thePULSENovember’s hot DVD picks
November 4
Eight Crazy Nights [PG-13]
This oddball animated musical feature from cretin-lord Adam Sandler redefines the term “feature film”, in that it is a mere 71 minutes long (a cute short about Meatball, Sandler’s bulldog co-star from Little Nicky, is tacked on for padding). A rehash of an unmemorable routine from Sandler’s 1999 album, Stan and Judy’s Kid, the story pits an ink-and-paint version of Sandler as a troublemaking townie sentenced to community service. Packed with puerile poop jokes aplenty, the movie, in the eyes of many, negates the progress that Sandler made with his bold niche-escape attempt, Punch-Drunk Love. However, despite its choppy assembly line animation, it is a bittersweet holiday wish akin to Scrooged (1988), and its original songs are unpredictable and delightfully silly. Stay through the end credits for a third riotous installment of “The Chanukah Song”.
Finding Nemo [G] (2-DISC SET)
When Nemo (Alexander Gould), the only child of a widowed and neurotic clownfish named Marlin (Albert Brooks), is captured by divers and ends up in an aquarium halfway around the world, the race is on to save him. Perfectly simple, simply perfect. This 2-disc set is loaded with bonus material, including a tour of Pixar Studios and a sneak peek at next year’s feature, The Invincibles.
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde [PG-13]
Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) takes on Washington and plans a wedding in this delightfully daffy sequel to her 2001 hit. Also starring Sally Field and Bob Newhart, the movie serves as a lesson on how government works, and is just as effective as “Schoolhouse Rock” in doing so.
November 11
Gerry [R]
Psycho killer Gus Van Sant again frosts that thin line between love and hate for his craft and his audience with his latest film experiment. Simultaneously brilliant and maddeningly wretched, the film follows two guys named Gerry (Matt Damon and Casey Affleck) who become hopelessly lost in the desert. Van Sant previously directed the two actors in the Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting (1997). Those viewers resentful of the time they lost watching Damon in The Bourne Identity and Affleck in Soul Survivors may think that stranding the two lads is a good idea. Others will think the film bold and visually stunning. The film is very light on dialogue, all of which is improvised, and features long, lingering views of the desert scenery during which nothing happens. The result, as intended, is one of discomfort and lingering dread. Depending on the viewer, one may feel sympathy for either the two Gerrys or the unsuspecting folks who will rent the movie next. Either way, the film succeeds, by engaging its audience in its story, or challenging their notion of what art is.
Naked Lunch: The Criterion Collection [R]
The inner life of counterculture hero and LSD receptacle William S. Burroughs is depicted with a great deal of style in Spider director David Cronenberg’s trippy drama.
Pumping Iron [PG]
Before Arnold Schwarzenegger was “The Governator,” he was Mr. Universe, the competition for which is depicted in this long-unavailable 1976 documentary. A sequel, Pumping Iron II: The Women (1985) is also available.
La Strada: The Criterion Collection [NR]
Federico Fellini’s 1954 film, about a simple waif (Guilietta Masina) sold to a bullying circus strongman (Anthony Quinn), is considered by many to be his most beautiful.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines [R]
A year ago, killer robots from the future seemed more possible than an Austrian former bodybuilder elected as governor of California. However, after Jesse Ventura, anything is possible, including this soulless, high-concept sequel to the biggest sci-fi film of all time. Still, it’s a good idea to check the weather report in Hell. Available in both widescreen and full-frame versions.
November 18
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Special Extended DVD Edition: Gift Set (4-DISC SET)
“Double-dipping” may sound obscene…and it should. It is when a studio releases a movie on DVD, and then, a few months later, releases an even better version. Such is the case with Peter Jackson’s second installment in the trilogy, which runs over 40 minutes longer than the theatrical version (as if the movie needed to be longer). Available with or without the expensive Gollum figurine.
Once Upon a Time in the West [PG]
This long-awaited, 2-disc, feature-loaded version of Sergio Leone’s classic Western, starring Henry Fonda, Jason Robards and the late Charles Bronson, is finally on DVD. So is Leone’s 1984 Godfather wannabe, Once Upon a Time in America.
The Sea Is Watching [R]
This tale of love between a geisha and a samurai was the last thing that Japanese great Akira Kurosawa (The Seven Samurai) wrote before his death in 1998. Also being released, his final film as a director, 1993’s Madadayo, and his 1990 anthology, the fan favorite Dreams.
They Might Be Giants: Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns Together [NR]
Fans and non-fans of the quirky Grammy-winning duo “They Might Be Giants” will thrill to the over 4 hours of material on this impressive 2-disc set.
Tomb Raider 2: The Cradle of Life [PG-13]
This shallow, hyperkinetic adventure has one trick, aside from star Angelina Jolie’s “special effects.” It throws reality farther to the wind in every progressive scene, becoming increasingly more stupid overall. The whole thing plays like Raiders of the Lost Ark written by an illiterate, pubescent boy, which seems to be the movie’s target audience.
Winged Migration: Special Edition [G]
Director Jacques Perrin treats us to an up-close-and-personal look at the secret lives of our fine-feathered friends. In watching it, we are surprised not only by what we don’t know, but also by the fact that we enjoy it, despite its unconventional nature. Features the best soundtrack of the year, with an immersive score by Bruno Coulais (Vidocq) and songs by Nick Cave, Gabriel Yacoub and Robert Wyatt.
November 25
Bruce Almighty [PG-13]
What if God was one of us? Jim Carrey finds out in this hit comedy, which also stars Jennifer Aniston. For another good laugh, check out co-writer Steve Oedekerk’s slightly creepy, but always hilarious, Thumb movies (6 in all). Almighty then! Available in widescreen and full-frame versions.
The Legend Of Suriyothai [R]
This Thai historical epic is on par with the likes of David Lean, and was executive produced (and edited) by Godfather guru Francis Ford Coppola. A true spectacle.
Man on the Train [R]
French veteran actor Jean Rochefort, best known recently for his role as Don Quixote in Lost In Lamancha, shines as an unassuming gent living out his golden years in reserved isolation. He is ably countered by pop singer’s Johnny Hallyday stoic gangster, looking to get away from it all.
X2: X-Men United [PG-13]
In this slightly top-heavy sequel to the 2000 hit, we witness an unconventional alliance between Dr. Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his nemesis, Magneto (Ian McKellen). A mutant-hating professional soldier with the key to Wolverine’s x-otic origins, Gen. William Stryker (Brian Cox), sets in motion a plan for the wholesale x-termination of all mutants everywhere. Naturally, he does not succeed, as there is too much money to be made with X3: X-Men Back In Hot Water, or whatever Fox will call the sequel when they inevitably announce it. Available in widescreen and full-frame editions.
