Square Dance (DVD)
Director Daniel Petrie`s poignant coming-of-age drama, based on the novel by Alan Hines, stars Winona Ryder (in an early screen role) as Gemma, a young girl who has grown up in relative seclusion on a run-down farm in rural Texas. Abandoned by her mother, Juanelle (Jane Alexander), at an early age, Gemma has been raised by her cranky but devoted grandfather, Dillard (Jason Robards), and protected from the realities of the outside world. But Gemma`s vision of the world is changed forever when her mother visits and attempts to convince her to come live with her in the big city of Ft. Worth. Initially, Gemma refuses, but gradually she is overwhelmed with a deep desire to know her real mother. One night Gemma runs away from home and winds up at the doorsteps of her mother`s home, where she lives with her new husband (Guich Koock). Gemma learns about life in the city with Juanelle, a hard-living independent woman who spends her days working at a local beauty parlor and her nights dancing at a saloon. Gemma grows from an innocent girl to a young woman, befriending Rory (Rob Lowe), a mentally disabled and handsome young man who captures Gemma`s heart. Rory and Gemma begin an innnocent courtship that quicky becomes more serious when Rory asks Gemma to marry him. Although Gemma is only 13, she becomes like a mother and wife to the young man and is profoundly affected by their close relationship. As Gemma learns about the realities of life, love, and family, she is forced to leave her youthful innocence behind in this bittersweet love story. The film features outstanding performances from young stars Ryder and Lowe.PG-13"
Director: Daniel Petrie
ACTORS: Jason Robards, Jane Alexander, Winona Ryder, Rob Lowe, Deborah Richter
The Apostle (DVD)
After being squeezed out of his church by his ex-wife, a Texas fundamentalist preacher`s alcohol-fueled rage sends him off the deep end. After beating her new beau into a coma, he flees to Louisiana and seizes the chance to reinvent himself as a devout Apostle, founding a new church and captivating the citizenry while keeping his sins buried. Duvall, who also wrote and produced, is riveting in the title role. Academy Award Nominations: 1--Best Actor (Duvall).PG-13"
Director: Robert Duvall
ACTORS: Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, Todd Allen, John Beasley
Dead Silence (DVD)
Kristy Swanson and Vincent Spano star in this political thriller about a race to save the life of a young girl (Daveigh Chase) who is the only witness to a murder that may be part of a larger conspiracy.PG-13"
ACTORS: Kristy Swanson, Vincent Spano, Daveigh Chase, Tony Todd, Vladimir Kulich
Malunde (DVD)
This heartwarming drama, set in post-Apartheid South Africa, follows an unlikely pair as they embark on a life-changing road trip. Kobus (Ian Roberts) is a former soldier who is unable to come to terms with his past. Wonderboy (Kagiso Mtetwa) is an 11-year-old black youth who knows no home. Together, the unlikely friends find themselves journeying through dangerous, yet gorgeous, landscapes.NR"
Director: Stefanie Sycholt
ACTORS: Ian Roberts, Kagiso Mtetwa
Nancherrow (DVD)
Diana Carey-Lewis is trying to hold onto her former good life as best she can. Her husband has just died, the servants have left her decaying Cornwall property which is called Nancherrow, and post-World War II England is enduring massive economic hardship. Lewis` daughter Loveday attempts to keep Nancherrow in her possession, and this becomes her all-consuming dream.NR"
Director: Simon Langton
