THE CONTRACT (2006)

TITLE
The Contract

STARRING
Morgan Freeman, John Cusack, Ned Bellamy, Bill Smitrovich, Jamie Anderson, Megan Dodds, Alice Krige

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Every now and again, the fates that be drop a gem in our lap that bypasses the conventional theatre debut. What makes a movie like The Contract a find, is that the film is actually good and probably deserved to hit theatres (this film has both A-listers and a big production budget). It lacks the polish of the theatrical release it could have been, a scene is left in that should have been cut and there isn't much of any soundtrack, but on the whole this is an action movie about a contract killer (Freeman) intercepted by authorities en route to his destination and through an unpredictable course of events initiated by his associates he is stranded in the wilderness, finding himself thankful to be alive but under citizen's arrest by a disconnected father and son duo (Cusack and Anderson) attempting to make their way towards civilization.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
For all those who love John Cusack as a romantic lead and are still waiting for him to stand outside their house with boom box raised above his head, I will allow you your moment of silence and a minute or two to regain your composure, for that Cusack is dead and the one you'll now know is that of father, husband, or widower. He's 41 years old folks, this was bound to happen sometime! Good news is that he's believable as a quirky imperfect sort of dad, in the same way he wasn't a traditional suave male lead, its a reasonable cast. Freeman, always the professional could read stock quotes and indexes to me and I would listen with eager interest. I enjoyed investing in these characters and though this plot was developed and made several times over, The Contract offers a twist. Who really is the bad guy?

I would most certainly rent or watch this film again.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Yes.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Some, but not chocked full of everything one typically expects with a direct to DVD release.

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THE NUMBER 23

TITLE
The Number 23

STARRING
Jim Carrey, Virginia Madsen, Logan Lerman, Rhona Mitra, Danny Huston

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
I pose the following question: "why must we take an average movie a hail it as something of importance simply because it casts a comedic actor as its lead?" In earnest, the Number 23 was an average thriller that left too many things in the balance and offered relatively weak performances. As a husband and wife coping with the ritual of daily life and a divergence of talents, career aspirations, and friends, Jim Carrey and Virginia Madsen should easily be able to pull off these less than challenging roles, yet it appears to confound them. Madsen is a more than reliable actress earning accolades for her dramatic work, but comedy and character acting also come naturally. If anyone recalls Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, you know Carrey is capable of a demanding dramatic performance though it is clearly an aside from his traditional work as Ace Ventura and a string of other comedic maladies hinging only on Carrey's ability to contort his face. Number 23 offers other challenges, only one which it solidly meets; the development of Danny Huston's character. Perhaps his character is eerily simple and that is why it is effective, but where the movie casts doubt on the sincerity of his intentions are some of the best executions.


WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I was bored by this film overall. Remnants of good writing all but vanish after the first few scenes and they get sloppy with some of the details, especially the Finglerling cover-up of the Tollins murder. Especially dismal is the attempt deafen audiences with the realization that Carrey's characters share a past and present. There's nothing exceptional about this cinematic revelation and when you are going to wrap intersecting storylines like this one with convergence of characters, it must be someone jarring. That's what thriller hinge on and this one drops the ball in that respect.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Yes and no. If you are looking for graphic horror or a humorous Jim Carrey, this is not your film. Great expectations in general will not be met.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Ugggh, yippee and interview with Joel Schumacher and Jim Carrey.

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RENAISSANCE (2006)

TITLE
Renaissance

STARRING
Daniel Craig, Catherine McCormack, Romola Garai, Rick Warden, Ian Holm, Jonathan Pryce

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Five years from now, the technology employed to create Renaissance will probably be mainstreamed once Hollywood realizes its cost effectiveness. Though it has a similar feel to A Scanner Darkly, its actually very different. Scanner painted each of the scenes from original film, Renaissance uses motion capture technology to create animation. Allegedly, the process took seven years, which by no means guarantees a certain level of quality, but it does signify process and budget were considerations. So here's the thing; its clearly sci-fi, set in Paris circa 2054, where beauty and longevity are valued above all else and monitoring the movement of citizens is standard operating procedure, Renaissance follows a cop (Craig) as he unravels the disappearance of a promising researcher (Garai) whose work for the largest purveyor of youth would change the world. Amidst the turmoil , he falls inconveniently in love with her less-than admirable sister (McCormack).

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
It always takes me a few minutes to get into this kind of film, we are creatures of habit and I wait to see familiar faces. The few criticisms I must make is that sci-fi, which revolves around alternate forms of society is best done by using very graphic imagery that evokes a sense of uncertainty within the audience. The society created in Renaissance does not feel dramatically different than our own. Especially ineffective was the film's attempt at impressing upon you how important youth is, even though it is the most central element to the plot. To make this work, we had to be able to see more than animated backdrops and advertisements.

I like the dishonesty in the characters. Not normally a feature of characters I find admirable, there's hardly a hero to be found among them. This is much more consistent with how events would play out in real life. In his least heroic move, Craig's character is bitterly earnest about the information he does not share with his new love.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Yes, especially the techies!

SPECIAL FEATURES
Loads.

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THE HILLS HAVE EYES II (2007)

TITLE
The Hills Have Eyes II

STARRING
Jessica Stroup, Michael McMillian, Eric Edelstein, Michael Bailey Smith, Lee Thompson Young, Daniella Alonso, Flex Alexander, Jacob Vargas, Archie Kao

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
There are so many actors in this film that you've seen elsewhere. You would think this talent might translate to something worthwhile. Well, any value this film has to offer is lost after the first series of brutal attacks. There are issues with protocol and information dissemination. (We aren't in a draft situation yet, so do we really have to take the guy in the National Guard who stands in opposition to the president and war?) The fatal flaw appears to be bad writing from the start (thanks Cravens). Then there's an even poorer execution on the part of somewhat unknown director Martin Weisz. A bright point in the film is the the characters of Johnson and Napoleon (Stroup and McMillian) who's struggle and quickness is not overacted - a difficult thing to do when you are getting paid per scream. Set against the backdrop of the last day of desert training, a small troop of National Guard members is sent on a search a recovery mission in Sector 61 where some missing military scientists failed to complete their operative. The flunke soldiers soon discover that their lives hang in the balance as they fight desperately against a family of mutants, descended from miners who are severely altered by their exposure to radiation and generations of inbreeding.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I am aware that I should stop watching these kinds of movies - especially the Wes Craven (and now sons') fare of the horror genre. He may be worshipped in certain circles, but I've never thought him very original or his films very noteworthy.

Perhaps in the case of horror movies, the source material must first be good before the final product can be something of merit. For example, if you start with Stephen King short stories or novels, it's your fault as the filmmaker if it doesn't translate well onscreen.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Ewww gross - definitely not for everyone.

SPECIAL FEATURES
I rarely say this, but after the movie, I just didn't think I could stomach many more of the "special features."

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THE CONTRACTOR (2007)

TITLE
The Contractor

STARRING
Wesley Snipes, Lena Headey, Eliza Bennett, Ralph Brown, Charles Dance

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Not bad for a direct to DVD release. You could do worse when looking for a rental. Assuming you have decent, but not absurdly high expectations normally exceeded by the action genre, The Contractor offers some decent acting and a reasonable plot.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Snipes is an action pro and though it doesn't get better than the Blade trilogy, this film is tempting. There is something tangible about his character in The Contractor, I've always wondered how people get out of those scenarios, you know the impossible kind; wanted for multiple crimes, little to no resources, stuck in a foreign country, and no passport with only a kid to help you!

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Yes, perhaps more than you think.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Slim to none in these offerings, some deleted scenes.

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THE LAST TIME (2006)

TITLE
The Last Time

STARRING
Micheal Keaton, Amber Valetta, Brendan Fraser, Michael Lerner, Thomas Crawford, Neal McDonough

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Fascinating premise, absolutely a original and quite clever idea, the execution is more stereotypical but until the end, you really cannot be loyal to any of the characters and that is just darn good writing for what admittedly seems to be a real flop of a movie - in terms of performance.

Without saying too much, I can easily tell you that things are not what they appear, and if you pay attention, you'll catch this after a few scenes. Fraser is the key. I'm thinking the title has at least several different applications to the movie and its source material. I am also feeling like I've seen a black and white movie, possibly from the 50's with a nearly similar premise that was also good.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Well, I was nowhere near as bored as I thought I would be and upon discovering in fact that Michael Keaton is still alive, by way of this movie, my husband and I both concluded this is some of his most solid acting in recent years. Valetta and Fraiser are good supporting actors, but neither manages to steal the show from Keaton. I still think the writing is excellent - kudos to Michael Caleo.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Yes, but adult-themed in nature, - meaning it's less gripping for younger audiences, not highly sexual or profane.

SPECIAL FEATURES
A real snooze.

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PREMONITION (2007)

TITLE
Premonition

STARRING
Sandra Bullock, Julian McMahon, Nia Long, Peter Stormare, Amber Valetta, Irene Ziegler, Courtney Taylor Burness, Shyann McClure

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
The concept for the movie is mildly interesting, but its execution is far from ideal. Premonition occurs during roughly one week in the lives of Linda and Jim Hanson (Bullock and McMahon) a couple whose idyllic love has faded over the 10 years since their wedding, giving way to the more mundane aspects of suburban life including raising two girls (Burness and McClure) and for Jim Hanson, exploring a relationship outside the home with a work colleague (Valetta). The week flows in and out of order, initially it has a rhythm, but then it fails to follow format in what is clearly an attempt to better develop the characters and reconnect them in a way where it is believable that Bullock's character would want to intervene on anticipated death of her husband despite his betrayals. The kids are solid actresses and while I am generally opposed to children in movies with adult themes these kids added something to the family.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
This is no Lake House (my apologies to loyal readers who did not enjoy that film); the ending in Premonition is merely predictable and the jump in timeline near the end to accommodate elements of the film which could have been established in a more functional way was just lost on the audience.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Sandra Bullock is her solid frantic self and Julian McMahon is less endearing this the egotistical surgeon he plays on Nip Tuck - so if you are fans of either you will probably enjoy it.

SPECIAL FEATURES
None to speak of.

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UNREST (2006)

(Part of HORRORFEST's 8 FILMS TO DIE FOR)

TITLE
Unrest

STARRING
Corri English, Scot Davis, Joshua Alba, Jay Jablonski, Derrick O'Connor, Marisa Petoro

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
It's trite and gruesome. Of course there are ridiculous elements from the very beginning and while I was disappointed this film lacked a more recognizable cast. Had this film featured Elisha Cuthbert, Shia LeBeouf, Zac Efron, etc. the film might have drawn a largely teen audience and succeeded in its marketing.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Disappointingly no better than your average horror flick and lacking most originality. Probably wouldn't watch it again! This might be my shortest review ever. I can hardly think of anything unique they did in this movie and while it was not the worst thing I've ever seen on screen, its certainly not worth writing home (or in this blog) about.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Hmmm. Not an all ages show for sure.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Slim to none.

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THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR (2006)

TITLE
The Peaceful Warrior

STARRING
Nick Nolte, Scott Melchlowicz, Amy Smart, Tim DeKay, Ashton Holmes, Paul Wesley, Agnes Bruckner

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
I tend to shake my head when I hear "based on a true story" because it's one of those causes where all of the truthful embellishments are abandoned. Most of the time, but especially in the cases of horror movies, they should read: "based on a true story when I was trippin' on acid" or "based on real-events, as I remember them when I was drunk out my mind." Now, this was based on the novel, by the same title authored by Dan Millman (Melchlowicz). As it were, a reckless accident on his part leaves him in a tragically diminished state just months before the national qualifiers for men's gymnastics. In a near to impossible feat, he rallies back from physical and personal devastation to return to his full grace under the steady tutelage of a man nicknamed by him as 'Socrates' (Nolte) whose powers and wisdom cannot be questioned or defied (think Morpheus from The Matrix series, except without all the trench coats and evil Agent Smiths running around).

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
There's some lag and it is a darn shame because this movie just isn't a closer. You know how it is when you go out and do some price comparison on a car you really want, but much to your surprise the manufacturer's competitor of the car you want has an even better deal for you. Unfortunately, in their infinite wisdom, they've marched out their newest salesperson and that one piece is keeping you from a purchase that is probably smarter and more financially responsible. This is that scenario put into film - exactly. Director Victor Salva just cannot seem to close the deal. He's got some great storytelling and hands-down, the best acting I've seen from Nolte in years, but there are times when Millman's petulance wears thin on the audience and the mystery of Smart and Nolte's characters is just too lingering.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Probably, these are usually more guy-oriented, but I say that and think anybody can get behind a story like this one, it just has to be told effectively.

SPECIAL FEATURES
I watched none of them - it's still debatable whether I'd check this film out again.

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DRIVING LESSONS (2006)

TITLE
Driving Lessons

STARRING
Laura Linney, Julie Walters, Rupert Grint

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Long movie but wonderfully full of the kind of grit that makes life a test of faith and the moments worthy of memory. Say what you will about the film, but the performances of Laura Linney as Christ-centered domineering matriarch and Julie Walters as her foe and an actress in the sunset of her life looking for a little companionship, are not to be missed. Rupert Grint (from the Harry Potter series) is certainly solid in his seemingly starring role for this low-budget little picture from across the pond.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Long on drive and short on desperation Driving Lessons is about so much more than the title could hope to convey. Reminiscent of About A Boy, but mixed with a blend heartache a'la of Great Expectations, this film has a lot to offer if you can get past the obvious shortcomings of the editing department. This is one of those movies that makes you wondered if there was even one anecdote left on the cutting room floor. The moments that were rightfully unedited will make you certain these performances deserve the praise I'm issuing.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
I would rate this as near to a chick flick as you can get with a male lead being among the primary focuses.

SPECIAL FEATURES
I found the commentary amusing.

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WICKED LITTLE THINGS (2006)

(Part of HORRORFEST's 8 FILMS TO DIE FOR)

TITLE
Wicked Little Things

STARRING
Lori Heuring, Scout Taylor-Compton, Chloe Moretz, Ben Cross

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Like the other Horrorfest films, this is a very underrated project. There's some gore, which makes this a little too graphic for your run-of-the-mill viewing public, but all in all, Wicked Little Things has an original plot and some decent character development that is typically not found in the horror genre. An ill-fated detonation in an Eastern Pennsylvania mine at the turn of the century results in the death of many innocent children whose spirits, hungry for revenge against the family owning the mine are doomed to haunt the local surroundings killing all that stand in their way, even kin.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
It wasn't bad, but there is just something unnerving about seeing little kids as zombie-like monsters with dark eyes and pale skin. I supposes that is the point of such costuming and make-up but even without the demise of several townspeople, the movie could have stood on its own. I was intrigued by the younger actresses in the film (Moretz and Taylor-Compton) but found the performance of their matriarch (Heuring) tired and disappointing. I would probably watch this movie again if on cable.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Sure - if they likes these types of movie.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Minimal and hardly worth the time.

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THE GRAVEDANCERS (2006)

(Part of HORRORFEST's 8 FILMS TO DIE FOR)

TITLE
The Gravedancers

STARRING
Dominic Purcell, Clare Kramer, Josie Maran, Marcus Thomas, Tchéky Karyo, Megahn Perry

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
The talent makes this movie bearable. If your a minor fan of movies you've probably seen most of the above characters and almost everyone knows Dominic Purcell as that guy from Fox's Prison Break television show. Needless to say, this film neither relied on a good script or savvy computer generated imagery. The CGI is in fact, horrible and especially hokey towards the end of the film. If I didn't know that films are not often shot in order of scenes, I would think funds ran out in about the last 20 minutes.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
It was fun, almost funny at times, but the talent did the best with what they were given.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Sure - nothing to scary for anyone in this film.

SPECIAL FEATURES
No.

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THE ABANDONED (2006)

(Part of HORRORFEST's 8 FILMS TO DIE FOR)

TITLE
The Abandoned

STARRING
Anastasia Hille, Karl Roden, Valentin Ganev, Carlos Reig-Plaza, Paraskeva Djukelova

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Very underrated film; probably one of the better horror movies to come out, but there are distinct issues with it reaching the mainstream. One of the most gruesome scenes depicting the demise of Nicolai (Roden) I link closely with something from Hannibal, that by most standards was too fraught with graphic imagery to be seriously considered, though Hannibal the movie came from Hannibal the novel, which was also reasonably awful. Additionally, the cast is primarily unknown to U.S. audiences and attachment to these characters doesn't really sink it as it should. Excellent direction, plot and concept. I've never seen a horror movie come full circle like this movie, there are so many translations of the title that can be made, but the only one which matters is divulged in the last two minutes of the film. At its most basic level, the movie follows the sordid passage of Marie Jones (Hille) in her attempt to discover her true origin after the death of an estranged birth parent in an unknown Russian homeland.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Honestly, I had a very difficult time with a couple of the scenes, as I said, their graphic nature kept this movie from reaching audiences and were just not essential to what I would already have considered an intelligent thriller. I'm not sure how one markets a movie this complex and gets the right audience to the film whose expectations can be met. It's almost better to come in with few expectations and allow yourself to remain open-minded. The Abandoned is truly a creative take on some very old material. Because there is little CGI the film can be pulled off without hokey low-budget special effects.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
I rate this as a film for adult horror/thriller fans only.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Not many, but all of these movies feature all of the trailers for the series of After Dark's HORRORFEST.

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PRIDE (2007)

TITLE
Pride

STARRING
Terrance Howard, Bernie Mac, Kimberly Elise, Tom Arnold, Brandon Fobbs, Nate Parker, Regine Nehy, Kevin Phillips

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Awesome - inspired by actual events, and in all fairness, it was pretty darn accurate. This was a pleasant surprise in a rental I would typically have passed over for lack of interest and plenty of other options. On a lark, I decided a film about inspiring inner-city kids to throw down their basketballs and bad habits for a swim aspirations set against the aftermath of the late-1960's racial tensions would be a safe bet. It turned out to be one of the better movies for Terrance Howard, who's a hit or miss in my book. I'm certain I've never loved Bernie Mac more as the curmudgeon whose job hang in the balance of uncertain times when the city threatens to close the recreation center where he works. The real talent of the bunch is the relative newcomer Regine Nehy, who portrays the spirited Willie, the only girl on the all-boy swim league.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Good story, great writing - perhaps it takes an element of truth to make a movie this enjoyable. Look for great casting which keeps you entertained through and through.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
A resounding yes!

SPECIAL FEATURES
Sadly very boring offerings, but many, many trailers.

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DEAD SILENCE (2007)

TITLE
Dead Silence

STARRING
Donnie Wahlberg, Amber Valletta, Ryan Kwanten, Bob Gunton

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
If I never see another one of these movies it will be too soon. For everyone out there who thinks M. Night's movies are all the same - I say this to you; at least they are the same high quality, intelligent yet accessible films. It takes nothing to write a movie like Dead Silence, so you have to bank on talent or effects to pull something off of interest. When you anchor is Donnie Glitter Wahlberg and that chic from Hitch, we know which route you took. Prepare for a sub-par predictable attempt at scaring or thrilling teenagers who are out on date night with of all things, a puppet.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I wouldn't. Just once - let's have a really good reason for not turning on the lights, using common sense, or carrying a weapon that features a strap on it to make sure when you run, it doesn't just go flying out into the oblivion.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
I should hope not!

SPECIAL FEATURES
None to speak of - really, they were lame.

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BIG NOTHING (2006)

TITLE
Big Nothing

STARRING
Simon Pegg, Daid Schwimmer, Alice Eve, Natascha McElhone, Mimi Rogers, Mitchell Mullen, Billy Asher, Jon Polito

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
It's definitely clever. David Schwimmer (Friends) and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead) star as unlikely co-horts in a scheme set to earn them a much-needed couple million for extorting the unsavory site visits of one of the call center's best customers, a Reverend (Mullen). Unfortunately, their ill-advised plan is eclipsed by the Reverend's wife (Rogers) own intentions to dispose of her husband and the meddlesome local authorities (Asher and Politio) one of whom (McElhone) who happens to be married to Schwimmer's character. The film is less a mainstream comedy and more dark, even through the demise of many characters appears warranted.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
A genuinely interesting movie, which was well-acted; an amazing feat for the likes of Schwimmer. I'm beginning to think Pegg is the talent in the comedy genre we've been waiting for since the days of Monty Python.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
It's off-beat; less odd or graphic than Fargo, but still something you have to be in the mood to enjoy!

SPECIAL FEATURES
No.

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BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (2007)

TITLE
Blood and Chocolate

STARRING
Agnes Bruckner, Hugh Dancy, Oliver Martinez, Katja Riemann, Bryan Dick

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
This has to be the poorest title and worst marketing of a movie in history. Well, I'm sure there are others, but not a lot of them and this film is a much better than the title alludes to - in fact, the title is worthy of a Sci-Fi Channel Original Movie, not a major release. As for the the film it is fantasy/horror and depicts the trials of a young werewolf (Bruckner) who falls in love with a human (Dancy), despite being promised to the pack leader (Martinez) whose many undesirable qualities are destroying the pack. As that description does not do much to entice, see below.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
I once heard that Anges Bruckner must be the nicest person in Hollywood as she continues to get cast in major motion pictures without them turning incredible profits or garnering much attention. Personally, I've found she looks too similar to Melissa George for me to distinguish her immediately or recall her roles without referencing www.IMDB.com , that said when I see her in a movie she gives a reliable performance. With fair amount of CGI to aid in the transformation from human to werewolf, the film is relatively unspoiled by gratuitous special effects. A coherent plot aids in tying together the characters; I've always thought filming in Eastern Europe adds quite a bit of class and scenery to films - this one is no exception. I enjoyed the movie, primarily because I was expecting a watered-down vampire story, and we have entered the year of the vampire movies with both I Am Legend and 30 Days of Night coming out later this year. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by a twist on the standard werewolf lore, and admist it, a decent love story.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Sure.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Nothing incredible and it is short on previews.

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STANDING STILL (2005)

TITLE
Standing Still

STARRING
Mena Suvari, James Van Der Beek, Amy Adams, Ethan Embry, Melissa Sagemiller, Adam Garcia, Lauren German, Colin Hanks, Jon Abrahams, Aaron Stanford, Marnette Patterson

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Frankly, the movie does little to center around an actor (Van Der Beek) who is too big even for himself and does a much better job of telling a collective of stories, especially those of the bride (Adams) and groom (Garcia) and best man (Stanford) and maid of honor (Sagemiller). The cast overall is a "who's who list" of the actors which starred in everything from Can't Hardly Wait to American Pie to Scream. The film is one which holds a lot of appeal for my generation both in the talent it employs and the topics it covers.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
There's nothing remarkable about the movie, but its interesting and I wouldn't turn it off if it were on cable. There are some great lines and it plays well for an independent feature, which usually struggle to be funny and dramatic at the same time.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Twenty-somethings recommended, definitely not kid-approved due to adult content and at one point, multiple strippers.

SPECIAL FEATURES
I was bored immediately by the commentary.

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BLACK SNAKE MOAN (2007)

TITLE
Black Snake Moan

STARRING
Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake, S. Epatha Merkerson, John Cothran, Jr., David Banner

WHAT THE BOX DOESN'T TELL YOU
Nothing could have prepared me for what this movie was really about. The trailers were abysmal, at best. I've not wanted to go to see a film less in the easily the past ten years since I became a devotee of trailers and their marketing powers. Also, don't toss around the name Craig Brewer, writer/director of Hustle & Flow, as that movie neither struck a chord with me or convinced me of any writing/directing prowess he may have. Some of the performances were interesting, though not shockingly, I was appalled by the movie on all of my creative and feminist levels. Black Snake Moan is a different story, thankfully - and also one which delves deep into lifestyles and histories of characters that cannot be faked by less talented actors. This movie felt like something, not sure what, but it was real and was well-edited. One thing for Brewer that can be said is that he didn't let us down when it came to the soundtrack.

WHY I WOULD RENT IT AGAIN
Honestly, this was the movie in my queue that I looked forward to viewing the least thus far in 2007, but it surprised me and not just in the obvious ways like, "why did Samuel L. do that stupid Snakes on a Plane movie, he's a much better actor than that," or "even with implants Christina's boobs aren't as big as when she was heavier," and my favorite, "Justin Timberlake really is 'street'." This movie, like a diamond had some rough edges, but was charismatic in its harshness and appealed to me on a variety of levels.

WILL MY GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND LIKE IT?
Harsh topic = hard to like. Well worth the rental for all the reasons listed above.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Yes.

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