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

THE CABINET OF DOCTOR CALIGARI
With Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Friendrich Fehér, Lil Dagover
Directed by Robert Wiene
A legendary classic from 1919. This moody, stark, dark horror film (initially slated for Fritz Lang to direct) tells the tale of a hypnotist trickster who displays a somnambulist (asleep for 23 years) at a carnival. But, this figure rises at night to perform the doctor's will, involving murder. One of the film's most memorable aspects is the Expressionistic painted warped perspective sets of Hermann Warm, Walter Röhrig and Walter Reimann. An amazing movie with a cool punch line to boot.
6 / A
- PB

CABIN FEVER
With Rider Strong, Jordan Ladd, James Debello, Cerina Vincent, Joey Kern, Giuseppe Andrews
Written & Directed by Eli Roth
What starts out as your regular students-vacation-in-the-woods-horror takes a gruesome twist. Here the horror that faces the over-sexed, boozing personalities of varied annoyance is not a guy with an axe, a beast from the swamp or an evil spirit. It is an invisible virus slowly and indiscriminately eating away your flesh. The group is exposed to this terror via a forest dweller who got infected, begging them for help. They freak out and it leads to lethal consequences (their car also wrecked in the process). But it gets more deadly when the infection spreads and they can't drive to get help. The locals (including an idiot cop) are little help and slowly their paranoia and fear has them turning on each other. It's a different kind of horror that is a combination of apocalyptic terror, dark humour and cheap scares, highly enjoyable as result. If this is not your kind of thing, perhaps the fact that David Lynch was involved in an undercover executive producer capacity may tickle your interest a little more. Lynch regular soundtrack genius Angelo Badalamenti also wrote a few of the score themes.
4 / B
- PB

CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST
With Francesca Ciardi, Luca Barbareschi, Robert Kerman
Directed by Ruggero Deodato
To shock is one thing, to commit deliberate acts of animal cruelty & slaughter, and promote (by not condemning) abuse, rape and murder of women is another. I've always heard about this 1970's movie and its extremities (always coming from a horror / gore perspective) - when in fact it is a poorly made sensationalist exercise in sadism and brutality that neither thrills, nor excites. Nothing makes me queasy, not even the gratuitous on screen decapitation of turtles, monkeys and muskrats. The moral sense behind it is what appalls me. Sure, we ignore the abattoirs and butchers where our meat comes from, but to tell a story of a bunch of radical documentary filmmakers who venture into the Amazon and create the horrors they capture on film has very little motivation when it comes to onscreen animal killings outweighing the cannibalism of the title. Movies like The Blair Witch Project no doubt borrowed from this so-called "classic's" format of the missing crew's film discovered and viewed. When it comes to the fantasy element of horror's gross-out, freak-out or scary moments, we know it is fake, but movies like these can justify its methods, but it's all just bullshit covering up the blatant sensationalizing of abuse, perhaps breeding more sadistic people out there than creating activists capturing concealed camera footage in a slaughterhouse. This irresponsibility also flows into the extreme misogyny, which has very little motivation except for cheap thrills (for those who get off on that sort of shit) and to no doubt profess the depiction of the narrative's malicious moviemakers' lack of morals - something which is inadvertently an analogy for the actual makers of this piece of trash. While the film will freak out many sensitive viewers, the most shocking aspect to me is the fact that many horror fans list this as one of their top 10 favourites - the horror (translation: "cruelty") being mere outrageous acts of violence and brutality almost entirely directed at animals and women. To add this to the Horror category is an insult to horror films as a whole, and should rather be lumped into a category of its own, like Irresponsible Filmmaking or Unregulated Sensationalism. I'm sure (or at least I hope) that fans of the movie only advertise their love for the flick as a macho angle because of the film's controversy, and not for its depictions of gang rape, sexually driven murder and animal killings… I love horror films and watched movies like Maniac and Dawn Of The Dead when it was banned in South Africa before I was 16. I turned out fine - not a killer, wife beater or animal abuser - knowing that the images were not real and merely a story. I oppose censorship, but do support regulation to prevent the exposure of extreme material to those not ready for it - unfortunately some minors can handle such material better than some adults... What sits badly with a film such as this is the fact that it tries to camouflage real cruelty as art along the lines of a fake documentary, but ultimately fails not just for its bad acting, but because it has no conscience (even when lame attempts are made at it).
Flamedrop feels that even the worst film still deserves a rating of 1 for actually getting it made, but in very few cases exceptions are made...
0 / C
- PB

CAN’T HARDLY WAIT
With Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, Seth Green
Directed by Harry Elfont
One of the many end of century teen flicks, this one is entirely set at a post school party with all the clichés fighting for attention. That includes everything from the guy who wants to get laid and the jock who meets his just deserts to the nerdy jerk who becomes the life of the party. Then there are the Star Trek/ X-Files/ Star Wars Geeks who aren’t invited and the beautiful home coming queen & the guy who’s really in love with her, not just her amazing physique. Still, it is a watchable bit of fluff tied together with a soundtrack designed to have high sales.
3 / C
- PB

CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN
With Nicolas Cage, Penelope Cruz, John Hurt, Christian Bale
Directed by John Madden
Based on the highly acclaimed novel by Louis De Bernieres and the director of Shakespeare In Love, the expectations for this film was more than indifferent, to say the least. Yet, unless you approach this film without preparing yourself for a tender little tale of a small community and the varied effects of war on its people, in particular our lead characters. But, I have to be honest up front - the idea of Cage hamming it up with Italian accent and (one of my more grating actresses) Cruz in one movie filled me with a slight sense of trepidation. While the book was greatly popular, especially in the UK, the almost bland film version comes across as such, mainly because it is such a simple story - yes, no Pearl Harbor here, folks. It is WWII and Italy, one of Germany's allies assist in annexing the small Greek island of Cephallonia. We see it through the perspective of Pelagia, a young woman whose fiance' left to fight. She lives with her doctor father and one of the officers (who got placed in houses of the village) end up on their doorstep. He is Captain Corelli, an unconventional soldier whose regiment would rather sing than fight, while his passion for the mandolin is stronger than any gun. At first she despises him, but as she gets to know him, they form a strong friendship leading to romance (big surprise). Threats come in the shape of the ex-fiance' (who never answered her letters) returning, as well as the war coming to their doorstep and to add to the wounds, natural disaster. Thus the bitter-sweet factor runs high. If the film had been made by Italians and screened in art cinemas with subtitles, it would've had a more authentic feel (without the slight Hollywood lining, especially due to its stars). Yet, in doing it this way, it acts as a crossover (intentionally or not) by bringing that kind of film to a general audience who would never set foot in such a theatre. The extra features aren't too elaborate, containing a trailer, cast & crew biographies and an insightful couple of production notes. many may well look at this as a Chick Flick, but thankfully it has a little more substance than a mere big screen soap opera.
4 / C
- PB

CARLITO'S WAY - Rise To Power
With Jay Hernandez, Mario Van Peebles, Luis Guzman, Sean Combs
Directed by Michael Bregman
About a dozen years after director Brian DePalma gave cinematic life to Edwin Torres' literary gangster character Carlito Brigante (with Al Pacino and Sean Penn), its original producer Martin Bregman (who also produced Scarface with DePalma), return to Carlito's roots with this prequel. The first film is a fantastic movie and it would take a lot to top it. Born and raised in Spanish Harlem (trapped between Black Harlem and the Italians' Hell's Kitchen), Carlito learned how to take care of himself. During a stint in prison he meets up with an Italian and African American (Earl, played by Mario Van Peebles). They become friends, colleagues and partners as they band together to create order within the closely bordered strife torn underground territories they live in. It is the early '70s and heroin is the new big thing on which they capitalize to the full. Besides the cops and trigger-happy competition, the smooth operation is put in jeopardy by Earl's volatile younger brother, and everyone's lives are in danger. Carlito also falls in love with a young woman, living a lie as he can't tell her what he really does. Luis Guzman is the only character from the first film returning for another go. Directed by producer Bregman's sibling Michael, the mood often feels a little TV-ish, but seeing as they didn't have the kind of budget or star power of the DePalma / Pacino movie, it is sometimes understandable. The period is however well replicated, as illustrated in the Bringing The Hood To Life extra feature. Other extras include Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Set Tour with Earl, Got Your Back: Carlito's Brothers In Crime, Making Of Docy, and Trailers.
3 / C
- PB

THE CARPENTERS Gold
The tragic life of Karen Carpenter was a hidden one of eating disorders, which led to her death. What everyone saw was a pleasant girl who sang lovely, easy listening pop songs with her brother. This huge collection encapsulates their entire music career. The DVD contains 15 clips with many studio performances that may look dated, but the music is still beautiful. You also get to see Karen playing drums in some clips, which she started out doing, but it didn't suit their image. The songs include We've Only Just Begun, Those Good Old Dreams, Superstar, Rainy Days & Mondays, Top Of The World, Ticket To Ride, Only Yesterday, Beechwood 4-5678, Hurting Each Other, Please Mr. Postman, There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World), They Long To Be (Close To You), and Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft.
The 40 tracks across two CDs in this set include those on the DVD, as well as Maybe It's You, Let Me Be The One, Jambalaya, Leave Yesterday Behind, California Dreamin', The Rainbow Connection, This Masquerade, Solitaire, Merry Christmas Darling, Karen's Theme, I Believe You, For All We Know, A Song For You and many more.
5 / B
- PB

CARNIVAL OF SOULS
With Bobbie Phillips, Shawnee Smith, Larry Miller, Paul Johansson
Directed by Adam Grossman
Marketable, but unashamedly advertised as "Wes Craven Presents" (the man merely one of the executive producers), this uneventful thriller is a little on the tired side. A woman witnessed the murder of her mother as a child. The perpetrator (a carnival clown) haunts her memory decades later and she feels as though her sanity is slipping away from her. Based on the 1962 low budget classic, here the plot is predictable, the scares not frightening and the atmosphere bland. But if you're a Craven fan and want to see everything he's involved with, don't let a review stop you.
2 / C
- PB

CARRIER - FORTRESS AT SEA
The unbelievable size and magnitude of aircraft carriers are illustrated here with the Carl Vinson's voyage from San Francisco to the Persian Gulf. Holding around 5000(!) men, this virtual floating city is a self sufficient military monster and airstrip for fighter planes, each man's function essential in making it a smooth operation in this feature length documentary. A number of the crewmen's functions are explained and includes the fighter pilots and their planes, one of which happened to crash as it attempted to break the sound barrier at high sea. An astonishing look at an enormous vessel which will either make you want to join the navy or stay far away.
4 / C
- PB

CASINO
With Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Sharon Stone, James Woods
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Absolutely sparkling film based around a true story of a mob connected bookie who was given the reins of the Tangiers Casino & Hotel in Vegas during the ‘70’s and early ‘80’s. His and all those around him rise and fall as high and low as is humanly possible. Greed, crime, murder and glamour combine to make this a breath taking, dizzying masterpiece that clocks in at almost 3 hours…and it still feels as if you can have it go on for another 3. Stylish, very brutal and often funny, Casino is one of the best depictions of this decadent town. Not to be missed.
6 / A
- PB

CAST AWAY
With Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
This engrossing drama takes us through the experience of a FedEx man who is the sole survivor of a plane crash somewhere in the Pacific. He washes up on an island and his survival challenge begins. Braving the elements, starvation and perils of all kind, he struggles to stay alive, using everything in his power not just to saty alive, but also to remain sane. While the island scenes are great the introduction and final scenes makes one feel a little squirmy. Maybe bit more schmalzy than need be. A glorious cinematic effort, nonetheless. On seeing the trailer I held my breath, hoping, wishing that it won't end the way I suspected…lo and behold…
4 / B
- PB

THE CASTLE
With Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, Anthony Simcoe, Eric Bana
Directed by Rob Sitch
Absolutely marvelous Australian comedy about a family living right next to the airport. With expansions afoot, developers want to but up the land, but they refuse, no matter what offer they make. Eventually it ends up in court. All throughout, the excellent backward but sincere characters deliver hilarious scenes of dialogue and physical gags (of which they are completely oblivious). The father is the proud king of the castle in question, proud of everything, absolutely incapable of looking down on anything or being critical, especially with his family. But his naïve and innocently normal character is what makes him so likeable and endearing. Many a side-splitter will have you watch it more than once. Features a younger Eric Bana before his Hollywood breakthrough.
5 / A
- PB

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
With Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Based on the real life story of Frank Abagnale, Catch Me If You Can takes on a gay air as we get treated to the more visually pleasing and entertaining parts of his life. Frank was a con man who, at an early age (still a teenager) started forging airline cheques, impersonating pilots as well as going on to faking his way into hospital as a doctor as well as a lawyer. All this while still practically being a school kid. His family life and parents' split-up get enough focus to see a lot of his motivation while his contact-less relationship with the FBI agent tracking him down becomes a symbiotic one, defining them both. Spielberg came down to earth for this one (after two Sci-Fi efforts) and still proves he surely knows how to make a movie. A highly enjoyable caper with a brilliant reflection of America of over 4 decades back with marvelous retro design.
4 / B
- PB

CATCH-22
With Alan Arkin, Richard Benjamin, Jon Voigt, Martin Sheen, Martin Balsam, Art Garfunkel, Bob Newhart, Anthony Perkins
Directed by Mike Nichols
Joseph Heller’s popular anti-war novel gets a wonderful makeover by Nichols as we witness wartime red tape, hypocrisy, economic opportunism, rank pulling and avoidance of duty clash with the will to survive, remain sane and not have to fight losing your life in a senseless war. Wonderful character-driven tale with many thought provoking parallel story lines around the main theme of a recovering Air Force captain in the Mediterranean who wants to claim insanity to escape having to fight but having to deal with the argument that only a sane man would not want to fight. Great dark comedy.
5 / A
- PB

Dr. Seuss' THE CAT IN THE HAT
With Mike Myers, Alec Baldwin, Kelly Preston, Dakota Fnning, Spencer Breslin
Directed by Bo Welch
Mike Myers goes wild as Dr. Seuss' nuts children's book title-character. Two bored kids have to keep their house neat since their single mom is bringing over colleagues for a dinner party (with a totally finicky clean-freak boss). Alec Baldwin is her sleazy scamster boyfriend. When The Cat arrives, destruction, mayhem and chaos ensues in technicolour. The production design and colour schemes are vibrant and cartoonish with digital FX aplenty. This wild ride may be silly, but it's a whole lot of fun. Haven't exactly heard of director Bo Welch before, but he handled the technical magnitude of the project well.
3 / B
- PB

CATS
If only I could snag 1% of Andrew Lloyd Webber's annual royalty payout, I'd be one happy lad. His production of Cats has become the longest running Broadway and West End show in history (his Phantom of the Opera not far behind). This popular show is now available on video for the first time since it debuted in 1981. It has become the most famous (and easily recognised) musical of all time. It has spawned worldwide hits of which Memory is an instant nostalgia conjurer. The sets are great, the costumes fabulous, the choreography precise and the music beautiful. Shapely, curvaceous, supple lovies delve into their feline alter-egos to bring out the best in every song and dance routine. The show was originally produced, conceived and conducted by Cameron Mackintosh, based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Eliot. Elaine Paige stars as Grizabella with John Mills and Ken Page making a turn with a few dozen furry singers/dancers/actors. All the personalities are present here (not unlike the personalities of cats), including wise-asses, cuties, the bee's knees, the old tattered cat, the once lovely pussy fallen to tatters and so on. Still, the story line is quite irrelevant when viewed in the shadow of the music and dance. Director David Mallet also give viewers close up shots one could never see for yourself on stage (not like you'll get prime seats on your vacation abroad, anyway). The soundtrack was digitally mastered and re-recorded by a 70-piece orchestra. Quite fabulous, darling! This record breaker is filled with excitement and energy; yet some might find it sappy and tedious in parts, but it is nonetheless an incredible feat and noteworthy yardstick for every new musical production hoping to be remembered for eternity, just like this one.
4 / C
- PB

CATS & DOGS
With Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth Perkins, & voices by Alec Baldwin, Toby McGuire, Susan Sarandon
Directed by Lawrencve Guterman
With the combination of real animals, puppets and digitally created hounds & felines, the result is a fun family film with high-tech talking cats & dogs who wage an age old war, since the dominating Egyptian cats got booted out by man's best friend. Cat lovers won't really like the evil streak in the pussies, the cute and righteous dogeroos the good ones. Goldblum plays a scientist who's working on a formula to cure humans of their dog allergies. An evil cat bent on world domination use his agents and tactical kitty experts to intercept this formula in order to turn it around. A misplaced puppy is accidentally heaped with the responsibility to prevent his family's dad from losing his serum to the evil fluffy white Mr Tinkles (the way Mr Bigglesworth used to be - kind of like Blofeld's cat had his own wicked sideline to rule the world). The film assembles a great assortment of animals, some hilarious, others more conventional. The jokes are inane, but worth a giggle, the human situations in which these warring pets find themselves the surreal highlight. Cutesy factors come into play more than often, but hey, it is a family movie, so there…
3 / B
- PB

THE CAVE
With Cole Hauser, Eddie Cibrian, Piper Perabo, Morris Chestnut, Marcel Iures
Directed by Bruce Hunt
A team of cave diving experts is called in to check out a cave found beneath the location where a church once stood in the Carpathian mountain ranges. As in Exorcist The Beginning, this is obviously to keep something bad in. Our multi-cultural and -gender team is excited to head into this newly found area with miles of unexplored tunnels. With a lot of technology they venture into the dark unknown. What they discover is an isolated ecosystem with a food chain. And at the top is one mean evolved creature. Take a guess what cave dwelling creature (in the Carpathians) we're talking about? After a cave-in traps them deep within the water-filled tunnels, our human team becomes munchies as they try to find a way out. A few cool moments result but some laborious suspense attempts puts a damper on things - unless you suffer from both claustrophobic and a fear of water. If surprises are what you're looking for, don't come knocking here. Australian director Hunt (who previously worked as second unit director on The Matrix and shot the models for Dark City) doesn't do a bad job with the script he got, and there are some nice underwater shots.
2 / C
- PB

CAVEMAN'S VALENTINE
With Samuel L. Jackson, Colm Feore, Ann Magnuson
Directed by Kasi Lemmons
Jackson plays a great pianist who went a bit off the deep end. Living in a cave in Central Park, his delusions and schizo behaviour makes him a New York character. When a dead kid is found in a tree outside his cave, he is convinced it is Stuyvesant, the illusive Big Brother figure he condemns for spying on everyone, knowing everyone's business. But a young homeless kid who was in love with the dead boy tells Caveman about a renowned photographer who used the dead boy for his Angel shots. He believes this artist is behind the killing. Caveman takes it upon himself to investigate the photographer and at the same time reach some form of self-redemption. An interesting film that plays like a suspense thriller as well as a semi-arthouse film delving into the psyche of one man whose genius may have surpassed him.
3 / C
- PB

CELEBRITY
With Kenneth Branagh, Judy Davis, Charlize Theron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joe Mantegna, Winona Ryder
Directed by Woody Allen
Branagh does the Allen-neurotic-New-Yorker thing with more success than failure. For me because its so annoying and he gets his just deserts unlike many Allen movies where the womanizer doesn’t get punished enough. Branagh plays a writer whose midlife crises results in a divorce as he tries to conquer younger beautiful women. A great supporting cast of well knowns add to the film’s diverse charm. The black & white film stock looks marvelous. One of Allen’s best films of the late 90’s.
5 / B
- PB

CELINE DION - All The Way…A Decade Of Song & Video
This definitive DVD collection contains 18 Celine clips as well as a CD Best Of CD. Not a bad package at a regular price. The videos include The Power Of Love (whatever happened to Jennifer Rush?), If You Asked Me To, Misled, Then You Look At Me and Live For The One I Love. The movie tracks incl. Titanic of course (My Heart Will Go On), Because You Loved Me (from Up Close & Personal) and Beauty And The Beast, a duet with Terry Bradford. The latter two live rendition, as with To Love You More, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and the Frank Sinatra duet. The video to the R.Kelly duet, I'm Your Angel, wasn't excluded. The DVD also includes an additional long version of It's All Coming Back To Me Now. The love songs by this most popular of Canadians often take a shape in sexy videos - thing is, she is hardly that. Celine isn't ugly, but her sex appeal doesn't rate sky high. Great voice, yeah, but no she can't pull off the kitten thing. The more serious, dramatic acts work better. Extras include a biography, a discography and a photo gallery. Then of course it is available in 5.1 Surround sound. The audio CD contains 16 tracks: Power Of Love, Beauty And The Beast, Because You Loved Me, It's All Coming Back To Me Now, Immortality To Love More, My Heart Will Go On, If Walls Could Talk, First Time Ever, Then You Look, I Want You To Need Me, Live For One & Think Twice.
4 / C
- PB

CELINE DION - A New Day…Live in Vegas
Her retirement not lasting as long as some of her anti-fan clubbers may have hoped, the voice behind such commercial endeavours as Titanic and Chrysler ads got her own spot in Vegas, the show city - the stop-over where you know you've made it (or may well be checking out and moving on - Elvis? Sinatra?). This release contains 13 of the songs from her show plus two studio recordings (You And I and Ain't Gonna Look The Other Way). The other tunes include favourtes like (Jim Steinman's) It's All Coming Back To Me Now, Because You Loved Me, Fever, I Wish, (Cyndi Lauper's) I Drove All Night and It's A Wonderful World. In addition you get a 45-minute DVD One Year / One Heart, getting behind the show experiencing. You get behind the scenes footage - recording, video shoots, interview bits, rehearsals, extracts from the show, her life etc. There's a full band and dozens of dancers in this show created by Franco Dragone. (16 doctors get acknowledged on the thank-you list, the nightly show obviously not a walk in the park!) This is set to be one of biggest Vegas shows in history, with 200 performances a year, for 3 years. The lady has an incredible voice, is incredibly skinny and incredibly successful. With a couple of decades and 18 multi-platinum albums in more than one language behind her Dion is one of the biggest French-Canadian commodities.
5 / B
- PB

THE CELL
With Jennifer Lopez, Vince Vaughn, Vincent D’Onofrio
Directed by Tarsem Singh
To notice the music video background of director Singh can seem evident even to those unfamiliar with that fact. Visually stunning, provocative, rich in colour texture and composition, we’re treated to an amazing trip into the mind of a serial killer. The killer in question is caught as he falls into an irreversible coma. Psychological studies experts are called in to use new technology to send someone into his mind and extract information to lead authorities to his final victim, locked up somewhere in an automated cell which will fill with water and drown her. Lopez is the lucky candidate to enter his twisted world. They do not only run the risk of not finding the girl, but also of Lopez getting trapped in his fantasy of torture, mayhem and macabre death. D’Onofrio succeeds in portraying the twisted murderer whose abusive past and medical condition lead to his madness. Vaughn is adequate, bland, but determined in his straightforward trademark way. Lopez is not as hot as in Out Of Sight or her music videos, constantly whispering with a crackling little voice and is merely a pawn in Singh’s elaborate, great to watch game of photography, FX and imagery.
4 / B
- PB

CELLULAR
With Kim Basinger, Chris Evans, Jason Statham, William H. Macy
Directed by
A biology & science teacher is kidnapped. She doesn't know why. It turns out they want something from her husband, a real estate agent. The kidnappers smash the phone in the attic where she's kept, but she manages to loosely assemble it. By clicking wires she ends up randomly dialing a cell number of a young guy hanging around the beachfront, trying to get his girl back. At first he doesn't believe the woman's plea (who doesn't know where she's being kept). The guy eventually gives her the benefit of the doubt, but if he hangs up, loses the signal or his battery dies, she's lost forever (the unmasked kidnappers sure to kill her once they get what they want). The race is on to prevent them from getting to her kid, find the husband etc. A suspicious cop also gets involved as the story unfurls. Some tension building sequences make for several action-suspense moments. Basinger's looking good, but Statham is going through the same old whispering-tough-guy routine. Cellular was produced by former Roland Emmerich production partner Dean Devlin (doing a cameo as a taxi driver).
3 / C
- PB

THE CELLULOID CLOSET
A documentary by Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman. This in depth documentary takes us through cinematic history, its focal point: the gay/lesbian role in the art of film. The amazing archival stack of clips stretch from the dawn of film to modern day, depicting the struggle for acceptance the gay community has had within this heterosexual, homophobic industry. Enlightening interviews with many prominent film makers shed new light on the subject while the background on some scenes like Ben Hur's gay subtext (unbeknownst to macho-man Charlton Heston) is as amusing as it is fascinating. Definitely not a "gay only" film.
4 / B
- PB

THE CENTER OF THE WORLD
With Peter Sarsgaard, Molly Parker, Mel Gorham, Jason McCabe
Directed by Wayne Wang
With digital video feature films becoming more and more acceptable, the ball will be in the writers' court when it comes to interesting and innovative stories to prevent it from looking like boring home movies. With this film, Wang takes us into the world of two people. One is a young man who made a fortune in the digital age - Peter Sarsgaard. The other is a young woman who plays in a band and works in a strip joint - Molly Parker. Sarsgaard is constantly stuck in front of numerous computer screens - he seriously needs to get out. She can do with extra cash. A deal is made shortly after he meets Parker. She must accompany him to Vegas for an all expenses paid weekend where she'll perform for him and treat him in various ways (but no sex) - oh, yeah, and it'll cost him 10 grand. But, for this to remain an impersonal set-up is highly unlikely. He's a bit of geek and she's a sultry girl with a sex appeal that doesn't depend on Hollywood good looks. The digital video quality gives it that gritty realism, free of the box office veneer, the sexual and erotic moments so much more impacting since it reflects in a more genuine way than a make-up pasted, perfectly lit 35mm quality of, say, a Basic Instinct. The great performances and personal camerawork contributes to the film's power in reaching inside the viewer and either titillate, move or shock. An explicit moment which will no doubt have prudes up in arms involve a stripper and a lollipop… The Center Of The World's title gets related in two vastly different ways by each character and their respective immediate realities. Flesh is easily accessed on porn-sites or strip-joints, but it's the more fragile and complex emotions inside that turns the basic and animalistic into a complicated and biting issue.
5 / B
- PB

CENTURY
Our century has seen the biggest development in the history of the human race. Yet, so often the technological development gets overshadowed buy our idiocy, contradicting the "humanity" to which we claim to belong. These last 100 years of extremes (good & bad), of which we are an integral part, nurtured, utilised and revolutionised the one invention which changed the way we look at at life and ourselves - no, not the PC but the motion picture camera. Besides a means of entertainment, film has managed to capture those things foreign to us, be it other nations, natural phenomena or important world events. A vast pictorial history has been built up from this significant century where in the past folktales and paintings had to suffice. BMG now brings you the amazing 13 part series, Century, highlighting some of the most significant, interesting, entertaining, shocking, educational and staggering events which shaped and moulded our globe over the past 100 years. Our entire century crammed into 13 hours of so much incredible development to be proud of...and so much to equally hang our heads in shame. From the archives of British Pathe and the BBC, narrated by Tom Baker (ex- Doctor Who of the '70s), we get to see a concise reflection on exactly what we've accomplished in this brief moment in time. INTO THE UNKNOWN
Through time there has always been that single breed that refused being bound by limitations. On this tape we get to see these courageous, determined, often-lunatic heroes attempt to break whatever record remains unbroken. Higher, faster or further, even the already broken records are taken on with more determination. To be bigger and better will never dissolve as we are yet to see how many more unbroken barriers will be attempted into the new millennium.
POLITICS OF VIOLENCE
This one speaks for itself. As far back as the cavemen, conflicting ideas and thoughts resulted in aggression and death. With so many cavemen still among us, the ideas might have changed to more complex ideologies, while the means of inflicting it improved. Sheep following leaders into carnage or just freedom fighters, the result is the same - death, pain and a new begrudged minority. Revolutions (necessary as they are), assassinations and terrorism has changed the shape of politics forever.
DEATH AND GLORY
With the improved means of destruction, the killing fields of the 20th century has out grossed battles, body counts and the sheer scale of disruption like never before. Ruining lives, tearing families apart and destabilising world economies. If by now we haven't learnt our lesson after 2 world wars, atomic bombs, Vietnam and the Gulf, we probably deserve what's coming to us. Still, it doesn't kill to have hope. Seeing footage like this should only turn around warmongers if nothing else.
OBSESSION
As our technological and mental development progressed, we have also gained a magnitude of obsessive behaviour. The most prominent of these are health, beauty, fitness and fashion. We want to be more and more desirable and appealing and go to any lengths ensuring this. Never satisfied with the way we were born, we go out of our way to improve our appearance in any way possible - go figure.
METROPOLIS
Man's mechanical advance has lead to the creation of magnificent structures and machines. Always adapting to its surroundings, man will stop at nothing to control everything around him and fulfil his vision, however big.
FAME
Our fascination with those in the limelight is one we cannot deny. In every sector of life there are those who rise to prominence, their fame often being infamy. We want to know about these people, what they do, where they go, what they like and hate. We want to be them but wouldn't dare, as we know the higher you rise, the harder you fall.
SCANDAL
A direct result of fame is scandal. Being in the public eye, whether it's a movie star, politician or sports hero, tabloids and gossip hounds will stop at nothing to blow these people out of the water. Being under the microscope intensifies sexually inappropriate behaviour, underhanded monetary dealings or a wide range of criminal activities. I'm surprised OJ Simpson didn't get a feature...then again CNN ensured an OJ OD 24 hrs a day when it happened, so he isn't missed.
I AM THE GREATEST
Like any other hero, the sport star has risen close to royalty in this century. With such sports giants as Muhamed Ali, Martina Navratilova and hundreds of other athletes who excelled in their particular discipline, we adore and admire them for their strength, endurance and success (and wish we could earn one tenth of what they do!).
FREEDOM
Oppression can never last forever. Freedom is its natural outcome. Martin Luther King changed the face of the USA by leading his people to freedom, as did Mandela a few years back. This resistance is never without blood, sweat, tears and death. And we admire those who sacrifice. Civil disobedience and civil rights have freed so many, yet I wonder what is so civil about blowing up innocent people having dinner in Planet Hollywood.
DISASTER
We are dwarfed in the shadow of nature. But being in her path, feeling her fury is nothing personal, it's just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tidal waves, hurricanes and earthquakes strike as we witness its course helplessly. Manmade disasters on the other hand are despicable acts, which needs serious checking. There is no excuse for an oil spill or the extinction of an endangered species.
VOX POPS
Mass media has turned the earth into a global village where in the past news from the other end of the world took months, if not years to reach a destination. Now everything is instant with satellites, PCs and 24hr news stations. Everything is everyone’s business, including Business! The immense influence of this medium has changed the face of our century forever.
UTOPIA
Ideologies always seem so good on paper; and even better if it benefits you and not the other guy. Here we get to take a look at the variety of ideological thought patterns of the past 10 decades and just how its merits and shortcomings have made us what we are today.
LEGACY
With such a vibrant, exciting and unbelievable century behind us, so many changes have been left in its wake. So much progress (and, yes, regress) have left technological, economical, musical, political, social, religious, artistic and cultural legacies for the next generations to either accept, perfect or discard. With just over a year left of this century, how much more can still happen before that new year's party when your computer might decide it's not playing along anymore (?!)
4 / A
- PB

CHAIN OF COMMAND
With Roy Scheider, Patrick Muldoon, Michael Biehn, Susan Blakely, Maria Conchita Alonso
Directed by John Terksky
A disappointing turn for Scheider and Biehn whose careers once showed a lot of promise…
2 / C
- PB

CHANGING LANES
With Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Affleck, Sidney Pollack, William Hurt, Amanda Peet
Directed by Roger Michel
Before you groan and go "uuh, another Falling Down", bite your lip and listen. Fanny-chinned Affleck can be a bit of a painful American star-hero at times, but this is one of those where he pulls off a good role - albeit because of his juxtaposed part with Jackson - who is in top form as usual (crap choices like Deep Blue Sea long forgiven). Jackson plays an ordinary working man, a recovering alcoholic who doesn't want to lose his kids - his wife moving to another state with them. He wants to get them a house so they can remain in the same city. Affleck is the high shooting lawyer (married to the boss's daughter) who has to deliver an important document to court. Fatefully their lives meet when they crash into one another on the freeway. Our hotshot lawyer is too hurried to sort out the insurance procedure and leaves Everyman stranded - he misses his court case for joint child custody and loses out completely while lawyer-man left the important file at the scene, Jackson now in possession of it. The document becomes a trump card in the lives of the two men. Our Everyman gets pushed into breakpoint situations and explodes little by little, not in one big action packed act of violence. No, systematically forces bigger than him make his already tense life a living hell. The resolution can only go one way or the other. Redemption is high on the list. A drama well worth watching.
4 / B
- PB

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
With Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Noah Taylor, Helena Bonham-Carter
Directed by Tim Burton
Many of us remember the madcap Gene Wilder starring Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory made at the beginning of the '70s. Now over three decades later, the only man right for the job, Tim Burton (together with his favourite actor Johnny Depp) resurrect Roald Dahl's classic children's tale of an eccentric sweet magnate's plan to invite five lucky kids inside his top secret factory. This is done with all of the technology at Burton's disposal, and some incredible sets. When digital assistance is used in such a crazy colourful fantasy piece, it is most effective. With a host of brats winning the spots, a prize awaits one of the kids at the end of the visit - but one boy, Charlie, is the truly deserving one. The insane escapism will amuse old and young, the former seeing more of the darker subtexts and moral bits and pieces. A hoot that cements Tim Burton's move back to his weird and quirky form (together with Big Fish) after his uncharacteristic dive with the Planet Of The Apes remake.
4 / B
- PB

CHARLIE’S ANGELS
With Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, Bill Murray, Kelly Lynch, Crispin Glover, Luke Wilson, Tim Curry
Directed by Joseph McGinty Nichol
I’ve never been much of a Diaz or Liu fan (OK, once or twice she made me look in Ally McBeal). Where little Drew is concerned, she has never been looked down upon in my department, thus having me think that this one redeeming factor would get me to sit through the 100 minutes or so of big-buckeroo TV to big screen transformation. Was I ever wrong. All three are sassy, sexy, hot, funny, cute and tough, all in one. And then there is the ultra teaming Kelly Lynch (older and even more sexy than ever) as well as the lunatic Crispin Glover as the silent, fighting mad henchman to the bad guy. (Really great to see him again) A dynamite package indeed. Throw in some great fight sequences (echoing The Matrix in some scenes, in particular a fantabulous alley scene with the Angels & Crispin to Prodigy’s Smack My Bitch up - wow), silly humour, explosion, wild chases & gimmicks, cheese and you have an escapist hit with a lot of style, flair and energy. As we all know, the Angels are three diverse girls backed by a millionaire, Charlie (voiced by Mr Forsyth of Dynasty fame), to fight crime. In this assignment they have to obtain stolen software from a high security system that can prove fateful to the privacy and safety of the human race - but, this elaborate ploy holds many secrets and back stabbing, the plot unfolding into all directions. Above all else, the style and girls fitting it perfectly hold the whole thing together - wrapped in retro 70’s fashion with a 2000 twist, a humming soundtrack and elaborate set pieces, Charlie’s Angels is a fine remake that outdoes the show (obviously), but also leaves future sequels wide open - Do we hear the franchise rolling in?
5 / A
- PB

CHARLIE'S ANGELS 2 - Full Throttle
With Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, Demi Moore, Luke Wilson, Bernie Mac, Crispin Glover, Justin Theroux, Robert Patrick, Matt LeBlanc
Directed by McG
As you ought to know, the story here matters little. It's the girls, the action, the cars, the music, the slick techniques and cheeky humour that makes this second big screen take on the classic TV series so irresistible. While the girl trio face off against an ex-agent (played by a hot Demi Moore), Glover returns as the creepy thin guy (brilliant). The Diaz-Wilson romance seems to be pushing to another level and LeBlanc's action actor character also drifts onto the scene on Liu's case. Drew's penchant for bad boys come back to haunt her when an ex-con Irish psycho ex-boyfriend comes at her with a vengeance. Bill Murray's part of Bosley gets substituted by his black brother (Bernie Mack) - the original movie perhaps a little too lily shaded for cross-cultural identification (Lucy Liu excluded of course). A great soundtrack adds to proceedings, motoring along nicely. This sequel fulfills in all the requirements which result in a wild ride and a buoyant blast with a lot of flash, some over the top action sequences and great utilization of Matrix pioneered techniques.
4 / B
- PB

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN
With Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo, Hilary Duff, Tom Welling
Directed by n/a
As if the world isn't over populated as it is! The Bakers have a dozen kids (and a mom with one punished uterus). They live out in the country where their daily life is a chaotic madhouse but seems to work. When dad gets offered a dream coaching job, it means they have to move to the city. They're not too happy about that - uprooting, new school, leaving friends (and girlfriends) behind. On top of it, mom wrote a book about them and has to go on a tour to promote it. So, dad has his hands full trying to do a good job and maintain order at home. Obviously in between lame humour and over the top situations the morality and family values come in, the juggle between job and family etc. While it's aimed at kids, some adults may enjoy this sentimental stinker, and probably only if they can identify with having a bunch of rugrats ripping up the place. With that pathetic pose on the cover you almost read Martin's thoughts along the lines of "oh my God, what have I become?" One of the highlights is Ashton Kushner's bit part as a self-obsessed idiot boyfriend who does TV underwear commercials.
2 / C
- PB

CHICKEN LITTLE
With voices by Zach Braff, Gary Marshall, Don Knotts, Patrick Stewart, Steve Zahn, Joan Cusack, Harry Shearer, Adam West
Directed by Mark Dindal
Chicken Little is exactly that - a little chicken, with big dreams, baseball aspirations and a big imagination. The chaos created in Oakey Oaks after he flipped out, alarming the town that the sky is falling, sets up the "boy who cried wolf" scenario which endlessly plagues the poor little giblet. From then on no-one takes him seriously, until he witnesses the event again, solves it, and gets a chance to prove himself. With his odd bunch of pals (including a pig and a goldfish), many a funny scenario sets up a lot of laughter filled moments for the kids, with the obligatory message built into. The voice of Adam West (from the old Batman TV series also gets put to good use).
PS. It doesn't seem as though there are many animated or kids movies nowadays that does not feature a single parent family. Sign of the times?
3 / B
- PB

CHICKEN RUN
With the voices of Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Phil Daniels, Miranda Richardson, Lynn Ferguson
Directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park
The Aardman animation group has made some amazing films in the past - mainly shorts or ads. In this feature length claymation spectacular you get action-adventure, drama, comedy and even a bit of romance - all amongst a bunch of chickens! The talented creators of Wallace & Gromit and several other fantastic animation shows us a very human side to what we usually see at the drive-thru window as Nuggets. In this lovely, believable stop animation experience we have a chicken farm, a wicked owner and an ambitious hen determined on breaking out. Add an American rooster to the British mix and you have quite a caper on your hands. Our heroine, Ginger, busts her gizzard to escape the concentration camp-like prison where they have to make their egg quota or it’s the chopping block. She can escape on her own, but it’s getting the whole roost out of there that poses the biggest problem. When a Yank rooster from a travelling circus lands, they believe he can fly and help to whisk them off to freedom. Things get even hotter when the farm boss decides to buy a pie-making machine and get the big bucks in stead of the measly revenue brought in with the inferior eggs. With many cinematic references like The Great Escape and even Indiana Jones, Chicken Run does have a fine identity of its own, the super-detailed clay animation so realistic and jaw dropping, down to little mannerisms and beads of sweat. This is not exactly a film for kids, although they could enjoy it, looking past the serious human issues in the narrative. A beautiful Christmas film for all. [Just like Escort pork sausages was not the endorsement of choice for Babe, Chicken Lickin’ will not get the deal in this particular case - that’s for sure]
5 / A
- PB

THE CHILDREN OF THE CENTURY (Les Enfents du Siecle)
With Juliette Binoche, Benoit Magimel, Stefano Dionisi
Directed by Diane Kurys
This art house film is based on the relationship between two French literary icons of the 19th century, George Sand (the stunning Binoche) and Alfred de Musset (the annoying Benoit Magimel). A fine period piece filled with conflict, tortured genius, beauty and disgrace. The writers of the screenplay said: “The place and importance of love in one’s life is not always immediately clear. It is only with the passage of time that we appreciate the true measure of the feeling we have experienced, and like Sand at the end of the film, recognise that we have at least once, genuinely loved someone with all our heart” - Francois Olivier Rousseau, Murray Head & Diane Kurys.
3 / C
- PB

THE CHILL FACTOR
With David Fields, Dawn Laurrie
Directed by Christopher Webster
Goodness gracious. When reading the box to this little outing already brings up a smile, knowing this is going to be a schlock-fest. Watching it proves even worse. A bunch of twenty-somethings end up in an old, dodgy, ex-religious camp sight cabin, after one gets hurt during a snowmobile race. They have to hole up till help comes and my word, do they ever pad every freakin’ scene they can. The stalking hooded figure terrorizing them is a laugh and the murders lack so much imagination, you cannot help but find it hilarious. This has to be seen to be believed, even if it’s only for the (unintentional) funny voice over.
1 / C
- PB

CHOCOLAT
With Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Lena Olin, Alfred Molina
Directed by Lasse Halstrôm
The tale of the stranger blowing into town and touching everyone's life is an old, tried and tested one. In this version Binoche and her daughter arrive in an extremely conservative french town in 1960. The uptight mayor's wife is on "holiday" and he forces his morals on everyone, even to the extent of writing the young preacher's sermons. His intolerance for change or anything new and out of the ordinary that doesn't fall within his biblical interpretations is seen as heretic. When Binoche opens a chocolate shop during the abstinence of Lent he seems top make it his personal quest to oust her and her daughter. All the inhabitants have their own little secrets, skeletons and flaws while the hold of the mayor makes hypocrites of them all. Her methods, kind persona and advice accompanying her specially selected home made chocolate for each character gets the mayor in a tiff as if she's mocking his authority and God's commandments - and even more so when Gypsies arrive and stop over on the river, Binoche getting attracted to Depp. Her daughter serves as the innocent but wise mirror of these events all throughout the tale, wanting to belong, but constantly running with her mom from one place to the next. A lovely, touching and sweet film that reads a lot more into the reaction of our senses and souls when it comes to basic humanity and manmade rules & regulations, while the easy way out of conforming is self-defeating. But then, running all the time is a similar semi-cowardly act of not facing the obstacles and saying "no more". These and more get translated to the viewer in a subtle and artistic fashion with a rustic Euro look - artistic and in English where it could easily have been a French film.
4 / C
- PB

CHOPPER
With Eric Bana, Simon Lyndon, Vince Colosimo, Kate Beaham
Directed by Andrew Dominik
Australia being an ex-prison colony, one would expect a few hard nuts & bad-asses to come from its loins. Chopper is one of the country's most controversial real life crime characters. His tall tales and actual acts of madness (like mutilating his ears to get out of a sector in jail where he was sure to get killed) are both shocking in its graphic depiction as well as comical in its stupidity. Chopper's exploits after his release and re-incarceration gained him added notoriety, but his simple, trusting loyalty (even to those who betrayed him) calls for sympathy as his large tattooed figure cuts a sad shape in a world where your upbringing has as much to do with your own ability to do good or wrong. Chopper became one of the best selling writers in Australia, even though he's pretty much illiterate. The gritty atmosphere and handling of the factual content gives the film a believable streak without diminishing its entertainment value, many of the techniques giving the film a surreal atmosphere at times. The opening sequence has a chilling scene where Chopper's friends turn on him in jail, the stabbing so realistic and unusual it has to be witnessed. It's definitely in the Top 10 Stabbing Scenes of all time.
4 / B
- PB

The Work Of Director CHRIS CUNNINGHAM
I saw one of my favourite music videos for the first time on a late night VH1 rock show. It was Aphex Twin's Come To Daddy. Its creator, Chris Cunningham. A totally freaky dark excursion that'll flip out anyone watching it on acid. Having worked in film special effects, Cunningham decided he wants to make music videos. His incredible blend of dark and staggering imagery with digital technology, physical effects (like prosthetics) and an acute awareness of rhythm and beats (physically cutting to different patterns in the music), he has a knack for the medium that many can learn from. His DVD only contains 8 video clips, but my goodness are they concentrated works of genius. There are two Aphex Twin clips, the aforementioned Come To Daddy (featuring threatening kids wearing realistic and morbid masks of Aphex Twin mastermind Richard D. James) and the mind-blowing Windowlicker (complete with booty babes dance routines and the R.D. James mask recurring, even more horrifically on the hot bodies) - hilarious and daunting at the same time. There is the robotic assembly class of Björk's All Is Full Of Love (as well a making of). Leftfield's voodoo'd character literally falling to pieces in New York is fantastic, as is Squarepusher's whacked-out near-Manga trip inside a kid's asylum. His first stab at the medium can be seen with Autechre's clip of manic distortions, flashes and mechanics. Portishead's video, shot underwater is a poetic visual painting. His most commercial installment is the stark, gothic flavoured Frozen by Madonna. Some of his other work is also included, like adverts for Sony PlayStation, Nissan and an unscreened Levi's ad. You can also drop your jaw to the video installations flex and Monkey Drummer. If need be, you can watch the bleeped version of Windowlicker (it's intro of a wise-ass thug trying to pick up ho's filled with cliché profanity). Highly sought after, but very selective in his choice of projects, anyone who manages to get Cunningham to put pictures to their audio should feel blessed.
Each of these Palm Pictures Directors releases contains a stylish, individual, info packed 52-page book with pictures, interviews, drawings and other great stuff on each groundbreaking director. Truly inspiring video makers.
6 / A
- PB

CHRIS DE BURGH - The Ultimate Collection
Not the hippest cat around, but amid his soppy and easy listening pop tracks he has written and recorded some good songs. This triple box set includes two CDs with 38 of his favourite tracks, as well as a DVD with 12 videos. The Best Of CDs include songs like Sailing Away, Fatal Hesitation, Missing You, The Lady In Red, Waiting For The Hurricane, One Word, This Is Love, Borderline, So Beautiful, Carry Me, Say Goodbye To It All, Where We Will Be Going, Don't Pay The Ferryman, Ship To Shore, Patricia The Stripper 2000, The Simple Truth, High On Emotion, The Traveller, A Spaceman Came Traveling, Diamonds In The Dark, and Man On The Line. Half of the clips on the DVD are live videos, including Don't Pay The Ferryman, Borderline, Say Goodbye To It All, Sailing Away, A Spaceman Came Traveling, When I Think Of You, and Patricia The Stripper. Others include Ship To Shore, High On Emotion, The Lady In Red, Tender Hands, and Missing You. A piece on his background would've been a cool addition, since we know a lot of his songs, but very little about the man himself.
3 / B
- PB

CHRISTINE
With Keith Jordan, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul, Harry Dean Stanton
Directed by John Carpenter
Based on Stephen King's novel, this haunted car tale was translated well by Carpenter, although the choice of lead knocks it down a touch. The car in question is a marvelous cherry red 1958 Plymouth Fury. When this beauty becomes the wheels of a nerdy, unpopular school kid, the possessed car not only takes its own course resulting in several deaths, but also starts to affect the lad. Some good thrills and a bit of suspense, but nothing like Carpenter's more chilling Halloween or gory The Thing.
3 / B
- PB

THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK
With Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Colm Feore, Keith David, Judi Dench, Thandi Newton, Alexa Davalos
Directed by David Twohy
This direct sequel from the enjoyable sci-fi hit Pitch Black (which introduced the vicious convict character of Riddick) almost suffers from digital overload, but once you surrender into its effects-laden domain, you let the organic blend in with the artificial for a wild action-packed ride with anti-heroic triumph at its heart. After the events of Pitch Black, Riddick lay low. But someone put a bounty on his head, forcing him on the run. A vicious race called the Necromongers traverse the universe forcing planets to surrender unto them. They threaten to destroy the whole universe, and guess who is the one guy who may be able to stop them? The cold hearted Riddick has to choose between looking out for number one or save a pathetic little race from extinction. Some of the weaker moments is in the choice of support casting, but director Twohy maintains the large-scale action with a competent digital effects team, well choreographed fight scenes and keeps it flowing at a great pace. This is way more over the top than its predecessor, but a whole lot of fun (the so-called bad-ass Riddick still fighting the good fight and not an indiscriminate meany).
4 / B
- PB

CHUCK & BUCK
With Mike White, Chris Weitz, Beth Colt
Directed by Migual Arteta
When Buck's mother dies, one of the friends he notifies is Chuck - his childhood buddy and first (& probably only) sexual experience. He has changed very little since he was a kid, living with his heavy smoking mom in his childhood room, still exactly the same, still sucking lollipops. Chuck however is happy in a heterosexual relationship with a good job at a record company. At the funeral reception, Buck tries to get intimate with Chuck who gets freaked out by it. He has moved on from their fooling around as kids, while its impact had a lasting effect on the maladjusted, strangely weird Buck. With his inheritance he moves to the city, into a crummy hotel, stalking Chuck. Across his office block a run down theatre puts on kiddies shows. Buck pays the door lady to direct a fairytale play he'd written in a few days, based on the experiences with Chuck and which he believes made him the way he is. Shot on digital video, the film has an awkward realism to it that adds to the dark, uncomfortable tone of the film. It could be viewed as a "gay" film in many respects, but even if it's not seen in that light, it's still very much fringe cinema.
2 / C
- PB

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES
With Tobey Maguire, Michael Cain, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd
Directed by Lasse Hallstro”m
John Irving’s moving adaptation of his own novel is translated to the screen with a marvelous touch by Hallstro”m. Homer grew up in the orphanage where he was born. Through no fault on his part, he was never successfully adopted. In stead, Dr Larch (played by Michael Cain in his second Oscar winning support role), the doctor presiding over the institution, teaches Homer the art of delivering babies. Larch also performs abortions, which were still illegal in the 30’s (a procedure Homer refuses to perform), and has a bit of an ether habit. All the children and staff at the orphanage love Homer, but when a beautiful woman (Candy) and her airforce boyfriend (Wally) arrive for an abortion, Homer realizes he needs to see the world. He gets a lift with them to their hometown without a plan (to the sadness of the orphanage). Here he starts work on Wally’s family apple orchard as a picker, living with the black migrant workers. Homer adapts easily, not having over-bloated expectations or any real life experience. With Wally off to war, he falls in love with Candy. His new found world knowledge expands in all directions as he spreads his wings. The orphanage still misses him dearly, especially the aging Larch, who fears his replacement at the orphanage. He wants Homer not only because he’s like a true son to him, but for professional reasons too. The gorgeous Theron’s budding acting talent is now full blown as she’s geared up for super stardom. Maguire’s calm, downbeat acting is very appropriate in this case, making Homer an open book most can identify with in some way or another. Cain is great as the compassionate but controversial doctor, while every little face picked for the orphans was a masterstroke. Even African American pop stars like Erika Badu and Heavy D excel in their parts. A touching film with a lovely, but chilly autumn/winter atmosphere, capable of really plucking the heart strings in many directions. Irving also received the Oscar for the screen adaptation of his best seller.
- PB
5 / B
THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (in Afrikaans)
Met Tobey Maguire, Michael Cain, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd
Regisseur: Lasse Hallstro”m John Irving het sy hartroerende verhaal van ‘n jong man en sy lewenservaringe voor en na hy besluit om sy vlerke te ga an strek intiem vir die wyedoek verwerk. Homer is ‘n weeskind wat (sonder foute aan sy kant) nooit aangeneem is nie. Dr Larch (vertolk deur Cain in sy 2de Oscar wennende byspeler rol) maak Homer sy student en leer hom die kuns van geboorte skenk. Dit gebeur op ‘n gereelde basis aangesien moeders wat nie hul babas wil he^ nie daar kraam en dan sonder die baba verlaat. Dr. Larch, sy personeel en die ander wesies word dan hulle familie totdat iemand hulle kom aanneem - die dag waarvoor almal asem ophou. Aborsies word ook deur Dr. Larch uitgevoer (wat in die 1930’s onwettig was), en hy doen dit in desperate situasies om te verhoed dat vroue dit op onprofessionele, gevaarlike maniere doen. Dis egter die een aspek wat Homer weier om deel te maak van sy informele mediese studie. Wanneer ‘n beeldskone jong vrou en haar fliee”nier ke^rel by die weeshuis/kliniek aankom vir ‘n aborsie, besluit Homer om die we^reld te gaan verken en ‘n rit saam met hulle te kry. Almal by die weeshuis is hartseer daaroor, maar verstaan dat hy al sy hele lewe lank daar deurgebring het en dit tyd is om ‘n man te word. Vir Dr. Larch is dit egter ‘n dubbele knou aangesien Homer soos sy seun is, asook dien as ‘n onvervangbare assistent. Homer begin werk op Wally se familie appelboord kort voor hy in die oorlog gaan vlieg. Candy word eensaam en Homer kan nie help om op haar verlief te raak nie. Hy bly saam met die swart migrerende werkers en leer gou hoe om appels te pluk. Die nuwe, gewone lewe sonder komplikasies, gevul met (skelm) liefde en ‘n aantal lesse, laat Homer tuis voel, maar sekere gebeure affekteer hom wat ernstige besluite tot gevolg het wat heel waarskynlik die res van sy lewe sal affekteer. Die byspelers is almal wonderlik, en selfs popsterre soos Heavy D en Erykah Badu is oortuigend. Maar die fantastiese groep gesiggies wat vir die wesies uitgekies is, is propvol karakter wat beide glimlag en traan kan oproep. Behalwe die opgee van kinders, aborsie en grootword, raak die rolprent ook aan die berugte, verbode onderwerp van bloedskande. Of dit nou vir 7 Oscars benoem is of nie, The Cider House rules is ‘n aangename, bitter-soet ervaring wat in heelwat tonele‘n paar snesies sal benodig.
5 / B
- PB

CITY BY THE SEA
With Robert DeNiro, Frances McDormand, James Franco, William Forsyth, George Dzundza
Directed by Michael Caton-Jones
If you've seen the trailer to this one, you probably didn't have the urge to run to the nearest cinema on its opening day. If like me you hadn't, you can now catch it on DVD. City By The Sea is one of those cases where the trailer can spoil a film's potential. It seems like another old boring Bobby D cop thriller. Give it a chance. The premise can be summed up in a nutzipper - DeNiro's a cop whose estranged son is a drug addict wanted for murder. These basics get well structured, dissected and emoted by really taking care in getting the viewer to be drawn into the individual characters' lives, personalities, struggles and race against time. Delving into the dad-cop's past, regrets and guilt feelings also add to the film's success - especially with DeNiro doing a good job. The melancholic mood created by the once flourishing seaside area of Long Beach (now a ghost town of drug dealers and low-life's) sets the tone reflecting the emotional state of the leads, adding to the convincing dramatic nuances.
4 / C
- PB

A CIVIL ACTION
With John Travolta, Robert Duvall, Tony Shalhoub, William H. Macy, John Lithgow, Kathleen Quinlan
Directed by Steven Zaillian
Travolta plays a small time claims lawyer who takes on a big company whose contaminated water affected a whole community. Inspiring against-the-odds court drama - which was echoed with the film version of the real tale of Erin Brockovich…
4 / C
- PB

CLIFF RICHARD - World Tour 2003
After multiple decades as an entertainer, countless number one hits and gold & platinum albums, Sir Cliff can still put on a show at a very ripe age. He also still has an army of fans around the world from kids to OAP's. This DVD captures a live show in New Zealand from his 2003 tour, packing the songs in. They include some of his classics like We Don't Talk Anymore, Some People, Born To Rock & Roll, and of course The Young Ones. His medleys include one of his own hits, an Elvis double header, Doo Wop and Christmas medleys. With covers including the likes of What's Love Got To Do With It, Moon River, Be Bop A Lula, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and No Particular Place To Go, the show contains over 30 songs and has his fans leaving well satisfied. The disc also contains a documentary on the planning and execution of this tour, which takes as much effort and manpower as any rock show. Obviously this is strictly reserved for Cliff fans and is not a good shot in the dark for someone with contemporary musical tastes looking for something new to zip into their DVD player. A great gift for the folks, though.
4 / C
- PB

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
With Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Adrienne Corri
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
With the release of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece (based on the controversial novel by Anthony Burgess sparked by the violent rape of his wife), the outcry of British prudes led to the director’s self-imposed ban of the film in his native country. The audiences in 1971 were not exactly ready for it (as they weren’t for Peeping Tom - 1960, or Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song - 1971). These film’s were later declared masterpieces after gaining underground cult status - that is if you could get hold of it, and when so, in fully uncensored versions. A Clockwork Orange is a social commentary around the life and exploits of a juvenile into Beethoven and ultra-violence. His incarceration after a spate of violent and perverse acts leads to him being chosen as guinea pig for a new rehabilitation method: he is forced to watch films of rape, violence and general perversion (to the soundtrack of his favourite composer) while special drugs induce nausea. Whenever the urge for any subversive act (or sound of Beethoven) grabs him, he gets violently ill - a sort of warped Pavlov’s Dog experiment. Obviously there’s far more to the film than just that. The futuristic glance of its time may be dated in many ways, but the lawless degradation of our society is pretty spot-on. With Kubrick’s unfortunate passing on, the film is now being widely released. Like The Exorcist, this cinematic triumph is one of those visual accomplishments no self-respecting film enthusiast can go without seeing.
6 / A
- PB
…the 2nd opinion…
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
With Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Adrienne Corri
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Master director Stanley Kubrick didn't just go out and shoot slapdash pictures. His methodical filmmaking talent always had a set purpose and focused outcome. Here he took Anthony Burgess' controversial social commentary on crime and criminal reform, freedom & personal liberties, and the misuse of power and turned it into an historic film which the world in an uproar - a result which had him totally disillusioned with viewers, critics, exhibitors and distributors alike. The tale (with heavy black comedic doses) spins around Alex, a young Beethoven obsessed juvenile delinquent in the future, who with his gang of "droogs" commit crimes of violence wherever they go. Alex is incarcerated for his vicious crimes and subjected to a new controversial experimental method of rehabilitation (with a many drawbacks). Burgess' uniquely created language was also held in tact. Explicit for its time, this was also the film that had a disgusted Kubrick withdraw it from release in many countries whose conservative narrow-minded attitude labeled him as something he wasn't, completely missing the point. The movie also made McDowell a star. The soundtrack is a synthesized classical extravaganza. Beyond a cult classic, this is one of those films you can't afford to miss (like most of the late great Kubrick's films).
6 / A
- PB

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND
With Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon
Directed by Steven Spielberg
This is the film that really gelled the Spielberg look, which has been the basis of many a sci-fi related film by this popular director (from E.T. and A.I., through Minority Report and War Of The Worlds). The fascinating subject of life elsewhere in the universe is amazingly brought to the screen by focusing strange UFO phenomena sightings on a regular family man whose obsession with this life-changing experience takes over his life as he feels drawn to a location where government institutions have been collecting messages from outer space for an historic rendezvous. The natural characters, humanity and great atmosphere, together with the special FX (still amazing many decades later), Close Encounters is a timeless classic, its late-'70s style & fashion the only thing that dates it. This was also one of the first films that got an extended Special Edition release, kind-of like a director's cut.
6 / A
- PB

A CLOSE SHAVE
Directed and Animated by Nick Park
Our two pals run a little window washing business and one fine day Wallace discovers the client who's windows they're cleaning, Wendolene Ramsbottom, is the girl of his dreams ! But all is not well, as to be expected. Meanwhile, evil sheep rustlers are cleaning up the area and an escaped sheep hides out in W&G's home. They adopt him. Preston, a malevolent dog who lives with Wendolene forces her to conspire in stealing Wallace's latest invention, the Knit-o-Matic. Wallace is framed by Preston who wants to convert the machine for his dog food factory and our inventor gets a life sentence for sheep rustling ! Can Gromit save the day? Thrilling excitement like no other with a bit of Terminator thrown in. This last in the series of three make this an unmissable trilogy for the whole family.
6 / A
- PB

COACH CARTER
With Samuel L. Jackson, Rob Brown, Robert Ri'Chard, Rick Gonzalez, Ashanti
Directed by Thomas Carter
The classic "rise from your disadvantaged struggles via basketball" premise is at work here in full force. Difference is, it stars the man, Sam Jackson, is based on a real life character, and is in fact an inspiring motion picture that refuses to tug the heartstrings (too much). Ken Carter, a successful sport storeowner volunteered to coach his old school basketball team. With an all time record losing streak, he takes it upon himself to not only bring them back to winning form, but also discipline and shape them as responsible men who respect others and plan to make something of their lives as opposed to living out the statistics of dropping out, not making college, ending up in jail or dead. With initial resistance from the insecure schoolboys who want to act tough and demand respect when they deserve none for free, Carter has them sign a contract to abide by his rules and also maintain a specific grade point average. One of the kids is his son who transferred to this less prestigious school to be coached by his dad, another has a pregnant girlfriend and one is involved in drug dealing. But he whips them into shape and teaches them way more than just playing and winning, he shows them the real meaning of respect, pride and dignity in the face of the odds. During their winning streak Carter actually took a drastic step, locking down the gym and forfeiting games because they didn't honour part of the contract agreement to tend to their schoolwork - resulting in protest from the parents and faculty calling for his resignation. Carter's foray into saving young men from their circumstances leads to a very satisfying outcome, sidestepping the usual routines. While the inner city dangers and fears are there, this is a movie of hope choosing not to exploit the usual music video clichés of hustlers and ho's, violence and bloodshed.
4 / B
- PB

COLD CREEK MANOR
With Dennis Quaid, Sharon Stone, Stephen Dorff, Juliet Lewis, Christopher Plummer
Directed by Mike Figgis
With varying celluloid accomplishments (from Internal Affairs to Leaving Las Vegas), Mike Figgis has opted for a predictable, not very scary thriller about a New York family who moves to a rural area to escape the city life. The repossessed mansion they purchase gets fixed up, but the previous owner pitches up, slowly making things very difficult for them, first harassment and terrorizing, then murder soon on the cards. With one too many predictable set-ups (from the villain's death location to his weapon of choice), Figgis played thrill-by-numbers that sure ain't no trip down Hitchcock lane. If only it was a ghostly old mansion tale as it seems from the title and poster, in stead it tries to go for the secret angle- a house with a nasty past that comes back to physically haunt the present. Quaid goes through it on autopilot while Stone reverts from her once big star significance to the plain wife accessory role (the ones Charlize Theron used to get). Lewis does her usual white trash turn while Plummer is the groggy, bed ridden abusive father of the psychotic Dorff.
DVD contains deleted scenes and alternate endings.
1 / C
- PB

COLDPLAY- Live 2003
Coldplay seemed to come from out of nowhere with Parachutes and just set the whole world on fire with their somber but moving alternative pop-rock. For this live performance of 2003 the four piece packs in 17 songs, like Politik, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, Daylight, Trouble, One I Love, Don't Panic, Shiver, everyone's favourite Yellow, Clocks, In My Place, Amsterdam and Life Is For Living. Their conscientious Free Trade campaign had a huge reaction and this is also touched on in the 40 minute Tour Diary Documentary including interviews with all the members, looks at them doing press and general activities to be seen while a band is touring the globe. The very cool menu graphics (also used in the docy) is a 3D map of the tour route. Other extras include a multi-angle feature and lyrics. An emotive and powerful show seeing the band at their peak.
4 / B
- PB

COLLATERAL
With Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx
Directed by Michael Mann
Michael Mann has given us a range of flicks from thrillers like the Red Dragon adaptation Manhunter, horrors like The Keep, historic period action romance like Last Of The Mohicans, crime thrillers like Heat and sports biopics like Ali. Not to forget his creation of Miami Vice. This tense thriller focuses the action on two characters in the confined space of a taxi, occasionally venturing out. A taxi driver aspiring to start his own limo service takes pride in his job and vehicle. His night shift becomes a nightmare when an assassin makes him complicit in his list of hits by forcing him to drive from one location to the next. A very well paced, exciting and tense drama with action elements, both leads delivering good performances as we wait for the outcome of this fateful night. I sometimes wonder exactly how they decide who is the lead in a situation like this. Reason being Foxx got Oscar® nominated as best supporting actor (simultaneously with best lead for Ray, which he got of course) - but with pretty much the same screen time as Cruise (and no less inferior performance), does Tom get lead status because he's been doing it longer, gets paid more, is whiter? Hey, I don't know, but it would've been cool had Foxx grabbed both lead and supporting Oscars®, don't you think?
5 / C
- PB

COLLATERAL DAMAGE
With Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Leguizamo, John Turturro
Directed by Andrew Davis
Arnold's back and it ain't no big thing. He's Gordy Brewer, a firefighter whose wife and kid get killed in a terrorist bombing attack (ominously stark in the shadow of September 11). "The Wolf", the Colombian responsible for the devastation targeted his country's consulate and US agents in response for the Yanks' involvement in their civil war (drugs at the heart of it) - but he slips from their grasp. His slain family are considered colatteral damage (a term used frquently during US bombings of Afghan targets…). What is an Arnie to do? Besides take the law into his own hands! He scams his way into the terrorist's country when his government fails to act and his difficult task to meet out his own justice begins. Several action sequences do little to rewrite the books while one particular escape sequence has our hero struggling in a river and down a waterfall - the blue (or green) screen so damn obvious and the digital Arnold going over the drop just too apparent. What ever happened to daring stuntmen? How much longer do we have to wait for the 3rd Terminator flick? Hope it's soon so we don't have to be subjected to these action-by-numbers "blockbusters". Yet, you gotta love Arnie and missing one of his movies, no matter how crap, tends to leave a gap in the movie year.
2 / B
- PB

COMMONWEALTH
With Carmen Maura, Uduardo Antuna, Jesus Bonilla
Directed by Alex de la Iglesia
Spanish films have a tendency to be quite zany. Wonderful! This one almost goes to the extreme. Even from the superb title sequence combining old style Hitchcock colour panels, silhouettes & graphics to CGI FX, you know you're in for a great ride. An unemployed middle aged couple are having a hard time. The husband has to bounce at a club and hates it. The wife gets a temp job at an estate agents and views an amazing fully furnished flat in a very run down apartment building with suspiciously weird tenants. The woman decides to camp out in this cool flat and then the neighbours believe they'd moved in. But, when cockroaches rain down form the ceiling onto the waterbed, things spiral downwards. The old man upstairs had died and the whole block wants his money. Our heroin finds it, but getting out of the block is another story as the delicious, weird, unsavoury and hilarious characters keep her there. Strange, gory and very funny scenes result as the whole thing evolves, floating through Hitchcock & Argento style scenes reminiscent from Rear Window to Vertigo. Even Star Wars gets thrown in, but not as you'd expect. Commonwealth is also reminiscent of the French classic Delicatessen in some ways, mainly because of the creepy building setting and its occupants ruled by one thing. Here greed gets so out of hand that it results in several deaths. One can imagine this to get an American remake, but meanwhile you'll have to read the subtitles.
5 / A
- PB

THE COMPANY
With Neve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell, James Franco, Barbara E. Robertson, William Dick, Susie Cusack
Directed by Robert Altman
Neve Campbell has been stereotyped as Sydney in the Scream trilogy - perhaps a label not many actors would want to smudge their CV with. With this Altman directed piece, she co-executive produced and co-wrote the original story, and doing a lot of the dancing, returning to a vocation she obviously got sidetracked from. What makes this a great film is the fact that the story is a matter-of-fact glimpse into lives of dancers in the Joffrey Ballet Company of Chicago. No earth shattering disasters or emotional turmoil, death or betrayal. Just a voyeuristic eye into the artistic and human drive of dancers, friends, lovers, administrators and several fringe players in this compelling depiction of life in a dance company. Small daily things like visiting parents, working night jobs and meeting new people are stacked around the rehearsals and performances of shows, which showcases some great pieces that dance fans will absolutely love - no pose striking Hip-Hop crap, but real choreography and professional dancing. Even viewers who may not find themselves particularly fond of dancing will be spellbound. The overall naturalistic feel of the film could easily have been shot documentary-style but would've lost a glossy edge, some of the performances would also have stood out as "acting" - especially that of McDowell, who was good as the head of the company (nice to see him in something other than a cheap villain in an action flop for a change). Spider-Man buddy/adversary Franco is low key and restrained as Campbell's love interest. Injuries, replacements and pushy parents are just a small part of the whole in this intriguing organism scrutinized by Altman without blowing it up into an over spectacular extravaganza, in stead scanning over the varied lives of artistically driven performers around the company that binds them.
5 / B
- PB

CONAN THE BARBARIAN
With Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, Sandahl Bergman, Mako
Directed by John Milius
Written by Oliver Stone and directed by Apocalypse Now co-writer John Milius, this definitive sword, sorcery and fantasy action adventure places Mr. Universe Schwarzenegger in Robert E. Howard's literary hero's fur codpiece to slice his way through infamy. With his family wiped out by a snake fuelled sorcerer, the young Conan is enslaved, only to grow up to be a physically powerful warrior pushed into brutal pit battles to the death. Becoming a thief with two sidekicks, his path again crosses with the cult leader who killed his family, sealing his destiny. Intense and bloody battles paired with a gritty look, fused with a slick style gave this fantasy movie a realistic feel, making it the one every single barbarian movie ripped off since (even the sequel Conan The Destroyer was a lame parody of itself). One of the Arnie classics and his first big role before he really hit the big time with The Terminator. Soundtrack by Basil Polidouris.
The DVD contains a fun audio commentary track with Milius and Schwarzenegger, a Making Of documentary, deleted scenes and picture gallery.
6 / A
- PB

CONFIDENCE
With Edward Burns, Dustin Hoffman, Andy Garcia, Rachel Weisz, Brian Van Holt
Directed by James Foley
In the tradition of the conman genre, the double cross and off-screen pre-arrangements abound. A young group of con artists scam the wrong guy - a wiseguy with a lot more clout, experience and muscle. They make a deal - they'll pull a big job for him as compensation - for a cut, of course. Their target is a big bank whose owner is not as legit as you'd expect. With an elaborate plot to get a loan for a fake company, the trust and mistrust start to fly in all directions. The noir flair of Foley is well on display resulting in an enjoyable film with the twists coming and going, keeping you guessing as the deceit unfolds.
4 / C
- PB

CONTACT
With Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, James Woods, John Hurt, Tom Skerritt, Angela Bassett, David Morse, Jake Busey
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Big time Hollywood director Zemeckis always had a fondness for the sci-fi genre, starting with Back To The Future. Here he translated Carl Sagan's novel to the screen with glossy and believable flair. Foster plays a determined astronomer whose wildest dreams come true when she picks up a communication from outer space. After the government wrestles its way in and many religious come to the fore (a possible demolition of their structures?), the code is deciphered. The message consists of plans for a transporter to the communicators. With all the pros and cons of such an event considered in the narrative without losing touch of human nature, a very interesting tale unfolds as a result of humanity's various reactions to such an event, in stead of spending half the movie on alien soil. With many viewers disappointed with the outcome, expecting some mainstream cheesy angle, I think it was a very apt way of doing it (without giving away too much).
5 / B
- PB

THE CORE
With Aaron Eckhart, Stanley Tucci, Hilary Swank, DJ Qualls
Directed by John Amiel
Following almost the carbon copy route of Armageddon, this time the crack group of experts are sent in the opposite direction, into the earth's core to rectify a catastrophic disaster - man made methods has forced the spinning earth core to come to a halt, deadly atmospheric consequences resulting. With the expected quirky mix of characters, preparation sessions and actual mission, you know what you're getting, so you don't take it all too seriously. FX are not enough to keep some of us gripped, though.
2 / C
- PB

THE CORPSE BRIDE
With voices by Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Christopher Lee
Directed by Tim Burton
It has been a while since Henry Selick gave animated life to Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. Now Burton takes the reigns himself with this delightfully stylish stop-animated tale of love beyond the grave. I can hear the necrophiliacs sit up at attention, but there is nothing grissly or tacky about it - well not really. If it was a live action movie it may have been a bit more creepy, but all the better for it in this meticulous incarnation. The son of a fishmonger is to marry a girl he doesn't know. She's from a well-off family whose fortunes ailed beyond repair (unbeknownst to the community of course). Her parents despise the boy's family and their profession, but it's for the money. He also has his doubts, not knowing her from a bar of soap - although she's quite lovely. At the intimidating wedding rehearsal he keeps fumbling his vows. So he takes a break and strolls into the woods. Here he practices his vows and accidentally proposes to a dead girl who rises form the soil to say "I do!". He is taken into the vibrant underworld where they attempt to convince him to stick to this accidental marriage. With musical numbers, humour, great detail and a splendid gothic look, The Corpse Bride is another very cool off-centre project from Hollywood's oddest mainstream director.
5 / B
- PB

CORRINA, CORRINA
With Ray Liotta, Whoopie Goldberg, Tina Majorino, Larry Miller, Joan Cusack
Directed by Jessie Nelson
Liotta’s daughter won’t speak after his wife passed away. He finds a babysitter that changes all their lives. But it's hardly a smooth ride to get to the moment of enlightenment. Laughter and tears make a large ingredient of this kind tale.
4 / C
- PB

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
With Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris, Luis Guzman, Dagmara Dominczyk
Directed by Kevin Reynolds
Not having learnt his lesson, director Kevin Reynolds decided to attempt another costume action-drama after his crap, American-accented Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves. With this remake of Alexandre Dumas' Count Of Monte Cristo, however, he seems to have redeemed himself. Not having read the classic tale (only seeing a version when I was about 8 with Richard Chamberlain) I cannot make any allegations of omissions or additions. In what seems fairly accurate, we're taken through the 3-part life of a sailor turned captain, then prisoner, then Count. When his so-called best friend plays a hand in having him falsely accused of treason and thrown into a dismal island prison, he also steals his fiance. This back stabbing buddy is aptly portrayed by Guy Pearce, complete with big hair, large teeth & little butt. In prison he plots his vengeance and meets up with an old man whose miscalculated escape route exited into his cell. Over years of helping the old man to dig, he unwittingly lands another opportunity to escape even sooner to exact his vengeance. Besides teaching him to read, write and fight - equipping him even better to follow through on his retribution with meticulous accuracy, the old man not only becomes his friend, but also his means of remaining sane and steadfast in his plot. Stretching over more than 15 years, this well paced & executed motion picture is a welcome return to the period adventure genre and is craftily compacted to avoid it feeling like a mini-series.
4 / C
- PB

COYOTE UGLY
With Piper Perabo, Adam Garcia, John Goodman, Tyra Banks
Directed by David McNally
A cute New Jersey girl move to New York with cuddly, pudgy dad (Goodman) worried sick. She wants to be a song writer (like her passed on momma) and takes on the big apple with bravado but soon getsw chewed and spat out (nothing bad like violence or rape, thank God). She lands a job at a sultry bar where the super-assertive bar ladies dance on the counter, pour booze over adoring patrons and generally show off more than serve. She starts to earn good cash, work on her songs (regardless of record company turn-downs) and meet an Aussie guy. Life’s peachy, until she finds out she has to do an open mic, singing her own songs to get it heard, no-one interested in apes - the catch: she has serious stage fright, the thing which crashed her mom’s career - sniff. And, daddy sees her provocative gyrations in the bar packed with men. But, like every fairytale, you know I don’t need to explain the outcome. It’s just a matter of seeing which route it takes to its destination. Sure, the girls are hot and rekindled the snakeskin, cowboy hat and sequins on outfits, but, so what? In the end it’s all just cheap thrills for those who are too chicken to stroll in to Hanky Panky or Adult World and get a real slice of perversion. Those who went to see Eyes Wide Shut for the promise of explicit content (Mrs Cruise in particular), will not get as much as they bargained for like that time round. All said, there’s nothing wrong with a tale portraying women in charge - but at the expense of still being reflected as objects at the same time…?
2 / C
- PB
COYOTE UGLY (in Afrikaans)
With Piper Perabo, Adam Garcia, John Goodman, Tyra Banks
Directed by David McNally
Daar is ‘n paar tematiese tegnieke wat rolptrentmakers nooit sal laat vaar nie. Dit sluit in onder andere die jong onskuldige meisie met ‘n middelklas agtergrond wat groot drome het en stad toe trek; Hoogs aantreklike, selfstandige dames met so min as moontlik klere aan; ‘n Energieke klankbaan; Jong romans en moderne fee verhale temas…Kombineer nou al hierdie elemente en jy’t heel waarskynlik ‘n treffer op jou hande. In Coyote Ugly volg ons die aspirasies van ‘n beeldskone jong dame wat van New Jersey na New York verhuis om ‘n liedjieskrywer te word. Haar pa is skepties (nie net omdat dit sy enigste dogter is nie, maar ook weens haar ma se mislukte sang loopbaan as gevolg van haar verhoogvrees). Van die eerste dag af besef sy hoe moeilik dit sal wees om maar net te oorleef en nog nie eens van ‘n oornag sukses te praat nie. Na haar vervalle woonstel beroof is sit sy platsak in ‘n koffiekroeg waar drie meisies hulself luidrugtig geniet. Hulle werk by ‘n popule^re kroeg (Coyote Ugly) en maak ‘n fortuin. Een van hulle (Banks) gaan regte swot en sy gryp haar kans om werk te kry deur die kroeg te besoek. Sy kry ‘n oudisie en word weggeblaas deur die kroeg se uitbundigheid. Die kelnerinne dans op die toonbank, dra verleidelike uitrustings, gil, skree, gooi drank oor die volgepakte kamer, vat nie nonsens nie en nog meer. Stadig maar seker begin sy inpas soos sy nog steeds probeer om haar liedjies by plate maatskappye te kry - tevergeefs. Intussen het sy ook ‘n Australie”r ontmoet met wie sy ‘n verhouding begin. Om haar liedjies bekend te maak moet sy 'n agent he^ of dit self sing by oop-mikrofoon sessies - sy is te skaam en kan dit nooit doen nie (nes haar ma). So leer sy die harde lewe in New York met heelwat pret asook teleurstelling. Sy word volwasse in ‘n relatiewe kort tydperk en in die proses stel sy ook haar pa teleur en verloor haar liefde as gevolg van haar werk by die kroeg, wat ook amper haar droom van liedjieskrywer oorskadu - haar tawwe baas wat wil he^ sy moet hard werk of die pad vat ook 'n groot faktor. Natuurlik is dit nie ‘n verrassing hoe dinge op die ou end uitdraai nie. Dit is egter interessant hoe begeerlik die kroegmeisies se liggame afgeneem word - daar is absoluut geen motivering daarvoor om die feeagtige verhaal se agtergrond uit te bou nie (behalwe dalk dat jy aanloklik kan wees sonder om ‘n slet te wees…?). ‘n Vraag bly in my kop vassteek: Presies wat is pornografie nou eintlik? Soos die wyer we^reld dit ken, pla dit my nie, aangesien dit jou eie keuse is of jy dit wil sien of nie. Wanneer 'n rolprent aangebied word op so ‘n suikergestrooide manier en voorgee asof dit kuns is, le^ die debat wawyd oop of daar nou wel grafiese seksuele tonele nodig is om as pornografie bestempel te word. Is dit ook pornografie as ‘n rolprent so' gepubliseer word dat die aanloklikheid daarvan berus op sexy meisies wat vol water en sweet is, ronddans en aan pale swaai (soos in ontklee klubs)? Daar is nie veel fout met hierdie aktrises se spelvernuf nie…en daar is nog minder fout met hul asemrowende lywe (wat vroulike kykers ook sal kan waardeer) - daar moet net nie vir my gese^ word dat wat hulle hier as iets artisties voorgee meer is as waarna dit gemik is nie: die manlike libido en sy kontant by die loket.
2 / C
- PB

CRADLE OF FEAR
With Dani Filth, Eileen Daly, Emily Bouffante, Stuart Laing, David McEwen, Louie Brownsell
Directed by Alex Chandon
Shot on video, this entertaining gory UK made shocker splices several chapters of death and destruction together around the incarcerated evil madman Kemper. Via his servant The Man (played by Cradle Of Filth vocalist Dani Filth), he exacts his revenge on the world outside as the cop who put him away gets closer to the truth. Some special FX are quite cool while other digital bits seem a bit out of place. Each chapter combining to feature length can be a standalone short. Features music by Cradle Of Filth, Rugged Vinyl, The Dark Poets and Slacker.
This is the 2-hour gorefest version and includes a short behind the scenes look.
4 / B
- PB

CRADLE WILL ROCK
With Hank Azaria, John Cusack, Vanessa Redgrave, Susan Sarandon, Cary Elwes, Joan Cusack, John Tuturro, Emily Watson, Bill Murray, Angus McFadyan, Philip Baker Hall, Ruben Blades, Cherry Jones
Directed by Tim Robbins
Highly textured, layered and ambitious comedy/social comment by the talented Robbins. Set during the depression era in America, he weaves several issues, actual events and figures of the time into the main driving force being the Federal Theatre Project. Some of the issues are poverty, socialism & communism, paranoia, union regulations, patriotism, artistic integrity, -conscience and - and naïve eyes in view of it all. Some of the figures include Orson Welles & John Houseman, Norman Rockefeller & Margherita Sarfatti. The Federal Theatre Project was established to give the population affordable entertainment in those hard times. But the politics involved made this hard like it did with Welles and Houseman’s staging of Mark Blitztein’s controversial musical Cradle Will Rock.
4 / C
- PB

THE CRANBERRIES - Stars
I always found this Irish group an acquired pop taste - mainly because of the distinct vocal sound of leading lady Dolores, those throaty yodel motifs either one you can tolerate, or which grates at the bottom of your skull when they materialize. On this DVD / 2 CD collection you get a whopping 32 tracks and 17 videos. Linger and Zombie are obviously two of the first additions on the CDs, not to forget Analyze and Salvation. Others chosen are that of Free To Decide, Them, Such A Shame, Baby Blues, I Don't Need, Animal Instinct, You & Me, Ode To My Family, Ridiculous Thoughts, Promises and Stars. The DVD includes clips to Linger, Zombie, Ode To My Family, I Can't Be With You, Ridiculous Thoughts, Salvation, Free To Decide, Promises, Animal Instinct, Just My Imagination, Analyze and more.
Extra features like additional live performance clips as well as alternate videos are great if you're a fan, but no big deal if you're not.
3 / B
- PB

CRASH
With James Spader, Deborah Unger, Elias Koteas, Holly Hunter, Rosanna Arquette
Directed by David Cronenberg
Causing a huge uproar with this sexually perverse but intensely spellbinding picture, most people missed the point. Some people just can’t seem to accept the fact that some people are sexually aroused by the strangest of inanimate objects. In this case it is the motor vehicle and especially the orgasmic arousal of an auto accident. We’re all exhilarated when driving past a car wreck or get adrenaline rushes when witnessing a smash at a car race (in fact that’s the sole reason many of us watch it). Spader and Unger is the sexually adventurous couple who cross paths with Koteas, awakening them to an auto erotic fetishism they never knew was possible. Dark, sensual and deliciously perverse, this could shock more than just a few viewers - more adventurous ones and those who know Cronenberg well will feel it’s a masterpiece. Unger is the hottest actress since Patricia Arquette. A daring film with an amazing cast and deliciously perverse subject matter.
6 / A
- PP
…the 2nd opinion…
CRASH
With James Spader, Deborah Kara Unger, Holly Hunter, Elias Koteas, Rosanna Arquette
Directed by David Cronenberg
Having proven that he can turn apparent unfilmable books into cinematic brilliance (as with Naked Lunch), Cronenberg tackled the auto-erotic world of J.G. Ballard's Crash where a cluster of outsiders sexually obsessed with auto accidents and its effect, intersect to charge off on a collision course of S&M fuelled arousal via twisted metal and booming engines. This interesting fetishistic trip of sexual exploration has a couple at its core whose open relationship and sexual exploits fuel their desire. After a serious car crash a dominating figure enters the fray and with his cohorts drag them into a seedy, lustful world of automotive arousal. A crazy notion, but so well handled with some smouldering scenes (especially involving the uber-hot Unger). As usual, prudes were up in arms over this titillating, dark film on its release.
6 / A
- PB

CRASH IMPACT Volumes 1, 2 and 3
This series treads the same ground as the above mentioned and covers everything on wheels losing its traction, going belly-up, rolling, spinning, twirling, exploding or disintegrating. Man and machine coming to a violent halt. Lovely. The soundtrack was executed by the liks of earky Kiss producer, Bob Kulick.
4 / B
- PB

THE CRIMSON RIVERS (Les Rivières Pourpres)
With Jean Reno, Vincent Cassel, Nadia Fares
Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz
Man, this is like a totally different movie experience on DVD than video! For one, it isn't dubbed - even the best translated and read overdubbed soundtrack remains flawed - and this one's English version was far from superior. The actors' expression and tone in their mother tongue is far more convincing in the actual moment. Without their real voices, their performances can fall flat, and the actors in this piece, especially Cassel (Dobermann) and Reno (Big Blue) outdo themselves. If you're a slow reader and think you may have missed something - hey, it's DVD, rewind or watch it again! This special 2 disc edition contains the film - dealing with a serial killer investigator and tough cop whose seemingly separate investigations lead to a gruesome and awesome discovery in a snowy mountain village dominated by a university, its professors and students priding themselves in its tradition and excellence. The clues, grisly discoveries and leads all take you on an amazing investigative journey, puzzling together a crazy scenario. The documentary on the second disc with contributions from cast and crew, plus a host of featurettes ranging from special FX to storyboarding pulls you even deeper into the tale, exposing things you may have missed, enlightening and expanding the film's scope where you would've otherwise missed it. A multi-angle featurette places you in charge of the shot selection. The piece on the making of the opening absolutely realistic first corpse is absolutely jaw-dropping. Cast & crew filmographies, the marketing campaign and trailers can also be accessed. There is a director and cast commentary track (subtitled for us French illiterates) highlighting many interesting facts, while the soundtrack can also be isolated with commentary by the composer of the amazing score. Even the inlay contains a printed interview with director Kassovitz.
After you absorbed all of the DVD features you'll feel that there's a far better understanding of the entire process and passion behind the project with all of its hitches, pros, cons and various takes on the material by the individuals involved - something which would've been lost had you only experienced the dubbed video version which is anyway cropped to pan & scan instead of the originally intended sumptuous widescreen format always neglected on the video releases. If you have to, you can pick an English soundtrack, or Spanish if you so choose, while there are about two dozen different languages to pick from if you prefer the original soundtrack with subtitles.
4 / B
- PB

CROCODILE DUNDEE IN LOS ANGELES
With Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski
Directed by Simon Wincer
It would’ve been foolish for Hogan not to cash in on the Aussie hype (what with the Olympics & all). Returning as the loveable, witty & bushwise croc hunter, Hogan & his gal (Kozlowski from the previous 2 Dundee flicks) has a 10 year old son. She gets a job offer at a newspaper in LA and they move there temporarily. The “fish out of water” premise still gets milked dry as Dundee fits in well, but with so many misunderstandings it isn’t funny - no, really, it isn’t. Some lame gaga, jokes & jabs at the film industry make up most of the funnies. A low budget film company was under investigation by the the previous newspaper editor (who came to a sticky end). With her scruffy boyfriend’s help, the company’s underhanded ploty gets uncovered. Animal fans will enjoy their cute antics, including pitbull Mike Tyson in a cameo, while our lead beast, Hogan, is actually looking alright for his age - pretty fit, but leathery. Kozlowski looks like a heavier set cross between Sharon Stone and Deborah Unger. The original, real life Crocodile Dundee actually died a year or two back in a shoot-out with Australian cops!
3 / C
- PB

CRONOS
With Federico Luppi, Ron Perlman, Tamara Shanath, Claudio Brook
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro
Jesus is an elderly antique dealer. In an old sculpture he discovers a clockwork device constructed by a 16th Century alchemist seeking eternal life. The ailing Dieter has been seeking this instrument with a vengeance, and orders his nephew Angel to find it at any cost. Jesus is drawn to this golden device (which houses a bug-like scarab creature). It is wound like a clock, then attaches itself to your hand, pierces the skin, drinks and filters your blood. This has a youthful effect on the participant, but obviously comes at a blood-lusting price that can ruin the lives of both Jesus and his granddaughter. Angel is adamant to get this ornate trinket and will stop at nothing, not even killing. Perlman and Luppi are great. Try to see the Spanish version, not the English dub. Winning several awards, this amazing take on the vampire tale was del Torro's debut, and what an amazing one at that.
6 / B
- PB

CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON
With Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen
Directed by Ang Lee
Finally two Hong Kong stars get artistic recognition. John Woo favourite Chow Yun-Fat plays a Chinese warrior whom lays down his sword and life of battle by presenting it to his master as a gift. This extremely powerful sword disappears and the momentum starts to roll. Old rivalries come to the surface as the mission to thwart the cunning thief escalates into awe-inspiring scenes of magical chases along moonlit rooftops. This classic tale gets adapted in a mystical, highly artistic fashion transcending naturalism. With beautiful music by Tan Dun (featuring cello by Yo-Yo Ma), fabulous costumes and gravity-defying choreography (by Yuen Wo Ping)all enhancing the amazing story, this film is an all out arthouse smash as well as Kung-Fu masterpiece. The original Mandarin with English subtitles is the preferred choice, but for those who don't mind dubbing will be satisfied (don't worry, this isn't as bad as the Kung-Fu cheapies). DVD extra features include photo galleries, featurettes, documentaries and a director & producer commentary track. Click here for a review of the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon soundtrack
5 / A
- PB

CRUEL INTENTIONS
With Sarah Michele Geller, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon
Directed by Roger Kumble
A step brother and sister, nasty little rich kids, make a wager. He has to seduce a specific, innocent girl. If he does he can have his step sister, any whichever way he pleases, and if he loses, she gets his classic convertible. An interesting look at sexual corruption in the young, rich & beautiful, based on the classic Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos.
3 / B
- PB

CRY-BABY
With Johnny Depp, Amy Locane, Ricki Lake, Traci Lords, Iggy Pop, Troy Donahue, Joey Heatherton
Directed by John Waters
Drapes and Squares are locking horns. Even more so when the leader of the hip leather jacket wearing clan falls for the one of the prominent square girls. Amazing rock n’ roll musical loaded with tasty clichés, cool song & dance routines and a cute love story to boot. Marvellous cameo turns by Joe Dallesandro, Willem Dafoe and Patty Hearst. At first glance it seems dumb, but it’s wonderful.
5 / A
- PB

CRYING FREEMAN
With Mark Dacascos, Julie Condra
Directed by Christophe Gans
An exciting, hard-hitting actioner bringing life to a comic strip hero who is doomed to be an assassin against his will (shedding a tear each time he has to take a life).
4 / B
- PB

CUJO
With Dee Wallace, Danny Pintauro, Daniel Hugh-Kelly, Christopher Stone
Directed by Lewis Teague
Stephen King's book of a rabid St. Bernard focuses the terror in one location after some exposition and character building. A woman (whose husband is having an affair) heads out to a smallholding with her son, where a mechanic has to look at their car. The place is deserted and the family dog has been bitten by a rabid animal. His deterioration and mental anguish is painful to behold, especially for animal lovers. Trapped in their car the dog terrorizes the woman and child as a heat wave adds further torture. A tense survival thriller and realistic horror scenario, especially effective if you have a fear of dogs, or have paranoia of your offspring being harmed.
4 / B
- PB

CULTURE CLUB - Greatest Hits
In the late '70s / early '80s many musical styles and various unique fashion senses of bands grew with their sound (or even before they decided to start playing), like the Sex Pistols, Adam & The Ants, Dead Or Alive and of course Culture Club. While some of the George O'Dowd (aka Boy George) female angle was often embarrassingly over the top (sometimes looking like an Evita Bezuidenhoudt faux pas), this was an instantly recognizable trademark of the group, him pulling it off best (when other members went for the elaborate look it was sometimes never less than embarrassing). The feminine pop flavour of these four boys had these strange Jamaican / reggae / dub / SKA passages which was hardly UB40 or Madness UK style pop influenced by bands from that region. It was a whole new thing with a very wide appeal (unless a macho fan actually found out the cute girl singer was a bloke!). This disc is packed with all their videos, including their first hit Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? (so brilliantly resurrected the '80s flavoured Wedding Singer movie), Time, I'll Tumble For Ya, It's A Miracle, The War Song, the timeless Karma Chameleon, Mistake No. 3, Love Is Love, Move Away, God Thank You Woman, the moving Victims, Your Kisses Are Charity and Cold Shoulder. The videos are total '80s, some hilariously crap, others opulently over the top and colourful. The disc also includes the full 13 song live show A Kiss Across The Ocean, recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon in December '83 (very close to the time the demonic Venom's show was shot there - the contrast does not get any deeper than that!). The sight of thousands of girls dressed up as George is both amazing and ludicrous at the same time. Bonus footage includes a VH1 Greatest Moments 'Then & Now' interview taken around their 1998 reunion tour, plus a PC DVD-Rom segment with discography, weblinks, screensaver and wallpapers. Sentimental fans might be shocked by a recording outtake used as audio on the menu with George using his best sailor language!
3 / B
- PB

THE CURE - Greatest Hits
With eccentric frontman Robert Smith leading the way, these Alternative stalwarts have recorded some truly amazing songs and found an audience amoung Indie as well as Goth fans since 1979(!). Their strange melange of dementia, beauty and tackiness amid an alternative rock core is further expanded by their unique character, the videos accompanying the songs also reflecting a distinct quality true to them. This is mainly due to the fact that Tim Pope directed most of them. The predominantly distinct low budget looks glazing all the videos is enhanced by the bleak look and harsh, flat lighting with a spaced out angst inherent in the themes, even in their lighter, more up beat numbers. Whether it's songs from their fresh faced youth to their current puffy state, the videos include a bunch of unforgettables like the classic Boys Don't Cry, the classic Alternative sound of A Forest, the cheezy Let's Go To Bed, silly Love Cats, the creepy Lullaby, the theatric Friday I'm In Love, the moving Close To You or the loony costumed Why Can't I Be You? Songs like The Walk, Lovesong, Never Enough, Inbetween Days, Wrong Number and Cut Here add up to the 18 videos on this DVD. Bonus features include weblinks with hidden songs and an unplugged session of 6 tunes incl. versions of A Forest, Lullaby & Just Say Yes, also serving as a timeline to see how Smith has aged - his voice and their abilities on the other hand still firmly in tact. Still relevant living legends, The Cure continue to play live (mid-2002) and don't be surprised if they still release many more albums in the future.
5 / A
- PB

CURSED
With Christina Ricci, Joshua Jackson, Jesse Eisenberg, Shannon Elizabeth, Mya
Directed by Wes Craven
Written (and re-written) by Kevin Williamson, the producers of this disappointment thought the pairing of the scribe with Craven (as in the case of the cheesy but successful Scream series) would pay off in spades. Instead of breathing new life into the werewolf genre, this snoozer deals a bit of a blow by making it seem like a bigger budgeted, more drawn out episode of Buffy (also starring one of the Dawson's Creek clan). A brother and sister get nicked by a beast and slowly become affected by a werewolf-like affliction, affecting their already not-so-perfect worlds. American Werewolf In London beast creator Rick Baker is credited for designing the wolfman/woman look, but with the postponed production and re-shooting he left the project. On top of this the overused digitally created imagery not only distances the viewer from the story and action, but is absolutely unconvincing. Those who grew up with CGI will probably feel differently to us old-school FX purists, but Baker's physical transformation FX in American Werewolf is still incredible and far more believable than the new techniques. Ricci is cute, but it is not enough. As referred to earlier, if this was a TV episode it would be far more enjoyable. Complete with cheap scares, this is not what we expected from the man who gave us Hills Have Eyes and Nightmare On Elm Street, but is still a damn site more watchable than yet another lame assed comedy with cheap laughs (although some really crappy humour gets injected by Craven writing colleague Williamson).
2 / C
- PB

CYBORG RAGE
With - doesn’t matter
Directed by - who cares?
Poopers come in all shapes & sizes, but when it's a post-Terminator low budget rip, it floats way above the rest.
1 / C
- PB