Sunday, March 02, 2008

What I'm Watching on DVD

I try to see most highly anticipated films in the movie theater. But, the expense and the hype makes DVD rental a wonderful option for seeing films that I'm not sure are worth a $10 movie ticket. It is also a great way to see limited release and independent films that don't show in this state, or blow by me at film festivals. Some of them are worth seeing, some, not so much. Thankfully, with an online DVD rental service and coupons from the local video stores, it's worth the risk. Here's what I've seen in the last few weeks.

King of California with Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood as father and daughter looking for buried treasure *under Costco*, pretty damned funny.

Goya's Ghosts with Natalie Portman and Javier Bardem as characters who fall victim to the Spanish Inquisition, good period piece.

In Smiley Face, Anna Faris is a hilarious stoner just trying to get through a day, and an audition.

In the sentimental column, my friend recommended A Walk on the Moon with a a young Diane Lane and Viggo Mortensen playing forbidden lovers, 60s style. Glad for the heads up, a strong romantic drama.

Margot at the Wedding portrays the disintegration of a relationship, and took a big hit critically for being depressing. Hey folks, it's a drama.

The Ten and Eagle vs Shark are off-beat, a tad strange, but worth a look.

If international intrigue, high risk and journalism are your cup of tea, The Hunting Party is worth a look. Tough to resist anything with Richard Gere, Terrence Howard and Jesse Eisenberg.

In the classic column, after an odd conversation about the film Porky's, yes Porky's, I took another look . I'm old enough to say, I saw this in the theater when it first came out. Still funny, still worth a look.

And finally, in preparation for the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, I went back and watched all three Indiana Jones films, what a treat! I think Raiders of the Lost Ark could be the most perfect adventure film ever made.

*Whew* With the sparse selection of films in theaters worth your movie dollar, I hope this gives folks a few worthwhile recommendations for home viewing ...... enjoy!

4 comments:

2 Dollar Productions said...

You've been busy. I think Anna Faris is one of the best comedica actresses working today.

As for 'King,' I was surprised that this one only got released for about a week and a half in theaters.

And finally, I recently watched the Indiana Jones trilogy again, and I would agree with you completely. It's been a really fun series.

Linda said...

2D~Remember I saw these over several weeks : ) The indies were fun, and the Indiana Jones revisit was so cool. Forgot how funny Connery was in The Last Crusade. Put me in the mood for the next.

Anonymous said...

I've heard the Anna Faris movie wasn't bad. What did you think? I'm concerned that if I see a movie directed by Gregg Araki that I actually like, the world as I know it will be revealed to be a computer simulation.

I remember A Walk on the Moon being way not bad either. You could not cast two better lovers than Diane Lane and Viggo Mortensen, although if memory serves, their characters keep their clothes on. I can't remember. Maybe I need to revisit this one as well. Please help, Linda. Terrific site.

Linda said...

Hi Joe~ Smiley Face is goofy, Faris is very funny. In A Walk on the Moon there's plenty of skin. If you don't remember the waterfall scenes, it's probably been a while since you've seen it. Steamy stuff from two actors I would not have put together.