The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003)
Posted on May 4, 2006
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This Oscar-nominated documentary centers around a nomadic Mongolian family and one of their camels, who has given birth to a colt and rejected it. The family tries everything to get the mother camel to accept the baby and ultimately resorts to getting a violinist to perform a special ritual.
Grade: B-.
IMDB: The Story of the Weeping Camel.
Broadcast News (1987)
Posted on May 4, 2006
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William Hurt, Jack Nicholson, Albert Brooks, and Holly Hunter anchor a strong cast in this comedic drama about a network television station and a talentless anchor’s rise to the top. Very well-acted, although quite cheesy in parts, this endearing picture tugs at the heart and evokes a few guffaws.
Grade: B-.
IMDB: Broadcast News.
William Gibson – Pattern Recognition (2003)
Posted on May 2, 2006
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Set not long after the 9-11 attack, and dealing with modern online culture, this novel spins a tale of conspiracy and intrigue. Despite the modern setting, Gibson has managed to keep the “Cyberpunk Cool†factor alive. After all, we are now living in the future. Gibson fans will enjoy this.
Grade: B.
IBL: Pattern Recognition.
Ultimate Avengers (2006)
Posted on May 1, 2006
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This straight-to-video animated movie is loosely based on the comic book series The Ultimates. The kid-friendly plotline makes this less interesting than if they had stuck closer to the story from the comic. The voice acting and animation is done well and makes this a fun rental.
Grade: C.
IMDB: Ultimate Avengers.
Sideways (2004)
Posted on April 28, 2006
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This quirky buddy picture about two guys touring Southern California’s wine country gets the audience deeply involved in a well-written story. The acting is superb and the bittersweet relations between men and women in this film make it a highly compelling watch for anyone, full of poignance and humor.
IMDB: Sideways.
I Am David (2003)
Posted on April 25, 2006
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A poignant tale about a determined boy who escapes a Soviet work camp in Bulgaria to travel alone across Europe, this beautiful picture features astonishing acting performances, sudden and unexpected tear-jerking moments, a magnificently written and realized script, and a grand sense of scale that takes the breath away.
Grade: A.
IMDB: I Am David.
The Corporation (2003)
Posted on April 20, 2006
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This powerful documentary about the rise and dominance of large corporations attempts to educate the public on the relaxation of laws to accomodate and empower large business entities. The comparison between corporate behavior and that of psychopaths is eye-opening. While well-intentioned, this powerful indictment runs too long.
IMDB: The Corporation.
Primer (2004)
Posted on April 14, 2006
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This ISA-nominated thriller shows what a miniscule budget and an excellent script can do. Two friends with a garage-based technology startup discover that the machine they’re working on creates a loop in time. Competently produced and directed by a first-timer, this engrossing film delivers compelling dramatic tension.
Grade: A-.
IMDB: Primer.
V for Vendetta (2005)
Posted on April 8, 2006
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The Wachowski Brothers redeem themselves in this Oscar-worthy adaptation of an Alan Moore graphic novel, set in a totalitarian Britain run by religious fundamentalists. Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, and a host of English stars tell a compelling story with eye-popping special effects, solid acting, and a thrilling soundtrack.
Grade: A-.
IMDB: V for Vendetta.
The Aviator (2004)
Posted on April 7, 2006
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Leonardo DiCaprio handles his role as Howard Hughes with credibility, grace, and charm, with an incredible cast of talent, including Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, and John C. Reilly. This intimate portrait of a true original (and true eccentric) sheds light on an interesting life and the glamor that surrounded him.
IMDB: The Aviator.