Sister Helen Prejean is a nun from Louisiana who is firmly against capital punishment. She wrote a book on the subject entitled Dead Man Walking and it is an autobiographical account of Prejean’s experience as a spiritual advisor to a convicted felon awaiting his execution. A movie based on the book was released in 1995 starring Susan Sarandon as Prejean and Sean Penn as the dead man walking, Matthew Poncelet.
The Terminator
“I’ll be back.” Those are the famous words that turned Austrian bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger into an action movie icon before he was the Governator, of course. 1984 was not only the year that turned Arnie into a superstar but also then relatively unknown writer/director James Cameron into a Hollywood big gun as well. Together these two businessmen created a sci-fi franchise that has broken box office records and entertained the masses for nearly three decades. That franchise of course is The Terminator and now the landmark film that started it all has been re-released in a special Blu-ray edition.
Daydream Nation
Ever since Juno, filmmakers here and there have been trying to recreate stories that feature sarcastic tomboys that become romantically involved with awkward introverts. Daydream Nation continues this popular trend and the results are actually pretty decent. The cute and saucy Kat Dennings (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) stars in this hip indie dramedy which is now out on DVD.
Growing Pains: The Complete Second Season
The ‘80s were a great time for television. Many humorous sitcoms were produced during that decade. One in particular you probably watched when you were younger was Growing Pains. The show revolved around the Seavers, a middle-class American family from Long Island who would get into moral dilemmas every week only to be resolved in the span of 30 minutes or so. Now, the complete second season is yours to own on DVD.
No Strings Attached
Most romantic comedies are corny, predictable and downright lame. Unfortunately, No Strings Attachedis no exception. Oscar-winning superstar Natalie Portman and pretty boy Ashton Kutcher headline this mediocre love story directed by comedy film veteran Ivan Reitman and sadly, the results are less than spectacular. Now out in a Blu-ray/DVD/digital copy combo pack, this disappointing film is yours to own though I don’t know why you’d subject yourself to that sort of pain and embarrassment.
True Legend
Martial arts action movies have always been known for two things: great action sequences and mediocre acting. True Legend continues this trend with its epic storytelling, breathtaking fight choreography and over the top cheesy acting. It’s a movie that will entertain you, for sure; however, I don’t see the actors winning any major awards for their less-than-stellar efforts.
We Go Way Back
In a time where sequels, remakes, reboots and special effect-driven popcorn fantasies dominate film screens across the world, it is refreshing to sometimes see a movie that does not fit this tired description. The film I am referring to is We Go Way Back and it is an honest, endearing and well-crafted picture. It isn’t about superheroes, animated critters or regurgitated ideas. It is about people, flesh and blood people and the problems that come along with life and growing up.
Student Services
Student Services is a French independent film that deals with a very taboo subject: teenage prostitution. The beautiful Deborah Francois (Unmade Beds) gives a solid performance in this gritty tale of desperation and falling on hard times. IFC Films presents this movie on DVD and those who enjoy dark sexy dramas may want to check it out.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: The Complete Sixth Season
“Now this is the story all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down,” yadda, yadda, yadda, you know the rest. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran for six seasons on NBC putting then-young rapper Will Smith on the map. This family sitcom was the perfect vehicle for Smith to make a name for himself and now the sixth and final season is out on DVD thus bringing closure to fans and collectors of the popular show.
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The Incredibles
In 2004, Pixar released its sixth feature-length film The Incredibles. Well received by both fans and critics, the film was a huge success, winning the Academy Award that year for Best Animated Feature. Combining elements of the superhero genre, action/adventure and comedy, The Incredibles is a marvel to look at and is soon to be released on stunning Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy.
Unger the Radar 