Archive for May, 2007

The production notes for the horror film, ISeveranceI, are a mutual asskissfest, outrageous even by Industry standards. The principals, directorco-writer Christopher Smith and collaborator James Moran, high-concept and high-five the film as The Office meets IDeliveranceI. Catchy, but no cigarillo. Ive never watched The Office, but mentioning IDeliveranceI in the same sentence as this clumsy mix of dry British humor and bloody gore insults the fine 1972 film that made Appalachia a must-visit place for urban business types.

Big personalities rule these seven seas, and the biggest of those personalities is of course Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. But IAt Worlds EndI proves that while his place in piracy may be the biggest, its not necessarily the most important. IPirates 3I is better than IPirates 2I for one, very good reason: Forget Captain Jack, Captain Barbossa is back!

“Amu,” the ambitious debut feature by Shonali Bose, wears its political heart on its sleeve and is unafraid to tackle big topics: identity, history, truth, injustice.

Some version of the immigrant’s tale told in “Golden Door” is part of the family history of millions of Americans.

A gentler, more wistful Henry Jaglom wrote and directed “Hollywood Dreams,” his 15th and perhaps most accessible film.

“Magic Mirror” is a droll comedy about the impossibility of shaking the burdens of your dreams and obligations.

With “Bug,” William Friedkin continues to be more fascinated by the evil inside our heads than the boogeyman outside.

“Angel-A,” filmed in ravishing black and white, is a valentine to Paris, the City of Light.

In “Paprika,” a gorgeous riot of future-shock ideas and brightly animated imagery, the doors of perception never close.

To describe “The Boss of It All,” Lars von Trier’s acidic corporate comedy, as “ ‘The Office’ Viewed Through the Looking Glass” only scratches the surface.