Funny Games
There are only a handful of films I can think of that really messed with me. A couple off the top of my head would be A Clockwork Orange and The Mist. Apparently, someone found another way to make a movie that disturbed me for an entire day. That person would be director Michael Haneke, and the film is Funny Games. Before I even go further, I will say that this film is definitely not for everyone. This is not for the faint of heart or if you get emotional watching films. You need to have a strong hold on your emotions when watching this, because it really fucks with you. Unlike the title, there's nothing funny going on here in the movie. A couple and their son (Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, and Devon Gearhart) head away to their cozy vacation home, only to find themselves crossing paths with two of the most sadistic fucking characters I've seen since the infamous "Alex DeLarge" in A Clockwork Orange. This version of Funny Games is actually a remake of the original that was done in 1997. From what I've read, this new one is identical to the original. The only difference is this version is done in English. We Americans can handle seeing someone ripped apart like in Saw. We can handle all the blood and guts. But how would we feel when we are faced with a very realistic take on the violence our culture gets its thrills off of? In Funny Games, that is exactly what we are presented with by a director who defies every rule in Hollywood on how movies should be done. Like a spoiled kid who gets what he wants but finds out he's still not satisfied, Michael Haneke gives the American audience what we've been indulging ourselves in. For so long we've gotten cheap thrills with seeing people getting tortured on film. In Funny Games we are presented with an honest picture of how disturbing violence is. There is no background music in the film, and when most of the violence actually takes place, it's done off camera which makes it a lot more creepy. You only hear what's going on, leaving room for your imagination to run wild. The other sound you'd hear is your heart thumping from the terror that unfolds before you. As the film goes on, you can't wait to see the evil pricks get what they deserve. But each time you think you are going to see justice served, the movie heads in a totally different direction. This movie is not "entertaining" in the sense that most films are. It mainly casts a reflection on our culture, showing us how far our twisted fascination can get with seeing violence onscreen. In regards to the movie, it goes way beyond any normal suspense or thriller I've seen recently. The acting done by the cast was extremely convincing. Naomi Watts and Tim Roth really pushed themselves in what I thought was the most difficult roles they've ever done. They portray the terror with such transparency you feel tempted to call 911 for them. As disturbing as this film was, it was a reminder to be vigilant when it comes to trusting certain people, and not being stupid enough to just let anyone in your home, no matter how safe a place seems.And did I also mention it was disturbing?
Grace Is Gone
War sucks. I think most of us can agree on that. Not only does it affect the people at war, but also the families left behind. There are rare instances when a film can make a statement on a topic like this without turning it into a Hollywood blockbuster. Grace Is Gone is that kind of film as it deals in an honest way with the tragedy that comes with war. The tragedy here is that a mom who serves in the military dies in battle, leaving behind a husband Stanley (John Cusack) and two daughters. I usually shy away from movies like these because they are very hard to watch. I can deal with horror, but sentimental ones like this get to me. However, a film like this is important because it's relevant to what's going on around us. Although the film does make a subtle statement about war, it speaks on other themes as well. One theme it touches on is how to deal with grief when tragedy strikes. Unable to face the horrible news that his wife has died, Stanley takes his two daughters on a road trip instead of telling them what happened. He basically sticks his head in the sand and tries to shut out the truth. However, that can only last so long, especially when you see him calling home and leaving messages for his deceased wife on the answering machine as if she were alive. It's the scenes like this that really tear you apart as you think of how difficult it is to deal with something like that. John Cusack made his character seem so real as he portrayed the extreme pain and sadness of someone who lost his wife. What's even more sad is that the two daughters have no clue their mother is gone, yet they can sense something is wrong with dad. That's something Stanley will have to face later on since he has to tell them eventually. Grace Is Gone is a very moving film that might have you reaching for a box of Kleenex after watching. Like I said, it's hard to go through, but it says some important things about life that we sometimes need to be reminded of.
Grace Is Gone is out now on DVD.
Special Features included are:
- A Conversation on Grace Is Gone director James Strouse and Cusack
- Inspiration of Grace Is Gone – the real story
- Profile of TAPS – the organization that provides support for people that have lost loved ones to war
The Incredible Hulk Seasons 3 and 4"You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
- David Banner
I remember The Incredible Hulk being one of my favorite shows as a kid. Along with being my favorite, it scared the hell out of me whenever David Banner would transform into The Hulk. The way Banner would start to get angry, and seeing his eyes change color right before he burst into the green guy gave me the creeps. I still loved the show though. Speaking of the show, Universal Home Entertainment chose the perfect time to release Seasons 3 and 4 of this classic show on DVD. With the new movie being released this month, it's the perfect time to revisit the old Hulk episodes. With Season 3 including an amazing 5 disc, 23 episode set and Season 4 containing 4 discs filled with 18 episodes, you might find yourself turning green after watching them. There is so much of The Hulk to take in with these new releases. You get to see the duo of Bill Bixby as David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as The Hulk together again with improved video and sounds thanks to modern DVD technology. If you're a Hulk fan, I think it would be impossible to not cherish this collection. Along with that, the DVD's come in some really cool collectible packaging AND in each boxed set is a FREE ticket for the upcoming film! This is one collection not to be missed, unless you're terrified of seeing David Banner turn into The Hulk.
Cassandra's DreamFind a movie with the name Woody Allen attached to it, and you can assume it will be a hit. Even if people bitch and complain that he lost his touch over the years, the man will always have it in him to write a good story. He still carries on his tradition for writing unique stories
in his film Cassandra's Dream, which was just released on DVD. In Woody's films, you can always expect some witty dialogue thrown in, and Cassandra's Dream is no exception. There are some memorable quotes in this movie, only there's no Woody showing up and rambling on about his neurosis. Instead, the film focuses on the story of two brothers (Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor) who are, in their father's own words "always waiting for some scheme". Colin Farrell plays Terry, a gambling addict who got himself in some serious debt. So both brothers go to their Uncle Howard (Tom Wilkinson) for help. Uncle Howard agrees to 
help out, but in exchange he wants them to murder someone. There are serious consequences for the actions they choose from that point on. The performances by the cast carry this complicated and tragic story. Among the characters, Colin's performance of the guilt and anxiety ridden Terry stood out to me. As you can see, this is slightly different than the typical Woody Allen film. However, despite what the "critics" may say, this was a well done film by the veteran director.
Cassandra's Dream is out now on DVD.
Avatar Book 3 Volume 3
Lately, it seems that everywhere I go, the little bald dude from Avatar is staring at me. He's at toy shops, book stores, etc. Chances are, you have seen him too. Well his name is Aang, and he is no ordinary kid. This Buddhist monk look-alike is a type of savior figure with extraordinary powers. I had my first chance to watch Avatar on the latest DVD release, Avatar Book 3 Volume 3. I actually ended up enjoying the show a lot. What seemed like a kid's show, which is probably misleading because of the Nickelodeon logo, is actually something adults can enjoy too. There are action scenes galore that combine martial arts with mystical powers. The world that exists in Avatar has a strong Asian influence, with everything from the outfits to ancient relics. It didn't matter that I missed the first two volumes (which I'll eventually check out). What grabbed my attenton on Book 3 Volume 3 was how the story jumped right into action with some really cool battles. Along with the action, there's a little playful humor thrown in, which is expected since most of the cast members are kids. But like I said earlier, this is a DVD that kids and adults can enjoy. Avatar Book 3 Volume 3 is out now on DVD.
Sinatra At The Movies
I don't have to go into detail about the man known as Frank Sinatra, especially since I already reviewed his Nothing But The Best album. What I will do though is mention another release that celebrates his music. But this time, the album focuses on songs that Sinatra contributed to some classic Hollywood movies. The album's title is (you guessed it!) is Sinatra At The Movies, and it's an album that brings back some classic Hollywood nostalgia with each song. This is definitely worth checking out if you appreciate Sinatra's music or if you like classic films in general. With Nothing But The Best, and now Sinatra At The Movies, it shows that Ol' Blue Eyes' memory still lives on.
Track List for Sinatra At The Movies:
1. (Love Is) The Tender Trap
2. From Here To Eternity
3. I Love Paris
4. How Deep Is The Ocean
5. I Could Write A Book
6. All The Way
7. Young At Heart
8. Not As A Stranger
9. All Of Me
10. High Hopes
11. The Lady Is A Tramp
12. Monique
13. Chicago
14. Three Coins In The Fountain
15. I Believe
16. Wait For Me [Johnny Concho Theme]
17. C'est Magnifique
18. I Couldn’t Sleep A Wink Last Night
19. Just One Of Those Things
20. To Love And Be Loved
