CinemaCLIPS Movie Blog

ENCHANTED DVD Review

MovieCriticRog — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:43:00 +0000

ENCHANTED
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED PG

Cartoon fairytale Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) is pushed down a well by evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) and ends up as a human in New York City. Prince Edward (James Marsden) and a chipmunk named Pip jump to the rescue while Giselle falls under the spell of single dad Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter Morgan( Rachel Covey). The Queen is not far behind. “Enchanted” is one of the most original and inventive movies to come out of the Disney Studio in years. Thoroughly delightful and entertaining, this is exactly the type of movie Walt Disney would make if he were alive today. Director Kevin Lima (“Tarzan”), along with cast and crew, should be applauded. Practically all of the Disney animated classics are gently skewered with comic reverence. The trash talking Pip is a howl. It is refreshing to see old-style animation for a change. Memorable new songs and music by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz complete the perfect picture. Amy Adams is at the top of my list for Best Actress. Creating a real-life cartoon character is difficult at best (remember Robin Williams as Popeye?). Amy makes it look easy. James Marsden is equally amazing. He could be on the short list for Best Supporting Actor. Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew in “Harry Potter”) adds a touch of hilarity as the Queen’s pudgy attendant Nathaniel. This is a family event at its finest - even with a scary dragon. “Enchanted” is captivating and enchanting!
DVD Extras: Featurettes, bloopers, deleted scenes and a brand new cartoon short "Pip's Predicament: A Pop-Up Adventure".

ROAD TO VICTORY Comments

MovieCriticRog — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:30:00 +0000

As a film festival judge, I have screened many independent movies. Recently, I watched "Road To Victory" - the story of an ex-football player who is unable to perform sexually.
It was powerful, thought-provoking and held my interest right up to the end. The subject matter does make it a tough sell with limited audience appeal, but this should open some Hollywood doors to writer/director/star Mike Reilly and his lovely co-star Julia Anderson.

Enter our CinemaCLIPS DVD Trivia Contest

MovieCriticRog — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:43:00 +0000

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PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN-AT WORLD’S END DVD REVIEW

MovieCriticRog — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:21:00 +0000

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED PG-13

Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Capt. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) set sail to rescue Pirate Lord Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from Davy Jones’ Locker. All of the Pirate Lords, including the treacherous Capt. Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat), must meet and unite to regain control of the high seas from Lord Beckett (Tom Hollander) and Davy Jones (Bill Nighy). Beckett, holding Jones’ heart hostage, is in control of the Flying Dutchman. “Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End” is a long (almost 3 hours), but ultimately satisfying conclusion to the swashbuckling series. The loose ends are tied up and the characters’ fates are resolved with a hint of new adventures - if you stay through the end of the lengthy credits. At times, confusion reigns as the intricate plot sorts out the multiple character situations. Capt. Sparrow’s afterlife in the Locker, filled with rock crabs and a crew of Jacks, goes on way too long. But the extended spectacular final sea battle, elaborate sets, costumes and adventures add up to a visually stunning ride that captures the spirit of the popular park attraction. Director Gore Verbinski brings back the entire cast with an added treat. Keith Richards, doing a great Jack Sparrow impression, is on board briefly as Lord Capt. Teague. With a minimum of makeup, he manages to gather a little moss. The digital version was screened for the press. The presentation was flawless - bright, sharp and no film artifacts or breakage. This cinematic wave of the future is truly impressive. With a few surprises along the way, “Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End” is a seaworthy effort that won’t sink the franchise.
DVD Extras: A treasure trove of featurettes, deleted scenes, bloopers and more.

RATATOUILLE DVD Review

MovieCriticRog — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:39:00 +0000

RATATOUILLE
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED G

Remy (the voice of Patton Oswalt), a young rat living in a Paris bistro, dreams of becoming a chef in a five-star restaurant. Fate intervenes in the form of a restaurant garbage boy named Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano). Together, the unlikely pair cook up a scheme to attain their goals. “Ratatouille” is a delightful concoction for all ages. This latest creation from Pixar is among the studio’s finest. Rich in detail, the visually stunning animation is the most advanced CGI work to date. Even the cartoon food dishes are tantalizing. Presenting an inventive story , filled with unforgettable characters, director Brad Bird nearly surpasses his work on “The Incredibles”. The talented voice cast makes you focus on the characters rather than the star personalities. Janeane Garofalo is chef Colette, who has eyes for Linguini. Cruel head chef Skinner is brought to life by Ian Holm. Peter O’Toole is the hard-to-please restaurant critic Anton Ego - the animators chance to skewer critics everywhere. Pixar favorites Brad Garrett, as the spirit of legendary chef Auguste Gusteau, and John Ratzenberger, as the panicky waiter Mustafa, add to the delight. In the grand tradition of Walt Disney, values of family, friends and life’s goals are woven throughout this fabulous entertainment. Before the feature, another amazing Pixar short, “Lifted” (an alien abduction tale), is screened. But the real reason to attend is the main event. “Ratatouille” is a gourmet feast.
DVD Extras: A delightful new animated short "Your Friend The Rat", the animated theatrical short "Lifted", behind-the-scenes featurette and deleted scenes.

EVAN ALMIGHTY Review

MovieCriticRog — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:16:00 +0000

EVAN ALMIGHTY
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED PG

Elected to Congress, former news anchor Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) must now make good on his campaign to change the world. During a lengthy drought, God (Morgan Freeman) appears to Evan and asks him to build an ark for an impending flood. Animals start following the distraught politician and the people, including his family, have their suspicions. “Evan Almighty” is a likeable and inspirational delight for the entire family, with only a couple of dog and bird poop jokes to offend. While not as manic and creative as “Bruce Almighty”, this pleasant sequel succeeds - thanks to the antics of Steve Carell and a boatload of critters. This time around, director Tom Shadyac expands on an interesting premise without the talents of Jim Carrey. But acting god Morgan Freeman returns as God in one of his more endearing roles and Wanda Sykes is at her wisecracking best as the Congressman’s secretary. Lauren Graham has a few shining moments as Evan’s wife Joan. Those animals in action will hold you in awe and the ark and flood effects are spectacular. As a harmless movie with a message, “Evan Almighty” is divine comedy.

DVD Extras: Deleted scenes, outtakes, featurettes, games and more.

Help with movie titles

MovieCriticRog — Wed, 23 May 2007 22:01:00 +0000

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MovieCriticRog — Wed, 23 May 2007 21:41:00 +0000

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