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Kym’s Picks for October 2011

Kym — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:04:53 +0000

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Hanna — Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) is a teenager raised and trained by her father (Eric Bana), an ex-CIA operative, to become a highly skilled assassin. But when she’s sent on a deadly mission across Europe, Hanna takes to an English family and starts longing for a normal life. She must first solve the puzzle of her mysterious past, however. Joe Wright (Atonement) directs this tense actioneer; Cate Blanchett also stars.

Attack the Block — When aliens attack a South London neighborhood, a teen gang pulls together to protect their turf by any means necessary. But extraterrestrials prove far more formidable than anyone they ever jumped on the streets.
Cast: Nick Frost, Jodie Whittaker, Luke Treadaway, John Boyega, Alex Esmail
Director: Joe Cornish

The Princess of Montpensier — Aristocrat Marie de Mézières (Mélanie Thierry) loves the dashing Duke Henri de Guise (Gaspard Ulliel), but her father (Philippe Magnan) forces her to marry a prince she doesn’t know (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet). With her new husband at war, Marie’s passion for Henri grows stronger than ever. Bertrand Tavernier directs this historical drama set against a backdrop of religious conflict in 16th-century France.

Mr. Nice — Rhys Ifans stars as privileged drug smuggler Howard Marks, who graduated from Oxford to become a top importer of marijuana into Britain in the 1960s. Marks poses as an MI5 agent to elude prison, and later campaigns for cannabis legalization. Bernard Rose directs this fascinating biopic that co-stars Chloe Sevigny as Marks’s wife, Judy, and David Thewlis as Marks’s Irish republican contact, Jim McCann.

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Elvira’s Haunted Hills — Elvira (Cassandra Peterson) is traveling to Paris for a performance, accompanied by her servant Zou Zou (Mary Jo Smith). The two women stop to spend the night at the creepy castle of Lord Vladimir Hellsubus (Richard O’Brien), a man plagued by a terrible curse. It seems that the spirit of Vladimir’s first wife looms large over the estate, and Vladimir’s second wife (Mary Scheer) is none too happy about her lingering presence.

Submarine — When he learns that his mother is on the verge of deserting his father for a dance instructor, young Welsh teen Oliver (Craig Roberts) resolves to do whatever it takes to save his parents’ marriage before the end of summer. Meanwhile, the offbeat lad also schemes to seduce pushy pyromaniac Jordana (Yasmin Paige) with nothing but the power of his mind. Richard Ayoade directs this quirky coming-of-age comedy based on a novel by Joe Dunthorne.

X-Men: First Class — In this exciting prequel to the X-Men series, Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr — the future Professor X and Magneto — are best friends dedicated to harnessing their powers and promoting the education of fellow mutants during the turbulent 1960s.

Beautiful Boy — This heartrending drama stars Michael Sheen as Bill Carroll, who is contemplating separating from his wife, Kate (Maria Bello), when the unimaginable happens: Their 18-year-old son, Sam (Kyle Gallner), commits mass murder at his university before killing himself. While coping with their grief, Bill and Kate must deal with the insatiable media, other parents furious at them for their son’s actions and their own questions about their culpability.

The Trip — Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the stars of the 2005 comedy Tristram Shandy, reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for this mockumentary about a pair of actors — handily named Steve and Rob — who embark on a foodie road trip across England. Mostly improvised and highlighting the duo’s penchant for dueling impressions of famous actors, the film follows them as they test their friendship while sampling the best restaurants in Northern England.

The Robber — Having developed a taste for the adrenaline that comes from the thrill of the chase, Austrian marathon runner Johann Rettenberger (Andreas Lust) turns his disciplined mind and world-class athletic talents to a new hobby: robbing banks in broad daylight. But for how long can the fleet-footed thief keep outrunning the police? Franziska Weisz co-stars in this drama based on a true story, directed by Benjamin Heisenberg.

Baaria — Over the course of the 20th century, three generations of a family face tumultuous personal and political events as their lives unfold in the Sicilian town of Bagheria — referred to as Baarìa by many locals. Acclaimed writer-director Guiseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso, Malena) based his intimate comedy epic on his own experiences growing up in this village. Francesco Scianna, Margaret Madè, Raoul Bova, Laura Chiatti and Monica Bellucci co-star in this Golden Globe nominee.

Bridesmaids — Named her best friend’s maid of honor, down-on-her-luck Annie’s competition with a fellow bridesmaid, the wealthy and beautiful Helen, threatens to destroy the wedding. Meanwhile, a local cop takes a liking to Annie.

Bad Teacher — Cameron Diaz stars as Elizabeth Halsey, a scheming and coarse-tongued middle school teacher who gets dumped by her wealthy boyfriend and rebounds by sinking her claws into a handsome substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake).

Sucker Punch — Gambler and hustler Ray Davidson is scraping hard when he meets street fighter Charles Buchinsky, who has all the talent Ray needs to get rich quick. After cleaning up on their first bout, Ray finds himself deep in debt — and in danger of worse.

Captain America: The First Avenger — Marvel launches another super franchise with this action-packed origin story, which follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as he volunteers for a secret experiment during World War II. Transformed into a superhero named Captain America, Steve goes after the Axis. With his perfect physique and heightened reflexes — and his sidekick, Bucky (Sebastian Stan) — Steve battles the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), a super soldier created by Italian fascists.

An Invisible Sign — When a puzzling disease devastates her beloved father, math prodigy Mona Gray deals with the pain by isolating herself from the rest of the world and turning for comfort to the reliable world of mathematics. But when she later teaches math to troubled grade school kids, Mona discovers that her gift can be a route back from her long emotional exile. Marilyn Agrelo directs and Jessica Alba stars in this adaptation of the book by Aimee Bender.

The Countess — Blaming her advancing age for a failed romance with a younger man, 16th-century Hungarian countess Erzebet Báthory begins murdering virgin girls and bathing in their blood, believing that the grim ritual will restore her youthful beauty.
Cast: Julie Delpy, Daniel Brühl, William Hurt, Anamaria Marinca
Director: Julie Delpy

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Moby Dick — William Hurt stars as the fiery Capt. Ahab in this star-studded TV miniseries based on Herman Melville’s classic novel about 19th-century whalers. Determined to kill the white beast that chomped off his leg, Ahab leads his crew on a wild chase.
Cast: William Hurt, Ethan Hawke, Charlie Cox Eddie Marsan, Gillian Anderson, Billy Boyd, Raoul Trujillo, Donald Sutherland

Wishful Drinking — Most know Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia from the Star Wars films, but in this one-woman stage performance, she reveals a more personal story. Raised in a family of movie stars, Fisher went on to battle drugs, alcohol, depression and more.

Snuff Box — Brit Matt Berry and Yank Rich Fulcher play a hangman and his assistant, respectively, in this exceedingly dark BBC comedy series. With much of the action taking place at “a gentleman’s club for hangmen,” the lads run into awkward situations aplenty.

Hamlet at Elsinore — The BBC’s landmark 1964 production of Shakespeare’s tragedy features an all-star cast, many of whom were not yet famous at the time of production, and marks the first time since 1910 that a film of the play was shot on location at Elsinore, Denmark.

Robot Chicken: S5 — This offbeat stop-motion series returns with even more irreverent animation that knows no bounds when it comes to going “too far.” Highlights include parodies of Saving Private Ryan, Malcolm X and Catch Me If You Can.

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Ken Burns: Prohibition — Ken Burns’s fascinating multipart documentary examines the history of alcohol in America, including the events leading up to the passage of the 18th Amendment, the social and legal effects of prohibiting alcohol, and the repeal of Prohibition.

Tibet in Song — Ngawang Choephel’s documentary delves into the determination and fortitude of the Tibetan people to save their cultural identity of music in contemporary Tibet. Calling their centuries-old land “an ocean of music and dance,” those who can still relate the meaning of this description fight to not let folklore die in the face of Chinese-sponsored pop culture. Choephel brings the struggle to light and features the beauty of his homeland’s song.

The People vs George Lucas — Building a balanced but spirited case without taking sides, Swiss filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe sets up the decades-old conflict between Star Wars director (and writer and producer) George Lucas and his legions of passionate fans. A “participatory documentary,” the film includes the usual mix of interviews but blends them with various fan films that were submitted online, resulting in an unusually democratic final cut.

How the States Got Their Shapes — Brian Unger hosts this clever road documentary series blending history, politics and geography to show how America’s states got their current borders. Each episode focuses on a unique regional history, tracing shifts in U.S. demographics and culture.

Magic Trip — Using found footage captured by author Ken Kesey (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), filmmakers Alison Ellwood and Alex Gibney re-create the writer’s infamous 1964 road trip to New York’s Tomorrowland. And what a long, strange trip it was. While riding high on LSD in a brightly painted school bus, Kesey’s inner circle of Merry Pranksters explore the limits of the mind and the possibilities of drug-addled imagination.

Hot Coffee — Filmmaker Susan Saladoff directs this documentary that examines the case of Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants the so-called “hot coffee lawsuit” in which a woman sued the fast-food giant after she spilled her coffee and burned herself. Looking past the scathing negative publicity of the trial, Saladoff examines the insidious reasons why McDonald’s invested heaps of money to sway public opinion against the plaintiff.

Filed under: Kym's Picks -- New Netflix DVDs

Kym’s Picks for September 2011

Kym — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 04:46:24 +0000

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Thor — Kenneth Branagh directs this Marvel Comics-inspired action flick about the thunder god Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful warrior whose father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) — the king of Asgard — forces him to live among humans on Earth and learn humility. Once there, he finds a friend (Natalie Portman), along with unexpected enemies sent from his world. Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgård and Rene Russo co-star.

Win Win — When down-on-his-luck part-time high school wrestling coach Mike agrees to become legal guardian to an elderly man, his ward’s troubled grandson turns out to be a star grappler, sparking dreams of a big win — until the boy’s mother retrieves him.

Paul — Nick Frost and Simon Pegg star as two science-fiction freaks who, while on a quest to discover what lies at the heart of Nevada’s infamous Area 51, cross paths with an alien (voice of Seth Rogen) on the run from earthly authorities. The irreverent duo that brought us Shaun of the Dead assembled an impressive cast that includes Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig and Blythe Danner for this raucous cross-country romp.

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Everything Must Go — Director-writer Dan Rush makes his film debut with this dramedy based on a Raymond Carver short story about Nick (Will Ferrell), a good-hearted but relapsed alcoholic who decides to live on his front lawn after losing his job and being thrown out by his wife.

Your Highness — When a twisted wizard kidnaps the virginal fiancée of a valiant prince, his ne’er-do-well brother grudgingly joins his sibling on a quest to save the beautiful damsel. Along the way, the duo meets their match in the form of a fetching female warrior.

Lourdes — Confined to a wheelchair for most of her life, lonely Christine (Sylvie Testud) devises a plan to change her circumstances by journeying to Lourdes, the small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where many flock to be healed. The journey yields startling results for our isolated hero in director Jessica Hausner’s Austrian drama, an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.

The Last Lullaby — Offered a huge sum to ice a beautiful young librarian (Sasha Alexander) who witnessed a murder, a retired — and increasingly restless — hit man (Tom Sizemore) gets back in the assassination game … until he begins falling for his mark. Directed by Jeffrey Goodman and based on a short story by Max Allan Collins, this tense indie thriller also stars Sprague Grayden, Bill Smitrovich and Jerry Hardin.

Incendies — When their mother’s will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-nominated drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese civil war in the 1970s.

Hesher — Struggling to accept the death of his mother, T.J. (Devin Brochu) befriends Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a twentysomething misfit who becomes both a mentor and a bad influence on the lost and awkward teen. Hesher soon invites himself to live with T.J. and his self-medicating dad (Rainn Wilson). Their bizarre relationship is tested when T.J. develops a crush on a supermarket checkout girl (Natalie Portman) who rescues him from a gang of bullies.

Jane Eyre — Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her love for her brooding employer and his secret past, young governess Jane Eyre reflects on her youth and the events that led her to the misty moors in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel.

Bride Flight — Set in the 1950s, this lush epic centers on Ada, Marjorie and Esther, Dutch brides-to-be flying to New Zealand to take up married life. On the trip, they form a bond and meet a dashing cowboy who alters their lives in unseen ways.

Bal — Six-year-old Yusuf delights in accompanying his father, Yakup, into the woods, where they gather honey from homemade beehives. But one day, Yakup travels to a faraway forest, and Yusuf stops speaking. Several days pass, and Yusuf’s mother begins to worry about her husband’s whereabouts and her son’s silence. Inspired by a mysterious dream, Yusuf sets out to find his father. Bora Altas, Tülin Özen and Erdal Besikçioglu star in this Turkish drama.

Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz — The classic cartoon cat-and-mouse team is swept into an old but new world in this recasting of The Wizard of Oz, with familiar characters Dorothy, Toto and the Tin Man on hand to follow the yellow brick road with Tom and Jerry.

Henry’s Crime — Keanu Reeves stars in this dark comedy as Henry, an affable tollbooth worker in Buffalo, N.Y., who finds himself on the wrong end of justice when he’s accused and convicted of a bank robbery that he didn’t commit. After getting some advice from an old convict (James Caan) while spending time in the clink, Henry hatches a daring scheme of his own. Vera Farmiga, Judy Greer and Peter Stormare co-star.

Today’s Special — After he gets passed over for promotion, haute cuisine sous chef Samir (Aasif Mandvi) quits to pursue his dream of cooking in Paris, but an emergency forces him to take over his family’s shabby Indian restaurant in Queens. Taxi driver-turned-chef Akbar (Naseeruddin Shah) shares his passion for Indian food with Samir, whose romance with fellow chef Carrie (Jess Weixler) fuels his desire to prove himself and save the restaurant.

The Ledge — This unusual, character-driven thriller follows young hotel manager Gavin (Charlie Hunnam), who steps out onto a high ledge to commit suicide. World-weary police officer Hollis (Terrence Howard) is assigned to talk him down but is tormented by traumatic issues of his own. The men find themselves debating atheism, faith and the meaning of life, and soon are embroiled in a battle of wills that has each man questioning his commitment to his chosen path.

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Midsomer Murders: The Great and the Good — Nobody believes a teacher who claims she keeps hearing a prowler in her house — until a man who may be infatuated with her winds up dead in her garden. As Barnaby and Jones investigate, they discover a host of rivalries and intrigues in the village.

The Creeper — While a thief known as “The Creeper” stages a series of robberies at the homes of Midsomer’s elite, a dinner guest at Chettham Park House turns up dead. As Barnaby and Jones investigate, they begin to see links between the burglaries and the murder.

Small Mercies — In this installment of the beloved British mystery series, DCI Tom Barnaby and DS Ben Jones investigate the bizarre circumstances surrounding the murder of a man discovered staked out in a model village like the protagonist of Gulliver’s Travels.

The Hour — This six-part political thriller focuses on the launch of a new BBC news program in June 1956, as the Suez Crisis is unfolding in the Middle East. The story follows the efforts of the show’s staff to reveal the tangled politics of the era.

Carlos (Miniseries) — Édgar Ramírez stars as Ilich Ramírez Sánchez — aka Carlos the Jackal — an elusive Venezuelan terrorist who executed scores of assassination plots, abductions and bombings across Europe and the Middle East. This Golden Globe-winning biopic follows Sanchez from 1973 to 1994 as he and his cohorts wreak havoc on the Left Bank in Paris, storm OPEC headquarters in Vienna and carry out other devastating acts of politically motivated violence. This is the 5 1/2 hour miniseries.

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American Harmony — Fifty barbershop quartets compete to win the coveted first-place title in the International Championships of Barbershop Singing. This fascinating documentary focuses on four contenders as it offers a glimpse of their eccentric world. Former champion quartet Max Q is favored to win, but they face stiff competition from heartthrob team OC Times, 30-year veterans Reveille and an outstanding rookie quartet, Vocal Spectrum.

Nostalgia for the Light — Two distinct activities are underway in Chile’s Atacama Desert: While astronomers study distant stars through a giant telescope, local people sift through the soil looking for graves of family members killed during the nation’s brutal political past. The region’s uniquely dry, clear air encourages both pursuits and inspires director Patricio Guzmán to draw metaphorical links between them in this thoughtful, heartfelt documentary.

Circo — Mexican ringmaster Tino struggles to operate his family’s long-running traveling circus in the midst of an economic downturn, while coping with the demands of his fed-up wife and four talented young children in this fascinating documentary.

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Filed under: Kym's Picks -- New Netflix DVDs

Kym’s Picks for August 2011

Kym — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:50:26 +0000

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Tracker — Arjan (Ray Winstone), a hard-bitten guerilla fresh from the Boer War, takes a job tracking down Kereama (Temuera Morrison), a Maori warrior accused of killing a British soldier. Kereama, who proves to be elusive prey, maintains his innocence. As the tracker catches and loses his target time and again, a bond forms between the two men — and for the first time, Arjan feels conflicted about his calling.

Limitless — With his writing career dragging and his girlfriend casting him off, Eddie Morra’s life turns around when he takes a drug that provides astonishing mental focus — but its deadly side effects threaten his future.

The Beaver — Suffering from a severe case of depression, toy company CEO Walter Black (Mel Gibson) begins using a beaver hand puppet to help him open up to his family. With his father seemingly going insane, adolescent son Porter (Anton Yelchin) pushes for his parents to get a divorce. Jodie Foster directs and co-stars as Walter’s wife in this dark comedy that also features Riley Thomas Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence.

Outcasts — Set in 2040, this BBC sci-fi drama focuses on the residents of the frontier town of Forthaven on the planet Carpathia — a region colonized by a hardy group of settlers who rocketed away from Earth in the wake of war and nuclear devastation.

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Cold Weather — After things go south for former forensic science major Doug (Cris Lankenau), he leaves Chicago and returns home to Oregon to live with his sister, Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn) — and soon finds himself entangled in an unexpected situation that calls on his investigative mind. Together with Gail and his friend Carlos, Doug uses his forensic skills and the techniques he’s learned as a detective fiction enthusiast to unravel the mystery he encounters.

Queen to Play — Intrigued by a pair of vacationing lovers playing chess, hotel maid Hélène sets her sights on mastering the game. With some coaching from a doctor who employs her services, Hélène hones her chess skills and begins to notice big changes in her life.

Priest — In this horror-thriller based on the popular comic book series, Paul Bettany plays Priest, a man-of-the-cloth hell-bent on rescuing his niece while taking down a horde of rampaging vampires in the process. With a terrific cast that includes Karl Urban, Maggie Q, Christopher Plummer and Brad Dourif, this is a genre-bending apocalyptic action movie that’s every bit as wild and blood-soaked as its source material.

The Conspirator — Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.

Idiots and Angels — In this animated dark comedy, Angel is in a battle for his soul when he wakes up one morning with wings on his back and is forced to face his selfish and morally bankrupt ways. Trying to use the wings for evil, he’s swayed by their divine influence. As others plot to steal his wings, Angel finds love and redemption in the most unexpected way. Filmmaker Bill Plympton features music from Tom Waits, Pink Martini and others in this surreal tale.

Trollhunter — Three students enter the Norwegian woods to film a documentary on a bear poacher named Hans. When they find him, he claims that bear hunting is just a ruse, and that he actually tracks trolls for the Norwegian government! This footage captures the trio as they follow Hans deep into the forest. If the hunter’s story is true, they’ll have the makings of the best student film in history. Otto Jespersen, Glenn Erland Tosterud, Johanna Mørck and Tomas Alf Larsen star.

Poetry — A poetry-writing class inspires serenely self-possessed grandmother Mija (Jeong-hie Yun) to open her senses to her suburban surroundings, but in rushes an array of unsettling discoveries in this lyrical South Korean melodrama. Along with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease comes information that Mija’s teenage grandson was party to a horrific incident, and it is left to Mija to compose order from the untidy emotional consequences.

The Chameleon — Nicholas Barclay, the long-missing son of a Texas family, answers his mother’s prayers when he resurfaces with the sensational story that he escaped from a child prostitution ring in this gripping true-crime thriller.

Sympathy for Delicious –Struggling for survival on the rough streets of Los Angeles, newly paralyzed DJ “Delicious” Dean O’Dwyer gains the supernatural ability to heal the sick. But he uses the gift to capitalize on his dreams of rock success in this offbeat drama. Written by Thornton, Mark Ruffalo’s directorial debut also stars Orlando Bloom as the front man of a rock band and Laura Linney as the group’s persistent manager.

Neds — In 1972 Glasgow, Joe enters middle school and is ostracized for his intellect and brother Benny’s fierce reputation. Joe follows in Benny’s footsteps and becomes a NED — a non-educated delinquent — transforming into a vicious thug to survive.

Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension — After following Dr. Doofenshmirtz into an alternate universe via his Otherdimensionator, Phineas and Ferb make a surprising discovery about their pet platypus, Perry: He’s been working as a skilled secret agent.

Little Big Soldier — Jackie Chan stars as a grizzled veteran who kidnaps a young enemy general (Lee-Hom Wang), then escorts him on a long journey to collect a reward, in this comic martial arts extravaganza set in the days of ancient China. But as their perilous road trip unfolds, the old soldier soon realizes he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Chan also wrote the screenplay for this film directed by Sheng Ding.

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Police, Adjective — Undercover cop Cristi (Dragos Bucur) trails suspected pot dealer Victor (Radu Costin) through the decrepit streets of Vaslui, but when he learns that the suspect is just a teen who sometimes gets high with his pals, he refuses to make an arrest. Unfortunately, Cristi’s boss (Ioan Stoica) isn’t quite as forgiving. The Romanian New Wave rolls on strongly with this complex drama from writer-director Corneliu Porumboiu.

In a Better World — Danish director Susanne Bier delves into the realm of fathers, sons and their perceived burden of male responsibility with this Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning drama about the interplay between two dysfunctional families. With his father working abroad, bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) finds solace in a budding friendship with a volatile new student (William Jøhnk Nielsen). But the boys’ shared revenge only seems to invite more violence.

Cell 211 — Knocked out cold during his first day on the job, prison officer Juan (Alberto Ammann) awakens to realize that his co-workers have abandoned him in the middle of an inmate uprising. To survive, Juan must pose as a prisoner and befriend the riot’s leader, Malamadre (Luis Tosar). As the violence escalates and political fallout mounts, Juan must use all his cunning to stay alive in this masterfully suspenseful Spanish thriller.

The Perfect Host — A fugitive on the lam decides to crash a dinner party. But he seriously regrets it when the mysterious and unusual host soon has him convinced that he would have been better off hiding somewhere else. David Hyde Pierce plays the memorable Warwick Wilson; Nathaniel Parker, Clayne Crawford and Helen Reddy also star in this thriller from first-time feature writer-director Nick Tomnay.

Rio — When a cooped-up macaw named Blu leaves the confines of his birdcage behind for the tropical climes of Rio de Janeiro, he’s forced to wing it and re-examine everything he knows about life — and being a bird.

Chillar Party — Eight feisty boys who live in the same housing complex befriend young drifter Bheedu and his dog. When a mean politician threatens Bheedu’s way of life, the boys band together to campaign against the grown-ups in honor of their innocent pal.

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Tower Prep — In this imaginative high school mystery drama, rebellious young Ian Archer gets a whole new start in life after getting suspended: He wakes up to find himself enrolled not just in another school but in a completely unfamiliar reality as well.

The Event — Everyman Sean Walker finds himself drawn into a conspiracy of global implications when his girlfriend goes missing during an ocean cruise. Evidence of extraterrestrial life on earth comes to light, and Sean must race to save the love of his life.

Doc Martin — In this feature-length prequel to the hit series, London-based obstetrician Dr. Martin Bamford leaves his cheating wife and goes on holiday in a quaint Cornish village, where he soon finds himself swept up in a peculiar mystery.

Doc Martin and the Legend of the Cloutie — In the second of two films that precede the popular series, Dr. Martin Bamford is now practicing medicine in a charming seaside village, where he tries to frighten away Londoners who want to buy a farmhouse he wants for himself.

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The Greatest Movie Ever Sold — Intrepid filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) directs this entertaining, bitingly ironic documentary, which scrutinizes the pervasive marketing, advertising and product placement practices that have become de rigueur in the entertainment industry. Cheerfully using the proceeds gleaned from product placement within this film to finance it (and underscore his point), Spurlock reveals the corporate power that saturates both film and television.

Forks Over Knives — Focusing on the research of two food scientists, this earnest documentary reveals that despite broad advances in medical technology, the popularity of modern processed foods has led to epidemic rates of obesity, diabetes and other diseases.

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Filed under: Kym's Picks -- New Netflix DVDs

Kym’s Picks for July 2011

Kym — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:11:46 +0000

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Rango– Johnny Depp lends his voice to the portrayal of the title character, an adventurous family pet who leaves home to learn more about himself, in this family-friendly animated adventure directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean). The star-studded cast of vocal talent also includes Abigail Breslin, Isla Fisher, Alfred Molina, Ray Winstone, Harry Dean Stanton, Ned Beatty, Stephen Root and Bill Nighy.

13 Assassins — To stop a tyrant from murdering and exploiting innocent civilians, 13 samurai warriors unite and prepare to end his life. But to kill the evildoer, the assassins must contend with an army of deadly bodyguards who outnumber them by a wide margin. Directed by acclaimed and prolific Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike, this action-packed samurai remake features Yusuke Iseya, Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Tsuyoshi Ihara.

The Eagle — Haunted by the disappearance of his father, who vanished with the Roman Ninth Legion on an expedition into the north of Britain, centurion Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum) sets out to unravel the mystery and recover the legion’s eagle standard. But in the wilds of Caledonia, the soldier and his British slave (Jamie Bell) encounter fierce native tribes and other dangers. Kevin Macdonald directs this adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliff’s novel.

Source Code — Jake Gyllenhaal portrays a soldier recruited for a time-bending government investigation that places him in another man’s mind and body, reliving the same traumatic event repeatedly in an effort to identify the perpetrators of a terrorist bombing. Vera Farmiga plays a communications specialist who provides the vital link to the soldier’s primary reality as he searches for critical clues within a recurring nightmare.

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Illegal — Olivier Masset-Depasse directs this drama that follows the story of Tania (Anne Coesens) and her teenage son, Ivan (Alexandre Gontcharov), Russian immigrants who are in Belgium illegally. Tania lives in fear of being found out — and one day, her worst nightmare becomes a reality. During a routine police check, Tania is apprehended — but she refuses to accept the fact that she’ll be deported and separated from her son.

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives — Under the care of his dedicated sister-in-law, terminally ill Uncle Boonmee spends his final days reminiscing about his past lives with the recently arrived ghost of his dead wife and his long-missing son.

Red Riding Hood — In this horror-fantasy reimagining of the classic tale, young Valerie juggles a difficult romantic decision with feelings of fear and grief as her town is terrorized by a legendary werewolf, which has killed her sister and hungers to feast again. Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Virginia Madsen, Lukas Haas, Julie Christie. Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Green Lantern: Emerald Nights — Geek god Nathan Fillion fills in as the voice of Green Lantern Hal Jordan in this animated six-story anthology of adventures built around the crime-fighting prowess of the intergalactic Green Lantern Corps (and based on the popular DC Comics characters).

Battle: Los Angeles — Led by their skillful staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart), a platoon of gutsy Marines, including Santos (Michelle Rodriguez), Simmons (Taylor Handley) and Lockett (Cory Hardrict), fight to protect all humankind from astonishingly powerful aliens who’ve suddenly invaded Los Angeles. Jonathan Liebesman (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning) directs this sci-fi film that also stars Lucas Till, Ramon Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan and Michael Peña.

The Lincoln Lawyer — Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet, who’s been charged with assault, lawyer Mick Haller finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces the truth behind this and former cases he’s worked on. Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy. Director: Brad Furman

Miral — After she rescues dozens of children who survived a massacre in Jerusalem in 1948, Palestinian Hind Husseini (Hiam Abbass) establishes an orphanage that helps thousands of other children left homeless by violence. But the success of her peace-through-education institution is tested when pupil Miral (Freida Pinto) gets a taste of radical politics in the region’s refugee camps. Julian Schnabel directs this film that co-stars Willem Dafoe.

Dumbstruck — What may seem to be an obsolete art — stage ventriloquism — is found to be alive and well in the United States in this affectionately wacky documentary that follows five ventriloquists, starting with their annual gathering at Kentucky’s Vent Haven.

Potiche — Director François Ozon spins a deft social comedy of the French bourgeoisie starring some of that country’s most celebrated actors, including Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve and Fabrice Luchini. After Suzanne Pujol’s (Deneuve) husband has a heart attack, she must take charge of the umbrella factory he manages. The resulting clashes between the genteel Suzanne and the Marxist union boss (Depardieu) generate plenty of riotous class conflict.

Unknown — Liam Neeson stars in this taut thriller as a man who regains consciousness after an auto accident only to discover that another man is impersonating him, and that no one — not even his wife (January Jones) — recognizes his identity as the real Dr. Martin Harris. Finding himself with an unexpected ally (Diane Kruger), Harris struggles to solve the mystery and hang onto his own wits, while also being stalked by anonymous killers.

Small Town Murder Songs — Tormented by his past and seeking redemption, Walter (Peter Stormare), the police chief of a Canadian Mennonite community, tries to solve a startling murder for which Steve (Stephen Eric McIntyre), the creepy boyfriend of Walter’s bitter ex-lover (Jill Hennessy), is the chief suspect. Although he has a new, supportive girlfriend (Martha Plimpton), Walter is overwhelmed by the case and his stern family’s disapproval in this intriguing thriller.

Cracks — Jordan Scott — daughter of helmer Ridley Scott — makes her directing debut with this thriller set at a British all-girls boarding school between World War I and II and starring Eva Green as a popular teacher and coach of the swim team. When a new girl arrives at the cliquish and hormonally charged institution, jealousies erupt, obsessions arise and, eventually, a student disappears in this film that also stars Juno Temple and María Valverde.

The Adjustment Bureau — A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.”

Leon Morin, Priest — As spiritual guardian of his tiny French town during the Nazi occupation, priest Leon Morin is convinced that anyone can be saved. So, when communist militant Barny barges into his church and tears his religion apart, he reacts with compassion. Cast: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Emmanuelle Riva, Irene Tunc, Nicole Mirel. Director: Jean-Pierre Melville

Winter in Wartime — This sumptuously photographed drama focuses on 14-year-old Michiel (Martijn Lakemeier) as he wrestles with family loyalties, painful choices between safety and courage, and the harsh realities of war during the last, desperate winter of World War II. Michiel is forced onto the path of adulthood as he attempts to aid a wounded British pilot (Jamie Campbell Bower) in German-occupied Netherlands, despite his father’s apparent cooperation with enemy soldiers.

Season of the Witch — In 14th-century Europe, a courageous knight (Nicolas Cage) leads a group of weary warriors across impossibly treacherous terrain in order to transport a suspected witch (Claire Foy) believed to be responsible for spreading the devastating Black Plague. Filmed on location in Austria, director Dominic Sena’s supernatural adventure also stars Ron Perlman, Stephen Graham, Ulrich Thomsen and Stephen Campbell Moore.

Trust — After curious and vulnerable teenager Annie (Liana Liberato) falls into a trap set by an online sexual predator, her family begins to disintegrate, uncertain how to cope with such a devastating tragedy. Utterly consumed by rage, her father (Clive Owen) sets out seeking vengeance. Directed by David Schwimmer, this intensely emotional drama also stars Viola Davis, Jason Clarke and Catherine Keener.

Life During Wartime — Filmmaker Todd Solondz revisits his Happiness characters in this tale about three sisters, Trish (Allison Janney) and Joy (Shirley Henderson), each married to degenerate men, and estranged Helen (Ally Sheedy), as they ponder the virtues of forgiving and forgetting. As Joy visits Trish to escape problems with her perverted, druggy husband, Trish is unaware that her own ex-husband, a pedophile whom she’s claimed is dead, is now out of prison.

Jackboots on Whitehall — Set in an alternate reality where the Nazis gain control of London during World War II, this satirical comedy follows daring young farmworker Chris (Ewan McGregor) as he tries to rescue Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall) and vanquish the intimidating German invaders. Meticulously made using puppets and model sets, this hilarious movie also features the voices of Tom Wilkinson, Rosamund Pike and Alan Cumming.

Sucker Punch — In this mind-warping action thriller, Baby Doll (Emily Browning), a girl slated for lobotomy in a 1950s-era asylum, leads a group of young female inmates in an attempt to escape both their mental fantasy worlds and the actual institution where they are prisoners. To accomplish her plan, Baby Doll must steal five objects — but is the man who’s trying to stop her real, or a figment of her imagination? Zack Snyder (Watchmen) directs.

Ironclad — Backed by his “Magnificent Seven,” a principled Knight Templar (James Purefoy) defends Rochester Castle from the ruthless King John (Paul Giamatti) and his advancing armies, who seek to rule England’s free men by force — no matter what the Magna Carta might say. Charles Dance, Kate Mara, Jason Flemyng, Brian Cox and Derek Jacobi co-star in this action-packed period piece set at the height of the Middle Ages.

Outside the Law — Left without a home in their native land, three Algerian brothers (Jamel Debbouze, Roschdy Zem and Sami Bouajila) split from their mother and seek out strikingly dissimilar lives. But fate won’t keep the siblings apart, eventually summoning them all to Paris for a reunion. Director Rachid Bouchareb’s momentous drama — set amid Algeria’s post-World War II fight for independence from France — earned an Oscar nod for Best Foreign Language Film.

A Screaming Man — Adam (Youssouf Djaoro) was a security guard at a posh Chad hotel until its new owners replaced him with his son (Dioucounda Koma). In this nation torn apart by civil war, citizens are called upon to help. But Adam only has one thing to give, forcing him to make a devastating choice. Emile Abossolo M’bo and Djénéba Koné co-star in this powerful drama, winner of the Jury Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

My Dog Tulip — Based on J.R. Ackerley’s 1956 autobiographical novel, this animated tale of a man and his dog features Christopher Plummer as the voice of Ackerley, a middle-aged writer whose life is changed forever when he adopts an 18-month-old German shepherd. Despite not being a dog lover, Ackerley finds his truest companionship with his skittish pup, Tulip. And so begins a 14-year friendship filled with all the mischief, wonder and unconditional love a dog can bring.

Dear Lemon Lima — After a selfish boyfriend dumps her, Vanessa Lemor (Savanah Wiltfong) decides to soothe her broken heart by embracing her Yupik heritage and encouraging her misfit pals at a prestigious Alaskan prep school to compete in the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Along the way, the awkward teen learns to find her place in the community in director Suzi Yoonessi’s touching film about identity, friendship and tradition.

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Reggie Perrin — Martin Clunes stars in this updated BBC comedy (based on a popular sitcom of the 1970s) as Reginald Perrin, an executive who oversees the production of disposable razors — and his own midlife crisis — while working for the Groomtech company. Cast:Martin Clunes, Fay Ripley, Lucy Liemann, Jim Howick, Kerry Howard, Nick Mohammed

Zen — Based on the novels of British writer Michael Dibdin, this “Masterpiece Mystery” series tracks the cases of prickly ace detective Aurelio Zen, a gifted Italian gumshoe who solves murders in and around modern-day Rome. Cast: Rufus Sewell, Caterina Murino, Julie Cox, Callum Blue, Valentina Cervi

Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost — The seventh installation of this popular crime-drama series finds alcoholic former Paradise, Mass. police chief Jesse Stone back investigating the apparent drug-related suicide of a young friend is actually foul play. Cast: Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker, Kohl Sudduth, Stephen McHattie, William Devane, William Sadler, Saul Rubinek

Filed under: Kym's Picks -- New Netflix DVDs

Post-Apocalyptic Movie Database

Kym — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 06:37:49 +0000

via apocalypticmovies.com

Filed under: Bits and Pieces

Netflix Instant Watch — Expiring August 1

Kym — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:36:20 +0000

About a Boy – Will Lightman (Hugh Grant) is a rich, hip, irresponsible Londoner who, in search of available women, invents an imaginary son and starts attending single-parent meetings — confident in both parties’ inability to make a commitment. But when Will meets Marcus (Nicholas Hoult), the troubled 12-year-old son of a depressed single mother (Toni Collette), a quirky and unexpected friendship blooms as both Will and Marcus help each other grow up.

Body Heat – In a sizzling-hot Florida town, attorney Ned Racine (William Hurt) becomes dangerously involved with the sultry Matty Walker (Kathleen Turner) — and promptly schemes for a way to get her wealthy, much-older husband out of the picture. Ned’s knowledge of legal matters may enable both conspirators to escape scot-free — and Matty is craftier than anyone ever dreamed. Lawrence Kasdan directs this throwback to the early days of film noir.

Croupier – Would-be writer Jack Manfred (Clive Owen) lands a job as a croupier so he can stand behind the dealer’s table and watch the passing parade of human desperation. But is he a voyeur or a pawn in a gambler’s (Alex Kingston) dangerous game? Director Mike Hodges sticks a knife into London’s gambling underbelly and lets it rip in this smart, sexy crime thriller, creating a murky world that keeps you guessing until the end.

Eat Drink Man Woman – Distracted by their complicated love lives and secret ambitions, three adult sisters reluctantly humor their widower father (Sihung Lung) by enduring the elaborate, traditional Taiwanese dinners he insists on having every Sunday. Ang Lee directs this charming tale that humorously examines the clash between modernity and tradition within the contemporary Taiwanese family. Yu-Wen Wang, Chien-lien Wu and Kuei-Mei Yang co-star.

Flawless – Homophobe Walt Koontz (Robert De Niro) suffers a debilitating stroke and must take therapeutic singing lessons for his paralyzed larynx. But his teacher happens to be his neighbor, Rusty Zimmerman (Philip Seymour Hoffman) — a florid drag queen who despises bigoted straight people. Can the pair work through their prejudices and meet in the middle? Joel Schumacher directs this comedy-drama co-starring Daphne Rubin-Vega.

The Fountain – In this sci-fi drama that spans a millennium, a man (Hugh Jackman) searches for a tree believed to grant eternal life in 16th-century Spain; seeks a cure for his wife’s (Rachel Weisz) cancer as a present-day scientist; and traverses the universe as a 26th-century astronaut. As he travels through time in an epic struggle to save the woman he loves, he also comes to understand some of life’s murkiest mysteries.

Get Shorty – When Miami loan shark Chili Palmer (John Travolta) travels to Los Angeles to get money from a “client,” he ends up getting involved in the film business. His foot in the door is washed-up producer Gene Hackman, who owes the mob megabucks. But Palmer must juggle a Miami rival, an egotistical star (Danny DeVito) and a local loan shark chasing Hackman in this comic cocktail.

Ghost in the Shell – In 2029, a hacker known as the Puppet Master is taking over the minds of computer-enhanced humans. Government agent cyborg Motoko Kusanagi is charged with apprehending the villain, unaware that the fiend is searching for her as well — with plans to carry out a diabolical mission. With fantastic visuals enhancing the complex story line, this cyberpunk classic set the standard for future anime features.

Ghost in the Shell 2.0 – A hacker is taking over the minds of computer-enhanced humans in this dazzlingly remastered version of the 1995 anime classic, with improved special effects engineered by the film’s director, Mamoru Oshii, and newly recorded sound and dialogue. Exploring the boundaries between human and machine intelligence in a striking visual style, the film follows a cyborg government agent on her hunt for the hijacker, known only as Puppet Master.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – Female cyborg Maj. Motoko Kusanagi and her team of Japanese police, Section 9, must decipher the secret behind a spate of android suicides, stop a far-reaching hacker conspiracy, solve a hostage/extortion situation and more. Based on the popular manga, this anime series explores a futuristic society where technology and cyber espionage reign supreme, along with new types of crime. Kenji Kamiyama directs.

Ghost in the Shell: SAC: 2nd Gig – Cyberworld’s been rendered helpless by clever terrorists who’ve used technology to their advantage. But a glimmer of hope remains thanks to the fearless troops of Chief Aramaki, who aims to stop them in their unrelenting tracks. As this heart-pounding anime series marches on, you’ll see Aramaki and the rest of the gang — including Togusa, Batou and Ishikawa — turn the tech battle up a notch to push the criminals to their limits.

Ghost in the Shell: SAC: 2nd Gig: Individual Eleven – In the year 2030, the world has been torn apart by World Wars III and IV. A death threat on the Japanese prime minister leads security agency Section 9 to a mysterious group of terrorists known as the Individual Eleven. While investigating a seemingly unrelated murder, Section 9′s Inspector Togusa uncovers a connection between the terrorists, the government and the recent influx of refugees.

Ghost in the Shell: SAC: The Laughing Man – Six years after a terrorist known as “the Laughing Man” tore through a string of nanotechnology firms, leaving a trail of kidnappings, computer hackings and general mayhem in his wake, the Japanese authorities are still looking for a suspect. But when Yamaguchi, the detective who’s been doggedly working on the case, mysteriously dies in a freak accident, Maj. Kusanagi of Public Safety Section 9 finds herself helming a new investigation.

King Lear – In this 2008 Royal Shakespeare Company production of the bard’s enduring tragedy, Ian McKellen (in an Emmy-nominated role) stars as the world-weary title character, a doting father who abdicates the throne and divides his empire among his three daughters (Frances Barber, Monica Dolan and Romola Garai). But the stage is set for betrayal when the sovereign announces that the daughter who loves him most will receive the largest share.

La Dolce Vita – Federico Fellini’s lush and intoxicating masterpiece, La Dolce Vita, is a meditation on the meaning of life and love and stars Marcello Mastroianni as Marcello, a gossip writer who seeks the fleeting excesses and decadence of life and sex. He sleeps with the beautiful Maddalena (Anouk Aimee), alienating and driving his lover, Emma (Yvonne Furneaux), to attempt suicide. When he meets an elusive actress, Sylvia (Anita Ekberg), he dives deep into the abyss.

La Moustache – Marc (Vincent Lindon) has worn a mustache all his adult life. One day on a whim, he decides to shave it off. Certain his wife will comment on the drastic change in his appearance, Marc is baffled when neither she nor friends notice at all. Even more disturbing is that once he calls attention to it, everyone insists he’s never had a mustache. Emmanuel Carrere’s film adaptation of his novel won a 2005 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight award.

Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro: Special Edition – The escapades of world-renowned thief Lupin III continue in this action-packed anime feature. Lupin, his sidekick, Jigen, and the samurai warrior Goemon set out to take over an evil counterfeit operation at Count Cagliostro’s impenetrable fortress. But if they fail to rescue the beautiful princess from the dark lord’s grip, they risk destroying the world — and losing the vast fortune of gold hidden within.

Made in Heaven – In this ethereal drama that toys with standard notions of love and mortality, Mike Shea (Timothy Hutton) — en route to California to start a new life — has a fatal accident and ascends to heaven, where he meets the beautiful Annie (Kelly McGillis). The catch? Unlike Mike, Annie has another reincarnation to complete, and the time comes when she’s called back to earth. Desperate not to lose his beloved, Mike makes a deal with his guardian angel.

The Man From Earth – Renowned sci-fi writer Jerome Bixby penned the script for this thought-provoking film starring David Lee Smith as John Oldman, a college professor who reveals to his colleagues that he’s actually a centuries-old caveman. And so begins a captivating philosophical meditation on immortality, the last work from screenwriter Bixby, who earned career accolades for his contributions to such genre-defining shows as “Star Trek” and “The Twilight Zone.”

Manufacturing Dissent – Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine’s documentary dissects Michael Moore’s unconventional approach to filmmaking. From his 1989 debut feature, Roger and Me, to Oscar winner Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11, Moore’s films are scrutinized with an emphasis on errors and omissions. The film includes interviews with Moore’s supporters and detractors, including Noam Chomsky, Ralph Nader, Christopher Hitchens, Albert Maysles and Janeane Garofalo.

Masters of Horror series — The following Masters of Horror titles expire August 1. Individual links can be found through the heading link for this entry, which goes to the Netflix Masters of Horror search page.

Brad Anderson: Sounds Like
Dario Argento: Jennifer
Dario Argento: Pelts
Don Cosacarelli: Incident On and Off a Mountain Road
Joe Dante: Homecoming
Joe Dante: The Screwfly Solution
John Carpenter: Cigarette Burns
John Carpenter: Pro-Life
John Landis: Deer Woman
John Landis: Family
John McNaughton: Haeckel’s Tale
Larry Cohen: Pick Me Up
Lucky McKee: Sick Girl
Mick Garris: Chocolate
Norio Tsuruta: Dream Cruise
Peter Medak: The Washingtonians
Rob Schmidt: Right to Die
Stuart Gordon: Dreams in the Witch House
Stuart Gordon: The Black Cat
Takashi Miike: Imprint
The V-Word
Tobe Hooper: Dance of the Dead
Tobe Hooper: The Damned Thing
Valerie on the Stairs
We All Scream for Ice Cream
William Malone: Fair Haired Child

Nick of Time – Just off the train in Los Angeles, unassuming accountant Gene Watson (Johnny Depp) and his 6-year-old daughter (Courtney Chase) get drawn into a conspiracy to snuff California’s governor (Marsha Mason). In the depot, Ms. Jones (Roma Maffia) snatches the girl while Mr. Smith (Christopher Walken) gives the dazed Watson a pistol, a half-dozen slugs and lays down the law: Whack the governor within 90 minutes, or it’s the end for the shrimp.

Noein – In this popular anime series from Japanese TV, 12-year-old Haruka and her friend Yuu are planning to run away from home — but then they meet Karasu, a space visitor from 15 years in the future. Suddenly, Haruka finds herself in the middle of a frenzied battle set years from the present, holding what Karasu and his fellow members of the Dragon Cavalry believe to be the key to saving humanity — the mysterious Dragon’s Torque.

Noise – Desperate for some peace and quiet, New York attorney David Owen (Tim Robbins) takes matters into his own hands. He starts by leaving notes on cars whose owners don’t turn off their alarms, but when he’s not getting the results he wants, he ups the ante. Soon, he becomes known as “the Rectifier,” alternately winning the adulation of citizens and the ire of the mayor (William Hurt). Bridget Moynahan co-stars.

Oyster Farmer – Down-on-his-luck drifter Jack Flange (Alex O’Loughlin) heads to a secluded oyster-farming community to wait for a parcel of stolen cash that he’s mailed to himself. But the package never arrives, and Jack suspects a beautiful postal worker named (what else?) Pearl (Diana Glenn) may be responsible for its disappearance. Anna Reeves directs this quirky but charming romance set along Australia’s Hawkesbury River.

Painkiller Jane – With a mission that sounds impossible — neutralizing mutants with superhuman intellects — DEA agent Jane Vasco is lucky to have some superhuman qualities of her own (namely, the ability to recover from any injury) in this sci-fi drama.

Quills – This Oscar-nominated drama profiles the notorious Marquis de Sade (Geoffrey Rush), a provocateur so addicted to words that he used an uncommon ink — his own blood — to write salacious stories while locked away in an insane asylum. Although the outraged Dr. Royer-Collard (Michael Caine) tries to prevent the Marquis from writing, a young worker (Kate Winslet) takes his dictation and stirs the passions of the asylum’s abbot (Joaquin Phoenix).

A Rather English Marriage – When their wives die on the same day in the same hospital room, two aging British World War II vets — upper-crust Reggie (Albert Finney) and retired milkman Roy (Tom Courtenay, in a BAFTA-winning performance) — become unlikely roommates in Reggie’s mansion. Their friendship blossoms until gold-digging Liz (Joanna Lumley) enters the picture with her sights set on Reggie in this beautifully acted Masterpiece Theatre comedy-drama.

Sid & Nancy – This gritty biopic portrays the relationship and downward spiral of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman) and his junkie girlfriend, Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb), from their first meeting soon after Vicious joined the iconic punk band to the tragic end of their story. Hole front woman Courtney Love plays Nancy’s friend, Gretchen, and music from the Clash’s Joe Strummer, the Pogues, the Circle Jerks and others is included on the soundtrack.

Skins – Lakota Sioux tribal police officer Rudy Yellow Lodge (Eric Schweig) struggles to rescue his older brother, Mogie (Graham Greene), a former football star who returned from Vietnam a cripple and now seeks only to drown his sorrows. This powerful story about life on a barren South Dakokta reservation is one of drama and activism, filled with humor and integrity and painted with vivid details of Native American life, spirit and myth.

Steal This Movie! – Counterculture icon Abbie Hoffman (Vincent D’Onofrio) vows to wake up a generation by taking on the establishment, but the peaceful protest he organizes with his wife, Anita (Janeane Garofalo), and his band of “Yippies” at the 1968 Democratic Convention turns unexpectedly violent. Hoffman stands trial and is freed on appeal, but he must endure constant government scrutiny that ultimately destroys his marriage.

Swingers – With the Los Angeles night scene as their playground, struggling comedian Mike’s pathetic love life prompts his friends, including smooth-talking ladies’ man Trent, to help him get over his ex.

Sword of the Valiant – A classic medieval English poem (“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”) provides the setting for this adaptation starring Sean Connery as King Arthur and Miles O’Keefe as Gawain, a fearless young squire who bests the mystical Green Knight in battle and must pay a heavy price for victory. In a case of swords versus sorcery, which will prevail?

That’ll Be the Day – The picture of disaffected British youth in the 1950s, Jim MacLaine (David Essex) leaves his working-class home life in search of something more enticing, then attempts to settle down before getting swept up by the burgeoning music craze known as rock ‘n’ roll. The film, which is rumored to be based on John Lennon’s early days, features Ringo Starr as MacLaine’s carnival crony, along with cameos by rockers Billy Fury and Keith Moon. Not available on DVD.

Thelma & Louise – Fed up with her boyfriend, live-wire Arkansas waitress Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) persuades her friend Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davis), a naïve housewife burdened with a negligent, sexist husband, to hit the road with her for a simple weekend of freedom. But after accidentally killing a man, the two friends wind up outlaws blazing a cathartic trail across America. Callie Khouri won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay.

Tripping the Rift: S1-3 – Ribald humor and crazy adventures rule in this CGI-animated, adult-oriented series about Chode McBlob, the captain of a spaceship full of oddballs and nutcases seeking fame, fortune and a little nookie throughout the galaxy. Sexpot cyborg Six, caustic pilot T’nuk, whiny engineer Gus and lazy foreman Whip work somewhat cheerfully under the scheming McBlob as they fend off hostile aliens and outwit the governmental controls of the Confederation.

Ulzana’s Raid – An idealistic lieutenant and an aging scout lock horns as they try to stop the attacks of a brutal Apache chief. While a violent battle with the insurgents brews, the unlikely pair attempt to agree long enough to defeat their common enemy. Not available on DVD.

Urbania – Gritty urban legends and harsh realities unfold in this adaptation of Daniel Reitz’s acclaimed play “Urban Folk Tales.” In a dream-like state, the grieving Charlie (Dan Futterman) spends a lonely night in New York City on the heels of a brooding stranger (Samuel Ball). A series of bizarre events and urban myths, including a poodle found dead in a microwave, leads to a climactic showdown where Charlie finds the redemption he’s been seeking.

Wall Street – Enterprising stockbroker Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) falls under the enticing spell of Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), an unabashedly greedy Wall Street arbitrageur who tutors him in the unscrupulous tactics that put the corporate raider on top. But when Gekko embroils his protégé in an insider-trading scheme that may risk the jobs of kith and kin, Fox develops a conscience and decides to turn the tables.

Where the Heart Is – Novalee Nation (Natalie Portman) is a 15-year-old Tennessee transient who has to grow up in a hurry when she’s left pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend on a roadside in Sequoyah, Okla., and takes refuge in the friendly aisles of Wal-Mart. In short order, some eccentric, kindly strangers (including Stockard Channing and Ashley Judd) “adopt” Novalee and her infant daughter, helping them buck the odds and build a new life.

Wild Rovers – From writer-director Blake Edwards comes this star-studded Western about a pair of cowhands (William Holden and Ryan O’Neal) who impulsively choose a new profession — bank robbery — when one of their cohorts is accidentally killed on the job. The two pull off their first heist but, in the process, run afoul of their former employer (Karl Malden), who vows to capture both criminals. Tom Skerritt and Joe Don Baker co-star.

Witness for the Prosecution – Based on an Agatha Christie play, this Oscar-nominated mystery directed and co-written by Billy Wilder concerns an esteemed and aging lawyer (Charles Laughton). On the eve of retiring, he takes on the defense of an alleged murderer (Tyrone Power, in his final film performance) accused of killing a wealthy widow. Things get complicated when the accused’s only alibi, his wife (Marlene Dietrich), decides to testify for the prosecution.

Wonder Boys – Directed by Curtis Hanson, this endearing slice of life centers on unraveling English professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas), who’s forced to confront his writer’s block, fear of aging and irresponsibility as he watches a student (Tobey Maguire) surpass him. Meanwhile, he contends with the consequences of an affair and fends off the advances of a young boarder (Katie Holmes). Steve Kloves earned an Oscar nod for his script.

The Young Lieutenant – Rookie detective Antoine Derouère (Jalil Lespert) accepts a position with Paris’s elite homicide division, where his first days as a new lieutenant are routine. But when the body of a drifter is found on the banks of the Seine, theentire squad is thrown into turmoil. Led by a recovering alcoholic unit commander (Nathalie Baye), Antoine and the seasoned investigative team unravel a case of shocking violence that will change their lives forever.

Filed under: Netflix Instant Watch: Expiring Soon

Instant Watch: Expiring Soon

Kym — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 05:58:09 +0000

07/16

The Parallax View — After the assassination of a leading U.S. senator, journalist Joseph Frady (Warren Beatty) notices that the reporters who witnessed the murder are inexplicably dying. Frady investigates and finds that the assassination was part of a conspiracy involving a shadowy therapy institute called the Parallax Corporation. Driven by curiosity, he infiltrates Parallax in an effort to uncover the truth. Hume Cronyn co-stars as Frady’s editor. Not available on DVD.

07/17

Caramel — A Lebanese beauty salon is the setting for this romantic comedy about five women and the various troubles they face, with director Nadine Labaki leading the cast as the shop’s owner, Layale, who’s heartbroken from a foundering affair. In the meantime, her employees are coming to grips with issues in their own lives, as are an actress-client facing old age and the seamstress next door, whose yearning for love is impeded by family loyalty.

The Jacket — John Maybury’s masterful thriller stars Adrien Brody as Jack Starks, a Persian Gulf War veteran who has lost his memories to amnesia. When Jack is accused of a heinous killing, he realizes he must find a way to prove his innocence. Desperate to unearth clues about his past, he seeks a controversial treatment that allows him to go back in time — which turns out to be a heart-wrenching decision when he realizes he’s destined for tragedy.

07/19

Rabbit-Proof Fence — Australia’s aboriginal integration program of the 1930s broke countless hearts — among them, those of young Molly (Evelyn Sampi), Gracie (Laura Monaghan) and Daisy (Tianna Sansbury), who were torn from their families and placed in an abusive orphanage. Without food or water, the girls resolve to make the 1,500-mile trek home. Meanwhile, a well-intentioned tracker is trying to return the girls to the authorities.

07/20

A Town Called Panic — Tag along for the small-town adventures of plastic toys Cowboy (voiced by Stéphane Aubier), Indian (Bruce Ellison) and Horse (Vincent Patar) when they buy 50 million bricks, setting into motion a crazy chain of events at their rambling rural home. Now trekking across distant lands, they end up in another world pludged under water in this film based on the Belgian television series of the same name. Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar direct.

07/21

Ballerina — Filmmaker Bertrand Normand’s fascinating documentary profiles five outstanding Russian ballerinas from the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre (the renamed Kirov Ballet), following them from grueling rehearsals to flawless performances around the globe. Dancers in the spotlight include gifted 18-year-old Alina Somova, the newest Mariinsky ballerina, along with Svetlana Zakharova, Evguenya Obraztsova, Diana Vishneva and Uliana Lopatkina.

07/22

The 400 Blows — After young Antoine (Jean-Pierre Léaud) runs away, life on the streets of Paris leads to nothing but trouble and guilt in this gritty feature film debut from legendary director François Truffaut. Though he turns to petty crime to survive, Antoine’s remorse often leads him to try to return things he’s stolen — with disastrous results. The film was nominated for a Best Screenplay Oscar and the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Battle of Algiers — One of the most influential films in the history of political cinema, Gillo Pontecorvo’s The Battle of Algiers focuses on the events of 1957, a key year in Algeria’s struggle for independence from France. Shot in the streets of Algiers in documentary style, the film vividly re-creates the tumultuous Algerian uprising against the occupying French. The violence soon escalates on both sides in this war drama that’s still astonishingly relevant.

Diabolique — (1954) The ailing spouse (Véra Clouzot) and manhandled mistress (Simone Signoret) of a sadistic boarding school headmaster (Paul Meurisse) plan and execute the man’s murder — but their plan goes haywire when the corpse vanishes. Henri-Georges Clouzot directs his real-life wife in this icy, black-and-white masterwork of homicide and Grand Guignol suspense, which ranked No. 49 on the Bravo network’s “100 Scariest Movie Moments.”

Fanny and Alexander — Director Ingmar Bergman’s autobiographical drama, the 1984 Best Foreign Film Oscar winner, depicts a family in crisis after its lively patriarch (Allan Edwall) dies unexpectedly, leaving his grieving wife (Ewa Froling) desperate to provide stability for her children. The widow marries a minister, but their new life proves to be foreboding and lonesome, so it’s up to the children’s grandmother (Gunn Wallgren) to infuse joy into their existence.

The Earrings of Madame de… — When General Andre de’s (Charles Boyer) wife, Louisa (Danielle Darrieux), decides to secretly sell the diamond earrings he gave her on their wedding day to pay off a troubling debt, she inadvertently sets off a chain of events that results in a whirlwind affair with an Italian baron (Vittorio De Sica). Based on the writings of Louise de Vilmorin, this beautifully crafted drama is considered legendary filmmaker Max Ophuls’s greatest work.

Jeffrey — In this comedy adapted from Paul Rudnick’s off-Broadway hit play, a young, gay actor/waiter (Steven Weber) finds “Mr. Right” after becoming celibate — a move inspired by his fear of AIDS. Struggling with the notion of commitment after learning his perfect mate is HIV positive, he relies on his best friend (Patrick Stewart, as an interior decorator), and a hilariously lascivious priest (Nathan Lane) to help him find the way.

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters — Director Paul Schrader and composer Philip Glass present a literate, sweeping chronicle of the life and work of controversial and challenging Japanese author and militarist Yukio Mishima, who committed suicide in 1970. The film is divided into thematic chapters, with color sequences illustrating scenes from Mishima’s most famous fictional works and black-and-white sequences recreating moments from his tormented personal life.

Pandora’s Box — G.W. Pabst’s visually striking silent melodrama examines the plight of Lulu (Louise Brooks), a mesmerizing woman whose uninhibited sexuality leads to her downfall. After marrying her wealthy lover, Dr. Schon (Fritz Kortner), Lulu inadvertently shoots him during a struggle. She’s convicted of murder but escapes with Schon’s lovestruck son (Francis Lederer). Soon, their circumstances spiral downward, with tragic results.

The Passion of Joan of Arc — Considered director Carl Theodor Dreyer’s finest achievement and one of the greatest movies of all time, this stunning emotional drama recounts the events surrounding Joan of Arc’s 1431 heresy trial, burning at the stake and subsequent martyrdom. The film’s original version, thought to have been lost to fire, was miraculously found in perfect condition in 1981. Maria Falconetti turns in a haunting performance as the young French saint.

Picnic at Hanging Rock — To celebrate Valentine’s Day, teachers at an austere Australian boarding school take a group of students on an outing to the mysterious Hanging Rock. Soon after their arrival, the headmistress and three girls go exploring and mysteriously disappear. One week later, a sole survivor returns to school — with hardly any memory of the incident. Peter Weir’s haunting tragedy alludes to several explanations but offers no clear-cut answers.

The Plague Dogs – Making a compelling case for animal rights, this disturbing animated feature chronicles the plight of two dogs who become the focus of an intense manhunt after escaping from a research lab where they were subjected to cruel and pointless tests. To keep citizens from capturing or sheltering the canines, authorities lie to the newspapers, claiming that the dogs may be carrying bubonic plague. Celebrity voices include John Hurt and Nigel Hawthorne.

Playtime — The celebrated Jacques Tati directs and stars in this brilliantly eccentric ode to humanity. Tati plays Monsieur Hulot, a Parisian who’s befuddled by the changes he witnesses in his beloved city, which has grown increasingly touristy. As Hulot roams the uncomfortably modern Paris with a group of American tourists, his story epitomizes the struggle of modern man to maintain a soul in the face of an impersonal world.

Purple Rain — In his semi-autobiographical film debut, Prince plays a hip Minneapolis club musician known as The Kid who struggles with a tumultuous home life and his own smoldering anger. He takes refuge in his music and in a budding relationship with a beautiful young singer, Apollonia (Apollonia). Winner of both an Academy Award and a Grammy for Best Original Musical Score, Purple Rain also stars Clarence Williams III and Morris Day.

The Rules of the Game — When affluent Marquis Robert de la Chesnaye (Marcel Dalio) hosts a party at his sprawling property, emotions run high. Guests include Robert’s mistress Genevieve (Mila Parely) and pilot Andre Jurieu (Roland Toutain), who fancies Robert’s wife, Christine (Nora Gregor). Meanwhile, Schumacher (Gaston Modot) is trying to keep Marceau (Julien Carette) from hitting on his wife (Paulette Dubost). All the while, the servants watch with great interest.

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea — When his widowed mother (Sarah Miles) takes up with sailor Jim Cameron (Kris Kristofferson), troubled adolescent Jonathan Osborne (Jonathan Kahn) worships the seaman … at first. But an antisocial schoolmate’s sinister influence soon turns the impressionable Jonathan against Jim. Earl Rhodes plays the disturbed young friend who leads Jonathan down a dark path in this unsettling drama directed by Lewis John Carlino. Not available on DVD.

Smiles of a Summer Night — Director Ingmar Bergman weaves an intricate romantic ruse with his film about a country estate that becomes a matchmaking haven in turn-of-the-century Sweden. During a long, lazy summer, eight singles gradually become four couples, often switching partners along the way. Some of Swedish cinema’s most celebrated faces appear, including Gunnar Bjornstrand, Eva Dahlbeck, Harriet Andersson and Ulla Jacobsson.

Tokyo Drifter — Seijun Suzuki directs this story of Tetsu (Tetsuya Watari), a former gang member who’s attempting to live the straight life. Tetsu faces a tough challenge when his gang is determined to pull him back into their world — or kill him if he refuses. Unable to handle the pressure, Tetsu hits the road and becomes a drifter, but his past is never far behind. Suzuki’s choreographed action sequences served as an inspiration for future gangster-film auteurs.

Ugetsu– With 16th century Japan’s feudal wars as a backdrop, director Kenji Mizoguchi’s lyrical masterpiece delivers a profound message about the ephemeral nature of human life. Despite the conflict raging around them, a potter (Masayuki Mori) and a farmer (Saka Ozawa) — two peasants with visions of grandeur — journey to the city seeking wealth and glory. But their blind ambition ultimately takes its toll … on the families they left behind.

The Wages of Fear — An oil company enlists four destitute drifters — Mario (Yves Montand), Luigi (Folco Lulli), Bimba (Peter Van Eyck) and Jo (Charles Vanel) — for a dangerous mission transporting volatile explosives across Central America’s treacherous terrain. Packed with nerve-racking tension that never lets up, director Henri-Georges Clouzot’s gritty masterpiece took home the Grand Prize at the 1953 Cannes Film Festival.

Umberto D — Bankrupt and lonely, an old man (Carlo Battisti) considers committing suicide. Since he has only a devoted dog and a maid (Lina Genneri) as his companions, things look bleak — until one day when the old man’s luck changes, giving him new hope. Director Vittorio De Sica’s touching portrait of one man’s effort to retain his pride in the face of adversity is a treasure of Italian post-war cinema.

07/28

Chac: The Rain God – Writer-director Rolando Klein’s powerful drama follows the plight of a small village of Tzeltal Indians in the midst of a devastating drought. When all other means fail, the villagers employ a mystical diviner who claims he can end their woes. Led by the strange mystic, 12 of the tribesmen embark on an arduous journey of faith, hopeful that their efforts can save the Mexican village from extinction.

Siddhartha — Adapted from the novel by Herman Hesse and filmed in a breathtaking part of Northern India by director-screenwriter Conrad Rooks and cinematographer Sven Nykvist, Siddhartha tells the story of a young man who seeks spiritual salvation but follows the path to material wealth instead — and soon realizes his life is empty and meaningless. Abandoning his riches, he resumes his search for spiritual well-being, with fascinating results.

Why Has Bodhi Dharma Left for the East? — In a secluded mountaintop monastery, an aging Zen master (Yi Pan-Yong), a young monk (Sin Won-Sop) and an orphaned boy (Hae-Jin Huang) immerse themselves in Buddhist teachings. As the master faces death, he steers his pupils away from the turbulent outside world and toward their pursuit of enlightenment. Neophyte director Bae Yong-kyun took seven years to plan and film this meditative, South Korean masterwork.

People of the Wind — An Oscar and Golden Globe nominee for Best Documentary, this captivating film traces the incredible journey of the Bakhtiari migration, one of the most rigorous tests of human endurance. Each year, the tribe braves an eight-week, 200-mile trek along Iran’s Zagros Mountains to reach summer pastures — with no towns or roads along the way. Breathtaking cinematography reveals much about the tribe’s culture and fascinating rituals.

07/31

Clay Pigeons — Death seems to follow Clay Birdwell (Joaquin Phoenix), a small-town Montanan who tries to end an affair with a woman (Georgina Cates) after her husband — his best friend — commits suicide. But when fast-talking serial killer Lester Long (Vince Vaughn) forges a friendship against Clay’s will, the death toll climbs even higher. Now, a feisty FBI agent (Janeane Garofalo) has Clay in her sights as the prime suspect.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button — David Fincher directs this Oscar-nominated tale of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) — a man who was born old and wrinkled but grows younger as the years go by — with a screenplay adapted from a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The plot throws linear conventions upside down to explore love, loss and memory from the perspective of a character living under incredibly unique — and unexpectedly difficult — circumstances. Cate Blanchett co-stars.

Edward II — The new king of England, Edward II (Steven Waddington), finds his throne compromised when he brings his lover, Gaveston (Andrew Tiernan), into the picture. Enraged, the queen (Tilda Swinton) embarks on a plot to take down the king at all costs. Directed by Derek Jarman, this modern, gay-themed rumination on the classic Christopher Marlowe play features an appearance by music legend Annie Lennox performing “Ev’rytime We Say Goodbye.”

The Turning Point — Herbert Ross’s classic drama from the 1970s stars Shirley MacLaine as DeeDee Rodgers, a former classical ballerina who cut short her rise to fame when she decided instead to settle down and raise children. But when her daughter, Emilia (Leslie Browne), shows promise as a ballerina, DeeDee is forced to confront the choices she made in the past and face off with Emma (Anne Bancroft), a famous dancer who longs for what DeeDee has. Not available on DVD.

Waterland — Jeremy Irons stars as despondent history teacher Tom Crick in this moody drama helmed by Stephen Gyllenhaal. With Crick’s wife (Sinéad Cusack) teetering on the edge of madness, he finds himself at a crisis point — which he grapples with by taking his class on a surreal field trip through his haunting memories. The supporting cast includes Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, David Morrissey, John Heard and Pete Postlethwaite.

Where Angels Fear to Tread — Director Charles Sturridge’s lavish adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel of the same name stars Helen Mirren as Lilia Herriton, a widowed Englishwoman who travels to Italy, weds a local man and becomes pregnant. But when Lilia dies in childbirth and her disapproving relatives arrive from England to retrieve the baby, they find trouble. The top-rate cast includes Rupert Graves, Helena Bonham Carter and Judy Davis.

Filed under: Netflix Instant Watch: Expiring Soon

8 Lines That Would Have Ended Star Wars Real Fast – Dorkly Article

Kym — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:00:04 +0000

via dorkly.com

Filed under: Bits and Pieces, Funny Stuff

Kym’s Picks: New DVD Releases for June 2011

Kym — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:29:40 +0000

True Grit — After drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) murders her father, 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) hires alcoholic U.S. Marshal Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her exact revenge. The disreputable lawman still has grit, though, and mounts an epic search. Joining the duo on their quest is a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) who’s also hunting for Chaney in this updated Western that received multiple Oscar nods, including Best Picture.

Elektra Luxx — In this sequel to Sebastian Gutierrez’s comedy Women in Trouble, Carla Gugino plays Elektra Luxx, a Valley-dwelling Los Angeles porn star who receives the kind of news that few women in her line of work want to hear: She’s pregnant. Adrianne Palicki and Joseph Gordon-Levitt reprise their roles from the first film, with Timothy Olyphant and Malin Akerman rounding out the cast of oddball characters.

Barney’s Version — Golden Globe winner Paul Giamatti stars as Barney Panofsky, a Jewish Canadian television producer who reflects in flashbacks on three strange decades — and three wives — in this adaptation of Mordecai Richler’s acclaimed novel. There’s Clara (Rachelle Lefevre), a free-spirited proponent of free love; “Mrs. P” (Minnie Driver), a self-centered princess; and Miriam (Rosamund Pike), the right woman who comes along at the wrong time.

36th Precinct — Rival cops Leo Vrinks (Daniel Auteuil) and Denis Klein (Gérard Depardieu) both seek to solve a series of robberies while vying for the same promotion in this tense crime drama from France. As their adversarial relationship intensifies, the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. When Vrinks’s wife (Valeria Golino) — who’s also Klein’s former girlfriend — is drawn into the fray, the competition grows even more brutal.

Kill the Irishman — This true crime tale from director Jonathan Hensleigh charts the bloody rise and fall of Irish mobster Danny Greene (Ray Stevenson), who faced down the Mafia to claim control of organized crime in Cleveland, Ohio, in the 1970s. Based on Rick Porrello’s book, Hensleigh’s hard-hitting film also features Christopher Walken as well-connected nightclub owner Shondor Birns and Val Kilmer as the cop who befriends Greene against his better judgement.

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The Housemaid — A wealthy family’s new maid, Eun-yi (Do-yeon Jeon), attracts the attention of Hoon (Jung-Jae Lee), the man of the house, and a fiery affair develops between them. But although Hoon signs Eun-yi’s checks, he’s not the one controlling the relationship. One secret leads to another, until Eun-yi threatens to destroy the entire family. This update of the 1960 chiller was an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

Carancho — A car accident on the streets of Argentina brings Luján (Martina Gusman) and Sosa (Ricardo Darín) together: she’s a doctor caring for the critically wounded driver, he’s a smooth-talking ambulance chaser with an eye on the dying man’s money. Passion draws them together, but in a nation rife with such accidents, love alone may not conquer their differences. Pablo Trapero’s thoughtful film is an Official Selection of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

The Concert — Golden Globe-nominated as Best Foreign Language Film, this uplifting comedy follows fallen Russian maestro Andrey Filipov (Aleksey Guskov), who seizes a chance to reunite his orchestra and reclaim his life 30 years after politics cut short his music career. After intercepting an invitation sent to the Bolshoi to perform at a Paris theater, Filipov gathers a ragtag band of ex-colleagues and a French violinist (Mélanie Laurent) to realize his dream.

Adrift — When a teenaged girl finds out that her debonair father, Matias (Vincent Cassel), is a philanderer, she enters into a voyeuristic world while trying to figure out her own burgeoning sexuality. Camilla Belle co-stars as Matias’s gorgeous mistress, Ângela, in this sensitive, coming-of-age drama set in the 1980s. Brazilian Heitor Dhalia writes and directs this film, which was an official selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

The Company Men — Written, directed and produced by John Wells (“The West Wing”), this indie drama stars Ben Affleck as a successful businessman who comes face-to-face with America’s downsizing epidemic when he loses his job and is forced to take a construction gig. Rounding out the all-star cast are Kevin Costner as Affleck’s brother-in-law, Tommy Lee Jones as a conflicted corporate bigwig and Chris Cooper as a paranoid executive.

In Her Skin — When pretty 15-year-old Rachel (Kate Bell) goes missing, the police dismiss the incident as a runaway, but her parents don’t believe it. Soon everyone suspects envious 19-year-old Caroline (Ruth Bradley), a heavyset, acne-ridden daughter of a domineering father (Sam Neill). Simone North writes and directs this Australian drama, which is based on a 1999 news story. Guy Pearce and Miranda Otto also star.

Another Year — Over the course of a tumultuous year, contented medical counselor Gerri (Ruth Sheen) and her geologist husband, Tom (Jim Broadbent), see their friends and relations through a series of happy events and heartbreaks — including a birth and a death. Imelda Staunton and Oliver Maltman co-star in this character-driven ensemble dramedy from writer-director Mike Leigh (Happy-Go-Lucky, Vera Drake, Secrets & Lies).

A Matador’s Mistress — In the 1940s, Manuel Rodríguez Sánchez (Adrien Brody), known to the world as Manolete, owned the Spanish bullring. This searing biopic follows his notorious affair with movie siren Lupe Sino (Penélope Cruz) at the height of his fame, and his death in the ring at age 30. Juan Echanove, Ann Mitchell and Rubén Ochandiano co-star in award-winning screenwriter Menno Meyjes’s directorial debut.

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The Big C: S1 — This dark comedy series finds unassuming housewife Cathy Jamison, recently estranged from her husband and now diagnosed with terminal cancer, deciding to finally live life on her own terms — consequences be damned.

The Glades — Abrasive homicide detective Jim Longworth hopes to massage his recently bruised ego by moving from Chicago to the Florida Everglades, but a new romantic relationship and the unusually high murder rate thwart his plans for relaxing on the golf course.

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Vanishing of the Bees — It’s a phenomenon with a name — Colony Collapse Disorder — but no explanation or solution exists. This documentary details the economic, political and ecological consequences of a dwindling world honeybee population. It also lends a personal perspective to the problem by tagging along with a pair of commercial beekeepers as they struggle to keep their bees hearty enough to fulfill their pollination contracts.

The Desert of Forbidden Art — Trace the incredible story of defiant visionary Igor Savitsky, an artist and museum curator who cunningly acquired more than 40,000 banned Soviet Union paintings and hid the illegal collection from the KGB in Uzbekistan’s Nukus Museum. In addition to rare archival footage and interviews with the artists’ children, this absorbing documentary also features letters and diary entries read by Ben Kingsley, Sally Field and Edward Asner.

Public Speaking — Martin Scorsese directs this cinematic portrait of quintessential New York writer Fran Lebowitz, capturing her character through raw footage and revealing interviews that let Lebowitz speak for herself.

American: The Bill Hicks Story — Since his tragic death from cancer at age 32, comedian Bill Hicks’s legend and stature have only grown, and this unique documentary tells his story, blending live footage, interviews and animation to fill in the details of a life cut short. A comic’s comic and unflagging critic of hypocrisy and cultural emptiness, Hicks was one of a kind, a Lenny Bruce for the late 20th century, and few are more deserving of this in-depth biographic treatment.

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Filed under: Kym's Picks -- New Netflix DVDs

Recently Watched: May 2011

Kym — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:44:20 +0000

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows P1 — The first installment of the two-part conclusion to the Harry Potter series finds the bespectacled wizard (Daniel Radcliffe) walking away from his last year at Hogwarts to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, putting an end to Voldemort’s bid for immortality. But with Harry’s beloved Dumbledore dead and Voldemort’s unscrupulous Death Eaters on the loose, the world is more dangerous than ever.

Man in the Chair– Hoping to craft the winning entry in a student film competition, teenage movie geek Cameron (Michael Angarano) enlists the help of an ornery old Hollywood gaffer named Flash (Christopher Plummer), who happens to be the last surviving crew member of Orson Welles’s masterpiece Citizen Kane. This unusual comedy also stars Robert Wagner as a has-been producer and M. Emmet Walsh as a retired screenwriter.

Perry Mason: The Sinister Spirit– When a reviled horror author plummets to his death from atop a hotel bell tower, an eyewitness (Kim Delaney) spots disgruntled book publisher Jordan (Robert Stack) at the crime scene. Expert defense attorney Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) steps in to prove his innocence. As Perry tries to uncover the truth, his partner Paul (William Katt) investigates a series of spooky ghost sightings.

Jack Goes Boating — Philip Seymour Hoffman directs and stars in this romantic comedy about Jack, a marijuana-smoking Manhattan limo driver who begins an unlikely regimen of self-improvement to win the heart of a fellow misfit named Connie (Amy Ryan). But as Jack learns to cook and swim for the benefit of his girl, he also witnesses the breakup of his best friends’ marriage. John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega co-star in this adaptation of Bob Glaudini’s play.

Hereafter — Clint Eastwood directs this supernatural thriller about three very different people and their responses to death, including a hesitant American psychic named George (Matt Damon) who may be able to help the others find answers and peace. Marie (Cécile De France) is a French journalist caught up in the aftereffects of the devastating 2004 tsunami, while in London, young Marcus (Frankie and George McLaren) seeks to contact his deceased twin brother.

Black Swan — In director Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller, ambitious New York City ballet dancer Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) lands the lead in “Swan Lake” but soon thinks her dreams of stardom are threatened by a rival ballerina (Mila Kunis). As opening night nears and the pressure to be perfect builds, Nina’s obsession descends into paranoia and delusion. Portman won an Academy Award for the film, which also nabbed an Oscar nod for Best Picture.

Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader — With their dour, bookish cousin Eustace (Will Poulter) in tow, the youngest Pevensie offspring — Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes) — take an unexpected trip back to Narnia and join noble King Caspian (Ben Barnes) for an epic high-seas adventure. Setting sail aboard the Dawn Treader, the young heroes head for the end of the world, determined to rescue seven once-powerful lords banished by Caspian’s evil uncle.

Nothing But the Truth — Journalist Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale) turns Washington on its ear when she outs a casual acquaintance (Vera Farmiga) as a CIA agent. The government’s formidable prosecutor (Matt Dillon) sends Rachel to jail for contempt, where she discovers the true impact of her decision. David Schwimmer and Alan Alda co-star in this drama from Rod Lurie, the politically savvy filmmaker behind The Contender and “Commander in Chief.”

The Champ — Andy Purcell (Wallace Beery) is a washed-up, boozy boxer and compulsive gambler who travels from bout to bout with his adoring son, Dink (Jackie Cooper), in tow. But when Andy lands in a Tijuana jail, he realizes Dink’s welfare is at stake and sends him to live with his mother (Irene Rich). For his tour-de-force performance in the title role, Beery walked away with the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Treasure Island — When young Jim Hawkins and cohorts book passage on a ship to take them to the “treasure island” of their map to pirate gold, they soon discover that not all of the crew is on their side — and that the loot they’re seeking has already been found. Getting the booty — and getting out alive — could prove tricky. This fifth film version of the classic tale stars Wallace Beery as Long John Silver and Jackie Cooper as Hawkins.

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie — In Luis Buñuel’s deliciously satiric, Oscar-winning masterpiece, an upper-class sextet (Fernando Rey, Paul Frankeur, Delphine Seyrig, Stéphane Audran, Bulle Ogier and Jean-Pierre Cassel) sits down to dinner but never eats, their attempts repeatedly thwarted by a vaudevillian mixture of events both actual and imagined. Perhaps his greatest film, Buñuel’s absurdist view of the upper class is a timeless satire about consumerism and class privilege.

Animal Kingdom — When his mother dies suddenly, a 17-year-old boy (James Frecheville) finds himself drawn into the clutches of a diabolical criminal family, until a good-hearted detective (Guy Pearce) makes a concerted effort to change the boy’s fate. Australian writer-director David Michôd’s first feature-length drama won the World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Hercules and the Circle of Fire — All the fires in the world are dying out at once, and it’s up to the legendary Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) and Deianeira (Tawny Kitaen) to bring warmth back to the mortal realm. Overseeing these adventures is Zeus (Anthony Quinn), king of the gods, who just as soon interferes as assists the heroes. Kevin Atkinson appears as Cheiron and Stephanie Barrett as Phaedra in this made-for-TV take on the classic myth.

Mosaic — When an ancient rune stone reacts with a sudden electrical storm, upcoming teen actress Maggie Nelson (voiced by Anna Paquin) is caught in the middle and becomes an unlikely superhero. Transformed by the incident, she develops the ability to shape-shift like a human chameleon capable of blending into any environment. Facing off against a crazed alchemist, can Maggie thwart the madman’s plot and manage to graduate from high school?

Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost — The seventh installation of this popular crime-drama series finds alcoholic cop Jesse Stone back on the job as police chief of Paradise, Mass., suspecting that the apparent drug-related suicide of a young friend is actually foul play.

Code 46 — In this futuristic sci-fi romance, William (Tim Robbins) is an insurance examiner whose company assigns him to investigate the use of papelles, fake travel insurance papers required by the strict government. Along the way, he meets Maria (Samantha Morton), the woman responsible for the phony papelles. Although he knows who she is, he engages in a fiery affair with her … but he’ll have to end it within 24 hours, when his own papelles expire.

The Legend of the Lone Ranger — Discover how the Lone Ranger (Klinton Spilsbury) rose to mythical status in the Wild West in this thrilling adventure. His thirst for justice may have begun as early as his adolescent years, when his parents were murdered. At first he tries to work within the boundaries of the law by serving as a Texas Ranger, but after being shot by a member of the Cavendish gang, the Lone Ranger decides to ride solo, accompanied only by his trusted pal, Tonto.

Ice Pirates — Intergalactic buccaneers (led by Robert Urich) traversing the outer reaches of space in search of booty agree to help a princess (Mary Crosby) whose father has disappeared, as they attempt to reform their thieving ways by stealing water (in the form of ice) to supply a thirsty planet. John Carradine, Anjelica Huston and John Matuszak co-star in this fantasy-adventure from director Stewart Raffill (Mac and Me).

Runaway — Michael Crichton (who wrote both the novel and the screenplay Jurassic Park) directs this near-future sci-fi/crime thriller that explores the classic theme of machines gone bad. Sgt. Jack Ramsey (Tom Selleck) is the police robotics expert on the case when evil genius Dr. Charles Luthor (Kiss front man Gene Simmons) unleashes his reprogrammed androids. Runaway also stars Cynthia Rhoades (Dirty Dancing) and Kirstie Alley (“Cheers”).

Unstoppable — It’s a nail-biting race against time as an unmanned train carrying a load of lethal chemicals speeds out of control, and a conductor and engineer do everything in their power to keep it from derailing and killing tens of thousands of people. Denzel Washington leads the cast in Tony Scott’s tough-minded action thriller, in which a terrible circumstance forces a couple of ordinary men to become extraordinary heroes.

Lawman — Director Michael Winner’s stoic interpretation of a timeless Western motif stars Burt Lancaster as flinty, uncompromising Marshal Jered Maddox. He’s out to jail seven cowpunchers who left a corpse in the wake of their drunken spree. Along the way, Maddox contends with an aging cattle baron (Lee J. Cobb), a milquetoast sheriff (Robert Ryan) and a town full of craven hypocrites, all carved into fascinating characters by a topnotch ensemble cast.

The Green Hornet — Seth Rogen and writing partner Evan Goldberg (Superbad) apply their trademark humor to the superhero genre in this big-screen action-adventure about a newspaper-publishing playboy (Rogen) who dons a disguise to fight crime after hours. As the Green Hornet, Britt Reid’s power is no longer limited to the printed page — and thanks to a nimble martial-arts expert (Jay Chou), he has the skills to expose the city’s roughest criminals.

I Am Number Four — After nine aliens flee their home planet to find a peaceful life on Earth, their plans are shattered by pursuers who must kill them in number order. Number Four is a teen named John (Alex Pettyfer), who uses his extraordinary abilities to battle his enemies. John’s guardian, Henri (Timothy Olyphant), aids him in his deadly fight while he tries to protect his human girlfriend, Sarah (Dianna Agron), and connect with the others who share his powers.

The Inspectors — U.S Postal Inspectors are called in when a suburban couple are killed by a mail bomb. Suspicion immediately falls on the couple’s estranged and heavily in debt son, who also just happens to be a Navy munitions expert. But investigations reveal that he is on the run from a past event in his life that is associated with the bombings. (from IMDb)

The Illusionist — Oscar-nominated for Best Animated Feature, this wistful tale follows the fading fortunes of aging illusionist Tatischeff , who’s forced to perform in obscure venues as his act is eclipsed by the growing popularity of rock bands. He gets an emotional lift, though, from a wide-eyed girl named Alice, who thinks he possesses magic powers. But Tatischeff’s “sleight of hand” efforts to impress her with expensive gifts may lead to his financial undoing.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles — Picking up right where the movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day left off, this series follows Sarah Connor (Lena Headey) and her son John (Thomas Dekker) as they race to save humanity from forces sent from the future. Pursued by agents of Skynet, the mother and son must use their wits and create alliances to ensure that John survives to become the savior of the human race. Disguised as regular people, evil Terminators seek to destroy the duo.

Filed under: Recently Watched