Hollywood North (VHS)
This hilarious satire targets the oft-mocked film business, proving once again that making a good movie is harder to do than one might think. Matthew Modine is Bobby, an aspiring filmmaker in the 1980s who buys the rights to a popular Canadian novel. But as he embarks on his mission to create a powerful and moving work, the film demons begin to put him through the ringer. Not only does his star actor begin to lose his sanity, but the novel`s author intends to sue him for ruining her poignant work. Unfortunately for Bobby, a documentary crew is along for the ride, capturing every ridiculous moment with unflinching immediacy. Featuring supporting turns from Alan Bates, Deborah Unger, and Jennifer Tilly.R"
Director: Peter O`Brian
ACTORS: Matthew Modine, Alan Bates, Jennifer Tilly, Deborah Kara Unger, Alan Thicke
From Justin to Kelly (DVD) Special Edition American Idol alums Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson star in this musical as strangers who meet during spring break in Miami and fall in love. But the road to romance isn`t easy, especially when one of their friends is...
American Idol alums Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson star in this musical as strangers who meet during spring break in Miami and fall in love. But the road to romance isn`t easy, especially when one of their friends is scheming to keep them apart. Serious Kelly is a waitress in a Texas dive bar who agrees to drive her friends, Alexa (Katherine Bailess) and Kaya (Anika Noni Rose), to Miami for spring break even though it`s not her scene. Justin, meanwhile, is part of the Pennsylvania Posse. He and his friends, womanizer Brandon (Greg Siff), and nerdy Eddie (Brian Dietzen), are the hottest spring break party promoters on the beach. When Kelly and Justin meet, they each sense an immediate connection, much to the dismay of jealous party girl Alexa, who tries her best to come between the two. The spring break adventures of this sextet are captured through eleven songs, as well as eight dance numbers choreographed by Travis Payne. Jason Yriba plays Kaya`s love interest, a waiter who introduces her to the local night life. Robert Iscove (SHE`S ALL THAT) directed the film, which was shot on location in South Florida.
PG"
Director: Robert Iscove
Sports Night: Box Set (DVD)
SPORTS NIGHT was the brainchild of Aaron Sorkin (A FEW GOOD MEN) and ran on ABC from 1998 until 2000 as a critically acclaimed look behind the scenes at a very SPORTSCENTER-like show from which the series takes its name. Peter Krause and Josh Charles star as Casey McCall and Dan Rydell, the show`s anchors, with Rydell being the series`s focal point as a young and slightly idealistic sports journalist who has an endearing way of standing up for the dignity of his profession. A behind-the-scenes look at the production of a television show, SPORTS NIGHT is not at all about sports, but about the show`s frantic, often quirky characters who often have to wrestle with tough moral and ethical questions about journalism as well as the occasional turkey thawing on the hot lights above the anchor desk.NR"
ACTORS: Josh Charles, Peter Krause, Felicity Huffman, Robert Guillaume, William H. Macy
The Royal Tenenbaums (DVD)
In their youth, the Tenenbaums--an eccentric New York family--were extraordinary. They were all geniuses. Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) was a successful litigator. His wife Etheline (Angelica Huston) raised their children to be ambitious, entrepreneurial, and creative--then published an acclaimed book about her child-rearing techniques. Adopted daughter Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) was a gifted playwright. Son Chas (Ben Stiller) was a masterful businessman with a taste for real estate. And the other son, Richie (Luke Wilson), was a natural tennis champ. However, when Royal packed up his life and left his wife and his family in a cloud of betrayal, everything fell apart. Twenty years later, the Tenenbaums are a dejected and alienated bunch, each having found that their early successes did not carry over into adulthood. When washed-up Royal learns that his distant wife Etheline, who has become an archaeologist, may remarry, he feigns illness as an excuse to reunite with his estranged family.
From Wes Anderson, director of RUSHMORE, this film is full of quirky comedy that will have audiences reeling and reflecting simultaneously. The brilliant script is impeccable with choppy, intentionally awkward language delivered with dry wit by the well-appointed (almost too good to be true) cast. Dramatic sets are emphasized by the film`s masterful orchestration of scene changes and chapter separations. The photography beautifully captures a faded, vintage 1980s New York. And the eclectic soundtrack features much-loved tunes by Nico, The Velvet Underground, The Clash, and the Vince Guaraldi Trio.R"
Director: Wes Anderson
ACTORS: Gene Hackman, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, Luke Wilson
Snowboard Academy (DVD)
Hotshot snowboarding instructor Chris Berry (Corey Haim) shreds the slopes but finds himself overwhelmed by a gangly, bumbling pupil (Jim Varney). Can he shape up his protege in time for the proverbial big race--and resist an evil temptress (Brigitte Nielsen)?PG"
Director: John Shepphird
ACTORS: Jim Varney, Corey Haim, Brigitte Nielsen, Joe Flaherty, Paul Hopkins
