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New on DVD
07/06/2006
Syriana
Political intrigue engages various participants in the war over Middle East oil in writer-director Stephen Gaghan’s riveting drama. George Clooney won an Oscar for his portrayal of CIA loose cannon Bob Barnes, caught in the middle of a powerful struggle between local warring factions, a political analyst (Matt Damon) with a grudge to settle, and American oil interests looking for a quick fix. Gaghan punches numerous hot topic buttons, igniting a two-hour show of emotional and physical fireworks. Taut, timely and incendiary. DVD uncovers additional scenes, a behind-the-scenes featurette and conversation with Clooney. (Warner Home Video) Entertainment)
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School
Sweet romantic comedy-drama stars Robert Carlyle as Frank Keane, baker and recent widower, who agrees to fulfill a dying man’s last wish. While waiting for an ambulance, Frank listens as accident victim Steve Mills (John Goodman) tells him about returning to a ballroom dance class to reunite with the one woman he truly loved. After Mills dies, Frank sets out to find the mystery woman and becomes involved with the various students in the class. Writer-director Randall Miller has picked a winning cast to turn cliché into gold, including Marisa Tomei as a battered student and Mary Steenburgen as the teacher. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
The Matador
Pierce Brosnan delivers a funny, touching, always interesting performance as hit man Julian Noble, whose chance encounter with desperate and struggling salesman Danny Wright (Greg Kinnear, at the top of his game) in a Mexican bar sets the stage for a grand opera about life, death and loneliness. What begins with a friendly drink turns into an awkward friendship filled with constant tests of will, especially after Julian loses his nerve and turns to Danny and his wife (Hope Davis) for help. Writer-director Richard Shepard finds plenty to laugh and lament over in this well-executed Assassination Tango. Deleted scenes, commentaries, featurettes add to the fun. (Genius Products)
The Libertine
Johnny Depp adds to his repertoire of scoundrels with his performance as 17th century court poet John Wilmont, who returns from exile after the ascension of King Charles II (John Malko-vich). Banished for his debauchery, Wilmont returns to true form, penning a play about the king while pursuing young actress Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton). Director Laurence Dunmore perfectly captures the time and place, while Depp is at his seedy best as the sexual animal who knows no boundaries. Deleted scenes, featurette and commentary complete the DVD experience. (Genius Products)
Imagine Me and You
A seemingly perfect wedding is turned on its heel when lovely bride Rachel (Piper Perabo) catches the eye of a guest and has second thoughts. And that’s not the shocker! The guest is a woman, who forces Rachel to explore her desires and needs while avoiding her nagging family and friends. Unexpected romantic comedy features a winning cast, insightful dialogue and strong direction. Writer-director Ol Parker is featured on the DVD’s commentary and Q&A session. (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)
Date Movie
Scattershot spoof takes every teen date movie, puts it into a blender, and creates a mixture of hilarious jokes, halfhearted sight gags, and just plain stupid silliness. Which means it’s perfect for teens who will appreciate the Unrated DVD’s bawdy sense of humor, which pushes the boundaries of good taste (the cat-taking-a-dump scene goes on and on). Alyson Hannigan is a good sport, playing along as former fatty Julia Jones, who becomes a fox and ends up looking for love in all the wrong places. The jokes come fast and furious, while the DVD piles on the extras, including featurettes, additional spoofs, promotional spots and more. (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment)
Stoned
The quick life and times of Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones are presented in this speculative musical drama lined in nostalgia. Leo Gregory paints a dark portrait of the tortured artist, a rock guitarist who lived the lifestyle to its fullest, creating fans and foes along the way. The film by director Stephen Woolley examines the mysterious death of Jones, who was found at the bottom of his pool after being released from the band. Unrated DVD adds more edge to the story. (Screen Media Films)
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