Grizzly (DVD) This blood-drenched bear isn't looking for pick-a-nick baskets, and Mr. Ranger isn't forgiving any boo-boos -- not this time. An innocent day in the park turns deadly when a bear that is inexplicably 18 feet tall emerges from the forest. Another great edition to the mutant killer animals genre, GRIZZLY should be avoided by people with a phobia of bears but is a must-see for fans of the unrealistic horror film.
Directing: William Girdler
ACTORS: Christopher George, Andrew Prine, Richard Jaeckel
Carmen: A Hip Hopera (DVD) This 2002 version of Bizet's opera is updated for the hip-hop generation. The tale of Carmen, an irresistible woman who who tears men apart, is told in this passionate drama set to the sound of hot hip-hop and featuring an all-star cast including Mos Def, lil Bow Wow, Troy Winbush, Jermaine Dupri, and Beyonce Knowles as the title character. Mekhi Phifer (CLOCKERS) is a young police cadet who falls under the spell of the stunning beauty. This cable production was directed by Robert Townsend and is narrated by rap superstar Da Brat.
Directing: Robert Townsend
ACTORS: Mekhi Phifer, Beyonce Knowles, Mos Def, Rah Digga, Wyclef Jean
The Life of David Gale (DVD) Full Frame 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.
Directing: Alan Parker
ACTORS: Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Kate Winslet, Gabriel Mann, Leon Rippy
Phone Booth (DVD) Joel Schumacher (8 MM, FALLING DOWN) directs this suspense drama set in New York City`s Times Square. A wannabe hotshot entertainment publicist who`s more intent on posturing for his unpaid assistant than he is in actually working, Stu Shepherd (Colin Farrell) ducks into a phone booth to make his regular afternoon call to his girlfriend (Katie Holmes). Stu stops in the same phone booth at the same time every day to flirt with the young girl, who does not know that Stu is happily married with no intention of dating her seriously. When Stu says goodbye to his girl and sets down the receiver, he picks up a call from a threateningly sarcastic man with a deep voice. This man seems to have been tracking Stu`s visits to this booth every day, and suddenly Stu knows that his secrets are no longer his own. Soon, the caller identifies himself as a sniper and begins shooting. Police are called in, and Stu must use his PR skills in a final test to get out of the booth, alive. This compelling drama, expertly crafted for maximum tension, will keep audiences nervously awaiting its outcome, unable to look away from the screen for even a moment.
Gundam Wing - Operation 6 (DVD) This incredibly popular extension of the venerable GUNDAM series has spawned a rabid following all over the globe. The series begins as the space colonies have grown tired of the oppressive rule by the Earth government, a corrupt organization ruled by people who have no real interest in the colonists or their well-being. Their rule is unjust and unfair, but not unopposed. Resistance forces in the colonies have created five special Mobile Suits (robot-like vehicles) called Gundams. Five young pilots have been selected to sneak these Gundams down to Earth and begin a guerilla campaign that will end the Earth government's rule forever. Contains five episodes.
Cardcaptors Vol. 7: End of Days (DVD) An extremely popular anime and manga in Japan, CARDCAPTORS follows the exploits of 10 year-old Sakura, who unleashes a host of spirits from a deck of Tarot cards enclosed in a magical book. The guardian of the cards, a winged teddy bear named Kero-chan, informs her that she must use the power of the two cards that she still has to become the retrieve the rest of the deck since she let them go free. In these episodes, Sakura and friends finally find themselves with only one Clow Card left to find. Unfortunately, the Earthy Card is already on its way to destroy the city, leaving Sakura little time to figure out how to capture this behemoth.
