Breaking Away (DVD)
BREAKING AWAY is a winning coming-of-age story with unusually well drawn characters, smart social commentary, and a terrific ensemble of fresh-faced actors soon to be famous. The rivalry between townies and college kids sets the scene for the story of four friends trying to figure out their future after high school graduation in Bloomington, Indiana. Raised together in the working-class quarry town, the boys consider themselves Cutters, proud of their father`s heritage as limestone workers in the once prosperous factory town. But there is no future for the boys as Cutters, and not one of them has plans for college. So now that Mike (Dennis Quaid) is no longer a star quarterback, Moocher (Jackie Earl Haley) can`t decide if he wants to break up or marry his girlfriend, and quick-witted Cyril (Daniel Stern) can no longer play the class clown, they have no idea what to do with themselves. Luckily, avid cyclist Dave (Dennis Christopher) knows exactly what he wants. He aspires to be one of the world`s best bicyclists. There`s only one obstacle: The leading racers are Italian, and Dave is not. A romantic dreamer, he races around his hometown, singing opera, speaking in an Italian accent, and stumping his parents with his newfangled Italian ways. When his affair with Katherine (an Italian exchange student) evokes jealousy from a few big boys on campus, Dave decides that a bike race is the only way to settle the score and prove that Cutters are not losers. The film features a remarkable performance from character actor Paul Dooley, who shines as Dave`s befuddled and frustrated working-class father. Screenwriter Steve Tesich`s script is an intelligent and humorous masterpiece, full of subtle humor and insightful dialogue. All the components combine to make one of the most charming comedies of all time.PG"
Director: Peter Yates
ACTORS: Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley, Barbara Barrie
BaadAsssss Cinema (DVD)
Produced by the Independent Film Channel (IFC), this documentary by filmmaker Isaac Julien takes a look at blaxploitation films, and the huge cult following that has built up around them. Interviews with some of the original actors and directors of the genre are featured, including Richard Roundtree, Pam Grier and Melvin Van Peebles; Latter day fan Quentin Tarantino also offers his opinions. The explosive mixture of incredible fashions, hairstyles, comedy, sex, action and music contained in these films has won millions of fans all over the globe, find out why in BAASASSSSS CINEMA!NR"
Director: Isaac Julien
West Coast Kustoms Car Show (DVD)
A Gregory Summitt production, WEST COAST KUSTOMS CAR SHOW features over 850 kustom cars and street rods from around the world, including a special look at the `49 Mercury driven by James Dean in the film REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE. This fascinating automobile show has been dubbed Kustom Kapital of the West Coast, and after watching this video, you`ll see why.NR"
A Galaxy Far Far Away (DVD)
One of the longest waits in cinema history was the fifteen year span between RETURN OF THE JEDI and STAR WARS EPISODE ONE - THE PHANTOM MENACE. This documentary follows the preparatory hype train for PHANTOM MENACE as it rolls through a convention, nationwide tour, and a gala event that includes movie stars and anonymous actors cloaked in robot costumes. The fanaticism and geekdom is on display as well as an insight into a promotional juggernaut.NR"
Arthur C. Clarke`s Mysterious Universe (DVD)
Science fiction legend Arthur C. Clarke hosts this program exploring the most amazing and mysterious myths and legends of all time: ghosts, UFO`s, zombies, disappearances and much, much more.NR"