Thirteen (VHS)
THIRTEEN is Catherine Hardwicke`s explosive portrait of teenage girls at their very worst. Mean, manipulative, conniving, and utterly out of control, these skinny, sexy, drug-addicted, 13-year-old time bombs are nothing short of terrifying. Hardwicke`s movie is brilliant in its ability to portray this phenomenon, which comes off as very real. The skillful photography from cinematographer Elliot Davis communicates the most complicated themes of the film: insecurity, confusion, wanting to be liked and accepted, and feeling like it`s time to grow up fast. In an early scene, protagonist Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood), a shy girl and good student, approaches Evie (Nikki Reed), the school`s ultra-popular bad girl, and the two size up each other`s clothing, jewelry, hair, shoes, socks, and decide to go on a shopping spree. From there Tracy spirals downward, copying Evie`s every move in an aggressive game of daring each other to take increasingly dangerous risks--stealing, getting piercings, experimenting with sex, drinking and taking drugs, and much more. All the while Tracy`s mom (Holly Hunter) who is a bohemian ex-alcoholic trying to be open-minded and supportive about her daughter`s rebellion, slowly loses her authority and her ability to cope with these volatile teens. A booming, excellent soundtrack punctuates the hyper, desperate, manic mood of the girls` behavior, and catalyzes the adrenaline rush that is THIRTEEN.R"
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
The Big Knife (DVD)
THE BIG KNIFE, adapted from Clifford Odets`s gripping play, is a dark, cynical probing of the film industry`s behemoth studio system. When matinee idol Charlie Castle (Jack Palance) refuses to renew his studio contract, his career begins to take a turn for the worse. As autocratic movie mogul Stanley Hoff (Rod Steiger) stoops to blackmail to force him back onto the lot, Castle must also deal with being supported by his angry ex-wife, Marion (Ida Lupino). Director Robert Aldrich (THE DIRTY DOZEN) enfolds his critique of Hollywood`s warped dream factory in a melancholic and mysterious psychodrama, and Palance is unnervingly convincing in the part of the washed-up Tinseltown star.NR"
Director: Robert Aldrich
ACTORS: Jack Palance, Ida Lupino, Shelley Winters, Rod Steiger, Wendell Corey
The Ping Pong Club Collection (DVD)
The Ping Pong Club, a group of adolescent misfits who make Beavis and Butthead look pretty smart, is consistently getting itself into trouble for its members` uncontrollable behavior, lack of skill at their chosen sport, and disregard for personal hygiene. Filled to the brim with scatological humor, juvenile antics, and hormonally induced pranks, THE PING PONG CLUB is certainly not for those who are easily offended. This collection contains every episodes of the series in a special collector`s box.NR"
Miss Patty Cake: Eggstravaganza (DVD)
To Christian children, there are very few adults more beloved than Miss Patty Cake. The peppy entertainer has captured the hearts of minds of legions of Christian children, who look to her for education as well as fun and games. This program is designed for preschoolers, and uses interactive tools such as sing-alongs to teach the basics of Christianity.NR"
Italian Movie (VHS)
Leonardo is a pizza restaurant owner with money problems thanks to his wife, Anna, and his own gambling problems. In desperation, he decides to seek outside money the only way he knows how: by becoming a male escort for wealthy, lonely women. Soon Leonardo`s life is more complicated than ever as he tries to juggle his wife, restaurant, and several other women. A bubbly farce that takes standard Italian stereotypes and makes them fresh again.NR"
Director: Roberto Monticello
ACTORS: Michael Dellafemina, Rita Moreno, James Gandolfini, Caprice Benedetti, Paul Carafotes
