Imperial Valley News

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB (1999)
* *1/2 (B-)
Directed by Wim Wenders
Starring Ry Cooder, Ruben Gonzales, Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Eliades Ochoa, Omara Portuondo - Lionsgate//Rated G//Documentary//105 mins - Available on DVD with an included CD
Musician Ry Cooder produced a Grammy award-winning CD while capturing the spirit of traditional Cuban music on film. We watch him record his "Buena Vista Social Club" band in Cuba and take them on tour to New York's Carnegie Hall. He's a comparative youngster, grinning like a Cheshire cat while performing on his slide guitar alongside these 10 or so musicians in their '70s, '80s and '90s. Brief interviews recall the old-timers' exciting early years followed by hardship as forgotten artisans, reduced to shining shoes or rolling cigars in the wake of Castro's revolution. Speaking of stogies, giant Havanas are constant accessories, as explained during an interview with 91 year-old Compay Segundo, a master performer on his seven-string, armonico guitar. He remembers preparing and lighting cigars for his grandmother at age five and attributes his ongoing health to 85 years of smoking and to a hangover cure consisting of fried chicken neck, garlic and chicken consume. Cuban music claims both Spanish and African roots with favorite song topics including: love, sex, rural life and women's behinds, the latter of which are highly revered. Picture an invigorated, crusty version of Ricky Ricardo's band on "I Love Lucy," with joyful performances by colorful seniors. Available on DVD with a director commentary track and an included CD.

WRONG TURN AT TAHOE
(2009)
*1/2 (C-)
Directed by Franck Khalfoun
Starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., Harvey Keitel, Miguel Ferrer, Mike Starr, Johnny Messner
Paramount//Rated R//Action//90 min
Available on DVD or Blu-Ray
Gooding and Ferrer play a pair of mid-level drug dealers landing in hot water after killing a thug going by the name of Tahoe. Since the murdered man's gangster boss (Keitel) demands retribution, Gooding and Ferrer skulk around, mainly at night, and mainly in dimly lit locations, attempting to kill the enemy before he kills them. Gunplay, strangulations and other forms of bodily destruction are all on display, but do little to draw the viewer in. Using Tahoe to class up its misleading title, Paramount execs decided this wrong-turning film best go direct-to-video where it's just a short hop to late night TV. DVD and Blu-Ray features: 12-minute Making-of featurette.

BETWEEN THE FOLDS
(2008)
* * * (B)
PBS Video//Not Rated//Documentary//55 min
Who knew the ancient art of origami would mutate into a wild and wooly art form requiring computer calculations and full-time practitioners to reach unimagined heights of beauty. This documentary profiles artists around the world as they construct detailed 3-D figurines and abstracts, each piece made from one sheet of paper. You've got to see this one to believe it. Numerous DVD features include the finicky occupation of the handmade paper used for folding by serious artists.

VOLCANOES OF THE DEEP SEA
(2003)
* *1/2 (B-)
Image//Not Rated//Documentary
Available on Blu-Ray
I'd expect a documentary featuring stunning photography of deep sea volcanoes to be spellbinding, but this IMAX production is frequently ponderous. Scientists board a deep-water 2-man sub to reach vents 12,000 feet below the ocean's surface where lighting and photographic advances reveal creatures living around volcanic vents. Now available in hi-def, the novelty soon fades because the views remain more or less the same. The mind wanders during a dull examination into an unknown deep water burrower, nevertheless, the release is worth seeing for a couple of special features detailing the difficulties of venturing to such depths. Blu-Ray features: Numerous featurettes, DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 language tracks, widescreen.

FAME
(2009)
* *1/2 (B-)
Directed by Kevin Tancharoen
Starring Thomas Dekker, Kristy Flores, Paul Iacono, Kelsey Grammar, Charles S. Dutton, Bebe Neuwirth, Megan Mullally, Debbie Allen, Naturi Naughton
MGM//Rated PG//Musical//107 min
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Betting that an update of the 1980 film is ripe for a new generation, this version retains NYC's prestigious High School for the Performing Arts as its setting. Here Kelsey Grammar, Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, and Bebe Neuwirth appear as administrators and instruction for young talents being tutored in the fine points of dance, music and drama. Emphasis on drama, since plenty of high school melodrama ensues. The film works best as a showcase of young performers who probably hasn't appeared on "American Idol." DVD and Blu-Ray features: both theatrical cut and an extended cut adding 15 minutes of dance footage, character profiles, featurettes, deleted and extended scenes.

POST GRAD
(2009)
*1/2 (C-)
Directed by Vicky Jenson
Starring Alexis Bledel, Catherine Reitman, Jane Lynch, Michael Keaton, Carol Burnett, Bobby Coleman, Zach Gilford
Fox Searchlight//Rated PG-13//Comedy//89 min
Available in DVD or Blu-Ray
Cute-as-a-button college grad Ryden Malby (Bledel), is compelled to move back home with her quirky family (Keaton, Lynch, Burnett and Coleman) because her college degree fails to land her a good job. Between romantic misfires, domestic strife, and a series of humiliating, low-paying jobs, Ryden's path to independence remains elusive. Sadly, what began as an effort to voice the frustrations of unemployed grads becomes a happy sappy romantic comedy. Lacking unique content, this film may quickly join the ranks of the unwatched. DVD or Blu-Ray features: Deleted and Alternate Scenes, Real Life Advice with Alexis Bledel and Zach Gilford, Know Your Strengths: Career Advice, How Not To Get A Job, A Guide To Moving Back Home, Dress For Success, Find Your Match! The Best Job For You, What Not To Wear, Post Grad Confidential, Music Video.

I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF
(2009)
* *1/2 (B)
Directed by Tyler Perry
Starring Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, Brian White, Marvin Winans, Kwesi Nii-Lante Boakye, Frederick Siglar, Hope Olaide Wilson
Lionsgate//Rated PG-13//Comedy//113 min
Available in DVD or Blu-Ray
Tyler Perry dons a wig and house dress to reprise his role as Madea, the pistol packing grandmother with attitude. After catching teenaged Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, the sassy granny delivers the delinquents to April (Henson), their hard-drinking aunt who wants no part of raising her niece and nephews. April reconsiders her commitment to parenting the kids when handsome Sandino (Rodriguez) rents her spare room and offers to help out. Sarcastic Madea provides comic relief while April's neighborhood church showcases a colorful collection of characters. Perry's faith-based message films have been a hit for Lionsgate, prompting the studio to greenlight film adaptations of Perry's library of stage plays. Before long Perry will need new material. DVD or Blu-Ray features: three featurettes with versions available in both full-screen or widescreen.

MOON
(2009)
* * * (B)
Directed by Duncan Jones
Starring Sam Rockwell, Malcolm Stewart, Benedict Wong, Matt Berry, Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario
Voice of Kevin Spacey
Sony//Rated R//Sci-Fi//97 min
Available on DVD or Blu-Ray
This subversive charmer is one of a few films effectively taking on the subject of genetic manipulation. To say more would give away too much, but it is gratifying to see a major studio release a science fiction film grounded in philosophical questions. Sam Rockwell appears as an astronaut nearing the end of his 3-year mining assignment on the moon. Alone with a super computer, Sam Bell (Rockwell) oversees shipments of lunar material to earth from an operation largely conducted by robots. His only link to the outside world is via recorded video communications. We meet Sam prior to an accident that leaves him confused about what is and isn't real. Wait for it... the film's payoff more than makes up for its slower passages. DVD or Blu-Ray features: Jones' 2002 fine short, "Whistle,"several making of featurettes, two commentaries each featuring director Duncan Jones, Science Center Q&A with Director Duncan Jones, Filmmaker's Q&A at the Sundance Film Festival.

THE HURT LOCKER
(2008)
* * * * (A)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, Guy Pearce
Summit Entertainment//Rated R//Action//130 min
Available on DVD or Blu-Ray
Director Kathryn Bigelow depicts soldiers performing an ultra-dangerous assignment in this tour de force actioner. Set in 2004 Iraq, the fictional story follows a group of experts as they attempt to either defuse or harmlessly detonate booby-trapped cars, land mines, and the I.E.D.'s popping up everywhere. The group's fearless genius is Staff Sgt. William James (Renner), an adrenaline junkie taking great pleasure in his risky occupation. His attitude contrasts with that of nervous Specialist Owen Eldridge (Geraghty), and that of by-the-book Sgt. J. T. Sanborn (Mackie), both determined to make it home alive. While the trio works, the bomb-makers watch from high perches -- constantly searching for the means to defeat American ingenuity. Tense, dramatic and violent, remember to breathe. DVD or Blu-Ray features include: several featurettes, deleted and alternate scenes.

HALLOWEEN II
(2009)
* *1/2 (B-)
Directed by Rob Zombie
Starring Brad Dourif, Malcolm McDowell, Danielle Harris, Tyler Mane, Scout Taylor-Compton, Sheri Moon Zombie
Sony//Rated R//Horror//101 mins
Available on DVD or Blu-Ray in Rated or Unrated Versions
Now that Rob Zombie has established the murderous Michael Meyers as the product of an abusive home, the director explores the psychological effect on Michael's sister Laurie (Taylor-Compton), but not until Michael has escaped the mental institution and is determined to kill her. Zombie moves the action to Georgia where he hopes to "open up" the movie by using rural locations as the setting for the numerous grisly killings and where he is able employ longer shots framing Michael's pursuit of Laurie. The return of Dr. Loomis (McDowell) as Michael's psychiatrist should be a plus. Zombie, who initially had no plans to direct a sequel, couldn't resist this opportunity. DVD or Blu-Ray features: Commentary with Rob Zombie, Deleted and Alternate Scenes, Blooper Reel, Audition Footage, Make-Up Test Footage, Uncle Seymour Coffins' Stand-Up Routines, Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures Music Videos, Blu-Ray features: movieIQ and BD-Live connect information on the cast, music, trivia and more while watching the movie!

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

BIG FAN
(2009)
Directed by Robert Siegel
Starring Kevin Corrigan, Michael Rapaport, Patton Oswalt, Gino Cafarelli, Scott Ferrall, Serafina Fiore, Jonathan Hamm
Vivendi//Rated R//Comedy//87 min
Available on DVD
Staten Islander Paul Aufiero (Oswalt) is a diehard fan of the New York Giants. Paul and his friend Sal (Corrigan) follow a Giants player to a strip club in the city where Paul finds himself in brawl with his hero and is forced to reevaluate his favorite pastime of being a sports fan. The film marks the directorial debut of Robert Siegel, the screenwriter behind "The Wrestler." The DVD adds director and cast interviews, outtakes and a downloadable, collectible poster.

BURNING PLAIN
(2009)
Directed by Guillermo Arriaga
Starring Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger, John Corbett, Joaquim de Almeida, Danny Pino, Jennifer Lawrence, Jose Maria Yazpik
Magnolia//Rated R//Drama//107 min
Available on DVD and Blu-Ray
The film moves between the stories of two girls trying to help their troubled parents: a Portland woman (Charlize Theron) seeking redemption, and another (Basinger) struggling with the aftermath of infidelity.

THE SIMPSONS: Season 20
(2009)
Created by Matt Groening
Fox//Not Rated//Animated, Comedy//456 min
Available in a 4-Disc DVD or Blu-Ray Boxset
The long-running TV show hits a milestone with the release of a remarkable 20th season. This collection features hand-drawn menus from creator Matt Groening. Collectible packaging includes a layout of Springfield's most favorite characters that challenges fans to name them all. Bonuses include 20th Anniversary Sneak Peak by Morgan Spurlock.

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU: Vol. 1
(2009)
Starring Larry Miller, Nicholas Braun, Meaghan Jette Martin, Ethan Peck, Lindsey Shaw, Dana Davis, Kyle Kaplan, Chris Zylka
Buena Vista//Not Rated//Dramadey//230 min
Available as a 2-Disc DVD
In this ABC Family Series, sisters Kat (Shaw) and Bianca (Martin) have very different views on high school and teenage love. Sassy student activist Kat is determined to stand out while Bianca is sweet and simply wants to fit in. Their complex rivalry is further complicated by the arrival of mysterious Patrick Verona (Ethan Peck).

MAKE IT OR BREAK IT: VOL. 1
(2009)
Starring Cassie Scerbo, Zachary Burr Abel, Chelsea Hobbs, Ayla Kell, Josie Loren, Anthony Starke, Candace Cameron
Buena Vista//Not Rated//Drama//430 min
Available on as a 2-disc DVD
Another ABC Family series follows the triumphs and heartbreaks of close high school friends involved in competitive gymnastics. Bonus features include a never-before-seen extended episode, and a looks at the show's amazing stunts.

IN THE LOOP
(2009)
Directed by Armando Iannucci
Starring James Gandolfini, Tom Hollander, Gina McKee, Peter Capaldi, Steve Coogan, Anna Chlumsky, Mimi Kennedy, Chris Addison
IFC Films//Not Rated//Comedy//106 min
A satire that tracks the lies, good and bad intel, and PR blunders that escalate into a full-blown (fictional) crisis in the Middle East over the course of a few days, during conversations and meetings in the corridors of British and American power. James Gandolfini appears as a U.S. general with surprising views on war and Peter Capaldi plays a foulmouthed Director of Communications for the British Prime Minister.