Home movies
New on DVD
By John Larsen 05/03/2007
Alpha Dog
True story of an enigmatic loser and abuser who orders the murder of a teenage boy and then flees the country instead of taking his punishment like a man. You can understand why Jesse James Hollywood’s lawyers didn’t want this film released. It depicts their client as a manipulative, creepy, sadistic punk with no moral core. #Alpha Dog# attempts to reflect the chain of events which ended in the death of Nicholas Markowitz, the scapegoat for a drug debt. The names may have been changed, but writer-director Nick Cassavetes makes no effort to separate fact from fiction. Cassavetes has corralled an eclectic group of supporting actors to bring the crime to life, including Justin Timberlake, Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone and Emile Hirsch. (Universal Studios Home Entertainment)
The Hitcher
Graphic remake features Sean Bean as the indestructible hitchhiker making life a living hell for a young couple on their way to Spring Break. Director Dave Meyers and a team of writers ratchet up the suspense and gore as Jim Halsey (Zachary Knighton) and Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) pick up, dump and then spend the rest of the film trying to evade John Ryder (Bean), a hitchhiker who delights in butchering Good Samaritans. The original film’s signature moment, where a character is torn apart by a truck, is played out in all its rip-and-shred glory. DVD explores directorial choices, including alternate endings. (Universal Studios Home Entertainment)
Wondrous Oblivion
South London in the early 1960s is the setting for this powerful drama about race relations. Sam Smith is excellent as David, a young Jewish boy who dreams of being a cricket star. With more enthusiasm than talent, David faces ridicule from family and friends. When the Samuels, a Jamaican family, move into the neighborhood, their presence ignites racial tensions. After father Dennis Samuels (Delroy Lindo) builds a cricket net in his backyard, David ignores prejudice and befriends Dennis, who offers to teach him how to play. Emotions run high in this excellent examination of friendship and loyalty. (Palm Pictures)
10 Items or Less
Morgan Freeman and Paz Vega shine in this sweet, simple independent film about an aging actor (Freeman) researching a role in a small Latino market. Although the actor isn’t thrilled, he slowly lets down his guard after befriending checkout clerk Scarlet (Vega). When his ride fails to show up, the actor and Scarlet join each other for an eye-opening tour of the city. Writer-director Brad Silberling does an excellent job of making something out of nothing, creating characters that live life on their terms. DVD offers additional scenes, documentary, and commentary. (First Look Home Entertainment)
Suicide Killers
Shocking, eye-opening documentary takes viewers into the minds of suicide bombers, exploring their personal, social and religious influences to present a portrait of terror. Filmmaker Pierre Rehov gets up-close and personal with the families of the terrorists, offering a personal glimpse of what makes these human bombs tick. Interviews with prisoners and a harrowing examination of the process of becoming a suicide killer make this a must-see film for anyone looking for truth. DVD includes interactive educational tools and exclusive interviews. (City Lights Media)
DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT