Defiance DVD Review

Defiance: Daniel Craig stars in the true story of the Bielski resistance. The three Bielski brothers were responsible for protecting over a thousand Jewish people who escaped Nazi-occupied Europe. They fled into the Belorussian forests where they made a small village and survived for three plus years. The Bielskis also joined Russian resistance fighters and actually fought back against the Nazis. I was hoping the movie was going to be a little more like Red Dawn with some surprise attacks, RPGs, and someone yelling "Bielskis" instead of wolverines. However the story focuses more on the "survival in the woods aspect"- which after awhile got a bit redundant. It was nice to see a film about Jewish people fighting back during WWII, but overall the movie was paced too slow and dragged on a little to long. Ahh Bielski!

"Kick it to the Floor"

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The Soloist DVD Review

The Soloist: Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx star in one of years best dramas! This film performed poorly at the box office and after viewing it on DVD I am not sure why. Foxx plays Nathaniel Ayres a homeless man who once trained at Julliard. Downey plays Steven Lopez, a L.A. Times journalist who discovered Nathaniel's story and shared it with the world. Both lead actors did a tremendous job, making the story very easy to believe. The film not only focuses on the friendship that is hatched between the two men, but it also examines homelessness on a larger scale. The movie is based on a true story and I found it to be captivating and effective. Great movies not only entertain, but also inform and educate. The Soloist does all three - it is a an easy film to recommend.

"Pick it Up"

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I Love You, Man Review

I Love You, Man: You may not know it, but we are currently knee deep in "The Paul Rudd Era". The actor literally went from being "Ohh, its the guy who plays the older brother in Clueless" to Paul Rudd - period. He has had a role in The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and starred in last year's Role Models. In I Love You, Man he stars as Peter Klaven, a man who after getting engaged realizes that he has no male friends. Not being very close to his brother, Peter finds himself without a best man for his wedding. This causes Peter to go on a string of "man dates" in order to find a new best friend - each of them uncomfortable and hilarious. Paul Rudd plays the character perfectly, he is much more of a metrosexual than a guy's guy. His awkward attempts at being "cool" are also spot on. Finally, Peter does find a best friend, Sydney (played by the very funny Jason Segal). While the two strike up a very strong bond, Peter's new relationship actually interferes with that of his fiancée's. Can they find common ground where all are happy? I loved - I Love You, Man and I am sure you will too!

"Pick It Up"

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The Great Buck Howard

The Great Buck Howard: John Malkovich is simply fantastic as Buck Howard, a "mentalist" who continues to perform his act long after his prime. As he would tell you, Buck Howard had been a guest on the tonight show with Johnny Carson 61 times...but that was over 25 years ago. These days we find Buck performing his show in small venues located in small cities all across America. However, his "big star" attitude has not gone away, in Buck's mind he is still at the top of his game. We join the ride when Buck hires a new road manager, Troy Gable (Colin Hanks). As quirky and fun as his act seems, Buck's backstage preparation is even more amusing. Right after a big public stunt flops, Buck has a strike of luck that casts him back into the public limelight. Will the Great Buck Howard relish his renewed found fame or long for the time when he headlined Wausau, WI? Buck Howard is a character that will make you laugh and that you will cheer for!

"Pick it Up"

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Two Lovers DVD

Two Lovers: Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow star in a film that is billed as (get this) - "Joaquin Phoenix's last movie ever". I hope you can finish reading this review before running out to snatch up the DVD in pure excitement. All kidding aside, Two Lovers is an interesting and sincere portrait of one man's struggle with life and love. Phoenix plays Leonard, a young man living with his parents after his last relationship left him confused and tormented. While his parents are trying to set him up with Sandra, the daughter of family friends, Leonard meets the more desirable and volatile Michelle (Paltrow). Leonard must ultimately decide between "tenderness" and "desire". It is the strong acting by the leads that allows you to believe in the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Give it a spin!

"Pick it up"

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