New DVD rental releases at DVBee this week:
Michael Jackson's This Is It, The Invention of Lying, Winged Creatures, Coco Avant Chanel, The Ugly Truth, Imagine That, The Taking of Pelham 123, Fame, Garfield's Fun Fest and Smokin' Aces 2: Assassin's Ball.
 MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT (2009) Director: Kenny Ortega Starring: Michael Jackson, Kenny Ortega Genre: Music, Documentary Age Restriction: PG Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was a dance and music sensation. This music documentary gives audiences a sneak peak at his highly-anticipated This Is It World Tour practice sessions, which were recorded shortly before his untimely death. The film pays homage to Jackson as he belts out some of his most famous hits, while revealing a vulnerable, professional and deeply human side to the music icon.  THE INVENTION OF LYING (2009) Director: Ricky Gervais, Matthew Robinson Starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance Age Restriction: 13PG L This high concept fantasy comedy doesn’t have as many laughs as we’ve come to expect from The Office funny man, Ricky Gervais, but still holds up as a smart, charming and entertaining film with a long list of cameo performances. The Invention of Lying is more like Ghost Town than Liar, Liar and solid casting, subtle humour and good lead chemistry make this movie worth seeing.   WINGED CREATURES (2008)
Director: Rowan Woods Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Forest Whitaker, Dakota Fanning Genre: Drama Age Restriction: 13NSV A first-rate cast delve into the fractured lives of several random restaurant customers, who witness an unprovoked shooting. The swirling drama shows how they intersect as they try to cope with grief, recover from their loss and carry on with their lives. While dark and somewhat depressing, Winged Creatures is buoyed by an experienced ensemble.  COCO AVANT CHANEL (2009)
Director: Anne Fontaine Starring: Audrey Tatou Genre: Biography, Drama Age Restriction: 13S Audrey Tatou delivers a solid lead performance in this simplified two-dimensional rendition of Coco Chanel before she was France’s famous mademoiselle. It’s a beautiful and fascinating biographical drama and a tribute, but doesn’t relay any insight or sense of her inner being.  THE UGLY TRUTH (2009) Director: Robert Luketic Starring: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler Genre: Romance, Comedy Age Restriction: 16SL If “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus”, no wonder it all seems so complicated down here on Earth. This adult romantic comedy takes a cheeky and often funny look at dating, relationships and toys with “what men want” in a 21st Century woman. Great lead chemistry, fun comedy interplay and likable characters add up to some light first date fun.   IMAGINE THAT (2009) Director: Karey Kirkpatrick Starring: Eddie Murphy, Thomas Haden Church Genre: Family, Comedy, Fantasy Age Restriction: PG A sweet-natured family fantasy comedy starring Eddie Murphy. This light, fun and upbeat movie features great chemistry between father and daughter, much like The Game Plan with a funny character performance from Haden Church. However, the script lacks comic sparkle and relies too heavily on Murphy’s charisma. THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3 (2009) Director: Tony Scott Starring: Denzel Washington, John Travolta Genre: Action, Thriller, Drama Age Restriction: 16LV Washington and Travolta go head-to-head in this train hostage remake in a dynamic similar to Reeves and Hopper in Speed. The performances are good, Tony Scott’s direction and style is slick, but at the end of the day it’s just another high stakes hostage drama with a stagnant feel and an unsatisfactory ending.   FAME (2009) Director: Kevin Tancharoen Starring: Kelsey Grammar, Kay Panabaker, Naturi Naughton Genre: Drama, Music, Romance Age Restriction: 13PG L Fame, the 1980 musical, inspired a TV series as a performing arts school took the spotlight. This bland 2009 remake features some acting talents such as Naturi Naughton, who can truly perform, but lacks a character development and story focus, making it flat and inconsistent. SMOKIN’ ACES 2: ASSASSINS’ BALL (2009)
Director: P.J. Pesce Starring: Tom Berenger, Ernie Hudson, Vinne Jones Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime Age Restriction: 16LSV This prequel sequel tries to mimic the ferocity and style of Smokin' Aces with a shoestring budget, minus the cast, director and novelty. The Tremors return, but the low budget feel, off-beat action and diluted story just don't make the grade.  GARFIELD’S FUN FEST (2009) Director: Mark A.Z. Dippe, Eondeok Han Starring: Frank Welker Genre: Family, Animation, Comedy Age Restriction: All Garfield isn’t the same without Bill Murray, as the franchise struggles to find a animation or live-action format that works for everyone’s favourite comic strip cat. Garfield’s Fun Fest is tainted by its simple animation, voice casting and lame script – this one’s strictly for the kiddies.  |