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The Hottie & The Nottie Review by Mark Snyder, PMPnetwork.com Paris Hilton is not only the star of this film, she's a co-Executive Producer with Hans Syz. As you would expect, this is not going to tax your brain. But, it is also something unexpected---entertaining. It's a cute story of love, beauty, and what really counts. Nate Cooper (Joel David Moore) is head over heels in love--since first grade--with Cristabel Abbott (Hilton). But, his family moved away before he could ever have a chance to act on scoring with his crush. Now, years later, he moves to the West Coast--L.A. to be specific--to rekindle his lost childhood puppy love. He finds Cristabel is single, and could even be interested. But, there's a wrench in his plans in the form of June Phigg (Christine Lakin), the "ugly" girl he remembers from their same first grade class. Seems June is lonely, and unless he can fix her up, he's not going to get a chance with Cristabel. The results, predictably, throw Nate in a different direction altogether. In a story that humorously illustrates how beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder--and that what the eye sees can change--this film ends on an upbeat note. Paris has never been hotter (in a PG-13 environment) and the movie is a fun escape for an hour and a half. In addition, there are a couple of nifty features, including Paris putting makeup on Moore, and a short film on how to making a video dating personal ad! **Good WIN A COPY OF THIS FILM. Send your "best crush" story to pmpco@aol.com, and winners will be selected from among the best entries! Courtesy of our friends at Liberation Entertainment. Christmas at Maxwell's Christmas at Maxwell's is part fantasy, part inspiration, part romance, and part holiday film. It is a story about human struggles, forgiveness, trust, Faith, and the power of love. It is the story of a man, his cancer-stricken wife, and how each reacts to their circumstances. Yes, the ending is as neatly wrapped as a child's Christmas toy (and who has kids that get along that well together), but that didn't detract from the spirit of this wonderful film. William Lauffer has produced and written a film that needs to be seen to be appreciated. The film, running less than ninety minutes, will be in your mind for long after it is over. Bill's story of his grandmother living life to the fullest--despite illness--was an inspiration for the film. She lived in remission for 16 years, and taught Lauffer many lessons about life---and living. This movie was truly a family experience. Lauffer's daughter Tiffany was the lead cinematographer. He and his daughter both graduated from Georgetown University. Andrew May plays the husband and does an excellent job. May is an unknown version of Tom Hanks---with his acting chops, and on camera effectiveness. Keeping with the family experience mentioned earlier, his dad plays the "Gus" (angel) character. In addition, his daughter Julia and son Charlie play his children in the film. Jacqueline "Jack" Hourigan, a "Second City" comedy grad, shines as the wife who battles a life-threatening disease, while trying to hold together the family. May's character spends much of the film searching for his spirituality. His Faith (and ours) is constantly tested. Does he believe? Singer Helen Welch does a great job providing the soulful voice of stage performances lip-synched by Hourigan. This film is a wonderful Christmas story of Faith, the Power of Prayer, Love, Death, Sickness, and Helplessness. I give it four stars---I LOVED IT! So will you! **** (Excellent) THE GAME PLAN Quality: * * * * THE GAME PLAN stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Joe Kingman, the toughest quarterback in the NFL who has never won a Super Bowl. On and off the field, he is stronger, more agile and more egotistical than anyone. Into this solipsistic world steps his beautiful, brilliant 8-year-old daughter Peyton. Joe did not know he had a daughter, but is convinced by her birth certificate. Joe’s agent tells him to keep things low key, or it will destroy his merchandising contracts. Peyton turns Joe's world upside down and transforms him from a self-centered jerk into a loving father whose priorities are in order. If you love children and families, THE GAME PLAN will make you feel great! It is a very entertaining movie with lots of good moral points. This role is made for The Rock and Madison Pettis is perfect as his daughter, Peyton. In fact, their interaction pulls the movie together because she is so good. The direction, lighting, music, and camerawork in THE GAME PLAN are of the highest quality. They do not detract from the simple premise that love is more important than fame or fortune. (from the Christian Film & Television Commission) NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD: EXORCISM (NR) One of the most notorious films in the exorcism genre (vintage 1974), this stars and was written by legendary Spanish filmmaker Paul Naschy. The film, which has some nudity, also features an alternative version that is "clothed." Naschy plays a priest who tries to "save" an ailing young woman, who has evolved into a repulsive and profane ogre, due to demonic forces. ** (Victory Films: $19.98) THE NIGHT OF THE SORCERERS (NR) Another classic from 1974, this one features a group of explorers in Africa, where a brutal native ritual occurred in 1910. It features zombie natives, scantily-clad vampire women, devil worship and more. It's a film that couldn't be made today. ** (Victory Films: $19.98) MOTHER OF MINE (NR) During WW II, more than 70,000 Finnish children were evacuated to neutral Sweden to avoid the conflict. This film, from award-winning Klaus Haro (Elina) tackles that painful patch of history in a tale of 9-year old Eero, a child who feels increasingly abandoned by his biological Finnish mother, and not attached to his surrogate Swedish mom. When Eero is returned after the war to Finland, his confusion and feeling of loneliness increases exponentially. *** (FilmMovement.com) ROADS TO KOKTEBEL (NR) A father goes to Moscow with his 11-year old son heading to his sister's house in Koktebel (by the Black Sea). With no money or means of transportation, the pair drift through expansive and mesmeric landscapes at the mercy of chance. For the dad, the journey is an attempt to restore self-respect, to piece together his broken life and win back the trust of his son. The for the boy, Koktebel holds the key to a new life and emancipation. *** (FilmMovement.com) ISLAM: WHAT THE WEST NEEDS TO KNOW (NR) Scary documentary into what Islam really is. Through interviews with scholars of the Koran, and a look into other Islamic texts, this film brings a chilling---and terrifying--look into what the West faces. Every Senator and U.S. Representative should be required to watch it--from beginning to end! *** (www.whatthewestneedstoknow.com) ANTIBODIES (2 Disc Special Edition) A tormented small town police man named Michael Martins is obsessed with trying to solve the murder of his son's girl friend. He goers to Berlin in search for answers, after a notorious serial killer named Gabriel Engel is captured. Convinced Engel is behind the brutal murder, he conducts an interrogation. Engel's twisted mind games convince him of his innocence. It also sways him to believe Engel knows who actually committed the horrific crime. But, in order to solve the crime, Martins needs to get "down and dirty" with the dark Engel. He goes to a place that has been repressed for years. Can Michael handle the darkness? Can you? **1/2 (Dark Sky Films/antibodiesthemovie.com) CONFESSIONS OF A THUG (NR) This hard-hitting hip hop musical comes directly from the streets. At the intersection where crime, redemption and revenge meet, comes this smashing combination of rap music, and dramatic interpretation. With solid performances from Daron Fordham, Lady of Rage, Gucci Mane, JT Money, Angel Tyree, John Martino, and Alvetta Smith, this is a lesson for suburban dwellers who want a taste of the urban ghetto. (Daron Fordham Films/$19.98) CAFFEINE (R) Mean Suvari, Marsha Thomason, Ketherine Heigl (I love her) and Breckin Meyer star in this irreverent comedy that might mix in a few tears. The strange doings at the Black Bar Cafe explore fidelity, betrayal, forgiveness and commitment. It's a bit of fun! ** (First Look Entertainment/$24.98) CRUSH ON YOU (PG) Young rap star/actor Romeo is the big attraction to this film, that will appeal to the teen and pre-teen girls living in your home. Rome (Romeo), a high school sophomore, has everything a young kid could want--good looks, personality, and the attention of all the girls. Rome's best friend makes a bit of a mistake. He asks Romeo to look after his little sister, while he goes on a date. Matt's little sister, Forest (Forest Lipton), has a BIG crush on Romeo and wants to take him to the school dance. Instead, he sends his younger brother. The movie features some great music, and some purity that I liked. *** (First Look Entertainment) THE CASE FOR CHRIST'S RESURRECTION (G) Did Christ really rise from the dead? This documentary investigates the historical record, draws upon medical knowledge, searches for evidence in the lives of the Apostles, explores ancient Jewish burial customs, and examines the 2000 year old burial cloth of Christ--with new scientific technologies. ***1/2 (Grizzly Adams Productions/$14.99) THE BEST OF THE TONY AWARDS: THE PLAYS (G) This amazing DVD features 19 rare performances from Broadway's "greatest hits." A virtual Who's Who of entertainment perform on this CD, including james Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Gary Sinise, Maggie Smith, John Lithgow, Robert Prosky, Sam Waterston, Annette Benning, Timothy Daly, Robert Klein, Madeline Kahn, Art Carney, Linda Lavin, Tony Roberts, and Morgan Freeman. From Hamlet, to As You Like It, from the Great White Hope to M. Butterfly, this covers a lot of ground. Loved it! **** (Acorn Media/$19.99) CAMELOT (G) The quintessential version of this play, this version of the Broadway sensation aired on HBO, and is now available to everyone. Starring Richard Harris (who else?), the musical also features great work from Meg Bussert as Queen Guenevere and Richard Muenz as Lancelot. This film was recommended for children by the National Education Association. I won't hold that against it. This is great. ***1/2 (Acorn Media/$19.95) SURVIVAL QUEST (R) Don Coscarelli, the creator of Phantasm and Bubba Ho-Tep, brings back this 17 year old film to video. Five strangers meet up at survival school and excitement and drama ensues. Starring Catherine Keener, Dermot Mulroney, and Lance Henriksen, and Paul Provenza. There's a lesson to be learned here: Don't go to survival school when a bunch of paramilitary people chose the same place for their vacation. This one didn't hold my attention--too far fetched. *1/2 (Anchor Bay/$14.98) SLEEPING DOGS LIE This movie was written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, known for his juvenile comedic talent and annoying voice. I was not expecting much here, but was I in for a gigantic surprise! He has put together a brilliant film that features a helping of romance and a touch of philosophy. Amy (Melinda Page Hamilton in an inspired turn) is a successful, achieving "good girl", whose parents are proud of her, brother is jealous, and fiance (Bryce Johnson) is looking forward to marrying her. They discuss the importance of being totally honest and committed to one another. After she spills her secret from her college days ( a secret with a lot of bark to it, that will dog you --and her--throughout the film), her life goes down the proverbial tubes. Her hubby-to-be splits, her family shuns her, and her brother proudly spreads her nasty tale. The basic question: "Is honesty always the right policy? Should dead dogs lie? The answers to these questions, coupled by a wonderful screenplay, excellent acting, and an upbeat ending, makes this film an excellent choice! The story illustrates that some secrets are best left unspoken. Sleeping dogs DO need to lie, in Goldthwait's world. Kudos to Melinda, Bonita Friedericy (as her mom), Geoff Pierson (as her dad), Jack Plotnick (as her brother), and Brian Posehn (who steals the show as wild friend Randy). A perfectly written and performed movie--right to the Roy Orbison song at the end! **** (EXCELLENT)
ALWAYS WILL "Always Will" is an excellent, well put together inspirational film, composed of one part "The Wonder Years" and another part "Back To The Future." This independent release, featuring an unknown cast, is one of the most outstanding DVD's I have seen in the past year---and I have watched over 100 during that time. The story focuses on Will (Andrew Baglini), a nondescript child, who through a "magic" time capsule, is able to manipulate himself into a popular football player. The premise requires the viewer to lay his beliefs at the movie entrance door, as Baglini is tiny of stature. But his acting chops, and the role developed from an excellent script and filmmaker Michael Sammaciccia's talented lens, makes this movie an exciting trip down memory lane, and a lesson in growing up, too. Each time he changes something in the past, the future has resultant problems. The entire cast was chosen from the student body of Upper Darby High School and Hillcrest Elementary School in Pennsylvania. This authenticity gives the film its spiritual anchor. The students not only acted, but even added their own ideas to the final product. Will's mother (Jody Seymour) endures the death of his father, before meeting another Al (Bart Mallard), a mean and demeaning man. Her advice to Will, "You'll find your way. Follow your gut," becomes an integral part of the plot. Will's statement in the film, "Everyone tastes the heartache and insecurity somewhere along the way" is a microcosm for the reason this film clicks. Everyone watching can identify with one of the characters. The three "oddballs" who are the core of the film, are the average kids you see in schools around the world. This is a film that should be mandatory viewing in high schools, stocked in libraries, and used to illustrate the true meaning of friendship and "growing up." Every stereotype--from the jocks to the bullies--is illustrated to perfection. From the pretty cheerleader to the clumsy nerd, they are all there in their visual splendor. In the film, Will's narrator says, "People may not remember what you do and say,but they remember how you made them feel." This film made me feel like a middle-aged man enjoying a birthday cake from my youth. Blow out the candles, this movie is a winner! **** (EXCELLENT)
The Last Tomb of Christ: A team of experts in biblical archeology and research who have spent years producing 90 major network television documentaries on discoveries related to biblical accounts and antiquities have stepped forward to challenge claims that a new Hollywood documentary demonstrates that the Jesus Christ of the Bible married a woman mentioned in New Testament accounts, that the two had a child, and that the family’s remains were found in a burial cave site in Israel. "There is simply nothing new in the baseless claims made in the new movie 'The Lost Tomb of Christ,' "said David W. Balsiger, Senior Producer at Grizzly Adams® Productions, who with a team of 28 veteran scientists, archeologists, and scholars recently produced a pair of scientifically and biblically based documentaries on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "For years we’ve been addressing the unscientific claims and sloppy scholarship of movies, books, and other projects just like this latest pop-science TV special," said Balsiger. "They’re always highly sensational, make bold claims that play to public hunger for excitement—and when you dig deep into what they’re claiming, their case against the Jesus of the Bible is always full of holes." Balsiger noted that while there has been plenty of media attention over the upcoming television program, produced by "Titanic" director James Cameron, no noted archeologists have stepped forward to support the project. "It’s strange that a television producer makes a sensational announcement about the supposed discovery of Christ’s burial site in Israel, yet no one from the Israeli Antiquities Authority corroborates the claim and no Israeli archeologists step forward in support," said Balsiger. "In fact, many bona fide archaeologists, researchers, and Bible scholars have stepped forward to debunk the claims by these filmmakers." In addition to those experts are Balsiger, who has coauthored a book with Charles E. Sellier, The Case for Christ's Resurrection (Bridge-Logos). Filmmakers Balsiger and Sellier, have recently produced two solid programs about the Christ of the Bible, both scheduled for broadcast during the upcoming Easter season. The Fabric of Time: Secrets of the Universe, scheduled for broadcast on the i Network, is a scientific analysis on the world famous Shroud of Turin, thought by many to be the shroud in which Christ was buried—and from which he was miraculously resurrected. The Case for Christ’s Resurrection, scheduled for broadcast on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, also looks at the death and resurrection of Christ, but from a more traditional biblical evidences point of view. "The Fabric of Time program proves scientifically with highly respected scientists and scholars that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a scientific fact," said Balsiger. "Consequently, there can be no bones nor anything else of substance pertaining to the so-called body of Jesus Christ in a Jerusalem cave tomb." "Both of these documentaries are well-researched, thought-provoking, and very compelling to viewers," explained Balsiger. "And most importantly, neither stoop to the sensational—these are quality programs that will stand up to critical, scientific, and scholarly examination by any peer review group."
PREMIUM This Peter Chatmon penned and directed film is an urban love story that grips you from the start, takes you for a ride, and sends you to a place you don't expect. Reginald "Cool" Coolidge (Dorian Missick "Two Weeks Notice") is a struggling actor, trying to break from the chains of playing stereotyped "black" roles and looking to break out in a big way onscreen. Despite his manager Cole Carter's (William Sadler "The Green Mile", "Die hard 2") attempts to get him work, the bicycle-riding Cool lives with his mom, and works part time at a gas station (when he bothers to show up or even stay for a complete shift.) Suddenly one day his former fiance drives into the station and triggers an emotional outpouring from Cool. Charli (Zoe Saldana "Guess Who", "The Terminal") is scheduled to get married that weekend to a successful lawyer. Cool goes into superdrive to try to stop her, and get her back. Cool sports a bravado front, despite a lack of self-confidence (he says to himself in a mirror, "I hate you sometimes, man."). This film explores love, values, self-esteem and so much more. As Reggie says to Charli, "This is Life. No Script. Raw emotion." And mom adds this piece of advice for Reggie, "If it's true and it's right, love will show its way home." This films shows a lot more than love, it's a powerful portrayal of the black male in society, as well as the role that the big movie and TV studios play in the caricatures passed off as characters. The cast is effective, the writing smooth, and the film keeps you thinking after the closing credits. Bravo, Mr. Chatmon. Rating **** Excellent
THE SEDUCTION (Anchor Bay: $14.98) Before stalking became criminal behavior, it was just considered a nuisance by local police departments. This film, way before its time, is an erotic, jaw-dropping trip into the terror that is stalking. Anchorwoman Jamie Douglas (played by a gorgeous young Morgan Fairchild) has everything--the successful career, the amazing home, and a loving boyfriend. She also has a "fan" named Derek who considers himself her soul mate. He takes pictures of her--including in her backyard pool skinny dipping--and obsesses about her constantly. When he becomes a threat to her, she notifies the police, who don't seem much concerned. So, it's her against the stalker. Will she surrender to The Seduction or fight until the end? This is a film that is far superior to the many recycled videos on the market. The film, which came out in 1982 originally, has lost nothing in the decades since its release. In fact, due to the subject matter, it is actually more relevant today! Writer/director David Schmoeller's violent and suspenseful drama gets Three Stars. Very good, indeed! ***Very Good
JENIFER (IDT/Anchor Bay) Reviews by Mark Snyder for PMPNetwork.com JENIFER A captivating drama in the Masters of Horror series, featuring Steven Weber, who has expanded his acting Wings as a man who starts out doing what he thinks is the right thing, and who spirals out of control by a series of unexpected events. He plays Frank Spivey, a detective who rescues a girl named Jenifer (Carrie Anne Fleming), in this tale based on a comic book. Jenifer has a smoking body and a disfigured face. Fleming says she had to wear a prosthetic,big huge fangs and dentures to make herself (a real beauty) look so frightening. Jenifer is not what she seems, as Spivey finds out, after losing his job, his family, and a few family pets to her. This is a short thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seats for the hour. Strap yourself in, it's quite a ride! **1/2 (Good) THE TOOTH FAIRY Lochlyn Munro and the lovely Chandra West star in this horror story, directed by TV legend Stephen J. Cannell, about a tooth-collecting axe-wielding witch. I always thought the tooth fairy was a nice woman doling out change to kids who lose their baby teeth. Not here. This film portrays the tooth fairy as an evil witch, who lures children through shiny bicycles and collects their last baby teeth. You'll never look at a wood chip machine the same way after viewing this bloodfest. Nicole Munoz does a wonderful job portraying an eleven year old with a connection to children in the afterlife, who have been victimized by the witch, and are looking to get to Heaven. Total terror takes the viewer by the hair and pulls them into a world none of us ever wants to go to. Carrie Anne Fleming shows up again in this film, and again, unveils her perfectly pert breasts. This may be a horror story, but it's also a love story. Enjoy it with a toothy grin. *** (Very Good) ROOM 6 A gripping edge of your seat thriller that is worth every penny of its suggested $19.98 price. This is high above your average thriller, a story where leaving the hospital can make a difference between life and death. It borders on being an instant classic that grips the heart. This horror story reflects on the strong bonds between father and daughter, which makes it the most frightening of all! It's a cross between Love Story and Freddy Krueger. Christine Taylor shines in this flick. *** (Very Good)
MOVIE
REVIEW: V for VENDETTA They shaved her freaking armpits. Behold Natalie Portman (yes, her character has a name; do you care?) confronting the deranged anti-hero V after he tortured her as a way of improving her will to power – think Anthony Robbins meets Torquemada. She's been beaten; she's been starved; she's been nearly drowned; her body double was given ice-cold showers; and she's been sleep-deprived (you know this because the brown make-up under her eyes resembles dark circles). Upon realizing that her torment was V's doing, she explodes with rage. "You cut my hair!" she shrieks, and the audience laughs -- inappropriately, and not for the first time during this movie. But Natalie isn't kidding. As she stands out in the cleansing rain to celebrate the death of fear, she raises her arms in triumph after days if not weeks of brutal, inhumane incarceration -- and check out those pits! Baby smooth. That's V for Vendetta for you. It's darkly gorgeous, it's effortlessly slick, and at all times, it's three beers away from comedy gold. Don't assume from my snarky tone that I disliked V for Vendetta. To the contrary, I loved every IQ-reducing minute of it. To call the movie stupid or dishonest is like complaining that Batman's mask couldn't conceal his identity, or that Superman's hair could never be cut: it's true but it misses the point. Superhero action of any kind, logical or otherwise, is an inherent cinematic good, and any movie that features an unstable super-powered vigilante in a costume beating up other deranged weirdoes in costumes is A-OK by me. V For Vendetta portrays a bleak futuristic Britain in which an Orwellian dictatorship controls a dazed populace with equal parts fear, lies, and bad dental work. Super powered from a biological warfare experiment gone wrong, the masked crime-fighter/revolutionary/art connoisseur known only as V fights against totalitarian thugs even as he hunts down the bureaucrats who tormented him in a concentration camp, years earlier. Along the way, he blows up some buildings, delivers a few banal speeches (in that patented Wachowski-Brothers use-big-words-and-talk-fast-to-sound-smart patter), and finds love with an unwilling sidekick: an American girl feigning a British accent (Natalie Portman, playing Natalie Portman playing a London office worker). The totalitarian Britain of V for Vendetta is a blow-dried, CGI-enhanced Hollywood affair, long on gory appliances glued to supporting actors but short on real horror. Of course Natalie Portman wasn't Iraqi-industrial-shredder-style tortured; of course she wasn't harmed in a way that would blemish that flawless skin or remove an ounce of poutiness from those bee-stung lips. V for Vendetta is far too polished and elegant to allow for broken jaws or disfiguring burns or, well, hairy armpits. Everything in V for Vendetta is subordinate to its visual aesthetic; moral distinctions and gory realities are lost to the tyranny of cool. That's why you won't object to this movie, my right-wing droogies; every objectionable idea and image is just grist for V for Vendetta's visual mill. Images reminiscent of Abu Ghraib? The Wachowski Brothers aren't making a political statement; they're just mining the media for jarring, transgressive images. Riffs on The O'Reilly Factor? It's no slam against Bill O'Reilly; it's just an arresting visual gimmick. The V for Vendetta graphic novel captured the essence of totalitarian drabness; its near-infinite palette of grays and browns and blacks reflected a world drained of color and joy. By contrast, the movie adaptation of V for Vendetta can't help but make its nightmare Britain seem electric and deliciously decadent, like a run-down Berlin nightclub during the Cold War. So while torture is cool and self-transformation is cool, underarm hair on a pretty girl is not cool. Thus, realism got shaved. Make no mistake: in the world of V for Vendetta, cool makes right. V kills non-combatants, even as the government kills non-combatants. V lies; the government lies. V tortures; the government tortures. But V is the hero, you see, because he likes fine art and jazz and classic movies; he cooks well and dresses with panache and venerates a dead lesbian movie star. When V bombs government buildings, he does it with aplomb, a good classical music soundtrack, and a dry witticism on his unmoving masked lips. He's cool. And that makes it okay. Fascism is always cool. We forget just how cool fascism was; to concede its dark appeal is to risk seduction to its tenebrous charms. We forget the glamour of Nazism: the handsome uniforms, the brisk, cut-the-crap efficiency; the glorious parades and compelling symbols and hypnotic propaganda -- so unlike the sloppy, ineffectual, dithering Weimer Republic and its painfully uncool parliamentarians. We forget that, not so very long ago, a very different costumed crusader fought his lonely fight against the forces that oppressed him, employing violence as a means of transcending their petty boundaries and cruel injustices. Every tyrant needs a symbol to make the power of the People seem greater than the flawed and petty men from which it springs. Every fuehrer needs his Parsifal. And today's fascist now has V. Fascism doesn't rise to power by advertising its death camps and invasions of Ethiopia. Fascism portrays itself to be the voice of the oppressed little guy, fighting back against the forces that keep the average jerk pinned down to his life of quiet desperation. Real fascism doesn't promise to protect us from what we fear; real fascism promises what V promises little Natalie after he tortures her: freedom from fear itself. Every dictator dreams of torturing his society into toughness; in this fantasy, society will be as pretty as ever after the torture, and grateful to boot. Natalie is the perfect victim for the fascist: the weakling who grows strong through pain, and learns to love her tormentor. This madness would be offensive if it could be taken seriously; it would be evil, but for those nice smooth armpits. V for Vendetta isn't an apology for Nazism; it isn't smart enough. It is rather a joyous paean to unadorned, un-hyphenated fascism. First, I wear the mask: now I am the solitary defender of decency in a world gone mad, and you are the cackling, over-the-top oppressor whom I can kill without compunction. Now you wear the mask: now my soliloquies and resounding calls for freedom are the rants of the maniacal Chancellor, and your evil plans and acts of violence are the tools by which a free people overthrow tyranny. My fascism. Your fascism. It doesn't really matter which buzzwords and justifications we use, does it? What matters is what's cool and sexy and violent. Oh, violence -- glorious, precious, luscious violence, you are a supporting character in V for Vendetta all by yourself, and you might be the prettiest actor of them all. V doesn't just kill his soulless opponents; he dissects them, carves them like a sculptor, filets them like a steak chef at Benihana's. You can ignore the generic, non-committal political rhetoric of V for Vendetta, but you can't idly dismiss those crimson arcs of pearls that spray so gorgeously every time V flashes his deadly blades. You sigh at the tiresome boilerplate rhetoric, but you marvel at the Pollock-esque masterpieces of human evisceration, and you wonder: which one captured the director's attention more completely? In what does the director place the force of his artistic vision? In what does he place his faith? The blather? Or the blood? By the movie's end, the stage is set for a perfect fascist Ragnarok. Having perished in honorable combat, V is immolated in explosions and fires of his own making – a magnificent pagan funeral. The V Youth are assembled in stylish masks and smart uniforms to cheer the chaos; the only government character with a shred of decency has switched sides, and the world is redeemed through a little of the old ultra-violence. (It was cured, all right.) And there's Natalie, fetching in her buzz-cut amidst the mayhem and fireworks, eager to inform us that "V is my father. V is my mother. V is my brother." V is everyone, and anyone. V could be you. So try on the mask. It will give you super powers, and elegance, and an endless sense of grievance, and countless foes to kill with glee. It won't give you moral direction or any sense of the relevant distinctions between righteous violence and thinly rationalized psychosis, but so what? Try on the mask of V for Vendetta. It will fit so well, and feel so good, and look so very, very cool. Douglas Kern is a lawyer and PMPnetwork.com contributing writer.
GLORY
ROAD
"Glory Road" is the story of the improbable season of the West Texas College basketball team in 1965. A terrific film starring Josh Lucas in the lead. Who is Josh Lucas, you ask? See the film and you will know. I don't want to give the story away, so this is brief. If you are a sports fan, a film lover or just want to enjoy an amazing story of people who beat the odds, take a couple of hours and see the film. You won't be disappointed. A quick note.....stay through the credits until the end. The interviews which follow late in the credits are insightful and worth the extra five minutes. Enjoy and see you at the movies! ****Excellent
ALEXANDER I
AM THE CHEESE FROG-G-G! MOVIE REVIEWS STAR
WARS: EPISODE III: Revenge of the Sith BRUSSELS -- I just saw a press screening of the new Star Wars movie, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and here's my capsule review: It's superb; the last 15 minutes are better than anything George Lucas has ever done; and as Yoda would say, "This film must you see; love it, you will." However, I left the theater with something more than the feeling that after nearly 30 years as a Star Wars fan, a cinematic era of my life -- with plenty of ups and downs along the way -- had been closed on a thrilling and thoroughly satisfying note. I also wondered why George Lucas suddenly felt the need to add so much topicality into the story line. Everyone knows what is going to happen in this movie -- where it starts and how it will end. Part of its brilliance is the way it turns a foregone conclusion into a kind of challenging plot puzzle. You know what the picture's going to look like at the end, but you want to see how all the pieces will fit together. And Lucas has fun with this game, throwing in a lot of cheeky references to other films -- from Frankenstein and Nosferatu to Commando Cody and Apocalypse Now and even, yes, to other Star Wars movies -- to lighten the otherwise darkening mood. But something else is disturbingly -- and rather awkwardly - evident: a recurring anti-Bush, anti-Iraq war message. Forget about the merits of the argument in question. This stuff has no place in a Star Wars flick. The dialogue in ROTS is rife with distinctly unsubtle references to the current political situation. "This war represents a failure to listen," Padme laments at one point, before declaring after a vote to give executive power to Chancellor Palpatine: "So this is how liberty dies -- to thunderous applause." The wicked Chancellor, played brilliantly by Ian McDiarmid, talks on and on about "security", giving it an evilly sibilant S, and about "peace". As he lures Anakin over to the dark side, telling him what to say in Jedi Council meetings, you wonder if he's supposed to be Karl Rove. He does, after all, appear to be the smartest man in the movie. The ultimate reference comes in the climactic duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi on the planet of Mustafar, which seems to have long ago failed in its struggle against global warming. "If you're not with me, you're my enemy," Anakin shouts to Obi-Wan, who responds: "Only a Sith lord deals in absolutes." Yes, and so, it would seem, do neo-cons. Meanwhile, at that very instant in the Senate chamber, there is a cool fight scene between Yoda and Darth Sidious that, as one reviewer has already pointed out, evokes Democrats and Republicans in violent deadlock. (I was just glad there weren't any more endless Congressional debates like the ones that bogged down the previous two Star Wars chapters. Episode I: The Phantom Menace had more talk of trade pacts and intergalactic confederations than an EU summit.) The internet has been rife with rumors that Lucas had some script-doctoring help from noted playwright Tom Stoppard. Given the greatly improved quality of much of this film's dialogue over its predecessors (Lucas has a brilliant imagination but he is terrible at scripting a believable conversation between two or more humanoids), I'm apt to believe them. Could Stoppard have injected a dose of left-wing sentiment into our beloved film franchise? It's tough to say. The Czechoslovakian-born British writer has long been a foe of communism and once had nice things to say about Margaret Thatcher. But he was a vocal opponent of the Iraq war and recently wrote a dramatic trilogy idealizing the roots of socialism. Again,
all of this shouldn't matter. The film is exciting
enough that I overlooked the few annoying instances
when it veered away from its fantasy world and
towards today's front pages. The rest of the time,
thankfully, this movie took place right where
it is supposed to: in a galaxy far, far away.
BJ Davis Bids Farewell to Beverly Hills Film Studios BEVERLY
HILLS, Calif., March 4, 2005 -- Founder and Creator Davis
is currently preparing a feature film for Hoboken Davis
created Beverly Hills Film Studios in late 2003
as a Davis
brought a variety of film projects to the Beverly One
of the films slated to be produced, "El Coyote,"
will be Davis
originally greenlit the feature film "Dirty
Love," Davis
is finalizing post-production for the feature
film In
assuring the company's success, Davis utilized
his track BJ
Davis is very proud of Beverly Hills Film Studios
as part Consumer
Corner: Many people have many problems with many things. Some you have control over and some you don't. The real problem begins when you can't get your problem solved. What? You won't help me? But? You have my money! My product doesn't work! Have you ever been in this situation? I have had problems with products or services several times and they are usually quickly resolved. Well, over the past year I have had several problems that just haven't gotten resolved. So, what better place to take them than to the public. I may even make this a recurring column and discuss other people's problems. In October 2003 I purchased a Chevrolet SS pickup truck for my soon-to-be wife. The sales rep, which happened to be the manager, told me this truck was the best truck on the road. Well, having owned Chevrolet's all my life and trusting this sales rep and dealership, away I went in my new truck. Things were good for the first few months. Then, my wife drove the truck to see her parents an hour away. She called me and said the truck was vibrating so much that it was giving her a headache. When she took it by the dealership they told her it was normal and couldn't be fixed. At the time I didn't have a chance to deal with the situation because of a race for Congress. I figured it wouldn't hurt to wait a few more months. In August of 2004 I took the truck to the Chevrolet dealership. They said they found nothing technically wrong with the vehicle. Technically? Interesting term in customer service. After several more visits to the dealership and after being turned down by the GM rep to have a meeting I contacted the Better Business Bureau. I filled out the normal paperwork for the Bureau and waited to hear back. After I did not, I contacted the GM Corporation Customer Service Center. I was promptly contacted by 'Regina.' Hmm, getting places, I thought. Several, several weeks later -- and three skipped conference calls by Regina -- I was told that my Chevrolet SS pickup truck comes standard with vibration. Can I get that in writing? 'No. We can't give you anything in writing.' Excuse me? Regina with GM told me that the shaking and rattling in my brand new SS was normal. But, but Regina, GM and my local Chevrolet dealership? Why would you sell me a brand new SS that vibrates and then refuse to fix it? Like I said before, I have driven Z71's and Tahoe's all my life. They don't come standard with vibration. My wife and I now have a six-week old baby. For those who have children you know it is a feat to get them to sleep. Well, we can't even drive the best truck on the road because it wakes our baby. Now, Chevrolet is proudly releasing an entire line of SS trucks and cars. The commercial is catchy and brilliantly put together. However, instead of driving a car that is smooth like a record it feels more like an accordion. Chevrolet says it has better resale value then Ford or Dodge. Well, the SS pickup's sticker price is over $40,000 new and you can buy a year and a half old one for $24,000. My advice to consumers is to only purchase these vehicles if you want a ride that will give you a headache, chatter your teeth and keep your baby awake. So, buyer (and stock-holder) beware. The new Super Sport is one sport short of being super. Your best bet? Get a few horses and a log wagon, it's a lot cheaper and just as smooth. GAME
REVIEW CAPSULE
REVIEWS OF ACADEMY-NOMINATED FILMS Los Angeles, California - Nominations for the 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ® for outstanding performances in 2004 in five film and eight prime-time television categories were announced in Los Angeles at the Pacific Design Center's Silver Screen Theater. Screen Actors Guild President Melissa Gilbert introduced Rosario Dawson (Alexander) and James Denton (Desperate Housewives), who announced the nominees for this year's Actors ®. Screen Actors Guild will honor its own at its 11th Annual Awards ceremonies on Saturday, February 5, at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center, televised nationally on Turner Network Television (TNT) at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT, and 6 p.m. MT. Of the top industry accolades presented to performers, only the Screen Actors Guild Awards ® are selected purely by actors' peers. Two selected panels--one for television and one for film--each comprised of 2100 SAG members from across the United States, chose this year's Actor ® nominees. The secret ballots were mailed Friday, December 10, 2004 and returned by the deadline of noon on January 7, 2005 to Integrity Voting Systems, the Awards' official teller. Awards ballots will be mailed on January 11, 2005. The entire active membership of the Guild across the country will vote on all acting categories. Ballots must be returned to Integrity Voting Systems by noon on Thursday, February 3, where results will be tallied and sealed until they are opened by the presenters at the 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® ceremonies on February 5. The Screen Actors Guild Post-Awards Gala, benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, will be hosted for the ninth consecutive year by People magazine and by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). 11TH
ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS®
Don
Cheadle / HOTEL RWANDA Outstanding
Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Outstanding
Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie
or Miniseries Jamie
Foxx / REDEMPTION Outstanding
Performance by a Female Actor in a Television
Movie or Miniseries *Glenn
Close / THE LION IN WINTER
Hank
Azaria / HUFF Outstanding
Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series Drea
De Matteo / THE SOPRANOS Outstanding
Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series Jason
Bateman / ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series *Cast of 24 on FOX
Cast
of WILL & GRACE on NBC James Garner
WIN NINE DVD's O-Genio Ray Charles: Live In Brazil (Rhino Home Video) REVIEW by MARK SNYDER O-Genio translates to "the Genius". Ray Charles has proven to be a genius at providing music that transended generations of music affectioniados. This live performance, caught in concert from San Paulo, Brazil in 1963, provides a glimpse at Ray at his absolute best. The DVD, as always when Rhino is involved it's a gem, inlcudes two rare concerts and an even rarer studio rehearsal, along with the complete Brazilian commercials that aired with the original program. Listen to Ray sing his classic tunes like "Hit The Road Jack", "What'd I Say", "You Are My Sunshine", "Take These Chains From My Heart", and "I Can't Stop Loving You". This one is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. We give it **** (out of four) (WIN A COPY. Listen to the interviews on Live Channel 1 and 2 at pmpnetwork.com for your chance!)
INDIE
FEATURE "RUNAWAYS" WILL HAVE L.A. PREMIERE
Passion
of the Christ With
all the controversy and discussion surrounding
Mel Gibson's depiction of the last hours of the
life of Jesus Christ, my curiosity was peaked.
I'm always fascinated by people's reactions to
a film of this nature and equally fascinated by
people I've talked with who have a strong opinion
about this SCREEN ACTORS GUILD HONORS OUTSTANDING FILM AND TELEVISION PERFORMANCES IN 13 CATEGORIES AT THE 10th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS®
The honorees were selected by the active Guild membership nationwide. Karl Malden was presented with Screen Actors Guild's highest honor, the 40th Annual Life Achievement Award by Michael Douglas, following a filmed tribute featuring Kirk Douglas, Patty Duke, Angela Lansbury and Eva Marie Saint. Honored with individual awards were Johnny Depp, Tim Robbins, Charlize Theron and Renee' Zellweger for performances in motion pictures and Frances Conroy, Megan Mullally, Al Pacino, Tony Shalhoub, Meryl Streep, Kiefer Sutherland and for performances in television. Screen Actors Guild originated awards for the outstanding performances by a motion picture cast and by television drama and comedy ensembles. The Actor® for a motion picture cast performance went this year to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the Actors® for television drama and comedy ensemble performances went this year to Six Feet Under and Sex and the City.. Commemorating the Screen Actors Guild Awards® 10th annual ceremony, Sean Hayes introduced And The Actor Went To an exuberant look back at a decade of memorable SAG Awards moments. PEOPLE magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) hosted the Screen Actors Guild Post-Awards Gala for the eighth-consecutive year. This exclusive event honors the philanthropic causes and good works of the members of the Screen Actors Guild. The gala, benefiting the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, immediately followed the SAG Awards on the backlot of the Shrine Exposition Center and celebrated the 10th Annual SAG Awards, the 70th Anniversary of SAG as well as PEOPLE's 30th Anniversary. The Screen Actors Guild Awards® is a presentation of Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild. Jeff Margolis is the executive producer and Kathy Connell is the producer. Yale Summers, Karla Tamburrelli, Daryl Anderson, Shelley Fabares and Paul Napier are producers for SAG. Gloria Fujita O'Brien and Mick McCullough are supervising producers. Ron De Moraes is the director and Stephen Pouliot is the writer. Benn Fleishman is executive in charge of production. The complete list of recipients of the 10th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® follows. NOTE TO MEDIA: A downloadable version of this announcement is available to you online at www.sagawards.org.
THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role Johnny Depp
/ PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK
PEARL - Jack Sparrow / Buena Vista Pictures Charlize Theron
/ MONSTER - Aileen Wuornos / Newmarket Films Tim Robbins / MYSTIC RIVER - Dave Boyle / Warner Bros. Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role Renee' Zellweger
/ COLD MOUNTAIN - Ruby Thewes / Miramax Films THE LORD OF
THE RINGS: PRIMETIME TELEVISION Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries Al Pacino / ANGELS IN AMERICA - Roy Cohn / Home Box Office Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries Meryl Streep / ANGELS IN AMERICA - Hannah Pitt / Home Box Office Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series Kiefer Sutherland / 24 - Jack Bauer / FOX Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series Frances Conroy
/ SIX FEET UNDER - Ruth Fisher / Home Box Office Tony Shalhoub
/ MONK - Adrian Monk / USA Megan Mullally
/ WILL & GRACE - Karen Walker / NBC SIX FEET UNDER
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