Woody Harrelson has had and continues to have a very interesting and eclectic career. Ever since the mid-‘90s (Natural Born Killers, The People vs. Larry Flynt), the actor has picked roles which are sometimes dark, controversial and not the norm for a Hollywood leading man. His latest film Rampart is further proof of the unique thespian’s tendency to choose unorthodox roles. Filmmaker Oren Moverman reunites with Harrelson who worked together in 2009 with The Messenger. Rampart is another cinematic experience that showcases flawed characters faced with moral and ethical dilemmas.
The Piano
In 1993, film audiences were given a truly moving gift. That gift was The Piano, a romantic drama about love, secrets, family and passion. The film starred Holly Hunter in an Academy Award-winning role, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill and True Blood’s Anna Paquin also in an Academy Award-winning role at the tender age of 11. The Piano is now out on Blu-ray and if you are in the mood for an erotic tale full of beauty and suspense, then I highly recommend checking out this unique film.
Texas Killing Fields
Crime-thrillers are a common form of cinematic entertainment. Stories of missing people and/or murder seem to attract many an audience. Texas Killing Fields is no exception. It has all the bells and whistles of a predictable, melodramatic whodunnit. It features a rather solid cast led by Avatar’s Sam Worthington. The action and mystery elements make Texas Killing Fields a somewhat riveting and suspenseful yarn and it is now out on Blu-ray so you can now experience the film for yourself.
Good Morning, Vietnam: 25th Anniversary Edition
For over three decades, funny man Robin Williams has enjoyed a very lucrative career. His reputation as a wild and erratic comedian has pushed him into superstardom and his talents even occasionally transfer over to dramatic roles. His first shift into drama was a smooth and almost seamless one. It occurred in 1987 with director Barry Levinson’s bittersweet wartime dramedy Good Morning, Vietnam. In it, Williams earned his first Academy Award nomination playing real-life military disc jockey Adrian Cronauer. This terrific film is now out on Blu-ray for its 25th anniversary and if you are a fan of Robin Williams or just good movies in general, then I highly recommend checking this one out.
Continue reading Good Morning, Vietnam: 25th Anniversary Edition
Vampires
For some odd reason in recent times, vampires and the culture they make up have been extraordinarily popular. Franchises like Twilight and HBO’s hit series True Blood have featured bloodsucking beings as rich and interesting characters. These undead individuals seem to make up the bulk of supernatural fiction these days. A clever mockumentary was actually filmed surrounding these sexy and unusual “people”. The mockumentary is aptly called Vampires and it is now out on DVD so you can sink your teeth into it.
The Divide
Movies about the end of the world usually feature everyday citizens rising above challenges and protecting others. The Divide doesn’t follow this standard cinematic formula. In this bleak and extremely disturbing film, the characters fall deep into dark psychotic places. The Divide is psychological thriller that explores the human mind and how far people will go when rules and ideas of normalcy no longer apply.
The Hangover Part II
In 2009, audiences were introduced to The Hangover, a raunchy Frat Pack-esque comedy about a small group of men who overdo it when they celebrate one of their own’s bachelor party in Las Vegas. With a crew consisting of Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha, insane hijinks and ridiculous R-rated debauchery ensue. After the film’s enormous success, a sequel was eventually more than likely to be made and that is the subject of this review. The Hangover Part II is now out in a nifty Blu-ray/DVD/digital copy combo pack and what a perfect stocking stuffer it is for the holiday season.
Frontline: Faith & Doubt at Ground Zero
Spirituality and religion are elements many people in the world possess. The idea that there is something out there bigger than ourselves is fascinating and helps people cope with the difficulty and pain that often come with life. PBS and Frontline have put together Faith & Doubt at Ground Zero, a truly insightful and thought-provoking documentary which sheds light on the spiritual and religious activity surrounding 9/11. This wonderful program is now out on DVD and it is truly enlightening and certainly worth your time.
The Adventures of Tintin: Season One
The character of Tintin has been around for many decades-as early as 1929. He was originally featured in a series of comic books created by Belgian artist Georges Remi (a.k.a Herge) and Tintin’s fictional adventures have been well-documented ever since in a variety of mediums, from books, magazines, radio programs, theater productions, film, and for purposes of this review, television series. The Adventures of Tintin was the second animated series to feature Tintin and ran for three seasons starting in 1991. Season one has just been released on DVD in a “subtle” way to help promote Steven Spielberg’s upcoming motion capture Tintin film.
The Crow
What happens when Batman, the wrestler Sting and Edward Scissorhands all have a love child together? You get one hell of a cool superhero film. The film I’m talking about is The Crow and if you have overlooked this gritty crime thriller in the past, then I highly recommend giving it a try now. It’s out on Blu-ray and digital copy and it would be the perfect stocking-stuffer for your Goth/alternative significant other.
Unger the Radar 