liked it so much at the theater. The first time I saw it I went in with extremely low expectations and it met every one. The first movie is one of my favorites, this one was just forgettable. Still, watching it a second time I found myself chuckling and almost enjoying it. Maybe it's not as bad as I thought. Strange seeing Johnny Knoxville not getting pegged with paintballs. Our favorite character is the guy who keeps getting his head blown off and seeing it grow back on.

Minority Report Steve Gadd   DVD at home   25 February 2003 Cool movie, great effects, good story. If there is any Philip K. Dick material out there that has not yet been converted to film, let's have it!

Monster's Ball Steve Gadd   DVD at home   19 November 2002 Small-town story about a halfhearted bigot cop who overcomes his prejudice following an encounter with a desperate and beautiful Halle Berry. There are some unremarkable plot twists and a seemingly unending sex scene, cut in theaters to get an R rating but restored to full glory for the DVD. Apparently the placement of odd liquor bottles and pieces of furniture to block your view of extremeties is supposed to be enough to convince you that this is not porn. The great acting does help to allay one's disappointment at the "lust conquers all" theme.

Old Boy Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   03 June 2006 One of the best treatments of revenge I've seen in a long time. Great story, and very well made to boot. Highly recommended.

One Hour Photo Mike Gadd   dvd at home   31 March 2003 Robin Williams makes a wonderful nutjob. Tightly filmed and intense at times.

Pink Flamingos Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   01 July 2006 If something like this can put someone on the map, anything can. But is it a map onto which one would want to be put? For John Waters, the answer is a resounding "yes."

Polyester Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   23 September 2006 The slog through the John Waters box set continues.

Rabbits Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   20 March 2006 I considered recommending that interested parties see it for themselves here but decided against it.

Red Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   15 February 2004 The final installment of the "Colors" trilogy, with its pervasive sense of tension and mystery, "Red" is to these eyes perhaps the best of the three, although it is really impossible to choose a first among equals in this case.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   12 January 2008 People frequently ask me, immediately after they've accused me of having no sense of humor, what I find funny. This is funny.

Signs Mike Gadd   dvd at home   09 May 2003 Why not watch it again? It's one of my favorites. Just about the perfect movie. The story, acting, special fx, etc. was all I could hope for in a movie. I'll be in line for the next M. Night movie.

Sin City Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   16 December 2005 In our endless search for authenticity in art and boundless disdain for anything ever remotely commercial, we forget that there is a lot to be said for first-rate entertainment.

Spiderman Mike Gadd   DVD at home   31 December 2002 New Years Eve viewing with the kids. A fun movie not unlike the first Batman. Good special fx with the web swinger sailing through downtown NYC. From what I hear it stayed true to the comic book.

Spy Game Steve Gadd   DVD at home   28 August 2002 At least half of this movie takes place in a conference room, but it still manages to keep your interest. Some of the flashback scenes were a bit underdeveloped, but the complex storyline keeps you guessing.

Supersize Me Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   22 July 2005 Very entertaining and mildly eye-opening even for a food-obsessed viewer like myself. Shocking for some, no doubt. Highly recommended.

Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   18 September 2006 Falls a bit flat as a piece of documentary filmmaking, but has its moments, and the subject matter is fascinating enough to make me want to seek out a good biography.

The Bourne Identity Mike Gadd   dvd at home   23 July 2003 If someone had just told me that this movie has almost nothing to do with the book I would have seen it sooner. I had heard from enough people how good it was but none of them had read the book. I also remember how disappointed I was with the tv movie. Richard Chaimberlain is no Jason Bourne. Matt Damon... much better. He nailed the "I'm beating you up, but I don't know how or why I'm doing it" look on his face. The story was fine and I was only mildly distracted looking for Carlos the Jackel to come jumping out from behind a tree. The laser pointer bank code was a nice upgrade from the microfilm in the hip.

The Corpse Vanishes Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   31 October 2008 Do you mean to tell me that this Dr. Lorenz is both a hypnotist and a horticulturalist?!

The Crossing Guard Steve Gadd   DVD at home   20 October 2002 Jack Nicholson waits six years for his daughter's DWI killer to be released from jail so he can finally kill him. Unfortunately, he forgets to put bullets in his gun and blows his big chance. So he tells the guilt-ridden killer he will come back for him in three days. Implausible plot, unbelievable and undeveloped characters, and a corny finale broadcast in advance. Not even Jack can rescue this weak Sean Penn effort.

The DaVinci Code Natalie Williams   DVD at home   05 February 2007 I love the subject, and the movie was ok... kind of hard to do justice to the book. The extras were great tho!

The French Connection Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   19 November 2006 Classic suspense from a time when even an Oscar-winning Hollywood blockbuster could deprive you of any satisfaction at the end.

The Graduate Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   06 October 2007 I am not sure what I expected, exactly, but it wasn't this.

The Hills Have Eyes (2006) Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   29 September 2007 I haven't seen the original, but the remake definitely gets some points for sheer creepiness, and the fact that the cute girl isn't the first to die.

The House on Haunted Hill Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   21 June 2003 Things we do for love...

The Lord of the Rings Mike Gadd   dvd at home   03 September 2002 Superb adaptation of the book. I only wish I'd seen it on the big screen.

The Maltese Falcon Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   16 September 2008 Nice visuals made for a good mood piece, but I forgot just how hokey and lame the dialog was.

The Matrix Mike Gadd   dvd at home   26 April 2003 A final viewing before enjoying part 2 next month. I don't like giving out perfect scores, but this one earned it with bells on.

The Matrix Julie Gephart   DVD at home   16 May 2003 Taking my cue from Mike Gadd, I decided a review was in order before going to see the new movie. What is there to say about the granddaddy of all modern action films? It's all good.

The Professional Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   15 October 2007 Seriously intense and very powerful. Quite possibly the best action film I've ever seen; certainly the best that is a serious drama at the same time. I'm surprised I was only vaguely aware of it until now. Edit: This is the 1994 film with Jean Reno, titled Leon in France, not the 1981 one with Belmondo.

The Ring Mike Gadd   dvd at home   31 March 2003 Visually interesting and not a horrible movie. The mood was enhanced by watching it at midnight. It would have rated about a 4 or 5 except for the last 15 minutes that got my attention.

The Road to Perdition Mike Gadd   dvd at home   29 March 2003 Not exactly the feel-good movie of the year but still well done. The acting was solid (especially the boy - I'm always impressed when a young person acts like a normal young person and not a grown up version of one; see: Signs, The Sixth Sense). The perfect ending would have happened 10 minutes before the actual one.

The Rookie Mike Gadd   dvd at home   11 May 2003 One of the best sports movies out there. I realize it's been jazzed up for Hollywood but at least they used real athletes to throw the ball around. Based on a true story, I remember following this guy's stats in the paper after the days he would pitch. It was quite an achievement.

The Wild One Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   19 May 2006 Who would have thought that (1) Lee Marvin could outact Marlon Brando in his sleep and (2) something so legendary could suck so badly?

Trainspotting Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at home   29 October 2005 Has some visual and stylistic appeal, and I suppose the main character/narrator's non-chalance about dying babies and such is powerful in its own way, but cult following material? I think not.

What Lies Beneath Mike Gadd   dvd at home   29 March 2003 This movie's been sitting around the house waiting to get watched. It wouldn't be nearly as good of a movie without Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, both whom seem to be aging gracefully.