Entries from LAist tagged with 'criterioncollection'
January 22, 2008
Photo courtesy of The Weinstein Company Even though they are the two big releases today, I just couldn't bring myself to lead with the awful Saw IV and the even worse The Game Plan. Save yourself some money and buy the truly entertaining The Hunting Party instead. Remember that Jessica Simpson movie that made only a few hundred bucks in theaters a few weeks ago? It's out on DVD, ready to be ignored again.......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Mostly lackluster"January 15, 2008
As a devoted fan of Wet Hot American Summer, I feel it's my duty to give top-billing to the equally hilarious The Ten. I'm not sure there was a more surreal comic moment last year than Liev Schreiber's competition with his neighbor over--what else--CAT-scan machines. I almost resent Ricky Gervais for not sticking with Extras a few more years. There are now only three funny shows left on TV. Between grief and Good Luck......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Come on! It was a goof!"December 11, 2007
The Harry Potter series of films may be due for a bit of a letdown now that the books are all done and the secrets are out. Nevertheless, something tells me I'll be curling up with the family to watch Order of the Phoenix over Christmas. If Paul Greengrass isn't the best director working right now he's definitely on a very short list and Bourne Ultimatum is the proof. What was Vanessa Hudgens thinking?......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: New Lord Voldy-thingy!"November 27, 2007
It's such a great shame that Adrienne Shelly's life was cut so tragically short last year. Her last film, Waitress, was one of the true, unexpected delights of the summer season. Hot Rod, however, was one of the bigger disappointments. Maybe Andy Samberg is better in two minute increments. I Know Who Killed Me may one day rival Showgirls as a guilty pleasure. It's odd. I really like Rowan Atkinson as a performer...except when......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Keri is so very..."November 20, 2007
Hearts of Darkness is such a perfect complement to Apocalpyse Now that it's hard to watch one without thinking of the other. Though it's not the greatest print, the former is finally available on DVD. Now that the year is coming to an end, people are starting to talk about Oscar contenders. Why is the superb Rescue Dawn being left out of the mix? Live Free or Die Hard doesn't play like a Die......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Apocalypse Then"November 13, 2007
Two of the four big summer three-quels hit DVD shelves today. Neither is worth your money. Better to spend it on La Vie en Rose, featuring one of the best performances in years by the amazing Marion Cotillard. Better yet, make it a French double-feature and pick up Paris Je T'Aime, too. If you haven't yet, invest a weekend watching Berlin Alexanderplatz. And, yes, it will take the whole weekend. Christmas and South Park......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Like pigs at the trough!"October 23, 2007
There were probably worse movies released this year than Mr. Brooks (see Norbit, The Game Plan). However, Mr. Brooks was undeniably the most absurd. Everyone plays against type--to hilarious results. This is definitely a must-rental, but only if you plan to get really stoned. The final episodes of The Sopranos are finally available. What really happened to Tony during the much-hyped finale? I think it was all a dream inside an autistic boy's head.......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Silliest movie of year now available!"September 18, 2007
Those of you who didn't get enough of Death Proof at the theater (and that would be 37 of you) now have the chance to experience Quentin Tarantino's complete and unedited cinematic vision--oh, whatever. Matthew McConaughey almost refused to do We Are Marshall because he thought his character should always be shirtless. Would Carly Schroeder turn 18 already so I can stop feeling so creepy (Kristen Stewart, too). Lucky You deserved better. Daniel Auteuil......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Okay, who forgot to say cut?!!"September 4, 2007
With the fall TV season just around the corner, a flood of your favorite series hit the stores today. What better way to whet your appetite for what promises to be a long, great Season 4 of The Office, than to check out Season 3 again. I should finally catch up with Sunny in Philadelphia. 30 Rock would be even better without the unfunny Tracey Morgan and the creepy Jack McBrayer. Is Desperate Housewives......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: It's a TV Blowout!"August 10, 2007
GOOD Magazine launched 6 issues ago on September 12, 2006, raising $383,760 through subscriptions for non-profit Choose GOOD partners. Here's the good in Los Angeles from their first anniversary issue released this week: Volunteer 4 hours of your time, get a free ticket to see Beyonce and The Game via Boost Mobile Rock Corps. Well, that already happened in LA a few months ago. Next time, next time. 7,370,880 6-inch tacos equals 698 miles, the......
Continue Reading "What's GOOD in Los Angeles this Month"July 24, 2007
David Fincher's obituary will likely refer to him as the director of Fight Club, but Zodiac is his most complete work. Luxuriate in its full 157 minutes this week when it reaches stores. The Number 23 had a pretty good trailer, but unfortunately the actual movie was longer than 90 seconds. Bring back Lloyd Christmas, Jim! Sure HBO seems to have the best shows on cable, but Showtime is quickly closing the gap. Weeds......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: New Fincher! Nobody call me tonight!"July 17, 2007
Remember when Sandra Bullock set aside her flourishing, if somewhat formulaic, Hollywood career to make compelling independent films that actually had something original to say? Yeah, me neither. Premonition continues a long slide that I predict will ultimately end in a USA series about a quirky female detective--Bullock to star, produce AND direct a few eps. Factory Girl also drops today. After seeing Sienna Miller in Interview and reading this, I'm renting it. Other......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Bullock sinks, Miller rises"June 26, 2007
Mark Wahlberg lights up TV screens this week as Shooter reaches the DVD shelves. I don't know about you, but this tale of double-crosses and revenge had a distinct late 80s/early 90s vibe to it for me. Did Sly pass on this script 20 years ago or was it Steve in '95? For those of you who want to see Samuel L. Jackson in full-on Samuel L. Jackson mode, pick up Black Snake Moan.......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: The God of Rock and Cock"June 19, 2007
Reno 911!: Miami may have only been a marginal hit (and a critical dud), but I had a great time with it (being drunk at the time). It really took the freedom of an R rating to liberate the show from its PG-13 Comedy Central roots. For those of you who missed it at the theater, be sure to pick up the "unrated" edition for even more hot, naked action. Speaking of hot, naked......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Cops, Kids, Heroin and Lesbians!"June 12, 2007
This is the week where everyone mourns the end of The Sopranos, but it was harder for me to let go of Deadwood a few months ago. Sure, there’s supposed to be a couple of Deadwood movies coming to tie everything up, but it’s just not the same. You can have your Tony Soprano, I’ll take the awesome and terrifying Al Swearengen instead. The big release this week is, of course, Ghost Rider. If......
Continue Reading "DVD Tuesday: Cage Unleashed!"