ROCKY BALBOA (2006)

TITLE
Rocky Balboa

STARRING
Sylvester Stallone, Milo Ventimiglia, Burt Young, Geraldine Hughes, Tony Burton, Antonio Tarver, James Francis Kelly III

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Not since Rocky have we seen Sly do something so right. I often wonder if Rocky Balboa is really just this alter ego he's created because storylines appear so seamless, as if there really is this fighter in Philly living out this life! I'll admit to being a fan of the series, mainly because here's this actor (Stallone) who's created a job for himself in Hollywood of all places, for over twenty years. Maybe you don't remember, but Rocky was released 1976 and prior to its release, Stallone was essentially a nobody - bit parts here an there, uncredited roles, TV, etc., but Rocky set the stage. Maybe Stallone isn't a great actor, but the Rocky series has done many things that others did not, and we all can't be Star Wars. The box tells you aging fighter, Rocky Balboa, comes out of retirement to fight again - whether he wins or not, I shall not divulge!

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
It is great writing, storytelling, directing (as evidenced by the scenes and alternate ending, which stayed suitably on the cutting room floor) and a wonderful ending to the story of our favorite fictional boxer. Great montages of scenes from the prior films serve as the proper motivation for his inspired return to the ring. Most notably missing from this film are Talia Shire (explained in the story) and Carl Weathers (because of course he died in the ring fighting the Russian in Rocky IV), we miss them - this was the best effort you can put forth without including them.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Indeed, he or she will.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Loads, I recommend the alternate ending, especially if you are feelin' sentimental and the feature discussing the creation of the character Rocky Balboa.

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COME EARLY MORNING (2006)

TITLE
Come Early Morning

STARRING
Ashley Judd, Diane Ladd, Tim Blake Nelson, Laura Prepon, Jeffery Donovan

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Well done writer-director Joey Lauren Adams! So few are the number of brilliant directorial debuts, even fewer are those from actors-turned-directors, but this is clearly one of them. This emotional story of a woman (Judd) whose lineage is smitten with defunct relationships and alcoholism endures her own struggles to piece together her life. Through Adams well-scripted scenes and Judd's heartland-inspired approach, the movie is both believable and captivating.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I do love Ashley Judd, but it's been awhile since she's done something worth noting, let alone something that met her potential. Her performance in DeLovely, left me certain she would choose another project in the future to redeem herself, this is that movie. Come Early Morning features some very well chosen tracks that match the emotion of the scene and it doesn't end in a sappy, wish you were here, Hollywood-style. I think we can all acknowledge we are works in progress, just as this movie suggests.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
That really depends on who your girlfriend or boyfriend is...

SPECIAL FEATURES
The commentary is worth a watch.

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CASINO ROYALE (2006)

TITLE
Casino Royale

STARRING
Daniel Craig, Eva Green, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Jeffery Wright, Mads Mikkelsen, Ivana Milicevic

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
It could be worse - in fact, I expected it to be much worse, but there's a lot of action and much less of Daniel Craig's broodiness. As our new Bond, he fairs well - I'm hearing a contract of at least two more movies, we'll see if he gets better with some practice. The Vesper Lynd character of good, then bad, and good again, female lead was interesting, but not as enticing as all of the hoopla over the selection of Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven). If you like action, guns, stunts, a twist - this movie's for you. If you have all of the movies from your favorite Bond only - this movie is sure to disappoint. I find most Bond-loyalists, as defined by those who are loyal to only one actor as Bond are consistently dismayed with all other Bonds and the fans of those Bonds.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Well, it's one of the first Bonds where I didn't absolutely loathe the American characters. As you know, they are typically bad guys or corrupt or some other conglomerate of evil, misguided intentions and arrogance. We now fight the good fight against African warlords and their eastern European poker-playin'-friends.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Generic is James Bond's middle name. Meant for everybody, especially men!

SPECIAL FEATURES
From "making of" to cast commentaries, there are an array of special features, some exclusive to Bond, others not!

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THE HOLIDAY (2006)

TITLE
The Holiday

STARRING
Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Edward Burns, Eli Wallach, Rufus Sewell

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Though it's cliched....this is truly delightful movie any man woman or couple will enjoy. A easy rental with a nice mix of humor and good writing, The Holiday will leave you with that warm feeling inside when it ends, although the end is less than adventurous and pretty predictable. It's no Bridget Jones's Diary, which for guys is a good thing, because I know there are some pretty unbearable moments in that movie challenging even the least testosteronely inclined.
Despite its average faults the movie makes no serious errors in judgement and doesn't take you down a road where there is neither an end or a new beginning in sight.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
It's the first movie I believe Jude Law ever attempted in which to act. Cameron and Jack are really great at playing the types of characters you see in The Holiday, and Kate Winslet is easily one of the most talented of her generation, but Jude's lack of depth or inspiration is usually offensive, and a deal breaker in almost any movie. Playing the sympathetic widower with two children, finding it difficult to be a daddy and play the field, is an honest role that stretches Jude and in many ways, his performance made the movie.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Oh sure.......

SPECIAL FEATURES
There's plenty, and the new S3 trailer is included on this DVD.

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MAN OF THE YEAR (2006)

TITLE
Man of the Year

STARRING
Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Christopher Walken, Lewis Black, Jeff Goldblum, David Alpay, Karen Hines

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
That the stupidity of this movie does not begin or end with the picture on the cover of the DVD case. When you are making a movie, there comes a time when you must decide what kind of movie it is that you are making. This film skipped that essential step and waivers between a big budget stand-up routine, drama, and comedy. You wonder whether to laugh, lament or be riveted by the scene you're watching.

Tom Dobbs (Williams), a comedian turned politician, wins the presidential election via voting machine fraud, which is known to antagonistic executive, Alan Stewart (Goldblum) and dedicated programmer Eleanor Green (Linney). A romance forms between President-elect Dobbs and Green, which is continuously put in peril by skeptical staffers and hired hitmen. There are a variety of current issues confronted in the film and I wanted to like it desperately because the addition of third party, let alone win by that candidate, would really turn our country upside down. But, whatever strides and realism are written by Barry Levinson in the screenplay are muddled by its delivery.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
You should know by now, I wouldn't. It's not a horrible way to spend two hours, but it lacks the brilliance I expect from a drama, the cleverness I desire in a comedy, and the escape I relish in the sci-fi/action films. Unfortunately, there are some movies even the presence of Christopher Walken cannot fix.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
It is very much a unisex movie.

SPECIAL FEATURES
If you like the movie - check them out. My take, there are no great trailers on the DVD.

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CONFETTI (2006)

TITLE
Confetti

STARRING
Martin Freeman, Olivia Colman, Jimmy Carr, Vincent Franklin, Meredith MacNeill, Stephen Mangan, Felicity Montagu

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Think any Christopher Guest movie meets Love Actually. In all honestly, I had higher hopes for this movie, which is told in documentary-style footage that follows three couples in their journey to have the most creative wedding idea and win a dream home. (NOTE: I am opposed to the word 'mockumentary' and try to use it sparingly, but that is what we are talking about here.) There are some laughs, the reveal of the nose job on the hyper-competitive tennis player is great. There's also a lot (and I mean LOT) of graphic footage with regards to the nudist couple who enters the competition. The best word to describe their scenes is distracting. And in short supply is the entertainment factor offered in Confetti; read the couple who has selected Hollywood musicals as their wedding them.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Average at best, this might be the kind of movie you remember for some scenes or one-liners, but overall a real disappointment as far as talent and story go. I would hesitate to rent this movie again.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Ehhh, debatable. If you love Christopher Guest's movies like Best In Show, A Mighty Wind, This is Spinal Tap, etc., then you might like this film, but it is by no means the caliber of those Guest films referenced.

SPECIAL FEATURES
You will probably want this to end sooner, rather than later....

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FAST FOOD NATION (2006)

TITLE
Fast Food Nation

STARRING
Greg Kinnear, Wilmer Valderrama, Ashley Johnson, Luis Guzman, Paul Dano, Kris Kristofferson, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Hugo Perez

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Downing a Whopper or Big Mac immediately after this movie will be difficult! A day later, I am seriously reconsidering the many times I have enjoyed carnivorous satisfaction at the standbys that serve you a meal without leaving the creature comforts of your car. Then again fast food is fat food and it's best to stay away whenever possible. This movie applies the universal rule of food preparation - if you didn't prepare it yourself, you don't know what's in it. Greg Kinnear as a marketing mogul for Mickey's is sent to Texas to witness firsthand how their flagship product "The Big One" is being produced with some added ingredients (and not the kinds you want to ingest). The movie articulates other issues such as illegal immigration, social activism and corporate conscienceness. Overall, it is difficult to pull of a movie like this. This flick is pretty average by comparison to similar stories and cinematography.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Once is more than enough. This the kind of movie that you cannot shake despite your best efforts. You wonder if ignorance is bliss, or how close to the truth this movie treads. Once, when I was eight, I saw a pig slaughtered. I understood at that moment exactly where our meat came from and was more than happy to never endure that kind of realism again.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Nobody likes the kind of content in this movie, even when fictionalized.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Yuck...enough is enough when it comes to the things we digest.

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THE RETURN (2006)

TITLE
The Return

STARRING
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sam Shepard, Adam Scott, Kate Beahan, Peter O'Brien

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
This is not a scary movie, the box looks scary, it might even suggest some real poltergeist action, but it's in short supply of that (there are visions of a ghost). Sarah Michelle Gellar plays a woman named Joanna who has always been ill at ease with herself and her past. Her life collides with a mystery man (O'Brien) whose dark history unites them. Gellar is slowly becoming that girl we associate with horror flicks and psychological thrillers, as evidenced by her past few projects. Sadly, the movies showcase little if any original thought or require talent from actors. This movie is much of the same old hemming and hawing around unexplainable circumstances only to collide (in this case, literally) with a predictable ending that neither stuns, nor amuses its audience.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
My husband asked me what the movie I was watching was called. I couldn't even muster up the right title - I will not rent this movie again, most likely because I probably couldn't find it again if I wanted.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
If you like the thriller-type movies, but don't expect a lot of action. Joanna (Gellar) pretty much just keeps driving around in a big truck trying to figure out who she is.

SPECIAL FEATURES
There is an alternate ending, it is better than the theatre ending chosen.

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LET'S GO TO PRISON (2006)

TITLE
Let's Go to Prison

STARRING
Dax Shepard, Will Arnett, Chi McBride, David Koechner, Dylan Baker

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Dax Shepard = new Ryan Reynolds. In less than two years, people will be talking about him like they were talking about Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, which is to say the least, favorably. See I love to rent movies where my husband says, less than five minutes into the movie, "what did you rent," because I know it will be hysterical or a big mistake! This was hysterical, or at the least, very funny. As frequent visitor of the penal system John Lyshitski (Shepard) has been in and out since he was a minor, sent there in large part due to the generosity of a Judge Nelson Biederman III, as luck would have it, revenge smirks on Lyshitski in the form of the deceased judge's son (Arnett) and allows him the opportunity to send to jail his rival's only kin. I won't ruin the rest, just go rent it - you'll like it, you'll laugh, and there is nothing wrong with that.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I thought it was fun, and I think we need more fun, more scary, more of all of those blockbusters and revenue generators, because without them, we have no studio who can afford to make the celebrated movies for film fans and critics, of which, I count myself a member of both. Plus Dax is from Michigan, and we should support our own, should we not?

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Oh heck yes! You know I don't get why that silly tomato site gave it a rotten rating, it is actually quite entertaining, and while I will not go so far as to say clever, one can definitely enjoy themselves while watching it.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Some might be worth a look.

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THE GREAT NEW WONDERFUL (2005)

TITLE
The Great New Wonderful

STARRING
Maggie Gyllenhaal, Judy Greer, Tony Shalhoub, Will Arnett, Olympia Dukakis, Stephen Colbert

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Please no don't rent me..that's indeed what the box doesn't tell you. Now seriously, I love movies with intersections of lives, but completely separate scenes, characters, and some element of existentialism. This was just boring. Not even Maggie could save the film. I think all of the actors did the best with what they were given, now the problem is they weren't given much, shame on you Sam Catlin, alleged screenwriter. I'll give anything a chance once - this movie blew...it.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
No. No. No!!!!!

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
No. No one you know will like it.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Only two trailers, and then there are these little vignettes where you can watch character journals, etc. Yawn!

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BORAT (2006)

TITLE
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

STARRING
Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian, Pamela Anderson, some rednecks, a bear, random children, unhappy litigious eastern European villagers, Jewish bed-and-breakfast owners, a chicken, others.

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
That Cohen's antics are all in vain. Most who already saw it are missing the point. You can make a really funny, highly profitable movie that serves as a very depressing, borderline humiliating commentary about the intelligence of your average Americans. Seriously, this is one of the best movies I've paid money at the theater to see in several years. Though it depressed me to no end to see the people watching it around me be horrified at the language or visuals - where do you think he got this from? Ummmm, Americans.

Its even more saddening to see the people interact with what they think is Borat Sagdiyev (Cohen), a Kazakh TV journalist and treat him in the manner that they do. Even if the scouts did look for the most redneck event in a disconnected, particularly "God Bless America" rural type location, are we seriously proud that by attempting to be an idiot he made us look like fools? There are two types of people who will be offended by this: 1. those who think the language too lewd, the action too appalling and the jokes too suggestive, AND 2. people who get that the big joke, is the one on us. If you have to be offended - be in the latter group.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I will own it, forget renting. The humor actually scripted is funny stuff. Cohen is a professional and a talent, never breaking from character during filming, release or press junkets. It's unapologetic in a society where we are sorry for just thinking about breaking wind. Don't get me wrong these people were paid, some now want more - too bad.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Not everyone is going to like it. Of those who do, I'll wager money more are men. If you liked Da Ali G. Show, you will love this movie.

SPECIAL FEATURES
I hope there's some....I bet the scenes which ended up on the cutting room floor and are now the extras are the best part.

MY FIRST WEDDING (2004)

TITLE
My First Wedding

STARRING
Rachael Leigh Cook, Kenny Doughty, Paul Hopkins, Caroline Carver

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Even without much box office experience (this movie was strictly a film festival entrant and select city feature) or big names, My First Wedding does a decent job of advancing the storyline minus the big box office's overused generic jokes or average plot detours. Admittedly, there is a charades scene that should not have been prolonged, but every movie has its filler. I was struck by how similar to Audrey Hepburn lead actress, Rachael Leigh Cook was made to look. An old story, but a romantic one, Vanessa (Cook) must choose between someone she's only just met Nick (Kenny Doughty) and her dutiful fiancee Andre (Paul Hopkins) who has taken a vow of celibacy before the wedding. Of course there is a case of mistaken identity, british humor, mild scheming, last minute truths and a rush to the finish line before we get to our happy ending.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
It's a cute movie, nothing special, but then again, not a waste of time either. I love Rachael Leigh Cook, though I think she's been severely typecast. She has one of the best lines ever in a movie called Scorched, which like this film, received little if any attention.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
It's either a solid date movie or a great chick flick, you choose!

SPECIAL FEATURES
There are some extras, nothing worth noting.

FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS (2006)

TITLE
Flags of Our Fathers

STARRING
Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, Barry Pepper, Paul Walker, Robert Patrick, Jamie Bell, John Benjamin Hickey, Neal McDonough

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Exceptional cinematography, first-rate actors and a director (Clint Eastwood), whose years in front of the camera have turned out a visionary director in his own right, cannot possibly save audiences from the boredom that ensues. The storyline, obviously about one of the most significant battles in World War II and the post-war chronicles of young men who did not actually raise the first flag, but the second is dry and poorly written. You want to like and even care for the characters as this is a battle not particularly well covered in american cinema, but those feelings soon dissipate as you realize this movie is about as well put together as Sauder desk. With war movies, you have to be dead on, there is a pressure to get the facts right and honor those who fought and returned while memorializing those who did not. If you think about it, there are very few good comedies about war. The pressures are clearly too significant. Flags of Our Fathers muddles through what should be both a history lesson and homage to Iwo Jima veterans with bad scripting, poor editing and an even more misplaced ending.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I am eager, if not waiting with baited breath to check out the companion to Flags of Our Fathers, entitled Letters From Iwo Jima. As a nominee for Best Picture, I hold out hope that not only will this be a story I possess little knowledge of, but an overall better piece of cinematography.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
I think war movies, especially with the graphic depictions of battle are often designed to attract men, I suppose women who are familiar with war epics will also enjoy the film.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Loads, the question is whether they are worthy.

SHUT UP & SING (2006)

TITLE
Dixie Chicks Shut Up & Sing

STARRING
Natalie Maines, Emily Robison, Martie Maguire, Simon Renshaw, Rick Rubin, Chad Smith

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Celebrities, in all their fame and glory, are people too. They are guilty of saying one sentence, which can in effect, change the course of their lives. I rented this movie for two reasons - first, on someones blog, possibly a friend of mine, they said they were baffled by how much chaos ensued after one little statement came out of the lead chick's mouths, and that it basically "ruined their careers." The second reason, a man, a working man, fairly rugged and conservative looking, picked-up the box read it, just when I was almost certain he would put it back ( with the 40 other copies), he tucked in under his arm and headed off to check out. I had to rent the movie, three years ago he would have typified the way a Dixie Chick's fan should look, and I was immediately mad at myself for such a shallow thought, so I rented the movie and I think it is fantastic! In a documentary-style way it brings up a lot of good queries; if we don't question our elected leadership, who will? Why is it not "ok" to express dissent in times of turbulence and confusion? Do we think the world will go softer on our leaders if we appear to be behind them? Can you be famous and still disagree with the leader of the free world if you are first, an American, and second, an entertainer? Truth is, Dixie Chicks fans are probably the same people they were in 1999 as they are today.....the Chicks fair weather friends, well those are all gone.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
It's very touching and heartfelt. Natalie Maines is the luckiest woman on earth. Her friends could have cut and run - it would be easy for them to disown her, and disavow any knowledge of her disgust in the president's policies toward Iraq. We could be watching a "Where Are They Now" VH1 special on the Dixie Chicks, instead we're watching them rise to prominence. Only two weeks ago, they captured 4 0r 5 Grammy awards. Still, in the midst of the turmoil, backlash and targeted hatred, her bandmates remained loyal, the group became closer, and that's when you know who's in your corner. You can't write that kind of stuff - it just happens. I've never thought of owning a Dixie Chicks album, but I must say the music was surprisingly good, and as a person who likes to think they know good music, I think I will be making a purchase soon! The strength of a good argument is that it can withstand the opposing side's criticism. Even if you don't like the Chicks now, you should probably see the movie, it's a good lesson regarding the power of displaced anger and close mindedness.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Sure, but not if they are a redneck, or a Toby Keith fan, or a Bush fan...well alright, you know who you are and if you like it, your significant other probably will as well.

SPECIAL FEATURES
The movie is the feature!

A GOOD YEAR (2006)

TITLE
A Good Year

STARRING
Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, Tom Hollander, Archie Panjabi, Marion Cotillard

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
It's hit or miss, if you've seen the trailer, you've seen the best part. The movie's ok, but we've come to expect more form a Ridley Scott film and a Russell Crowe performance. I would never say that Russell Crowe isn't a good actor, but there isn't anything even slightly remarkable about his role as the shrewd broker Max Skinner. Albert Finney's role is brief as Crowe's beloved, but estranged uncle, and that's unfortunate. Marion Cotillard sparkles as Fanny Chenal - the love interest.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I probably would not. I am one of the only people I know who did not care in the least for Gladiator, I would rank this movie in the same category. The screenplay was well-written and I am told the novel by Peter Mayle is excellent, but somehow this movie doesn't connect with the audience.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Yes.

SPECIAL FEATURES
No "special" features.

STRANGER THAN FICTION (2006)

TITLE
Stranger than Fiction

STARRING
Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
This is a new twist on two old stories, love and destiny. I'm not a Will Ferrell fan and I had high hopes for this movie, which, in terms of the lead actor I equate to my same "not a fan" statement about Jim Carrey. Essentially, I hoped this experience would be like that of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a movie that is nothing short of brilliant. It wasn't. This should not suggest it is not a decent movie - in fact, it is, but you are rewarded for you patience only in the last 30minutes of the movie, where both dialogue and plot really take off. It's a question of whether or not you are willing to wade through the first so-so 50 minutes to get to the final brilliant 30 minutes?

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Director Marc Forster has a hit and miss track record. You cannot know if you'll like one of his films until you see it. I'm still waiting for him to direct a movie that I cannot live without owning - this is not that movie, but Maggie Gyllenhaal turns in a spirited, but believable performance. I've never seen Emma Thompson look so awful, but seem so crisp. The real attraction is the opportunity to see Will Ferrell has way more going for him beyond great comedic timing, lets hope he taps into this potential again.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
This one's for the guys and the gals, but is not your typical Will Ferrell fare.

SPECIAL FEATURES
The usual inclusions appear on this DVD.

A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS (2006)

TITLE
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

STARRING
Robert Downey, Jr., Shia LaBeouf, Rosario Dawson, Chazz Palminteri, Dianne Wiest

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Finally, a movie that understands gritty storytelling, with plenty of sorrow and emotion, but without thinking too much of itself. Robert Downey, Jr. is stellar as a disenchanted son, trying to find his way home to his father (Palminteri) and reconcile his feelings about leaving behind the loved ones he had not yet lost by the conclusion of his troubled teens. Surrounded by many particularly touching moments, this movie accurately and honestly exposes the truth about people - they don't change. I like to reflect on this in my own life. I think this movie, although explicit beyond the normally acceptable range in both language and situational violence, is about who we are at the core and how once you know this, you know who you really are.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
It is an incredibly stark, yet fulfilling experience to watch this movie. There is nothing but an academy worthy ensemble to lead you towards understanding the inherent value of our human complexities, especially as situations go awry and our lives run aground.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
You can just shut this movie off and never think about it again, but it is a taxing movie to watch. Be ready for a moving struggle regardless of who you are.

SPECIAL FEATURES
There's a host of commentaries, unreleased footage and the director's attempts at better beginning or ending the movie.