Archive for the ‘Drama’ Category

The Joneses

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Dvd release date: 08/10/2010

Starring: Demi Moore, David Duchovny
Director: Derrick Borte
Category: Drama
Rated: R

The Joneses, a seemingly perfect family, are the envy of their posh, suburban neighborhood filled with all the trappings of the upper middle class. They are the ultimate trend setters with an endless supply of high-tech toys, designer clothes, fast cars and the latest gadgets. But as the neighbors try to keep up with the Joneses, none are prepared for the truth about this all too perfect family. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: ** (out of four)
USA Today: **1/2 (out of four)

Overall: **1/2 (out of four)

The Runaways

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Dvd release date: 07/20/2010

Starring: Dakota Fanning, Kristen Stewart
Director: Floria Sigismondi
Category: Drama
Rated: R

Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star in this music fueled story of the ground-breaking, all girl, teenage rock band of the 1970s: The Runaways. The film follows two friends, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, as they rise from rebellious Southern California kids to rock stars of the now legendary group that paved the way for future generations of girl bands. Joan and Cherie fall under the Svengali-like influence of rock impresario Kim Fowley, played by Michael Shannon, who turns the group into and outrageous success and a family of misfits. With its tough-chick image and raw talent, the band quickly earns a name for itself – and so do its two leads: Joan is the band’s pure rock’n'roll heart, while Cherie, with her Bowie-Bardot looks, is the sex kitten. Written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, the film chronicles Joan and Cherie’s tumultuous relationship on and off state, as the band starts to break out. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: ***1/2 (out of four)
New York Post: **1/2 (out of four)
Rolling Stone: **1/2 (out of four)
USA Today: *** (out of four)

Overall: *** (out of four)

Greenberg

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Dvd release date: 07/13/2010

Starring: Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig
Director: Noah Baumbach
Category: Drama
Rated: R

Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) is single, fortyish and deliberately doing nothing. In search of a place to restart his life, he agrees to house-sit for his brother in LA and tries to reconnect with his former bandmate (Rhys Ifans) and successful ex-girlfriend (Jennifer Jason Leigh). But old friends aren’t necessarily still best friends, and Greenberg soon finds himself forging a connection with his brother’s personal assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig). Despite his best attempts not to be drawn in, Greenberg comes to realize that he may at last have found a reason to be happy. Critics rave, “‘Greenberg’ has a soul, a heart and a sense of humor” (Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com). (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

New York Post: **1/2 (out of four)
Rolling Stone: *** (out of four)
USA Today: ***1/2 (out of four)

Overall: *** (out of four)

Brooklyn’s Finest

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Dvd release date: 07/06/2010

Starring: Richard Gere, Don Cheadle
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Category: Drama
Rated: R

Experience the volatile and deadly world of one of New York’s most dangerous precincts through the eyes of the men and women pledged to protect and serve. In this film, three conflicted New York City police officers are forever transformed by their involvement in a massive drug operation. Burned out veteran Eddie Dugan is just one week away from his retirement. Narcotics officer Sal Procida has discovered there’s no line he won’t cross to provide a better life for his long-suffering wife and seven children. And Clarence “Tango” Butler has been undercover so long his loyalties have started to shift from his fellow police officers to his prison buddy Caz, one of Brooklyn’s most infamous drug dealers. With personal and work pressures bearing down on them, each man finds himself spiraling toward the same fatal crime scene and a shattering collision with destiny in this gripping crime drama from acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: ** (out of four)
Rolling Stone: no stars (out of four)
USA Today: ** (out of four)

Overall: * 1/2 (out of four)

A Single Man

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Dvd release date: 07/06/2010

Starring: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore
Director: Tom Ford
Category: Drama
Rated: R

A Single Man is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, it is the story of a British college professor (Colin Firth) who is struggling to find meaning to his life after the death of his long time partner. The story is a romantic tale of love interrupted, the isolation that is an inherent part of the human condition, and, ultimately, the importance of the seemingly smaller moments in life. 2009 Critics’ Choice Awards (R) nominations include Colin Firth (Best Actor), Julianne Moore (Best Actress), Best Screenplay and Best Art Direction. 2010 Golden Globe (R) nominations include Colin Firth (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama), Julianne Moore (Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture) and Best Original Score – Motion Picture. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

New York Post: *** (out of four)
Rolling Stone: ***1/2 (out of four)
USA Today: *** (out of four)

Overall: *** (out of four)