Video Reviews: 'Birthday Girl,' 'In The Bedroom'
Also: 'Showtime,' 'Super Troopers,' 'Tom Thumb,' 'Rolie'
POSTED: 5:22 p.m. EDT August 25, 2002
'Birthday Girl' (R) Even though it's the lowest profile of Nicole Kidman's three movie in theaters this past year, her acting in "Birthday Girl" yields just as many surprising results as her turns in "Moulin Rouge" and "The Others." It's a sleek, smart and sexy caper-thriller that leaves you wanting more.
Ben Chaplin stars as John, a British banker who invests in a Nadia (Kidman) Russian mail-order bride, only to discover she doesn't speak a word of English. They both speak the language of love, though, which provides for an interesting scenario when two of her male comrades show up at their doorstep to execute a scam that sends John's life into tailspin.
While Chaplin plays John with understated brilliance, "Birthday Girl" really belongs to Kidman. She's convincing from the first time she steps on camera, and commands your attention even though she speaks Russian through most of the movie.
Punctuated by some risky scenes most high profile actresses wouldn't attempt, "Birthday Girl" is once again a great celebration of Kidman's talents.
DVD Features: Bonuses are scant on the disc, as an averagely produced "making-of" featurette is the only major offering. It is interesting, however, to see Kidman sing along with British pop star Robbie Williams in a sensually charged music video, covering the 1967 Frank and Nancy Sinatra No. 1 hit, "Something Stupid." (Miramax Home Video)
In The Bedroom (R) Showered with awards and five Oscar nominations earlier this year, writer-director Todd Field's dramatic-thriller "In the Bedroom" is a wonderfully in-depth character study for those who have more patience, but slow moving for those who like their movie packages more tightly-wound.
The film is set in a sleepy town on the coast of Maine, where Matt and Ruth Fowler (Oscar nominees Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek) live a quiet and charmed life that is thrown into disarray when their college-aged son's (Nick Stahl) romance with a divorced mother (Marisa Tomei) results in a tragedy.
Although its roots are in the independent film circuit, "In the Bedroom" is much more of a conventional film than one would expect from the cutting-edge arena. That's not to say that it isn't engaging; it is very much so, but only after a laborious set-up to the focal point of the movie.
From there it takes some unexpected, but welcome turns, leaving you to question what your own moral boundaries would be when placed in a set of similar circumstances.
DVD Features: Surprisingly, bonus features are non-existent on the "Bedroom" disc. Sorely missed is a commentary track from Field, who scored Oscar nominations as the film's co-writer (with Rob Festinger) and co-producer (for its best picture nod). In fact, the only DVD supplements to speak of are a French-language track and subtitles, as well as Spanish subtitles. (Miramax Home Video)
'Showtime' (PG-13) While "Showtime" showcases two tremendous talents in Eddie Murphy and Robert De Niro, the movie -- which takes to task the over-saturation of reality television -- never seems to maximize its comic potential.
Murphy plays Trey, a Los Angeles Police Department cop and actor wannabe. Falling flat at auditions for conventional acting gigs, Trey gets his big break when he impresses the producer of a reality television cop show (Rene Russo) enough to become the partner of tough guy cop Mitch (De Niro). The problem is Mitch wants no part of the show or Trey. He was cajoled into doing the show as a public relations move after he publicly executed a video camera of a local news crew.
Murphy and De Niro show some great enthusiasm in "Showtime," but it's not always enough to rise above some familiar material . And even while the movie tries to spoof "buddy cop" movies, "Showtime" can't avoid the trappings of the genre as the duo -- at odds at first -- inevitably become allies.
There are inspired moments, though, as the master of self-parody, William Shatner, plays himself as he mocks his "T.J. Hooker" days while teaching Trey and Mitch how to be television cops; and a fun slice of Hollywood excess as a lavish premiere party is thrown for the show. (Warner Bros. Home Video)
DVD Features: Director Tom Dey ("Shanghai Noon") and producer Jorge Saralegui provide commentary for the both the film and the film's deleted scenes. There's naturally more insight on the film's commentary track, as the deleted scenes commentary really amounts to nothing more than the filmmakers telling us that the scenes were cut for pacing.
Murphy's a hoot as he improvises his way through some of the "confession booth" scenes that didn't make the final cut, and they are easily the best part of the bonus features (check out his De Niro face in the last clip to see why). A slate of amusing outtakes from the film actually run on the end credits, and are not in the bonus section. Other features include a HBO "making-of" special.
'Super Troopers' (R) "Super Troopers" offers comedy in the realm of a Farrelly Brothers movie ("Me, Myself and Irene"), and while its pranks and punch lines start off with a bang, there are moments when the gags carry on a little too long.
However, the movie about the rivalry between a highway patrol and local police department offers some genuinely hilarious moments and crosses the line between tacky and funny without becoming stupid (ala "Freddy Got Fingered").
The movie is written, directed and stars members of the comedy troupe Broken Lizard, who formed in college and have been doing small shows and around the country.
DVD Features: The disc's extended scenes and outtakes were less than funny. A featurette has a "behind the scenes" look as the actors remain in character for interviews. The commentary track on the disc includes the members of Broken Lizard. (20th Century Fox Video) --Patrick Morgan
Also New: Viewers too young to see the epic adventure "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings" can still enjoy the absorbing talents of Elijah Wood in a new take of the fairy tale "The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina" (G), an animated made-for-video release which features the voices of Wood and Jennifer Love Hewitt in the title roles.
The visuals and voice talent (which also includes Bebe Neuwirth and Jane Leeves) is top-notch as expected, but there are slight variations with the traditional "Tom Thumb and Thumbelina" storyline, as the movie tosses aside some stereotypical female traits.
The only notable DVD feature is a "select-a-song" option that allows viewers to skip to the movie's musical numbers and watch with lyrics. For those not familiar with Hewitt's heartfelt singing capabilities, they are showcased well here. (Walt Disney Home Video) --T.L.
"Rolie Polie Olie: The Great Defender Of Fun" (G) lives up to its title, as the adventure captures the lighthearted and positive tone of the Playhouse Disney show. With the exception of length, the "Rolie" made-for-movie really doesn't differ much from the series.
But coming off as the same isn't necessarily a bad thing in this instance, since the show is a crowd-pleaser for kids.
The biggest difference for fans of the show will come in the DVD's bonus extras that include four inventive interactive games (but are also great educational tools) that are easy for younger viewers to use. (Walt Disney Home Video) --T.L.
Ben Chaplin stars as John, a British banker who invests in a Nadia (Kidman) Russian mail-order bride, only to discover she doesn't speak a word of English. They both speak the language of love, though, which provides for an interesting scenario when two of her male comrades show up at their doorstep to execute a scam that sends John's life into tailspin.
While Chaplin plays John with understated brilliance, "Birthday Girl" really belongs to Kidman. She's convincing from the first time she steps on camera, and commands your attention even though she speaks Russian through most of the movie.
Punctuated by some risky scenes most high profile actresses wouldn't attempt, "Birthday Girl" is once again a great celebration of Kidman's talents.
DVD Features: Bonuses are scant on the disc, as an averagely produced "making-of" featurette is the only major offering. It is interesting, however, to see Kidman sing along with British pop star Robbie Williams in a sensually charged music video, covering the 1967 Frank and Nancy Sinatra No. 1 hit, "Something Stupid." (Miramax Home Video)
In The Bedroom (R) Showered with awards and five Oscar nominations earlier this year, writer-director Todd Field's dramatic-thriller "In the Bedroom" is a wonderfully in-depth character study for those who have more patience, but slow moving for those who like their movie packages more tightly-wound.
The film is set in a sleepy town on the coast of Maine, where Matt and Ruth Fowler (Oscar nominees Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek) live a quiet and charmed life that is thrown into disarray when their college-aged son's (Nick Stahl) romance with a divorced mother (Marisa Tomei) results in a tragedy.
Although its roots are in the independent film circuit, "In the Bedroom" is much more of a conventional film than one would expect from the cutting-edge arena. That's not to say that it isn't engaging; it is very much so, but only after a laborious set-up to the focal point of the movie.
From there it takes some unexpected, but welcome turns, leaving you to question what your own moral boundaries would be when placed in a set of similar circumstances.
DVD Features: Surprisingly, bonus features are non-existent on the "Bedroom" disc. Sorely missed is a commentary track from Field, who scored Oscar nominations as the film's co-writer (with Rob Festinger) and co-producer (for its best picture nod). In fact, the only DVD supplements to speak of are a French-language track and subtitles, as well as Spanish subtitles. (Miramax Home Video)
'Showtime' (PG-13) While "Showtime" showcases two tremendous talents in Eddie Murphy and Robert De Niro, the movie -- which takes to task the over-saturation of reality television -- never seems to maximize its comic potential.
Murphy plays Trey, a Los Angeles Police Department cop and actor wannabe. Falling flat at auditions for conventional acting gigs, Trey gets his big break when he impresses the producer of a reality television cop show (Rene Russo) enough to become the partner of tough guy cop Mitch (De Niro). The problem is Mitch wants no part of the show or Trey. He was cajoled into doing the show as a public relations move after he publicly executed a video camera of a local news crew.
Murphy and De Niro show some great enthusiasm in "Showtime," but it's not always enough to rise above some familiar material . And even while the movie tries to spoof "buddy cop" movies, "Showtime" can't avoid the trappings of the genre as the duo -- at odds at first -- inevitably become allies.
There are inspired moments, though, as the master of self-parody, William Shatner, plays himself as he mocks his "T.J. Hooker" days while teaching Trey and Mitch how to be television cops; and a fun slice of Hollywood excess as a lavish premiere party is thrown for the show. (Warner Bros. Home Video)
DVD Features: Director Tom Dey ("Shanghai Noon") and producer Jorge Saralegui provide commentary for the both the film and the film's deleted scenes. There's naturally more insight on the film's commentary track, as the deleted scenes commentary really amounts to nothing more than the filmmakers telling us that the scenes were cut for pacing.
Murphy's a hoot as he improvises his way through some of the "confession booth" scenes that didn't make the final cut, and they are easily the best part of the bonus features (check out his De Niro face in the last clip to see why). A slate of amusing outtakes from the film actually run on the end credits, and are not in the bonus section. Other features include a HBO "making-of" special.
'Super Troopers' (R) "Super Troopers" offers comedy in the realm of a Farrelly Brothers movie ("Me, Myself and Irene"), and while its pranks and punch lines start off with a bang, there are moments when the gags carry on a little too long.
However, the movie about the rivalry between a highway patrol and local police department offers some genuinely hilarious moments and crosses the line between tacky and funny without becoming stupid (ala "Freddy Got Fingered").
The movie is written, directed and stars members of the comedy troupe Broken Lizard, who formed in college and have been doing small shows and around the country.
DVD Features: The disc's extended scenes and outtakes were less than funny. A featurette has a "behind the scenes" look as the actors remain in character for interviews. The commentary track on the disc includes the members of Broken Lizard. (20th Century Fox Video) --Patrick Morgan
Also New: Viewers too young to see the epic adventure "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings" can still enjoy the absorbing talents of Elijah Wood in a new take of the fairy tale "The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina" (G), an animated made-for-video release which features the voices of Wood and Jennifer Love Hewitt in the title roles.
The visuals and voice talent (which also includes Bebe Neuwirth and Jane Leeves) is top-notch as expected, but there are slight variations with the traditional "Tom Thumb and Thumbelina" storyline, as the movie tosses aside some stereotypical female traits.
The only notable DVD feature is a "select-a-song" option that allows viewers to skip to the movie's musical numbers and watch with lyrics. For those not familiar with Hewitt's heartfelt singing capabilities, they are showcased well here. (Walt Disney Home Video) --T.L.
"Rolie Polie Olie: The Great Defender Of Fun" (G) lives up to its title, as the adventure captures the lighthearted and positive tone of the Playhouse Disney show. With the exception of length, the "Rolie" made-for-movie really doesn't differ much from the series.
But coming off as the same isn't necessarily a bad thing in this instance, since the show is a crowd-pleaser for kids.
The biggest difference for fans of the show will come in the DVD's bonus extras that include four inventive interactive games (but are also great educational tools) that are easy for younger viewers to use. (Walt Disney Home Video) --T.L.
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