On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: Lincoln (2012)
by NIR SHALEV
Lincoln takes place during the last month and a half of the American Civil War. We witness as President Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) works ceaselessly to end the war by focusing on the slavery aspect of it. The Confederates had fought long and hard to keep slavery in America and Lincoln figures that if he can influence the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment he can hasten the end of the war. The film’s focus on Lincoln’s focus on the Thirteenth Amendment is new to me. It’s also rather inspiring. Read more 
On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: The Master (2012)
by NIR SHALEV
Is it possible to have a screenplay that’s entirely themes and character development rather than plot progression and a clear purpose? Yes, because that describes The Master. Read more
On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: Rise of the Guardians (2012)
by NIR SHALEV
Here is a terrifically energetic superhero film that‘s disguised as a holiday themed family film. Our team of superheroes is composed of a Russian gangster version Santa Clause (voiced by Alec Baldwin); a six-foot tall Australian Easter Bunny (voiced by Hugh Jackman); a tiny, adorable version of the Tooth Fairy (voiced by Isla Fisher); and a mute, spiky-haired Sandman. They are known as Guardians and they protect every citizen on earth at all times. Read more
On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: The Intouchables (2011)
by NIR SHALEV
Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, The Intouchables tells the story of quadriplegic aristocrat Philippe (François Cluzet) and his new caregiver Driss (Omar Sy). Driss is from the projects and lives a lackluster life but isn’t a bad person. Philippe chooses him over many other qualified caregivers simply because he isn’t as boring or predictable as all of the other candidates. Read more
On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: Flight (2012)
by NIR SHALEV
Director Robert Zemeckis had lost his mind several years back when he announced he would never work as a live-action filmmaker, ever again. He made that announcement after he’d directed The Polar Express (2004), Beowulf (2007), and A Christmas Carol (2009). I like The Polar Express; I like Beowulf for its cheeky humor; special effects aside, A Christmas Carol is a lousy film. I was upset that he said what he said because he’s responsible for the wonderful Back to the Future trilogy (1985-1990), the brilliant Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), and the masterpiece Forrest Gump (1994). Read more
On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: Skyfall (2012)
by NIR SHALEV
Growing up in the ‘80s, my eyes glued to the television set, I watched whatever James Bond films played on TV. The problem was that most of those films starred Roger Moore, who is arguably the worst interpretation of James Bond (George Lazenby doesn’t count) and whose James Bond films are the worst in the series (this is a personal opinion; please don’t shoot me for saying this!) It wasn’t until the ‘90s that I discovered that the quintessential James Bond iteration and interpretation is Sean Connery’s. His films were the ones that I eventually fell in love with because they didn’t rely heavily on gadgets, like the succeeding films tend to do. Read more
On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 (2013)
by NIR SHALEV
Where we last left off: Commissioner Gordon had retired and was replaced by a much younger woman who doesn’t appreciate the work of the vigilante known as The Batman; Harvey Dent’s plans to hold a city for ransom were thwarted; and all members of the Mutants street gang have changed their war paint and tattoos, and their name is now The Sons of Batman. Read more
On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: Searching for Sugar Man (2012)
by NIR SHALEV
Rodriguez was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He played guitar and sang in bars, dives, and clubs. By day he worked in construction and built houses. As a musician he was discovered in the clubs and went on to release two records in the early 1970s. Then he disappeared off the face of the Earth. Word had it that he’d committed suicide on stage by setting himself ablaze; others said he’d shot himself. Basically, he disappeared. Read more
On DVD/Blu-ray – Review: Dredd (2012)
by NIR SHALEV
Who would have thought that the best comic book film adaptation of 2012 would be of Judge Dredd? The character first appeared in 1977 and even though the dreadful (pun intended) Sylvester Stallone vehicle exists, the character still remains relatively unknown across the globe. But after watching this South African/UK co-production, I have a feeling that Dredd will be making a big comeback, and soon. Read more
On DVD/Blu-ray – A Pair of Movies Featuring Snow in the Mountains
by HELEN GEIB
We had a particularly beautiful snowfall Friday night, that heavy snow that outlines every branch and twig and makes the neighborhood look like a snow globe. I didn’t even mind shoveling my driveway because it was a chance to be outside soaking in the sight. In honor of my weekend winter wonderland, this week’s DVD/Blu-ray recommendation is two movies with memorable snowy vistas. They also remind me how glad I am to live at a lower altitude and a more southerly latitude.
Himalaya (1999)
