The IFMCA Announces it’s 2008 Winners for Excellence in Film Scores

Write-up By E. Corrado

Yesterday the International Film Music Critics Association announced it’s winners for work in 2008 films. Facing tough competition, the film score of the year finally went to Alexandre Desplat for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which has also garnered him an Oscar nomination. The other films competeing for this year's top prize were, The Dark Knight, (James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, (John Williams), Standard Operating Procedure, (Danny Elfman), and WALL•E, (Thomas Newman). In the other categories, congratulations to Danny Elfman, for winning Film Composer of the Year, and to Canadian composer Andrew Lockington for winning Breakout Composer of the Year for his work in Journey To The Centre of The Earth and City of Ember. Also of note are Thomas Newman’s win for PIXAR’s WALL•E , and Michael Giacchino’s win for the Cloverfield ‘Roar’ Overture. PIXAR’s next feature, UP, which opens May 29th, 2009, will be scored by Michael Giacchino. Since there are too many winning and nominated composers to name individually here, I am listing all of the winners below. Also, on the IFMCA’s website, you can find all of the nominees as well.

2008 FILM WINNERS:

FILM SCORE OF THE YEAR

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, music by Alexandre Desplat

FILM COMPOSER OF THE YEAR

Danny Elfman

BREAKOUT COMPOSER OF THE YEAR

Andrew Lockington

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A DRAMA FILM

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, music by Alexandre Desplat

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A COMEDY FILM

Burn After Reading, music by Carter Burwell

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR AN ACTION/ADVENTURE FILM

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, music by John Williams

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A FANTASY/SCIENCE FICTION FILM

Inkheart, music by Javier Navarrete

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A HORROR/THRILLER FILM

The Happening, music by James Newton Howard

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR AN ANIMATED FEATURE

WALL•E, music by Thomas Newman

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Standard Operating Procedure, music by Danny Elfman

FILM MUSIC COMPOSITION OF THE YEAR

Cloverfield: “Roar Overture,” music by Michael Giacchino

OTHER CATEGORIES:

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR TELEVISION

John Adams, music by Robert Lane and Joseph Vitarelli

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A VIDEO GAME OR INTERACTIVE MEDIA

Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, music by Knut Avenstroup Haugen

BEST NEW RELEASE/RE-RELEASE OF AN EXISTING SCORE

The Boys from Brazil, music by Jerry Goldsmith; produced by Douglass Fake (Intrada)

BEST RE-RECORDING OF AN EXISTING SCORE

El Cid, music by Miklós Rózsa; conducted by Nic Raine, produced by James Fitzpatrick (Tadlow)

BEST COMPILATION ALBUM OR BOX SET

Indiana Jones: The Soundtracks Collection, music by John Williams; produced by Laurent Bouzereau (Concord)

FILM MUSIC RECORD LABEL OF THE YEAR

Intrada

Flash of Genius on DVD Today

Here is a link to our original reviews of Flash of Genius, and to the review of the soundtrack.  The movie comes out on DVD today, Tuesday, February 17th.  

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)

Happy Valentines Day!

To all of our readers, One Movie, Five Views wishes you a Happy Valentines Day!  

This Month’s Overlooked Film

Chosen by: John C.

Overlooked films will no longer be rated out of stars.

The Visitor

Release Date April 18 2008

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language

Running Time: 104 min.

Thomas McCarthy (dir.)

Richard Jenkins as Professor Robert Vale

Haaz Sleiman as Tarek Khalil

Danai Jekesai Guria as Zainab

Hiam Abbass as Mouna Khalil

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The Visitor

Review By John C.

When Professor Robert Vale, (Richard Jenkins), returns to his apartment in New York City he finds a young couple living there. It turns out that they are illegal immigrants, trying to avoid deportation. The story plays out as a human drama, about how people's lives can be changed by those around them. The acting is excellent, and has earned Richard Jenkins an Oscar nomination for his work in the film. The film is at times heartbreaking, being grounded in reality rather than sentimentality. The last few scenes are simple, yet still emotional, moving and beautiful. The Visitor is a wonderful movie, and a film that everyone should see.

Is there a film that you think is overlooked? Send the name of the movie to onemoviefiveviews@hotmail.com

Passchendaele DVD Review

PASSCHENDAELE - An Alliance Films Release

http://www.passchendaelethemovie.com/

On DVD: February 3rd, 2009

Rated Canada 14A for violence, gory scenes, and coarse language.

Running time: 117 minutes

Paul Gross (dir.)

Paul Gross as Michael Dunne

Caroline Dhavernas as Sarah Mann

Jayson Therrien as MP

Gil Bellows as Royster

Adam Harrington as Colonel Ormand

Joe Dinicol as David Mann

Michael Greyeyes as Highway

Jim Mezon as Major Dobson-Hughes

Meredith Bailey as Cassie Walker

Caroline Dhavernas and Paul Gross star in Passchendaele, an Alliance Films' release. Photo Credit: Chris Large

©MMVII Passchendaele Films Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Our reviews below:

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Passchendaele Review By John C.

***1/2 (out of 4)

Sergeant Michael Dunne has returned to Canada. After a shocking battle in France, he will be forever haunted by a decision he made. Back in Alberta he falls hopelessly in love with nurse Sarah Mann and eventually returns to Europe to fight in the Third Battle of Ypres, more commonly known as “Passchendaele”. The film shows an important part of Canadian history that could sadly get forgotten, which makes this an important movie for younger generations to see.

Compared to Closing The Ring, another recent love story centered around the war, I actually liked Closing The Ring a little better. Passchendaele feels a little loose, where as Closing The Ring had a tighter story line. The scenery of Passchendaele is beautiful and the battle scenes are very brutal, making this a war movie more along the lines of Saving Private Ryan. With a budget of 20 million dollars, which is small compared to that of most blockbusters, this is the most expensive Canadian film ever made.

The DVD includes a 43 minute making-of titled The Road to Passchendaele.

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Passchendaele Review By Erin V.

***1/2 (out of 4)

In 1917, one of the most brutal battles of WWI took place in Passchendaele, Belgium. Director-Writer Paul Gross tells the story of Sergeant Michael Dunne, (Paul Gross), a soldier after being brutally wounded in France returns to Calgary to recover, and while in the hospital, meets Sarah Mann, (Caroline Dhavernas), who is a nurse who works there. Both physically, and mentally scarred from the battles, he doesn’t want to go back to war, but when Sarah’s younger brother David, (Joe Dinicol), signs up to go, he feels like he must go back to protect him.

While this movie certainly does not have as complicated a storyline as something like Closing The Ring, it is very well made, and serves it’s purpose well, which is to bring attention to the next generation about the Battle of Passchendaele. The war scenes are very well done, and to ensure the accuracy of the scenes, Paul Gross enlisted the advice of military expert Norman Leach. The movie Passchendaele was inspired be Paul Gross’ grandfather, Michael Joseph Dunne, who served, and was wounded in the 10th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, at the Battle of Passchendaele. The movie is loosely based on his grandfather’s story.

Passchendaele was the Official Opening Night Film at the Toronto International Film Festival. The DVD of Passchendaele also includes a 43 minute, 50 second look at the making of Passchendaele called The Road to Passchendaele, trailers, and TV spots.

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Passchendaele Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

N/A

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Paul Gross stars in PASSCHENDAELE, an Alliance Films' release. Photo Credit: Chris Large

©MMVII Passchendaele Films Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

About the Battle of Passchendaele

By Erin V.

The battle that this movie is based on, the Third Battle of Ypres, more commonly known as the battle of Passchendaele lasted over 4 months, and cost over half a million men their lives. In the battle, approximately 325,000 Allied soldiers died, as well as approximately 260,000 German soldiers, as they tried to defend against the assault. The battle became known as one of the most controversial of the war, because of the extreme loss of life, and the leadership of Sir Douglas Haig. When the Canadians were called in to help in the liberation of the town of Passchendaele, (now called Passendale), Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie declared it next to impossible, and predicted that they could lose as many of 16,000 of their men. And close to his prediction, 15,654 Canadians were injured of killed in the battle, including my great-great grandfather Martin Sweeney, who died on November 5th, 1917.

General Currie prepared for the battle by having his soldiers build walkways over the muddy terrain. On October 26th, approximately 20,000 men attacked, inching their war forward, behind heavy fire meant to destroy the German guns, and provide cover for the soldiers. With high casualties, they slowly, but surely pushed forward, and on October 30th, the final battle for the town of Passchendaele began. After days of fighting in rain, mud, and heavy fire by the Germans, the Battle of Passchendaele ended when the Allies, led by the Canadians, claimed the town at 9:00am on November 6th, 1917. Five months after the battle, the Germans won back the territory that they had lost. For Canada, then a young nation only 50 years old, the battle marked us a place in history, and we will not forget the many who served in this battle.

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Consensus: Passchendaele is a good Canadian historical film that would be worth watching, especially around Remembrance Day. ***1/2 (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.

Groundhog Day

Release Date February 12 1993

Rated PG

Running Time: 101 min.

Harold Ramis (dir.)

Bill Murray as Phil Connors

Andie MacDowell as Rita

Chris Elliott as Larry

Stephen Tobolowsky as Ned Ryerson

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Groundhog Day

Review By John C.

What if you could relive the same day over again? That’s the premise used to perfection in Harold Ramis’ classic comedy Groundhog Day. Except for weatherman Phil Connors, (Bill Murray), he is forced to relive his least favorite day of the year, Groundhog Day, again and again. The film is intriguing and intelligent and deserves to be watched at least once a year on the 2nd day of the 2nd month.

Groundhog Day is hands-down the best movie ever made about February 2nd and a movie that I am more than happy to get to repeat again and again and again and...