Sweet Thing (DVD)
This psychological drama deftly grapples with the heavy themes of art, expression, familial relationships, and obsessive love. Sean Fields (Jeremy Fox) is a young artist whose paintings, inspired by love, are deemed by the media to be controversial. Unfortunately, Sean`s dad just happens to be running for Congress at the same time that he is beginning to gain attention as a provocative artist. Now, it looks as though one of them will have to sacrifice his career aspirations!NR"
Director: Mark David
ACTORS: Jeremy Fox, Amanda Stifter
The Haunted Mansion (VHS)
Eddie Murphy stars in this spooky, CGI effect-packed Disney film, based on the famous Disney World attraction. He plays Jerry, a workaholic real estate agent who interrupts his family`s vacation to check out a remote mansion that`s for sale. But soon he and his family are trapped in the haunted house and are screaming for their lives. Terence Stamp is the ghost butler, and Nathaniel Parker is the ghost owner who falls for Jerry`s wife, Sara (Marsha Thomason), believing she is the reincarnation of his lost love and providing for both a refreshingly interracial, and frighteningly inter-dimensional romance. Jennifer Tilly has a great bit as a loudmouthed head in the crystal ball; Wallace Shawn and Dina Walters are the ghost servants. Zombies rise up from their graves to attack the living, but generally the film is harmless kid stuff that is bursting with cheerful color, noise, bloodless shocks and refreshingly bathroom-free humor. Fans of the ride should be pleased, as it hits nearly every bump, from the barbershop quartet busts, to the ghostly passenger in the coach. Murphy hams it up royally and the rest of the cast is up for the challenge, especially Stamp, whose droll line readings provide a perfect balance of menace and mirth. Makeup maestro Rick Baker provided the non-CGI special effects.PG"
Director: Rob Minkoff
ACTORS: Eddie Murphy, Terence Stamp, Wallace Shawn, Marsha Thomason, Jennifer Tilly
Last Chance (VHS)
Malcolm in the Middle`s Bryan Cranston makes his directorial debut with this poignant drama about losing hope and taking risks. Cranston stars with real-life wife Robin Dearden as married couple Lance and Lauren, high school sweethearts who own and operate The Last Chance Cafe-Motel in the California desert. Their unhappy marriage is marred by Lance`s infidelities, and it takes a charming drifter (Tim Thomerson) just passing through town to reopen Lauren`s eyes to the joys and possibilities of life and love. R"
Director: Bryan Cranston
ACTORS: Bryan Cranston, Robin Dearden, Tim Thomerson, Jay Thomas, Elizabeth Huett
The Life of David Gale (DVD) Widescreen Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a Texas professor and anti-death penalty activist who, ironically enough, winds up on death row for the rape and murder of a colleague. Kate Winslet plays Bitsey Bloom, the brave journalist who sets ou...
Gale (Kevin Spacey) is a Texas professor and anti-death penalty activist who, ironically enough, winds up on death row for the rape and murder of a colleague. Kate Winslet plays Bitsey Bloom, the brave journalist who sets out to tell to his story. In the days leading up to his execution, Gale fills her in on his life via flashbacks, which include political debates, lectures, sex with a student, rape allegations, alcoholism, divorce, and despair. As the hour of his doom approaches, Bitsey becomes convinced that Gale is the victim of a shadowy political conspiracy and races against the clock to prove his innocence.
Director Alan Parker (MISSISSIPPI BURNING) manages to deliver a strong anti-capital punishment message alongside enough twists, turns and shocking moments to keep viewers perched at the edges of their seats. Winslet and Spacey are both riveting in the leads, but its Laura Linney as Gale`s alleged victim--a fellow anti-capital punishment activist and close friend--who makes the biggest impression. Gabriel Mann also scores points in a sympathetic role as Bitsey`s intern. Nicholas Cage served as the film`s producer. The musical score is by Parker`s two sons, Jake and Alex.
R"
Director: Alan Parker
ACTORS: Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Kate Winslet, Gabriel Mann, Leon Rippy
Retroactive (DVD) Movie Time After witnessing the rampages of a disturbed road killer, a psychiatrist travels back in time to save his innocent victims, including his battered and desperate girlfriend.
After witnessing the rampages of a disturbed road killer, a psychiatrist travels back in time to save his innocent victims, including his battered and desperate girlfriend.
R"
Director: Louis Morneau
ACTORS: James Belushi, Kylie Travis, Shannon Whirry, Frank Whaley, Jesse Borrego
