Film & TV

‘Rio 2,’ ‘Under the Skin’ Arrive on DVD

Forrest Hartman

There are appealing elements in both “Rio” films, most notably director Carlos Saldanha’s colorful depiction of South American wildlife and scenery. Since “Rio 2” is a musical, Saldanha also deserves credit for collecting a nice batch of tunes and working them into his feature in organic and pleasing ways. The trouble is, these strong points are saddled to a pedestrian script. The story is set after events in the original Rio, and it is essentially an animalized version of “Meet the Parents.”

 

Documentary Sheds New Light on the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas Controversy

Karen Wright

Anita begins with the lead-up to the hearing and is careful to present Hill as a strong, beautiful, bright woman, already an accomplished lawyer in her 20s, with deep-rooted values and a desire to do the right thing. Despite her allegations, Thomas' nomination was confirmed and it is that end that unequivocally justifies the rest of the film because no matter the viewer’s perspective on Thomas, or the alleged abuse, the harassment becomes a sub-plot to a tale about a young heroine fighting to change her world.

‘Bad Words,’ Lars Von Trier’s ‘Nymphomaniac’ Arrive on Home Video

Forrest Hartman

Jason Bateman makes his feature film directing debut with an eclectic comedy that scores points for originality despite minor problems with consistency and tone. The movie, written by Andrew Dodge, tells the story of Guy Trilby (Bateman), a jaded 40-something who exploits a technicality in the rules of the Golden Quill national spelling bee and ruthlessly competes against grammar school children. 

The Education Crisis, Rising Student Loan Debts Loom Large in ‘Ivory Tower’

Stephanie Stark

 Student loan debt has grown 517 percent in the last five years; colleges are spending money on fancy buildings; and graduates are unable to find jobs. The documentary shows some students who are opting out of a formal education for one that is self-led and highlights alternative learning centers like Deep Springs College and the dramas at Cooper Union, the NYC school that recently went from entirely free to regular tuition. Ivory Tower seems to suggest this might be a better solution for prospective students.

‘300: Rise of an Empire,’ ‘Winter’s Tale’ Arrive on Home Video

Forrest Hartman

Since “300” ended with the death of all major protagonists, a sequel makes about as much sense as a follow-up to “Titanic.” Nevertheless, Warner Brothers found a way to turn writer-director Zack Snyder’s enjoyable 2006 adventure film into an ongoing political saga punctuated by brutal, stylized killings and slow-motion geysers of bright, red blood. The movie was obviously designed as a cash grab, and the biggest surprise of the 103-minute feature is that it actually entertains. 

‘Grand Budapest Hotel,’ ‘Lego Movie’ Arrive on Home Video

Forrest Hartman

Although there are many great writers and directors working in cinema today, few have voices as distinct and pleasurable as Wes Anderson’s. With films ranging from “Bottle Rocket” (1996) to “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012), Anderson has introduced moviegoers to unusual worlds, fantastical characters and bizarre settings that entertain while provoking thought. He is a manufacturer of fairytales for our modern age and, as such, his projects should be widely celebrated. 

‘Non-Stop,’ ‘Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit’ Arrive on Home Video

Forrest Hartman

Hopefully, summer will push 2014 movies in the right direction because things have been so bleak thus far that “Non-Stop” – a silly-but-enjoyable thriller – stands as a highlight. The movie, which allows Liam Neeson to continue his run as an action hero, is fun from start to finish, but it is equally convoluted, meaning anyone who values plausibility is left in the cold. Neeson plays Bill Marks, a troubled air marshal who – despite the requirements of his job – hates to fly. 

Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche Wage an Artistic War in ‘Words and Pictures’

Tara Taghizadeh

While the tug-of-war between art versus language serves as a backdrop for the film, the real story is Jack’s tenure as teacher and the danger he faces from the board for losing his job. There are teachers and administrators who side with him and praise his teaching skills, and those who would rather see him go. In the midst of his midlife crisis and his continuous efforts to combat alcoholism, we witness a budding (and surprising) romance between him and Dina.

‘Lone Survivor,’ ‘Robocop’ Arrive on Home Video

Forrest Hartman

Director Peter Berg’s “Lone Survivor” ranks alongside 2001’s “Black Hawk Down” and 1998’s “Saving Private Ryan” as one of the finest depictions of combat and military camaraderie put to screen. The film is based on the true story of a group of Navy SEALs who found themselves trapped in hostile Taliban territory during a covert mission in Afghanistan. The events took place in 2005, and Marcus Luttrell first recounted them in his 2007 book, Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10.

New Documentary Highlights the Spiritual Journey of the Camino de Santiago

Gabriella Tutino

A 500-mile journey through Spain, the Camino de Santiago is an ancient and world renowned pilgrimage path. The destination is the city of Santiago de Compostela, where the bones of St. James are supposedly buried. Hundreds of thousands of people make the trip each year in search of something. Walking the Camino is a short documentary that follows six particular travelers—all from different countries and all with different intentions—as they cross the Camino.

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