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Today’s DVDs: ‘Cloverfield’ better at home?
The summer movies aren’t quite ready yet, but DVD picks up the slack this week with some solid picks today.
Cloverfield: Given the way it faded quickly at the box office, I’m thinking this movie isn’t as well liked as its initial buzz suggested. The most common complaint: Too much shaky-cam. That didn’t bother me personally, and I found the movie to be very inventive and great fun. Still, I can’t help but feel that for many people, this movie may play better on the small screen, where shaky-cam isn’t as strong a factor. Am I right? Full Review: GRADE: B+
Charlie Wilson’s War: Mike Nichols’ satirical look back at the arming of the Afghans against the Soviets is very funny, thanks to some sharp writing and fine performances, particularly by Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman. However, the movie is too short, and its refusal to put Wilson’s story in the context of today’s events blunts its impact. Full review: GRADE: B
The Savages: Like many praised indie hits, this film is perhaps a bit too self-aware, but Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney (who got an Oscar nomination for this) play off each other very well as at-odds (and just plain odd) siblings trying to deal with their father’s last days. GRADE: B+
Also out today
One Missed Call: AKA One Missed Movie.
The Orphanage: Guillermo del Toro produced this well-reviewed chiller which seems a bit like a cross between his Pan’s Labyrinth and The Devil’s Backbone.
Starting Out in the Evening: Frank Langella received a great deal of praise for his turn as a once acclaimed but out of touch author trying to regain his standing.
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Comments
By Kim S.
April 25, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Thoughts on One Missed Call - This Japanese import (or American trashy remake of a Japanese imported story) needs to be exported. Immediately.