Busy Blogger

I'm one busy blogger and haven't had a chance to watch any films this last week. Hopefully I'l have time this weekend to bang out a bunch and get back on track. Happy Holidays everybody!

DVD Title Fatal Force:

Death Merchants c. 1973,

Deadly Recruits

These two bad boring films really didn't impress me. Lets start with the poor quality of the DVD and the fact that they failed to connect the two films.

Death Merchants involves Israel and Palestinian intrigue where the wrong man is lured into a trap by a beautiful woman. Terrorism = bad mmkay? Though we do have Jason Robards. Pity he didn't add any class to this film.

Deadly Recruits had something to do with murder and cults in the UK, but for the life of me I could not figure out what was going on. Just leave the disk on the shelf.

Library: Bandon & Coos Bay.

IMDB:
Death Merchants: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070812/
Deadly Recruits: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340655/

Amazon: The Death Merchants
Deadly Recruits

Eulogy

Death comedies really need something in order to be good. This didn't have "it." I do like Hank Azaria, but to call these people dysfunctional would insult the term. Everyone seems to fight over past resentments and all the stress makes the matriarch and new widow want to kill herself. I strongly suggest you avoid this lame duck.

Library: Bandon & Lakeside.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349416/

Amazon: Eulogy

The Agency

An advertising agency puts subliminal messages in advertising for an election winning a victory for their client. When his best friend dies, executive Lee Majors, finds out what's going on and tries to stop his boss. Robert Mitchum and Valerie Perrine also star.

Not only was the plot, script and acting poor, but the quality of the sound and images detracted from the film. With more than a grade school effort, the film makers could have explored the topic in an interesting way. Instead, they seemed to mock the concept of subliminal advertising with their stupid ads and ridiculous plot.

I watched this film before and I may have posted a review. It somehow got lost off my list though. If you see it, leave a comment with the URL.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081989/

Amazon: Agency

Soso Tuesday

Eraser

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a US Marshal in charge of protecting witness Vanessa Williams. When he gets accused of killing off other witnesses, he goes out on his own to clear his name. He hides Williams until she can testify.

Poor acting and convoluted plot made this pretty boring to watch. Arnold delivers some of the worst puns when fighting off some hungry alligators. I sat there rooting for the reptiles.

Library: VHS; Bandon, Coos bay, Coquille, Dora & North Bend. DVD; Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116213/

Amazon: Eraser

Executive Decision

Lots of alpha males in this film. I think something went terribly wrong during the production because Steven Seagal gets top billing but isn't much in the film.

Terrorists hijack a 747 and place a bomb on board with enough nerve toxin to kill millions. Kurt Russell and John Leguizamo sneak aboard the plane midair and attempt to defuse the bomb without the hijackers finding out. Look for Halle Berry as the resourceful stewardess.

This was almost watchable but so unrealistic that it distracts from the enjoyment of the film. If you like the actors involved, have a watch. Otherwise, find something better.

Library: VHS; Lakeside. DVD; Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116253/

Amazon: Executive Decision

Everyday People

I wanted to find these people interesting but it just never happened. A group of interconnected stories about people who work for a long time community gathering spot in a racially diverse and improving Brooklyn, New York neighborhood.

We learn about the Jewish owner's plans to sell the place upsetting their employees. White executives talk openly about their plans to "improve" the neighborhood with bringing in upscale shops and pushing out the "riffraff."

The stories and emotions did seem real so they were well acted, but they didn't move me to CARE. Plus they left the story open ended. I prefer conclusions. I say avoid this one.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365020/

Amazon: Everyday People

Everything is Illuminated

This very strange film stars Elijah Wood as a young man traveling to the Ukraine to find the woman who saved his grandfather from a Nazi death squad. Honestly, I didn't understand much because it's part subtitled and I didn't watch it with my husband.

We get an interesting view of life inside a former Soviet Union run country. The struggles of the people as they try and figure out the story of this strange American show how long it takes to rebuild a country after completely changing political systems.

Though I am giving this a Soso rating, I do think it's worth watching. It's so different as to make for something worth commenting on. Tell me what you think.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0404030/

Amazon: Everything Is Illuminated

Gem Review: Fahrenheit 9/11

Fahrenheit 9/11

Yep, ole Michael Moore has an agenda. He likes to poke fun at huge corporations and is especially hard on those that stomp on the little guy. He took a point of view that big oil, namely Saudi Arabia got treated with kid gloves after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

He points out how many Saudis participated in the attacks and yet members of their government got special protections and special access within the George W. Bush Whitehouse. Average Americans were forced to find alternative transportation where Saudi government officials were allowed to fly.

This film isn't supposed to be a Frontline report and make no mistake about his intentions. He draws connections that are tenuous at best. Most of the people involved in terrorism are radicals within their own country, but Moore's arguments are so fascinating.

Ironically, these documentaries attacking the rich and privileged have made him one of them. Watch and enjoy this intriguing film.

Weird, Bandon has three copies of the DVD. Coos Bay, Coquille, Lakeside, Myrtle Point and North Bend all have one too. Lakeside also has a VHS copy.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361596/

Buy this DVD from Amazon: Fahrenheit 9/11

SWOCC Gem List

Odd little anomaly about getting films from the college. You only have three days just like from Coos Bay or North bend, but you can place holds. It's a good thing. If you need more time, you can renew online and get it for an additional three days. Not many DVDs form the college, but check out these fine films.

Affluenza Have you considered the impact of what you buy on the world around you? Watch this and you will start.

A Class Divided Old but highly relevant documentary about prejudice.

The Color Purple Amazing family drama, adult themes.

Juno Pregnant teen sorts out her quirky life.

Smoke Signals (VHS ONLY) Modern Native American travel adventure. Charming and funny.

Watchable Dramas

Exiled

Fong Juk

My husband had a neat name for this film. He called it a spaghetti eastern. You know how they have western films made in Italy in the 70s, well this film has a feel like those. Very Asian with an interesting dub job. If you can do subtitles, have a watch that way. It may prove even more interesting.

Members of a mob chase down a a man trying to start a new life with his wife and child. There's a firefight but the man survives and the assassins fix up the place and leave with him. I'm not quite sure how this happened, but seeing them repair the bullet holes and stuff was very surreal.

Have a look at this inventive creation. If you can figure out what's going on, write me and enlighten me. ;) Do read the Amazon page with other people's reviews. They give a more complete picture of the film that I can.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0796212/

Amazon: Exiled

Empire of the Wolves
L'empire des loups

Now THIS film felt like live action Anime. A married woman tries to get her memory back and figures out she's being held prisoner by her "husband." Turns out she's a kick ass chick trying to defy being turned into a drug mule. She finds herself being manipulated by the government.

It goes so many twisted unexpected directions it held a ton of edge of your seat action. Who can she trust and who will betray her? Are we ever sure?

Check out the French dialog but the dub job worked well for me.

Library: Myrtle Point.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402158/

Amazon: Empire of the Wolves

Empire Falls

This mini-series stars Ed Harris as a put upon everyman just trying to take care of his family. He works for the matriarch "owner" of the town played by veteran actress Joanne Woodward. Her real life husband, Paul Newman gets in on the act as Ed's troublemaker father.

We see Philip Seymour Hoffman in flashbacks as the wealthy husband of Woodward. He supposedly ran off with his secretary. Helen Hunt, Aidan Quinn and Robin Wright Penn round out the cast. Marriages, divorces and unexpected turns make this a very interesting HBO series to watch.

Library: Bandon & Coos Bay.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0376591/

Amazon: Empire Falls

The Emperor's Club

Kevin Kline stars as an outstanding professor who teaches wealthy young men. Every year he has a contest where one boy wins special recognition. A new student comes along and he tries valiantly to teach him but ultimately the boy cheats and disappoints his mentor.

Cut to years later and the now men have a rematch for the contest. The cheater vows that he was influenced by his obnoxious pushy father into misbehaving and tells Kline he'll prove himself worthy. Do leopards change their spots and grow into wise honorable lions? Check it out and find out.

Library: Coquille, Lakeside & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283530/

Amazon: The Emperor's Club (Widescreen Edition)

Good Review Fat: What No One Is Telling You

Fat:
What No One Is Telling You

I knew most people who lose weight gain it back and I knew some of the details of this very interesting documentary before I sat down to watch. I even know a bit more than they talk about, but this gives a nice overview of the science behind weight loss.

One young man talks with a doctor about gastric bypass and ends up deciding to go that route. Another woman exercises hours a day in order to maintain her figure. Doctors talk about the bodies resistance to letting go of weight and how they're having serious problems finding solutions to the complex multi-system disease.

A few months back I reviewed Who Killed the Electric Car? and they had a list of causes for the death of the EV-1. This film explores the mainly medical aspects but with a few environmental factors figured in. One of the doctors believes the gut acts like a brain of sorts. He found out it has millions of nerve endings and researches how these play a role in obesity.

They talk about how large portions and use of sugary drinks helped increase our waistlines. How processed foods and convenience items deny our bodies nutrients so it wants MORE in order to get the minor amounts it needs. Creating a cycle of fat strage and starvation. Bet you never thought about a large person starving to death.

Pick up this fine film from SWOCC and North Bend and find all out about this fascinating topic.

IMDB:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1007001/

Buy this DVD from Amazon: Fat - What No One Is Telling You

Soso Tuesday

Three of these are based on fact and the fourth, while fiction, just seemed to fit with the others. They're all on the cusp of being watchable, but just left something out that I need to find them entertaining. Your results may vary. ;)

Exodus

The allies didn't know what to do with the Jewish refuges after they were liberated from concentration camps so the Jews took it upon themselves to commandeer a boat and set sale for Palestine. They called this expedition "Exodus" after Moses' freeing the slaves.

Despite my nickname, I'm not Jewish and though I did know of this story, I didn't know the details. I would prefer a documentary to this film for anyone trying to learn history. Sadly, the film does not stand on it's own.

Paul Newman stars as the leader manipulating the system and fighting for the re-establishment of Israel. I wish they'd kept their focus or at least explained better what was going on. First the group is on the boat and then they're within a settlement running from some radical Muslims who are trying to kill them.

Toss in an American woman trying to adopt a girl and we're quite confused. Is this about Eva Marie Saint learning about Judaism, the refugee boat or the Jewish Muslim conflict. I can't tell. Interesting, but not enough to recommend.

Library: VHS; Bandon. DVD; Myrtle Point

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053804/

Amazon: Exodus

Faith of My Fathers

Some may accuse me of being influenced by politics in my review of this film, but I do try and make my judgements based on what I see, rather than how I vote. I wanted to understand the story of what happened to John McCain in a Vietnam Prison Camp.

Perhaps the book included details that would make this film make sense, but I haven't read it. I can't figure out what faith of fathers had to do with any of it? War sucks and none of us wants to be captured and I get that seeing that reminds us to be very careful with how we treat people, I don't understand the relevance.

What do military academy flash backs have to do with torture? How does it relate to faith of fathers or anyone else for that matter? I'm sorry this happened to Mr. McCain. I cannot recommend seeing this film. The special features didn't even reveal anything interesting.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0444626/

Amazon: Faith of My Fathers

Evita

Madonna stars as Argentine first lady Eva Perón and sings her way through the whole film. Antonio Banderas sings the narration. There's a lot going on here that may or may not have anything to do with the real person and her story.

Again, I don't know much about her real life and this musical didn't really enlighten me. I found the song story a bit annoying after a while. I prefer a musical with some speaking to it.

I wonder if Ms. Perón would appreciate the legacy this version gives her. I wouldn't. They make her seem like a scheming whore and I am not at all sure that's fair. It comes off sexist to my eyes.

Library: VHS; Coos Bay, Lakeside & North Bend. DVD; Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116250/

Amazon: Evita

Eye of the Needle

I wonder what Donald Sutherland has against the British. He keeps playing World War II German spies. This time he finds out about D-Day invasion plans and tries to get them to his buddies by escaping by boat. A sudden storm sets him aground on a lonely island inhabited by a couple, their boy and an old caretaker.

Spy guy romances the unhappy wife and still tries to get his information to the Germans while the Brits try and stop him. Lots of intrigue, but ultimately unfocused. Nothing about this film made it remarkable.

Library: Bandon & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082351/

Amazon: Eye of the Needle

Mixed Up Week Watchable Monday

Since I folled around and didn't get reviews done last week, I'm just gonna mix it up this week! My list is FULL TO THE BRIM of watchables so I am going to just review a bunch of them today.

Elizabeth, the Golden Age

Cate Blanchett lords over this dramatic interpretation of real events where plots upon plots show how uneasy rests the head that wears the crown. The Spanish armada attempts to attack England and finds them thwarted by the sea and Sir Walter Raleigh. Look for Clive Owen in that role. He also makes eyes at the queen.

The costuming pushed it into being a better film than I think the acting and writing made it. The color, texture and sounds of the dresses were enough to make a designer fall in love.

They should have stuck to a more clearly defined aspect of the monarch without all the convoluted extras. Make references to the attempts on her life but keep us in the exciting bits. Save the other stuff for a sequel or something. I got bored. I shouldn't get bored watching a film about one of the greatest monarchs ever to live. Oh, wait, this IS a sequel. UGH.

Library: Bandon, Coos Bay, North Bend & SWOCC.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414055/

Amazon: Elizabeth - The Golden Age (Widescreen Edition)

The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill
But Came Down a Mountain

Hugh Grant went to the 'be yourself only not' school of acting and nothing about this film changed that, but it's quite a nice little two hours of quirk. A pair of surveyors go into a little village and determine that a local mountain sits just a few short feat below that designation.

When the townsfolk hear of the findings they get together and decide to "add" to the mound and make it a mountain again. Grant falls in love with a girl and the community and helps and stays to resurvey. Truly a story of the little town that could. It'll inspire you to make a mountain.

Library: VHS; Bandon & North Bend. DVD; Myrtle Point.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112966/

Amazon: The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain

Fairy Tale: A True Story

Two precocious little girl cousins take photographs of fairies in order to cheer up their parents. Buoyed by the images, the adults consult with people interested in the occult and the images make their way to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle played by Peter O'Toole. He shows them to his friend magician Harry Houdini (Harvey Keitel) who tries to disprove the story but in this film does not.

I read that Doyle considered himself duped by the photograph, but the story isn't really about them. They even seem an afterthought. The family dynamics dominate the film. It's quite sweet and intended to ask us all about the nature of belief.

I once saw four different rainbows during a trip to Scotland. How can I NOT believe in fairies!

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119095/

Amazon: Fairy Tale - A True Story

Distracted this week

I'll do a ton of make up posts soon. I'm just too distracted this week.

Good Review: Seven Pounds

Seven Pounds

A friend recommended this tearjerker and I thought I'd pick it up. Though you wont "love" this film it WILL make you think. Will Smith draws us in wondering what kind of an asshole he's playing. We see him badger a blind man, Woody Harrelson, for no good reason. Then he calls on a sick man running a nursing home.

As the story unfolds, it's clear there's some kind of memory of something gone terribly wrong with his life. Flash backs of a woman, wealth and workaholic aerospace entrepreneur show a vastly different more confident nicer human. Why would such a man turn into a jerk IRS agent.

When he starts investigating beautiful Rosario Dawson who needs a heart transplant, we start to get a creepy feeling this is going somewhere weird. They begin flirting and she shows him the intimacies of her business. One of her old printing machines needs repair and he sneaks in and fixes it while she's asleep.

What would you do for love? What would you do to appease your guilt? Though painful to watch, I found the story riveting.

Check this DVD out from Bandon, Coquille, Dora, Lakeside, Myrtle Point, North Bend, Powers and SWOCC. I guess Coos Bay needs to get a copy too.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814314/

Buy this DVD from Amazon: Seven Pounds

Powers Gem List

My husband and I have a fondness for this library though we've only been in it once and it wasn't to check out books or DVDs. When we called around to be married the only person available on short notice was a municipal judge for Powers. Our plan was to just stand outside and do the ceremenoy, but I had a bad head cold that day and rather than bugging the person with the key to the courthouse we all went into the library.

My husband and I met in a science fiction themed chat room in the mid 90s so appropriately we took our vows in that section. Though that was mere happenstance.

Enjoy these handful of Gems.

The Bucket List Dying old men explore the world together.

Collateral Strange twists and turns with a cabby and criminal battling each other.

Definitely, Maybe Sweet romantic comedy.

Enter the Lone Ranger The first few episodes of the original black and white film serials.

Eragon Family friendly fantasy.

Juno Pregnant teen sorts out her quirky life.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Cute teen girl flick about a pair of magical pants that fits all four girls.

Spanglish Though Adam Sandler and Téa Leoni get top billing the story is truly stars Paz Vega.

Dog Thursday

The Europeans

This felt like a lame and slow Jane Austin novel. Some relatives of an American family arrive and insinuate themselves into the local society. We're never sure if they are conning the family or if they're real. I had to catch myself before I nodded off. Leave it on the library shelf.

Library: Bandon & Powers.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079123/

Amazon: The Europeans (The Merchant Ivory Collection)

Far and Away

Completely forgettable Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman stinker had them feigning Irish accents. Ron Howard directed this who cares epic about a couple moving to America and trying to start a new life. Yawn.

Library: VHS; Dora & Powers. DVD; Bandon, Dora & Myrtle Point.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104231/

Amazon: Far and Away

Fanny & Alexander

This tale of a family filled with drama lost me from the start. The poor translations and sound dubbing distracted, but I don't understand why it's titled for the children, or who's point of view I'm supposed to focus on.

Famed director Ingmar Bergman made this toward the end of his life. For huge fans of foreign language and or the director, view it in the original language and leave a comment. I'd like to understand what all the praise is about.

Library: Bandon & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083922/

Amazon: Fanny and Alexander (The Theatrical Version) - Criterion Collection

Watchable Wednesday

Joss Whedon's Dollhouse

This futuristic tale of a company that enslaves people without them realizing they're enslaved. They sign contracts to give up their bodies for a period of years. Their minds are supposedly stored inside a computer hard drive like device.

Creator Joss Whedon likes to use actors and actresses from his previous series. Eliza Dushku stars as Echo, the most popular "doll." She worked for him in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" vampire themed series.

The series still runs on Fox, but I suspect it's struggling with the final episode on the DVD appearing a series closer. I doubt it aired. The stories feed into conspiracy and serialized plot lines that pique our interest, but ultimately let us down when they end rather conventionally. Watchable none the less.

Library: North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135300/

Amazon: Dollhouse: Season One

ER

The library has several seasons of this award winning series about a Cook County Emergency Room. For a few years the plots and trauma tended a bit on the unusual side and held my interest.

George Clooney honed his acting skills, Noah Wyle and Julianna Margulies started their carreers and many of us grew very fond of Anthony Edwards character Dr. Mark Greene. I started losing interest in the show when they started torturing the poor doctors. From HIV to brain tumors and beyond, it got rediculous.

Then they changed staff and started all over again with a new batch to torture.
Anthony Edwards played a doctor everyone loved to hate, adorable Goran Visnjic used his tall, dark, handsome and foreign wiles to make the nurses swoon and Maura Tierney went from beloved nurse to doctor.

With 15 seasons, I'm leaving out many people. Look over the IMDB for your favorites and feel free to leave a comment. The library appears to only have the first few seasons.

Library: Coquille & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108757/

Amazon: ER - The Complete First Season
ER - The Complete Second Season
ER - The Complete Third Season

Duane Hopwood

David Schwimmer plays an alcoholic divorced father just tries to keep his life together. Normally I don't like watching people who drink, but this guy does try and make his life work. Janeane Garofalo shows up as his ex-wife.

It's not for everyone, it's quite dark but well acted by all those involved. It felt "real" to me and the attempt at sorting out life and just failing miserably left me feeling so sorry for this guy.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398982/

Amazon: Duane Hopwood

Eclectic Shorts

Eric Leiser creates a series of image filled films that mesmerize and enchant. Though I have no idea what was going on, the sounds and images just look neat. Not something to gather all your buddies around to watch, but quite interesting to see once.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0829159/

Amazon: Eclectic Shorts by Eric Leiser

Documentary Soso List

Really Wild Animals
Farmyard Friends
National Geographic Society

Dudley Moore voices the narration on this quite boring comparison to farm animals and their free living cousins. The producers think that lots of flashing from topic to topic will hold the interest of modern children. I think they totally miss how amazing the world really is. This video IS for kids, they might find some of it interesting.

Library: VHS; Coquille. DVD; Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482421/

Amazon: National Geographic Really Wild Animals Farmyard Friends

Eyewitness Ocean

This DVD explores the myths and legends related to the oceans. Quite boring and forgettable. I couldn't find additional information on the Internet Movie Database. I even looked under narrator Martin Sheen, no luck. Use the Amazon link to find out more.

Library: Myrtle Point & North Bend.

IMDB: NO INFO

Amazon: Eyewitness: Ocean

Expo
Magic of the White City

Gene Wilder narrates this film all about the Chicago Worlds Fair of 1893. Truly fascinating subject, but I felt told very badly. I understand very little survived from the amazing event, but the focus jumped all over the place. I didn't like the stock current shots juxtaposed with drawings and sparse photography.

It went on much too long. If you're in the library, pick up a book on the topic. Then you can just scan through the interesting bits without having to sit through this dull bit of fluff.

Library: Bandon & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455940/

Amazon: EXPO - Magic of the White City DVD

The Endurance:
Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic expedition

This film tells the story of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton who tries to be the first to cross the Antarctic continent. He and his crew of 27 fail miserably, but remarkably they all survive. Interesting video and photography and an intriguing tale, just again, told badly.

I find it truly surprising that these people didn't die from the poor planning and lack of leadership. Pick up a book on the topic, why waste a couple of hours on a film?

Library: Bandon

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264578/

Amazon: The Endurance - Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition