Video: 4
Audio: 4
Extras: 3
Thanks to gangsta rappers and the white suburban kids who worship them, we are blessed with yet another version of Brian De Palma’s bloody, operatic masterpiece. The story hasn’t changed since the last edition was released three years ago—only the sound effects have. The “all new” Platinum Edition comes complete with all new digitally remastered sound and picture that only seems like more of the same. Granted, it’s a better option than going the Lucas route and adding unnecessary robots or the sound of a vacuum when Pacino snorts mountains of coke. However, if you already own Scarface, this edition is needless.
Video: 2
Audio: 2
Extras: 2
It’s funny; I was just saying to myself the other day how much I wanted to see a remake of An Officer and a Gentleman, only more boring. Lo and behold, Annapolis answered my call. It tells the tale of a tough young Naval Academy recruit (James Franco) who doesn’t obey the rules at first but learns teamwork, respect, and honor through…boxing. Or something. I won’t lie: The film put me to sleep several times. And, while it’s not a terrible film, it certainly is a dull one.
Video: 2
Audio: 2
Extras: 2
With so many unanswered questions remaining from their first outing, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt return with a dozen children for yet another wacky family adventure, where, if we’re lucky, perhaps we’ll learn a lesson. The unnecessary sequel finds Martin’s brood going up against Eugene Levy’s eight overachieving children on a scenic summer vacation. While watching Martin, Hunt, and Levy on screen is always a treat, the family film has very little to offer that it didn’t bring to the table the first time around.
Video: 2
Audio: 3
Extras: 2
Eminem had his semiautobiographical film debut. Now it’s 50 Cent’s turn. “Loosely based” on the story of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s rise through the rough streets, Get Rich treads on some familiar territory. While there are some decent performances (courtesy of Terrence Howard, among others) and 50 Cent has a modicum of charisma, the movie doesn’t have enough to sustain itself or to make you truly believe that 50 Cent has this burning desire to get his words out in rap. In fact, rapping feels like an afterthought here.
Video: 4
Audio: 4
Extras: 2
Neil Jordan serves up a taste of Ireland—with quite a bit of style and sass—with his latest film Breakfast on Pluto. It tells the story of Patrick, a very unusual man who enjoys the comfort of a good dress and high heels. He also goes by the name of St. Kitten and is played to peculiar delight by Cillian Murphy, from 28 Days Later. The film follows his exploits around Ireland in the 1970s and ’80s, as he searches for his birth mother who abandoned him on the steps of a parish. It’s filled with eccentric characters (populated with actors like Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, and Brendan Gleeson) and a rocking soundtrack reflective of the times.
Video: 5
Audio: 5
Extras: 4
Make no mistake—this is the exact same edition that was released over a year ago. The only difference is the addition of a third disc (despite the package's Two-Disc status) touting the virtues of the recent sequel Underworld: Evolution. As it stands, the movie is still rather weak.
Video: 4
Audio: 3
Extras: 2 The Dying Gaul is an interesting little movie, written and directed by playwright Craig Lucas, in his feature-film debut. It tells the story of Robert (Peter Sarsgaard), a gay screenwriter who’s just sold his extremely personal script “The Dying Gaul” to studio executive Jeffrey Tishop (Campbell Scott). Jeffrey is married to Elaine (the always lovely Patricia Clarkson) but desires Robert, and they begin an affair. Elaine finds out, and soon deception and betrayal are afoot among the three, with Elaine pretending to be Robert’s recently deceased lover, whom his script is based on. The actors are all very good, if the story is a bit strange and the ending a tad unsatisfying.
Video: 4
Audio: 4
Extras: 3
Suburban angst and dysfunction are prime fodder for films and TV, whether it be housewives that seem desperate or disaffected teens too heavily medicated to even communicate with each other. The Chumscrubber falls into the latter category and presents a world all too familiar, while retaining its individuality in the genre.
Video: 4
Audio: 4
Extras: 4
Revenge is a dish best served cold, and, in John Singleton's Four Brothers, it's taken rather literally. Set in the icy tundra of Detroit in the wintertime, the film follows four foster brothers who return home to exact vengeance upon the killer of their mother. Led by tough brother (although they're all tough) Mark Wahlberg, the brothers hunt down those responsible. After one of the weakest expository scenes in recent memory, the movie picks up steam and delivers a solid experience.
Video: 3
Audio: 4
Extras: 3 The Yards is a moody little film noir that, while pretty to look at, doesn't become the movie it desperately wants to be. It's cut cleanly from the Mean Streets cloth, as it tells the story of Leo (Mark Wahlberg, barely making eye contact with anyone), a recently paroled thief. Leo's attempts to go straight run afoul by his Uncle Frank (James Caan, sporting a nice mustache) and best friend Willie (Joaquin Phoenix), both shady characters involved in the corrupt world of railroad contractors. There's also some creepy sexual undertones between Leo and his cousin Erica (a pre-Oscar Charlize Theron). The visuals (in anamorphic 2.35:1) seem kind of foggy, which seems to be the director's intention but does not look very good. The Dolby Digital 5.1 is the highlight of the entire package, providing a rich soundscape that achieves what the film as a whole could not.
Site Map / Direct Links
Reviews
Top Picks
How To
Tech 101
3D
Ask HT
Podcast
Movies
Blogs
AV Interiors
Galleries
Shop
Contact
