Keith DVD Review

On DVD: March 3rd, 2009

Rated (Canada) PG language may offend

Running time: 95 minutes

Todd Kessler (dir.)

Jesse McCartney as Keith

Elisabeth Harnois as Natalie

Ignacio Serricchio as Raff

Tim Halligan as Father

Tabitha Brownstone as Cynthia Anderson

James Applebury as Andy Victoria Chalaya as Lea

Jennifer Grey as Caroline

Margo Harshman as Brooke

Micah Henson as Shane

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Keith Review By John C.

**1/2 (out of 4)

Keith follows the story of Natalie, (Elisabeth Harnois), a teenage girl who starts to fall in love with her lab partner Keith, (played by Jesse McCartney, who is surprisingly good in this role). The problem is Keith is slightly strange, the social misfit, whose idea of a good time is inviting her over at 4:00 am to go drop bowling balls on their teachers lawns. Is Keith messed up? Or is he just playing hard to get? Or is he just a jerk whose messing with her mind? The film sometimes plays out like an overly melodramatic, made-for-TV Hallmark presentation. I kept waiting for Keith to say that they couldn’t be together because he was a vampire, and she looked too yummy and he was afraid he might eat her. The film is also very cliché, and suffers from being far-fetched and in a lot of scenes, unbelievable. But, for what it is Keith has surprisingly good acting, and is actually well made and entertaining for it’s target audience, and it also has some good twists, that I didn’t see coming. Not a great movie, but something that is definitely worth checking out on DVD.

Just a tip to young males, if your girlfriend is coming over and you want to watch a movie, than this will probably go over well. And you won’t mind it too much either.

The DVD includes the film’s theatrical trailer. Just don’t watch it before you see the movie because it shows way to much of the story.

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Keith Review By EVE

*** (out of 4)

Keith tells the story of Natalie, (Elisabeth Harnois), a girl who is the popular, high achieving girl at school. When Keith, (Jesse McCartney), a highschool senior who seems to be different from everyone else at the school, becomes her lab partner, she starts to spend more time with him. As she does, she has trouble figuring out what is up with him, whether he is too pushy, or just plain weird. Convinced that he is hiding something, she becomes obsessed with trying to figure him out. The movie takes us through their relationship together, and shows how the people we meet will change us forever.

Keith is the kind of movie that will probably be enjoyed by the same demographics as other highschool romance movies. The movie surprised me as being quite well done for what it is, as well as having good acting from the cast. I would recommend this movie on DVD. I believe it had a short, limited theatrical run, but it seems to be more of a TV suited movie anyways. It is the kind of movie that is worth watching one afternoon if you have the time. This is a well made teenage romantic drama.

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Keith Review By Nicole

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Keith Review By Maureen

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Keith Review By Tony

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Consensus: Keith is a highschool romantic drama that is well made for what it is, and is worth watching on DVD. The audience that will want to see this movie, will probably really enjoy it. **1/2 (Out of 4)

À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) DVD Review

À L’Ouest de Pluton

http://www.alouestdepluton.com/

On DVD: February 24th, 2009

Rated Canada 14A for substance abuse, and coarse language.

Running time: 95 minutes

Henry Bernadet and Myriam Verreault (dir.)

Alexis Drolet as Jérôme

David Bouchard as Pierre-Olivier

Anne-Sophie Tremblay Lamontagne as Kim

Yoann Linteau as Benoît (Paluche)

Sandra Jacques as Émilie Bégin

Micaël Minguy-Bédard as Nicolas

Yann Bernard as Kevin

Marc-Alexandre Paradis as Steve Labbé

Denis Marchand as Gaetan

Caroline Beauséjour as Isa

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À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

West of Pluto follows 24 hours in the lives of twelve teenagers in Quebec. We watch as they talk, get stoned, get drunk and party. A lot of this is very funny and plays out like an artistic, french version of Superbad. We watch as they go through a regular school day. In one of the films most interesting scenes two girls debate whether or not Quebec should separate. I can’t see the film being watched outside of Canada, but if you get a chance, it’s worth seeing. I am not sure what age would watch it, teenagers or adults. I think that both would probably enjoy it. Teenagers will watch it on a more personal level and will easily relate to the characters, adults will probably watch it on a more observative level. The young actors all deliver good and believable performances, not really playing characters, as much as they are playing people. It was slightly confusing because some of the kids looked similar, so it will be interesting to watch the film a second time, now that I am familiar with the characters.

The DVD includes a French language version of the film with optional English subtitles. It also includes a gag reel, a photo gallery, interviews, deleted scenes and more. All special features are in French only.

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À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) Review By Erin V.

*** (out of 4)

À L’Ouest de Pluton is an interesting film to watch. It is essentially a day in the life of a dozen 15 and 16 year olds in the suburbs of Québec City. The movie is a mix of humour and drama, and plays out like it is shot as a documentary. All of the characters are believable, and the young actors play them well. Many of the scenes are quite interesting to watch, such as when there is a debate between two girls at school, over whether or not Québec should be separate from the rest of Canada. This debate is interesting, and cool to watch, while there are others in here, that considering that the teenagers having them are stoned, are just plain funny.

I would recommend this film. The subtitles were easy enough to read, and still follow along with the movie. I think that this is a very interesting look at life for many, and it felt like the kind of indie film, that while may not be watched as much outside of Québec, or the rest of Canada for that matter, it is well made, and if you can, check it out.

Also included with the movie, (which is in French with, [optional], English subtitles), out-takes, photo gallery, interviews, deleted scenes, trailers, and much more.

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À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) Review By Nicole

*** (out of 4)

N/A

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À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) Review By Maureen

*** (out of 4)

N/A

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A L’ouest De Pluton Review By Tony

***1/2 (sur ****)

À l’Ouest de Pluton suit une journée dans la vie d’une dizaine d’adolescents de 15 et 16 ans de la banlieue de Québec (tourné à Charlesbourg). Au début, devant une salle de classe, chaque élève partage sa passion, soit l’astronomie, la musique, la danse, la cuisine, le skateboard, etc. Pendant la journée il ya des conversations entre les personnages sur plusiers sujets, entre des serieux, comme la souveraineté, et des niaiseux, parmi les punk rockers et les “stoners”– et il y a encore plus pendant la nuit. Une fête pour cinq ou six devient un désastre attendu par tout le monde, laissant une maison maganée et un frère ainé en colère incontrollable.

Quelque fois, entre les scènes écolières et domestiques, on voit des préparations et lancement d’un sonde spatiale vers la planète Pluton. Ironiquement, pendant les années de voyage, Pluton a perdu son statut, ne considerée plus qu’une planète “naine”, ni terrestre, comme les premières quatres, ni géante, comme les suivantes. Malgré l’intention des réalisateurs de montrer du symbolisme, peut être du banalité de notre existence dans l’univers, j’ai trouvé ces scènes une distraction.

Cependant, la production et la distribution de ce film étaient excellentes. Comme professeur d’école sécondaire (en retraite), j’ai connu ces gens. J’ai pu me tromper que je regardais un film documentaire plutôt que dramatisé. Il m’a fait rappeler les series DeGrassi, par example, aussi tout à fait canadien, et meilleur que n’importe quoi des é-u ou de la France. Comme déjà écrit, la seule chose que je n’aimais pas tellement était l’obsession avec l’astronomie, ce qui ma fait souvenir de l’orgueil qu’on attenderait dans des films de la France, par example.

Comme anglophone, je m’excuse de mon langage pas toujours idiomatique. Je suis souvent frustré par la difficulté que nous-autres, les produits d’une formation d’immersion française, avons avec la riche langue française canadienne que la plupart de nos professeurs ont refusé de partager. Ça fait que je le trouve presque impossible de tout comprendre sans sous-titres. Malheureusement la plupart des jurons basés sur une religion largement oubliée depuis la révolution tranquille sont mal traduits simplement en anglais avec “le mot f”.

En conclusion, je recommande ce film pour les adolescents, leur parents, professeurs, bien tout le monde. J’espère qu’il prendra place dans les écoles sécondaires à l'affiche du festival Reel Canada de films canadiens, par example.

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Consensus: À L’Ouest de Pluton is an interesting look at what could be the lives of a dozen teenagers in the suburbs of Québec City. It is well made, with good acting, and has an artistic indie feel to it. ***1/2 (Out of 4)

Angel DVD Review

On DVD: February 17th, 2009

Rated Canada 14A for mature theme, and coarse language.

Running time: 134 minutes

François Ozon (dir.)

Romola Garai as Angel Deverell

Sam Neill as Théo

Charlotte Rampling as Hermione

Lucy Russell as Nora Howe-Nevinson

Michael Fassbender as Esmé

Romola Garai as Angel Deverell and Michael Fassbender as Esmé in Director François Ozon’s Angel.

Our reviews below:

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Angel Review By John C.

* (out of 4)

Early on in the film Angel, the main character Angel Deverell, (played by Romola Garai, who plays the part like an over dramatic stage performer), says of her new book that she doesn’t fear critics, well this movie should. The best thing I can say about Angel is at a running time of 2 hours and 14 minutes, feeling more like five hours, it still managed to keep me awake. The first half of the movie is so bad, it’s funny, and I don’t think it was meant to be a comedy. The second half is just bad, but still manages to inadvertently be funny. The drama is never there, we never care for any of the characters, because none of them are likable. There are three death scenes that bring “badly overacted death scenes” to a new low.

At times I wasn’t sure if they were trying to be bad, because if they weren’t, than it’s a little sad that everyone involved took it so seriously. It is adapted from a book, the kind that you would see on your mother or grandmother’s bedside table. The book, surprisingly, actually sounds worse, (apparently in the book her friend Norah has a mustache). The film doesn’t have all that much going for it, and I had to wonder if Sam Neill needed money, because I’m not sure why else he would have signed on to be in this. Although, I do have to say that some of the scenery of England in 1905 was nice, and at the beginning at least gave me something to look at. The musical theme is pleasant over the first few scenes, but by the end I never wanted to hear it again. Although, I have to admit it is one of the stronger points of the production which is why the composer’s name is listed under the movie’s title on the DVD package.

I enjoyed Angel, but not for the right reasons. So, you can pretty much skip the film. But if you like films that are so bad, they’re funny, than this movie is for you. The only life I can see it having is at film clubs where people get together and watch bad movies. That is if they can fit it in between all those Ed Wood films.

The DVD includes a 27 minute making-of, a seven minute interview with lead actress Romola Garai, the films theatrical trailer and trailers for Fugitive Pieces and Before the Rains.

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Angel Review By Erin V.

*1/2 (out of 4)

There’s something about parts of the movie Angel that is a perfect example of the long sought after piece of Cinema... Comedy. I have seen many films that no matter how hard they try to make you laugh, you just can’t seem to get what’s so funny about it. And then, alas, the comedic writer has failed. But what if... What if, the writer who had written the comedy, had not meant to make a comedy at all? And without trying, (s)he made people laugh? What if the film was meant to be a drama, one filled with love, passion, and ultimately heartbreak? Yet despite all this, in the mist of all that melodrama, there are people in the theatre, or in front of their tv sets laughing, high with the experience of a good laugh, which we all love these days of tough economic times. In the words of the great King Julien of Madagascar fame, “I love to laugh like this!!!”

This being said though, I would hate to be the one to break it to the director of a supposed to be serious film, the comedy I found in his work, as this could lead to actual drama, rather than that which is attempting to be drama on screen.

I am sorry, but I just couldn’t take this drama seriously amongst the special transportation/traveling effects that would rival those from the 1940’s, and also in the romantic scene where it starts to rain that would rival the clip from High School Musical 3: Senior Year. I really felt like I was an actor on a fake Gondola in one scene, so if that’s what the filmmakers were going for, thank you. Unfortunately, I paid so much attention to the fake boat on the fake background, that it took me out of whatever the scene was actually about.

I laughed so hard at all of the driving scenes that were obviously a throwback to old cinema. It was a pleasure to see these effects coming back today - they should be used more, as they allow a bit of laughter to stop the film from otherwise dragging. The traveling scenes with the Gondola, Donkey, and Camel, were some of my favorites. The Great Pyramids of Egypt are, well, great. Too bad they were obviously a picture, although it does allow you to dream that you too could have the Great Pyramids of Egypt on your wall... Anyway, back on topic. Overall, the laughing effect took a while to wear off, (and boy is it fun to reminisce about those scenes, and that feeling).

Don’t buy this film if it is a serious drama that you are looking for. Some people, admittedly even myself, may find some form of amusement in this film. It does have some rather comedic moments, so therefor falls into the class of so bad, it’s good. That’s basically the only reason I gave it such a high star rating. I would take this over a really depressing drama any day though.

One thing I will add though, if only just because it was in my mind, the Donkey, and Camel gave a great performance, so kudos to whoever cast them!

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Angel Review By Nicole

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Angel Review By Maureen

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Angel Review By Tony

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Consensus: Angel is a drama that when watched as a comedy, actually has some entertainment value. This is possibly not the best a film should be. While not really worth spending money for, if it’s on TV, parts of it are good/funny especially in the first half, (but for maybe the wrong

reasons?). *1/4 (Out of 4)

Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of The Rest of Your Life) DVD Review

Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of The Rest of Your Life)

http://www.lepremierjour-lefilm.com/

On DVD: February 3rd, 2009

Rated Canada 14A

Running time: 114 minutes

Rémi Beznaçon (dir.)

Jacques Gamblin

Zabou Breitman

Déborah François

Marc-André Grondin

Pio Marmaï

Our reviews below:

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By John C.

***1/2 (out of 4)

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life takes place over twelve years, chronicling five key days in the life of a five person family. The two sons, Albert and Rapheal, the daughter Fleur, mother Marie-Jeanne and father Robert, make up the Duval family. They are dysfunctional, yet they always watch out for each other and stick together. The story is told in five parts, each one showing an important moment in each person’s life. While the film is a drama, there are also many very funny moments, but I wouldn’t want to give them away.

Sometimes the film doesn’t quite work, but a lot of the time it actually works quite well. Especially in the last act, which is devoted to the father Robert Duval, (who’s name is hilariously pointed out by a doctor as being very close to the name of actor Robert Duvall. Than the doctor goes on to act out Apocalypse Now). The last part of the film is by far my favorite, being emotional and moving, as it deals with life and loss.

The movie is in French, with English subtitles. The DVD doesn’t have any bonus features, save for the film’s original trailer and some trailers for upcoming films.

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By Erin V.

***1/2 (out of 4)

Le Premier Jour Du Rest De Ta Vie is a movie that I had never heard of before, and after discovering it, I was not sure what I was going to even think of it. It pleasantly surprised me as being quite good. The English subtitles were easy enough to read, and the dialogue spoken clear enough that I was not lost in the storyline at all.

The story follows a five person family on five key days in their life. It goes through each of their key days, (though not necessarily in order), and with each one, we find out a little bit more about these people. Though some of the artistic techniques were a little weird, I found that the last part of the film in particular was really well done. This is an interesting film that while you may not of heard of it before, it is worth checking out.

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By Nicole

***1/2 (out of 4)

Before receiving the DVD of this movie, I had never heard of the film. I am glad I did get to see this film, because it is a nice touching drama that was sadly overlooked. The movie is about the Duval's, a middle class family who are growing up in late 1980’s to 1990’s France. Spanning over 12 years, the story is told by showing what happens on the most important days in each of the family member’s lives. The movie covers such diverse topics such as loss, love, teenage rebellion, coming of age, and forgiveness. What impressed me the most about this film was that, despite the difficulties, the family sticks together, and does not give up.

This movie is in French, with English subtitles. However, the subtitles are easy to read, and the French dialogue is rather clear. There is very little language in the film, and no nudity. The movie was shot in a very artistic and unique way. However, despite the fact that this is a film about a family, this is not a family-friendly film. Some of the content, both crude and/or sexual, is not suitable for children. The DVD has no bonus features, but this movie is so unique and well made, that it definitely should be added to your collection.

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By Maureen

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By Tony

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Consensus: This is an interesting movie, with a well put together storyline, and is one that is definitely worth watching. ***1/2 (Out of 4)

Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) DVD Review

De Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings)

On DVD: February 3rd, 2009

Rated Canada G language may offend.

Running time: 94 minutes

Un film de Benoit Pilon (dir.)

Our reviews below:

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Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

In 1972 a hydroelectric power station was built in James Bay. A town, Radisson, was built to house the thousands of workers. This is their story.

The first ten minutes of Northern Greetings are absolutely brilliant and some of the finest documentary footage I have ever seen. After that, while the film is very interesting, it starts to drag in the middle and gets a little boring. We watch people getting their hair done for a wedding and then we see the wedding. At this point it starts to feel like were watching someone else's home videos. At just under 94 minutes, about 20-25 minutes could and should have been cut. Overall the film is an interesting part of Canadian history.

The documentary is in English, French and Cree with English subtitles. The DVD includes a photo gallery and deleted scenes, which are only in French.

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Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) Review By Erin V.

*** (out of 4)

Des Nouvelles Du Nord tells the story of the little town of Radisson, which was built temporarily to house the workers building the giant hydroelectric power station dam on James Bay. This is a documentary that is told mainly in French with English subtitles, although there are a few scenes in English with French subtitles, and those that are in Cree, are subtitled for both French, and English speaking viewers.

I especially really liked the opening of this documentary as it told the history of the dam. Some of the scenes in the middle went on too long, or were not completely necessary, so this could have probably been slightly shorter, since it is rather slow moving at times. Since this is a documentary about northern lifestyles, any sensitive viewers should be warned that there is one scene that revolves around hunting. Overall, though, I found that the slow pace matched the village that it was telling about. I really liked the parts where they were speaking to the people in the Cree village. It is interesting to hear their perspectives on things, like nature, and electricity from the dam.

I would recommend this documentary as it is an interesting look into a different way of life. It gives you some perspective, and insight to the massive dam as well. A well made documentary.

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Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) Review By Maureen

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) Review By Tony

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Consensus: This is a well made documentary that is interesting to watch though it could have been slightly shorter, as some of the scenes in the middle are kind of unnecessary. *** (Out of 4)

Air Bud & Seventh Inning Fetch Double Feature DVD Review

Air Bud & Seventh Inning Fetch Double Feature

On DVD: February 3rd, 2009

Rated G - Family

Feature 1: Running time: 98 minutes

Feature 2: Running time: 93 minutes

Charles Martin Smith (dir.)

Michael Jeter as Norm Snively (Original Air Bud)

Kevin Zegers as Josh Framm

Wendy Makkena as Jackie Framm

Caitlin Wachs as Andrea (Seventh Inning Fetch)

Richard Karn as Patrick (Seventh Inning Fetch)

Our reviews below:

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Air Bud Review By John C.

**1/2 (out of 4)

Twelve years after it’s original release, Air Bud still stands up as an excellent kids movie. The only problem is, for adults the film is kind of predictable, pulling out all the stops of regular movie clichés and stereotypes. The acting is surprisingly pretty good and the story is about as believable as you can get when dealing with a dog playing basketball. I am glad to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this film. The DVD is worth having if you’ve got kids, or remember the film from when you were younger.

Air Bud comes in a 2 disc set which also includes Air Bud 4. The DVD of Air Bud includes the films theatrical trailer and a picture gallery. This 2 disc rerelease is only available in full screen.

Air Bud 4: Seventh Inning Fetch Review By John C.

* (out of 4)

30 minutes into Air Bud 4: Seventh Inning Fetch I realized the point of these just awful straight to DVD sequels. To make you really appreciate the first one. This one makes the original Air Bud look like a masterpiece. The film follows three different and equally pointless plots that never come together. The movie opens with Josh, (Kevin Zegers), going off to college, then the main plot of his younger sister playing baseball starts and there is also a subplot with evil scientists. Sadly the evil scientists were the best part for me because everything else is just bad, this pointless subplot is so bad it’s funny.

The acting is terrible and matches the equally awful screenplay just perfectly. Although, I have to say that young kids will probably like it. This is only worth having because it comes with the first one.

The DVD of Air Bud 4 includes a behind the scenes featurette and a gag real.

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Air Bud Review By Erin V.

**1/2 (out of 4) (*** for it’s intended audience.)

The original Air Bud movie, which I believe I originally saw years ago, still holds up today. This is actually a pretty good kids movie, and for the kids that will be watching it, they will probably think that it is great. I found it quite predictable, yet still enjoyable, as the actors all carried their roles nicely, and the bond between Air Bud, and Josh Framm, (Kevin Zegers), is believeble.

The fact that a golden retriver is playing basketball is also not too far fetched, even though rather than following the rules of the game, it would just be following commands. When the dog playing Buddy does make baskets from a standing still penalty shot position, the dog is probably actually doing it, since if they have measured the position correctly, all that the dog has to do is bounce the ball off of it’s head.

This movie is definitely a good choice if you are looking for a film to let a bunch of kids watch, since it will entertain them, and it is not the kind of movie that you have to watch with them, yet if you want to, it won’t be that bad for you. Sure it’s clichéd, but it’s fun, and harmless enough.

Air Bud 4: Seventh Inning Fetch Review By Erin V.

*1/2 (out of 4) (** for it’s intended audience.)

Well, after seeing the first Air Bud movie the day before this one, I am going to have to say that it makes this one look all that much worse. Consisting of three plotlines - Josh goes off to college, his sister takes care of Buddy and joins the school baseball team, (which Buddy helps with of course), and evil scientists with their lair in an RV park who want to steal Air Bud's puppies with the help of their pet raccoon.

The first storyline is not for much more, other than to shut Josh out of the majority of the movie. The second one might be enjoyed by kids at a slumber party, but it tries to repeat the first movie too much, and is not very well played at all, and the third storyline was so stupid that it was actually funny. And right now, I am not sure if that is a good, or bad thing.

One thing that I feel like noting is that while a dog may be able to master bouncing basketballs off of it’s nose, a dog would not be able to manipulate a baseball bat properly in it’s mouth, nor catch baseballs at such high speeds, without breaking it’s teeth. This is not very well thought through, and was obviously one of many sequels replaying the same storyline again, and again with different sports each time.

Maye if I had seen the 2nd, and 3rd Air Bud movies inbetween, the drop in quality would have been more gradual, and not quite as noticable, from one to the next. But after seeing the original, this one is not very good at all. The only reason that the DVD would be worth checking out if you have kids is for the first one - plain, and simple.

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Air Bud Review By Nicole

**1/2 (out of 4) (***1/2 for it’s intended audience of ages 6-12.)

It is nice to see a children’s live action dog movie in which the dog does not talk, and is not anthropomorphic. Such is the case with Air Bud. The movie is about a lonely boy named Josh, who has just moved into a new home after his father died in a plane crash. Josh has no friends, until he stumbles upon a dog that has run away from Slappy, an abusive clown. Josh, who has no clue where the dog came from, decides to take the dog home. Josh finds out the dog, who he has named Buddy, has a knack for playing basketball, the sport that Josh’s father used to play with him for fun. But when Buddy’s original owner finds out that Buddy is such an asset on the school basketball team, he wants Buddy back. Now it is up to Josh to save Buddy from Slappy the clown.

While Air Bud is completely predictable, follows every cliché possible, and has an implausible ending, this movie is still entertaining. The bond between Josh and Buddy is touching and believable, and the fact that Buddy plays basketball is not entirely unbelievable, because animals can be trained to do ball tricks, especially when the animal is a golden retriever dog. (Plus animal lovers will be pleased to know that the BC SPCA monitored the animal action, and no animals were harmed in the making of the film.) Over all, Air Bud is a fun movie for kids that still is just as fresh 12 years later.

Air Bud 4: Seventh Inning Fetch Review By Nicole

*3/4 (out of 4) (** for it’s target audience of ages 6-12.)

Air Bud 4 takes place when Josh goes off to college. His mother has remarried, and now has a baby. However, this story is not about Josh, it is about Josh’s sister Andrea. It is Andrea’s first year of junior high, and Andrea wants to make the school baseball team. Andrea and her best friend make the team, but Andrea is not a very good player. So, as predicted, Air Bud gets on the team. (A golden retriever playing basketball is plausible, but baseball?)

There is also a plotline where evil scientists, with the help of their pet raccoon, kidnap Air Bud and his sports loving puppies, and bring them to their secret lab in a trailer park. (Why their lab is in a trailer park, I’ll never know.) The evil scientists are so unbelievable, they’re funny, and they have nothing to do with the rest of the movie. They don’t move the plot forward at all, so you wonder why they are even there. Some of the acting in this film is terrible, and the emotions implied in the movie are just not there. And Josh, who is a main character, is completely forgotten in most of the film.

Having the first Air Bud movie is sufficient enough. This film might mildly amuse children at a slumber party, but is not worth owning. (Animal lovers will be pleased to note that all animal action was monitored by the BC SPCA, and no animals were harmed in the making of the film.)

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Consensus: While the original Air Bud is better than expected, and worth seeing, Air Bud 4: Seventh Inning Fetch is not going to appeal to much more than a group of kids at a slumber party.

Air Bud **1/2 (Out of 4) (***1/4 for it’s intended audience.)

Air Bud 4: Seventh Inning Fetch *1/2 (Out of 4) (** for it’s intended audience.)

Kevin Zegers as Josh Framm in the original Air Bud.

Henry Poole Is Here DVD Review

HENRY POOLE IS HERE

http://www.myspace.com/henrypooleishere

On DVD: January 20th, 2009

Rated PG for thematic elements and some language

Running time: 99 minutes

Mark Pellington (dir.)

Luke Wilson as Henry Poole

Radha Mitchell as Dawn

Adriana Barraza as Esperanza

George Lopez as Father Salazars

Cheryl Hines as Meg

Richard Benjamin as Dr. Fancher

Morgan Lily as Millie Stupek

Rachel Seiferth as Patience

Beth Grant as Josie

Our reviews below:

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Henry Poole Is Here Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

Having watched Henry Poole is Here again on DVD, I am glad to say that my original rating of four stars still stands. This is the deeply affecting and profoundly moving story of Henry Poole, (Luke Wilson), a loner who buys a small suburban house, so that he can avoid life, (his own and everyone else’s), but has his plans shattered when his neighbour, Esperanza Martinez, (Adriana Barraza), discovers the face of Christ on his side wall. His backyard becomes a holy shrine where people come and pray for miracles and ultimately recieve them. The message of the movie is faith and hope, in ourselves, others, and ultimately in a higher power.

The soundtrack is one of those great movie soundtracks where each song fits it’s scene beautifully, and makes the experience even more emotional. The DVD will likely be hard to find, so I hope you will seek it out and give it a chance.

The DVD includes a commentary track with director Mark Pellington and writer Albert Torres, an interesting 16-minute making-of and two music videos directed by Mark Pellington, one by Myspace theme song contest winner Ron Irizarry and the other one, All Roads Lead Home, by Golden State. There are surprisingly no deleted scenes.

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Henry Poole Is Here Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

When I saw this movie in theatres back in August, it was immediately one that I knew I would want to watch again. And now, I can say that I still enjoy it just as much on DVD as I did then. Henry Poole Is Here is such a different movie. It is moving, and can bring tears to your eyes at times. The story is one that is told through a few characters, so that you get to know them by the end of the movie. When Esperanza, (Adriana Barraza), Henry’s, (Luke Wilson), neighbour, sees what appears to be the image of Christ appear in the stucco on the side of his house, Henry who just wants to be left alone, has to come to terms that while he is depressed, there will always be those around him who believe - even if he's afraid to himself. As I said in my full thoughts in my original review, here, Mark Pellington the director makes music videos, so this is shot very much like one itself. This technique really works here.

This is a very bare-bones DVD release, although being a more independent film, this is not surprising. What the disc does include is two music videos, which actually allow you to see the directing that Mark Pellington does in a music video setting. Also included is a ‘making of’ feature, that is about 20 minutes in length. The disc also includes a commentary track. I enjoyed the special features that were included, all of which I watched, except for the commentary track, which I did not hear yet. I do look forward to hearing it though, and I can definately recommend this DVD. Even if it had no extras at all, it would still be worth it, because the movie alone is amazing - and that’s what counts.

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Henry Poole Is Here Review By Nicole

***1/2 (out of 4)

This is one of the rare movies that doesn’t shy away from being about faith. An emotionally captivating film, Henry Poole Is Here is one movie that you will want to see over and over.

The bonus features on this disc include a commentary track, a making-of feature, and two music videos. The making-of feature shows how the camera angles are used in the film, how Henry’s house was selected, and how the cast fits the film. The music videos are an artistic fusion of visuals and music, spliced with visuals from the film. I would recommend buying this film.

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Henry Poole Is Here Review By Maureen

*** (out of 4)

Henry Poole Is Here is one of those rare special films that you look forward to the day when it comes out on DVD so you can see it again.

Watching it again on DVD was as special and moving as it was the first time I saw it in the theatre. This gentle film about faith and hope is one that is worth owning so that it can be watched withour the distraction of other theatre patrons. The extras on the DVD are also a nice bonus. This is one of my favorite films from 2008. It definitly belongs in my DVD collection.

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Henry Poole Is Here Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

http://onemoviefiveviews.blogspot.com/2008/08/henry-poole-is-here-august-22nd-2008.html

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Consensus: Henry Poole Is Here is a movie that still stands as a wonderful work of art on DVD. It is definately worth buying, especially if you missed the film in theatres, where it was in limited release. ***1/2 (Out of 4)

Link to all of our original Henry Poole Is Here reviews

Henry Poole is Here

August 22nd, 2008

Rated PG for thematic elements and some language

Mark Pellington (dir.)

Luke Wilson as Henry Poole

Radha Mitchell as Dawn

Adriana Barraza as Esperanza

George Lopez as Father Salazars

Cheryl Hines as Meg

Richard Benjamin as Dr. Fancher

Morgan Lily as Millie Stupek

Rachel Seiferth as Patience

Beth Grant as Josie

Our reviews below:

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Henry Poole is Here Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

I could start off by saying how good the acting is, or that the writing is great and the direction is perfect, but I could also just simply say that I truly loved this movie. It starts off with lonely and depressed Henry Poole being shown around his new house by a real estate agent, who says that she can sell him the house, but before he moves in they’re just going to re-stucco the outside wall. He says “No, don’t bother, I’m not going to be staying very long”, but she doesn’t listen and gets it done anyway. And if she had listened to him, the face of Jesus would probably have never appeared on the side of his house. It is the kind of movie where everything happens for a reason, even when his kitchen sink backs up.

The face is first seen by his next-door neighbour Esperanza Martinez (Adriana Barraza), who’s boyfriend used to live in that very house. She declares it a miracle, and even brings in Father Salazar (George Lopez) to check it out. He says that a face is very clear, but they cannot necessarily assume that it is the face of Christ. But, when miracles start happening to those around him, Henry is still in doubt, and maybe he is the one in most need of a miracle. If none of this sounds that interesting to you, than this movie is probably not for you. I have read reviews from people who did not like it, and I can see why, but back on topic, I absolutely loved this movie.

One of the best things about it is the soundtrack, every song fits its scene perfectly (Thanks in part to director Mark Pellington, who has directed music videos for different bands, including U2) and not one song is out of place. There are two scenes part way through and one scene at the end that are absolutely beautifully done, and I had tears in my eyes. I could not help being moved by it. Like Northfork, Millions, Stranger Than Fiction, and August Rush, this is one of those special movies that only come once in a while, and sadly are not for everyone. One of the best movies of the year.

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Henry Poole is Here Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

Henry Poole is Here opens with the title character, (Luke Wilson), buying a house in an older neighborhood. When he moves in, his new next door neighbor, Esperanza, (Adriana Barraza), comes to his door to welcome him to the area. Henry Poole just wants to be left alone. Later on, he sees Esperanza in his yard looking at the side of the house. He asks her what she was doing there. She shows him that she sees the image of Christ’s face on the side of his house. All he sees is a bad stucco job. She wants him to believe. He doesn't want to be disturbed from staying at home, depressed and drinking. There is a little girl, Millie, (Morgan Lily), who lives next door on the other side of Henry’s house. She doesn't speak, but carries a tape recorder around with her. In this small suburban community everyone knows everyone else, and Henry just can’t be left alone. Be it Millie’s mother Dawn, (Radha Mitchell), or Patience, (Rachel Seiferth), the cashier at the local supermarket, they won’t go away. No matter how much he fights everyone and their beliefs around him.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The use of music in the film was especially interesting. I suppose that we can expect this from the director Mark Pellington. There are a few scenes that were done in a music video type style, which added to the unique feel of this film. Some people might find it moves at a bit of a slow pace at times, although I found it to be a nice change from the mainstream. And that is what this film is not - mainstream. It is more special then that. This is an art film, a festival film, and a truly moving story of a man who just needs to let go and believe.

Henry Poole is Here opens in Canada this week.

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Henry Poole is Here Review By Nicole

**** (out of 4)

It is a rare treat to see such a lovely movie about faith, such as Henry Poole is Here. Henry Poole is a lonely, depressed man who moves into a new California home, preferring to be left alone. This all changes when his nosy next door neighbour, Esperanza, knocks on his door and excitedly tells him that the image of Jesus has appeared on his stucco outside. Henry Poole scoffs at her and asks her to leave. However, miracles start to happen, and despite Poole’s refusal to believe, his own life starts to improve, along with the lives of a single mother, and her electively mute daughter. Little by little, the image of Jesus brings the whole community to Poole when he refuses to reach out to them. This is a wonderful Christian movie, with no sex or violence, and only minimal swearing in context of the movie. While too slow moving for kids under 10, this is still a good movie to bring the family to. You will laugh at times, and cry at others. Henry Poole is Here is one movie you do not want to miss.

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Henry Poole is Here Review By Maureen

*** (out of 4)

‘Henry poole is Here’ is worth seeing. I was skeptical at first, expecting that a movie about the face of Jesus appearing on a stucco wall would be either preachy, overly sentimental or anti-religious. Instead I got a warm, often funny, touching movie about faith, hope, and the human spirit.

The people in the movie are completely believable. Luke Wilson’s Henry Poole is appropriately miserable yet likable. Henry’s neighbor Esperanza, and Patience, the cashier at the local store, are both charming and funny and worth the price of admission. I smiled and laughed and rooted for these characters throughout the entire movie. It was my caring for these characters that kept me watching during the often slow pace of the film. Overall, I enjoyed the dialogue and the music, but would have preferred fewer tight close-ups of the actor’s faces. I definitely could have done without the close-ups of Henry Poole’s blood tests during his flashback hospital scene. I wasn’t the only one audibly cringing and looking away during those scenes.

The real beauty of this film was to watch how the faith and hope of each individual strengthened the other over time, and how their connections to one another proved to be the real miracle. For anyone who believes in the miracle of love and caring this is a must see movie. I’m a believer.

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Henry Poole is Here Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

Henry Poole’s attempt to be left alone in his new home, to lie around subsisting on a diet of pizza and donuts washed down by various wines and spirits, is constantly interrupted by neighbours. A selectively mute little girl with a tape recorder lives with her single mother on one side, and the pushy but disarmingly pious Esperanza on the other. After Esperanza perceives a likeness of the Lord on Henry’s stucco wall, the inevitable crowds of pilgrims and apparent healings fail to convince Henry of any possibility of a miracle, even though, as is gradually revealed, he may need one most of all. The conclusion is just ambiguous enough for believers to feel affirmed and skeptics not to feel ripped off by fantasy. Good acting all around sustains Mark Pellington’s extreme closeups and brooding pace, which may be too art house slow for some.

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Consensus: An answer to prayers for those who have been hoping for a movie that’s not afraid to have faith and God as a central theme. A wonderful indie gem. ***1/2 (out of 4)