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

KARDIO WARRIOR
Ex-Gladiator (South Africa) and world karate champ Ravi Moodley's Tae-Bo styled fitness series include a range of exercise levels from an Instructional DVD, to one laying down the Basics and then the Advanced disc. A forth disc incorporates the exercise techniques and newly built strength and agility in a Personal Protection DVD. The latter can be combined in conjunction with the energetic workouts, powering up your body and empowering yourself to avoid becoming a victim. A highly effective and practical tool for a country like ours where you want to look and feel good, and not be a victim.
5 / A
- PB

KAISER CHIEFS - Enjoyment
Released before their Brit Awards triumph, this group (cut from the Franz Ferdinand cloth) seemed to come from out of nowhere with their cocky (but accomplished) pop-rock sense. Smugly arrated by the great Bill Nighy this unconventional documentary movie (with a solid slice of humour) is set up like an old-school info piece, with the various visited locations getting old stock footage with the bullshit voice-over to set the scene. There are also fake interviews with the band - as kids, currently and in the future as old men. The music videos and live footage included on the DVD cover Oh My God, Every Day I Love You Less And Less, I Predict A Riot, and Modern Way. Live footage was recorded at the Cockpit in Leeds (UK) and The Fillmore, San Francisco (USA). The Glastonbury- and V2005 festivals also get coverage. A fun movie that moves beyond the obvious format and conceited self-importance, as it introduces a new band on the verge of making it real big.
4 / B
- PB

KAREN ZOID - In Die Staatsteater
Shot for the kykNET series of prominent Afrikaans artists live on stage, Karen Zoid's is one of the better ones. Others have included Valiant Swart and Anton Goosen. It seems a bit like that MTV Unplugged mood was gunned for and succeeds to a certain extent, the only jarring elements being the audience who don't seem to know how to react in parts and what role they play, and the editing that could've been slicker. The DVD opens with the limo ride to the venue. Karen and her band then gives the crowd 16 live songs ranging from Ons Soek Rock & Roll, Yuppie Scum, Katriena and Oh My Love to Suburbs, Afrikaners Is Plesierig, Danville Diva, Engel and Vleesbaai. A bonus video of her first big hit Afrikaners Is Plesierig is included as well as text pages about the series.
4 / B
- PB

KEANE - Strangers
This Coldplay / Travis style pop-rock trio from the UK with a strong piano emphasis create some really great songs. The double disc includes a two-part documentary plus live performances and music videos. It documents their peak with band member interviews and footage on the road across NY, Chicago, London, Glasgow, and Birmingham. There are comments on songs, and making of videos. The DVD has a cool menu function with additional material accessible as you're watching. Live songs include: Sunshine, Somewhere Only We Know (+ video), Can't Stop Now, She Has No Time, Your Eyes Open, This Is The Last Time (+ video & making of), Allemande, Snowed Under, Bedshaped (+ video & making of), We Might As Well Be Strangers (+ acoustic version), Bend And Break, On A Day Like Today, Everybody's Changing (+ UK & US video versions), Hamburg Song, To The End Of The Earth (& backstage at the Brixton Academy). You can also browse through the Photo Gallery and view the concert visuals. A talented band easily set apart from the mediocre acts forced onto the public.
5 / B
- PB

KEITH URBAN - Livin' Right Now
One of the better-looking country singers out there at the moment, this Aussie muso can actually play guitar real well, actually walking the walk. The almost 20 live songs performed here at the Wiltern Theatre in LA (to a mostly female audience) include his songs These Are The Days, You Won, Days Go By, Blacktop, Grace Of God, You'll Think Of Me, She's Gotta Be, Somebody Like You, Tonight I Wanna Cry and covers like Jeans On and (Tom Petty's) Free Fallin'. You also get three soundcheck tunes (You're Not Alone Tonight, Don't Shut Me Out, Homespun Love), a Photo Gallery, extra soundcheck footage, a bonus audio track: Most People I Know (Think That I'm Crazy). There's also info on Keith's on-line community, Monkeyville. Directed by Jim Gable.
3 / B
- PB

KEN PARK
With James Ransone, Tiffany Limos, Stephen Jasso, James Bullard, Amanda Plummer
Directed by Larry Cark & Edward Lachman
Clark, who brought us such vivid looks at American youth in decay with Kids and Bully may well tread the same mud over and over, but if he doesn't, who will? After all, parents would hate to think that their teens get up to these kind of extremes. Touted as a groundbreaking shocker, Ken Park was written by Clark's Kids collaborator Harmony Korine. The realistic sexuality and extremely explicit nudity will certainly shock anyone who hasn't been in such a situation or never seen a porno. Erections and ejaculation will shock viewers not prepared for it. Where his other films usually focus on the kids with relative parental absence, here there is a direct relationship - and don't expect a stable one. In this particular group of friends one boy has a sexual relationship with his girlfriend's mom. Another's dad is a macho beer guzzler who despises his sensitive son. Another particularly twisted boy lives with his caring grand parents, but his disrespectful extremes lead to a mind-blowing conclusion. The only girl of the bunch's father is an ultra religious nut who carries the death of his wife like a load of bricks. Then there is the character from who the film gets its title. A daring piece of cinema with some very convincing performances by these young unknowns
5 / B
- PB

KERRANG! - The DVD
With the legendary UK weekly rock magazine branching into the TV realm (on the SKY network, I believe), there is a refuge for those who feel they've been cheated by MTV (not giving enough attention to their extreme rock tastes), and VH1's Friday Rocks (being too repetitive). This DVD includes uncut videos to twenty of the most requested songs. It kicks off with the inimitable Liam Lynch and his low budget smash, United States Of Whatever. Slipknot drummer Joey and his horror-freak band Murderdolls follow with gusto (not to forget his main band also getting a vivid clip towards the latter part of the disc). Ex-Black Metallers Satyricon punches in with a groovy riff (that unfortunately goes off on a lame tangent) - but the nudity, python and blood may be enough for some fans. Marilyn Manson's classic, The Beautiful People is one of the highlights. The high-school-skate-suburb-boy-punk-bands like Blink-182, Sum 41, New Found Glory and Bowling For Soup are obviously a part of the game. Bloodhound Gang's hit, The Bad Touch gets featured, as does Cradle Of Filth. Wheatus, The Hives, Stereophonics, Spineshank and Incubus as well. Odd man out is Eminem & D12 - (there 'aint no guitars in there, man!) - but hey, it's most requested, so deal with it. Some of the less impressive acts are INME, Alkaline Trio and Elviss. Extra features include a look at the Kerrang! Awards, backstage and on (with Garbage and Hundred Reasons live clips), many a rock star chatting about this & that (from Bruce Dickinson and Casey Chaos to Dave Grohl). Expect some rowdy drunken behaviour as well, particularly from raging Speedhorn. The picture gallery is pretty much non-existent (the film probably getting exposed in a booze haze). This is quite amazing, as I remember the fortune my brother and I forked over in Ragtime Records (Cape Town) in the mid-late '80s for the very first Kerrang! Video Kompilation featuring Iron Maiden, Warrior and Motörhead - and here I am, watching the new generation of rockers on the first Kerrang! DVD, almost 20 years later!
5 / A
- PB

KICKING & SCREAMING
With Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Kate Walsh, Mike Ditka
Directed by Jesse Dylan
Nutter Ferrell plays Phil, a chill guy whose competitive sports-mad dad Buck (Duvall) never saw his son as much of a man. When he and his wife has a boy, so does his dad with his new young wife (making his dad's baby his uncle). Several years later Phil's boy's soccer team loses their coach, and our hapless sportless dad steps up. Slowly he becomes fanatical, intent on beating the opposing winning team coached by his dad. He becomes a coffee addict and gets pointers from American football coach hero Mike Ditka (who is also Buck's rival neighbour). They end up recruiting two Italian kids with crazy soccer skills to further stick it to Buck as the team starts kicking ass. While this is a kid's movie in essence, adults will enjoy Ferrell's classic moronity, although it's not in overdrive. Entertainment of the lightest kind. Music is by prestigious composer Mark Isham.
Extra material includes Soccer Camp, a Making Of Featurette, Deleted- and Alternate Scenes, Bloopers and a look at the casting of the Italian soccer kids.
3 / C
- PB

THE KID
With Bruce Willis, Spencer Breslin, Emily Mortimer, Lilly Tomlin
Directed by Jon Turtletaub
Seeing Willis’s smirking king size mug on the poster is enough to make me groan and refuse to watch this Disney offering. What a pleasant surprise. Brucey plays a stuck up image consultant who has a very odd experience. He’s heading for a significant time in his life (crossing into a new age bracket) and he is generally not a happy person. What turns it all around is the appearance of a young kid. The kid is in fact him at age 8! Together they must try and get him back to his time, find the purpose of it all and sort his present life out. It’s well executed, the young kid very good, Willis’s cute assistant (and possible love interest), well, cute (and British). Tomlin’s screen time is limited, but each appearance is wonderful. The journey the two take and the ultimate transitional realization takes a fun (and sometimes sad) route as we start to see the humanity inside the grumpy old fart…
4 / B
- PB

KILL BILL Vol. 1
With Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Darryl Hannah, David Carradine, Michael Madsen
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
He of the crescent mooned face, caffeine fuelled speech and cinematically passionate soul returns with a vengeance - literally.
With several years passing since Tarantino's third feature Jackie Brown, fans can be glad to know that this two-part extravaganza of retribution and dark humour will be hard pressed to disappoint. The impetus for the story came from Umo and Quentin..Thurman plays the angel of death to members of her old assassination squad who double-crossed her after her retirement from the business, wiping out her entire wedding reception (including her unborn child). But, the bride awakens from her coma years later with one thing on her mind - getting even. One by one her ex-team members get picked off in spectacular and creatively violent ways. To a lesser extent than Pulp Fiction, he toys with the conventions of linear narrative structure, jumping around the various main scenes of Thurman's exacting revenge. Tarantino pays homage to a range of his favourite genres, especially those from the East (also including a slice of vicious Japanese Anime). Merciless but bitingly humourous at the same time, Kill Bill Vol.1 has that Tarantino flavour, but not as dialogue intensive as before. It's a blast, making it the most assertive chick-flick in years. Lacking the focused minimalist intensity of Reservoir Dogs and the dialogue rich splendour of Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Vol.1 does contain his streak, but on a larger scale with a visually broad canvas of great shots adding up to great scenes, whether it is the composition, action construction, narrative style or moody tone - the musical choice again an integral part. Kill Bill Vol.1 is brutal fun.
5 / A
- PB

KILL BILL Vol. 2
With Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Daryll Hannah, Michael Madsen
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
With part one setting up the whole scenario, the second installment continues the bride's rampage of vengeance, leading to the showdown suggested in the title. The first film had more of a fantasy element, flying in all sorts of entertaining directions. Here the focus is on our heroine getting closer to reaching her goal. The music is not as varied and the action selective, yet still vigorous. Many scenes are protracted, reflecting Tarantino's love of Sergio Leone and Mario Bava flicks. He also knows he has free reign and the luxury to get his rocks off with this one. On its own, Vol.2 is not as satisfying as the first, but the ideal way to watch it is both in one go (with an intermission of course!).
4 / B
- PB

KIM POSSIBLE: A Stitch In Time
Amid all the big budget animated movies (traditional and digital), you've got to have your cheaper fillers to act as buffers between the blockbusters. This Disney offering is a TV quality one-hour flick about our heroine Kim, a schoolgirl and cheerleader hopeful who just happens to be the leader of a high tech super secret commando squad out to save the world from evil. With time travel, action, adventure and your general high school problems, this could be a fun inbetweener for the kids till the next big flick.
2 / C
- PB

KING ARTHUR
With Clive Owen, Stephen Dillane, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd, Stellan Skarsgard, Til Schweiger
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Loosely based on the historic characters from which the legend of King Arthur and his round table knights sprouted, Fuqua constructs an exciting, often gritty adventure of honour, loyalty and courage. Apparently the Romans went around their conquered territories, claiming all the healthy sons to fight for them. The tale is spun around a final mission Arthur and his knights have to fulfill in order to gain their liberty. Obviously this will come at a price. With ruthless Vikings advancing on the British Isles, Arthur and his half-dozen strong gang including Lancelot and Galahad have to collect a Roman emissary and his family in the path of the advancing army. Whilst loyal to the Romans, admiring their advances, Arthur comes to realize their corruption and oppression. Guinevere is portrayed as a warrior from a native rebel tribe opposing the Romans, handy with a bow & arrow and joins the group, leading up to the final battle. Well-paced, and save for a few lame one-liners, King Arthur is an agreeable Jerry Bruckheimer production, but a far cry from John Boorman's incredible Excalibur. true fans can seek out the Director's Cut.
4 / B
- PB

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
With Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson, Liam Neeson
Directed by Ridley Scott
Since Lord Of The Rings it seems hard to get a sword out of Orlando Bloom's hand. In this religiously driven historically based Crusade tale he plays the role of Balian, a Frenchman whose life is torn to shreds in two ways. His wife is refused a Christian burial because she committed suicide, and his long lost father, a high ranking Crusader arrives to invite him along on his journey to the Middle East. At first he refuses, but when he kills a man out of rage, he goes on the run and joins up with his father, the law on their tail. They head for Jerusalem, where headstrong and logical leaders uphold the peace between Muslim and Christian. But men with a lust for power are adamant to break this peace and lay waste with a bloody war. All of the emotional levels get utilized while neither one of the religious factions get demonized as such, rather individuals without conscience, filled with greed, giving this epic some opportunity for mass carnage. Balian gets to learn who he is and realizes the essence of man from both its good and evil sides as he has to muster his courage and decides what is the right thing to do. This part of the world has always been a contentious religious piece of land, and the question remains whether it will ever see peace.
4 / B
- PB

KING KONG
With Adrien Brody, Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Andy Serkis
Directed by Peter Jackson
The classic original 1933 King Kong and its very '70s remake had to rely on innovative animation, photographic and make-up effects to bring the giant ape to life. It was inevitable that another version in our digital age would see the light. And it took the man who made the Lord Of The Rings trilogy to do it. An ambitious and ruthless film director of the silent movie era cons his cast and crew into traveling to an uncharted island to shoot his latest epic. What they find is a pre-historic, primitive and vicious place where oversized beasts rule. The tribe living separate from the dangerous forest kills and captures some of the Westerners who are way out of their depth, including the leading lady. She is offered to Kong, an enormous gorilla. Her traumatic snatching results in her attempting to escape, which amuses the ape and he becomes protective of her. The rest of the crew (including the romantic interest) head out to save her. Naomi Watts does a fine job previously filled by Fay Wray and Jessica Lange, but where the digital technology makes a lot possible, it also inadvertently turn others unbelievable and fake. Giant insects, dinosaurs and other predators make for one hell of a survival trip and some exciting moments. True animal lovers will hate the thought of Kong being captured and brought to New York as an exhibit spectacle, and falling to his death from the Empire State building after a rampaging escape. But the emotion of it is relayed very effectively. Sure, the message that people are beyond stupid when it comes to marvels of nature is apparent - as I write this, tigers have become an endangered specie and whaling has again been legalized… Stupid? It's beyond that. If people are capable of blowing the shit out of other random human beings in the name of religion, what the hell's an animal? Kong's physical and facial motion capture was performed by Andy Serkis who played Gollum in Lord Of The Rings.
PS. Jackson reportedly said that the original King Kong is what made him want to become a filmmaker - what a dream come true.
4 / B
- PB

KISS - Extreme Close-Up With Kiss
With Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Bruce Kulick
This is one of the most in-depth documentaries on the most elaborate, extravagant, confident and cool bands in the world. This is before they regrouped with the old line-up, up until the album Revenge. With Gene and Paul shedding light on how they got started, past members and all sorts of interesting facts, this is essential viewing for anyone who ever showed any interest in the phenomenon known as Kiss. Great archive footage and loads of unknown bits and pieces will result in numerous viewings of this tape. From loft band Wicked Lester to a global industry (and still being cool, producing good music in the process), Kiss have become an entity that should overtake the stature of big burger franchises. Reason? What they produce is non-fat, lasts forever and is not covered with artificial garnish; it’s a lifestyle and an attitude that has become undeniable.
6 / A
- PB

KISS - The Second Coming
This extraordinary DVD covers the story on how "the hottest band in the world" reunited their original line-up of the 70s in the 90s to explode onto a world tour of eyelash singeing proportions, complete with the make-up back on and the stage production reaching new highs. Rare footage, new clips, backstage scenarios, planning, rehearsing, interviews and a truckload more make this more than just a fan's must-have. With the unforgettable and amazing rock & roll songs that still kick ass combined with the spectacle of the show & performance which made them great and infamous, this is one fantastic documentary treat - both informative and above all, entertaining.
6 / A
- PB

KISS - Unplugged
With Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Bruce Kulick, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss
With all the commendable MTV Unplugged sessions, this one stands out head above shoulders for various reasons. One being that their songs are so good in its original form, but in acoustic mode seems, better, but more so because you get the raw essence of the song and it penetrates completely. Even if you’ve never heard their music before or can’t stomach it, this will change your mind. The Gene Simmons/Paul Stanley writing team is to my mind more relevant than The Beatles…well for my generation, anyway. With old costumes behind the stage and a reunion with original drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley for a few songs, it kick started their re-domination of the world with the return to their make-up and king-size shows, a new album together and being bigger than ever. Kiss is larger than life and it’s scary to think where it can go from there.
5 / A
- PB

KISSING JESSICA STEIN
With Jennifer Westfeldt, Heather Juergensen, Ben Weber, Kevin Sussman
Directed by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld
With the Sex & The City atmosphere heavy in the air (still), this film could well have been an episode (or two) from this acclaimed (and oft annoying) HBO TV series. Jessica Stein is your average neurotic New York Jewish Princess who can't seem to find a man. This can be contributed to factors personal and otherwise. At the same time Helen Cooper has multiple sex partners, still finding little fulfillment. With the encouragement of one of her gay-couple friends, she decides to try women for a change. Inevitably the paths of Jessica and Helen cross (via a singles ad!) and slowly but surely their relationship geared up for a new sexual enlightenment becomes more than an experimental game. In the process they get to learn more about love, life, relationships and themselves. The two women click tremendously well and it transcends sex - up to a point. Many sub-characters add to the main narrative with small but significant contributions leading to the (sometimes inevitable) conclusion. Over the years Jessica lost sight of her true passion (painting) and the inability to find a man (sometimes looking too far away), together with her upbringing make up the current Jessica - the one she needs to rediscover and readjust from its mindset. Jessica's pregnant colleague is a hoot while the mother-daughter chat on the porch is an incredibly moving scene. Filled with fun, love and hope, this film doesn't try to exploit its easily corrupted subject matter and deals with modern relationships, romance and love in a very moving and absorbing way. The comedy slant is very natural and far from over the top; and if you expected some hardcore lesbian action, you'd best head down to your nearest adult store.
4 / C
- PB

KISS OR KILL
With Frances O'Connor, Matt Day
Directed by Bill Bennett
This winner of 5 Australian Film Institute prizes is your classic sexually charged hell raising Boy & girl road movie. Being an Aussie product, the Outback holds a certain charm, no matter what the subject (as proven with classics like Picnic at Hanging Rock & Mad Max). In this little love story we have a couple on the run after one of the con jobs they pull on asshole businessmen backfires. In the process they obtain an incriminating kiddie-porn video involving an ex-footy hero, Zipper Doyle. Hitting the road to Perth, with the cops and Zipper after them, a couple of corpses are left in their wake as we're left guessing who it might be. Besides the clichéd' opening shot of a close-up cigarette being lit (complete with the crackling of burning tobacco, ugh!), one of the more interesting aspects is the absence of a musical soundtrack. This enhances the realism a tad as our protagonists rush down the dusty road. Plenty of hand-held shots also contribute to this aspect. Don't expect a Natural Born Killers, but rather a slower paced, less bloody version, which is less glossy & glorified, but none the less brooding.
4 / C
- PB

A KNIGHT'S TALE
With Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell
Directed by Brian Helgeland
Not since the sweeping Excalibur had there been a truly amazing medieval tale of knights, armour, honour, myth and magic. Well, even though A Knight's Tale is fun, it hardly comes close to the John Boorman classic. A young man of peasant birth decides to follow his dream to become a knight and jousting champion. Participants need to be of noble birth, but that won't stop William. With his two comedic sidekicks and a young mouthy Geoffrey Chaucer, he infiltrates the noble realm to become quite a contender (not without pre-success trials and tribulations, of course). It wouldn't be a tale unless the romantic interest is thrown in together with a villainous presence to test our hero from all sides. The hard to get girlie is not as hot as William thinks (skinny raver girl), nor his chief adversary too threatening (Sewell in usual camp bad guy temperament). The in between keeps the film afloat, Chaucer and the jousting action being the highlights amid the rock music soundtrack and modernized sports correlation on many levels. Finding the balance between proving his love and to triumph as world jousting champion without his truth being told dumps Will in a conflicting struggle between his feelings, determination and roots. A Knight's Tale turns out being an enjoyably silly romantic-action-comedy bash that could've been whittled down somewhat in the time department, but is fun nonetheless.
4 / B
- PB

KNOCKAROUND GUYS
With Gary Pepper, Vin Diesel, John Malkovich, Dennis Hopper, Seth Green, Tom Noonan
Directed by Brian Koppelman & David Levien
At first touted by everyone as an inferior shelved project resurrected after Vin Diesel's rocket to stardom, it in fact turns out to be not half bad. Pepper is the son of a mob boss played by a predictable but relaxed Hopper. His inability to get a legitimate sports agent job (due to his father's reputation) finally starts to piss him off. He does what his father has been trying to avoid - work for the old man. With his uncle always hovering by (Malkovich), the boy gets a shot to transport a large sum of money. When circumstances result in the bag of cash disappearing en route in a middle-of-nowhere town with a gung-ho sheriff (Noonan), our boy and his crew have to get down there to track it down, time running out. A fair balance of tension, machismo and humour result in quite an enjoyable hour & some to pass the time.
3 / C
- PB

K-PAX
With Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormack, Alfre Woodard
Directed by Iain Softley
When a psychiatrist is brought in to analyze a new patient, his sense of reasonable doubt and intrigue with this character slowly start to blur with his set beliefs, experience and pedantic knowledge. The man claims to be from the planet K-Pax, merely visiting earth as an observer. From the outset his behaviour seems odd, but his response to tests and phenomenal knowledge makes them wonder since nothing indicates mental disturbance. Besides the relationship between these two men, in many ways K-Pax plays a lot like One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest where a new patient comes into the set realm of various disturbed human beings and changing in them what very few psychologists or medication can. A couple of annoying little points, though. I hate it when directors get actors to act unnaturally with "natural" put on traits - like in this case where everyone's licking their thumbs while eating something). Spacey often has this smug look and little jerking head movements which makes you want to slap him instead of sympathize. Just had to get those 2 points off my chest.
4 / B
- PB

KUNG FU HUSTLE
With Kwok Kuen Chan, Stephen Chow, Xiaogang Feng, Dong Zhi Hua
Directed by Stephen Chow
What an absolute blast. It is 1940s Canton China and the Axe Gang rules everything, even the cops. There is a poor section, Pig Sty Alley, where people go about their business, the only pain having to deal with the screaming, smoking landlady. When a wannabe and his fat buddy pose as Axe Gang members, they get their asses kicked and calls in the real gang. They get more than they bargained for as the entire gang army gets annihilated by three retired fighters who retreated to this inconspicuous location to be left alone. This triggers an all out war and professional killers are hired to sort them out. Slowly the story exposes more special gifted fighters who take a stand, and a total twist in the story as our hero emerges. Digital effects are magnificently devised and executed, and blends brilliantly with both the intense action and the hilarious comedy. The audio mood is further enhanced by Raymond Wong's great soundtrack. Even if you're not a martial arts fan, this will blow you away. The bitter-sweet sentiment also works perfectly in this brilliantly crafted picture. And don't let the subtitles bug you, dubbed into English it would've been less of a film. This fantastic cinematic event also features action chreographer by the legendary Yuen Wo Ping (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, The Matrix). Kung Fu Hustle is not to be missed and will make a fantastic double feature with Chow's crazy Shaolin Soccer.
Extras include commentary, deleted scenes, a featurette, an inteview with Stephen Chow, outtakes & bloopers, a photo gallery, TV spots and trailers.
6 / A
- PB

KYLIE MINOGUE - Body Language Live
This live show for Minogue's Body Language album launch at the London Apollo does not offer much more than the usual flamboyant Kylie show. Which includes dancers, multiple costume changes, giant screens etc. The cheesy 80s tunes are kept to a minimum (thus, no Locomotion!). More recent favourites like Can't Get You Out Of My Head and Spinning Around is obviously included in the set. Still Standing, On A Night Like This, After Dark, Slow, Obsession and Love At First Sight also get showcased in creatively different ways, but sometimes feel like stagnant routines. It's hard to believe this is the same venue where Slipknot's Disasterpieces was filmed! This DVD includes a disappointingly short documentary on the show's construction and planning as well as the making of the Slow video. Separate music videos of Slow (by the poolside, with multiple oily bodies), Red Blooded Woman (getting an American angle) and Chocolate (psychedelic, de-saturated retro look & dancing) are also included, as is a photo gallery with some stills from the show and PC Rom segment where you can get wallpapers, screensavers and a weblink. The constantly smiling Kylie is the darling of millions, but sometimes you wonder if her face aches keeping up the act...
3 / C
- PB

KYLIEFEVER 2002 - In Concert : Live In Manchester
One of the Stock, Aitkin & Waterman sole survivors (what ever happened to Rick Astley & Jason Donovan?), Kylie has reinvented herself without really sacrificing too much. Growing up in the spotlight with hits like the Locomotion (a cover version) and I Should Be So Lucky, the Aussie gal seemed like she'd be a one hit wonder. Yet, over a decade later she seems to go from strength to strength. With the assistance of designers (from wardrobe to set & visuals), choreographers, photographers and a range of image sculpting experts, Kylie erupted with this tour on the back of her fever album - yes the one with that song that you can't get outa your head (!). In stead of aging, Ms. Kylie has matured while retaining her youthful bubbly self. Sure, she has quite a nice little body (but not as tasty as that of her sissy…). She doesn't try to go the overboard sex kitten route (too much). The stage design and lighting come together nicely but themes like the Clockwork Orange thing seems misplaced and irrelevant. I was surprised to find her including the hits that made her in the 80s, ie. The Locomotion, Lucky and even Better The Devil You Know, albeit in way different guises. The costumes range from robotic to Moulin Rouge corsets, militant dominatrix look and the aforementioned sorely out of place and unnecessary Clockwork Orange look. The choreography is not your usual thing while the use of several screens enhances the show dramatically. Besides the live band, thank Stock-Aitkin-Waterman Kylie does all her own singing! A ballads portion serve as a chill point netween the flash, but true fans will be glad to know that songs like Fever, Spinning Around, In Your Eyes and Kids (without Robbie - guess it'd cost too much) are all here. Extras include a documentary on the construction of the show and its look, a photo gallery and rear projections. The DVD-Rom option offers extra fanboy goodies to peruse on your PC.
3 / C
- PB