Video Reviews: 'Training Day,' 'Joy Ride'
Also Reviews Of 'Zoolander,' 'A.I.,' More
'Training Day' (R)
Forget about Oscar politics, Denzel Washington simply gives one of the most unforgettable performances of the year in "Training Day," a frightening thriller about a brazen narcotics detective (Washington) who dupes a rookie (Ethan Hawke) into participating in a corrupt money scheme.
Washington seethes with intensity throughout the film as Alonzo Harris, a cop who has a manipulative power over virtually everybody he encounters. What makes the movie complete, however, is Hawke's turn as a Jake Hoyt. Hawke nails the character's subtle torment. Both Washington and Hawke are so real, in fact, that they tie a knot in your stomach that only winds tighter until the film's highly-charged conclusion.
Nominated for a supporting actor Oscar, it's no doubt Hawke's best performance to date, and easily deserving of the same sort of recognition Washington won Oscar night. Masterfully constructed by director Antoine Fuqua ("The Replacement Killers," "Bait"), the film is easily one of the year's best nail-biters.
DVD Features: The disc features an alternate ending on the DVD, audio commentary by Fuqua, deleted scenes, and a behind-the-scenes documentary.
'Joy Ride' (PG-13)
Given the DVD version's four alternate endings, it's easy to see why this full throttle thriller by John Dahl ("The Last Seduction") suffered a long delay before it finally steamrolled into theaters late last year. Alas, the wait was worth it, as the final ending Dahl decided on was the best choice -- making "Joy Ride," for the lack of better words, a joyful thrill ride.
Paul Walker and Steve Zahn star as Lewis and Fuller, a pair of estranged brothers who reunite on a cross-country road trip to pick up Lewis' potential love interest (Leelee Sobieski). A trouble-making lawbreaker by nature, Fuller can't resist the temptation of playing a cruel joke on Rusty Nail, a lonesome over-the-road truck driver. But when the hoax backfires, the trucker drives headlong into an uncontrollable fit of rage, and the trio find themselves running for their lives.
While "Joy Ride" is hopelessly racked with gaping plot holes, the tension that Dahl creates makes the trip through the film worthwhile. He builds an incredible amount of tension by not revealing the identity of Rusty Nail until the film's hyper-kinetic conclusion. While Walker, Zahn, and Sobieski add credibility to an otherwise unbelievable story, the true star of "Joy Ride" is the uncredited voice of Ted Levine (the serial killer in "Silence of the Lambs"), who's haunting in the film's pivotal role.
DVD Features: The alternate endings aren't really much different from one another, but it still is interesting to see how differently the film is perceived by having the option to watch the film with your desired conclusion.
'Zoolander' (PG-13)
You'll likely enjoy the no-brain antics of "Zoolander" for what they are; that is, if you accept the movie for what it is right off the bat.
Based on Ben Stiller's character sketch created for the VH1 Fashion Awards, Derek Zoolander is one of the world's most famous male models in the twilight of his career. But he also happens to be dumber than a box of rocks (which fits the movie's tone), leading a corrupt designer named Mugatu (joyfully played by Will Farrell) to brainwash Zoolander to carry out a fashion-related assassination plot.
While the film is brainless entertainment, it works. The site gags are terrific, especially the mere sight of Ferrell in his Mugatu getup, and Owen Wilson as Zoolander's chief competitor. Just as he demonstrated his genius on the lost television gem "The Ben Stiller Show" (perhaps the best movie parody show ever), Stiller once again nails the stupid side of fame with "Zoolander."
DVD Features: Stiller's original skits for the VH1 Fashion awards are included, which give a hilarious look into the origins of the character. Other features include audio commentary by Stiller and the film's writers, deleted scenes, outtakes, music videos, and promotional spots.
Also New:
'A.I. -- Artificial Intelligence' (PG-13)
Sure, the film was originally under the auspices of the late, enigmatic Stanley Kubrick, but the biggest mystery is how the Motion Picture Academy failed to give this Steven Spielberg masterpiece the recognition it so richly deserved.
Haley Joel Osment gives his best performance to date as David, a robotic child (known as a Mecha) adopted into the home of a couple (Frances O'Connor and Sam Robards) suffering from a tragic accident involving their son. Misunderstood, David is eventually cast out on his own; but thanks to a streetwise Mecha, he begins on a journey of self-discovery.
Spielberg weaves a deeply emotional tale with "A.I.," but in addition to its character strength, the film showcases some amazing visuals. The film, as a result, is oddly reminiscent of his "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," although the narrative is dramatically different. It's a memorable, touching movie.
DVD Features: "A.I." comes in a two-disc set, which featured interviews with Spielberg, Osment, and Law; finely detailed behind-the-scenes featurettes on the film's special effects sequences, including a look at one of the film's most interesting characters, Teddy, David's mechanical Teddy bear.
'Sexy Beast' (R)
"Ghandi" Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley reveals his evil twin in "Sexy Beast," a crime thriller about a retired thief (Ray Whetstone) reluctantly roped back into the game for a big score by a disturbed thug (Kingsley).
Director Jonathan Glazer makes "Sexy Beast" an interesting, if not bizarre at times, film to watch. His jump cuts used to set up the heart of the narrative are no doubt clever, but other elements such as a demon that haunts the psyche of Whetstone go unanswered.
As much as been made of Kingsley's role with Oscar and Screen Actors Guild nominations, his role is surprisingly limited. Kingsley no doubt sets a tone early on that impacts the movie throughout, but he does not, as the acclaim would suggest, have the sort of power that will make the role memorable for years to come. In fact, he's probably out-menaced by co-star Ian McShane, who's quietly unsettling as the plot's mastermind.
DVD Features: A commentary track by Kingsley and producer Jeremy Thomas is the main bonus feature of the DVD, along with a featurette on the making of the film.
'Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back' (R)
The fifth and final installment of director/star Kevin Smith's New Jersey opus finds the title characters (Jason Mewes and Smith) traveling cross-country to stake a claim in a movie that's based on them. Not surprisingly, the film is horribly crude like Smith's prior films, and its homophobic stance will undoubtedly be deeply offensive to some viewers (although its clear that Smith is playing up the character's ignorance, which is intended to wake up audiences to bigotry).
The film is peppered with cameos from characters from Smith's "Clerks," "Mallrats," and "Chasing Amy," including Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, and Joey Lauren Adams, and playfully pokes fun at Hollywood with shots at "Good Will Hunting" and Miramax films, the studio that produced the movie. Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher even turn in the movie -- a validation, in a way, for Smith's obsession with "Star Wars." The ensemble cast also includes Shannon Elizabeth, Chris Rock, Will Farrell, Matt Damon, and George Carlin.
DVD Features: Five hours of materials makes up the two-disc set, which includes audio commentary from Smith, Mewes, and producer Scott Mosier; a gag reel; behind-the-scenes featurettes, music videos; and more.
Recent Releases: Although it's impossible to live up to the original, Disney delivers a likeable made-for-video "Cinderella" sequel "Cinderella II: Dreams Come True," where the title character must adjust to her "happily ever after." A fun DVD feature allows kids to dress up different characters from the film; John Cusack, Ione Skye and filmmaker Cameron Crowe reunite to reminisce on the DVD release of the romantic comedy "Say Anything"; a young Tom Cruise shows up in the DVD releases of "Taps" and "All the Right Moves"; legendary child star Shirley Temple dances her way to DVD with the release of the classics "Heidi," "Dimples," and "Bright Eyes."
Washington seethes with intensity throughout the film as Alonzo Harris, a cop who has a manipulative power over virtually everybody he encounters. What makes the movie complete, however, is Hawke's turn as a Jake Hoyt. Hawke nails the character's subtle torment. Both Washington and Hawke are so real, in fact, that they tie a knot in your stomach that only winds tighter until the film's highly-charged conclusion.
Nominated for a supporting actor Oscar, it's no doubt Hawke's best performance to date, and easily deserving of the same sort of recognition Washington won Oscar night. Masterfully constructed by director Antoine Fuqua ("The Replacement Killers," "Bait"), the film is easily one of the year's best nail-biters.
DVD Features: The disc features an alternate ending on the DVD, audio commentary by Fuqua, deleted scenes, and a behind-the-scenes documentary.
'Joy Ride' (PG-13)
Given the DVD version's four alternate endings, it's easy to see why this full throttle thriller by John Dahl ("The Last Seduction") suffered a long delay before it finally steamrolled into theaters late last year. Alas, the wait was worth it, as the final ending Dahl decided on was the best choice -- making "Joy Ride," for the lack of better words, a joyful thrill ride.
Paul Walker and Steve Zahn star as Lewis and Fuller, a pair of estranged brothers who reunite on a cross-country road trip to pick up Lewis' potential love interest (Leelee Sobieski). A trouble-making lawbreaker by nature, Fuller can't resist the temptation of playing a cruel joke on Rusty Nail, a lonesome over-the-road truck driver. But when the hoax backfires, the trucker drives headlong into an uncontrollable fit of rage, and the trio find themselves running for their lives.
While "Joy Ride" is hopelessly racked with gaping plot holes, the tension that Dahl creates makes the trip through the film worthwhile. He builds an incredible amount of tension by not revealing the identity of Rusty Nail until the film's hyper-kinetic conclusion. While Walker, Zahn, and Sobieski add credibility to an otherwise unbelievable story, the true star of "Joy Ride" is the uncredited voice of Ted Levine (the serial killer in "Silence of the Lambs"), who's haunting in the film's pivotal role.
DVD Features: The alternate endings aren't really much different from one another, but it still is interesting to see how differently the film is perceived by having the option to watch the film with your desired conclusion.
'Zoolander' (PG-13)
You'll likely enjoy the no-brain antics of "Zoolander" for what they are; that is, if you accept the movie for what it is right off the bat.
Based on Ben Stiller's character sketch created for the VH1 Fashion Awards, Derek Zoolander is one of the world's most famous male models in the twilight of his career. But he also happens to be dumber than a box of rocks (which fits the movie's tone), leading a corrupt designer named Mugatu (joyfully played by Will Farrell) to brainwash Zoolander to carry out a fashion-related assassination plot.
While the film is brainless entertainment, it works. The site gags are terrific, especially the mere sight of Ferrell in his Mugatu getup, and Owen Wilson as Zoolander's chief competitor. Just as he demonstrated his genius on the lost television gem "The Ben Stiller Show" (perhaps the best movie parody show ever), Stiller once again nails the stupid side of fame with "Zoolander."
DVD Features: Stiller's original skits for the VH1 Fashion awards are included, which give a hilarious look into the origins of the character. Other features include audio commentary by Stiller and the film's writers, deleted scenes, outtakes, music videos, and promotional spots.
Also New:
'A.I. -- Artificial Intelligence' (PG-13)
Sure, the film was originally under the auspices of the late, enigmatic Stanley Kubrick, but the biggest mystery is how the Motion Picture Academy failed to give this Steven Spielberg masterpiece the recognition it so richly deserved.
Haley Joel Osment gives his best performance to date as David, a robotic child (known as a Mecha) adopted into the home of a couple (Frances O'Connor and Sam Robards) suffering from a tragic accident involving their son. Misunderstood, David is eventually cast out on his own; but thanks to a streetwise Mecha, he begins on a journey of self-discovery.
Spielberg weaves a deeply emotional tale with "A.I.," but in addition to its character strength, the film showcases some amazing visuals. The film, as a result, is oddly reminiscent of his "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," although the narrative is dramatically different. It's a memorable, touching movie.
DVD Features: "A.I." comes in a two-disc set, which featured interviews with Spielberg, Osment, and Law; finely detailed behind-the-scenes featurettes on the film's special effects sequences, including a look at one of the film's most interesting characters, Teddy, David's mechanical Teddy bear.
'Sexy Beast' (R)
"Ghandi" Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley reveals his evil twin in "Sexy Beast," a crime thriller about a retired thief (Ray Whetstone) reluctantly roped back into the game for a big score by a disturbed thug (Kingsley).
Director Jonathan Glazer makes "Sexy Beast" an interesting, if not bizarre at times, film to watch. His jump cuts used to set up the heart of the narrative are no doubt clever, but other elements such as a demon that haunts the psyche of Whetstone go unanswered.
As much as been made of Kingsley's role with Oscar and Screen Actors Guild nominations, his role is surprisingly limited. Kingsley no doubt sets a tone early on that impacts the movie throughout, but he does not, as the acclaim would suggest, have the sort of power that will make the role memorable for years to come. In fact, he's probably out-menaced by co-star Ian McShane, who's quietly unsettling as the plot's mastermind.
DVD Features: A commentary track by Kingsley and producer Jeremy Thomas is the main bonus feature of the DVD, along with a featurette on the making of the film.
'Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back' (R)
The fifth and final installment of director/star Kevin Smith's New Jersey opus finds the title characters (Jason Mewes and Smith) traveling cross-country to stake a claim in a movie that's based on them. Not surprisingly, the film is horribly crude like Smith's prior films, and its homophobic stance will undoubtedly be deeply offensive to some viewers (although its clear that Smith is playing up the character's ignorance, which is intended to wake up audiences to bigotry).
The film is peppered with cameos from characters from Smith's "Clerks," "Mallrats," and "Chasing Amy," including Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, and Joey Lauren Adams, and playfully pokes fun at Hollywood with shots at "Good Will Hunting" and Miramax films, the studio that produced the movie. Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher even turn in the movie -- a validation, in a way, for Smith's obsession with "Star Wars." The ensemble cast also includes Shannon Elizabeth, Chris Rock, Will Farrell, Matt Damon, and George Carlin.
DVD Features: Five hours of materials makes up the two-disc set, which includes audio commentary from Smith, Mewes, and producer Scott Mosier; a gag reel; behind-the-scenes featurettes, music videos; and more.
Recent Releases: Although it's impossible to live up to the original, Disney delivers a likeable made-for-video "Cinderella" sequel "Cinderella II: Dreams Come True," where the title character must adjust to her "happily ever after." A fun DVD feature allows kids to dress up different characters from the film; John Cusack, Ione Skye and filmmaker Cameron Crowe reunite to reminisce on the DVD release of the romantic comedy "Say Anything"; a young Tom Cruise shows up in the DVD releases of "Taps" and "All the Right Moves"; legendary child star Shirley Temple dances her way to DVD with the release of the classics "Heidi," "Dimples," and "Bright Eyes."Copyright 2002 by Lifewhile.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
