Plymouth Staff Choices

LONE STAR
DVD Collection – Main Level – L

When it was released in 1996, Lone Star received rave reviews from the critics and it snagged an Oscar nomination for writer/director John Sayles. The movie begins with the discovery of a skeleton and an unsolved murder. The intricately woven plot incorporates first loves, Mexican immigration, family secrets, border town corruption, Army discipline, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, and the Alamo into a seamless and engrossing story. The ensemble cast includes: Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Pena, Kris Kristofferson, Mathew McConaughey, and Frances McDormand, all of whom give outstanding performances.

Stella Dallas produced by Samuel Goldwyn

DVD Collection - Main Level - S

Stella Dallas is a one of a kind motion picture. It stars Barbara Stanwyck, John Boles, and Anne Shirley. Barbara received a Best Actress nod for her role as feisty heroine Stella Dallas in the 1937 Academy Awards. Stella is a young woman from a poor family who sets her sights on the wealthy Stephen Dallas (John Boles). They eventually fall in love, but Stella’s love for the finer things in life and immediate gratification cause problems within the Dallas’ marriage. The one bond the two share is an absolute devotion to their lovely and sweet daughter—Laurel. Laurel (Anne Shirley) is a very loving and kind child who brings out the best in both of her parents. In fact, it is Laurel who teaches her mother how to be a better person, and this touching mother/daughter bond gives the movie an absolutely powerful emotional core. Stella Dallas is a beautifully acted movie with deep and powerful messages of love and sacrifice. The DVD is crisp and clear and has such special features as scene selection and subtitles. If you want to witness some old Hollywood glamour with incredible acting and powerful messages of love, you should pick up Stella Dallas—truly a timeless piece of motion picture history!

Eulogy
DVD Collection- Main Level- E

Kate’s grandfather has passed away, his children and grandchildren are gathering for the funeral, and her grandmother has asked her to prepare a few words in his memory. Kate (Zooey Deschanel) turns to her father (Hank Azaria), a struggling actor, but he is too busy mourning his career to help. Between the antics of creepy Uncle Skip (Ray Romano) and defensive Aunt Lucy, plus Aunt Alice forcing directions and casserole on one and all, the family can’t seem to dredge up any fond memories of their father for Kate to share at his grave. Instead, surprising and hilarious family secrets come pouring out and a few old flames show up to offer condolences. What will Kate say to honor a man that no one can focus on? What could possibly hold this bizarrely dysfunctional group of people together? Don’t miss this unconventional comedy about the strange yet inescapable bonds that create a family.

When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts by Spike Lee
DVD Collection - Main Level - W

More than an account of Katrina, When the Levees Broke follows the New Orleans survivors through their harrowing journeys before and after the storm. In four one-hour segments, the viewer travels with the survivors through the storm, the lull after the storm, the levee failure, the floods, and the clean-up. Spike Lee interviewed survivors at several points, so we experience their initial shock as they view the devastation, their grief at what was lost, and finally, the process of gathering strength and their resolution to rebuild. More than 100 people tell their stories - working people, musicians, actors, journalists, government officials, ministers, academics, and engineers. Some stayed and some evacuated, some lost loved ones and others escaped with their families. In addition to the unforgettable stories of the survivors, the filmmakers also interviewed experts and government officials searching for answers. Why weren’t the levees strong enough? Why was the rescue operation so slow to get started? Why is rebuilding taking so long? The definitive explanations remain elusive, but Spike Lee discovers many facts that will challenge the viewers’ ideas of what happened and why.

Bell, Book & Candle
Dvd Collection- Main Level- Comedy Bel

Shep Henderson (Jimmy Stewart) has no idea what he is in for when he stops by his neighbor’s apartment to borrow her phone. Gillian (Kim Novak) seems like an intriguing yet innocent shopkeeper until Shep finds himself cancelling his own wedding hours before it is supposed to happen. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that Gillian is a witch. (Oh, so that’s why she was singing to her cat…) Is it true love, or just a spell? Will Gillian give up her powers, or give up Shep? And if you think your family is a little aggravating, try Gillian’s magical aunt and brother. Think “Endora” from Bewitched.

This 1958 romantic comedy has a cozy, snowy, Christmas-y feel and is sure to be a hit with fans of Bewitched or I Dream of Jeanie.

City of God by Fernando Meirelles
Foreign film DVDs-Main Level C

Too often there are movies that glamorize drugs and violence without retaining any semblance of depth or understanding into the world they portray. On the other hand, too often there are heavy handed movies that push a message without being able to entertain and keep an audience invested. City of God is such a movie that can walk the fine line that both entertains and informs in a way that doesn’t preach.
The movie recalls the lives of two boys growing up in the slums of Rio De Janeiro and the different paths they take. One boy, Rocket dreams of becoming a photographer and escaping the slums, while the other Lil Dice dreams of becoming the greatest gangster in the slums. The movie follows them through the decades as they both achieve their dreams with varying results.
The film shows a world full of violence and despair that lies just beyond the typical tourist hot spots. Children as young as five run wild brandishing weapons, drinking and smoking cigarettes, like a deranged version of Lord of the Flies. This is a city that even the police won’t venture into, well the ones who aren’t already getting paid off by the drug dealers anyway.
While the subject matter is bleak the director Fernando Meirelles creates a vibrant visual perspective and peppers the film with bits of humor and optimism. What’s even more interesting is the special features of the DVD that contains a documentary about the slums the movie is based off of. It’s one thing to see a somewhat fictional portrayal of the subject matter, but after viewing the documentary it’s hard to shake the fact that many of the disturbing images in the film are real and are still occurring.

Dexter by James Manos jr.
DVD Collection-Main Level TV DEX

Dexter Morgan is a seemingly typical guy who works for the Miami Police Department as a blood spatter analyst. He lives with a caring girlfriend and he has what appears to be a normal life, except for one detail: he’s a serial killer. Following a code his adopted father taught him, Dexter only hunts those he deems as evildoers. While some may view his habits as a “positive” channeling of his bloodlust, Dexter is well aware of what he is. Dexter sees himself as a hollow monster. Unable to form emotional attachments to the people in his life, Dexter struggles to emulate them so that he can assimilate with the rest of society. As the series progresses, bits and pieces of Dexter’s past are revealed shedding light into his disturbed nature. He also finds that he shares an affinity with another killer the police department is tracking known as the “Ice Truck Killer.”

Taken from Jeffry P. Lindsay’s series of novels the show actually does what few adaptations can and equals its source material in terms of quality. While many may think the show is glamorizing violence, it leaves its moral message in the eye of the beholder. One may find oneself suddenly rooting for Dexter even though despising him at the same time. Although it’s not for the squeamish, Dexter lends itself to a great performance by Michael C. Hall and a storyline that will have you clamoring for more.

V for Vendetta
DVD Collection – Main Level – Adventure V
In a dark near-future world, Britain has been taken over by a fascist government, while the United States has dissolved into chaos. Evey (Natalie Portman) is a young news employee, out past curfew and rescued from thugs by a mysterious man in a black cloak and a Guy Fawkes mask (Hugo Weaving). He introduces himself as V and invites her to come with him to see a show. She watches in shock as he blows up a national monument to the accompaniment of the 1812 Overture on the emergency broadcast system. Evey has only been trying to blend in since her parents were killed in the brutal early years of the regime, but somehow she keeps tangling with V and risking capture by the government. The action is tense and the characters compelling. V is both extremely likable and very icky, a terrorist with an easy-to-support goal. The government is both a reflection of the Third Reich and a not-implausible result of a government which uses fear of outside attack to suppress dissent. The performances by Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving – whose face we never see – were impressive. If you want a side of thinking with your dose of action, this is a great movie.

Mixed Nuts
Dvd Collection- Main Level- Comedy MIX

Imagine running a non-profit suicide prevention hotline at Christmastime, only you’re being evicted from your office, your fiancée has just dumped you over the phone, and your hotline is getting crank calls from a pervert/serial killer. Welcome to Philip’s life! His coworkers aren’t doing too well either: Mrs. Munchnik (Madeline Kahn) is stuck in the elevator with a re-gifted fruitcake, and Catherine (Rita Wilson) finds herself still living with her mother with only her job to comfort her. Add to that some visitors -an armed Santa Claus, an enraged pregnant woman, and a depressed transvestite with dance fever- and Philip (Steve Martin) is having one heck of a Christmas.

This 1994 film, if a little bizarre, never fails to give my family our holiday chortles, and we take this beautiful message from Philip to heart: “Just remember that in every pothole there is hope. Well, you see, pothole is spelled P-O-T-H-O-L-E. So if you take the P, and add it to the H, the O, and the E, and rearrange the letters... or contrariwise, you remove the O, T, and the L, you get ‘hope.’ So, just remember, in every pothole there is hope!”

Instrument by Fugazi
Dvd Collection - Main Level - Musicals INS

Part documentary, part live performance, Instrument captures the essence of the rock group Fugazi. Jem Cohen presents the band over a period of ten years with a mixture of 16mm, super video 8, and assorted other formats. Formed by Ian MacKaye (former member of Minor Threat), Brendan Canty, Guy Picciotto, (former members of Rites of Spring) and Joe Lally the group borrows from various styles of music. Dub, reggae, funk, and experimental noise are just some of the sound elements the band uses to elevate themselves beyond the simple trappings of punk. While you may hear a Fugazi song and think it sounds similar to bands like Television or Gang of Four, the next song may end up sounding like Radiohead. This versatility of sound coupled with the bands stance on the music industry is what really elevates Fugazi above others. The band has been known for putting on shows for free or as little as five dollars, and have shunned multiple offers from major labels instead forming their own record label. Although Fugazi isn’t for everyone, (there are loud guitars, there are screaming vocals) Instrument is a unique film that offers a perspective into a band that plays so well together one would think they have a psychic link amongst them.

Blame it on Fidel Directed by Julie Garvas
Foriegn Film DVDs-Main Level

Anna de la Mesa is a nine year old girl living a wonderful bourgeois life in France in 1970. However this idyllic life changes when her parents take in her Spanish refugee aunt and become left wing activists dedicated to helping the disenfranchised. Soon after this, Anna is forced to move out of her spacious estate into a cramped apartment where her parents hold late night meetings. Resenting these changes to her lifestyle, Anna struggles to make sense of the new philosophies and politics of her parents.

What makes Blame it on Fidel such a great film isn’t so much the politics involved, but how director Julie Garvas captures Anna’s perspective. A great deal of the film is shot from Anna’s eye-level, and small things like getting her height measured in the door frame remind the viewer of all the forgotten pieces that make up childhood. This childlike perspective also serves as a filter for some of the heavier material. Blame it on Fidel is also peppered with a good amount of understated humor. One such moment where this comes into play is when Anna is being lectured about the importance of group solidarity. After trying out the concept in class by raising her hand with her classmates who have responded incorrectly to a question, Anna innocently asks how it is different than sheep behavior. It's this childlike simplicity in the face of adult hypocrisy that makes Blame it on Fidel shine.

The Wire by David Simon and Ed Burns
DVD Collection - Main Level - TV WIR

In an age where television has devolved into mind numbing game shows that resemble a Roman coliseum more than entertainment, and vapid vanity pieces that resemble “reality” as much as a trip to Disney Land, it’s good to know there are at least a few shows that have substance. “The Wire” just so happens to be one of these shows. Set in inner city Baltimore, “The Wire” follows a myriad of characters from all spectrums of the city’s social and cultural classes. From the drug-dealers on the corner, the cops who try to catch them, to the major political players in office “The Wire” captures every nuance and essence of the drug war.

What makes “The Wire” such a good show is it’s dedication to creating a realistic world. Every character has their strengths and their flaws (albeit some more than others) just like in reality. The performances are top notch, and the plotting and dialogue are near flawless. While the show can be a bit slow at times, one should view it like a book with various threads slowly weaving together to create a mesmerizing tapestry.

The Yes Men
DVD Collection- Main Level- Document Yes

The Yes Men are a real group of anonymous men and women who “impersonate big time criminals in order to publicly humiliate them. Targets are leaders and big corporations who put profits ahead of everything else.” This hilarious documentary shows how these brave imposters get themselves invited to conferences and interviews, where their inventive shenanigans make a mockery of all that is evil in the corporate world. Why do they rely on silly pranks rather than more traditional means of protest? Because hilarity gets publicity. Think of this as a more refined version of MTV’s Punk’d, and for much worthier causes. Admit it: you want to watch this now. See?

Slings & Arrows
DVD Collection - Main Level - TV SLI

What’s not to love about a show whose opening song is titled “Cheer up, Hamlet!”? This a darkly comedic Canadian TV miniseries is about the New Burbage Theatre, smaller but very similar to Stratford, Ontario. At the heart of the show are three characters: Oliver (Stephen Ouimette), the jaded artistic director; Ellen (Martha Burns), the company’s lead actress, currently maintaining her youth with a string of much younger lovers; and Geoffrey Tenant (Paul Gross), director of a tiny and failing theater in Toronto. Seven years previously, these three were in an acclaimed production of Hamlet, Oliver directing and Ellen and Geoffrey playing the leads. In the middle of the third performance, Geoffrey went mad, jumping into Ophelia’s grave and then running away. At the end of the first episode, a very drunk Oliver calls Geoffrey to talk about the past. When Geoffrey refuses to talk to him, he falls down in the street and is run over by a truck labeled “Canada’s Best Hams.” Now, Geoffrey has been asked to be the interim artistic director and Oliver is haunting him. The current lead production is again Hamlet, and a young American action star has been asked to play the lead. We also follow a young apprentice actor, Kate, as perfectly winning an ingénue as you could ask for. Meanwhile, American executive Holly Day is convincing the already business-oriented financial director, Richard, that New Burbage would make a lot more money if it were transformed into a peppy and commercialized Shakespeareville. I was flabbergasted by it all: the dark humor and snappy dialogue, the depth of the musings on theater and humanity, the sheer number of pots kept merrily bubbling at the same time. For those with theater backgrounds, this is absolute perfection. It’s also excellent TV.

Carnivale by Daniel Knauf
DVD Collection - Main Level - TV CAR

Set in the 1930’s dustbowl, Carnivale tells the tale of Ben Hawkins an escaped convict who is coming to terms with the mysterious powers he has had all his life. After his mother passes away and he loses his home, he is swept up by fate in the form of a traveling carnival. The ensemble is led by the carnival manager Samson (who many might recognize dancing in the red room in Twin Peaks), as well as a cast full of distinct characters like Ruthie the snake charmer, Sophie who reads fortunes by communicating with her comatose mother, and Lodz the blind mentalist who might have more sinister plans for Ben.

While all the various character interactions are part of the charm, the plot is as epic and sweeping as they come, foretelling the last great age of magic that will end an age-old battle between a being of light and darkness. However be warned, Carnivale resembles the structure and pacing of a book with a slow progression revealing a much bigger picture. So don’t expect a fast pace or all your questions to be answered right away. However, the show rewards those who wait, culminating in a spectacular second season finale. Unfortunately the finale would be the last episode of the series which is quite disappointing considering series creator Daniel Knauf had a six season plan in mind. Nevertheless, Carnivale is a unique and worthwhile series that has garnered five Emmy’s and a legion of disgruntled fans who want a conclusive ending.

Stardust
DVD Collection – Main Level – ADVENTURE STA

An adaptation of a book, particularly a book by a favorite author like Neil Gaiman, has the potential for either extreme greatness or extreme badness. In this case, both my husband and I were charmed. It might have helped that it had been a few years since we’d read the book. Here’s the basic plot: Tristan, our hero is a social outcast bent on winning the heart of the town beauty, Victoria. They live in the little village of Wall, so called because it is bordered by a wall. Faery is supposed to lie on the other side of the wall, although no one has been to check, except, unbeknownst to Tristan, Tristan’s father. When Tristan and Victoria see a falling star together, Tristan vows to bring it back to her by her birthday. Meanwhile, in Faery, the dying king has thrown his ruby necklace and knocked a star out of the sky. His six sons (named Secundus through Septimus, some reduced to ever-present ghosts) are willing to kill to be the first to find it. And three witch sisters send one to find the falling star, whose living heart will keep them young for centuries. For a star in Faery is a living woman. The story had the perfect blend of adventure, romance and humor to make it feel like a slightly wilder version of The Princess Bride. The actors – Claire Danes as the star, Michelle Pfeiffer as the witch, Robert DeNiro as the sky captain and newcomer Charlie Cox as Tristan (transforming beautifully from nerd to hero) were all phenomenal. This is one to come back to.

The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones by George Lucas
DVD Collection - Main Level - TV ADV

If the release of the most recent Jones adventure has left you clamoring for more or conversely unfulfilled, this series produced in the early 90’s might suit your needs. Produced by creator George Lucas, the series chronicles Indiana’s exploits at the age of 10 and as a teenager. Written and directed by a slew of prominent names such as Frank Darabont, Nicolas Roeg, Mike Newell, Deepa Mehta, Joe Johnston, Jonathan Hensleigh, Terry Jones, Simon Wincer, Carrie Fisher and Vic Armstrong, the series went on to win multiple Emmys. The show itself was also shot on location elevating it to near feature film production quality.

Besides the high production values and quality writing, the show also has remarkable educational value. Each episode focuses on a distinct historical time-period and many feature prominent figures such as Leo Tolstoy, Pablo Picasso, Al Capone, and Louis Armstrong. The extra features for each episode delve deep into the historical content and could very well stand alone as an interesting documentary in their own right. Very rarely are there shows that are educational, suited for the entire family, and entertaining. However, “The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones” succeeds on all three fronts.

Clue
Adult Movies – COMEDY - CLU

The movie Clue brings the infamous board game with the same name to life. Join all of the characters as they are asked to meet at a mysterious mansion to meet with Mr. Body. As each person arrives, the guests begin to realize that they have more in common than they know. As the number of murders mount, it is up to each guest to discover the who, with what weapon, and in what room the various incidents occur before it’s their turn.

This is not your old fashioned murder mystery. Although several murders do occur, the film is funny and at times ironic, such as when Ms. White appears dressed head to toe in black with jet-black hair. Although light, it is almost dizzying following Mr. Body around as he attempts to tie all of the loose ends together. One of the most unusual aspects of the film is that three alternate endings are provided. Clue is one of those movies that can be enjoyed over and over, picking up new subtleties each time. Clue is a great movie that will cause you to reminisce about and break out the popular board game.

The Fall by Tarsem Singh
New DVD Shelves - Main level - ADVENTURE FAL

Although the 2000 release “The Cell” from Director Tarsem Singh was visually inspired, the film itself lacked soul. With “The Fall” Singh clearly remedies this problem by telling a story that has more in common with Terry Gilliam's “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” and “The Wizard of Oz” then it does with a Nine Inch Nails video.

In a 1920’s Los Angeles Hospital an injured stuntman Roy Walker strikes up a friendship with a little girl who has broken her arm. He begins to tell her a fantastic tale about five mythical heroes, albeit for more nefarious purposes. As Roy tells his tale, the distinction between his story and reality begin to blur as his true intentions are revealed.

Even if the story itself wasn’t an inspiring tale of hope and friendship, the film could stand alone on its visual merits. Filmed in over 20 different countries with a variety of elaborate costumes and backdrops “The Fall” is quite the sight. What’s even more interesting is that the tale isn’t merely being visualized by what Roy is saying, but by how Alexandria interprets it.

Lee Pace who is probably best known for his work on “Pushing Daisies” as well as the short-lived but excellent “Wonderfalls,” is able to deliver the pathos of Roy while remaining endearing to young Alexandria. However, it’s first time actress Catinca Untaru who portrays Alexandria that steals the show. Her performance is innocent and genuine without being too saccharine. “The Fall” is a marked improvement from Singh’s previous effort and it’s clear that every frame is a labor of love.

Pushing Daisies
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Wonderfalls
The Cell
The Wizard of Oz

August Rush
Main Level – DVD’s – Drama Aug

Against her wishes and her knowledge, a woman is forced to give up her son, Evan, for adoption when he is born. Evan is raised in an orphanage, but is convinced that there is more out there and that one day he will find his parents. In frustration and with his love for the rhythms and sounds that surround him daily, he wanders off and runs away. Another kid introduces Evan to “Wizard” (Robin Williams). In a spin-off of Oliver Twist , Wizard takes care of homeless youth in exchange for their playing instruments on street corners and forfeiting their profits. It is here that Evan learns of his talent and that he is a musical prodigy. Julliard is extremely impressed with his abilities; he is immediately enrolled as one of their youngest students ever.

August Rush is a heartwarming tale of love, hope, and music. Even though the story is at times implausible, it still has the ability to capture the heart and draw the viewer into the plot. The music is incredible and the actors bring the story to life. August Rush can be watched repetitively without losing any of its power. Watch it and it will soon become a favorite.

The Bishop’s Wife
Dvd Collection – Main Level – COMEDY BIS

Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) has everything a man could want: a beautiful wife and daughter, a wonderful job, and the prospect of building a new and magnificent cathedral. Unfortunately the funds for this new venture come with strings attached. Should Henry sell out just to have enough money for a big new building? This dilemma is so trying on his spirit that he prays to God for guidance. Soon guidance does appear, in the form of a handsome and kind angel named Dudley who is played magnificently by Cary Grant. Henry is very doubtful that Dudley is an angel, but all those around Henry are enchanted by Dudley including Henry’s beautiful and neglected young wife Julia (Loretta Young). Dudley helps Julia feel happiness again, and he even softens the heart of a cold Mrs. Hamilton--the donor for the cathedral. Everyone believes in his special ways except Henry. Will Henry grow to believe that Dudley is an angel? Most importantly, will Henry realize that his family is his most important endeavor before it is too late?

A classic Christmas movie, The Bishop’s Wife is very heart-warming and pure. The Christmas scenes are shot beautifully and should put anyone in a holiday mood! An interesting tidbit about the movie is that the actor (Robert J. Anderson) who played young George Bailey in another Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life has a funny and short scene with Cary Grant in The Bishop’s Wife. If you are looking for a movie with holiday cheer and an uplifting message then The Bishop’s Wife is the movie for you!

Lost by Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof
DVD Collection - Main Level - TV LOS

When it first aired, Lost appeared on the surface to be a show about a group of survivors who crash landed on a mysterious island. As each episode progressed the viewer would be presented with the on-island drama of the survivors while being intercut with a particular character flashback. These flashbacks would add layers to the character in focus and also reveal how they made their way to the doomed flight. Sounds simple right? Perhaps if the show had persisted in this format it would be, however Lost is much more than that.

What Lost is, is a dense mosaic of mysteries where each piece of the puzzle that is revealed might answer a question but will raise three more. At first the viewer will be presented with questions like “how will they make it off the island?” or “what is the real story behind these people?” Then suddenly a character will unearth a hatch buried in the island floor and a mysterious entity will knock down trees and seemingly devour people. Characters that appear to have nothing to do with each other will suddenly show up in each others' flashbacks. Throw-away lines and events will suddenly take on a whole new meaning in the face of a storyline revelation, and that’s just the first season.

What the writers of Lost are able to do is take a very close up glimpse of a select group of characters and with each episode pull away from that close up revealing a large dense mythology surrounding them. What might appear convoluted at first is in fact very carefully planned. That being said, Lost is not for the casual viewer. You can not miss an episode; watching them in order is mandatory, and sometimes repeat viewings are needed to appreciate the full scope of detail that is being crafted. While the jury is still out on whether or not the writers can satisfactorily answer all the questions they’ve raised, the unprecedented decision by ABC to give the writers a clear end date will no doubt help them achieve this goal.

Other seasons available:

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

God Grew Tired of Us Directed by Christopher Quinn
DVD Collection - Main Level - DOCUMENT GOD

“God Grew Tired of Us” tells the true story of three Sudanese men who after facing genocide, starvation, and dehydration are relocated to the United States. After being split from their families and escaping government troops, thousands of displaced men known as “The Lost Boys of Sudan” were forced to travel on foot for months until they reached Ethiopia. However, they would soon be forced to escape Ethiopia when a civil war broke out there as well. During this journey to a refugee camp in Kenya, the group would suffer from disease, violence, and death. Within the camp the refugees formed a bond that would remain strong even when 3,800 of them are relocated to America.

“God Grew Tired of Us” chronicles the culture shock these men face by highlighting the challenges three of the men have as they attempt to achieve the American dream. Everyday conveniences such as garbage cans, supermarkets, and flushable toilets become strange new experiences. While some of the men cope better than others, one of the most remarkable aspects of the film is the way in which they make the best of their circumstances. It should serve as a lesson to those of us out there that whine about our situation in life and yet do nothing to better it.

One of the men in particular, John Bul Dau who worked 60 hours a week while obtaining an associates degree, is a prime example of taking what you have and making the most out of it. He has founded three non-profit organizations, The Sudanese Lost Boys Foundation of Central New York, The American Care for Sudan, and the John Dau Sudan Foundation which was founded in July 2007 to develop health facilities that currently do not exist for most of the populations of Duk, Twic East and Bor South Counties in the State of Jonglei in Southern Sudan. “God Grew Tired of Us” is not only a great film because of the social awareness it raises, but it also serves as a beacon of hope for those of us who find ourselves struggling to get by in life.

For More information on the Lost Boys of Sudan check out:

The Lost Boys of Sudan by Mark Bixler
Adult Non-fiction - Upper Level - 305.8B

The Lost Boys of Sudan by Megan Mylan & Jon Shenk
Teen Non-fiction DVD - Main Level - 973L

Jules and Jim by Francois Truffaut
Foreign Film DVD's - Main Level - JUL

Next to Jean Luc Godard’s “Breathless,” Francois Truffaut’s “Jules and Jim” could be considered one of the most influential films of the French New Wave movement. The story revolves around two writers Jules and Jim who after giving up on “professionals” in their search for love, find themselves both enamored with the free spirited Catherine. The film follows the two inseparable men through their whimsical youth, and into the First World War where they fight on opposing sides. The two are reunited after the war but neither can shake their love for the uncontrollable Catherine. While the romance the men share with Catherine runs hot and cold and ultimately ends in tragedy, the true love story is the relationship between Jules and Jim.

Although the tale is a great one rife with thematic messages about friendship, love, and lost innocence, one can not overlook Truffaut’s influence with regard to style. Take a look at the Wes Anderson film “The Royal Tennenbaums” and the beginning of “Jules and Jim” and you’ll see striking similarities in the presentation. Anderson himself even quotes Truffaut in “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” when the title character says “not this one Klaus,” just as Jules says “not this one Jim,” with regard to not sharing Catherine. Of course Wes Anderson isn’t the only filmmaker to be influenced by Truffaut. His reach extends to the likes of Spielberg, Scorsese, Paul Mazursky, and Blake Edwards. Take a look at any of his films from “The 400 Blows” to “The Last Metro” and you’ll see why.

Also by Truffaut:

The Last Metro
Foreign Film DVD's - Main Level - LAS

Shoot the Piano Player
Foreign Film DVD's - Main Level - SHO

The Story of Adele H.
Foreign Film DVD's - Main Level - STO

The 400 Blows
Foreign Film DVD's - Main Level - FOU

Day for Night
Foreign Film DVD's - Main Level - DAY

Related Material:

Breathless by Jean Luc Godard
Foreign Film DVD's - Main Level - BRE

Francois Truffaut
Adult Video Biography - Upper Level - BIO TRUFFAUT

Truffaut by Truffaut by Dominique Rabourdin
Adult Biography - Upper Level - O'SIZE/BIO TRUFFAUT

Trick R' Treat Directed by Michael Dougherty
DVD Collection - Main Level - SCIFI HORROR - TRI

Being somewhat of a morbid child who was both fascinated and terrified of the macabre, it’s safe to say that Halloween was one of my favorite holidays. There’s something thrilling about the scattered colors of the fall leaves crunching under ones feet, the gloomy eyes of the Jack O’ Lanterns peering out into the night, and oh yeah… there’s that whole candy thing. In addition to these annual symbols of the season one can not overlook the best part of it all, horror movies.

As a child of the 80’s (with a fairly open minded mother) I was able to relish the horror movie video boom. With the advent of home videos I was able to catch up on the classic (Halloween, The Evil Dead, and Creepshow to name a few) and not so classic (Lloyd Kaufman, and Roger Corman anyone?) horror films I missed out on. However the state of the modern American horror movie has me wondering whether “Silent Night, Deadly Night 2” was really that bad.

Ok, yes it was that bad.

Hey at least it has the famous "Garbage Day" (warning this link contains violence) quote, but what passes for American horror today is either gratuitous torture with scant plot, or remakes. We’ve got the classic horror remakes such as House of Wax with less than classic actors. (AKA Paris Hilton pretends to act.)

I know, it's a frightening thought for us as well

Then there are the slasher remakes like Friday the 13th, and Black Christmas. Then there are the “did we really need a remake of such an obscure movie to begin with” remakes (My Bloody Valentine? Really?!) Finally my favorite is the unnecessary sequel to a remake that was in itself unnecessary. I’m looking at you Rob Zombie. If you’re going to remake a film at least have something to add. John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” and Cronenberg’s “The Fly” are great examples of how a horror remake should be done.

GOOD Um... NOT SO GOOD

To say I’m a bit distraught by the modern American horror film would be an understatement, so it is with great pleasure I was able to view Mike Dougherty’s horror anthology “Trick R’ Treat.” The film revolves around four somewhat intersecting tales that involve classic icons of the genre such as werewolves, serial killers, ghosts, and one menacingly original creation. However, the writing is smart enough to take these standards and turn them on their head. In addition to this, the film doesn’t merely rely on grotesque imagery and needless torture just because it can. Of course it doesn’t mean there aren’t any gross out moments; it just means they actually service the story. Dougherty also has an excellent sense of style with regard to visual atmosphere. While many modern day directors like to overload their film with visual tricks and create a music video instead of a film, (I’m looking at you again Rob Zombie), Dougherty knows how to create an interesting shot without showboating. The film also has a great sense of humor, albeit a dark one. “Trick R’ Treat” also pays homage to classic horror films like “Halloween,” without directly ripping them off.

In this awful climate of modern horror one would think that an original film would be welcomed with opened arms. However, Warner Bros. appearently didn’t think so with regard to Trick R’ Treat. Set to be released in 2007 the movie was unfairly pushed back until it was unceremoniously dumped onto DVD last week. So if you are faced with the choice to see “Saw 25” in which exactly the same thing happens in this installment as it has in the previous ones or the option to check out “Trick R’ Treat” and indulge your 80’s horror movie nostalgia the answer should be pretty clear cut. Unless of course you already have that “Silent Night, Deadly Night” marathon planned.¬