District 9

This movie will blow your mind away -- it truly will. “District 9” is the action movie that Hollywood wants to make, should be making, but doesn’t seem to find its way or the formula to do so. It is smart, with little known and unknown actors (at least in the USA), awesome special effects, and very entertaining. Add to this a subliminal message to mankind, delivered in an intelligent way.

The story takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, presumably during present times. It all begins when a huge spacecraft descends from the sky and stays suspended over the city, without completely landing. The spaceship doesn’t move an inch for a long time, and it appears that it is going to remain like that indefinitely. The people in the city get tired of this situation, and the government sends a crew to get access to the spacecraft. They successfully do so, and, to their surprise, they find a million or so starving aliens inside. They are transported to an aid camp for temporary housing. However, after a while, the aid camp becomes a permanent housing location. In turn, due to the segregation and lack of resources of its inhabitants, this location slowly becomes a slump. After some time, this slump becomes an inconvenience to the population of Johannesburg, who complain about the nature of the “foreigners” and the crime wave and additional problems that they generate. A decision is made in which all the extraterrestrials will be relocated to a different location, far from the city. This is an almost impossible task, because the slump has about 1.8 million inhabitants. For this purpose, the government names Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a nerdy-looking employee of MVV (the agency that handles the extraterrestrials) to be in charge of the relocation. At first, Wikus, with the aid of the military, seems to be handling the assignment really well. However, many unexpected problems arise which will determine not only the future of our planet, but Wikus’ personal life as well.

Ably directed by Neill Blomkamp, who has a strong background in animation and visual effects, and produced by maverick Peter Jackson, “District 9” is an unexpected surprise that will captivate you from beginning to end. It is fun and fast, honest and smart, penetrating to the end. Sharlto Copley shines in his role, and I can bet you that there will be a new installment of this very fascinating saga. The 2-disc DVD set includes deleted scenes, commentary by the director, a filmmaker’s log, several making-of segments, and much, much, more. (USA, New Zealand; 2009, color, 112 min plus additional materials). Reviewed on December 16, 2009. TriStar/Sony Pictures.

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Murnau

Friedrich Wilhem Plumpe (1888-1931) -- F.W. Murnau – was, without a doubt, one of Germany’s – and the world, for that matter – most talented directors. In fact, he was voted as the 33rd Greatest Director of all time by Entertainment Weekly magazine. I am sure that he would have accomplished much more if his life would have not being drastically cut short by a tragic automobile accident in Santa Barbara, California, in 1933. The fantastic and extremely important “Murnau” is a fascinating and historical six-DVD box set that KINO put together with some of this filmmakers’ best work, which covers the whole range of his talent and vision.

All the films included in this collection have been restored for their German release and some, as “Faust,” “The Haunted Castle,” and The Finances of the Grand Duke,” are available for first time in the United States, in their very best possible quality, one of KINO’s guaranteed trademarks.

The first film, “Faust” (1926), is, perhaps, the most confusing, due to the complexity of the plot. It’s about an alchemist, who is a subject of a bet between an angel and the devil, in which a town is infected by the plague (delivered by the devil himself), and the devil convinces Faust that he would cure all the people in exchange of his soul. It stars Emil Jennings, who majestically plays Mephisto, in an unforgettable performance. If you recall, Jannings won the very first Best Actor Academy Award for his work in two US-made films, “The Last Command” (1928) and “The Way of All Flesh” (1927). In “Faust,” you will see Janning’s captivating power as an actor, and why Murnau used him in many of his films. Unfortunately, Jannings was a willing supporter of the Nazis, which eventually led to his subsequent ban and disappearance from cinema. The film is also loaded with special effects, which still hold their own in current times. This mesmerizing DVD also includes a new musical score, a new piano score (adapted from the 1926 original arrangement), lost screen footage of Ernst Lubitsch’s abandoned 1923 production of “Faust” and “Marguerite,” essay by film historian Jan Christopher Horak, and much more.

The next film, “The Haunted Castle” (1921), follows a different pattern in narrative, because it is divided in acts – five, to be precise. Most of the story takes place inside the Vogelöd Castle, during a fall hunt, which, unfortunately, was ruined by unstoppable raining days. This unexpected situation forces the guests to spend much of their time inside the castle. The disappearance of a priest brings about distrust within the guests, and it unravels an old crime that involves one of the attendees. In this film, Murnau experiments with horror and suspense, spiked with clever humor. The DVD also features a gallery of set design paintings by Robert Herlth, as well as excerpts of Rudolf Stratz’ novel, which inspired the movie.

On the other hand, in “The Finances of the Grand Duke” (1924) Murnau presents a witty comedy, with a subliminal political message. It takes place on the Grand Dukedom of Abacco, an island, “perhaps in the Mediterranean,”, which is ruled by the benevolent dictator Roman XXII (Harry Liedtke). Roman is not good with money, and his country is in debt, most of it to a shadowy entrepreneur named Matcowitz. Word about his financial problems goes out, and Roman finds himself very vulnerable for an overthrow, which comes in the form of four conspirators: a dangerous one, a sinister one, a hunchback, and an ambitious one. However, help is on the way by means of Olga (Mady Christians), a beautiful Russian princess. All these characters provide for a memorable comedy, which includes a lot of written dialogue, in comparison to the other films in this collection, all of which are silent. This DVD features audio commentary by film historian David Kalat.

“The Last Laugh” (1924) is a study about the human condition, which is based on Nicolai Gogol’s “The Coat,” where the author examines the disproportionate importance given to uniforms. The film stars Emil Jannings as an aging building concierge. He is gentle and noble, proud of his work. Because of his impressive military-looking uniform, he is widely respected, especially when he returns home everyday to his neighborhood. However, due to his advanced age, frailty, and, in some degree, bad luck, he is demoted to a job in the men’s restroom. Loosing his concierge uniform demolishes him and he hides the truth to his daughter, family, and friends. It is humiliation that breaks his heart. However, he doesn’t realize that there is something else in store for him. Emil Jannings once again triumphs playing the main role – it really touches you. “The Last Laugh,” in addition of being a great movie, is also part of Murnau’s exploration of the language of cinema. In this case, the movie has no dialogue, and it delivers in every sense. The city landscape, provided by Karl Freund’s brilliant cinematography, is just awesome. The DVD also presents the documentary “The Making of the Last Laugh,” and more.

Next we have “Nosferatu” (1922), a classic of horror cinema, based on the novel “Dracula,” by Bram Stoker. Max Schreck plays Count Orlok, from Transylvania, who is planning to buy a house in Wisburg. For this purpose, Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim), a real state agent, is sent to Orlok’s house in Transylvania, in order that he can complete the transaction. Never in his mind did Hutter imagine that he was going to meet a vampire. Once Orlok moves to Wisburg, chaos takes over, and Hutter’s wife will play a significant role. This is perhaps Murnau’s most famous and known film, which is unfortunate, because most of his other movies are equally brilliant. It was also his first success. But “Nosferatu” has justifiable survived the test of time as a landmark in the cinema of horror. This DVD is loaded with great extras, such as the documentaries “The Language of Shadows: The Early Years and Nosferatu” and “Nosferatu: An historic film meets digital,” as well as excerpts from other films by Murnau

Lastly, the DVD set also includes Moliere’s “Tartuffe” (1925), which begins by telling us that great is the number of hypocrites on earth and many one the forms of which they appear…! Many a time we unsuspectingly sit next to them.” These sentences set the tone for the film, in which a caretaker slowly poisons an old man, in order that she can inherit his fortune. She convinces him that his son doesn’t care about him. In the same vein, and continuing his examination on greed, there is also a story about a happily married man who is giving away his money to Tartuffe, a thief disguised as a highly religious man of wisdom, who happens to be a guest as his house. The wife tries by all means to convince her husband that he is being used. Emil Jannings shines again in the role of Tartuffe. The DVD also contains the documentary “The Way to Murnau,” about the life and films of the legendary director.

“Murnau” is a must-have, a treasure for collectors and movie enthusiasts alike. The films included represent the work of an icon of cinema that had so much to offer and had a great understanding of its language. Murnau could easily make drama, comedy, horror, or any of these combined, always generating successful stories. In fact, some say that “Sunrise” (1927), one of the films that he made in the United States, may be the finest silent film ever. The movies that comprise this magnificent box set provide convincing evidence of the Murnau’s grandeur. (Faust: Germany, 1926, B&W 106 min plus additional materials; The Haunted Castle: Germany, 1921, color tinted, 81 min; The Finances of the Grand Duke, Germany, 1924, color tinted, 77 min; The Last Laugh: Germany, 1924, B&W, 90 min plus additional materials; Nosferatu: Germany, 1922, color tinted, 94 min plus additional materials; Tartuffe: Germany, 1925, color tinted, 63 min plus additional materials). Reviewed on December 14, 2009. KINO International.

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El Chicano: In the Eye of the Storm

Rock & Roll has a unique sound that, despite its variations, in many cases can be pigeonholed into that category. Santana represents one of those variations, with the incorporation of a strong percussion that provides rhythmic support – via congas and timbales --to the old-fashioned drums. His sound is recognizable and separates his band from the rest. However, the contributions of other Latin bands, mainly of Mexican decent, deserve equal credit in the history of recorded music. They were responsible of the so-called “Brown Sound,” which was represented by Tierra, El Chicano, War, Malo, and others, with Los Lobos being the most recent, successful addition to this prestigious group. Unfortunately, visual images by means of commercial DVDs are lacking to present the excitement of their music to the world. Enter “El Chicano: In the Eye of the Storm,” a passionate and electrifying double-disc DVD set that sheds some light about this magnificent band from East Los Angeles.

The first disc of this set features the documentary “El Chicano: In the Eye of the Storm,” directed by Daniel E. Meza, in which we learn the history of El Chicano. The band was created in the sixties, and it was originally called The V.I.P.s. It was during the recording of their classic hit “Viva Tirado” that a producer named them El Chicano, which they didn’t object at the time. This move, fortunately or unfortunately, depending of you point of view, married them to the nascent Chicano movement (Chicanos are people of Mexican descent born in the United States). This automatically connected them to the acid politics of the movement, which tried to improve the lives of Chicanos in the United States. They were just a bunch of guys that liked to play music, and involuntarily, according to them, got involved in political concerts and causes. The history of the personnel changes within the group is also discussed with interviews of past and present members, such as Bobby Espinoza, Fred Sanchez, Mickey Lespron, Rudy Regalado, and others. Sadly, missing was Ersi Arvizu, the only female singer in the group’s history, who did not want to participate in the production. In addition to the interviews and historical footage, the documentary has segments of the band’s concert at the Avalon, which is showcased in its totality in the second disc. The DVD also includes extended interviews and footage of the band at practice.

Taped live at The Avalon, in Santa Clara, California, on May 2008, this vibrant and majestic concert features some of El Chicano’s best known hits. It opens with “Viva Tirado otra vez,” a powerful instrumental from the album “Celebration,” which serves to introduce the band in the most awesome way. Also from this recording, the band plays “Más Zacate,” “Juntos,” and el “El Grito.” From their very first album, they give us, of course, “Viva Tirado,” “Coming Home Baby,” and their version of the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.” Then, there are also “Tell her she’s lovely,” the only non-instrumental cut, sang by Jerry Salas, taken from the LP “El Chicano.” On the other hand, representing their album “Cinco,” the band played Tito Puente’s “El Cayuco,” while from the classic “Revolución,” they included Willie Bobo’s “Spanish Grease,” “Cubano Chant” and “Chicano Chant,” which energetically closes the concert. Altogether this exciting DVD features twelve well-selected tunes.

“El Chicano: In the Eye of the Storm” has long been due to the fans of El Chicano and the Brown sound. Almost everything and anything that you need to know or hear about this band is included in this fantastic DVD set. Hopefully, more productions documenting the sound of East Los Angeles will follow. (USA, 2009, color and B&W, 159 min plus additional materials). Reviewed December 6, 2009. Inakustik

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Maten a Leo Mendez

In recent years, Mexican cinema has followed quite a curious trend, and one of its fashions is making movies with many plots, with all of them getting connected at the end. Many times these plots are confusing to the very end, and sometimes we are able to figure out what the hell is going on. It’s quite a risky enterprise, which always reminds me of Pedro Almodovar’s “Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown.” Following this trend, Mexico succeeded, for example, with “Matando Cabos” and “Nicotina,” which were also well-made. The gripping and delightful “Maten a Leo Cruz” can be added to this prestigious list.

The film stars Ernesto Barquet, who plays Leo Mendez, a wrestler who performs in clandestine matches, illegally handled by the mob. He is a decent fellow, who has aspirations of becoming a songwriter and singer, but makes a living performing at these fights, were he is very popular and unbeatable. However, because of many reasons – which comprise the twisted story, and have to do with love, friendship, corrupted cops and money –, Leo becomes a commodity, and his services are sought by Doña Reyna and Nikki Fox, the two most powerful criminal ring leaders. At the same time, Leo also becomes a target, precisely for the same reason. In order to save his life and that of his love and friends, he will have to make some tough choices.

“Maten a Leo Mendez,” as I indicated earlier, has many twists and turns that keep surprising us until the very end. It also has some very funny moments, particularly those involving the inept cops, which, in some ways reminded me of Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.” The supporting cast includes veteran actresses Carmen Salina as merciless Doña Reyna, and Isaura Espinoza as Agustina, her assistant. (Mexico, 2009, color, 115 min). Reviewed November 23, 2009. Venevision International

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Angels and Demons

Dan Brown is flying high these days. His novels are hot property in Hollywood, even before they are written. But, the fact is that the man can indeed produce great suspense literature – if it qualifies for that --, the one that can translate well into films, such as his incredibly popular “The Da Vinci Code.” “Angels and Demons,” I am happy to say, follows that tradition. It delivers great, smart entertainment, the one that you go to the movies for.

The film starts at the Vatican, just when it is announced that the Pope has just died. Simultaneously, we are transported to a laboratory known as the Large Hadron Collider, in Geneva, Switzerland, where scientists are about to successfully launch an important experiment which will generate antimatter. Unfortunately, once the antimatter is produced, one of the scientists handling this valuable product is assassinated and the antimatter is stolen. Enter Harvard’s Prof. Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), a renowned authority of symbols. He is informed by a Vatican cop that four priests – the apparent finalists to replace the Pope -- were kidnapped and that the Vatican’s police was requesting his help, because the kidnapper(s) left a symbol of the Illuminati at the scenes of the crimes. Once in the Vatican, Langdom teams up with Vittoria Vetra (Ayelet Zurer), an Italian physicist who was working with the antimatter experiments at the time it was stolen. They will try to put the puzzle that ties the antimatter and the Illuminati together. By doing so, they will realize, the hard way, that this is a dangerous game, in which science collides with religion and the Vatican’s internal politics..

Some fans of Dan Brown’s novels have criticized the adaptations of his work to the big screen -- “Angels and Demons” not being the exception --, and they may have a point. That’s the danger of reading a book and expecting too much from Hollywood. However, having not read the book, I found this film to be highly provocative and intriguing, and I truly enjoyed it. In fact, I can’t wait to see the installment of Brown’s next book, “The Lost Symbol.” I just hope that Hanks returns as Langdon and Ron Howard as its director. The formidable cast includes Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard, and Armin Mueller-Stahl. The DVD is loaded with extras, such as the mini documentaries “Rome was not built in a day,” “Writing Angles and Demons,” “Characters in search of the True Story,” and more. (USA, 2009, color, 138 min plus additional material). Reviewed on November 23, 2009. Columbia Pictures

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Up

It has been said plenty a time before, but…well…the folks at Disney and Pixar have done it again. “Up” is, perhaps, their most charming, touching, and exciting animated feature yet – at least in my opinion. If there is a fulfilling movie for all the family, this is surely one. “Up” comes in a fabulous package that includes both Blue Ray and DVD copies of the film, plus a Digital Copy.

Early in the film, we meet young Carl Fredricksen, who dreams of embarking on an adventure trip to South America, just like his hero, Charles Muntz, a famous adventurer. Carl meets young Ellie, who also has the same dreams and aspirations. Carl makes a living by selling balloons, and eventually falls in love, gets married to and ages together with Ellie. Unfortunately, they are not able to realize their dream of going to Paradise Falls, in South America, due to lack of money. Sadly, Ellie passes away due to old age, and Carl is left alone in the house that he shared with his one and only love. Some time after this sad episode, Russell, a young explorer, knocks at his door. He claims that he needs to get a badge for assisting an elderly person, so that he can earn the title of Senior Wilderness Explorer. After being pestered by Russell for a while, Carl agrees to help him, and gives him some work at his yard.

One day, just when Carl is about to be forced to move to a retirement home, he attaches thousands of balloons to the foundation of his house, creates his own makeshift blimp, and flies away, to everyone’s surprise. He doesn’t realize that Russell was at the porch of his home by the time his house took off. Initially angry at the kid, Carl unwillingly accepts his uninvited guest on his trip. After some time, too, Carl learns about the need of love that Russell had, and takes him under his umbrella. Together they will embark on an unforgettable journey, which will include storms, exotic wildlife, talking dogs, and in which they will meet an unexpected ghost from the past.

“Up” is a beautiful and colorful movie, with great, true values and feelings. It’s about life, aging, death, and friendship, and I’m very sure that it will reach your heart and the best of you. This fascinating set includes four discs. Disc One is the Blue Ray with the feature film, plus extras, like the theatrical short “Partly Cloudy,” alternate scenes, a making-of documentary, and more. Disc Two is another Blue Ray, loaded with more extras, such as a multilayered geography game, eight documentaries, and much more. On the other hand, Disc Three is a DVD copy of the film, also containing some extras. Lastly, Disc Four contains a digital copy of the film. Released November 10, 2009. (USA, 2009, color, 96 min plus additional material) Reviewed November 23, 2009. Disney.

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Spread

The very likable Ashton Kutcher hasn’t exactly had a successful movie career that matches his popularity, which appears to be guided towards romantic comedies, which appear these days to be a kiss of death in tinseltown. So it was a surprise – quite a surprise, I think – to see him starring in a drama. And I’m happy to say that he succeeded, with the penetrating and sincere “Spread.” This was quite a risk he took, and I believe that it paid off.

The film documents the life of one of the many young players in Hollywood, who make a living in dating and moving in with attractive, wealthy women. In this case, the player is Nikky (Kutcher), an unemployed, homeless, and, as he says, “unreliable” young man, who knows that he is attractive to women, and also knows how to make them fall for him. One of them is Samantha (Anne Heche), whom he meets at a club and immediately goes to live with her, taking advantage of her beauty and her money, which he pays with incredible amounts of sex. However, he also meets Heather (Margarita Levieva), and his world is turned upside down. Nikki finally meets his match and, unbeknown to him, Heather will determine his future.

“Spread” was directed by David Mackenzie, who also helmed “Young Adam” (2003), and who definitely can inject great eroticism in his movies. “Spread” is no exception, and the sex scenes are rough and tasty, with Heche, always delightful to watch, providing most of them with Kutcher, who will surprise the ladies. The film shows us part of what goes on in Hollywood on a daily basis, in which the parties don’t always have a happy ending. The DVD also features making-of and behind the scenes mini-documentaries, and “The World According to Nikki,” in which Kutcher talks about the players’ rules of attraction. (USA, 2009, color, 97 min plus additional material) Reviewed November 23, 2009. Anchor Bay Entertainment.

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America Betrayed

Hurricane Katrina was a tragedy in every possible sense and meaning of the word that you can imagine. Perhaps the biggest of it all, was the total failure of the United States of America’s government to prevent the catastrophe and provide relieve afterwards. This is something that we don’t expect from what we are taught is the most powerful country in the world. As a result, many articles and books have been written and films made that document this failure in its entire splendor. The powerful and unforgettable “America Betrayed” takes a well-researched and penetrating look at some of the factors that lead us to such a shameful disaster.

Right at the beginning of the documentary, we are told that the devastation created by Hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans on August 29, 2005, was not the result of a natural disaster. We learn that it was actually a man-made disaster, in which 80% of the city was sadly flooded – a hell that could had been prevented. Director Leslie Cardé remarkably documents how this failure was the result of the relationship that the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) incompetent management and the greedy corporate sector – via profitable contracts – has. The USACE is the agency that is in charge of planning and designing of bridges, dams, levees, and similar structures that serve the nation. Cardé interviews several agency and government officials, academicians, etc., and provides evidence after evidence of how the USACE builds relationships with corrupt politicians and hires contractors with shadowy reputations, which unashamedly overbill their employers, hence the taxpayers money. The result, of course, is Katrina, Because of this destructive relationship, we witnessed the annihilation of one of the major and historically important cities in the US. No matter how much restoration takes place, the soul of the city is gone with some of its people. Cardé wisely connects all the abuses committed by politicians, USACE, and contractors with the term Disaster Capitalism, which clearly has shown that in any recent wars or disasters, these people are more interested in making money that helping their fellow citizens in need. She rightly concludes that this behavior is definitely related to the so-called Shock Doctrine, which Naomi Klein so brilliantly discusses in her best-selling book.

Cardé also adequately discusses USACE-related projects in other cities across the US, and we witness how some of these cities are taking justice into their own hands in working hard and against time in trying to prevent any future disasters.

“America Betrayed” will not tell anything new if you have been able to read the actions of our government well. The signs are all there – you just need to make the associations. However, the director provides so much valuable information that helps us understand the system better, how we are being pillaged and how greed is destroying our institutions. It is a powerful and well-produced indictment against some government and non-government officials that are eating us alive. It will surely put the health care debate into perspective, and make us understand why there is one greedy party that doesn’t want it to happen. If there is no money in it, we don’t want it. The DVD also includes an interview with the director, as well as bonus interviews with the people that shared their thoughts in this film. It also provides a resource guide. (USA, 2008, color, 94 min plus additional materials). Reviewed September 17, 2009. First Run Features

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The Exiles

“The Exiles” is another cinematic gem rescued from oblivion by the good folks at Milestone Film and Video. Directed by the late Kent Mackenzie, not long after he graduated from the University of Southern California, the film give us a rare glance at life of Native Americans in the big city, providing us with a unique and very important document of our times.

The movie adequately opens with numerous beautiful, historical photos – mostly portraits of Native Americans throughout time --, and right away we are told that “white men sent Indians to reservations, but some went to the city,” and we immediately meet one of the several characters that we’ll see in the next 72 minutes. We follow them in what turns out to be great part of a day in their lives, beginning when pregnant Yvonne arrives home one afternoon, where she finds several mostly unemployed men, bored as they could possible be, wasting time in nonsense. From then on, we follow them into their night rituals. The women mostly stay home or go to the movies; the men, however, have or apparently have all the fun. They go gambling, partying, drinking, getting high, and skirt-chasing. They do this until the sun rises, and repeat this destructive cycle every day.

“The Exiles” is an unpretentious, sincere film, done with the heart, and the director apparently allowed the actors – mostly Native Americans -- to be themselves and play their culture. This exceptional movie depicts a well-known, sad part of our society, with defeated human beings, with defeated minds, as the main characters. It doesn’t matter where the plot takes place – the city or the reservation --, the stories are always the same. This is especially revealed in the long scene in which the boys go to party on a hill in the city Los Angeles known as Hill X, in which they drink and play the drums all night long, as they did in their reservations. This is their way to reminisce about their culture, their parents, their childhood, and their land.

“The Exiles” also captures a part of Los Angeles that is gone, because the whole film takes place in that city, mostly in a place known as Bunker Hill. We get to see how the neighborhood was during the early sixties, including the famous Angel’s Flight, which was located in that area. Angels’ Flight was out of business for a while, but it was recently rebuilt as a tourist attraction. Sadly, the neighborhood didn’t have the same luck: it was demolished to make way to corporate buildings, which constitute the current landscape of downtown Los Angeles. This story is identical to the fate that a place known as Chavez Ravine had. It was a happy site, mostly populated by Mexican immigrants, which was demolished to build Dodger Stadium -- in short, the history of brown people. In addition, there are scenes filmed in Grand Central Market, in Downtown Los Angeles, a place which, for some reason, has been able to survive and thrive all these years. For us, who live in this weird and controversial city, it is important to see all this visual historical records.

In addition of the film, this magnificent two-disc DVD set is loaded with historical extras, featuring several shorts by Kent Mackenzie, including “A Skill for Molina”, “Story of a Rodeo Cowboy”, and “Ivan and his Father.” It also includes the documentary “Bunker Hill: A tale of Urban Renewal” by Greg Kimble, and “White Fawn’s Devotion: the First Native American Film. Furthermore, this remarkable DVD set also features audio bonuses, like “The Leonard Lopate Show,” with Sherman Alexie and Sean Axmaker, as well as interviews with these two personalities. Finally, there is also a DVD-ROM, with downloadable material, including “The Exiles” scripts (including the final version), publicity material, production history on “Bunker Hill,” “The Making of The Exiles” (MacKenzie’s Master Thesis), and much more. (USA, 1961, B&W and color, 72 min with additional material). Reviewed on November 9, 2009. Milestone Film and Video

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The Taking of Pelham 123

Reviewing remakes of films that where well-received in their original release is quite a challenge. It is also a daunting idea to remake a movie that was well-made in its first treatment. Any way you look at it, it can be a trap for any party involved. That is precisely the case with “The Taking of Pelham 123,” a film that originally came out in 1974. For this reason, purposely ignoring the first version, I will review the 2009 film. That said, I found this new installment exciting and gripping, which is what entertainment is all about.

Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) is a subway dispatcher who works in the control center of New City’s midtown subway system. He is having a good day, that is, until he notices irregular activities in the traffic board. He receives a phone call by an individual who says, “This is the man who is going to rock this city. This is the man who is going to give the city a run for its money.” We then learn that the man is Ryder (John Travolta), and that he has kidnapped a train car from the Pelham 123 route. Ryder and his assistants, turns out, are merciless killers that do not hesitate to pull the trigger to get what they want; in this case, they are asking for a ten million dollar ransom. So, as you can expect, this creates a difficult and volatile situation. It doesn’t help that Garber also has his own issues that affect the resolution of the conflict, which, in way, also becomes a fight for his life.

As any movie directed by Tony Scott (Spy Game, Domino, Déjà vu), “The Taking of Pelham 123” is flashy and fast, with trendy use of technology and cinematography, which is precisely one of the differences between the 1974 version from the 2009 one – and that’s where my comparison begins and ends. It is action-packed and will keep you glued to your seat until the very end. The DVD also features commentaries by the director, writer Brian Helgeland and producer Todd Black; making-of documentary; New York underground documentary; and more. (USA / UK. 2009, color, 106 min plus additional materials). Reviewed November 3, 2009. Columbia Pictures

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