Role Models DVD Review

ROLE MODELS - A Universal Films Release

http://www.rolemodelsmovie.com/

On DVD: March 10th, 2009

Rated Canada 14A for coarse language, nudity, and sexual content.

Running time: 139 minutes; (unrated version: 142 minutes).

David Wain (dir.)

Seann William Scott as Wheeler

Paul Rudd as Danny Donahue

Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Augie Farks

Bobb’e J. Thompson as Ronnie Shields

Elizabeth Banks as Beth

Jane Lynch as Gayle Sweeny

Ken Jeong as King Argotron

Ken Marino as Jim Stansel

Kerri Kenney as Lynette (as Kerri Kenney Silver)

A.D. Miles as Martin Gary

Joe Lo Truglio as Kuzzik

Matt Walsh as Davith of Glencraken

Nicole Randall Johnson as Karen

Alexandra Stamler as Esplen (as Allie Stamler)

Carly Craigg as Connie

Bonus Features: Deleted Scenes & Alternate Takes, Bloopers, In Character & Off Script (Hysterical improvised moments with the cast), On The Set of Role Models, Feature Commentary with director David Wain, And More!

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Role Models Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

Danny and Wheeler, (Paul Rudd and Seann William-Scott), are spokesman for Minotaur, who go around in their “Minotaur mobile”, with Wheeler in a Minotaur suit, selling it to elementary school kids, with the tagline “don’t do drugs, do Minotaur!”. When they are arrested for crashing their truck on school property, they either go to jail, or spend 150 hours with the mentorship program Sturdy Wings. Well, they choose Sturdy Wings, even though at times they feel like they should have chosen prison. Danny gets paired up with Augie, (Christopher Mintz Plasse), a lonely 15 year-old who is perpetually stuck in the world of LAIRE, a fantasy role-playing game. Wheeler gets paired with Ronnie, (Bobb’e J. Thompson), a ten year-old who, at times, can swear better than someone twice his age. Role Models is is fun and hilarious, and the last bit of it which takes place at the battle royale in the world of LAIRE, is in a way brilliant. It is a large scale battle scene done with fake swords, and over the top, acted out deaths. It is strange and hilarious, mainly because all the characters take it so seriously.

Paul Rudd is, as usual, wonderfully understated in his role. Delivering a sarcastic line and making it hilarious. Even when his character is angry, he’s still likable. Seann William-Scott is rude and hilarious. The two young actors both deliver great performances, creating hilarious, original and memorable characters. Jane Lynch as Gayle Sweeney, the director of Sturdy Wings, delivers another hilarious and brilliant performance. Elezibeth Banks is also good playing Danny’s girlfriend. This is the sixth film she was in in 2008. Role Models is an hilarious feel-good comedy, and I urge you to go and watch it.

The DVD of Role Models, includes approximately 55 minutes of special features, over twenty minutes of which is deleted scenes. It also includes bloopers, in character & off script, (which are funny improvised bits with some of the characters), on the set of Role Models featurette, feature commentary with director David Wain, and a featurette on LAIRE.

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Role Models Review By Erin V.

***1/2 (out of 4)

I really enjoyed Role Models. Parts of it were quite rude, but I am glad that it was able to come above and beyond it’s sort of tough exterior, and have a nice heart underneath.

The story follows Danny, (Paul Rudd), and Wheeler, (Seann William Scott), two guys working for a company that sells the energy drink ‘Minotaur’. Their job involves selling the drink to schools under the slogan, ‘Don’t do drugs - Drink Minotaur!’, with Wheeler dressed up in a giant Minotaur suit, while Danny does the spiel for the drink. Danny drives the Minotaur truck, which in an attempt to prevent it from being towed from a ‘no-parking’ zone, ends with both Danny and Wheeler facing either 30 days jail-time, or 150 hours of community service. Choosing community service, they are ordered by the judge to go to ‘Sturdy Wings’ for their hours, (his favorite charity for various reasons...), where they will be ‘Bigs’ for a couple of ‘Littles’. Danny’s ‘Little’ is named Augie, (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who plays L.A.I.R.E., a fantasy role-playing game in the local park, and Wheeler’s ‘Little’ is Ronnie, (Bobb’e J. Thompson), who runs off a gutter mouth, and can’t stop focusing his eyes where they shouldn’t be.

Oddly, they actually turn out to be good fits for the kids, each being able to sympathize with why they act the way they do. At first wanting to just get their hours over with, they end up actually liking the community service that they were initially forced to do. Definitely, my favorite part of the movie was the last half when everything is leading up to the L.A.I.R.E. ‘Battle Royale.’ The role-playing game is great to watch, as many of the players take their parts so seriously, all the while acting like strange knights, creatures, etc. from medieval times.

This movie is worth buying. It is the kind of movie that I would watch again, as it is a lot of fun. Like I said, while rude, it’s focus becomes something more towards the end, and that makes it stand out from other comedies in my opinion. I saw all of the special features on the disc, and I am glad that some of the deleted scenes were cut. I think I would have given it a lower rating had they been kept in there. The other features, particularly about Sturdy Wings, or L.A.I.R.E., were quite funny and entertaining. There are enough good extras on the disc to make it worth it.

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Role Models Review By Nicole

*** (out of 4)

When I first heard of Role Models, I did not know what to expect. But when I finally saw the movie on DVD, I realized how funny it actually is. The movie follows Danny and Wheeler, two average 30 something guys whose job is to sell Minotaur, (an energy drink), to kids in school. Their job is pretty straight forward; Danny drives the Minotaur truck, and gives the presentations, while Wheeler dresses up as a minotaur mascot. Danny hates his job, and things get even worse when Danny breaks up with his longtime girlfriend, Beth. Danny’s frustration lands him and Wheeler in hot water after accidentally crashing the Minotaur truck into a statue.

Fortunately, (or not), Beth , who is a defense lawyer, is able to keep Danny and Wheeler out of prison, by having them volunteer in a Big Brother type program called Sturdy Wings. Here, mentors, known as “bigs,” are set up with at-risk children, referred to as “littles.” The eccentric, no-nonsense manager of the program (hilariously portrayed by Jane Lynch), pairs Wheeler up with a hyperactive and potty mouthed 10 year old named Ronnie is over the top hyper and impulsive, and Augie is caught up in the medieval themed role playing world of “Laire.” Over time, the “bigs,” and “littles,” find their similarities, and teach each other important lessons about patience and love.

Despite the fact that this movie centers around kids, this is not a family movie. This dialogue, and sexual humour is very funny, but also very rude. However, this movie, despite being raunchy, is also very sweet. This movie is great throughout, and the ending is the best and funniest part. this is one movie you will want to own. (Make sure to check out the Sturdy Wings website at www.sturdywings.org). The bonus feature on this DVD are good. (be forewarned however, that some of the deleted scenes are more adult than the actual film.) The making of features are interesting, and the feature about “Laire” are hilarious. The “unrated version of the film is no raunchier than the rated version.

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Role Models Review By Maureen

*** (out of 4)

Role Models is a whole lot funnier and entertaining than I initially expected. The story revolved around two energy drink marketers (Danny and Wheeler) and their court-ordered commitment to act as role models to two troubled boys (Augie and Ronnie) at the Sturdy Wings youth program. each of the characters are quirky and funny in their own way. Jane Lynch who plays the director of Sturdy Wings is a scene stealer whenever she is on screen. Her portrayal of the slightly crazy director is extremely funny.

My favorite character however is Augie, the young man who lives through his fantasy world game, LAIRE. The relationship that develops between ‘Big’ (a Sturdy Wings term) role model, Danny and the assigned ‘Little’ (another Sturdy Wings term) Augie is touching and believable. The scenes involving the LAIRE games are very funny. The relationship between the other ‘Big’ (Wheeler) and his ‘little,’ Ronnie is also believable. Their scenes are also funny, though the humour is cruder and involves a lot more language. The story overall plays out nicely, the ending is satisfying and the final scenes involving LAIRE are very funny.

This DVD is definitely worth checking out. It’s a lot of fun though the humour is crude at times. In terms of bonus features, the only ones I enjoyed were the ones about LAIRE. Buy it or rent it, it’s your choice. Either way, it’ll be fun.

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Role Models Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

In Role Models, Danny (Paul Rudd) is a pitch man and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) is a mascot for the energy drink Minotaur. Driving a horned vehicle from one school assembly to another, they promote the health benefits and charitable contributions from every $6 can sold. With no greater ambition than partying, Wheeler is happy with his job. However, at 35 Danny is bitter after 10 years of this and takes it out on his lawyer girlfriend (Elizabeth Banks) who dumps him. He loses it and crashes the Minotaur Mobile, getting both him and Wheeler sentenced to 150 hours of community service for Sturdy Wings, run by Sweeny (Jane Lynch), which pairs up “bigs” with at risk “littles” for quality time. Wheeler is assigned to Ronnie (Bobb’e Thompson), a rebellious fifth-grader with a precocious gift for vulgar put-downs. Until now, no big has lasted more than one day with Ronnie, who is angry at everybody but his loving single mother. Danny’s little is Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), whose special interest is medieval live action role play (LARP), where geeks with styrofoam swords get together to talk and fight like knights (a bit like pirates, but more ancient and ceremonial). His intolerant mother and stepfather enrolled Augie in Sturdy Wings to get a life. Wheeler makes a connection with Ronnie by sharing his discrete observation skills of women and his promotion of Kiss as a band that is all about getting sex. Danny is frustrated at first with Augie’s obsession, but when Augie is kicked out of his LARP club as a result of Danny’s objection to cheating by the “king”, he and the others have to fight back.

Director David Wain has pulled together a huge cast from his stock company of improvisational actors, each serving the story in the funniest way possible. Seann William Scott has brought out his inner Stiffler. With a quirky voice that fits his stereotype, Christopher Mintz-Plasse has the sensitivity to pull his role off with credibility and respect. Jane Lynch has taken the part of a zealot with a shady past up a notch since A Mighty Wind, with delightful creepiness. The crowd scenes–the Minotaur pitches, the Sturdy Wings meetings, the keggers, the medieval battles–are each populated with a delightful mix of characters, several of which stand out. A. D. Miles (Jimmy Fallon’s new talk show head writer) as the model big Martin is the most annoying goof since the insurance salesman in Groundhog Day. Ken Jeong (MD) is the preening king surrounded by his retinue of sycophants. Joe Lo Truglio in his helmet of mail is the faithful knight Kuzzik.

In addition to the usual running commentary and on site interviews where the director and cast members praise each other, the DVD provides some deleted scenes which give us insight into the wealth of improvisatory material that had to be left out of the final film for the sake of timing and the fine balance between vulgarity and offensiveness. Both the DVD and film website also provide mockumentary-style interviews with various characters, notably Sweeny on the Sturdy Wings mock website.

Role Models is the kind of DVD that we can enjoy again and again in subsequent viewings, always finding something that we didn’t notice before.

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Consensus: Role Models is a comedy, that while rude at times, has a great story underneath. It’s really funny, and the casting is spot on. This is one that you will probably want to see more than once. *** (Out of 4)

Milk DVD Review

MILK - An Alliance Films Release

http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/milk/

On DVD: March 10th, 2009

Rated Canada 14A for coarse language, violence, and sexual content.

Running time: 129 minutes

Gus Van Sant (dir.)

Sean Penn as Harvey Milk

Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones

Josh Brolin as Dan White

Diego Luna as Jack Lira

James Franco as Scott Smith

Alison Pill as Anne Kronenberg

Special Features: Deleted Scenes (Approx. 10:00 min.); Remembering Harvey (13:20 min.); Hollywood Comes To San Francisco (14:29 min.); Marching For Equality (7:55 min.).

©2008 Focus Features LLC and Axon Film Finance I, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

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Milk Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

One of the best films of 2008, Milk, arrives on DVD today. Nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture. Winner of two for Dustin Lance Black’s screenplay and for Sean Penn’s excellent performance as Harvey Milk. This would have been my second choice for Best Picture, after the winner Slumdog Millionaire. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to major public office. The acting by the all-star cast which includes Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Josh Brolin, among others, is amazing. They all disappear behind their roles, and are actually made up to look like their real-life counter parts. Sean Penn will and should be remembered for this role, it is perhaps his finest to date, but Josh Brolin is equally brilliant as Dan White. When you’re watching the film, you forget that this guy also played George W. Bush in W., Oliver Stones’ recent biopic. The last part of the film, as it becomes apparent what will happen, is emotional and suspenseful. The last scene of the film, some real footage and some reenactments, of hundreds of people marching with candles is beautiful, uplifting and inspiring. What makes this scene so powerful is that it actually happened. This film is about hope, and that is one of the most important messages that could ever be put in a film.

Harvey Milk not only stood up for gay rights, but for the rights of anyone who was not accepted for a difference they could not change. Whether you are young or old, gay or straight, male or female, Milk is an inspiring and uplifting film.

The DVD includes about 46 minutes of bonus material, including three short deleted scenes, (one of which I am glad wasn’t in the movie), a tribute to Harvey Milk, and two making-of featurettes, Hollywood Comes to San Francisco and Marching for Equality. All of these are fascinating to watch, because we get to see some of the real people and how much the actors looked like them.

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Milk Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

Milk is an important movie to watch. It is very well made, and both Sean Penn, (who plays Harvey Milk), and Dustin Lance Black, deserved their Best Actor, and Best Screenwriter wins respectively, at the OSCAR’s.

This movie tells the true-life story of Harvey Milk, an activist for gay rights, and civil rights in general. He was the first openly gay man to be elected to major public office, and by his perseverance, he paved the way for others. Very well written, everything is put together in such a way that it is easy enough to follow along, yet despite knowing what happens, there is still suspense at the end. This is very hard to achieve. The movie opens with Harvey Milk recording a tape that he wants played if he ever gets assassinated - a last message of sorts, in case it’s ever needed. It is spliced with actual news footage of the announcement that both he and the Mayor have been assassinated. When he is recording the tape, he is 48 years old. We then flash back to his 40th birthday, where ultimately, his journey towards activism began.

What makes this movie so powerful, is the reality of it all. You could not write a story like this that would be so affecting to so many people. In many cases, the same locations were used, and made accurate to the 1970’s. As we learn through the bonus features on the disc, for example, the building where Harvey Milk’s Castro camera shop was, was made to look like it did then by building replica walls about 3” in to hide how it looks now. Also on the disc are interviews with many of the real people that this movie portrays, such as Anne Kronenberg, and Cleve Jones. Another thing is, from the extras, you realize how haunting in a sense it would have been to act in, and film the final scenes of the film. Everyone involved knew that what they were playing out on screen was in the same locations that it actually happened. You especially realize this in the short interview with Josh Brolin, who plays Dan White in the film. You can see this reality come through in the acting, and it makes it very emotional indeed.

This being said, the final scene of the film is both extremely moving and filled with hope. Interspliced with original footage is a reenactment of the candlelight march held from the Castro to City Hall in honour of Harvey Milk. With this, you realize the scope of the community that had come together. In fact, some of the people who marched in the actual event, came for the reenactment as well.

This movie is a must-see. It is powerful, and deserving of every single award that it has gotten. Danny Elfman won for Film Composer of the Year at the IFMCA Awards, and his quiet underscoring here, matches the mood perfectly and no doubt helped him earn that title. If you haven’t seen this movie, make sure to put it on your list. The message here is that it just takes one person to speak out against prejudice of any kind, to change the world. Be this sexual orientation, disabilities, race, etc. This would be an important film to be seen by all of those 14 years old and up.

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Milk Review By Nicole

**** (out of 4)

Before this movie came out, I had never heard the inspiring story of Harvey Milk. this movie made me aware of this charismatic leader, chronicling the life of Harvey Milk, from the time when he meets Scott (played by James Franco), to the untimely end of his life. Harvey inspires many people during his political campaign, including Cleve Jones (played by Emile Hirsch), and Anne Kronenberg (played by Alison Pill). Despite many death threats, Harvey Milk continued to inspire the gay community, holding marches, public speeches, and protesting Proposition 6, a bill designed to fire all gay teacher, under the delusion that they might hurt the kids. All the attention Harvey Milk receives as a local city supervisor makes fellow supervisor Dan White (played by Josh Brolin), become increasingly uncomfortable. Despite this, Harvey Milk contines his fight against Proposition 6, effectively defeating it. This movie is very emotional. One scene that really struck me was when a suicidal young man in a wheelchair calls Harvey Milk, not sure of himself. Harvey tells the young man that God loves him, and that he is fine just the way he is.

I was also really moved by the way that Harvey Milk inspired young people to stand up for people who are different. Harvey Milk did not just stand up for gay rights, he and his team were an inspiration for women, people of different races, the elderly, and people with disabilities, or anything else that makes them “different”.

While it is tragic that Harvey Milk was murdered along with the mayor, the legacy of Harvey Milk lives on forever. This film is a perfect testament to that legacy. The acting was so amazing, that you forget that these actors are not the real people. Another thing that I likes is that some of the real people from Milk’s campaign, including Anne Kronenberg, and Cleve Jones, were extras in the film. Also, real footage of Milk’s memorial march was used, as well as recreated by the citizens of San Francisco.

The bonus features on this DVD are amazing. The deleted scenes add nothing to the movie, but the testimony to Harvey Milk is very moving. The making of feature is also moving, as you realize how accurate this movie is. This is one film that you will definitely want to own.

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Milk Review By Maureen

**** (out of 4)

Milk is an inspiring, touching film based on the true life story of gay rights activist Harvey Milk. I watched this movie without knowing much about Harvey Milk’s story. The script, the acting, the music and the overall authenticity of this movie had me captivated from beginning to end. I understand now why Dustin Lance Black won an Oscar for Best Screenwriter and Sean Penn won best Actor for his flawless portrayal of Harvey Milk. It was Sean Penn’s performance that brought the movie to life for me and kept it from being just another docudrama.

The story itself is powerful. Watching an ordinary man take on the task of civil rights activism and learning to play the political game is inspiring. Whether you are gay or not, this story gives hope to those who believe change comes from one person at a time standing up for what they believe in. This is also a story of self-acceptance and the need to accept others as they are. Truly inspiring. This story has relevance for the disabled, minorities, etc., any group of individuals that face discrimination and lack of understanding or acceptance at one time or another. It reminds me that those of us who have the ability or strength to act as advocates for those who have difficulty advocating for themselves need to do so in whatever way we can.

If you missed seeing Milk in theatres, or want to see it again, the DVD is worth owning. The bonus features which include commentary from some of the individuals such as Cleve Jones, who worked with Harvey Milk in real life, are really interesting. I usually don’t bother with the bonus features but these ones are worth watching.

This is a must see film for older teens and adults of all ages who want to witness a piece of the history of civil gay rights activism.

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Milk Review By Tony

**** (out of 4)

Sean Penn earned the Best Actor Oscar as Harvey Milk, the 1970’s San Francisco gay rights activist, who along with the mayor was assassinated by a rival city supervisor in 1978. Harvey Milk quit his corporate job in New York and moved to San Francisco’s Castro district in 1970 to open a camera shop. He raised the profile of the gay community with the Castro at its centre, and after several unsuccessful attempts got elected to the Board of Supervisors (city council) on a platform of equal rights and fair treatment for all marginalized people. When Proposition 6 was placed on the state ballot to have teachers and other professionals fired on the grounds of sexual orientation, Harvey Milk did more than anyone else to see that it was defeated. What had been a shameful hidden lifestyle detested by straight people became a source of pride, now protected to some extent by law and tolerated rather than hated by the general public.

Watching Milk reminded me of the civil rights struggles of African Americans and other racial minorities. Long after discrimination on the basis of race became unacceptable, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is still justified by many due to misguided religious beliefs. Harvey Milk defeated Proposition 6 by reminding everyone that they must know at least one gay person that they would not want to see persecuted. Like San Francisco, other large cities such as New York, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver had thriving gay communities by the 1970’s. With characteristic tolerance, Canadians never had an Anita Bryant or Proposition 6 to openly condemn homosexuals. Of course tolerance is a passive-aggressive term which implies permission without acceptance. As most minorities will attest, many Canadians are still racist, sexist, and homophobic, but we are too polite to admit it.

As a kid in Texas, the writer Dustin Lance Black was inspired by Milk to come out, along with thousands of others around the country. Many of Milk’s contemporaries contributed to the film. In a couple of cases, such as the union leader and speechwriter, they played themselves. Director Gus van Sant was meticulous about getting it right. The actual locations were used as much as possible, including the same offices where the murders occurred. A fine minimalist score is provided by Danny Elfman.

The DVD includes close to an hour of archival footage and interviews with the director, crew, and some of the real people and actors who played them in the film.

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Consensus: Milk is a powerfully moving film. Based on the life of Harvey Milk, this is a finely crafted movie. From the acting to the screenwriting, to the direction, this movie is a must-see. **** (Out of 4)

The Art of PIXAR Short Films Book Review

Released February 25th, 2009

Page count: 160 pages

The Art of PIXAR Short Films

By Amid Amidi

Foreword By John Lasseter

Research Associate Adam Abraham

Published By Chronicle Books

Distributed by Raincoast Books in Canada

Designed By Public

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/

http://www.raincoast.com/

http://www.cartoonbrew.com/

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The Art of PIXAR Short Films Book Review By John C.

Every year when a new Pixar film comes, along with it is a new short film. Last year with WALL•E, we saw Presto, the hilarious little film about a magician and his rabbit. This year with Up, we will see Partly Cloudy, which is about a cloud named Gus, who is in charge of making tough babies like alligators and porcupines, and his stork, Peck, who wants to move on to delivering more cuddly babies, like humans and kittens. The short films have been about many different things, an old man playing chess in Geri’s Game, or in their very first short film, Luxo Jr., a lovable baby lamp. But no matter what they are about, they are always brilliant in their own way.

The Art of Pixar Short Films is a beautiful new coffee-table book by Amid Amidi, cofounder and co-writer of Cartoon Brew. The book is filled with beautiful artwork from Pixar’s first 13 short films. People will likely recognize some of the art, like from the very popular Boundin’ and For The Birds, and some of it is rarely seen, like a picture of the original Knick Knack, before the mermaid underwent breast reduction. The book goes hand-in-hand with the Pixar Short Films Collection DVD, which was released by Disney in 2007.

The book should be an essential part of every Pixar fans collection. Anyone who doesn’t know about the company, and it’s humble beginnings as a software firm, will find the book very interesting. Pixar’s films, feature and short, are an important part of animation history, and this book brings to light the history of the shorts we all know and love. Check out the book, and watch the DVD. You will seriously have a good time.

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The Art of PIXAR Short Films Book Review By Erin V.

Before reading through The Art of Pixar Short Films, I re-watched all of the Pixar shorts themselves. This book contains all of the short films found on The Pixar Short Films DVD, from The Adventures of André and Wally B., to Lifted. The book does all of the films justice, and gives a great background to how each one came about. Containing amazing production art from over 20 years of short films, This is a great book to add to your collection.

The Art of Pixar Short Films covers the first 13 Pixar short films. Divided into three sections, this book is very nicely organized, and easy to read. After the foreword and introduction, it starts with the ‘Early Shorts’. [The Adventures of André and Wally B., Luxo Jr., Red’s Dream, Tin Toy, and Knick Knack.] All of them being written by John Lasseter, and the last four being directed by him as well. The next section is appropriately named ‘The Next Generation of Shorts’. [Geri’s Game, For The Birds, Boundin’, One Man Band, and Lifted.] All of these shorts are written and directed by other members of the production team, which is a good way for them to try their hand at directing. In fact, Gary Rydstrom who directed Lifted, is now at the helm of his first feature length project, Newt, slated for release in a few years.

The last section of the book is called ‘Feature Film-Based Shorts’. [Mike’s New Car, Jack-Jack Attack, and Mater and the Ghostlight.] These are all directed by the same directors as their respective movies. Mater and the Ghostlight marked John Lasseter’s first time back at directing a short film since Knick Knack in 1989.

The beautiful production design photos fill the book even past the acknowledgments at the back. When you first open up the book you are greeted with storyboard art on the inside of the cover from all of the shorts included in the book. Also of note, is the cover art of Luxo Jr. on the front. This nice piece is featured inside on page 55, and is a pastel piece done by John Lasseter in 1986. This book that is a must-add to your collection, right down to the indented Luxo Jr. hidden underneath the dust-jacket.

BRAND NEW UP TRAILER!!!

Yahoo! now has a brand new UP trailer!

One of the most anticipated movies of 2009, we finally get a trailer for Disney•PIXAR’s UP. Nicely edited, the trailer does not show too much, and has a nice adventure feel to it. We are finally introduced to Dug, the talking dog, and Kevin, the giant jungle bird. They are both very nicely done characters, and the style, and fur/feather textures look great. We see more of Carl and Russell, and get a brief introduction to the antagonist of the film.

The first 46 minutes of UP was premiered at several different conferences in the states, and received rave reviews. Please note that there are write-up’s of these events, but they - as expected - are full of spoilers. For this reason, we have not had coverage of them. We will try to have our coverage of UP be as spoiler-free as possible.

Watch the trailer below, or click the link to have access to the glorious full 1080p version here.

Enjoy!

So, what do you think? Let us know in the comments section!

One Week

ONE WEEK

http://oneweek.ca/

http://www.mongrelmedia.com/theatrical/info.cgi?id=1441

Opens in limited Canadian release: March 6th, 2009

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language.

Running time: 97 minutes

Michael McGowan (dir.)

Cast: (in order of appearance)

Joshua Jackson as Ben Tyler

Peter Spence as Doctor

Gage Munroe as Young Ben

Liane Balaban as Samantha Pierce

Fiona Reid as Mary Tyler

Chuck Shamata as Gerald Tyler

Caroline Cave as Nancy Tyler

Campbell Scott as Narrator

Joshua Jackson as Ben in One Week.

Our reviews below:

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One Week Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

“What would you do if you had one day, one week, or one month, to live?” Says the brilliant narration over the first scene of One Week. Ben Tyler has just learned he has stage-four cancer. Possessed by the urge to do what he feels he needs to do rather than what it would appear he should do, he sets out on what was meant to be a two-day motorcycle trip, but turns into a one week voyage for the west. From Toronto, Ontario to Tofino, British Columbia. As the rolls up rims on his Tim Horton's coffee cups, and tells some Newfoundland kids that he can’t assist them in finding the closest Canadian Tire, this is a very Canadian movie that probably won’t be watched across the border. But, in Canada it should be seen as a national treasure.

Every aspect of the film is Canadian. For once a film that has Toronto playing Toronto, and not standing-in for New York. The director, Michael McGowan, was born in Toronto, and also made Saint Ralph, which took place in Hamilton. Lead actors, Joshua Jackson and Lianne Balaban, are, respectively, from Vancouver and Toronto. The music, songs and score, are also all Canadian. The score, composed by Andrew Lockington who was born in Burlington, was recorded at the CBC on a piano that Glenn Gould played. There is a cameo by Canadian indie-folk artist Joel Plasskitt. You don’t get more Canadian than that.

The cinematography and scenery are breathtaking, and would make anyone appreciate our beautiful country. The aforementioned narrator works perfectly. Sometimes being profound and sometimes just mundane. I would place it as one of my favorite narration's, along with Stranger Than Fiction and Vicky Cristina Barcelona. We are told how one of Ben’s actions has unknowingly to him, affected and changed someone else's life, similar to the plot of a film like Magnolia. It makes us think that the choices the character is making are the right choices, even if they aren’t the obvious choice at the time.

One Week is at it’s heart a road movie, about one man taking a journey with his country. Canada is not just a background, but a second character, and it works wonderfully. Simple, yet profound, touching and moving, One Week is a timeless fable that should not be missed.

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One Week Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

One Week is a very Canadian movie that is an inspiring piece of work. One Week tells the story of one week in the life of Ben, (Joshua Jackson), a man of in his 30’s engaged to be married, who finds out that he has cancer. Needing a break from everything, before becoming a patient, he spontaneously buys a motorcycle and what is intended to be 2 days to just get away from it all, becomes a quest to continue traveling west. Starting in Toronto, we see all kinds of Canadian landmarks along the way, as Ben journeys both across the country, and inside of himself.

The low key feeling of this movie was very fitting. The combination of the scenery, and the choices of songs made this movie something special. I believe that the director, Michael McGowan, said that he wanted to make a movie to show the beauty of this country, Canada. He has succeeded in showing the beauty of our country, as best as you can without seeing it for yourself. Watching this movie, as we travel with Ben across the country, it was amazing to see the contrast from the flat prairies to the rocky mountains. The depth in the theatre was amazing and there aren’t really words to describe seeing this wonderful country’s natural beauty on screen. I have never been out west myself, but it is one of my goals one day - to see this wonderful country from coast to coast myself.

I think what it was I loved about this movie was just watching everything together. The scenery, the landmarks, hearing the music, (original score by Andrew Lockington), and following this man’s journey across the country. He is looking for something that he must believe is there to have the strength to continue. I like the use of the narrator in this movie, sometimes narration doesn’t work, but here it does. We get a background of Ben’s life, not too much, but just enough to know where he’s at. The style of narration actually reminds me of the narrator in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It adds something being there, that is hard to make work, yet both of these films succeed. Especially here, the narrator becomes a character in himself. This being said, all of the actors are really good in One Week. Great work from everyone involved here.

To finish up, some movies are easier to write about then others, and others you just know how you feel about the movie. I know how I feel about this movie - this is a work of art that I hope will have a wider release, so that more can enjoy and experience it for themselves.

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One Week Review By Nicole

**** (out of 4)

It is a real treat to see a film that is entirely Canadian. Such is the case with One Week. This movie is about Ben, a man who, in his prime, is diagnosed with cancer. He is terrified, and briefly contemplate suicide. (This scene is somewhat disturbing, so sensitive viewers may want to close their eyes.) When the reality of what is happening kicks in however, Ben decides to go on an adventure. His fiancée, Samantha, however, would rather Ben stay in Toronto, and start cancer treatment right away. Ben doesn’t listen. He isn’t ready to be a patient. So he buys a second hand motorcycle, and heads off to explore Canada. On his way, Ben is about to give up and head back, but two young men, and a “roll up the rim to win” Tim Horton’s cup saying “Go west young man,” encourage Ben to keep going west.

On his way, Ben sees many things. He visits all the big whimsical landmarks along the way, such as the Big Nickel in Sudbury. He also takes in the sheer beauty of nature, the trees, the vast wheat fields, the Northern Lights, the Pacific Ocean, and Canadian animals, such as elk, bears, moose, and humpback whales. Ben also meets people along the way, and every person Ben encounters is for a reason. Somehow, in some uncanny way, Ben is either touched by, or touches the life of each person he meets. When Ben finally returns home, he realizes what he really wants in life.

I really enjoyed this film. The narration, reminiscent of Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and is perfect for One Week. Much of Ben’s narrated inner thoughts are hilarious, and add a light feel to the film. The scenery in this movie is breathtakingly beautiful, and the score by Andrew Lockington is very gentle, and fits the mood perfectly. This movie reminds us all to slow down, and look at the beauty around us. After seeing this movie, I can’t wait to check out the rest of Canada. This movie is a little known gem that should definitely be seen.

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One Week Review By Maureen

**** (out of 4)

This movie is a real Canadian gem. The concept of what an individual would do if they knew they only had a short time to live in not unique. However, One Week is a uniquely Canadian look at the concept.

The movie opens with the main character Ben, (nicely played by Canadian actor Joshua Jackson), receiving a diagnosis of stage IV cancer. His first reaction is to imagine how he could end it all. Sensitive viewers might not like the close-up shot of his imagined death. This was the only part of the movie I didn’t like. His next response is to do what many of us might want to do - run. As he is running from the doctor’s office he stops at a garage where he decides to buy the second-hand motorcycle he had seen and thought about more then once. The movie gives us insight into Ben’s thoughts and his past through the use of a narrator. This device works really well in One Week. Some of the inner dialogue voiced by the narrator is laugh out loud funny without overshadowing the actual dialogue between the characters.

When Ben returns home from the doctor’s office with his new motorcycle, his fiancé Samantha, (also nicely played be Canadian actor Liane Balaban), tries to convince him to immediately start aggressive treatment of his cancer. However, Ben comes to the realization that he isn’t ready to be a patient yet and he needs to go on a motorcycle trip to sort out his thoughts. And in a typical Canadian moment, it’s when he ‘rolls up the rim’ of his Tim Horton’s coffee that he knows exactly what he needs to do - ‘Go west young man’.

Ben’s road trip from toronto to the west coast takes him to all sorts of Canadian tourist icons such as the Big Nickel and even a chance to kiss the Stanley Cup. The visuals on his roadtrip are beautiful. One Week has done a wonderful job in giving us a glimpse of how vast and beautiful Canada really is. The music be Canadian composer Andrew Lockington accompanies the trip in a nice low key way. I’m looking forward to the CD of this movie. Ben learns all sorts of things about himself and about what really matters on this roadtrip. The events that happen and the people he meets all connect and lead him and them exactly to where they need to be.

This movie is full of some really nice and some very funny moments. It never really moves into anything overly sentimental or sappy given the subject matter. The ending is satisfying and this viewer was left with a greater appreciation of Canada’s nature and character and the feeling that life really is meant to be experienced one moment at a time. I really like this movie and can’t wait to see it again. It makes me proud to be a Canadian and happy to be alive.

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One Week Review By Tony

**** (out of 4)

Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson) is told he has cancer with a poor prognosis. He buys a vintage motorcycle and heads west. Throughout One Week, an offscreen voice narrates flashes of present thoughts and memories. Despite a nice fiancée Sam (Liane Balaban), a nice family and a decent if not ideal teaching job, Ben fears he never reached his potential This trip may be his last chance to take risks and experience “a lifetime each day” before entering treatment–effectively the end of life. Along the way from Toronto to Tofino, the people he meets affect him and he touches them in unexpected ways. An important supporting role is played by Canada’s magnificent scenery and quirky “world’s largest” landmarks, such as the Muskoka chair and Wawa goose, as well as iconic ones such as the Terry Fox monument and Stanley Cup.

I was previously not familiar with the work of Joshua Jackson, to my eyes a pleasant combination of Tobey MacGuire and Kiefer Sutherland. He pulls off this difficult role, often in closeups, with modest Canadian confidence. In her brief scenes, Liane Balaban is as good as we have come to expect. In their brief encounters with Ben the rest of the cast are all fine. The musical score featuring indie Canadian artists fits perfectly. Some original material by Andrew Lockington, based on keyboards, Irish pipes and wordless voices, is quite different from his previous symphonic score for City of Ember, whose main 5/4 theme reminded me of Mars by Holst. All the songs (not just clips) can be heard on the film website.

Just as in his previous film Saint Ralph, writer/director/producer Michael McGowan has shown that a well-told story from a specific place can have universal appeal. In his films, Canada is no stand in for Anywhere USA, with every licence plate taped over to hide its real location. Despite its tragic premise, One Week is too funny and life affirming to be depressing. A great Canadian film is the result.

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Joshua Jackson 'rolling up the rim' as Ben in One Week.

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Consensus: One Week is a film that celebrates being Canadian. Extremely well made, the acting, music and cinematography, etc. all work seamlessly together. Whether you're Canadian or not, this movie is worth seeing. If you get a chance, go see in theatres, if not, watch for it's release on DVD. **** (Out of 4)

Upcoming Films in 2009

By John C.

Well, The Academy has announced their pick for the best film of 2008, Slumdog Millionaire. Hollywood can calm down. Well, not really, because if you watched right until the end on the night of February 22nd, than you saw the montage of upcoming films. In a very short while people will start talking about what films will be nominated next year. Well, I’m going to talk about some films that have me interested.

Mark my words, next Oscar season we will be seeing a lot of the film Amelia, an upcoming biopic about Amelia Earhart, starring Hilary Swank. It opens October 22nd and will be distributed by Fox Searchlight. Expect nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress. Fox Searchlight has had their films nominated for Best Picture in 1997 (The Full Monty), 2004 (Sideways), 2006 (Little Miss Sunshine), 2007 (Juno) and they received their first win this year for Slumdog Millionaire. Fox Searchlight will be distributing 500 Days of Summer, about a man who has just broken up with a girl named Summer and he thinks back over the 500 days they were together and try's to figure out were they went wrong. It opens July 24th. They will also be distributing Adam, which is a love story about a young man with Aspergers Syndrome. The release date of Adam is still TBD, but it will be released in the fall. It would be great if they both got Awards recognition, but Adam will probably have the edge. Both films premiered to good reviews at Sundance.

Again the question will be asked, can an animated film make it into the rounds for Best Picture? This year Pixar’s got another sure to be masterpiece coming out on May 29th. Up, the adventures of a 78-year old man who floats his house away on balloons, so he can have the adventure of a lifetime, but finds out that a 8-year old wilderness explorer has stowed away on his porch. The film is said to deal with issues of love, life and loss, which could resonate very deeply with The Academy. The only animated film to ever be nominated for Best Picture was Beauty and the Beast in 1991. Could The Princess and the Frog, Disney’s first 2D animated film in years, and probably the best one in quite some time, get a nomination? Probably not, but the chances, I hope, are still there. On November 6th Robert Zemeckis will release his mo-cap re-imagining of A Christmas Carol, with Jim Carrey in seven different roles. It is said to be the closest anyone has ever gotten to the source material, in adapting the book for the screen. The film will likely be very underrated, as was The Polar Express, but I know I will love the film.

Relative newcomer Carey Mulligan could very well receive a Best Actress nod for her work in An Education, a British film that premiered at Sundance and will be released by Sony Pictures Classics later in the year. The Clint Eastwood directed film, (which is at this point untitled), about the life of Nelson Mandela, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, will likely get a Best Picture nomination. The Johnny Depp and Christian Bale starring film Public Enemies about American gangsters in the 1930’s, will open July 1st. Quentin Tarantino’s WW2 action-drama Inglourious Bastards, which stars Brad Pitt, about a group of Jewish-American soldiers who are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by brutally killing Nazis, is sure to be very violent and will open August 21st. Peter Jackson’s newest film The Lovely Bones, based on the novel by Alice Sebold, is opening December 11th, and seems to deal with the kind of subject matter the Academy likes.

Those are just a handful of films that could end up with awards recognition, in one form or another. But, who knows if any of these films will disappoint after they open, like what happened with Australia last year. Come TIFF we are sure to see a ton of, at this point unknown films, that will generate huge buzz. Like what happened with most recent Best Picture winner Slumdog Millionaire.

Soul Men DVD Review

SOUL MEN - An Alliance Films Release

http://www.soulmen-movie.com/

On DVD: March 3rd, 2009

Rated Canada 18A for sexual content, coarse language, and violence.

Running time: 104 minutes

Malcolm D. Lee (dir.)

Samuel L. Jackson as Louis Hinds

Bernie Mac as Floyd Henderson

Sharon Leal as Cleo

Adam Herschman as Phillip

Sean Hayes as Danny Epstein

Affion Crockett as Lester

John Legend as Marcus Hooks

Isaac Hayes as himself

Jennifer Coolidge as Rosalee

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Soul Men Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

Soul Men is incredibly cool and full of style. And the best thing about this road-trip, buddy movie is we get to cruise along to the sweet sounds of “The Real Deal”. Bernie Mac, (who died on August 9th, 2008, after filming was complete. May he rest in peace), plays Floyd Henderson, and Samuel L. Jackson plays Louis Hinds, two legendary soul singers who haven’t been together in over twenty years. They have to drive to the Apollo Theater to sing in a memorial concert for their recently deceased band leader Marcus Hooks, (John Legend). Also look out for a cameo by the legendary Isaac Hayes, (who died on August 11th, just two days after Bernie Mac. May he rest in peace). Amidst the music, we also get enough raunchy humor and Viagra jokes to last us for more than 4 hours. I laughed out loud a lot more than once. While the story and plot elements bear resemblance to The Blues Brothers, it is neither rip-off nor parody, and being a fan of both, I think it will likely be enjoyed by a similar audience. Just don’t watch this movie if you don’t like the f word, especially when linked with another word. When this film was getting rated, the censors who count the cuss words, would have had their pens out of ink within the first few minutes. Soul Men is a lot of fun from start to finish, and will be enjoyed by anyone who likes humor and good music.

The DVD comes loaded, with feature commentary by director Malcolm D. Lee and writers Matt Stone and Rob Ramsey, featurettes entitled The Soul Men: Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson, The Cast of Soul Men, Director Malcolm D. Lee, Boogie Ain’t Nuttin’: Behind-The-Scenes, Bernie Mac at The Apollo, the films Theatrical Trailer and Tributes to Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes.

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Soul Men Review By Erin V.

*** (out of 4)

I was not sure what I would think of this movie, since it got kind of mixed reviews when it was in theatres, but I actually really enjoyed it. Soul Men is the story of two guys who used to sing together in a band called “The Real Deal”. The third member of their band has died, and they have to get back together to perform in a tribute concert to him. The problem is that after over 20 years, they are still holding grudges against each other. This is a road trip comedy that has many laughs in it. The soul music is really great to listen to, and the overall feel of this movie is what I had hoped it would be.

There is a lot of swearing in this movie, although within the first few minutes, it just becomes part of the way that the characters talk, barely even noticeable as you become used to it. I think that this movie was underrated by many, and I do pity those reviewers who felt they had to count the swear words. If they were allowed to just guess and say ‘a couple hundred uses of the f-word, mixed with another word’, for example, then their job would have been made a whole lot easier.

It was nice to see this movie, which stars Bernie Mac, who sadly passed away this past summer. There is a nice tribute to him in the end credits, as well as a special tribute feature to him on the disc. Isaac Hayes, who also passed away this summer has a cameo in this movie as well. There is also a tribute to him on the disc which would be worth watching.

The other features on the disc are: Feature commentary, The Soul Men: Bernie Mac & Samuel L. Jackson, The cast of Soul Men, Director Malcolm D. Lee, the aforementioned tributes to Bernie Mac, and Isaac Hayes, a behind the scenes feature, Bernie Mac at the Apollo, and the theatrical trailer.

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Soul Men Review By Nicole

*** (out of 4)

When I first heard of Soul Men, I didn’t know what to expect. I am glad that I got to see it though, because Soul Men is a funny - (but very rude) - comedy. The movie is about two soul singers, Louis and Floyd, who originally sang in a trio with another singer named Marcus Hooks. Over the years, the trio broke up, and each member went their own separate ways. When Marcus dies, Louis and Floyd are called back together to perform a tribute concert at the Apollo Theatre. Trouble is, there is a 25 year old grudge between the two. Now Louis and Floyd have to put aside their differences, as they travel on a hilarious journey to the Apollo.

Soul Men has great music, and lots of fast paced fun. Some viewers may not enjoy the language, nudity, and sexual humour, so I would not recommend showing this movie to your grandmother. However, despite the 18A rating, this film has virtually no violence, (aside from some mild slapstick humour). Over all, Soul Men is a fun comedy with great, catchy songs. Rent this movie, and get the soundtrack.

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Soul Men Review By Maureen

**1/2 (out of 4)

Soul Men has a lot going for it. It’s got good music, solid comedic acting and overall is really funny. However if crude language and blue pill humor offend you, then you might want to pass on this one.

Bernie Mac, (as Floyd), and Samuel L. Jackson, (Louis), play retired soul singers who try to put aside a 25 year grudge to do a tribute concert in memory of the recently deceased third member of their former trio, (Marcus Hooks played by John Legend). The interaction between veteran actors Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson is enjoyable to watch from start to finish. Given the fact that both Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, (in a cameo appearance), died shortly after this film’s release, fans of both these talented individuals will want to see their work in Soul Men. It’s not a brilliant movie, but very entertaining. It’s worth at the very least a rental - just make sure the kiddies are in bed first.

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Soul Men Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

Soul Men may not be the kind of film “white people like”. I pity the fool (I couldn’t resist) who for an R rating had to count the instances of “pervasive language”. I actually found the vocabulary enriched rather than cheapened the witty dialogue and the film was less offensive overall than much of the output of Kevin Smith or Judd Apatow. Like Booty Call, Soul Men for me is a guilty pleasure, along with other films dismissed in their day, such as The Blues Brothers and A Mighty Wind.

As usual, I don’t want to reveal too much. The internet trailers (both clean green and restricted red) will give you a good taste of what to expect, even though they may spoil the plot a bit. The back story involves Marcus Hooks & the Real Deal, an R & B trio huge in the 60’s & 70’s, with basketball-sized ‘fros to match (perhaps leftover wigs from Undercover Brother, by the same director, Malcolm D. Lee). Marcus (played in archive clips by John Legend) went solo at the end of the 70’s and his Real Deal backup singers Floyd (Bernie Mac) & Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) broke up not long after. Floyd moved out west and is seen in an old TV commercial leering in front of his “full body” (as in Cool Hand Luke) car wash. Louis was not so lucky, doing years of jail time for armed robbery. Some 20 years later, Marcus has just died and the Real Deal have been invited to a tribute concert at the Apollo in Harlem. With his nephew now running the business, Floyd is restless in his comfortable retirement community and he goes to pick up Louis, who despite his own squalid circumstances is at first reluctant to go along. During the 5 days they take to cross the country in their big old Cadillac convertible (The Muthaship), their old rivalries are brought out and finally resolved.

The cast is excellent. Samuel L. Jackson’s characteristic rage is contrasted with Bernie Mac’s wide eyed reactions to awkward situations, often involving the priapic effects of his meds. Sharon Leal is radiant as the daughter of the woman they had fought over. Affion Crockett is appropriately obnoxious as the rapper fool who slaps her around, not a wise move when Samuel L. Jackson’s character is there to defend her. Adam Herschman is good as a starstruck nerd manager. Sean Hayes embodies a media executive and Isaac Hayes plays himself. Jennifer Coolidge, as in the American Pie and Christopher Guest films, has a brief but unforgettable role.

Of course, one of the main stars is the music. Though it lacks the big budget of the Blues Brothers films, whose R & B legends were backed up by the great Memphis Stax Studio musicians of the day, Soul Men has a strong score featuring among others some of the current Stax artists. It was interesting, for example, how well the soul sound and choreography came through even when backed up in a Texas bar by a western swing band playing to a crowd of line dancers.

There is a brief tribute to the late Bernie Mac over the closing credits. We can be thankful for one film from Jackson & Mac, the latest in a great tradition of comedy duos, and a long way from Amos’n’Andy.

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Consensus: Soul Men is a fun comedy that would be worth watching on DVD, despite it being underrated. The acting is solid, and the music is great. *** (Out of 4)

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)