Archive for February, 2009
Next Entries »Welcome to hard times, Part 2
Rating 3.00 out of 5
[?]Submitted by Denerstein Unleashed
Banks, brokerages and just about every other kind of business seem to be gagging on mega-helpings of financial woe. Now comes the disturbing news that elevator music may be also be taking a hit. The New York Times Wednesday reported that Musak Holdings has filed for bankruptcy protection. [...]
40th Annual NAACP Image Awards
Rating 3.50 out of 5
[?]Written by Michael Vass
For those that are needing another Awards show fix until the Oscar Awards, there is hope. The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards show is just over 24 hours away. Rejoice.
Actually this awards show should be interesting for more than the fact that it highlights the achievements of people [...]
DVD Review: Chocolate (Thai movie)
Rating 4.00 out of 5
[?]Written by Michael Vass
Sometimes you can watch a movie and know that you are watching a star. The presence and ability just stands out and you cannot help but be awed. While this happens occasionally in dramas and comedies, it is rare in an action film. But when it does you [...]
A slogan that needs changing
Rating 3.00 out of 5
[?]Submitted by Denerstein Unleashed
“Limes regiones rerum.”
That’s the Latin inscription that appears on the gateway to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. The school’s new facilities were designed — at least in the earliest stages — by George Lucas, who donated $175 million for construction. Warner Brothers, Fox and [...]
A beautifully realized fantasy world
Rating 3.00 out of 5
[?]Submitted by Denerstein Unleashed
It should come as no surprise that “Coraline,” a movie directed by Henry Selick (”The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “James and the Giant Peach”) proves visually stunning, particularly at selected theaters which are playing the movie in 3D. I’m not a huge fan of 3D — hate the [...]
A trendy guide to relationships
Rating 3.00 out of 5
[?]Submitted by Denerstein Unleashed
Here’s what you need to know about “He’s Just Not That Into You,” provided that the word “trendy” makes you run for cover.
– The movie is a big-screen adaptation of a bestselling 2004 relationship guide by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. The book’s subtitle: “The No-Excuses Truth to [...]
DVD Review: Diary of a Tired Black Man
Rating 4.00 out of 5
[?]Written by Michael Vass
Wow. 10 minutes into this film and I had to stop and write about this movie. This is a powerful film. This is the hidden voice of many Black men, just like myself, that has been drowned out by the perceptions promoted by the media and accepted by [...]
Movie Preview: Gomorrah
Rating 3.00 out of 5
[?]Written by Michael Vass
In a completely different kind of film than is usually seen in America comes Gomorrah. This is a view of gangsters and crime unlike the usual glorification that America tends to adore. Obviously it’s because the film wasn’t made in America, but Italy.
Now don’t let the sub-titles bother [...]
Movie Preview: Crank 2
Rating 4.00 out of 5
[?]Written by Michael Vass
Sometimes you just can’t keep a bad man down. And when that man is Chev Chelios, you really don’t want to try. At least that is the idea behind Crank 2.
There is no question that the film is running on the same concept as the original film, and [...]
DVD Review: A Good Day To Be Black & Sexy
Rating 4.00 out of 5
[?]Written by Michael Vass
I just finished watching A Good Day to be Black and Sexy, which is now out on DVD for those that missed it in the theaters, and I have to say WOW. No wonder it did so well at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.
I didn’t just watch the [...]
Welcome to hard times
Rating 3.00 out of 5
[?]Submitted by Denerstein Unleashed
The other day, my filmmaking partner — Jim Phelan — and I were talking to a friend and client about (what else?) the disastrous state of the economy. Jim, who’s prone to optimism, took the lead, saying that perhaps some good may come from the current decline in [...]
Super Bowl in 3D? Or is it IIID?
Rating 3.00 out of 5
[?]Submitted by Denerstein Unleashed
I recently attended a 3D screening of director Henry Selick’s “Coraline,” which opens Friday. Critics were given plastic glasses, which can present a challenge for those of us who wear regular glasses. I tried watching with the 3D glasses only, but it didn’t work. I went glasses-over-glasses and [...]
