A - Multiple Viewing Possibilities
B - Deserves Another Look
C - Once Should Suffice

DADDY & THEM
With Brenda Blethyn, Laura Dern, Andy Griffith, Diane Ladd, Kelly Preston, Billy Bob Thornton, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ben Affleck
Directed by Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob is one busy guy. Another one of his written/directed/acted efforts come in the shape of family/relationship driven Southern white trash scenario of love and jealousy (with a bit of humour pumped in). Married to a gal (jealous about his relationship with her older sister years back) become the focal point amid a congregation of family members to assist an uncle with an assault court case coming up. The character driven film has a very natural flow (like most of Billy's projects) with a real touch of humanity inside it all. Slightly off-center entertainment looking at apparent dead-end lives but proving that even the most insignificant of people and slightest problems they may face are real and urgent to them - its resolution often quite apparent, just needing to hit the right key.
4 / C
- PB

DAFT PUNK - D.A.F.T & Interstella 5555 (Ltd. Edition)
This is a great box set for fans of this house inflicted electronic dance act.
The first disc (D.A.F.T. - a story about Dogs, Androids, Firemen and Tomatoes) is a double-sided platter, with all of their best know music videos: Around The World, Da Funk, Burnin', Revolution 909, and Fresh. Each gets a 'making of' clip, commentary tracks, plus rehearsals for Fresh as well as the making of the dog's head. Side B contains the live show Rollin' And Scratchin', where you can select between 9 camera angles.
The second disc in the box set is Interstella 5555 - The 5tory Of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem. This longform video is a little Manga style house musical made by Daft Punk and the famed animator Leiji Matsumoto. Far-out, man.
4 / B
- PB

DANTE' S PEAK (in Afrikaans)
met Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton
Regisseur: Roger Donaldson
Die pragtige, stil dorpie van Dante's Peak le^ in die skadu van hierdie asemrowende berg. Pierce (007) Brosnan word hierheen gestuur nadat daar aktiwiteit opgetel word by 'n vulkaan beheer stasie. Hy het 4 jaar tevore 'n geliefde in 'n vulkaniese uitbarsting verloor en sy baas voel dat sy plan om die dorp op ontruimings gerreedheid te sit 'n oorreaksie is. Buiten dit is daar sosio-politiese en ekonomiese faktore. Brosnan wil rond hang totdat hy seker is dit is veilig. Buitendien het hy en Hamilton (van die Terminator flieks), die dorp se burgemeester, oe vir mekaar. Waar Volcano meer op die effekte staat gemaak het, is hierdie een meer van 'n menslike drama sonder om somber te wees. Nie dat die effekte sleg is nie, dit is net spaarsaam gebruik vir maksimum effek. Die uitbarsting is taamlik indrukwekkend, maar as jy nie vir die karakters omgee nie, sal dit moeilik wees om die doel te benut wanneer hulle in die penarie is in hul ontsnappings poging.
4 / B
- PB

DAREDEVIL
With Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Joe Pantoliano
Directed by Mark Steven Johnson
Stan Lee is cashing in on quite a pension with his comic book creations in his ripe old age. Spider-Man, the second X-Men flick and now the darkly serious Hulk and Daredevil just a few of the block busters gracing our screens in crotch hugging outfits the past couple of years. Affleck is actually not a bad choice for the man blinded as a boy by chemical waste, only to discover it enhanced his hearing and gave him a super radar sense. His boxing father got murdered and he swore to fight for right and uphold justice - by becoming a lawyer by day and vigilante superhero by night, of course. When he falls for a hot girl, their alter egos become enemies as Daredevil gets framed for killing her father. She happens to be a martial arts expert and equally hot in tight leather! The man behind this set-up is Kingpin, who hired Bullseye to do the job. Kingpin runs the entire city's underground activities, and with Bullseye, adhere very well to the comic book recipe. With excitement, vicious action, great FX and the inevitable romantic link, the story doesn't take a wussy copout, but heads into adult territory without the violin infused happy endings. Great stuff. An extra disc will give you a whole bunch of bonus stuff to Marvel at.
The stomping soundtrack includes South African rockers Seether.
4 / B
- PB

THE DARK BACKWARD
With Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton, Wayne Newton, James Caan, Lara Flynn Boyle
Directed by Adam Rifkin
This weird tale of a failed comedian who has an arm grow from his back is filled with strange and funny moments as this poor guy tires to carve a place in the sun for himself. Newton and Caan are pretty funny. One of the few interesting films from ex-brat packer Nelson since The Breakfast Club. Rifkin went on to make the mockumentary Welcome To Hollywood and the Kiss themed movie Detroit Rock City.
4 / B
- PB

DARK BREED
With Jack Scalia
Directed by Richard Pepin
Astronauts crash land on earth, “contaminated”. They’ve been taken over by aliens who (guess what?) want to take over and destroy earth! Jack “straight-to-video” Scalia is the man of the hour, plodding through many action scenes of mostly inferior or TV quality. Some cool, yet formulaic 4-angle pyrotechnic mayhem, though. Some of the elements include Jack’s best buddy being host to the head alien; eggs incubating withing 48hrs; the military are untrustworthy and basically the cause of it all; warehouse/factory sequences; some silly cliff hangers (like skiing on a satellite dish behind a van); crappy lizard contact lenses; awkward looking military personnel who don’t seem to look at ease with their weapons; Predator/Alien rip-off monsters; atrocious dialogue replacement (especially the guy who played Col. Dekker in The A-Team) and a “nail-biting” story line that’s so filled with cliché it’s nothing to rush out for in a hurry.
1 / C
- PB

DARK CITY
With Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connolly, Keifer Sutherland, William Hurt, Richard O'Brian
Directed by Alex Proyas
An amazing idea very well executed by the director of The Crow. A man wakes up with amnesia. It seems as though he has murdered someone. With cops after him, he tries to get to the bottom of it all as he discovers clues to his own identity. What he uncovers is an alternate reality where weird beings reconstruct the world where the oblivious humans follow their day-to-day lives in a '50s atmosphere. A great fusion of noir and sci-fi with cool effects and an incredible dark shadow enhanced mood. Offers a whacked out punchline on top of it all.
5 / B
- PB

THE DARK CRYSTAL
With voices by Frank Oz, Jim Henson
Directed by Jim Henson & Frank Oz
The geniuses behind The Muppets made this incredible fantasy film entirely with puppets and costumes, creating an alternate reality with a mystic legend binding the divided worlds of good and evil. Two of the last remaining elflings eradicated by the nasty Skeksies have to fulfill a quest to restore the balance of their world. The makers created a realm entirely from scratch, from weird plants to even freakier creatures - preempting a similar task later undertaken with Labyrinth - all completely without digital assistance. This special collector's DVD edition has some great making-of footage and interviews, a look at the amazing art design plus a replicated film notebook and an original limited mounted film frame.
6 / A
- PB

DARK HERITAGE
With Tim Verkaik, Mark Lacour
Directed by David McCormick
Ultra-poor “horror” schlock, low on scares, low on FX and above all, low on acting ability. Campers turn up dead and a journalist (complete tosser ) checks it out with an overnight stint in the notorious “haunted” house in the woods. The two guys accompanying him disappear without trace. Two researchers assist him in tracking down the historical significance of a family who have evolved into flesh eating ghouls, emerging from the ground via extensive tunnels when there’s lighting storm. Rubber mask wearing crappo that often result in loud laughter when the makers were serious. OK shots & scenes might be counted on one hand.
1 / C
- PB

DARKMAN
With Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake
Directed by Sam Raimi
A scientist working on skin synthesis is blown up by a crime boss. He is forced to become a well-done angel of vengeance, setting up his makeshift lab in a warehouse and using his skin methods to temporarily reconstruct his face. With many B-movie and comic book super-hero elements, the film conveys an entertaining action romp and a tragic sense of isolation, as our dark hero is unable to unite with his love. One can see this 1990 flick as the fusion between the Evil Dead, which Raimi made a decade before this, and Spider-Man, which he directed a decade later. Spawned several inferior sequels.
4 / B
- PB

DARKNESS FALLS
With Chaney Kley, Emma Caulfield, Lee Cormie, Grant Piro
Directed by Jonathan Liebesman
Finally a South African director manages to crack into the American horror market. Richard Stanley did do Hardware, Dust Devil and kick-started the Island Of Dr. Moreau remake, and actors like Arnold Vosloo did The Mummy, Alice Krige appeared in Ghost Story, and Embeth Davidtz in the third Evil Dead flick Army Of Darkness: The Medievil Dead - but Darkness Falls cracked a top American box-office spot. A young boy afraid of the dark grows up not to shake his fear. The town he grew up in holds the legend of a woman nicknamed the Tooth Fairy, who was burned for being a witch one and a half centuries ago. Legend has it that she moves in darkness and takes kids from the night. On returning to his town, our hapless hero has to face up to his fears and try to survive and save the town from the evil spirit's stranglehold. Entertaining, but tends to get a bit wobbly in parts, especially when it panders to modern horror expectations.
3 / B
- PB

DARK WATER
With Jennifer Connelly, Ariel Gade, Jennifer Baxter, Linda Emond, John C Reilly, Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Pete Postlethwaite, Shelly Duvall
Directed by Walter Salles
The dinosaur craze is over, so is the Halloween-styled Scream rips. The next frontier is for Hollywood to not only rip off the modern Japanese horror film, but to actually remake them even before some of the originals hit the screen! Sure, it will blow over eventually, but do yourself a favour and try to catch the originals before they get the Hollywood make-over. With The Ring leading the pack (its sequel remake directed by the series' original guy, Hideo Nakata). Like so many Japanese horror films, Nakata loves the haunting kid subject and elevators, water also playing a prominent part. When the Ring 2's remake hit our shores I in fact thought it was a combination of Nakata's Dark Water (having read some bits on it). But, in fact they just reveal an obsessed with similar subjects. Here the engaging Connelly plays a young mother who is going through a difficult divorce and has to share custody of her daughter. They have to move to a more affordable apartment just outside of New York City on Roosevelt Island. From the get-go the rundown building seems strange. Soon haunting phenomena related to water start to disrupt their lives. A slow, brooding pace and eerie moments enhance the mood, and while it's not exactly an all-out scare-fest, it is an engaging study of a mother's instincts to keep her child in every sense of the word.
PS. I didn't spot Shelley Duvall, daughter of Robert who played opposite Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick's film version of Stephen King's The Shining (unless she was one of the brief marriage consultants bit players...)
4 / C
- PB

DAVE GAHAN - Live Monsters
Firmly establishing his position as legitimate solo artist, it will be near impossible for Dave Gahan to discard his Depeche Mode legacy. Thus he embraces it. His solo material is more personal than the material given him by the domineering Mr. Gore. Dave may be coming on in years with much excess in his wake, but he still owns the stage and projects the same charisma (albeit with a slight twinge of world-weariness). In this case it is more of a cohesive band as he worked closely with the other members in giving it life, be it Hold On, Dirty Sticky Floors, Stay or A Little Piece. These personal songs are filled with passion and a genuine sense. At times it seems as though he tries to drop his range a little to avoid that trademark DM sound, sometimes diminishing the natural impact he can conjure up. Still, on this live show the already fawning crowd responds with extra vigour when he slips in the DM songs (like when Sting throws in a Police track) - They include the classics A Question Of Time, Walking In My Shoes, Personal Jesus, I Feel You and Never Let Me Down Again. They are less electronic and sometimes delivered more up-tempo. The success and impact of those songs are as much his as the rest of DM and Gahan has nothing to be ashamed of nor need to evade. He will always be the voice of Depeche Mode and if there is a dozen of his new fans who never heard a DM track, that'll be a lot.
Extra features: a three-track acoustic radio appearance and a short film on the tour. Regular Anton Corbijn took care of the photography and art direction.
4 / B
- PB

DAVE KOZ - Off The Beaten Path: Live From Trinidad
Dave Koz is an easy listening jazz saxophonist that may fall in your taste category if you're into artists like David Sanborn. The moody, chilled and often vibrant audio eruption of smooth jazz tones is not in the least offensive. This live show was recorded at the idyllic, tropical setting of Trinidad in the Port of Spain. 10 songs are performed with ease, like Don't Look Back, Flat Feet, Awakenings, You Make Me Smile, Let Me Count The Ways and Follow Me Home. Contributing artists of the Callaloo Company (dressed up) further blend two cultures and musical languages with a visual touch. Extra music videos are included: You Make Me Smile, Don't Look Back, Faces Of The Heart and Wake Up Call - no groundbreaking visions, just basic promo clips with an 80s feel.
4 / B
- PB

DAVID GILMORE - In Concert
This particular DVD is one of those where the factions collide. You get Pink Floyd fans, but then within this group you have pro-Waters and pro-Gilmour sects. Their differences needn't be ours, so enjoying their collaborative efforts and solo endeavours respectively can only result in you gaining 1/3 more music pleasure than you would have, had you shunned one for the other. If you don't like either of them, nor Pink Floyd, then why the hell are you reading this?! On this DVD you'll find 16 tracks from the Meltdown and Royal Festival Hall concerts (2002). The songs performed are taken from the new and old Pink Floyd repertoire, Gilmour himself and covers of tracks, Dimming Of The Day, Breakthrough and Sherman's Hushabye Mountain. The French, choir driven Je Crois Entendre Encore by Bizet, is a nice touch. The choir injects some beautiful moments throughout the already marvelous batch of music. The Pink Floyd related tunes include Shine On You Crazy Diamond (pts 1-8), Comfortably Numb, Wish You Were Here, Coming Back To Life, Smile, High Hopes plus Sid Barrett's Terrapin and Dominoes. Guests appear on Comfortably Numb at both shows - Bob Geldof (who starred as Pink in The Wall movie) doing one of them - other guests include Richard Wright & Robert Wyatt. Then there's Michael Kamen shines on piano & English Horn. The backing band also include cello and double bass worked into the electric band, fleshing it out that much more. While on the fleshing-out subject, Gilmour would've been an attractive older guy had he not expanded substantially over the years. Extras include Spare Digits - extra bits of music from the show. Home Movie rehearsing with the choir. A High Hopes choral version. I Put A Spell On You with Mica Paris & Jools Holland ('92). The track Don't from the Leiber and Stoller tribute concert (2001). Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 with music by Michael Kamen. Lyrics sheets for all of the tracks can also be accessed.
4 / B
- PB

DAWN OF THE DEAD
With David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross, Tom Savini
Directed by George A. Romero
In 1978, a decade after Romero's classic zombie benchmark Night Of The Living Dead, he resurrected his theme on a much larger scale and in vivid colour. With Italian horror director Dario Argento as co-producer, Romero set the bulk of his action in a shopping mall (which was quite a new thing at that time). A group of people, including two SWAT team members makes a run for it with a helicopter as the (again inexplicable) zombie epidemic spreads like wildfire. Romero again favoured a black actor and blonde female as leads. This group holes up in a mall where they can sustain themselves for a very longtime. But slowly their idyllic sure-thing starts to fall apart. As you should know, if you're bitten by a zombie it isn't long before you turn into one yourself, with a craving for human flesh. The scale of the doomsday mood and atmosphere of chaos coupled with action and graphic horror (courtesy of Tom Savini) has a great combining effect of adrenaline, tension, scares, gross-out and a bit of social commentary (Romero's subtext of runaway consumerism being an apt analogical device in the guise of flesh eating freaks). Argento's collaborative soundtrack creators The Goblins provided the fantastic music. This DVD release includes a commentary track by Romero and producer Richard P. Rubinstein, a 75-minute docy on the movie, biogs, trailers, radio spots and a photo gallery. This is a classic shocker that got a remake in 2004.
5 / A
- PB

DAWN OF THE DEAD
With Ving Rhames, Sarah Polley, Jake Weber
Directed by Zack Snyder
The Zombie genre has received a bit of a resurgence after 28 Days Later (which was actually not intended as a Zombie flick). This resurgence is not necessarily a good thing - seeing as it leads to remakes like these. Unlike the case of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake recently, this one is an unforgivable drag. I don't mean the pace - there's a lot of action, blood, gore and cheap scares. The only similarity is the shopping mall our survivors hole up in and the black male protagonist (Ving). The original George A. Romero classic had a mood and atmosphere this film doesn't even attempt to replicate. The name sounds cool and the location is handy. For viewers unaware of the original there may be some thrills and screams. The filmmakers seemed to have borrowed more from 28 Days Later, from the zombie sounds to their speed, in stead of the lethargic staggering, moaning threat of the classic ones who may be slow, but come in a mass. At least original Dawn- & Day Of The Dead make-up man Tom Savini pops in for a cameo (also had a role as bike gangster in the original and in Rodriguez & Tarantino's From Dusk Till Dawn - probably being the actor who's appeared in the most films with Dawn in the title). I found the end credit sequence of handycam footage far more enjoyable than the movie itself!
2 / B
- PB

THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW
With Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ian Holm
Directed by Roland Emmerich
So, now Emmerich has completed his trilogy of destroying New York in three (digitally) creative ways - first aliens blew the shit out of it, then a giant lizard ripped it up and now global warming has melted icecaps, created floods and a second ice age hot (or is that chilled) on its heels. As far as disaster movies go, Emmerich knows what buttons to push.
The usual suspects include: Jack, the weather expert (who's so involved with his work he neglects time with his son); the progeny in question who happens to be in New York when this northern hemisphere disaster strikes; the wife and mom (a nurse who opts to stay with a sick kid when everyone evacuates); Jack's expendable colleagues (one named Frank); the stubborn vice president who won't listen to the weather man's warnings; the old weather guy who backs Jack; a multitude of nameless victims... But, the big star of course is the digital FX team who created some impressive weather disasters, from tornados and floods to frozen cities. With Sam and a couple of other survivors holed up in the New York library, Jack decides he's going to get his son (cue tearful sigh or barf bag, whichever side of the fridge you find yourself on those matters). For a film of this magnitude you'd expect the FX to be seamless all round - enter the digital wolves that escaped from the zoo (and are yet again depicted as bloodthirsty, vicious beasts). Real animals would've been a much better move, the fake wolves not in the least convincing. For all of the creative pseudo-scientific plots built up for the entire film's premise, maybe Emmerich and his co-writer Jeffrey Nachmanoff could've proven to be less naïve on the subject of wolves and their non-existent hostile history towards man (though they'll explain themselves by saying the animals were starving I guess…). All said, they are merely used as a set-up for a spot of single-scene peril. Amid the spectacular CGI shenanigans the humans clamour for some attention, which it gets plenty of, but ultimately fails to convince a moviegoer who knows better. No budget size can make up for a patronizing script that wants to get the audience on its side by portraying contrived acts of bravery, family love and courage in the face of humongous odds.
And, did the lead protagonist's name have to be Jack and his buddy Frank, though? The most overused, safe movie names in the book. I'm surprised there wasn't a Molly (or maybe I wasn't listening). The female characters don't play much of a role besides the angelic nurse-mom and object of the young man's affection. Still, a blockbuster through and through.
3 / B
- PB

DAYLIGHT (in Afrikaans)
met Sylvester Stallone, Amy Brenneman
Regisseur: Rob Cohen
Met die skielike toename in die trant van rampflieks soos Twister, Dante's Peak, Volcano en die eerskomende Titanic, het Stallone nie agter gebly nie. Ou Sly is 'n afgedankde reddingspan hoof wat toevallig by 'n ineengestorte tonnel tussen New York en New Jersey sy lyf held hou. "n Ontploffing in die tonnel trap 'n groep mense van verskillende agtergronde in die tonnel toe. Voor sy afdanking het Sly 'n hypothetical in die tonnel uitgevoer en die nuwe baas wil natuurlik nie sy voorstelle aanhoor nie.
3 / B
- PB

DAY OF THE DEAD
With Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Richard Liberty, Joseph Pilato
Directed by George A. Romero
Romero made a zombie movie for each decade from the '60s - '80s, the budget and FX capabilities rising each time. In this his third zombie venture (1985) Tom Savini created some brilliant and horrifying effects that is part of the driving force in the underground military research facility setting. Our research protagonists are faced with a megalomaniac army prick who decides to run things his way. This results in things falling apart and stupidity leading to endangerment of the entire facility's small group of survivors - animosity breeding on the inside on top of the danger posed by the flesh eaters outside. A cool addition to the narrative includes one of the researchers attempting to train a zombie with behavioural methods. With action, tension, gore galore and a dark sense of humour (like the early two installments), this is a fun ride indeed.
Avoid the 4Front UK VHS release as it's cut to bits.
5 / A
- PB

DEAD AGAIN
With Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Andy Garcia
Dircted by Kenneth Branagh
Good attempt by this (now former) English couple to throw a shot at the American market (without period dress & English accents). A woman with amnesia becomes Branagh’s problem but he helps her to get to the bottom of who she might be. A hypnotist approaches them, trying to help. Her regression to find out who she is and get her to speak leads to a period before her birth and her part in the past life of a couple in the 40’s, a composer and pianist. One murdered, the other executed for the crime. Clues unfold and the great thriller/mystery elements really keep you there, even a few cool surprises adding to its appeal. Worth a watch.
3 / B
- PB

DEAD HEAT
With Treat Williams, Joe Piscopo, Lindsay Frost, Vincent Price
Directed by Mark Goldblatt
Uproariously entertaining romp of two cops investigating a company that covers up its actual activities of regenerating the dead. Things hot up when our detectives get more personally affected. Piscopo is a hoot as the wise-ass partner to Williams' straighter cop. With pretty cool FX, the zombie freaks include everything from beastly bikers and hoods to the entire contents of a Chinese butcher shop! For nostalgia the film also features the legendary and frail Vincent Price in one of his last roles. Highly entertaining, even when it threatens to enter tacky Troma territory.
5 / B
- PB

DEAD RINGERS
With Jeremy Irons, Genevieve Bujold, Heidi Von Palleske
Directed by David Cronenberg
Cronenberg continues his medical fetish with a twin brother gynecology team marvelously portrayed by Irons. But, the one brother starts to get a little overboard when his medical genius leads him to get obsessed with internally mutated women, even designing special instruments. The psychological bond and ultimate rivalry between the two brothers turn into a dangerous game. Enthralling and shocking at the same time.
5 / B
- PB
...2nd opinion...
DEAD RINGERS
With Jeremy Irons, Genevieve Bujold, Heidi Von Palleske
Directed by David Cronenberg
David Cronenberg's sexually charged intrigue with the human body enters a new era. Odd genius twins Elliot & Beverly Mantle become highly sought after gynaecologists and fertility experts. The one is the playboy, accepting the awards and wooing the ladies while the other is the introverted bookworm. The classic good and evil twin scenario get a great twist as the psychological make-up and intense bond of the brothers start to unravel. This pre-digital film did a great job of fusing Irons in both roles with the then brand new motion control technology.
4 / B
- PB

THE DEAD ZONE
With Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Directed by David Cronenberg
Cronenberg's first non-original and more commercial venture into the work of another author sees him taking on Stephen King's tale of a school teacher who wakes up from a lengthy coma with telekinetic powers to see events before they happen. Walken is obviously great in the lead role as the afflicted man whose life is turned upside down. He lost his love who gave up hope, thinking he'd never wake from the years of unconsciousness. The burden of being haunted by visions of misfortune also becomes heavy, but leads to many lives saved and more. A very enjoyable thriller the subject of which was also turned into a TV series in the early 2000s.
4 / B
- PB

DEAN MARTIN - That's Amoré
In the mid-60s, Dean Martin got his own TV show. Amid the Ratpack he always seemed like the most comfortable guy with less of a need to prove himself. His funny stints as the straight guy to Jerry Lewis' nut gained him huge popularity. So, besides a movie-, recording- and live performance career, Dean now also had a TV show, making him the most rounded of the bunch. This DVD contains roughly 25 songs taken from the Dean Martin Show, two of them medleys with Petula Clark and Peggy Lee. There's everything from Where Or When, That's Amoré, C'est Si Bon, Pennies From Heaven, to Old Man River, I'm In The Mood For Love, Memories Are Made Of This, Blue Moon, Pretty Baby and a whole lot more. In stead of a documentary, Martin's partner and pal producer/director Greg Garrison chats about the man and his work in between songs. A grand flashback, especially for folks like us in a country where television only arrived mid-70s.
4 / B
- PB

DEATH RACE 2000
With John Carradine, Mary Wornov, Sylvester Stallone, Louisa Moritz, Fred Grandy
Directed by Paul Bartel
This classic low-budget Roger Corman backed flick is riotously tawdry. In the future the fascist government oversees intense cross-country car races where the knocking over of pedestrians are encouraged and garners extra points. The flamboyant range of racers with their themed cars include a pre-fame Sylvester Stallone in an over the top Italian-American performance. Some very funny moments.
4 / B
- PB

DEATH ROW UNCUT
Credited as 'too gangsta for TV', this collection of classic Death Row rappers in action cover a range of music videos, live performances, previously unseen clips and uncensored bits (although many still get blurred out, especially sexually explicit sequences). Some of the heavyweights include 2Pac (To Live & Die In L.A., California Love, Dear Mama), Dr. Dre (Dre Day, Let Me Ride) and Snoop Dogg - at that time still Snoop Doggy Dogg (Who Am I, Murder Was The Case, Ain't No Fun, Gin & Juice). Others include DJ Quik (Mo Pussy), Warren G & Nate Dogg (Regulate), Daz Dillinger (Because Of You Girl) and The Lady Of Rage (Afro Puffs). Guests include the likes of KC & JoJo, Kurupt, Outlawz, Ice Cube and The Dramatics. The usual posturing is at play with the hardcore gangsta style in full effect. But the tough acts, guns and drugs also swing by the sexual front with some women not shy in the least when it comes to showing what they've got. The clips are linked up by a bunch of homies cruising in a convertible reminiscing on the tracks screened, obviously while smoking joints. A poor photo gallery features a few bad snaps, but there's also a trivia game and more videos as extras. At the time of these songs and rappers it was still new and relatively fresh, today's imitations a total bore. And on whichever side of the fence you may find yourself on the East-West Coast debacle, I usually preferred the West side sound - while the attitude exuding from both sides equally annoying.
4 / B
- PB

DECEIVER
With Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Michael Rooker, Renee Zellweger, Ellen Burstyn, Rosanna Arquette
Directed by Jonas & Josh Pate
Interesting little mindgame thriller with a possible murderer being cross examined with a lie detector, his epileptic fits playing a huge part as his honesty and conniving work in on the examiners with as many skeletons in their closets.
4 / C
- PB

DECONSTRUCTING HARRY
With Woody Allen, Alan Alda, Judy Davis, Robin Williams
Directed by Woody Allen
This film annoyed me from the very first few seconds. Allen plays the womanizing writer who confronts his life via the stories he writes - the characters actually communicating with him. Just a little too pretentious in many ways with the forced style too deliberate. Then again, friends of mine were blown away by it - different strokes and all…Woody fans will no doubt love it, no matter what.
2 / C
- PB

DEEP IMPACT
With Morgan Freeman, Tia Leone, Elijah Wood
Directed by Mimi Leder
Far more believable take on the “comet about to hit earth” angle. More realistic, passionate and believable, concentrating on the human side of things and not the stupendous action set-pieces or cheesy romantic angle. The likelihood here is more of a possibility with the president of the States having to make certain decisions (like a lottery picking random names to hide in underground shelters. The FX are breathtaking, but doesn’t dominate. An invigourating film of likely terror, accepting the inevitable, global survival and the importance of love.
4 / B
- PB

DEEP PURPLE - Live In California '74
With the departure of Ian Gillan (that brilliant voice I usually associate with Deep Purple), he was replaced by the very competent David Coverdale (who went on to start Whitesnake). Hardcore Deep Purple fans will know this classic performance (whether they've seen it at a friend's place or own the well worn VHS copy). Well, know you can get to experience the remastered, full version of this explosive California Jam performance at the Ontario Speedway, California in 1974, where they headlined the bill (which included Black Sabbath, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Eagles and Earth Wind & Fire). With a crowd of 200 000 they hit the stage with DP classics and new ones from their recently released album Burn. The songs include that album's title track, Might Just Take Your Life, Lay Down Stay Down, Mistreated, Smoke On The Water, You Fool No One, and Space Truckin'. Burn and Might Just Take Your Life was previously not part of the release. Coverdale looks well-pissed and new vocal bassist Glenn Hughes (formerly from Trapeze) well-coked. Obviously the solo's get played by each member, including drummer Ian Paice, keyboard god John Lord and guitarist Richie Blackmore (whose finale results in several guitars destroyed and amps blown up). Surprisingly at times the sea of people in the crowd looks like a photgraph as they stand and watch, hardly a head nodding to the beat…(?!).
Extras include photo galleries and artwork, older footage with Gillan, Super-8 footage and commentaries further exposing the events and circumstances of this classic show). Audio options include 2.0 Dolby Stereo, 5.0 Surround Dolby Digital and 5.0 Surround DTS. The 4-page booklet features some cool details on the show and some of its controversies.
5 / B
- PB

DEEP PURPLE - Concerto For Group And Orchestra
Predating Metallica and Scorpions teaming up with orchestras to give their music a symphonic work-over, many rock fans are unaware of this magnificent occurrence predating the trend by around 30 years! Written by Deep Purple keyboard wizard John Lord, the show is an amazing musical experience fusing rebellious late 60's rock of the Deep Purple band with the more high brow Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, breaking down preconceived notions from both ends of the spectrum - music being the essence. Conducted by Malcolm Arnold, a brief introduction hears views from Lord and the conductor on this incredible fusion, the show flowering into a truly fascinating event. The Digital Surround re-mastered show also contains commentary by Lord shedding extra light on this very cool slice of musical history. While more Ian Gillan vocal injections would've been fantastic, the show as a whole is well worth it, not only for Deep Purple fans, but also those who can appreciate great music but never had the opportunity to get into the band. I mean, Smoke On The Water, come on - you have to at least know that the song exists! The great thing about music like this is that once you're a fan, you remain one, its timeless compositions spanning generations. This show also surely squashed the age old "rock music is not art" debate. While it remains something we hold dear, we'll keep squashing and rocking.
5 / A
- PB

DEEP RED
With David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi, Gabrielle Lavia, Clara Calamai
Directed by Dario Argento
Deep Red is a perfect example of how a film can see many versions over the years. Obviously most films will get their definitive versions on DVD (besides the opportunity to get it in the best possible picture and sound quality, also getting the cleaned up widescreen offering and uncut delivery). This DVD release is the 123-minute version.
Extras include a documentary featurette "An Eye For Horror", a 25th Anniversary featurette and an interview with Argento, which includes footage of director Luigi Cozzi and world renowned Tim Burton in Argento's Profondo Rosso horror shop in Rome. This is the English version and apparently due to portions of the soundtrack never recorded or lost, some scenes are in Italian with English subtitles.
4 / B
- PB
DEEP RED (Profondo Rosso) aka The Hatchet Murders
With David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi, Gabrielle Lavia, Clara Calamai
Directed by Dario Argento
With his usual style, Dario Argento takes his viewers into the world of the psychotic killer. Hemmings plays Marc Daly, a jazz pianist in Rome who witnesses the murder of a blind clairvoyant who felt the presence of a killer in the audience of her seminar. Before discovering the body, Daly unwittingly witnesses a clue that sharp viewers can pick up if attuned to look out for hints. Together with a plucky reporter, they investigate the murder, that doesn't stop there (it is an Argento film after all! - complete with all the trademarks). Part murder mystery, part slasher, this is one of the more enjoyable offerings form the "Italian Hitchcock". The Goblins further add to the film's character with their apt score, as they've done with other Argento collaborations like Suspiria. This 120-minute Redemption release is not presented in widescreen format, and is the Italian language version with English subtitles.
4 / B (this version)
3 / C (shortened English version)
- PB
THE HATCHET MURDERS aka Deep Red
With David Hemmings, Daria Nicolodi, Gabrielle Lavia, Clara Calamai
Directed by Dario Argento
This is one of my favourite Argento movies, which I prefer under its Deep Red (Profondo Rosso) title. This is not the best version to get hold of. It is the 98-minute in stead of the 2-hour cut and not a very good transfer (full screen) - it is also dubbed into English from Italian. David Hemmings is a jazz pianist who starts to investigate a murder he witnessed with the assistance of a reporter. This is the movie that features a subliminal glimpse of the killer early on. Like many of Argento's movies, The Goblins collaborated on the very cool soundtrack. Deep Red (The Hatchet Murders) features the classic Argento ingredients of nightmare and reality merging, bright red blood, stabbings, hacking and heads through windows - the victims usually women (a case which has earned him much flack over the years).
3 / C (this version)
4 / B (full Italian version)
- PB

DEF JAM # 1 SPOT
With Def Jam's incredible history, one would expect a few more tracks than this - but they didn't necessarily have any more # 1's as presented here, and if they had, good business sense would dictate to save some for later releases. So, you won't find any Slayer or Beastie Boys on here. What you do get are 14 tracks from Oran "Juice" Jones, LL Cool J (with two tunes), Case, Montell Jordan (with 3, as well as with Master P & Silkk "The Shocker"), Sisqo, Dru Hill (twice), Ashanti, Jay-Z with Pharrell, and Ludacris. For the Hip-Hop / Rap / R&B fraternity, this is a nice slice of recent history.
3 / B
- PB

THE DEMI-PARADISE
With Laurence Olivier
Directed by n/a
Olivier plays a Russian propeller expert visiting England during wartime. He gets to know them, see flaws in and accepts their culture. A romantic interests obviously sits under the surface.
3 / C
- PB

THE DENTIST
With Corbin Bernsen, Linda Hoffman
Directed by Brian Yuzna
Has it been six months already? Time for your check-up. The creators of the unforgettable Re-Animator films are back with a funny, tongue in cheek, cheese fest with old Arnie from L.A. Law playing a dentist going off his rocker. The dental-drill-squeamish will have nightmares for a long time after this one as extreme close-ups show teeth being grinded away, our obsessed dentist loses his marbles. Besides these great moments, the plot plods along a little, yet, the pay-offs are worth it, even just to see and hear everyone watching squirm with the sound of the drill. After all, that is what horror is meant to be: tapping into those everyday fears. In this department they get full marks, while the acting is quite acceptable. It definitely 'aint no Re-Animator, that's for sure. It will, however, leave a bad taste in your mouth. Gargle and...spit!
3 / B
- PB

DEPECHE MODE - Devotional
Another cool DVD to add to your growing DM collection (see below for related reviews). Shot on the 1993 Devotional Tour by long time collaborator Anton Corbijn, this double disc packs in the 94-minute live show on one disc and bonus bits on the second. This was of course the tour that swung by South Africa as well (many a Playground-goer can reminisce about the after party excess). Here they incorporated live drums and guitar halfway through the set, with a more rock feel - vocalist Dave also more rugged, sporting longer hair, a goatee and tattoos. The show is a vibrant, hypnotic affair with Dave keeping the energy alive and Martin Gore's stunning backing vocals coming from behind the keyboards (& guitar), plus the two powerful female singers. The 18 songs include a range of favourites from across their repertoire like World In My Eyes, Walking In My Shoes, Behind The Wheel, Stripped, Condemnation, I Feel You, Never Let Me Down Again, Judas, In Your Room, Personal Jesus, Enjoy The Silence, Everything Counts plus 2 extras (Halo & Policy Of Truth). The second disc includes supplementary material like an MTV documentary made at the time of the tour with interviews all round. You can view the full Corbijn created onstage projections to 8 of the songs, as well as listen to an audio monologue by him. 6 promotional videos are added, some that weren't on the video collection, like One Caress and a Paris Mix of Condemnation (which also gets a live video version added). I Feel You, Walking In My Shoes and In Your Room make up the rest with its visually striking images, be it high contrast black & white or saturated colour. You also get to view the cool graphic layout of the snazzy tour programmes of '92 and '93.
4 / A
- PB

DEPECHE MODE - 101
In 1988 the four young English lads going by the names of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher and Alan Wilder cracked into the US market with a bang that culminated at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena. Those of us who were around at that time will remember the video release of the film shot on that particular tour. 101 did not only follow the band on and off stage during this career boosting trip, but also included some fans who won castings to attend the Depeche Mode shows and also be a part of the on-road experience and the film. This very entertaining film's transfer to DVD obviously gives you a little more than the video version of a decade and a half ago. While the 101 film includes commentary tracks by the band and filmmakers, the second disc features the entire Rose Bowl show from 18 June '88 (mixed in 5.1 surround sound). Expect classics like Master And Servant, Behind The Wheel, Strange Love, Stripped, Just Can't Get Enough and Never Let Me Down Again. There are retrospective current interviews with Dave, Martin and Fletch (all in their various American abodes - but no Alan), their manager and road accountant and some of the young fans that became a part of the movie. Interesting reflections. An original version of the promo music video for Everything Counts is also thrown in. After such a long time, personal and band turmoil, the music is still great and the film still a joy to watch.
5 / A
- PB

DEPECHE MODE - One Night In Paris
After several decades, the Depeche Mode magic is still well in tact, both in their incredible songwriting skills and live presence. This phenomenal live show from their last tour in support of the Exciter album re-establishes them as a transcendent pop force to be reckoned with. Directed by Anton Corbijn, the choice of colours, lighting, backdrops and gigantic rear projections are as well chosen as the songs, which includes a wide range spanning across their illustrious (and sometimes troubled) career. The focus is firmly set on frontman Dave Gahan and key songwriter Martin Gore, their magnetic performance oozing at the crowd and from the screen with songs like Black Celebration, The Sweetest Condition, Breathe, Dream On, Freelove, Enjoy The Silence, In Your Room, Home and Personal Jesus - 20 tracks in all. This double DVD is stylish in packaging, delivery and execution. The extra footage include key band member interviews (Gahan, Gore & Fletcher), chats with fans outside the venue, managers as well as director Corbijn. A fascinating portion has Corbijn supply a voice-over through some remarkable stills taken on the tour - analyzing some of them while others speak for themselves. A 23-minute segment offers the owner of this classy package an exclusive viewing of the video backdrops together with the audio of the songs, no band members or stage props obstructing your view. A bonus track Sister Of The Night is included as well as a multi-camera angle track where you can play Mr Director yourself. With the live drums, guitar and back-up singers, the show is an awesome spectacle of pure talent on more than one level and one completely worthwhile making your own, since the last time we had the opportunity to see them live on our shores were around the early part of the previous decade.
5 / A
- PB

DEPECHE MODE - The Videos 86>98
For those who expected a total, all encompassing historic representation of the band via their videos, you may be a touch disappointed. Early videos of tunes like New Life, Everything Counts (here in a live version from the 101 Live show), Master And Servant and others are unfortunately excluded. Why I do not know - they can't be that embarrassed can, they? Their hairdo's still look hilarious in some of the other videos! But, jokes aside, this is still a fantastic collection of a tremendous band which is so much more than a mere pop group. You get 21 music videos of some of their trend-setting, original and moving tracks - everything from Stripped, A Question of Lust, A Question Of Time, Strangelove, Never Let Me Down Again, Little 15, Personal Jesus, Policy Of Truth and I Feel You to Walking In My Shoes, Condemnation, In Your Room, Barrel Of A Gun, Home, Useless and Only When I Lose Myself. Thus almost documenting their entire career in the shape of a sometimes innovative, sometimes cheezy music video album. But wait, there's more! The disc opens with an insightful DM interview piece and closes with a DM short film. Alan Wilder, who departed the group in '95 also has his say in the interviews. An essential musical addition for any respectable DVD collector.
6 / A
- PB

DESPERATE LIVING
With Mink Stole, Edith Massey
Directed by John Waters
One of the few early Waters movies without Divine. Stole is a crazy neurotic housewife who accidentally kills her husband with her enormous black housekeeper. There’s only one place for them: Mortville. This town of lowlifes and outcasts are ruled over by the deliciously vulgar Queen Carlada (Massey in fine form). They get taken in by a mad lesbian couple and embark on a hectic journey into the town’s psychosis. Great stuff.
6 / A
- PB

DEUCE BIGALOW - MALE GIGALO
With Rob Schneider, Oded Fehr, William Forsyth
Directed by Mike Mitchell
Totally childish but wildly funny comedy about a fish loving pond & pool cleaner who ends up looking after a highly paid gigalow’s house. He accidentally wrecks the guy’s super expensive fish tank and has to raise the money before he gets back. He turns to “man-whoring” to meet this financial threat (and fearing his life if he doesn’t). Each of his dates have some defect, be it Teret’s syndrome, a 7 ft Swedish woman, an hardcore overweight one, etc. Super-silly but one slapstick laugh follows the other. The best viewing circumstances would be to get tanked with a bunch of friends and have a carefree laugh riot. The Matrix ripped-off scenes alone are priceless.
4 / A
- PB

DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS
With Denzel Washington, Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, Don Cheadle, Maury Chaykin
Directed by Carl Franklin
Easy Rawlins is one of the few black post-WWII soldiers who own his own house. But with few jobs around and mortgage to pay, a relatively easy job for good money is hard to pass up. Especially if dead bodies start turning up. Easy’s job was to find an electoral candidate’s girlfriend who ran off. In a smooth, typical PI style Easy gets sucked into a thick plot, slowly boiling over. Calling in the help of a trigger-happy old friend and Easy implicated with several murders, things can only get stickier.
4 / B
- PB

DEVILS ON THE DOORSTEP
With Jiang Wen, Jiang Hongbo, Yuan Ding
Directed by Jiang Wen
During the Japanese occupation of China, a simple rural man gets forced into a soul-ripping situation. A mysterious man dumps two military prisoners on his doorstep - he has to interrogate them and keep them there till the man returns after New Year. Months later they were still not collected and it weighs heavily on our reluctant protagonist, especially with one of the captives aggressively speaking out and wanting to die - the daily Japanese band patrol passing the house making it even more tense. Tradition, humanity and survival under many varied circumstances make this film an intriguing cultural study in the broad sense while its history also plays a huge part as a whole. With the ordinary people of this small village thrown into such a situation with their lives threatened to keep the hostages under wraps, unexpected brutality is that much more shocking when pounced upon, the pangs of humour arising throughout, wrenched away. Shot in black & white, this also contributes to both the emotional intensity and historic feel - the very selective use of colour strikingly effective. While it could feel a bit long for your average viewer, Arthouse fans will get sucked into the film's direct and stark approach.
4 / C
- PB

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
With Sean Connery, Jill St. John, Lana Wood, Jimmy Dean
Directed by Guy Hamilton
Popular demand re-instates the people's choice to his rightful place, albeit for one last time. Connery struts his stuff around the Netherlands and France to prevent Blofeld from using his diamond driven lazer. This outing sees onother pun struck lass, Plenty O'Toole as well as another Shirley Bassey song - the women and music being sinonymous with the whole spirit of the series. Connery did returned as Bond in the un-official Never Say Never Again which is basically a reworking of Thunderball.
4 / A
- PB

DIDO - Live At Brixton Academy
While Dido's music is not exactly the kind you expect to go nuts to in a live environment, this particular performance is a glowing one, transcending the listening experience millions of fans have had via club DJs, on radio, their CD players in lounges, bedrooms and cars over her last few albums. Recorded at her Brixton Academy show in August 2004, the live DVD packs in 17 of her favourite songs. They include the obvious ones like Thankyou, Life For Rent, White Flag, Sand In My Shoes, Here With Me and Stoned, as well as Hunter, My Life, Mary's In India, Take My Hand, All You Want, See The Sun and more. Lushly shot in High Definition video, the back-up band also contributes to an added on-stage vibe (the percussionist sometimes overdoing it a bit). While this live package contains no extra material, it does however include a bonus audio CD with a dozen live recordings of her biggest hits.
4 / B
- PB

DINOSAUR
Directed by Ralph Zondag, Eric Leighton
Some of the most amazing digital animation we’ve seen. This cute tale has a dinosaur egg end up with a group of monkeys. They raise him as their own and everything’s peachy. Until a meteor shower destroys their island. They end up in a barren land where they meet up with a huge troupe of migrating dinosaurs, on their way to the green valley. Pretty much a Land Before Time story with the regular assortment of good vegetarian dinos and the vicious carnotaurs on their trail. Sweet, invigourating and brilliantly executed.
4 / 6
- PB

DIRTY DANCING 2 Havana Nights
With Diego Luna, Romola Garai, Sela Ward, John Slattery, January Jones, Polly Cusumano, Patrick Swayze
Directed by Guy Ferland
Two decades after the Patrick Swayze dancing hit had the world on fire (even winning a best song Oscar®), some producers thought it's time for a cash-in. Here we enter the life of a young girl who moves to Cuba with her family for her dad's business obligations. It is on the verge of revolution and our prudish young girl befriends a fiery young man who teaches her the real way to dance, with all of her body and soul. Swayze pops in for a cameo, still giving dance classes. Older and more leathery, he still has some moves, though. Our heroine and her new guy (who obviously will not be accepted by everyone), decide to enter a dance contest. The boy's brother is part of the revolution and the forbidden love between the two will not be a smooth one. With a sultry Latin-Pop flavoured soundtrack this is entertaining, especially for dance and romance fans, but it's not exactly an indispensable piece of entertainment.
PS. This is supposed to be based on true events and was produced by Lawrence Bender who also did Tarantino's Pulp Fiction!
3 / C
- PB

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS
With Audrey Tautou, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sergi Lopez
Directed by Stephen Frears
Illegal aliens and refugees are a low-key part of many countries, performing jobs the born citizens wouldn't normally want to. It is West London. Okwe is a Nigerian exile (a doctor by profession) driving taxis and working at a hotel - the few hours he can get some sleep, it is on the couch of a Turkish immigrant, Senay, who works in the same hotel as a chambermaid. As if he doesn't have enough problems, Okwe gets roped into the problems of others. But, when he finds a human heart in one of the seedy hotel's toilets, he becomes a part of dark underground dealings. Frears succeeds in accurately replicating this hidden world and the parts of London you don't see in brochures, leaving both a bitter taste and a sense of triumph with the viewer.
5 / C
- PB

THE DISH
With Sam Neill, Kevin Harrington, Tom Long
Directed by Rob Sitch
This magic little Australian film deals with that country's involvement in the first moon walk of the late 60s - due to its location in the southern hemisphere and the particular radio telescope dish which hadn't really served much purpose up until that historic point. The focus is on the small team of Aussies and one NASA exec manning the satellite dish, their trials and tribulations threaded with a sparkling, innocent sense of humour as well as a bitter-sweet streak of humanity. No violence, drugs or vulgarity - just a very real event and its effect on a small town and its eclectic bunch of characters. Not to be missed.
5 / B
- PB

DIVAS LAS VEGAS
What a treat for fans of Celine Dion, Cher, Anastacia, Shakira and the Dixie Chicks! This concert to benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation hit Vegas with a bang. Celine gives the audience I'm Alive and A New Day Has Come while she opens it up with Anastacia doing an AC/DC number, You Shook Me All Night Long (!). The latter throaty lass also does One Day In Your Life while Cher makes her entrance (to what seems like a largely female thronging audience) with Believe and This Is The Song For The Lonely. Shakira performs a seated Underneath Your Clothes (no ass bopping) while Dixie Chicks do Landslide with the legendary Fleetwood Mac lass, Stevie Nicks. The new divas close the show with an Elvis Medley Finale. A concise and to the point documentary of the show doesn't go too deep into the whole affair but offer enough to prevent it from being a useless snippet. An additional bonus to this package includes an audio CD - not half bad.
3 / B
- PB

DIVING DEEP
Submarines seem like a sinking and rising "thing". Until you've watched this video, that is. The complexity of these pressure defying vessels and the amazing living body they explore seemed to have been overshadowed by other machines throughout history. A relatively young developed vehicle as opposed to others, numerous intriguing facts come to light on the workings of these "tubes". The incredible pressure they withstand and the role they played in defense changed the face of the ocean forever; not to mention the amazing finds they've made - Titanic for instance. It even made cinematic masterpieces like Das Boot possible. This video also includes research subs like Alvin, military disasters like The Thresher and the internal workings of a nuke sub, the USS Scranton. We get a glimpse at bizarre underwater life at killer depths and are enlightened with new developments which include re-breathers.
4 / B
- PB

THE DIVORCE OF LADY X
With Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, Binnie Barnes, Ralph Richardson
Directed by Tim Whelan
A cute little romantic comedy with a cocky little lady conning her way into a man’s hotel room after a dense London fog makes it impossible for guests at a ball to get home. This leads to all sorts of silliness, especially the result of her mistaken identity. The colourization gives the scenes and especially the cityscapes a great neon glow.
4 / C
- PB

DR NO
With Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman, Jack Lord
Directed by Terence Young
In 1962 the first in the Bond series for the widescreen launched Sean Connery's career into super stardom. (The first aired Bond was actually a one off 60's TV drama, Casino Royale) In this hokey-by-today's high tech motion picture standards, we have Blofeld, the cunning nut our James has to stop, interfering with missile launches at Cape Canaveral. The Cold War atmosphere of the films, even if the Russians aren't involved, is ever present. Connery still remains the hands down favourite Bond and slipped very comfortably into the character, laying the foundation for his successors. A year later, From Russia With Love took viewers to Istanbul and Turkey where James warred his recurring nemesis SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counterintelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion) - quite a mouth full, but not for 007 !
3 / A
- PB

DR. STRANGELOVE or: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB
With Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Slim Pickens, Keenan Wynn
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Mind-blowing fictitious account of a US army bigwig flipping out and ordering a nuclear attack. The crisis in the War Room and other military areas (including the nuke planes themselves encapsulate this cinically hilarious look at such a disaster. Marvelous script, great action, wonderful black & white photography. Sellers shines ion multiple roles while Kubrick shows the world he’s one of the best directors around.
6 / A
- PB

DR T & THE WOMEN
With Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Kate Hudson, Tara Reed, Farrah Fawcett, Laura Dern, Liv Tyler, Shelley Long
Directed by Robert Altman
A popular gynecologist in Dallas is surrounded by women - Not only those who come in to see him, but also his staff and home life, including wife, daughters, sister and her daughters. And then, the other woman. He seems to be pretty much in control when everything scatters in all directions. One of his daughters are about to get married and his wife slips into a rare psychological dementia. He has to cope with his smooth life suddenly going haywire. Hunting with the guys and golf just doesn't cut it. The new golf instructor (Hunt) on the other hand, does. Especially when his wife's situation doesn't subside, her wanting a divorce and his daughter to be wed possibly a lesbian. It seems as if only a natural disaster can get him out of the chaos… Altman has become a cult director with everyone praising anything he puts out. Gere is still considered a sex symbol. Fawcett is an ex-sex symbol whose career might get re-ignited with this picture, ala Travolta. Hudson, Reed and Tyler are new rising-star-sex-symbols. Add an eye-popping finale to the gender focussed theme and you might just have a film on your hands that'll have people talking.
4 / C
- PB

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE
With John Travolta, Vince Vaughn, Steve Buscemi
Directed by Harold Becker
Suspense by numbers. A divorced couple gets along quite nicely in a small town, both loving and sharing their son without a hitch. In step the new boyfriend - and new husband to be. The Cry Wolf principle comes into play where the son's history of rebellious actions when upset is suspected when he accuses his new stepfather of murder. But, his real dad seems to be the only one who is prepared to believe him, even after losing custody. The not-so tense finale makes you wonder how they could've come up with such a basic, unoriginal and crap climax. Where we would've expected far more from Travolta, especially at this stage in his career, he merely goes through the motions in what should've been a TV movie. Even cult-guy Buscemi fails to spice it up with his small role. I didn't walk out of the cinema feeling like a million bucks, but I'm sure Travolta went home after shooting with more than 20 times that, and I'm sad to say, not deservingly so.
1 / C
- PB

DON'T LOOK NOW
With Donald Sutherland, Julie Christie
Directed by Nicolas Roeg
This intense drama from the man who gave us pop-starring flicks like Performance (Mick Jagger) and The Man Who Fell To Earth (David Bowie), Roeg sculpted an atmospheric thriller of a couple trying to come to terms with the drowning death of their daughter. The refusal to accept this and partly feeling responsible, visions of the red coat girl in the streets of Venice become more vivid, seeming more than hallucinations. A hectic final shocker moment makes it even more worth the while.
5 / B
- PB

DON'T SAY A WORD
With Michael Douglas, Sean Bean, Brittany Murphy, Famke Janssen, Oliver Platt
Directed by Gary Fleder
This kidnap drama places a psychologist in the terrible predicament of playing against the clock to save his daughter. His task is to crack a code from a mental patient whose clue from a decade before means riches for a gang of ruthless criminals. Douglas is adequate as the father fighting for his child while Fleder builds suspense steadily to a fairly predictable climax. Bean makes a fairly convincing bad guy while the disturbed Murphy pulls off a good role. Janssen is hot as usual (even if she's in a leg cast). Platt is just an extra amid the rest of the story and stars.
4 / B
- PB

DOOM
With Karl Urban, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Rosamund Pike
Directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak
Based on the popular first person shoot 'em up game that emerged in the early '90s and still going strong, Doom could've been a far greater cinematic event than it turned out to be. But, with the basics of the game boiling down to "blowing the shit out of alien monsters", there's not much to go with here except using well-worn sci-fi and horror elements to give the regular audience (who may never have laid their eyes on the game) something they can grasp. A gateway was found between earth and Mars. A colony on the red planet is in danger and a team of military experts (sometimes cannily reminiscent of the GIs in Aliens) has to go up and sort things out. What they discover there is the result of experiments with a gruesome outcome, the results being xenomorph beasts with quite a temper and no table manners. Recent 007 gal Pike is the medical expert trying to get to the bottom of the mutated mystery while her brother (as part of the interstellar S.W.A.T. team) has to rise to be the hero - at a price. The Rock returns to a more evil role (as he debuted in The Mummy Returns, but became a relatively hot property as an action hero with a righteous streak). Amid the predictable dark corridor moments, gunfire and growling monsters, there is one moment however, where the hero's first person point of view is taken as in the game, heading down the passages blowing the crap out of everything in his way. Monster make-up designed by the legendary Stan Winston.
2 / B
- PB

THE DOORS of the 21st Century - L.A. Woman Live
When Jim Morrison sadly departed this realm mid-'71, the last Doors album (L.A. Woman) did not complete its full cycle. This is the tour of the album that never happened - over two decades later. Remaining Doors members Ray Manzarek (keyboards) and Robby Krieger (guitar) recruited Cult frontman Ian Astbury to fill the mighty shoes of a rock icon…and he pulls it off admirably. Besides Val Kilmer (who did his own singing in Oliver Stone's Doors movie), I can't think of a better choice than Astbury. He has the voice, charisma, attitude and confidence (his long black hair cropped into more of a Jim do). The 15 tracks include such classics as Roadhouse Blues, Break On Through (To The Other Side), When The Music's Over, Love Her Madly, Riders On The Storm, Light My Fire and of course, L.A. Woman. The End would've been a great addition though. These songs are still fantastic, not aging a bit. Instead of extra features (a making-of would've been cool), there are current interview snippets scattered between songs. All good things come to an end, but thankfully we can revisit those memories any time we like.
5 / A
- PB

DOUG's 1st MOVIE (in Afrikaans)
Regisseur: Maurice Joyce
Behalwe die gier om ouer populêre TV reekse (soos The Saint, The Avengers, Mission Impossible) op die wye doek te sit, lyk dit asof daar deesdae 'n nuwe mode trant besig is om vlam te vat. Dis natuurlik die rolprentweergawes van geanimeerde kinder TV-reekse. Die mees onlangse twee is die van The Rug Rats en Doug. Wat Doug nogal meer onafhanklik van die honderde ander reekse maak, is die rasse anonimiteit (pienk, blou, groen, geel karakters) en die tienerprobleme wat almal deurgaan (en dalk al van vergeet het). Sonder om te polities korrek te wees of te ernstig oorkom is daar natuurlik ook heelwat fantasie aan verbonde wat heel gemaklik met die meer realistiese sake (soos die liefde) meng. Doug Funnie en sy vriend Mosquito Valentine is op soek na 'n legendariese watermonster wat blykbaar in een van die dorp se mere skuil. Die vergesogte idee word wel beproef wanneer hulle die monster gewaar. Hulle skrik hulle boeglam en in hul haas vergeet die twee hul fietse in die woud. Een aand verskyn die fietse by een van die twee se huis...met monster voetspore! Hulle uit dat die monster egter sagmoedig en vriendelik is (hulle noem hom Melville na die Moby Dick outeur se naam). Daar is 'n Valentynsdag dans op pad en niemand wil by die organisasieraad aansluit nie. Doug wil aansluit, maar saam met die meisie van sy drome, sodat hulle in die proses baie tyd saam kan spandeer. Hy oorreed haar, maar een van die senior seuns gryp die geleentheid aan en lê aan by mej. Mayonnaise. Doug is natuurlik woedend, maar hy is magteloos. Hy besef dat sy meer van hom sal dink as hy kan bewys dat hulle die monster ontdek het.. Dit word ook egter duidelik dat 'n ryk besigheidsman die water om die dorp besoedel en hy doen alles in sy mag om die monster en bewyse van die vuil water te demp. Dit het heelwat avontuur tot gevolge asook Doug se fantasiedenke wat onder andere een van sy bekende alter egos insluit, Quayleman, 'n superheld wat die dag red (sy hond Pork Chop ook deel daarvan). Daar is ook heelwat lesse te leer (vir diegene wat nog nie te veel die lewe ervaar het nie). Alles van eerlikheid tot getrou bly aan jou vriende word hier uitgebeeld in 'n styl wat nou nie revolusionêr is nie, maar wel 'n karakter van sy eie het. Hoewel dit nou voel soos 'n uitgerekte TV episode, is daar wel vermaak vir ouer kykers, maar dit is definitief een vir die jongspan. Ek sal wel eerste in die ry wees wanneer hulle wyedoek weergawes van Ren & Stimpy of The Simpson maak...
3 / B
- PB

DOUBLE JEOPARDY
With Ashley Judd, Tommy Lee Jones
Directed by Bruce Beresford
Beresford has built up a fine body of work over the years and makes one wonder why he’d opt for a project like this one. It’s one of those suspense thrillers that could’ve been made by anyone. No special signature or stamp can be detected. The absolutely beautiful Ashley Judd gets thrown in jail for the murder of her husband. Obviously she didn’t do it and she finds out that he’s alive and living with her friend and son. When released on parole she embarks on a furious mission to track them down and get her son back. After waiting for six years, she’s all out of patience. As a friend of mine said, it’s better than expected (with most of the plot given away in trailers). Aside from the basics, the pacing is generally good with Jones hot on parole breaker Judd’s trail. But, with the double jeopardy case in law where she cannot be convicted of the same crime twice, she can kill her husband in a crowd and she cannot be touched…what do you think she’ll do?
3 / C
- PB

DOWN TO YOU
With Freddie Printz Jr., Julia Stiles, Shawn Hatosy, Selma Blair, Zak Orth
Directed by Kris Isacsson
One of the most annoying early-20’s love story of recent years. I’m not one to unjustifiably shoot down a movie, but these characters are so artificial, so annoying, irritating and false, that there is no way it can be redeemed. The addressing of the audience by these grating characters doesn’t make it any better. A painful viewing experience (even if I was 20 again).
1 / C
- PB
DOWN TO YOU (in Afrikaans)
Met Freddie Prinze Jr., Julia Stiles, Shawn Hatosy, Selma Blair, Zak Orth
Regisseur: Kris Isacsson
Almal (of meeste) van ons het al eerste liefde ervaar. Dis ‘n ongelooklike ding wat jou so goed laat voel, niks kan jou stuit nie. Maar nes jy in die wolke kan wees daaroor, is die kans dat dit jou in die diepste depressie kan dompel (weens die mislukking daarvan) ook heel waarskynlik. Hierdie eerstehandse ervaring help egter nie om ons deel te maak van hierdie karakters se we^reld nie. Down To You neem ons deur so ‘n eerste liefde van twee New York universiteit studente. Prinze Jr. speel Al, ‘n 2de jaar student en Stiles is Imogen, ‘n 1ste jaar. Al studeer Liberale Kunste, maar wil ‘n kok wees soos sy pa, wat ‘n TV kook program het (gespeel deur Henry Winkler, of te wel, The Fonz). Imogen wil ‘n kunstenaar word. Die twee ontmoet in ‘n studente kroeg waar hulle dadelik ‘n gemeenskaplike vonk ervaar. Oor ‘n tydperk van drie maande omvou die verhouding soos hulle mekaar al hoe beter leer ken, en besef kry dat besig is om verlief te raak. Hulle soek nog tot ‘n mate hul eie identiteite, maar voel dat wanneer hulle saam is, is dit net reg. Maar, dit is natuurlik nie maanskyn-en-rose-tot-in-ewigheid-amen nie. Allerlei probleme duik op soos die vrees dat dit te ernstig raak, vrees van ‘n moontlike swangerskap en alomteenwoordige ontrou. Dis bestaande probleme en word wel taamlik skaflik gehanteer, maar wat help dit as jy nie vir die karakters omgee nie? Hoewel skrywer-regisseur Isacsson wil he^ ons moet van sy karakters hou, is hulle irriterend tot in die afgrond. Prinze Jr. was nog altyd heel skaflik in sy menigte laat-tiener rolle en Stiles se rol in 10 Things I Hate About You. Was ook baie genotvol (teenoor Australie”r Heath Ledger tans in The Patriot). Hier val hulle egter so plat as kan kom. Hul “chemistry” is so kunsmatig en die draaiboek so gevorseerd en vervelig dat jy hulle amper nie kan dop hou nie - veral as hulle die cliché praat-met-die-gehoor tonele uitspeel. Die slottoneel met John van Ally McBeal se gunsteling Barry White liedjie is ‘n absolute verleentheid. Om die ligte trant van die rolprent te handhaaf (en ook die ongelukkige oomblike meer te laat uitstaan) is daar ‘n komedie element ingewerk wat maar ook bra flou is. Een of twee tonele is nogal snaaks terwyl die res verdamp. ‘n Beste vriend, Monk, word ingegooi wat ‘n pornografiese ster en regisseur word (aangesien dit nou deesdae ‘n koel polities inkorrekte subteks is om te gebruik - maar glo my, dis geen Boogie Nights hierdie nie…). Monk is die siniese stem wat vir Al wil red van ‘n toekomstige gebreekte hart deur die koue feite neer te le^. In ‘n groot mate is Down To You te nai”f - maar, in Isacsson se verdediging: eerste liefde is ‘n taamlik nai”we, nuwe ervaring. ‘n Liefdesverhaal bly ‘n liefdesverhaal en tensy dit ‘n meer interessante rigting instuur soos die eerskomende Return To Me, val dit maar net op die hoop. Al is dit nou ‘n mooi jong storie met ‘n krisis of twee ingegooi, bly ons emosies ongelukkig net buite die karakters se grense en misluk hulle daarin om ons in hul we^reld in te lok en saam met hulle te voel. Dit laat my ook wonder: hoeveel 20-jariges weet wie The Fonz is? Is ek dalk 10 jaar te oud om met hierdie karakters te kan identifiseer? Maar, aan die ander kant kon ek wel meegevoer word met Bruce en Michelle in The Story Of Us wat my weer 15 jaar te jonk maak…
1 / C
- PB

DOWN WITH LOVE
With Renée Zellweger, Ewan McGregor
A cute flashback to those frivolous little Carey Grant-style romantic gender comedies of the 40s & 50s, this brightly lit, colourful flick sees a little nobody girl becoming a best selling relationship author. A cunning playboy reporter goes undercover to get the lowdown on her, and you can imagine what the end result is…
3 / C
- PB

Bram Stoker's DRACULA
With Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, Anthony Hopkins, Richard E. Grant, Carey Elwes, Tom Waits
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Godfather director Coppola set out to make the definitive version of Bram Stoker's vampire tale. He did a splendid job. By pulling in a top cast (Keanu Reeves perhaps the worst choice), he made a colourful, striking, entertaining and irresistible film utilizing many classic and traditional effect techniques. For those who are unfamiliar with the tale, a young real estate agent (Jonathan Harker) is summoned to Transylvania where a reclusive count wishes to discuss property matters. The flamboyantly eccentric man is in fact a vampire and sees a photo of the Harker's fiancé, reminding him of his dead love. He undertakes to keep Jonathan captive in his castle and travels to London to reclaim his bride. Oldman is outstanding as the undead Count Dracula. An amazing mood throughout is boosted by the brilliant soundtrack by Wojchiech Klar.
5 / A
- PB

DRAGONFLY
With Kevin Costner, Kathy Bates
Directed by Tom Shadyac
The passionate union of a dedicated doctor-couple gets tragically severed when the wife dies in a bus accident in South America. Throwing himself into his work, the disoriented husband doesn't give himself time to grieve. Slowly he starts to sense his wife in small hints and clues which escalate into serious apparitions and evidence that she is trying to contact him - all those he informs not believing it, obviously. But, Dragonfly holds more than that as we're taken through the psychological distress of a man losing his life partner, confronted with disturbing (yet hope inducing) visions and/or evidence of her reaching for him for some reason. Or is he not ready to let go yet? While clues as to the way the whole tale plays out are laid down early in the film, it is a far more enjoyable process to let the story do the solving in stead of you playing Jessica Fletcher. Hardly a soppy romance, not quite a ghost story, Dragonfly is a surprisingly pleasant Costner vehicle with a lot of heart and well worth catching.
4 / C
- PB

DREAMCATCHER
With Morgan Freeman, Tom Sizemore, Thomas Jane, Donny Wahlberg, Jason Lee
Directed by Lawrence Kasdan
The chance of any Stephen King writing not making it to the screen (big or small) is very slim. And when he writes a horror tale of alien parasites infiltrating earth with a group of friends unwittingly being man's salvation, what's the chance of it not getting committed to celluloid? The old King premise of a bunch of guys, friends since school days, become the core of this exciting invasion scenario. With flashbacks we get to know the varied characters and how they befriended a retarded boy (Douglas) who was being picked on. He became instrumental in tying together their friendship, each of them gaining a special kinetic power. During one of the group's get-togethers in the woods (during a particularly cold and snowy season), they become the focal point of a horrible invasion. The military places the area and its surrounding woods under quarantine, and one of the friends (Jonesy) become the host to a head alien out to cause irreparable damage to the human race. The moods, thrills and gross-out factors are well balanced with some very familiar Stephen King devices injected. An enjoyable flick, especially if you want your date to cling to you.
3 / B
- PB

THE DRILLER KILLER
With Jimmy Laine, Carolyn Marz, Babi Day, Bob DeFrank, Peter Yellen
Directed by Abel Ferrara
Controversial director Abel Ferrara stars in his first name making feature under the pseudonym Jimmy Laine. He plays Reno, a passionate (and annoying) struggling New York painter who slowly starts losing his mind and ventures out to kill (mainly homeless) people with a drill and portable power pack. He's stuck on one particular painting of a buffalo while the rent money is low - his girlfriend footing the bill. With a questionable budget, Ferrara, writer Rochelle Weisberg and the inexperienced cast managed to put together a gritty and sometimes tacky little piece of work around 1977-78, making big waves in the "video nasty" debacle of the early '80s. With a lot of time spent on Tony Coca-Cola and The Roosters as the band who performs in the club frequent by the artist and his girlfriends, this extends even further into the picture as they rent a room below theirs for rehearsals. Powertool murders became a horror staple after the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and to a certain extent this 16mmm feature also holds a dirty charm. Extra features include a trailer and Ferrara filmography (containing some interesting additions like his episodes for TV shows like Miami Vice and Crime Story). But the low highlight is Ferrara's whacked out commentary track (recorded at the Chelsea Hotel in 1999). His incoherent mumblings hint at not all his faculties being present (for whatever natural or unnatural reasons) as he waffles to the pictures like a drunk watching some of his old home movies. Interesting, but hardly informative.
3 / B
- PB

DRILLING THE VEIN
With various artists
Directors: Various
With fewer and fewer broadcast opportunities for music videos by bands who lean towards the heavier spectrum in sound exploration, it is hard for bands to get their music into the public domain and have the budget to afford the luxury of a professional video. The Roadrunner records bands all get to produce above average to great videos and on these compilations you can get a good look at them over and over. The bands on here include Fear Factory, Machine Head, Sepultura, Obituary, Coal Chamber, Biohazard, Madball, Life Of Agony, Shelter, Dog Eat Dog, Type O Negative and Junky XL. Lively and full blast, this compilation is exhilarating from start to finish.
4 / A
- PB

DRILLING ANOTHER VEIN
With various artists
Directors: Various
This is the second in Roadrunner Records’ video compilations focussing on the harder, more aggressive side of music. The videos are as professional as any overplayed R&B video that gets heavy rotation on all TV channels. These rarely seen videos are energy packed and visually provocative, enough of a combination to give it a good look. The great bands on here include Fear Factory, Soulfly, Machine Head, Sepultura, Life Of Agony, Type O Negative, Dog Eat Dog, Junkie XL, Biohazard, Vision Of Disorder, Obituary, Deicide and Brujeria. From Hard Rock, Hardcore and Hip-Hop Metal to Death, Electro- and New Metal, it’s all here.
4 / A
- PB

DRIVE ME CRAZY
With Melissa Joan Hart, Adrian Grenier, Keram Malicki-Sanchez, Ali Larter, Mark Webber
Directed by John Schultz
Surprisingly enjoyable teen flick with a high school girl, Nicole, on the side of the beautiful in-crowd and her rebellious classmate (Chase, her neighbour & junior school boyfriend) who both end up with no dates for the prom (Sigh! Yes, the prom again being the focus for a finale). They work on a scam to get his activist ex back by acting as in-crowd imposter, making her jealous; going clean cut and preppie from his grungy style. She wants the basketball team star. But, as expected, they start to fall for each other and he begins slipping into the new clique (much to his friends’ dismay, disappointment & disgust, with whom he used to play pranks on the annoying popular bunch). All the clichés are here, but in some weird-weird way it still entertains.
3 / C
- PB

DRIVEN
With Sylvester Stallone, Gina Gershon, Burt Reynolds, Kip Pardue, Robert Sean Leonard, Estella Warren, Til Schweiger
Directed by Renny Harlin
On vacating the cinema I felt dizzy and close to a nauseating encounter. Not because the picture was a stupendous thrill ride, not because I’m pregnant, but because of the bombardment of branding, product symbols and company logos. Written by Stallone, it’s the set of well-known characters and shifted setting. The two young speedway grand prix race drivers & their rivalry - the one dumping his girl and ending up with the other. The old racer who gets called in by the tough team owner to whip the young world champ contender into shape, help him focus and give him some $2 wisdom. The ex-wife who married the old team mate. All present. Race car fans will love the fast cut, ear popping overload - but the goddamned branding - man, if only Stallone spent as much time on the script as the product placement team did, we’d have a winner. A couple of cool crashes and FX make up for the “human” tedium, love, heroism, friendship & triumph, while some horrendous, super-cringing moments, predictability and transparent 2-D characterization slog through a whole lot of flash & little grab. Reynolds plays the wheelchair bound ex-driver who runs his team with more fury to make up for his physical inadequacy. The role could’ve been played with equal ease by Hackman or Duvall (but then he’d already done Days Of Thunder). Burt looks as if someone’s pulling his skin back in an attempt to get the corners of his mouth to have and intimate moment with his earlobes - but, who am I to judge anyone with enough money & vanity to do that to themselves - nice rug, though. Stallone is the guy who blew his chances but now has the opportunity to live it through the young gun as his 2nd driver, filled with experience and morality. The boys are “sexy” while the girl looks as if she’s having an allergic reaction to something, swelling up from lips to tits. I’m sure the ideal demographic will love it, though. One aching bad moment has one of the boys flip and leave a car launch party in one of the F1s, pursued by Stallone in the other, stopping him in the middle of the city (having caused urban road havoc) and launch into a tender talk about the true purpose and other cookie tossing shite - no police grabbing them asking what the hell they think they’re up to, just constant distant sirens. A cool moment has shots of real drivers in pre-race moments of intimacy - nice. What seems like a cameo appearance, one driver looks a lot like director Harlin who chopped his blonde hair off. All in all Drivel, I mean, Driven is a fast paced car fan’s wet dream while the rest is just space filling. The soundtrack is by BT, and that’s not British Telecom.
3 / C
- PB

DRUM
With Taye Diggs, Moshidi Motshegwa, Gabriel Mann, Jason Flemyng, Tumisho Masha
Directed by Zola Maseko
Premiering at the Sithengi film market in Cape Town November 2004, the wider public can now get to see this important slice of South African life. International star Taye Diggs does a convincing local interpretation as a prominent writer for Drum, the famed black magazine still running today. With a host of characters and personalities around him, including the magazines white editor, a mistress and a fatal gangster acquaintance, life swerves between joy and sorrow, jubilation and despair. Incorporating the mid-century Apartheid evictions in Sophiatown, general nightlife and a man with a vision to bring South African township life to the people, Maseko paints a vivid, entertaining and bittersweet picture of an era passed.
4 / B
- PB

DUDE, WHERE'S MY CAR?
With Ashton Kutcher, Seann William Scott, Kristy Swanson, Jennifer Garner
Directed by Danny Leiner
When it comes to dumb-ass teen flicks, Dude gets this year's award. Two stoners awake with blank memories of the night before. They encounter a stack of characters relating to the evening's escapades, from hot (transsexual) lap dancers and idiot cops to chicks & poofs from outer space and trekkie-type nerds. They'd wrecked their twin girl friends' home during a party but can't remember a thing. Neither can they recall the suitcase of cash they allegedly had, the rental car, the custom made oldschool Adidas tracksuits or device that could end the universe. Our reluctant heroes roll with it, but with their angry girlfriends still fuming they realise they needed to get them anniversary gifts. It has to be in the car - that's where the movie title comes in. Their search leads them through all sorts of adventures, discoveries and ultra-corny jokes, some very funny, but because of its stupidity. "Bill & Ted 2001" indeed.
2 / B
- PB

THE DUKES OF HAZZARD
With Seann William Scott, Johnny Knoxville, Burt Reynolds, Jessica Simpson, Joe Don Baker, Willie Nelson
Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar
The remakes are flying fast and thick, including the cinematic versions of TV shows. This original Dukes Of Hazzard television series was just a lot of the same as the Duke cousins speed from the law in their orange muscle car as they transport their uncle's moonshine. In this case they're played by Seann William Scott, jackass alumni Johnny Knoxville, and country star Willie Nelson respectively. Daisy, their female sibling in the denim shorts always sent out to flirt with the cops when they're in a jam, is played by pop star Jessica Simpson. Their nemesis, Boss Hogg, is the conniving Southerner with Hazzard County in his pocket (here played by Burt Reynolds). Some crazy car chases and stunts fuel the action as the good 'ol boys try to save Hazzard County from being strip-mined by Boss Hogg, blindsiding the town by putting on a cross-state rally (which the Dukes are intent on winning). A fun, yet silly romp.
3 / B
- PB

DUNE
With Kyle MacLaghlan, Max Von Sydow, Jurgen Prochnow, Sting, Sean Young, Dean Stockwell, Brad Dourif, José Ferrer, Francesca Annis
Directed by David Lynch
The huge task of translating the vast science-fiction world of Frank Herbert to the screen oddly fell on the shoulders of off-center director David Lynch. But, in effect this added to the dark tone he is so good at. Regardless of Herbert purists who felt too much was left out or altered, they must realize that a film cannot be six hours long. The far reaching originality of the material get utilized well as we follow a young Paul Atreidis' rise to become the desert world saviour where gigantic sandworms roam, the Spice at the heart of it all. The Harkonnen villains are adequately slimey, with a range of interesting races and creeds from across the universe dealing with politics, power struggles and fights for survival. Dune features Kyle MacLaghlan who became a Lynch regular and did a soundtrack by rock group Toto and great costume design. This is one of the director's most glossy and commercial movies, but excels at giving us quirky, dark, thinly veneered alternate realities from small town America to the big city, as in Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive.
PS. Sixteen years later a more detailed TV mini-series with William Hurt paid more attention to Herbert's many plot points, but it lacked Lynch's ominous mood.
4 / B
- PB

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
With Jeremy Irons, Justin Whalin, Marlon Wayans, Zoe McLellan, Thora Birch, Richard O'Brien
Directed by Courtney Solomon
This fun fantasy flick has less dragons than one would've hoped for. Jeremy Irons (the head baddy) and his Right Said Fred side-kick hams and ponces it up as our 4 heroes (covering many genders, races and ages) go on their adventurous quest filled with action and magic. With comedy thrown in for good measure it should fall more in the youngsters' taste even though it's supposed to be based on a game whose fanatic followers are all meant to be adults. Richard O'Brien has a nasty little role as well (you know the guy behind Rocky Horror Picture Show). My viewing companion remarked afterwards how many Star Wars relations there were. hmm. Interesting. Check it out and see if you can spot the similarity in characters from Darth Vader and Luke to Yoda and Darth Maul.
2 / B
- PB

DUPLEX
With Ben Stiller, Drew Barrymore, Eileen Essell, Harvey Fierstein, James Remar
Directed by Danny DeVito
Another silly-Stiller comedy, Barrymore aiding good support as they portray a young couple trying to buy their first place. They can only afford to buy in Brooklyn and happen to land a fantastic deal. It's a huge place where he can write his second book in peace. The bonus is, it's a duplex, but the catch is, there's an old lady in the separate upstairs area and due to rent control she has to leave of her own free will. Slowly but surely this sweet old lady starts to drive the couple up the wall, making the most dreadful noise at all hours, always bugging them or asking Stiller to help her with little shitty bits & pieces from plumbing to taking out the trash. He's pooped every day from the noisy night's lack of sleep and daily errand & odd jobs for their tenant, and spends the day napping instead of writing. Systematically they start going nuts and even considers the most drastic of measures, knocking her off. Some pretty funny moments result from this frustrating scenario with a twist at the end. Director Danny DeVito had some practice with annoying old ladies in his Throw Momma From The Train.
3 / B
- PB