New Films on DVD!

Well, we rented a copy of 'about Schmidt", whew, I was really disappointed. i have no idea why Nicholson was up for an AA for this. the movie itself was edited so it was almost total non-resolution of anything. everything was just hanging

on the other hand, we also got the Cage/Streep movie Adaptation. This one took a while to load, but when it got going it was riveting.(of course, im easily riveted)

As long as someone didn't rivet you to the bulkhead of the "Titanic."

I purposefully missed "About Schmidt" at the theaters as it would seem to me a film that would work better viewed at home. The Hollywood clique would nominate Nicholson for a Best Actor if he simply showed up and farted (hey, I don't know if perhaps he did!)

I did see "Adaptation" and it was an involving and entertaining film.

new on dvd Led Zeppelin, truly the gods of thunder. really nice trip down memory lane with some real innovators.

Tomorrow you'll be able to buy:
Frida: DVD
Giant: DVD
The Right Stuff: DVD
Once Upon a Time in America: DVD (Spec. Ed.)
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves: DVD (Spec. Ed.)

The "Giant" is a restored print in wide screen -- the image available on cable and previous VHS was pretty bad so this should be a treat for anyone who love the film.

I have seen Frida. Very fine movie. The interplay between wife and husband iis very true to life, I thought.

Adaptation was a disappointment. This was one of those movies that led me on, making me think I was seeing a film about real adults, then, all at once, someone decides we gota kill the guy, and out come the guns, and the whole thing turns into just another bang, bang, smash and die movie. There were good performances, nevertheless.

We had a discussion on About Schmidt on Abuzz. The opinions varied from good to bad. The discussion was interesting, because people saw different things in the movie. c.i.

Here's a link to the "Schmidt Happens" thread on A2k. The pros and cons were argued extensively.

http://www.able2know.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2627&start=0

Gee, that was only six months ago, and it seemed like two years ago. I am getting old! c.i.

Really glad to see Wings of Desire is available on DVD. Haven't seen it since it came out. I'm a Wenders (and Bruno Ganz) fan and think WoD is probably his best. A gripping, weird, wonderful film. Will buy. As for Schmidt, I enjoyed the rental but wouldn't buy. Adaptation? Never again! Chris Cooper was terrific but so much better than anyone else that it seemed a little embarrassing for him and disproportionate -- or maybe it felt like he was in the film and the rest weren't. Cage and Streep seemed to lose their way.

I said Wings of Desire is Wenders' best and it probably is, but I have to admit Paris, Texas, is my very favorite.

Paris, Texas is a favorite of mine too. The scene where the two of them finally talk, but with the glass between them is one of the best ever.

Stunning, as are the opening sequences. And also the place where the brother lives, where the planes fly over constantly. Not to mention the soundtrack. (Not to forget Wenders' role in Buena Vista Social Club...)

HDS is onehelluvan actor. One area where there's been a vast improvement over what some (not I) consider the golden age of American film is the emergency of the star=characteractor=star.

Living in a rural area without TV (by choice), I find myself collecting films on VHS and DVD. We might want to compare collections sometime... Collections plus wish lists!

I found "Adaptation" as quirky as something concocted by the Coen Brothers (my favorite of theirs is still "The Hudsucker Proxy," but that may have a lot to do with the inventive Khatchuturian infused score -- I just bought the CD). I also thought it had resemblances to "Magnolia" in the way the movie veered off but I liked what I saw. All along the Nicholas Cage character was convinced that nothing of importance ever happened to anyone in life, espcially him as he was so afraid of life. Introverted to a fault, he gets a full dose of what providence can bring. Remember that drugs were involved in the craziness of the final reel. I'd see it again.

I picked up the Coen Brothers' "The Man Who Wasn't There" on VHS at Blockbuster (used) for less than 5 bucks. It is a pip!

Agree, Phoenix! My favorite Coen Brothers (and I love them all, really) is Fargo. I can see it over and over and over again and still nearly die laughing. Magnolia isn't one of my alltime favorites, but I enjoyed it and have a tape of it. Can't remember that guy's name...

Great, very moody film, Phoenix with the usual juggernaut performances. I admire how the Coen Brothers get so much from their actors but a lot of it is in the casting genius. Tim Robbins is
perfect as the protaganist in "The Hudsucker Proxy." One can really believe he invented the Hoola Hoop! I've been playing the CD of the musical score over the past few days which includes the soaring, achingly romantic Khatchuturian music from "Spartacus" as well as music from "Gayne Ballet."

Paul Thomas Anderson wrote and directed "Magnolia."

Thanks, LW. Couldn't remember his name. Remember his interview with Terry Gross in which he stumbled around trying to explain those frogs! But each time I watch Magnolia, the frogs make more sense. I like the way the guy's mind works.

The frogs represent an epiphany for me. He is not really using symbolism per se and frogs falling from the sky is an actual documented and rare occurance.

Of course, "Magnolia" seems to be inspired by Altman's "Short Cuts" and many debate which is the better film. The performances in "Magnolia" are intense and believable. Each little story has a beginning, middle and end. It's one of those very good films that still is either loved or hated.