DVDpedia : Library : Title : H

Theatrical: 1995

Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 107

Summary: As a depiction of the computer-hacker underground, this movie is bogus to the bone. As a thriller, it's cartoonish and conventional. The premise (computer-happy kids hack into the wrong system, and the Forces of Repression come after them) is recycled from John Badham's 1983 "WarGames". And the corporate-creep bad guy, played by Fisher Stevens, steeples his fingers and growls mossy villainous clichés. ("By the time they realize the truth, we'll be long gone with all the money.") For all its postmodern trappings the movie is working with sub-prehistoric storytelling tools. But it does succeed on one level, as a movie about adolescent bonding and alienation. The director, Iain Softley, helmed the Beatles-in-Hamburg biopic "Backbeat", and he seems to have an instinct for the emotions that pull kids together around common interests and the insecurities that drive them apart. The familiar crises of loyalty and betrayal have an ache of real loneliness. It doesn't hurt that the two stars, Jonny Lee Miller (Sick Boy Williamson in "Trainspotting") and Angelina Jolie ("Gia"), are just about equally gorgeous and charismatic; their longing glances steam up the screen. "--David Chute"

Theatrical: 1998

Studio: Universal Pictures

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 82

Summary: Cannabis comedy doesn't get more juvenile than this pro-pot goof about three stoners who come to the rescue of a fourth buddy when he's arrested for feeding a lethal dose of junk food to a diabetic police horse. Kenny (Harland Williams) is sent to jail, and to rescue him from the almost inevitable trauma of homosexual rape (giving you some idea of this movie's level of humor), his buddies set out to raise his $100,000 bail by selling high-grade weed ripped off from a pharmaceutical research lab. That's about it for the plot; the rest of the movie's a parade of marijuana jokes and amusing pot-friendly cameos by the likes of Snoop Dog, Willie Nelson, and Janeane Garofalo. As two of the bong-hitting buddies, Jim Breuer (from Saturday Night Live) and comedian Dave Chappelle do their best to disguise the movie's lack of inspiration. But no matter how hard they try to milk laughs from the one-joke premise, they can't stop the movie's title from being an apt description of the movie itself. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2008

Studio: Sony Pictures

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 92

Summary: "Hancock" turns the standard superhero movie inside-out: The title character (Will Smith) can fly, has superstrength, and is invulnerable, but he's also a sloppy, alcoholic jerk who causes millions of dollars in property damage whenever he bothers to fight crime. When he saves the life of a public-relations agent named Ray (Jason Bateman, "Arrested Development"), Ray decides to improve Hancock's image--starting by having Hancock surrender himself to the authorities and go to prison for his lawless behavior. The idea is that once he's in prison, the crime rate will go up, and people will start to realize Hancock might be of value after all. This is only the first act of "Hancock"--from there, the movie takes several clever turns that shouldn't be revealed. "Hancock" isn't a great movie (among other things, director Peter Berg overuses close-ups with a hand-held camera to a degree that may cause motion sickness), but it is an extremely entertaining one. The script, which holds together far better than most superhero movies, has a propulsive plot, good dialogue, some compassion for its characters, and even an actual idea or two. The spectacular action at least gestures towards obeying the laws of physics, which actually makes the special effects more vivid. The three leads (Smith, Bateman, and Charlize Theron as Ray's wife, Mary) deftly balance the movie's mixture of comedy, action, and drama. All in all, a smart subversive twist on a genre that all too often takes itself all too seriously. --"Bret Fetzer"

Stills from "Hancock" (click for larger image)

Theatrical: 2009

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 108

Summary: If you like your humor broadside up, hold the subtlety, you'll want to nurse this "Hangover" with your best buds. The ensemble cast meshes perfectly--it's like a super-R-rated episode of "Friends": silly, slapstick, and completely in the viewer's face. When four pals go to Vegas to celebrate the imminent nuptials of one of them, they partake in a rooftop toast to "a night we'll never forget." But they're in for a big surprise: their celebration drinks were laced with date-rape drugs, so when they awake in their hotel room 12 hours later, not only are they hung over, but they can't remember what they did all night long. Oh, and they're missing the groom-to-be.
The film is so cheerfully raunchy, so fiercely crude, that the humor becomes as intoxicating as the mind-altering substances. The standout in the ensemble is Zach Galifianakis, who is alternately creepy and hilarious. Ed Helm ("The Office"), in addition to his memory, loses a tooth in uncomfortably realistic fashion, and Bradley Cooper ("He's Just Not That into You") has deadpan comic timing that whips along at the speed of light. "Ma'am, you have an incredible rack," he blares to a pedestrian from the squad car the guys have "borrowed." "I should have been a [bleeping] cop," he tells himself approvingly.
Director Todd Phillips brings back his deft handling of the actors and the dude humor that worked so well in "Old School", as well as the unctuous Dan Finnerty, memorable as a lounge/wedding singer in both films. But it's the nonstop volley of jokes--most cheerily politically incorrect--that grabs the audience and thrashes it around the hotel room. Just watch out for the tiger in the bathroom. "--A.T. Hurley"

Theatrical: 2011

Studio: Focus Features

Genre: Action, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Duration: 111

Summary: Hanna (Ronan) is a teenage girl. Uniquely, she has the strength, the stamina, and the smarts of a soldier; these come from being raised by her father (Bana), an ex-CIA man, in the wilds of Finland. Living a life unlike any other teenager, her upbringing and training have been one and the same, all geared to making her the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one; sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys stealthily across Europe while eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets of her own (Ms. Blanchett). As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence and unexpected questions about her humanity.

Theatrical: 2008

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Genre: Drama

Duration: 91

Summary: You'd expect the end of the world to be no day in the park, but in M. Night Shyamalan's "The Happening", a day in the park is where the end begins. One otherwise peaceful summer morning, New Yorkers strolling in Central Park come to a halt in unison, then begin killing themselves by any means at hand. At a high-rise construction site a few blocks over, it's raining bodies as workers step off girders into space. And all the while, the city is so quiet you can hear the gentle breeze in the trees. That breeze carries a neurotoxin, and what or who put it there (terrorists?) is a question raised periodically as the film unfolds. But the question that really matters is how and whether anybody in the Middle Atlantic states is going to stay alive. "The Happening" is Shyamalan's best film since "The Sixth Sense", partly because he avoids the kind of egregious misjudgment that derailed "The Village" and "Lady in the Water", but mostly because the whole thing has been structured and imagined to keep faith with the point of view of regular, unheroic folks confronted with a mammoth crisis. Focal characters are a Philadelphia high-school science teacher (Mark Wahlberg, excellent), his wife (Zooey Deschanel) and math-teacher colleague (John Leguizamo), and the latter’s little girl (Ashlyn Sanchez). Instinct says get out of the cities and move west; most of the film takes place in the delicately picturesque Pennsylvania countryside, with menace hovering somewhere in the haze. There are no special effects (apart from a wind machine and some breakaway glass), but the movie manages to be deeply unsettling in the matter-of-factness of its storytelling. Especially effective is its feel for what we might call the surrealism of banality. One warning sign that someone has been infected by the neurotoxin is irrational or erratic speech and behavior, yet Shyamalan has a genius for dialogue that sounds normal and everyday as it's spoken, yet flies apart grenade-like a second later as its logic (or illogic) sinks in. Then there's Deschanel's eye-rolling dodginess about the messages some guy has been leaving on her cellphone. Or the fellow (Frank Collis) who addresses his greenhouse plants as though they were his children--has a stray toxic zephyr wafted his way, or is this just his idea of normal? "--Richard T. Jameson"


Beyond "The Happening " on DVD
"Jumper" on DVD
"Street Kings" on DVD
"Deception" on DVD


Stills from "The Happening" (Click for larger image)

Theatrical: 1996

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 92

Summary: Adam Sandler fans are sure to enjoy this no-brainer comedy, but everyone else is strongly advised to proceed with caution. Before scoring a more enjoyable hit with his 1998 comedy "The Wedding Singer", the former "Saturday Night Live" goofball played Happy Gilmore, a hot-tempered guy whose dreams of hockey stardom elude him. But when he discovers his gift for driving golf balls hundreds of yards, he joins a pro tour to win the prize money needed to rescue his beloved grandma's home from IRS repossession. The trouble is, Happy's not so happy. He's got a temper that frequently flares on the golf course (he even dukes it out with celebrity golfer Bob Barker), but a retired golf pro (Carl Weathers) and a compassionate publicist (Julie Bowen) help him to perfect his putting game and adjust his confrontational attitude. How much you enjoy this lunacy depends on your tolerance for Sandler's loudmouthed schtick and a shocking number of blatant product-placement endorsements, but if you're looking for broad comedy you've come to the right teeoff spot. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 1992

Studio: Fox Lorber

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 126

Summary: Masterful Hong Kong action director John Woo ("The Killer", "Face/Off") turns in this exciting and pyrotechnic tale of warring gangsters and shifting loyalties. Chow Yun-fat ("The Replacement Killers") plays a take-no-prisoners cop on the trail of the triad, the Hong Kong Mafia, when his partner is killed during a gun battle. His guilt propels him into an all-out war against the gang, including an up-and-coming soldier in the mob (Tony Leung) who turns out to be an undercover cop. The two men must come to terms with their allegiance to the force and their loyalty to each other as they try to take down the gangsters. A stunning feast of hyperbolic action sequences (including a climactic sequence in an entire hospital taken hostage), "Hard-Boiled" is a rare treat for fans of the action genre, with sequences as thrilling and intense as any ever committed to film. "--Robert Lane"

Theatrical: 1998

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 96

Summary: It may not be a disaster movie, per se, but this terminally silly thriller is certainly disastrous, and would be pointless without the novelty of its setting in a flooding Midwestern town during a torrential rainfall. Physically impressive but idiotic in every other respect, the movie pits an armored truck courier (Christian Slater) against a smart leader of thieves (Morgan Freeman) and a corruptible town sheriff (Randy Quaid) who are vying for possession of $3 million in cash. A waterlogged game of cat and mouse, the plot is so contrived that even the most impressive action sequences--such as a jet-ski chase through flooded high-school corridors--are robbed of their already tenuous credibility. Before long you'll be yawning as incompetent accomplices are systematically dispatched by their own stupidity, in the kind of movie where the use of power boats inevitably leads to at least one death by outboard motor. What's impressive here is the physical production itself--the effect of flooding was created by building a huge replica of downtown Huntington, Indiana, in a huge, watertight aircraft hangar in Palmdale, California! "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 1989

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 115

Summary: This is a supremely disappointing film, especially considering the talent involved. Indeed, the cast would seem to be the summit of African American comedians, starring the three most influential standups of the modern era: Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy. Murphy obviously was paying respect to his elders when he cast them as his father and grandfather in this story of Harlem in the 1930s. Written and directed by Murphy, the plot involves gangsters and rival nightclub owners but doesn't add up. What's a particular shame is that, with three comics as funny as Murphy, Pryor, and Foxx, there are so few laughs and so much misogyny. Do you really want to watch Della Reese get shot in the foot to shut her up? That's the level of the humor here. "--Marshall Fine"

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: New Line Home Video

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 88

Summary: From the director of "Dude, Where's My Car?" comes another crazed tale of two friends on a perilous quest--in this case, to eat burgers at the fast food restaurant White Castle. The pair--repressed Harold (John Cho, "Better Luck Tomorrow") and freewheeling Kumar (Kal Penn, "Love Don't Cost a Thing")--get extremely high and set off on the road, only to be sidetracked by skateboarding hooligans, racist cops, an inbred tow truck driver, and Neil Patrick Harris--yes, Doogie Howser, M.D. The humor is all over the map, and it would be nice if there were one female character who wasn't a caricature, but "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" has a loose, gregarious charm, and the movie's canniness about the cliches of the buddy-movie genre give it a sneaky subversive feel--just the fact that neither of the heroes is white puts a different spin on just about every circumstance. Surprisingly clever, cheerfully stupid. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical: 2009

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 135

Summary: The sixth installment of the "Harry Potter" series begins right where "The Order of the Phoenix" left off. The wizarding world is rocked by the news that "He Who Must Not Be Named" has truly returned, and the audience finally knows that Harry is "the Chosen One"--the only wizard who can defeat Lord Voldemort in the end. Dark forces loom around every corner, and now regularly attempt to penetrate the protected walls of Hogwarts School. This is no longer the fun and fascinating world of magic from the first few books—it's dark, dangerous, and scary.
Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) suspects Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) to be a new Death Eater recruit on a special mission for the Dark Lord. In the meantime, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) seems to have finally removed the shroud of secrecy from Harry about the dark path that lies ahead, and instead provides private lessons to get him prepared. It's in these intriguing scenes that the dark past of Tom Riddle (a.k.a. Voldemort) is finally revealed. The actors cast as the different young versions of Riddle (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane) do an eerily fantastic job of portraying the villain as a child. While the previous movies' many new characters could be slightly overwhelming, only one new key character is introduced this time: Professor Horace Slughorn (with a spot-on performance by Jim Broadbent). Within his mind he holds a key secret in the battle to defeat the Dark Lord, and Harry is tasked by Dumbledore to uncover a memory about Voldemort's darkest weapon--the Horcrux. Despite the long list of distractions, Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) still try to focus on being teenagers, and audiences will enjoy the budding awkward romances. All of the actors have developed nicely, giving their most convincing performances to date.
More dramatic and significant things go down in this movie than any of its predecessors, and the stakes are higher than ever. The creators have been tasked with a practically impossible challenge, as fans of the beloved J.K. Rowling book series desperately want the movies to capture the magic of the books as closely as possible. Alas, the point at which one accepts that these two mediums are very different is the point at which one can truly enjoy these brilliant adaptations. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is no exception: it may be the best film yet. For those who have not read the book, nail-biting entertainment is guaranteed. For those who have, the movie does it justice. The key dramatic scenes, including the cave and the shocking twist in the final chapter, are executed very well. It does a perfect job of setting up the two-part grand finale that is to follow. "--Jordan Thompson"

Theatrical: 2007

Studio: Warner Brothers

Genre: Kids & Family

Duration: 750

Summary: The Harry Potter Limited Edition Giftset includes Harry Potters Years 1-5, a Harry Potter DVD game Hogwarts Challenge, along with a bonus disc containing over 2 hours of enhanced content, an exclusive "Harry Potter's Bookmark Collection", and collectible trading cards.

Theatrical:

Studio: Warner Bros.

Genre:

Summary: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Here's an event movie that holds up to being an event. This filmed version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, adapted from the wildly popular book by J.K. Rowling, stunningly brings to life Harry Potter's world of Hogwarts, the school for young witches and wizards. The greatest strength of the film comes from its faithfulness to the novel, and this new cinematic world is filled with all the details of Rowling's imagination, thanks to exuberant sets, elaborate costumes, clever makeup and visual effects, and a crème de la crème cast, including Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, and more. Especially fine is the interplay between Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his schoolmates Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), as well as his protector, the looming Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane). The second-half adventure--involving the titular sorcerer's stone--doesn't translate perfectly from page to screen, ultimately because of the film's fidelity to the novel; this is a case of making a movie for the book's fans, as opposed to a transcending film. Writer Steve Kloves and director Chris Columbus keep the spooks in check, making this a true family film, and with its resourceful hero wide-eyed and ready, one can't wait for Harry's return. Ages 8 and up. --Doug Thomas

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
First sequels are the true test of an enduring movie franchise, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets passes with flying colors. Expanding upon the lavish sets, special effects, and grand adventure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry involves a darker, more malevolent tale (parents with younger children beware), beginning with the petrified bodies of several Hogwarts students and magical clues leading Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to a 50-year-old mystery in the monster-laden Chamber of Secrets. House elves, squealing mandrakes, giant spiders, and venomous serpents populate this loyal adaptation (by Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves), and Kenneth Branagh delightfully tops the supreme supporting cast as the vainglorious charlatan Gilderoy Lockhart (be sure to view past the credits for a visual punchline at Lockhart's expense). At 161 minutes, the film suffers from lack of depth and uneven pacing, and John Williams' score mostly reprises established themes. The young, fast-growing cast offers ample compensation, however, as does the late Richard Harris in his final screen appearance as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brimming with cleverness, wonderment, and big-budget splendor, Chamber honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling's novels. --Jeff Shannon

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Some movie-loving wizards must have cast a magic spell on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, because it's another grand slam for the Harry Potter franchise. Demonstrating remarkable versatility after the arthouse success of Y Tu Mamá También, director Alfonso Cuarón proves a perfect choice to guide Harry, Hermione, and Ron into treacherous puberty as the now 13-year-old students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry face a new and daunting challenge: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison, and for reasons yet unknown (unless, of course, you've read J.K. Rowling's book, considered by many to be the best in the series), he's after Harry in a bid for revenge. This dark and dangerous mystery drives the action while Harry (the fast-growing Daniel Radcliffe) and his third-year Hogwarts classmates discover the flying hippogriff Buckbeak (a marvelous CGI creature), the benevolent but enigmatic Professor Lupin (David Thewlis), horrifying black-robed Dementors, sneaky Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), and the wonderful advantage of having a Time-Turner just when you need one. The familiar Hogwarts staff returns in fine form (including the delightful Michael Gambon, replacing the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and Emma Thompson as the goggle-eyed Sybil Trelawney), and even Julie Christie joins this prestigious production for a brief but welcome cameo. Technically dazzling, fast-paced, and chock-full of Rowling's boundless imagination (loyally adapted by ace screenwriter Steve Kloves), The Prisoner of Azkaban is a Potter-movie classic. --Jeff Shannon

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The latest entry in the Harry Potter saga could be retitled Fast Times at Hogwarts, where finding a date to the winter ball is nearly as terrifying as worrying about Lord Voldemort's return. Thus, the young wizards' entry into puberty (and discovery of the opposite sex) opens up a rich mining field to balance out the dark content in the fourth movie (and the stories are only going to get darker). Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) handily takes the directing reins and eases his young cast through awkward growth spurts into true young actors. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe, more sure of himself) has his first girl crush on fellow student Cho Chang (Katie Leung), and has his first big fight with best bud Ron (Rupert Grint). Meanwhile, Ron's underlying romantic tension with Hermione (Emma Watson) comes to a head over the winter ball, and when she makes one of those girl-into-woman Cinderella entrances, the boys' reactions indicate they've all crossed a threshold.
But don't worry, there's plenty of wizardry and action in Goblet of Fire. When the deadly Triwizard Tournament is hosted by Hogwarts, Harry finds his name mysteriously submitted (and chosen) to compete against wizards from two neighboring academies, as well as another Hogwarts student. The competition scenes are magnificently shot, with much-improved CGI effects (particularly the underwater challenge). And the climactic confrontation with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes, in a brilliant bit of casting) is the most thrilling yet. Goblet, the first installment to get a PG-13 rating, contains some violence as well as disturbing images for kids and some barely shrouded references at sexual awakening (Harry's bath scene in particular). The 2 1/2-hour film, lean considering it came from a 734-page book, trims out subplots about house-elves (they're not missed) and gives little screen time to the standard crew of the other Potter films, but adds in more of Britain's finest actors to the cast, such as Brendan Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody and Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter. Michael Gambon, in his second round as Professor Dumbledore, still hasn't brought audiences around to his interpretation of the role he took over after Richard Harris died, but it's a small smudge in an otherwise spotless adaptation. --Ellen A. Kim Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Alas! The fifth Harry Potter film has arrived. The time is long past that this can be considered a simple "children's" series--though children and adults alike will enjoy it immensely. Starting off from the dark and tragic ending of the fourth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix begins in a somber and angst-filled tone that carries through the entire 138 minutes (the shortest of any HP movie despite being adapted from the longest book). Hopes of winning the Quidditch Cup have been replaced by woes like government corruption, distorted media spin, and the casualties of war. As the themes have matured, so have the primary characters' acting abilities. Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermione (Emma Watson), and especially Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) are more convincing than ever--in roles that are more demanding.
Harry is deeply traumatized from having witnessed Cedric Diggory's murder, but he will soon find that this was just another chapter in the continuing loss he will endure. Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has returned and, in an attempt to conceal this catastrophe from the wizarding public, the Ministry of Magic has teamed up with the wizard newspaper The Daily Prophet to smear young Potter and wise Dumbledore (Michael Gambon)--seemingly the only two people in the public eye who believe the Dark Lord has returned. With no one else to stand against the wicked Death Eaters, the Hogwarts headmaster is forced to revive his secret anti-Voldemort society, the Order of the Phoenix. This welcomes back characters like Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson), kind Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), fatherly Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), and insidious Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), and introduces a short list of intriguing new faces. In the meantime, a semi-psychotic bureaucrat from the Ministry (brilliantly portrayed by Imelda Staunton) has seized power at Hogwarts, and Harry is forced to form a secret society of his own--lest the other young wizards at his school be left ill-equipped to defend themselves in the looming war between good and evil. In addition, Harry is filled with an inexplicable rage that only his Godfather Sirius seems to be able to understand.
This film, though not as frightening as its predecessor, earns its PG-13 rating mostly because of the ever-darkening tone. As always, the loyal fans of J.K. Rowling's books will suffer huge cuts from the original plot and character developments, but make no mistake: this is a good movie. --Jordan Thompson Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The sixth installment of the Harry Potter series begins right where The Order of the Phoenix left off. The wizarding world is rocked by the news that "He Who Must Not Be Named" has truly returned, and the audience finally knows that Harry is "the Chosen One"--the only wizard who can defeat Lord Voldemort in the end. Dark forces loom around every corner, and now regularly attempt to penetrate the protected walls of Hogwarts School. This is no longer the fun and fascinating world of magic from the first few books—it's dark, dangerous, and scary.
Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) suspects Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) to be a new Death Eater recruit on a special mission for the Dark Lord. In the meantime, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) seems to have finally removed the shroud of secrecy from Harry about the dark path that lies ahead, and instead provides private lessons to get him prepared. It's in these intriguing scenes that the dark past of Tom Riddle (a.k.a. Voldemort) is finally revealed. The actors cast as the different young versions of Riddle (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane) do an eerily fantastic job of portraying the villain as a child. While the previous movies' many new characters could be slightly overwhelming, only one new key character is introduced this time: Professor Horace Slughorn (with a spot-on performance by Jim Broadbent). Within his mind he holds a key secret in the battle to defeat the Dark Lord, and Harry is tasked by Dumbledore to uncover a memory about Voldemort's darkest weapon--the Horcrux. Despite the long list of distractions, Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) still try to focus on being teenagers, and audiences will enjoy the budding awkward romances. All of the actors have developed nicely, giving their most convincing performances to date.
More dramatic and significant things go down in this movie than any of its predecessors, and the stakes are higher than ever. The creators have been tasked with a practically impossible challenge, as fans of the beloved J.K. Rowling book series desperately want the movies to capture the magic of the books as closely as possible. Alas, the point at which one accepts that these two mediums are very different is the point at which one can truly enjoy these brilliant adaptations. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is no exception: it may be the best film yet. For those who have not read the book, nail-biting entertainment is guaranteed. For those who have, the movie does it justice. The key dramatic scenes, including the cave and the shocking twist in the final chapter, are executed very well. It does a perfect job of setting up the two-part grand finale that is to follow. --Jordan Thompson Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I is a brooding, slower-paced film than its predecessors, the result of being just one half of the final story (the last book in the series was split into two movies, released in theaters eight months apart). Because the penultimate film is all buildup before the final showdown between the teen wizard and the evil Voldemort (which does not occur until The Deathly Hallows, Part II), Part I is a road-trip movie, a heist film, a lot of exposition, and more weight on its three young leads, who up until now were sufficiently supported by a revolving door of British thesps throughout the series. Now that all the action takes place outside Hogwarts--no more Potions classes, Gryffindor scarves, or Quidditch matches--Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione), and Rupert Grint (Ron) shoulder the film almost entirely on their own. After a near-fatal ambush by Voldemort's Death Eaters, the three embark on a quest to find and destroy the remaining five horcruxes (objects that store pieces of Voldemort's soul). Fortunately, as the story gets more grave--and parents should be warned, there are some scenes too frightening or adult for young children--so does the intensity. David Yates, who directed the Harry Potter films Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince, drags the second half a little, but right along with some of the slower moments are some touching surprises (Harry leading Hermione in a dance, the return of Dobby in a totally non-annoying way). Deathly Hallows, Part I will be the most confusing for those not familiar with the Potter lore, particularly in the shorthand way characters and terminology weave in and out. For the rest of us, though, watching these characters over the last decade and saying farewell to a few faces makes it all bittersweet that the end is near (indeed, an early scene in which Hermione casts a spell that makes her Muggle parents forget her existence, in case she doesn't return, is particularly emotional). Despite its challenges, Deathly Hallows, Part I succeeds in what it's most meant to do: whet your appetite for the grand conclusion to the Harry Potter series. --Ellen A. Kim

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II
The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the film all Harry Potter fans have waited 10 years to see, and the good news is that it's worth the hype--visually stunning, action packed, faithful to the book, and mature not just in its themes and emotion but in the acting by its cast, some of whom had spent half their lives making Harry Potter movies. Part 2 cuts right to the chase: Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has stolen the Elder Wand, one of the three objects required to give someone power over death (a.k.a. the Deathly Hallows), with the intent to hunt and kill Harry. Meanwhile, Harry's quest to destroy the rest of the Horcruxes (each containing a bit of Voldemort's soul) leads him first to a thrilling (and hilarious--love that Polyjuice Potion!) trip to Gringotts Bank, then back to Hogwarts, where a spectacular battle pitting the young students and professors (a showcase of the British thesps who have stolen every scene of the series: Maggie Smith's McGonagall, Jim Broadbent's Slughorn, David Thewlis's Lupin) against a dark army of Dementors, ogres, and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter, with far less crazy eyes to make this round). As predicted all throughout the saga, Harry also has his final showdown with Voldemort--neither can live while the other survives--though the physics of that predicament might need a set of crib notes to explain. But while each installment has become progressively grimmer, this finale is the most balanced between light and dark (the dark is quite dark--several familiar characters die, with one significant death particularly grisly); the humor is sprinkled in at the most welcome times, thanks to the deft adaptation by Steve Kloves (who scribed all but one of the films from J.K. Rowling's books) and direction by four-time Potter director David Yates. The climactic kiss between Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), capping off a decade of romantic tension, is perfectly tuned to their idiosyncratic relationship, and Daniel Radcliffe has, over the last decade, certainly proven he was the right kid for the job all along. As Prof. Snape, the most perfect of casting choices in the best-cast franchise of all time, Alan Rickman breaks your heart. Only the epilogue (and the lack of chemistry between Harry and love Ginny Weasley, barely present here) stand a little shaky, but no matter: the most lucrative franchise in movie history to date has just reached its conclusion, and it's done so without losing its soul. --Ellen A. Kim

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 125

Summary: Anyone who appreciates subtle tension will enjoy this World War II prison-camp drama, based on John Katzenbach's novel, in which honor, courage, and sacrifice are revealed in unexpected ways. Bruce Willis plays the ranking U.S. prisoner in a Nazi POW camp, joined in December 1944 by a law-student lieutenant (up-and-coming star Colin Farrell) who'd been captured despite his father's powerful military connections. When a black pilot (Terrence Dashon Howard) from the famous Tuskeegee airmen is falsely accused of murdering a fellow prisoner, Farrell tries his case and discovers the real motivation behind Willis's kangaroo court. While combining elements of "Stalag 17" and "The Great Escape", director Gregory Hoblit ("Primal Fear", "Frequency") spices this moral dilemma with well-crafted suspense and a rousing dogfight sequence, but the human drama remains muted despite fine, understated performances by Willis, Farrell, and Howard. An escape thriller with an ethical twist, "Hart's War" works best as a study of heroism under extraordinary circumstances. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2003

Studio: Walt Disney Video

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 88

Summary: Lush production design and sparkling special effects make "The Haunted Mansion" pretty to look at. Terence Stamp ("The Limey"), as a malevolent ghost of a butler, provides a suitable air of menace as dematerializes to and fro. Marsha Thomason ("Black Knight") is lovely as a real estate agent hired to sell a haunted mansion, but in truth the ghostly owner of the mansion believes she is the reincarnation of his lost love. Wallace Shawn ("My Dinner with Andre") and Dina Waters ("Six Feet Under") make a modestly amusing comic pair as a ghostly husband and wife who bustle about. Jennifer Tilly ("Bound"), as a green disembodied head in a crystal ball, glitters appropriately. The movie also features endless clichés, futile attempts at humor, and Eddie Murphy. If you're looking for a movie based on a Disneyland ride, try the very clever "Pirates of the Caribbean" instead. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical: 1999

Studio: Dreamworks Video

Genre: Horror

Duration: 113

Summary: Suffering from the extreme bad luck of being released at the same time as the low-budget "The Blair Witch Project", this adaptation of "The Haunting of Hill House" attempts to update Shirley Jackson's psychologically terrifying ghost story to the era of big-budget, computerized special effects. Does it work? Well, let's just say that showing isn't exactly the same as telling. A prime example of bloated studio filmmaking, "The Haunting" telegraphs all its frights so blatantly that it forsakes any of Jackson's subtle horrors for the remedial scares of a clunky carnival ride. The story remains basically the same, with four people called to an old mansion for experiments in the supernatural, but instead of getting inside the heads of its main characters (as the 1963 adaptation by Robert Wise did so well), Jan DeBont's film deserts character development for the huge, glorious set design provided by Eugenio Zanetti ("Restoration"). Thus, instead of a well-drawn story you get... a well-drawn house, one that four very talented and underutilized actors--Lili Taylor, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Liam Neeson, and Owen Wilson--wander around in endlessly (as Zeta-Jones puts it, the house is "sort of Charles Foster Kane meets the Munsters"). Taylor, as the hypersensitive Nell, is the unknowing lynchpin in the battle between good and bad ghosts and gets saddled with most of the expository dialogue of the mansion's gothic backstory. Zeta-Jones (showing some spark) and Neeson (showing none) are sadly reduced to providing reactionary shots of the film's disastrous climax, which mixes hapless new-age affirmations with computer-generated effects of ghosts and exploding windows, walls, doors, etc. For this haunted-house story, take a quick tour of the breathtaking rooms, but definitely "don't" stay the night. "--Mark Englehart"

Theatrical: 1991

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 115

Summary: A two-part film which views a relationship between competing television journalists separately from first his point of view, and then from hers.
Genre: Feature Film-Comedy
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 13-MAY-2003
Media Type: DVD

Theatrical: 2003

Studio: Dreamworks Video

Genre: African American Cinema

Duration: 95

Summary: Chris Rock writes, directs, and stars in the sassy political comedy "Head of State", about Mays Gilliam, a black man who's chosen by the leaders of an unspecificed party to run for president after their previous candidates die in a plan crash. Though he initially follows his handler's instructions, Gilliam soon starts handling speeches in his own brazen, outspoken way, which starts to turn the tide--which upsets the party leaders who chose him, since they expected him to lose. While "Head of State" doesn't quite have the razor wit that Rock wields in his stand-up routine, it has a sharper edge than just about any other political satire in recent memory. Rock bursts with charisma, and his supporting cast (including Lynn Whitfield, Dylan Baker, Robin Givens, and especially Bernie Mac as Gilliam's brother and running mate) provide solid comic support. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical: 1986

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 130

Summary: The controversial, Reagan-era invasion of Grenada by U.S. troops is, oddly enough, at the center of this initially interesting story of a seasoned Marine sergeant (Clint Eastwood) routinely insulted by younger officers for being a symbol of the war that America "lost" in Vietnam. Looking for both a victory and a little redemption, Eastwood's character trains a squadron of scrappy pups and turns them into fighting grunts, just in time to follow White House orders and take the little island. Marsha Mason plays Eastwood's love interest, and Mario Van Peebles is funny as an undisciplined con artist who joins Clint's men and finally catches the spirit after getting his butt kicked a few times. "--Tom Keogh"

Theatrical: 1995

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 171

Summary: Having developed his skill as a master of contemporary crime drama, writer-director Michael Mann displayed every aspect of that mastery in this intelligent, character-driven thriller from 1995, which also marked the first onscreen pairing of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. The two great actors had played father and son in the separate time periods of "The Godfather, Part II", but this was the first film in which the pair appeared together, and although their only scene together is brief, it's the riveting fulcrum of this high-tech cops-and-robbers scenario. De Niro plays a master thief with highly skilled partners (Val Kilmer and Tom Sizemore) whose latest heist draws the attention of Pacino, playing a seasoned Los Angeles detective whose investigation reveals that cop and criminal lead similar lives. Both are so devoted to their professions that their personal lives are a disaster. Pacino's with a wife (Diane Venora) who cheats to avoid the reality of their desolate marriage; De Niro pays the price for a life with no outside connections; and Kilmer's wife (Ashley Judd) has all but given up hope that her husband will quit his criminal career. These are men obsessed, and as De Niro and Pacino know, they'll both do whatever's necessary to bring the other down. Mann's brilliant screenplay explores these personal obsessions and sacrifices with absorbing insight, and the tension mounts with some of the most riveting action sequences ever filmed--most notably a daylight siege that turns downtown Los Angeles into a virtual war zone of automatic gunfire. At nearly three hours, the film qualifies as a kind of intimate epic, certain to leave some viewers impatiently waiting for more action, but it's all part of Mann's compelling strategy. "Heat" is a true rarity: a crime thriller with equal measures of intense excitement and dramatic depth, giving De Niro and Pacino a prime showcase for their finely matched talents. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 1989

Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 103

Summary: This dark comedy from 1989 was a good showcase for Winona Ryder, playing a high school girl brought into a clique of bitchy classmates (all named Heather), and Christian Slater, doing his early Jack Nicholson thing. While Ryder's character mulls over the consequences of giving up one set of friends for another, her association with a new boy (Slater) in school turns out to have deadly consequences. Director Michael Lehmann turned this unusual film into something more than another teen-death flick. There is real wit and sharp satire afoot, and the very fusion of horror and comedy is provocative in itself. "Heathers" remains a kind of benchmark in contemporary cinema for bringing surreal intelligence into Hollywood films. "--Tom Keogh"

Theatrical: 1981

Studio: Sony Pictures

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 86

Summary: As long as there is a need for adolescent male sexual fantasy, there will be an audience for "Heavy Metal". Released in 1981 and based on stories from the graphic magazine of the same name (possibly the greatest publication to simultaneously provoke imagination and masturbation), the film has since become the most popular single title in Columbia/TriStar's entire film library. That's an amazing fact considering just how silly and senseless the movie really is--an aimless, juvenile amalgam of disjointed stories and clashing visual styles, employing hundreds of animators from around the world with a near-total absence of creative cohesion. It remains, for better and worse, a midnight-movie favorite for the stoner crowd--a movie best enjoyed by randy adolescents or near-adults in an altered state of consciousness.
With a framing story about a glowing green orb claiming to be the embodiment of all evil, the film shuttles through eight episodic tales of sci-fi adventure, each fueled by some of the most wretched rock music to emerge from the 1980s. The most consistent trademark is an abundance of blood-splattering violence and wet-dream sex, the latter involving a succession of huge-breasted babes who shed their clothes at the drop of a G-string. It's all quite fun in its rampantly brainless desire to fuel the young male libido, and for all its incoherence "Heavy Metal" remains impressive for the ambitious artistry of its individual segments. Courtesy of producer Ivan Reitman (who'd just scored a hit with "Stripes"), voice talents include several Canadian veterans of Second City comedy, including John Candy, Harold Ramis, Eugene Levy, and Joe Flaherty. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2001

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 109

Summary: David Mamet's "Heist" is--not unlike many of his previous films--amusing, manicured, and fraught with an awkward tension. If you've seen "The Spanish Prisoner" or "House of Games", you're by now familiar with the plot-subverting gambit of the double-cross turned triple- and then quadruple-cross. "Heist" sticks to the formula. Likewise, the quips and laconic wit that adorn what can most accurately be called "Mametspeak" are again on display: "Cute as a pail full of kittens," for instance, and "Everybody needs money; that's why they call it money." What you haven't yet seen in a Mamet film is the magisterial charm of Gene Hackman. In the role of Joe Moore, an aging criminal out for one final score before cashing in, Hackman shows us all (Mamet included) how it's done, embodying tough-but-clever effortlessly. Delroy Lindo, as Joe's partner Bobby, picks up on Hackman's ultra-cool and gives plenty in return. While the script and the remaining cast (Danny Devito, Rebecca Pidgeon, Sam Rockwell) are serviceable, "Heist" is entirely Hackman's show to steal. "--Fionn Meade"

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Columbia Pictures

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 132

Summary: In the ongoing deluge of comic-book adaptations, "Hellboy" ranks well above average. Having turned down an offer to helm "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" in favor of bringing "Hellboy"'s origin story to the big screen, the gifted Mexican director Guillermo del Toro compensates for the excesses of "Blade II" with a moodily effective, consistently entertaining action-packed fantasy, beginning in 1944 when the mad monk Rasputin--in cahoots with occult-buff Hitler and his Nazi thugs--opens a transdimensional portal through which a baby demon emerges, capable of destroying the world with his powers. Instead, the aptly named Hellboy is raised by the benevolent Prof. Bloom, founder of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, whose allied forces enlist the adult Hellboy (Ron Perlman, perfectly cast) to battle evil at every turn. While nursing a melancholy love for the comely firestarter Liz (Selma Blair), Hellboy files his demonic horns ("to fit in," says Bloom) and wreaks havoc on the bad guys. The action is occasionally routine (the movie suffers when compared to the similar "X-Men" blockbusters), but del Toro and Perlman have honored Mike Mignola's original Dark Horse comics with a lavish and loyal interpretation, retaining the amusing and sympathetic quirks of character that made the comic-book Hellboy a pop-culture original. He's red as a lobster, puffs stogies like Groucho Marx, and fights the good fight with a kind but troubled heart. What's not to like? --"Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2008

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 120

Summary: The feverish Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a very busy sequel that might have looked unhinged in the hands of a less visionary director than Guillermo del Toro. Ron Perlman returns as Hellboy, aka "Red," the Dark Horse Comics demon-hero with roots in the mythical world but personal ties in the human realm. Still working, as he was in Hellboy, for a secret department of the federal government that deals (as in "Men In Black") with forces of the fantastic, Red and his colleagues take on a royal elf (Luke Goss) determined to smash a longtime truce between mankind and the forces of magic. Meanwhile, Red's relationship with girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair), who can burst into flames at will, is going through a rocky stage observed by Red's fishy friend Abe (Doug Jones), himself struck by love in this film. Del Toro brilliantly integrates the ordinary and extraordinary, diving into an extended scene set in a troll market barely hidden behind the façade of typical city streets. He also unleashes a forest monster that devastates an urban neighborhood, but then--interestingly--brings a luminous beauty to the same area as the creature (an "elemental") succumbs to a terrible death. Del Toro's art direction proves masterful, too, in a climactic battle set in a clockworks-like stronghold tucked away in rugged Irish landscape. But it's really the juxtaposition of visual marvels with not-so-unusual relationship issues that gives Hellboy II a certain jaunty appeal hard to find in other superhero movies. --Tom Keogh




Stills from Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Click for larger image)

















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Theatrical: 1989

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 94

Borrowed By: Alberto Aldrete

Summary: To see why Tom Selleck's movie career has been a constant uphill battle, look no further than this tepid mystery/comedy from 1989. Selleck plays a successful mystery novelist who cures a persistent case of writer's block by visiting the courtroom trial of a young Romanian woman named Nina (played by late '80s supermodel Paulina Porizkova) who has been accused of murder. He supplies the alleged murderer with an alibi--she can claim she was having an affair with him at his Connecticut country home at the time of the murder--and then he brings her to Connecticut to make the alibi look legitimate. Is she in fact a killer? Did she serve poisoned casserole to a group of dinner guests? You'd have to be a major fan of Selleck or Porizkova to want to find out what happens next, because despite a few light moments of engaging comedy this is the kind of nonsensical fluff that quickly wears out its welcome. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Miramax

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 99

Summary: Director Zhang Yimou brings the sumptuous visual style of his previous films ("Raise the Red Lantern", "Shanghai Triad") to the high-kicking kung fu genre. A nameless warrior (Jet Li, "Romeo Must Die", "Once Upon a Time in China") arrives at an emperor's palace with three weapons, each belonging to a famous assassin who had sworn to kill the emperor. As the nameless man spins out his story--and the emperor presents his own interpretation of what might really have happened--each episode is drenched in red, blue, white or another dominant color. "Hero" combines sweeping cinematography and superb performances from the cream of the Hong Kong cinema (Maggie Cheung, "Irma Vep", "Comrades: Almost a Love Story"; Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, "In the Mood for Love", "Hard Boiled"; and Zhang Ziyi, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"). The result is stunning, a dazzling action movie with an emotional richness that deepens with every step. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical:

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Mystery & Suspense

Duration: 45

Summary: Discover the phenomenon that is sweeping audiences everywhere as Heroes: Season 1 comes to Blu-ray Hi-Def! Experience the suspense, mystery, and electrifying twists as this astonishing series follows seemingly unconnected, ordinary people around the globe who discover they have extraordinary powers. As they come to terms with their unique abilities, their risky decisions will affect the futures of everyone around them …and the world. Join their epic journey in this five-disc set packed with hours of fascinating and revealing bonus features, including the never-before-aired series premiere from show creator Tim Kring.

Theatrical:

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Mystery & Suspense

Duration: 482

Summary: Rejoin the epic and suspenseful phenomenon as Heroes: Season 2 arrives on Blu-ray Hi-Def! Experience all the new and exciting twists of the astonishing series in this 4-disc set that includes every gripping Season 2 episode. Plus, see what could have been with exclusive bonus features that reveal the untold stories that never aired and an alternate ending to the season finale, where the fate of humanity takes an ominous turn when Peter fails to catch the vial containing the deadly virus.

Theatrical:

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Drama

Duration: 1020

Summary: Experience all the explosive action and shocking twists as Heroes: Season 3 comes to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def! Rediscover the phenomenon in this five-disc set that includes all 25 suspenseful episodes from the third season’s volumes, Villains and Fugitives. Plus, go behind the scenes with the show’s writers, stars and artists as you explore hours of exclusive and revealing bonus features.

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Touchstone / Disney

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 136

Summary: Director Joe Johnston has always had an entertaining sense of adventure, and with "Hidalgo" he proves it in spades. It's yet another underrated film for Johnston (along with such enjoyable popcorn flicks as "The Rocketeer" and "Jurassic Park III"), dismissed by many critics but a welcome treat for anyone drawn to good ol'-fashioned movie excitement. In his first role since playing Aragorn in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Viggo Mortensen brings handsome appeal to his low-key portrayal of Frank T. Hopkins, a real-life long-distance horse racer who, as the movie opens, has witnessed the appalling massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee in 1890. Drifting into Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, he agrees to compete, with his trusty mustang, Hidalgo, in "The Ocean of Fire," a treacherous 3,000-mile horse race across the Arabian desert. Toss in a bunch of conspiring competitors, a noble sheik (Omar Sharif), his lovely daughter (Zuleikha Robinson), and enough fast-paced danger to fill 133 minutes, and you've got a rousing, humorous, and lightly spiritual adventure that's a lot of fun to watch. It hardly matters that it's almost pure fiction (the real Hopkins was known by many as "a pathological liar"). More important is the love of movies and moviemaking that Johnston so delightfully conveys. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 115

Summary: A welcomed reunion of "Kiss the Girls" costars Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman makes "High Crimes" a worthwhile thriller with vivid, likable characters. Efficiently directed by Carl Franklin, this military mystery doesn't have the unpredictable edginess of Franklin's "Devil in a Blue Dress", but its twisting plot is sure to hold anyone's attention. Judd plays a successful, happily married lawyer whose husband (Jim Caviezel) is accused of killing innocent citizens during his military service in El Salvador some 13 years earlier. A cover-up implicates a powerful Brigadier General (Bruce Davison), but when Judd hires a maverick attorney (Freeman), Judd is caught in a potentially lethal trap of threats and deception. Attentive viewers will stay ahead of the action, and alleged villains are posed as obvious decoys. Still, Judd and Freeman have an appealing rapport (shared with Amanda Peet, playing Judd's vivacious sister), and Freeman's character flaws add worldly spice to yet another rich performance. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2000

Studio: Touchstone / Disney

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 113

Summary: Transplanted from England to the not-so-mean streets of Chicago, the screen adaptation of Nick Hornby's cult-classic novel "High Fidelity" emerges unscathed from its Americanization, idiosyncrasies intact, thanks to John Cusack's inimitable charm and a nimble, nifty screenplay (cowritten by Cusack). Early-thirtysomething Rob Gordon (Cusack) is a slacker who owns a vintage record shop, a massive collection of LPs, and innumerable top-five lists in his head. At the opening of the film, Rob recounts directly to the audience his all-time top-five breakups--which doesn't include his recent falling out with his girlfriend Laura (Iben Hjejle), who has just moved out of their apartment. Thunderstruck and obsessed with Laura's desertion (but loath to admit it), Rob begins a quest to confront the women who instigated the aforementioned top-five breakups to find out just what he did wrong.
Low on plot and high on self-discovery, "High Fidelity" takes a good 30 minutes or so to find its groove (not unlike Cusack's "Grosse Pointe Blank"), but once it does, it settles into it comfortably and builds a surprisingly touching momentum. Rob is basically a grown-up version of Cusack's character in "Say Anything" (who was told "Don't be a guy--be a man!"), and if you like Cusack's brand of smart-alecky romanticism, you'll automatically be won over (if you can handle Cusack's almost-nonstop talking to the camera). Still, it's hard not to be moved by Rob's plight. At the beginning of the film he and his coworkers at the record store (played hilariously by Jack Black and Todd Louiso) seem like overgrown boys in their secret clubhouse; by the end, they've grown up considerably, with a clear-eyed view of life. Ably directed by Stephen Frears ("Dangerous Liaisons"), "High Fidelity" features a notable supporting cast of the women in Rob's life, including the striking, Danish-born Hjejle, Lisa Bonet as a sultry singer-songwriter, and the triumphant triumvirate of Lili Taylor, Joelle Carter, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Rob's ex-girlfriends. With brief cameos by Tim Robbins as Laura's new, New Age boyfriend and Bruce Springsteen as himself. "--Mark Englehart"

Theatrical: 2000

Studio: Dimension

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 87

Summary: Despite a typically haphazard plot, "Highlander: Endgame" is a marked improvement over previous sequels. This is the "torch-passing" chapter, in which the Immortal Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert) passes his life force to his heroic brother, Duncan (Adrian Paul, star of the 1993-96 "Highlander" TV series). These appealing stars make a fine onscreen duo, and Paul is a terrific choice to keep the franchise alive--strikingly handsome but possessing enough gravitas to make the prospect of future sequels unexpectedly promising. The movie is incoherent to the uninitiated, but established fans will be reasonably impressed by "Endgame"'s cagey mix of romance, swordplay, and history-spanning action. While the movie's chaotic construction is regrettable, the frequent battles (including dazzling work by Honk Kong action star Donnie Yen) are adequately impressive, and Douglas Milsome--cinematographer of Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket"--ensures that every scene is strikingly photographed. All in all, "Highlander: Endgame" is surprisingly worthwhile. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 1991

Studio: Republic Pictures

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 91

Summary: Theatrically released in 1991 as "Highlander II: The Quickening", this sequel was later reedited and gained a small but loyal following (prompting a spinoff TV series), but at the time of its release critic Roger Ebert called it "the most hilariously incomprehensible movie ... almost awesome in its badness." In other words, you might find some guilty pleasure in this chaotic sequel to 1986's "Highlander", in which Christopher Lambert reprises his role as Connor MacLeod, a member of the alien race known as "Immortals," banished to Earth from his home planet Zeist some 500 years ago. In the year 1999, Lambert owns a corporation that has created a shield to protect the Earth following the depletion of the ozone layer. But the shield is seized by an evil cartel, and Virginia Madsen plays a scientist who assists MacLeod in his mission to destroy the cartel. Sean Connery also reprises his role from "Highlander" as the Scottish Immortal named Ramirez (?!), but by the time he starts engaging in dashing swordplay you may wonder if he's wandered in from another movie altogether. "Highlander" fans welcomed the laserdisc and DVD release of this "renegade" director's cut, which attempts to clarify the original version's confusing plot. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 1992

Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 1078

Summary: Highlander Season One, a 9-disc DVD Collection, collects the entire 22-episode first season (1992-1993) of the syndicated action series based on the cult-favorite film.
THE STORY
"Highlander" tells the tale of a race of "Immortals" who battle one another throughout history for "the Prize." The "Immortals" game is simple -- take the heads of all other Immortals and receive ultimate knowledge and power. In the end -- there can be only one.
In 1986, the first Highlander the film, starring Christopher Lambert as Connor McLeod hit theatres. In 1992, Highlander: The Series debuted in syndication to tell the Highlander's tale anew. The series followed the adventures of a new Highlander, Duncan McLeod (Adrian Paul), a kinsman of Lambert's Connor from the original movies.
THE DVDS:
Here are the contents of each DVD.
Disc 1
Episode 1: The Gathering - Connor McLeod returns to "pass the torch" to kinsman Duncan McLeod as he helps Duncan prepare for a deadly Immortal who's set sites on Duncan's head.
Episode 2: Family Tree - Richie searches out for his long lost father and runs afoul of a con man and the mob enforcer sent to collect from him. Can McLeod save him in time?
Episode 3: The Road Not Taken - When Richie's friend dies from an apparent drug O.D., McLeod suspects an old Immortal friend of his.
Disc 2
Episode 4: Innocent Man - McLeod searches out an Immortal who took the head of a good friend.
Episode 5: Free Fall - McLeod trains a "new" immortal woman. All is not as it seems though.
Episode 6: Bad Day in Building "A" - Highlander goes Die Hard as McLeod takes on a bunch of criminals who have taken a courthouse hostage.
Disc 3
Episode 7: Mountain Men - McLeod goes Survivor when Tessa's kidnapped by a bunch of survivalists in the mountains.
Episode 8: Deadly Medicine - A psychotic surgeon takes McLeod prisoner to study his miraculous healing powers.
Episode 9: The Sea Witch - Richie helps an ex-girlfriend outrun the drug dealers whom she double-crossed.
Disc 4
Episode 10: Revenge is Sweet - A master swordswoman seeks revenge on McLeod for the death of her (Immortal) lover whom she believes McLeod killed.
Episode 11: See No Evil - McLeod searches out a serial killer who patterns his killings after an Immortal McLeod beheaded in the 1920s.
Episode 12: Eyewitness - Tessa's life is endangered after she witnesses a murder by an Immortal who's "above the law."
Disc 5
Episode 13: Band of Brothers - McLeod's old friend Darius sends warning that a deadly Immortal, clearly beyond McLeod's league, is coming for McLeod's head.
Episode 14: For Evil's Sake - McLeod takes on Kuyler, the Immortal Assassin, who's one-upped McLeod a few times in the past.
Episode 15: For Tomorrow We Die - McLeod takes on Xavier St. Cloud, an Immortal killer with poison gas and no regard for mortal lives.
Disc 6
Episode 16: The Beast Below - A "beast-like" Immortal is threatening Richie's new girlfriend. Can McLeod save her?
Episode 17: Saving Grace - McLeod comes to the aid of Immortal Dr. Grace Chandel, an old-flame, who's being stalked by her Immortal ex-husband.
Episode 18: The Lady and the Tiger - Will Amanda, an old friend and lover of McLeod's, sacrifice his head to save her own?
Disc 7
Episode 19: Eye of the Beholder - Richie falls for a model who's associated with a beauty obsessed Immortal who will do anything to collect and keep beautiful things, including killing Richie.
Episode 20: Avenging Angel - McLeod takes on a new Immortal who believes he is on a Holy Mission to destroy all sinners.
Episode 21: Nowhere to Run - McLeod and the gang must defend the arrogant and maladjusted son of Tessa's friend who is accused of raping the step-daughter of a dangerous Immortal.
Disc 8: Episode 22 and Extras
Episode 22: The Hunters - Season Finale. MacLeod and Fitzcairn investigate the recent disappearances of several Immortals and uncover a deadly plot.
THE DVD EXTRAS
By far, this set clearly has one of THE best DVD extras packages you'll ever see.
COMMENTARY AND NOTES
ALL EPISODES include commentary from producer Bill Panzer and "Watcher" notes. The producer commentary provides great insight into the situations surrounding each episode production including location, special FX or the actors and actresses. The "Watcher" notes gives additional background and provides more insight into "Highlander" canon with reference to events and characters. In all, these two features alone make purchase of the DVD well worth it. BUT, there's more...
BLOOPERS
Disc 8 includes the "Highlander Blooper Reel." Nearly 20 minutes of stunts gone wrong, lines flubbed and other hilarious outtakes featuring our favorite "Immortal" stars.
BEHIND THE SCENES
This is the half hour documentary used to promo the series before it debuted in 1992. Like most "behind the scenes" features we get the standard on-location footage and interviews with the cast and production crew.
THE SCRIPTS
Disc 9 includes the finalized shooting scripts for ALL 22 episodes in season one. The scripts are presented in Flash format. The scripts are a Highlander completist's dream as it includes all the lines and all the stage directions.
THE VERDICT
This series may have passed by a lot of people's radars due to syndication, but lovers of action-adventure and romance are bound to fall in love with this series. The "historical" flashbacks to earlier time periods in the Immortal's lives are something unique not seen in TV before or since. The martial arts and swashbuckling action will fix most people's action craving and the countless romantic "love scenes" featured in the series will reel in the ladies too. If you've never been exposed to world of Highlander before check this series out and see what Highlander fans have known for years, "In The End, There Can Be Only One" -- and this series is it!!
Highest Recommendation

Theatrical: 1992

Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 1060

Summary: Highlander Season Two, an 8-disc DVD Collection, collects the entire 22-episode second season (1993-1994) of the syndicated action series based on the cult-favorite film.
THE STORY
In Season 2 MacLeod and friends uncover a deadly plot against the Immortals in the form of a secret society who's recorded the Immortal game over the millennia. A renegade sect now seeks to destroy the Immortals at all costs. As the season progresses McLeod and company's lives change forever as a major character dies and revelations are made about another. Behind all this the Immortal's Game still continues...
THE DVDS:
Here are the contents of each DVD.
Disc 1:
Episode 1: "The Watchers" - Investigating Darius' murder, McLeod comes across the Watchers, a secret society that's observed and recorded the Immortal's Game for thousands of years.
Episode 2: "Studies in Light" - McLeod visits renowned photographer Linda Plager, an old flame from 50 years previous who is now terminally ill.
Episode 3: "Turnabout" - McLeod protects his friend, mild-mannered Immortal Michael Moore, from the Immortal psychopathic murderer Quentan Barnes. All is not what it seems though.
Disc 2:
Episode 4: "The Darkness" - LANDMARK EPISODE. McLeod and Richie's lives become changed forever!!! MacLeod saves Tessa from a renegade Watcher.
Episode 5: "An Eye for An Eye" - McLeod must train Richie in the Immortal arts after the Immortal terrorist whose husband he killed swears revenge.
Episode 6: "The Zone" - McLeod and Charlie take on Canaan, the ruthless OverLord of Charlie's boyhood neighborhood "The Zone."
Disc 3:
Episode 7: "The Return of Amanda" - Amanda and McLeod take on a corrupt FBI agent who's after Amanda.
Episode 8: "Revenge of the Sword" - McLeod and Charlie aid Jimmy Sang, the upcoming martial arts action star who's at odds with the Asian mob.
Episode 9: "Run For Your Life" - Carl Robinson, a former slave whom McLeod saved from the KKK 80 years ago, has written off the entire world as racist. McLeod helps him restore his faith in himself and the world while saving him from the Hunters.
Disc 4:
Episode 10: "Epitaph for Tommy" - When a bystander is killed during McLeod's battle against another Immortal, he sets out to find out more about the deceased man and discovers a high-level corporate scandal.
Episode 11: "The Fighter" - McLeod meets up with his old friend, Immortal boxing manager/fighter Tommy Sullivan. When Tommy's rivals start turning up dead Mac soon realizes his old friend is no longer the man he once knew.
Episode 12: "Under Color of Authority" - Against McLeod's advice Richie protects a woman on the run from an Immortal bounty hounter.
Disc 5:
Episode 13: "Bless The Child" - While camping in the mountains, McLeod and Charlie aid an Indian woman fleeing with a baby from a group of men.
Episode 14: "Unholy Alliance, Part I" - Xavier St. Cloud returns along with a group of mercenaries (led by Horton) who aid him in killing other Immortals. Their next target - Duncan McLeod.
Episode 15: "Unholy Alliance, Part II" - McLeod tracks Xavier back to Paris for a final showdown.
Disc 6:
Episode 16: "The Vampire" - McLeod takes on Nicholas Ward, an Immortal who once posed as a Vampire.
Episode 17: "The Warmonger" - Only McLeod can stop the Immortal Drakov, a political puppet master who ruthlessly runs an Eastern European country - but why does he choose not to?
Episode 18: "The Pharaoh's Daughter" - McLeod becomes caught in the middle of a 2000 year old grudge between Cleopatra's former handmaiden and the former Roman General who betrayed her.
Disc 7:
Episode 19 - "Legacy" - McLeod and Amanda avenge the death of her teacher Rebecca Horne and secure the mysterious stones she protected.
Episode 20 - "Prodigal Son" - Richie Ryan returns to McLeod for help after being pursued by an Immortal who refuses to face him.
Episode 21 - "Counterfeit, Part I" - Horton unleashes his master plot to kill McLeod once and for all. McLeod is wary of a motorcyclist who saves Richie from Horton's Hunters.
Episode 22 - "Counterfeit, Part II" - McLeod meets Lisa Millon, a woman who is a dead ringer for Tessa. Is it too good to be true?
THE DVD EXTRAS
Like the first season, this DVD set clearly has one of THE best DVD extras packages you'll ever see.
COMMENTARY, NOTES and BLOOPERS
ALL EPISODES include commentary from producers Bill Panzer and David Abramowitz and "Watcher" notes. The commentaries provide great insight into each episode's production. The "Watcher" notes give more insight into "Highlander" canon with reference to events and characters. In addition, several episodes also include deleted scenes/blooper footage.
ADRIAN PAUL COMMENTARY
Disc 3's episodes also include audio and video commentary by series' star Adrian Paul. Decent stuff.
COLLECTIBLES AND CONTESTS
This DVD set includes a collector's edition Highlander medallion. You can mail away for a medallion holder that comes with Season One's medallion. Also included are entry forms for the Highlander sweepstakes contest.
DISC 8: EXTRAS
Included on Disc 8 are:
Trivia Game: Test your Highlander knowledge (or pick up some).
Director and Actor Bios: Filmographies for ALL actors and directors who appeared in/worked on Season Two.
Scripts: Finalized shooting scripts for ALL 22 episodes in season two. A Highlander completist's dream as it includes all the lines and stage directions.
Shooting Schedules: Another nifty production document that details the shooting schedule for several episodes. More great insight to the film biz.
THE VERDICT
Lovers of action-adventure and romance are bound to fall in love with this series. The "historical" flashbacks to earlier time periods in the Immortal's lives are awe-inspiring. The martial arts and swashbuckling action will fix most people's action cravings and the countless romantic "love scenes" featured in the series will reel in the ladies too. If you've never been exposed to world of Highlander before check this series out and see what Highlander fans have known for years, "In The End, There Can Be Only One" -- and this series is it!!
Highest Recommendation

Theatrical: 1992

Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 1060

Summary: Highlander Season Three, a 9-disc set, collects the entire 22-episode third season (1994-1995) of the syndicated action series based on the cult-favorite film about a secret race of Immortals who battle throughout history for ultimate power.
THE STORY
Season 3 delves deeper into the origins of Duncan MacLeod examining his past and the evolution of his character. We learn about his time training in the Orient as well as the time he spent living among the Lakota Sioux. MacLeod also gains a new love interest, surgeon Anne Lindsey, and faces his greatest rival yet, the Immortal opera singer Kalas. Behind all this the Immortals' Game rages on...
THE DVDS:
Here are the contents of each DVD.
Disc 1:
Episode 1: "The Samurai" - MacLeod fulfills a vow he made to his Samurai mentor 200 hundred years ago to protect his family.
Episode 2: "Line of Fire" - MacLeod faces the Immortal who killed his adopted Sioux family a hundred years ago.
Episode 3: "The Revolutionary" - Mac must face his old Immortal freedom fighter friend who has become a warmonger.
Disc 2:
Episode 4: "The Cross of St. Antoine" - Mac and Amanda set out to retrieve a gold Cross stolen from under his protection by an Immortal two hundred years ago.
Episode 5: "Rite of Passage" - MacLeod must protect a newly Immortal teenage girl.
Episode 6: "Courage" - Mac must stop an old Immortal friend who's become addicted to drugs.
Disc 3:
Episode 7: "The Lamb" - Mac and Richie take into their protection an Immortal child whose sweet exterior belies the heart of a ruthless Immortal determined to win the Game.
Episode 8: "Obsession" - Mac's Immortal friend plans to marry the love of his life and no one will stop him, not even an unwilling bride or Mac himself.
Episode 9: "Shadows" - Mac is going insane and only his Immortal friend Garrick can help him. Or can he?
Disc 4:
Episode 10: "Blackmail" - Mac takes on two Immortals and an evil lawyer who tries to blackmail him.
Episode 11: "Vendetta" - Mac crosses paths with the old mob boss who murdered him 50 years ago.
Episode 12: "They Also Serve" - A rogue Watcher has used her knowledge to help her Immortal beat other Immortals, including Mac's old martial arts teacher. Their next target -- Mac himself.
Disc 5:
Episode 13: "Blind Faith" - To the world Kirin's a Saint; to Mac he's an evil traitor and mass murderer who's killed thousands. Which is it?
Episode 14: "Song of the Executioner" - Three hundred years ago Mac stopped the Immortal monk Kalas' plot to kill Immortals by ambushing them as they left Holy Ground. Now Kalas seeks revenge by slowly destroying everyone Mac loves.
Episode 15: "Star-Crossed" - The battle against Kalas continues as Mac returns to Paris and joins up with his old buddy Fitzcairn.
Disc 6:
Episode 16: "Methos" - Looking for the extra power he needs to defeat MacLeod, Kalas seeks out the head of the mythical oldest Immortal Methos.
Episode 17: "Take Back The Night" - After a gang kills her husband the Immortal Ceirdwyn hunts down the thugs one by one. Mac must convince her that revenge is not the answer.
Episode 18: "Testimony" - Mac, Anne and Richie all get caught in the middle of a Russian mob hit by the Immortal Russian mobster Kristov.
Disc 7:
Episode 19 - "Mortal Sins" - Mac protects a mortal priest from the Immortal Nazi officer he "killed" during WWII after the Immortal returns from the grave.

Episode 20 - "Reasonable Doubt" - MacLeod must protect Maurice's niece who's taken up as the partner of an Immortal who was raised from childhood for a life of crime.
Disc 8:
Episode 21 - "Finale, Part I" - Kalas returns. Plus, the widow of a murdered Watcher threatens to reveal the Immortals and Watchers' secret to the press.
Episode 22 - "Finale, Part II" - Mac faces Kalas in a battle to the finish with the secret of the Immortals hanging in the balance.
THE DVD EXTRAS
Anchor Bay improves on the already great previous season releases by including even MORE goodies.
COMMENTARY, NOTES and BLOOPERS
ALL EPISODES include extended commentary from the cast and crew and "Watcher" notes. Improving from past Seasons, the commentaries are longer and are true "behind-the-scenes" features. Also improved, the "Watcher Notes" now include an upgraded "Sword Guide" with more background on the blades and how they were chosen by their Immortal. Also, the MAJORITY of the episodes now include deleted scenes/blooper footage.
AUDIO/VIDEO COMMENTARY
Also improved, audio and video commentary now feature more cast and crew members and are available on episodes 1, 4, 9, 15, 16 and 19.
DISC 7
1. Highlander Blooper Reel (also featured on the Season One DVD set)
2. Production Sketches Gallery (not bad, but eh...)
DISC 8
1. Finale Backstage Teaser: 3 minute commercial for a behind-the-scenes feature on how the Finale episodes were filmed.
2. Series Promo: 2 minute blooper of Adrian Paul filming a series TV promo.
DISC 9
1. Scripts: Shooting scripts for ALL 22 episodes in season three including all the lines and stage directions.
2. Call Sheets and Fight Scripts: Other nifty production documents that detail the production for several episodes. Action lovers will love the detailed descriptions and choreography of the fight scenes.
3. Actor, Director and Writer Bios: Filmographies for ALL actors, directors and writers who appeared in or worked on Season Three.
4. Trivia Game: Test your Highlander knowledge (or pick some up).
COLLECTIBLES
This set includes a mail-in coupon for the Season 3 collector's edition Highlander medallion.
THE VERDICT
With its martial arts action, adventure, romance and stunning historical backdrops, Highlander has it all. Fans of the series will be pleased as the DVD sets become better with each release. If you've never been exposed to the world of Highlander before check this series out and see what fans have known for years, "In The End, There Can Be Only One" -- and this series is it!!
Highest Recommendation

Theatrical: 1992

Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 864

Summary: The quality of the Highlander DVD box sets is a delight through all six releases. Season Five is no exception and contains the same unique special features and great video transfer as the rest. My one major turn off that, unfortunately, seems to be an industry standard is the folding package that takes up the whole coffee table. It doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the series or the special features which were enough in the first two seasons two make me buy the rest, at a premium for my impatience, from the official site (www.highlander-official.com).



As in the previous season, Highlander season 5 begins with a tale of Duncan's childhood. Through present day events and flashbacks, " Prophecy" shows us a whole new breed of older immortal with powers that certainly would have helped the character of Methos (Peter Wingfield) in earlier seasons, mind control over humans and younger immortals through a powerful form of hypnotic suggestion. We are introduced to the character of Casandra, the first immortal that Duncan (Adrian Paul) ever came into contact with as a child and a fabled witch in his native village. "Prophecy" as befits its title foreshadows the entire season we later find, even to the point of making minor mention of Connor MacLeod, Duncan's distant cousin and the hero of the original Highlander movie. While some may not see the referencing of the original movie for the first time since the pilot for the series as foreshadowing, to me it stands as a statement from the producers that all bets are off.



It is easy to forget that there is now a "chosen one" prophecy hanging over Duncan's head as you get into the season. After his failed attempt to kill Richie Ryan (Stan Kirsch) during his "Dark Quickening" (the "good guy gone evil through no fault of his own" scenario of the previous season), Duncan must make amends with his former pupil or push him away. Relations are still strained with Joe Dawson, his former Watcher now friend and Methos shows up in enough episodes this season that the producers must have been thinking spin-off.



The penultimate season of Highlander has the usual mix of comedic episodes interspersed with the serious. Highlights of the lighter episodes include the return of Roger Daltrey as Hugh Fitzcairn in an entirely "historical" episode entitled "The Stone of Scone" and a "Bonnie and Clyde" style romp with the spin-off character Amanda (Elisabeth Gracen) and her former partner Cory Raines (Nicolas Lea) making Duncan's life miserable both in present day and the past in "Money No Object." The Funniest moments from the season come from an episode entitled "Dramatic License" in which a female author has published a romance novel about Duncan and an exaggerated account of some of his many exploits.



Foreshadowing plays a huge role in this season and the Prophecy that was told in the opening episode starts to come into play in the darker episodes of the season. In "Comes a Horseman" and "Revelation 6:8" we find that Methos has been hiding an a secret of his ancient and evil past that could end up destroying the world. "Double Jeopardy" uses the Highlander master craft of the flashback to reintroduce us to one of the series original and deadliest villains, who may not be dead after all, Xavier St. Cloud (Roland Gift). Finally, "Archangel", the finale, introduces the deadliest threat to immortals yet which may very well Satan himself.

Theatrical: 1986

Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 116

Summary: This 1986 fantasy/action thriller has since spawned two sequels, a popular syndicated TV series, numerous comic-book spinoffs, and a loyal (if somewhat oddly obsessive) following of fans. Directed by music video veteran Russell Mulcahy (which explains the dizzying camera work), the original theatrical release made hash of an intriguing story about an "Immortal" from 16th-century Scotland (Christopher Lambert) who time-leaps to modern-day America with his archenemy (Clancy Brown) in hot pursuit. It becomes a battle to the death (yes, Immortals can die), and Lambert seeks survival training from an Immortal mentor played by Sean Connery. Dazzling, energetic, and altogether confusing in its original form, the film has since been released on video, laserdisc, and DVD in this revised widescreen "director's cut," with additional footage, director and producers' commentary, a photo and artwork archive, the original trailer, and an official time line of the film's evolution from script to screen. A must for "Highlander" fans ... and you know who you are! "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical:

Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Summary:

Theatrical: 2006

Studio: Lions Gate

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 86

Summary: With spinoffs including live action and animated films and television series, comic books, and more, the "Highlander" franchise has yielded its fair share of noble moments over the years, starting with the original film in 1986. But while "Highlander 5: The Source" has some cool special effects work and enough video game violence to enthrall adolescent boys, longtime fans agree that this made-for-TV flick is, to put it mildly, no Oscar contender. Adrian Paul, reprising the role he played in "Highlander: Endgame" (2000) and the "Highlander" TV series, is Duncan MacLeod, the ageless Scotsman hailing from the 16th Century. The storyline isn't easy to decipher, but it has to do with the imminent cosmic alignment of the planets and other celestial bodies, which will lead to "the moment of the Source," wherein lies the secret to the origin of MacLeod and his crew's immortality. (A note about the film's tagline, "The quest for mortality begins": Seems that being immortal ain't all it's cracked up to be; not only can these guys die, but they are unable to breed, which is a big problem for Duncan and his mortal girlfriend, hence his plan to locate the Source and become, you know, a regular dude.) This is generic comic book stuff, taking place in a crumbling, "Road Warrior"-esque world populated by characters with names like The Elder, The Guardian, The Watchers, and The Ancient One. The script, by Stephen Kelvin Watkins and Mark Bradley, is fraught with big, portentous statements, while director Brett Leonard seems more interested in staging the next fight sequence than giving us a clue as to what's actually going on. If this is the end of the "Highlander" story, and many seem to think it will be, fans had every right to hope for a more dignified death knell than "The Source". "--Sam Graham"

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Columbia Pictures

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 118

Summary: Will Smith's easygoing charm makes "Hitch" the kind of pleasant, uplifting romantic comedy that you could recommend to almost anyone--especially if there's romance in the air. As suave Manhattan dating consultant Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, Smith plays up the smoother, sophisticated side of his established screen persona as he mentors a pudgy accountant (Kevin James) on the lessons of love. The joke, of course, is that Hitch's own love life is a mess, and as he coaches James toward romance with a rich, powerful, and seemingly inaccessible beauty named Allegra (Amber Valetta), he's trying too hard to impress a savvy gossip columnist (Eva Mendes) with whom he's fallen in love. Through mistaken identities and mismatched couples, director Andy Tennant brings the same light touch that made Drew Barrymore's "Ever After" so effortlessly engaging. As romantic comedies go, "Hitch" doesn't offer any big surprises, but as a date movie it gets the job done with amiable ease and style. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 109

Summary: Don't panic! After twenty years stuck in development (a mere blink compared to how long it takes to find the answer to life, the universe, and everything), "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" has finally been turned into a movie. Following the radio play, TV series, commemorative towel, and books, this latest installment in the sci-fi-comedy franchise is based on the screenplay and detailed notes by Douglas Adams.
Hitching a ride.
For those unfamiliar with the story, everyman Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman) wakes up one morning to discover that his house is set to be demolished to make room for a bypass. Little does he know the entire planet Earth is also set to be destroyed for an interplanetary bypass by the Vogons, a hideous and bureaucratic race of aliens realized in the film by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Whisked off the planet by his best friend, alien-in-disguise Ford Prefect (Mos Def), Dent embarks on a goofy jaunt across the galaxy accompanied by his trusty Hitchhiker's Guide, which looks like a really fancy PDA.
The guide itself provides some of the funniest bits of the movie, little animated shorts that explain the ludicrous life forms and extraterrestrial phenomena our heroes encounter. Along the way Arthur meets the two-headed party animal/president of the galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox (Sam Rockwell) and develops an unrequited crush on fellow earthling Trillian (Zooey Deschanel). The creatures and sets are inspired and answer to the sci-fi fan's primal need to see lots and lots of cool stuff. In particular, there's John Malkovich's creepy, CGI-enhanced Humma Kavula. He's a guru leading a religion that worships the gigantic nose that allegedly sneezed the universe into existence (naturally all their prayers end not with "Amen" but with "Bless you.") The aliens the team encounters are inspired creations, eminently worthy of action figure-ification, and the sets belie an attention to detail worthy of freeze-framing. Fans of the other "Hitchhiker" manifestations, namely the British TV series, will be amused by a number of in-jokes sprinkled throughout the movie.
Concept art: The Heart of Gold pod on the planet Vogsphere
Where the story stumbles is in the telling--as books, the "Hitchhiker's Guide" was foremost about goofy and brilliant ideas that raised questions about our place in the universe while getting a laugh. The cast seems at times bewildered, at least when Sam Rockwell isn't picking pieces of scenery out of his teeth, perhaps a natural reaction to an adaptation of a book with no traditional plot. The movie has enough trouble figuring out how to get the characters from one fantastical location to the next that Adams's funniest concepts often feel left in the dust. While the reverence the filmmakers felt toward Adams's legacy is apparent, one wonders what we could have expected had the creator of this science fiction universe lived to see it with his own eyes. "-- Ryan Boudinot"
A Guide to the "Guide"
The Soundtrack
The Radio Play (CD)
The TV Series
"The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide" (Deluxe Edition)
"The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide" (Paperback)
"The Filming of the Douglas Adams Classic" (book)
Interviews with The Cast and Director
Watch our interviews with the cast and director of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and find out what they think of other DVDs and books:
high bandwidth
low bandwidth

Theatrical: 2003

Studio: Sony Pictures

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 116

Summary: Harrison Ford lends his solid, perpetually disgruntled presence to "Hollywood Homicide", an action comedy in which he's paired with the squinty eyes and peaches-and-cream complexion of Josh Hartnett ("Black Hawk Down", "O"). Radical French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard would appreciate this complete deconstruction of the buddy-cop flick genre; basic cinematic elements (mismatched partners, a hard-ass superior riding them, arguments about who's going to drive, arguments about intuition vs. diligent detective work, the bad cop who killed Hartnett's father, etc.) have been scrambled and slapped together with no concern for coherence, making clear their innately artificial nature. Sex scenes and car chases come out of nowhere and disappear without consequence, providing arbitrary visual stimulus. During shootouts, it's impossible to tell who got killed or why, underscoring a basic doubt about the purpose of making movies like "Hollywood Homicide". It's rare for a mainstream movie to be so daringly (if perhaps accidentally) avant-garde. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical:

Studio: Harmless Junk Inc.

Genre: Animation

Duration: 115

Summary: Strong Bad is the lead character in the animated fictional world of Homestar Runner, in which he answers emails from fans throughout the world who have visited the actual website. The answers Strong Bad gives to these emails are each the subject of 100 comedic animations under one minute in length and are the centerpiece of this DVD. Strong Bad is modeled after a Mexican wrestler from Nintendo's "Tag Team Wrestling", and the creators obviously like poking fun of 1980's era computing by featuring Strong Bad's computer the "Compy 386", and then when that computer is destroyed by a virus- and a shotgun - the "Lappy 486". My favorite emails include:

"trevor the vampire"- An incomplete email from Trevor the Vampire has Strong Bad fearing the worst- that Trevor has been done in by vampire hunters!

"credit card"-Strongbad gets "phished" by someone seeking his credit card information & forwards the email to Homestar. Homestar gives out his credit card info and Strongbad proceeds to buy a spaceship, rocket launcher, killer robot, and 200 bean burritos using the information.

"techno"-Strong Bad gets an e-mail asking if he likes techno. He proceeds to make up and sing a techno song of his own, with accompanyment by The Cheat.

"english paper"- Strongbad writes an English paper for someone- convinced that the secret to success is to have a cool knickname- in this case "Kyle the Yellow Dart"-, and to tape some money to the last page of the report.

My personal all-time favorite is "dragon" in which Strong Bad displays his "skills as an artist" as he shows Strong Mad, Strong Sad, and CoachZ how to draw a dragon. Strong Bad names his own drawing "Trogdor the Burninator". Trogdor is mentioned on the series finale of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a tribute by Joss Whedon, who happens to be a big fan of Strong Bad.

In short, the Strong Bad emails are hilarious and the accompanying commentaries and extras found on the DVD are great and are suitable for kids and adults alike. Strongly recommended.

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Microcinema

Genre: Animation

Duration: 138

Summary: This DVD includes Strong Bad Emails 101-130. Remember 'Crying'

featuring Li'l Brudder, 'Virus' marking the tragic demise of the Compy, 'Best Thing' introducing the Limozeen cartoon show? They're all on this DVD plus many, many more of your favorite Strong Bad Emails!

Disc 4 includes:

* Strong Bad Emails 101 - 130!

* Over 2 hours of Emails with all of the hidden scenes and easter eggs intact!

* One previously unreleased Email plus two new karaoke videos!

* Lots of puppet action, commentaries and other bonus stuff!

* Region FREE so it'll play in DVD players all over the world!

Theatrical: 2006

Studio: Weinstein Company

Genre: Animation

Duration: 80

Summary: "Hoodwinked" fuses the classic fairy tale of "Little Red Riding Hood" with the crisscrossing storylines of "film noir"--pretty ambitious stuff for a computer-animated cartoon. The police cordon off Grandma's cottage and an amphibious version of William Powell named Nicky Flippers (voiced by David Ogden Stiers, "M*A*S*H") begins interrogating the suspects: A Little Red in bell-bottoms (Anne Hathaway, "Ella Enchanted"), a Wolf turned investigative journalist (Patrick Warburton, "The Woman Chaser"), a snow-boarding Granny (Glenn Close, "101 Dalmatians"), and a dimwitted would-be Woodsman (Jim Belushi, "Curly Sue"), each of whom have very different reasons for ending up in that cottage living room. The visual style of "Hoodwinked" mixes a clunky, video-game look with an homage to the stop-motion puppetry of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and other Rankin-Bass holiday specials. While sometimes awkward, there are also moments of surreal beauty, such as when a depressed Red wanders through a field of blue and red flowers--and moments of lunatic comedy, such as the Schnitzel song, which is irresistibly bizarre. The "Shrek"-style pop-culture references grow annoying, but the left-field goofiness of a yodeling goat points toward a far more distinct and delightful comic world. Also featuring the voices of Anthony Anderson ("Kangaroo Jack"), rapper Xzibit, and an especially witty turn by Andy Dick ("NewsRadio") as a deceptively cute bunny rabbit. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical:

Studio: Warner Bros.

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 98

Summary:

Theatrical: 2005

Studio: Miramax

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 113

Summary: You get two hostage crises for the price of one in "Hostage", an overwrought but otherwise involving thriller grounded by Bruce Willis's solid lead performance. Making a dramatic pit-stop on his way to "Die Hard 4", Willis plays a traumatized former Los Angeles hostage negotiator, now working as a nearly-divorced police chief in sleepy Ventura County, California. Willis suddenly finds himself amidst two potentially deadly stand-offs when a trio of hapless teenagers seize hostages in the fortress-like home of an accountant (Kevin Pollack) whose connections to organized crime result in Willis struggling to rescue his estranged wife and daughter, who are being held hostage by faceless thugs at an undisclosed location. Having directed two of Tom Clancy's "Splinter Cell" video games, director Florent Siri brings plenty of slick, competent filmmaking to Willis's desperate dilemma, and the film boasts a gritty, graphic style that draws attention away from implausible plot twists. The bothersome, over-the-top performances by the teenaged villains also slightly compromise this gloomy but emotionally gripping adaptation of Robert Crais's novel, named as one of Amazon.com's best books of 2001. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2007

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 121

Summary: In "Shaun of the Dead", it was the zombie movie and the anomie of modern life. In "Hot Fuzz", Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg set their sights on the buddy cop blockbuster and the eccentric English village. The two worlds collide when overachieving London officer Nicholas Angel (Pegg) is promoted to sergeant. The catch is that he's being transferred to Agatha Christie country. His superiors (the comic trifecta of Martin Campbell, Steve Coogan, and Bill Nighy) explain that he's making the rest of the force look bad. On the surface, Sandford is a sleepy little burg where the most egregious crimes, like loitering, are committed by hoody-sporting schoolboys. In truth, it's a hotbed of "Willow Man"-style evil. Upon his arrival, Chief Butterman (Jim Broadbent) partners Angel with his daft son, Danny (Nick Frost, Pegg's "Shaun" co-star), who aspires to kick criminal "arse" like the slick duo in "Bad Boys II". When random citizens start turning up dead, he gets his chance. With the worshipful Danny at his side, Angel shows his cake-eating colleagues how things are done in the big city. As in "Shaun", their previous picture, Wright and Pegg hit their targets more often than not. With the success of that debut comes a bigger budget for car chases, shoot-outs, and fiery explosions. Though "Hot Fuzz" earns its R-rating with salty language and grisly deaths, the tone is more good-natured than mean-spirited. A wall-to-wall soundtrack of boisterous British favorites, like the Kinks, T-Rex, and Sweet, contributes to the fast-paced fun. "--Kathleen C. Fennessy"

Theatrical: 1987

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 92

Summary: John Cusack displays his usual charm in this adventure film from early in his career. Prep-school student Dan Bartlett (Cusack) flunks his chemistry final and has to forgo a Caribbean vacation with his wealthy girlfriend Laurie and her family. When the professor decides to be lenient and lets him pass, Dan sets off after Laurie--but finds himself one step behind her as he's sidetracked, shanghaied, and almost shipwrecked. Meanwhile, the boat that Laurie is on gets hijacked, just as Dan finally catches up. "Hot Pursuit" won't be remembered as one of Cusack's best films, but it's enjoyable and has beautiful shots of the Caribbean. Robert Loggia gives a rambunctious performance as an old sea dog and Ben Stiller makes his film debut as a sleazy cabin boy. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical: 2010

Studio: MGM

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 99

Summary: "Hot Tub Time Machine" hits the bull's-eye: it's a rude, crude comedy with enough smarts and emotional sweetness to make it completely entertaining. Seeking to bring some youthful optimism back to their failed, miserable lives, three middle-aged guys--Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson), and Lou (Rob Corddry)--go to a mountain resort where they spent some of their wildest days (reluctantly dragging along Adam's nephew, Jacob, played by newcomer Clark Duke). A drunken accident in the titular hot tub sends them swirling back to 1986, where each of them decides to risk changing the future (and possibly erasing Jacob from existence) by doing things just a little differently. A plot summary doesn't capture the movie's rambunctious, daffy spirit as much as… well, the ridiculous title: this is a movie called "Hot Tub Time Machine"! Any expectation you may have will be met and surpassed. John Cusack delivers another underplayed yet marvelously funny performance, his best since "High Fidelity"; Clark Duke, from the TV show "Greek", proves a promising young comic talent. But the movie really belongs to Robinson and Corddry, who've been floating around the edges of tons of comedies--some have been good, some have been bad, but they've both been consistently funny even in crappy movies. "Hot Tub Time Machine" gives them center stage and lets them reveal the comic chaos they can deliver. It helps, but is not necessary, to have lived through the '80s to find "Hot Tub Time Machine" exquisitely silly. "--Bret Fetzer"

Theatrical: 2008

Studio: Sony

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 97

Summary: "I'm an expert in parties and boys. I'm a Bunny! Men write to me from prison--sometimes in their own blood!" So declares ex-Playboy Bunny Shelley, tossed out of the Mansion by a rival for her advanced age (27--"59 in bunny years," she's told). As played by the utterly fearless and appealing Anna Faris, Shelley becomes an unlikely post-feminist heroine, who finds a great use for her not-too-considerable expertise: being sexy. With nowhere else to live, Shelley finds herself as the house mother for a dying sorority, the Zetas, who are the audience for the rallying cry above. And the slightly misfit sisters, though wary, end up giving Shelley a sisterhood she could never have built back at the Grotto. To help build up the sorority, Shelley gives the young women her own peculiar tutorials in charm school--helping them raise their campus profile and recruit new pledges in the process. "When I'm done, every girl on campus will want to pledge Zeta!" Ignore her at your peril, girls. If the formula is a bit predictable, the pace is lively and the cast, headed by the wide-eyed Faris, is aces. American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee is a natural on camera, as is Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. The supporting cast includes the capable Colin Hanks and Beverly D'Angelo, and a bit too much screen time for the real-life Hugh Hefner, who maybe should have stayed on the set of "The Girls Next Door". Still, Faris channels the cheerful, girly determination of Reese Witherspoon's Elle Woods--no surprise since The House Bunny was cowritten by Kirsten Smith, who wrote "Legally Blonde". Fans of silly romances, hop to it.--"A.T. Hurley"

Stills from "House Bunny" (click for larger image)

Theatrical:

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Drama

Duration: 660

Summary: For Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), there's nothing like a good, tension-filled competition to pick his new team of doctors when his old trio of Chase (Jesse Spencer), Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) and Foreman (Omar Epps) leave his fold. Among the 40 newbies vying to earn the coveted spots in the fourth season of "House, M.D." are Dr. Lawrence Kutner (Kal Penn, the "Harold & Kumar" films), Dr. Chris Taub (Peter Jacobson, "Transformers") and Dr., uh, Thirteen (Olivia Wilde, "The O.C."). Taking a cue from Flavor Flav, House dubs the latter with that nickname simply because he can. Though frequently politically incorrect, House is almost always spot on when it comes to diagnosing rare diseases and ailments. His boss Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) puts up with his unorthodox quirks, which include antagonizing patients, berating his colleagues, and being an overall pain in the butt, because he's brilliant. The addition of the new doctors adds a bit of chaos early on. But once the contingent is whittled away to the select few, the storylines grow stronger and the chemistry between the old and new cast members gels. Originally shown during the 2007-2008 television season, "House" aired only 16--rather than its usual 24--episodes, due to the Writers Guild strike. Though a bit of momentum is lost in the last third of the season, the writers do an admirable job of piecing together loose ends without sacrificing plot or structure. In a nice homage to the "Prescription Passion", the "General Hospital"-esque soap opera he loves, House at one point is afflicted with amnesia. The humorous aspect of the story is offset by urgency as he tries to remember what needs to be done to save a patient. On a separate episode, House kidnaps the star of the daytime drama (played by "Sex and the City" hunk Jason Lewis) because he's convinced the actor is dying. The season finale is heartbreaking, as one of House's 40 candidates is in a life-and-death situation that even the good doctor may not be able to cure. "--Jae-Ha Kim"

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Fox Network

Genre: Drama

Duration: 972

Summary: He pops pills, watches soaps, and always, always says what's on his mind. He's Dr. Gregory House (Emmy nominee Hugh Laurie, "Blackadder"). Producers David Shore, Bryan Singer, Katie Jacobs, and Paul Attanasio haven't rewritten the hospital drama--at heart, it's a cross between "St. Elsewhere", "ER", and "C.S.I."--but they've infused a moribund genre with new life and created one of TV's most compelling characters. More than any previous medical procedural, it resembles Attanasio’s underrated "Gideon's Crossing", but "House" is lighter on its feet. As fascinating as he is, the show wouldn't work as well if it were all House all the time (that would be like Sherlock Holmes without Watson or Moriarty). Fortunately, he's joined by an intriguing cast of characters, portrayed by a combination of experienced vets (Omar Epps, Lisa Edelstein, Tony winner Robert Sean Leonard) and new faces (Jennifer Morrison, Jesse Spencer). Aside from the complicated cases they tackle each week, the sparks really fly when House's brilliant, if naïve charges are put to the test--and as the head of a teaching hospital, it's his job to test them (although his tough love approach is constantly landing him in hot water with Edelstein's administrator). From the first episode, "House" attracted a talented array of guests, including Robin Tunney ("Pilot"), Joe Morton ("Role Model"), and Patrick Bauchau ("Cursed") as Spencer’s father. In addition, Chi McBride and Sela Ward appear frequently (with Ward returning for the second season). Viewers who first watched these 22 episodes on Fox will be gratified to note that the music has survived the transition to disc, such as the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want," as featured in both the pilot and season finale ("Honeymoon"). The only apparent omission is the credit theme (Massive Attack's "Teardrop") from the pilot. "--Kathleen C. Fennessy"

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Drama

Duration: 1049

Summary: Hugh Laurie, once again, takes what would have easily been another overly detailed medical drama and gives his comedic flare and dramatic edge. How does a British speaking actor learn to speak all the medical terminology, as well as the rest of the dialogue for an entire episode and sound so American? Almost as mysterious as one of Dr. House's cases. The entire cast is superb and work well with Laurie. The writers keep the show fun and interesting right through season three. I am on pins and needles waiting for season 4.

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Fox Network

Genre: Drama

Duration: 1044

Summary: The overall strength of the second season of "House, M.D." proves that its first-year success wasn't a fluke. This season starts with Dr. House (Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie) pursuing his ex-wife Stacy (Sela Ward) and ending with a tragedy that could potentially be deadly for himself and two colleagues. The premise of each show follows a set routine--a patient is brought in with unusual symptoms; House challenges his trio of underlings to diagnose the problem; they treat the patient, usually incorrectly the first few tries; and then at the very last minute--through a revelation that often has little to do with the patient--House figures out what's wrong and saves the day. It would be easy for this set up to grow old fast. But because of the smart writing, nuanced acting, and believability of the characters (who're often dealing with unbelievable scenarios), the formula works on each of the 24 episodes that aired on Fox during the 2005-2006 season. Viewers have been conditioned by the Marcus Welbys of the TV world to think of doctors as saviors. Even on "ER", the most narcissistic physician was selfless at heart. But House is a different breed. When he's at an off-track betting parlor and a woman collapses, he doesn't miss a beat. Still eying his race on television, he asks, "Is anybody here a doctor?" He'll mock a sick patient's complaints with a sarcastic, "Boo hoo!" And, if there happens to be a dead body around, he has no qualms about shooting it if he believes that could help diagnose another gun-shot victim.
Not that he's any more reasonable or compassionate to his boss Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein), his oncologist best friend Wilson (Tony winner Robert Sean Leonard), or his young charges Foreman (Omar Epps), Cameron (Jennifer Morrison), and Chase (Jesse Spencer). He instructs his doctors to break into patients' homes as if they're cat burglars. He does not know the meaning of the phrase "politically correct." But because he spits out insults (as if he has a mild case of Tourette's) equally to both his patients and colleagues, the latter never flinch at his constant stream of inappropriateness. When his three young doctors storm into his office to report the declining condition of a patient by blurting out, "We have rectal bleeding," House says, "What? All three of you?" To sensitive Wilson, who is trying to get some work done without being interrupted, House says, "I know you're in there. I can hear you caring." And when Foreman's father says, "My son says you're a manipulative bastard," House replies, "It's a pet name. I call him Dr. Bling." Of course House actually does care about his patients, but he views a good bedside manner as the luxury of a doctor who has a healthy patient. But dying patients with seemingly incurable diseases need something more. They need House. "--Jae-Ha Kim"

Theatrical:

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Drama

Duration: 1060

Summary: House begins its fifth season on a somber note. With his girlfriend, Amber, dead, Dr. James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) finds his friendship with the cantankerous Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) to be more strained than ever and temporarily leaves the hospital where they work. He eventually returns, which is a good thing, because Wilson is the closest thing House has to a moral compass. The writers of this drama do an admirable job of inserting elements of well-placed comedy into the often-intense vignettes. Otherwise, House wouldn't be such a likable character. In fact, without the humor, he can often be downright despicable, especially to those he supposedly likes the most. Viewers learn that his lack of bedside manner (in and out of the hospital) probably was passed down from his father (R. Lee Ermey, who makes a brief appearance).
All 24 episodes--which originally aired during the 2008-2009 television season--are included in this five-disc boxed set. A few of the episodes are tainted by a soap opera vibe, particularly the ones concentrating on the romance between Dr. Eric Foreman (Omar Epps) and Dr. Remy ""Thirteen"" Hadley (Olivia Wilde). Based on the first four seasons, Foreman's behavior seems way off. While love can change a man, it doesn't seem likely that Foreman would change this much--not even for someone as compelling as Thirteen. But House's boss, Dr. Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein), has a juicy story line involving her quest to have a family. The struggles she goes through to adopt a baby depict how challenging it can be for women--even those who excel at everything else--to have it all. But her story line also shows that she is more resilient than she gives herself credit for. For all its medical jargon and scenes set in the operating room, House really is about relationships more than anything else. That's why when another character tragically dies this season, viewers take the loss to heart. --Jae-Ha Kim

Theatrical: 2009

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Television

Duration: 970

Summary: Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/31/2010 Run time: 98 minutes Rating: R

Theatrical: 1992

Studio: Universal Studios

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 102

Summary: The teaming of Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn would seem to have been sure-fire casting, but "Housesitter"'s writing is never strong enough to sustain it and the film's hit-and-miss quality has more misses than hits. Martin plays an architect who builds his dream house for his high school sweetheart (Dana Delany), then surprises her with a marriage proposal--both of which she rejects. Distraught, he goes back to New York and pours out his heart to a woman he meets in a bar and beds (Hawn), not realizing she is a flaky con artist. She knows a good thing when she hears it and heads for his hometown, moves into the empty dream house, and begins passing herself off as Martin's new wife. Though the writers build in a variety of complications (involving Delany, as well as Martin's parents and boss), the film finds its jokes only in fits and starts, though Martin has a particularly hilarious moment when he must sing to his father in front of a crowd of strangers. "--Marshall Fine"

Theatrical: 1989

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 86

Summary: This diverting (if very unrealistic) comedy focuses on the exploits of charmingly naive Marlon Browne (Corey Parker), a well-meaning but scholastically average high school student intent upon attending the same college as the girl of his dreams, his classmate Jessica Kailo (a young, perky Lara Flynn Boyle). To Marlon, Jessica seemingly has it all: looks, intelligence, and sophistication. His dilemma is that she is a far brighter student whose main choice, Ramsey College, seems hopelessly out of his reach, so the awkward but determined Marlon endeavors to get accepted there. But little does Marlon know that Jessica is also struggling with tremendous pressures of her own. Director Savage Steve Holland ("Better Off Dead") exaggerates many sequences--including the college fair, college interview, and college acceptance scenes--to humorously portray the traumatic adolescent experience of applying to college. Taken as an '80s pop-culture time capsule, and disregarding its blatantly two-dimensional characterizations, "How I Got Into College" is fluffy fun; there is a genuine chemistry between Parker and Boyle. However, one has to wonder why the filmmakers are making the bizarre statement that it's ideal for Marlon to plan for this potential adolescent romance without any regard for his future. Among the film's notable cast appearances, Anthony Edwards ("E.R.") plays Marlon's supportive and sympathetic liaison at Ramsey College, while Nora Dunn and Phil Hartman make goofy cameos as SAT/college-prep counselors who bilk students out of money by offering them transparent advice. "--Bryan Reesman"

Theatrical: 1991

Studio: Sony Pictures

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 100

Summary: Bruce Willis's awful, 1991 vanity piece is an abuse of audience goodwill and a waste of a good cast and director (Michael Lehmann of "Heathers"). The story, cowritten by Willis, concerns a cat burglar pressured into stealing precious art, including some from the Vatican. But the script is just a convenience upon which Willis piles his vaguely boorish brand of hip irony, assuming his audience will stay with him every step of the way. Certain, self-congratulatory scenes induce cringing--Willis and Danny Aiello, for instance, sing "Side by Side" (to brassy accompaniment on the soundtrack) every time they're working a job--but the overall effect is more irritating and baffling. Keep a good thought for Willis (an underrated actor better than the summer junk we usually see him in) by checking out his superior work in "Pulp Fiction" and his small but memorable role in "Billy Bathgate". "--Tom Keogh"

Theatrical: 1990

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 135

Summary: Before Harrison Ford assumed the mantle of playing Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan hero in "Patriot Games", Alec Baldwin took a swing at the character in this John McTiernan film and hit one to the fence. If less instantly sympathetic than Ford, Baldwin is in some respects more interesting and nuanced as Ryan, and drawing comparisons between both actors' performances can make for some interesting postmovie discussion. That aside, "The Hunt for Red October" stands alone as a uniquely exciting adventure with a fantastic costar: Sean Connery as a Russian nuclear submarine captain attempting to defect to the West on his ship. Ryan must figure out his true motives for approaching the U.S. McTiernan ("Predator", "Die Hard") made an exceptionally handsome movie here with action sequences that really do take one's breath away. "--Tom Keogh"