Review: Lost City, The (B)

Lost City, The (2005)
Directed by Andy Garcia
Starring Andy Garcia, Bill Murray, Dustin Hoffman, Steve Bauer, Inés Sastre and Nestor Carbonell
MPAA: R
Grade: B

Review by Sebastian Francis Kennedy

Andy Garcia's sprawling homage to Havana is a bit long, and at times, wandering. However, it also is sweet, powerful and stangely addictive.

The original script for The Lost City was reportedly over 300 pages and it shows. This is a film that tells a number of stories: Fico Fellove (Garcia) and his family, the people who are struggling for a "free Cuba" and the regime of Fulgenico Batista. Fico owns the successful El Tropico nightclub and his father is a respected professor at the Univerity of Havana. As change sweeps over the city that he loves, Fico and his family are swept along with it.

The Lost City has a fantastic look to it and the music is spectacular. However, as I stated previously, the film seems to drag in parts. Perhaps it could have been edited down a bit. Another pet peeve here is the poor use of Bill Murray. He is a comedian in the film, and yet his character does not seem to have much of a desire for his craft. He also seems detached from the revolution going on around him.

Despite the small flaws pointed out here, The Lost City is a very good film. Garcia shows a knack for directing and he does an excellent job of showing the hypocrisy behind Cuba's revolution.

Buy The Lost City On DVD From DVD Empire

Beastie Boys Prize Pack Winner Announced

Congratulations to Disco Dave, the winner of the Beastie Boys prize pack. Dave wins a copy of Awesome! I Fucking Shot That! on DVD and super fresh Beastie Boys t-shirt.

Want to be eligible for sweet DVD Confidential giveaways? Make sure you are subscribed to the DVD Confidential Newsletter. Sign up today because we have lots of movie schwag to giveaway in the weeks ahead.

Rock on.

Review: Deck Dogz (D+)

Review: Deck Dogz (2005)
Directed by Steve Pasvolsky
Starring Sean Kennedy, Richard Wilson, Ho Thi Lu and Tony Hawk
MPAA: UR
Grade: D+

Review by Mark Focus

I'm not a skateboarder, but I do appreciate the sport. It has beauty. It has grace. It also "kicks ass". So I can give Deck Dogz some props for the decent skating that is on display. However, after that, Deck Dogz is all downhill.

Deck Dogz is a skate film that is obviously intended for young kids, perhaps in the 8-12 year old age (although it's tough to be certain). So, everything's either "gnarly", "awesome", or "totally cool". Suffice it to say, the dialogue is horrible. The script is horrendous and the acting is even worse. It's a mess of a film and it's absolutely unbearable for anyone over the age of 12.

That being said, this is probably a decent film for young kids that want to grow up to be skaters. That's a small demographic, but hey, at least Deck Dogz can hope to satisfy that market. Oh yes, before I forget, Tony Hawk pimps his ass out for one more paycheck by popping up in this dreck. Man, he must have been totally bored. Gnarly.

Movie Buzz: Saw III, Crank, The Pusher Trilogy

Lots of movie buzz news piling up on the desk. Let's get right to it.

One of our favorite horror film series, Saw, is returning just in time for Halloween. The film is set to open on October 27th. We have a sneak peek at the movie poster! Check it out folks. Ouch.

Lots of buzz going around tinseltown regarding the film Crank. Check out the Crank Trailer and let me know what you think. Crank stars Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Efren Ramirez, Jose Cantillo, Jay Xcala, Carlos Sanz and Keone Young and is in theaters September 1st, 2006.

Magnolia Entertainment is excited to announce the first ever American theatrical release of Pusher, Pusher II and Pusher III on August 18th in New York. Here is the official scoop on this trilogy, direct from the studio: "A modern, hard-boiled reworking of Hamlet set in the Danish criminal underworld, the overlapping stories in The Pusher Trilogy feature actors who were once actual criminals. The first Pusher film was completed in 1996, though Pusher II and Pusher III were completed as recently as 2004 and 2005, respectively. The entire trilogy screened together for the first time at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival."

Review: Joy Of Life (C)

Joy Of Life (2005)
Directed by Jenni Olson
Starring Harriet "Harry" Dodge
MPAA: UR
Grade: C

Review by Sebastian Francis Kennedy

Jenni Olson's The Joy Of Life is a very unique film. In fact, I can't remember seeing anything like it. However, there is a reason for that. Most films about people actually try to have people in them. The Joy Of Life simpy offers up stunning cinematography of lonely San Francisco streetscapes with a narration on top. As an intro, this is quite effective. However, after 15 minutes of this, the viewer can be left a bit distracted.

The Joy Of Life was an official selection at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, so obviously my detachment from the film is not the norm. This is the type of film that will either suck you in or leave you feeling a bit bored. Unfortunately for this reviewer, the latter reaction was inevitable. Although I am a fan of high art cinema, I could not help but wonder if most viewers would find the voice over and photography a bit pretentious.

The beautiful cinematography of the San Francisco area, especially the Golden Gate Bridge saves the Joy Of Life. If you are looking for a film that showcases the Bay Area, this is a fine choice. It's also a solid pick for fans of lesbian love stories. Otherwise, the Joy Of Life might not be for you.

Buy The Joy Of Life On DVD

Review: Pittsburgh (C)

Pittsburgh (2006)
Directed by Chris Bradley and Kyle LaBrache
Starring Jeff Goldblum, Ed Begley Jr., Illeana Douglas, Conan O'Brien and Moby
MPAA: UR
Grade: C

Review by Bobby Nashville

As most of our readers know, we here at the Confidential absolutely love Jeff Goldblum. He is one of the most underrated actors working in the biz today. Goldblum was fantastic in Igby Goes Down and Deep Cover, two of our recent faves. He's a darn good actor, and a very likeable guy. So we were psyched to attend the midwestern premiere of Pittsburgh, Goldblum's latest film, at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck. Unfortunately, the film left us a bit cold. It's charming at times, and has a light hearted tone, but the film meanders and frankly, could have used a good editor.

Pittsburgh tells the story of Jeff Goldblum's recent foray back to his hometown (Pittsburgh) to star in a regional theater production of The Music Man. Funny premise, right? Well, it is for about 20-30 minutes and then the joke starts to get a bit old. Cameos by Ed Begley Jr, Moby, Conan O'Brien and more can't really save this one, and the subplot involving Ed Begley Jr's product promotions don't add much. To make matters worse, there does not seem to be any on-screen chemistry between Goldblum and his girlfriend. The entire premise of the film hinges on the concept that Goldblum wants to be in Pittsburgh to be close to this gal, so when the chemistry does not exist, it punches a huge hole in the story.

Pittsburgh is a comedy with it's heart in the right place, and for fans of Jeff Goldblum, this may be worth a rental down the road. However, I can't recommend checking this one out in the theaters.

Rumors & Innuendos: Bruce Lee, Fraggle Rock, Batman & Big Lebowski

According to published reports, Bruce Lee's family is developing a bio-pic about the late martial arts star. Once again, the big question will be: who will win the coveted role of Bruce Lee?

The Henson Company is reportedly developing a film based on the Fraggles. The Fraggles were (of course) the muppets from the much underrated television show Fraggle Rock. The Hensons are also developing the Power of the Dark Crystal, a sequel to the cult film the Dark Crystal. The film is set to start shooting later this summer.

The latest actor rumored to be in line for the Joker role? Heath Ledger. The other actors rumored to be vying for the job include Crispin Glover (man, we would love to see that), Jude Law, Robin Williams and Steve Carell. Hmmmm.

As most of you know, one of our favorite movies of all time is the Big Lebowski. This classic film is one of the Coen brother's best, certainly right up there with Fargo and the underrated Miller's Crossing. This short clip on YouTube showcases Every Time Big Lebowski Uses The F Word. Hilarious.

Win An Awesome Beastie Boys Prize Pack

Now, here's a little story I've got to tell about three bad brothers you know so well...

Love the Beastie Boys? Then it's your lucky day! We have an awesome (literally) Beastie Boys prize pack to giveaway to one lucky DVD Confidential reader, courtesy of Lionsgate Entertainment. What's the schwag? How about a free copy of the Awesome I Fucking Shot That! DVD, and a large Beastie Boys T-shirt?

So here's how to be eligible to win:

First, make sure you are signed up for our Monthly Newsletter. You have to be subscribed to the newsletter to be eligible.

Then, simply e-mail scott at dvdconfidential dot com a crafty explanation (the longer the better) of why you should win the prize pack. Please note that the best explanations will be posted on the web site. Don't worry, we won't post your name or e-mail address.

That's it! We'll choose a winner later next week and contact the winner via e-mail. Oh, here's one last thing - you have to accept delivery of the prize pack in the U.S. So send in your entries today!

Rumors & Innuendos: Downloading DVDs, Arrested Development & Lionsgate

Lots of rumors flying around the movie biz, so let's get right to them, folks.

The major studios have okayed a technology that will allow consumers to download and burn films direct to DVD. We love to see this finally coming to fruition. On a related note, there are rumors that Steve Jobs will announce this technology (or something similar) as a new addition to the popular iTunes program.

There are rumors that a film version of the cancelled television series Arrested Development is in the works. While I doubt this ever makes it to the screen, it is an interesting idea.

Sean Penn is directing “Into The Wild”, based on the book by Jon Krakauer. The film stars Vincent Vaughan, Catherine Keener and Marcia Gay Harden. The story centers on a man that abandons his current life to live in the wilderness. Sounds good.

Lionsgate (the studio) is rumored to be in play. Not sure what conglomerate has enough bank to pull this off. Sony? Paramount Stay tuned.

Review: Awesome! I Fuckin' Shot That! (A-)

Awesome! I Fuckin' Shot That!
Directed by Adam Yauch
Starring The Beastie Boys
MPAA: UR
Grade: A-

Review by Bobby Nashville

If you are like me, you are a huge Beastie Boys fan. The hip hop legends have been kicking it live for years and they are always a great show. Awesome! I Fuckin' Shot That! Is a documentary of the Beastie's 2004 concert at Madison Square Garden and it is totally off the hook.

The beauty of Awesome lies in the production itself. Fifty concertgoers were given handheld digital cameras before the show and they filmed the concert from their own perspectives. The cameras were given back (and returned back to the store by the band) and the footage was cut together into one fantastic concert film. There are some excellent video effects during the film, and the editing is superb. All your favorite cuts are included (excellent version of Paul Revere, by the way). For fans of the Beastie Boys, this is as about as good as it gets.

One more thing: you absolutely must check out the extras on this DVD, especially the short film A Day In The Life of Nathaniel Hornblower. Completely hilarious. This is a must own!

Rumors & Innuendos: Tenacious D, Blind Faith, Natalie Portman

We have heard rumors that the long awaited Tenacious D film (directed by Sifl N Olly genius Liam Lynch) is being tentatively slated for a Thanksgiving release date. We loved Sifl N Olly (where's the Sifl N Olly DVDs, MTV?) and can't wait to see how this one stacks up.

Sanctuary Records is gearing up to release the only filmed performance of Blind Faith, (the supergroup with Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood) on DVD. Since June 7th, 1969, when this concert took place in Hyde Park, footage shot that afternoon has never been seen in its entirety. The DVD will definitely be something to check out.

Are we the only ones not surprised to see HBO push back the Sopranos final season one more time? The show that redefined the drama has seriously turned into a slow moving, meandering dinosaur. The question is this: when the show returns, will the fans even care?

Fast and Furious: Natalie Portman reportedly will bare all in her next movie, Goya's Ghosts. Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro have reportedly split (how did it last so long?). The legendary rock club CBGBs is reportedly looking for a new home in Las Vegas. Denzel Washington may star as Master Chief in the film version of the video game Halo.

Rumors & Innuendos: M. Night, Ghost Rider, Speed Racer

According to several web sites, M. Night Shyamalan is rumored to be a possible director of the next Harry Potter film. If you are into that kind of thing, I guess that's good news. Personally, we've never really understood the whole Harry Potter phenomenon. Whatever.

Nicolas Cage is working on a new film entitled Ghost Rider. Of course, it is a filmed adaptation of a comic book. Again. But we love Cage and will certainly check this one out.

Speaking of filmed adaptations of cartoons, a big screen version of Speed Racer is finally being pushed forward. Reportedly, the Wachowski Brothers may be at the helm, and Vince Vaughn is being considered for the role of the mysterious Racer X. I love that casting choice, but here's the million dollar question: Who will play the title role?

Note To Hollywood: Your Babies Are Boring

By Bobby Nashville

Okay, am I the only one that is totally fed up with celebrity baby news? It's everywhere you go. On TV, in the magazines, it seems to be the only thing that news organizations are concerned about. In fact, while going through the checkout at the local liquor store, I glanced at one of the magazines (US, People, whatever) and it proclaimed that having a baby is the new "cool thing to do" in Hollywood. How fucked up is that? Most Hollywood celebrities can't even take care of themselves, let alone a child. Not too long ago, Angeline Jolie was reportedly carrying Billy Bob's blood around with her and was acting way too chummy with her kid brother. Tom Cruise? After the Oprah/Brooke/Scientology/Medicine rantings of the last year? Don't even go there. And K-Fed? Wow.

ANYWAY, here is my note to all of you baby toting celebrities: your babies are boring. Keep them away from us. Yes, we want to see your films, but your googly eyed babies? Not so much. And for the most part, the fact that you had a baby doesn't interest me, unless your child can act. Come to think of it, what would interest me is if YOU actually did some decent acting and put out a solid film once in a while (or in Britney's case, a decent record). Brad, it's been a long time since Fight Club, my brother. So until your baby either shows up in a movie, gets into a street fight with James Woods, or enters rehab, we here at DVD Confidential don't want to hear about it.

And to all of you celebrity magazines and so-called Hollywood Insider Extra Entertainment Reporter new shows that continuously bombard us with the latest "news" about Shiloh, Suri, Kingston and Sean Preston? Get over it. We are tired of it already. The fact that you paid 4 million dollars for a photo of Brad and Angelina's baby does not prove that you are smart journalists that did what needed to be done to get the "inside scoop". It proves that you are idiots that need to find a better way to spend your money.

Okay, maybe the fact that a celeb has a baby is news - for a couple days. But that's it. If you keep reporting on it (instead of real news), then it gets annoying. It becomes like that distant relative or friend that can't stop talking about their kids all the time. Um... That's great. Yes, very cute.... Um... Gotta go, I forgot I have a previous engagement with reality.

Rumors & Innuendos: Lost, He-Man, Benicio Del Toro, Dane & Jessica

Rumors are flying that a He-Man and the Masters of the Universe flick is currently be shopped around Hollyweird with Adam Rifkin doing the script. Director John Woo has been named as a possible director.

DVD Confidential has heard rumors that a movie version of the TV series Lost is being discussed in Tinseltown. Just what we need, more characters to muck up the show that many say has already jumped the shark.

Jon Favreau will be at San Diego's Comic-Con to promote Iron Man. The film is not set to hit screens for another year, but it looks like the publicity machine is in full effect on this one already. Luckily, Stan Lee will be executive producing.

Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro have been slated to star alongside David Duchovny in the upcoming DreamWorks film “Things We Lost in the Fire.”

Dane Cook seems to be everywhere nowadays. His television show for HBO seems to be a big hit and he has a new film coming out in September. The film is called Employee of the Month and it centers around Cook trying to win the lovely Jessica Simpson. Hmmm.. Now I wonder where all of those Dane & Jessica rumors got started?

Review: John Wayne - American Icon Collection (C+)

John Wayne - An American Icon Collection (2006)
Starring John Wayne
Grade: C+

Review by Sebastian Francis Kenedy

While some American icons continue to shine (Marilyn, James Dean, etc) as rising stars co-opt and reinvent their looks, John Wayne has been left behind. And that's not surprising. He had rugged good looks and a macho swagger, but let's face it, to many young people, he reminds them of the grumpy old man living down the street. He was a little too macho, a little too angry and at times, strangely robotic.

So the American Icon Collection (a 5 movie set of some of John Wayne's overlooked films) comes at a great time. Re-examining Wayne's work shows that the man had a wider range as an actor than many remember. The collection contains the films Seven Sinners, The Shepherd of the Hills, Pittsburgh, The Conqueror and Jet Pilot. Obviously these aren't the finest John Wayne films (I prefer The Quiet Man) but for fans of the Oscar winning tough guy, these are nice additions.

People either love John Wayne or find him anciently irrelevant. I must admit that I am among the latter group. However if you are a fan of the legendary John Wayne, this is probably a must own.

Movie Buzz: Feeling Kinda Buggy

Oh my. Check out the poster for the upcoming film Bug. It's definitely disturbing. The poster touts it as coming from the Academy Award winning director of the Exorcist, so hey, that's got to be William Friedkin. It stars Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr. Not much more info to pass on other than the horror film is tied to a war veteran that finds things a little creepy in his Oklahoma hotel. Hmmm.

Feeling kinda buggy? Check out the Bug Movie Poster. P.S. Bug is tentatively slated for a December release,

Rumors & Innuendos: Marilyn Manson In Wonderland

Okay. I can't verify that this is true. Of course, that won't stop me from reporting on it.

There are rumors floating that Marilyn Manson is itching to direct a feature film about the life of Lewis Carroll. The real insane part is that Manson wants to star as Lewis Carroll. Call me nuts, but this is one children's film that you won't want to take your kids to. However, it won't surprise our readers to learn that this is one film we would love to see ourselves. Marilyn Manson is a freak (a good freak, not a bad feak) and we'd love to see this film.

Bring on the Manson!

Posted by Bobby Nashville

Video Game Buzz: Darwinia & Moscow Red Siege

Video Game Buzz: Darwinia
Video Game Buzz: Moscow: Red Siege
Reviews by Bobby Nashville

We love video games at DVD Confidential. Blowing stuff up and sneaking around can be a ton of fun.

There are a ton of cool new PC games hitting the market and last week, we were lucky enough to take two of the hottest new PC games for a trial run. Moscow to Berlin: Red Siege is an interesting war strategy game and Darwinia is pretty darn sweet too. Let's get to it.

Moscow to Berlin: Red Siege is an interesting strategy game that should work for you war buffs. It's brought to us by game developer Monte Cristo. You can choose either the German forces or the Soviet army to work your magic. For me, I always choose the Russian army, and it's not just because of my family ties to the Russian mob. P.S. Beware of the flame throwers, they are a bitch.

Darwinia is a surreal game that is obviously influenced by 80's retro video games. It has a great look, it's fun to play and to be honest, it's the buzz of the web. Everyone is talking about it, and for good reason. It's a strategy game that should be a hit. I definitely like this one. Feel like losing some sleep? Check out Darwinia!

Review: Tegan & Sara - It's Not Fun Don't Do It! (B)

Review: Tegan & Sara - It's Not Fun. Don't Do It! (2006)
Starring Tegan & Sara
MPAA: UR
Grade: B

Review by Bobby Nashville

The indie-alt-pop music scene is headed in a million different directions and this reviewer finds it fascinating. At the fringe of this explosion is a couple of gals named Tegan & Sara. I have no idea as to their backstory (the label sent it to me, but I refuse to read it, I prefer the mystery over the publicity sheet anytime).

Tegan & Sara look almost identical, except one of them has a pierced lower lip. Which one is Tegan? Which one is Sara? Personally, I say who really cares, because the music is damn good, they have a sharp look and they kick out fine pop music with interesting lyrics. That's better than 99% of the artists currently at the top of the U.S. charts.

Tegan & Sara - It's Not Fun. Don't Do It! is a DVD featuring a live concert, some of their music videos and a documentary about their tour. Standard fare, but if you are into Tegan & Sara, you won't be disappointed. Good stuff!