Video Review: 'Insomnia' Will Keep You Awake
Also Reviewed: 'The Quiet Man,' More
'Insomnia' (R)
While it doesn't quite match the originality of his intriguing "Memento," writer-director Christopher Nolan turns in a satisfying psychological thriller in "Insomnia," a film that will hardly put you to sleep.
Al Pacino stars as revered criminal profiler Will Dormer, who's dispatched to a small Alaskan town with his detective partner Hap Eckart (Martin Donovan) to help a local deputy (Hilary Swank) investigate the unsolved murder of a female teenager.
But in a town where the sun never sets, Dormer is wracked by a bout of insomnia -- an affliction that becomes worsened by a checkered past and a tragic incident during the investigation that puts him at the mercy of the suspected killer (Robin Williams).
Both Pacino and Williams are well-suited to handle their multilayered roles, and Nolan increases the level of intensity with an intricately detailed narrative. The heart of the action is lost on Swank, though, a talented actress ("Boys Don't Cry") who's all but reduced to a thankless role that could have been played by any number of her counterparts.
More baffling, though, is a small role by Maura Tierney ("ER") that really goes nowhere. The odd casting choices for the supporting roles, though, are hardly a reason to avoid the film. ''Insomnia" is well worth a night in front of the television, even if you have to stay up late to watch it.
DVD features include commentary by Nolan, Swank and select crew members, a conversation with Nolan and Pacino, a "making of" documentary, and "Eyes Wide Open," a look into the world of insomnia. (Warner Home Video)
'The Quiet Man' Collector's Edition (NR)
If you take the time to watch the 1952 classic "The Quiet Man," it won't take much of what you spend to find what movies were made of in the golden era.
From the beginning when Sean Thorton (John Wayne) disembarks from a train, his innate magnetism draws you in. He is here to buy the home he was born in and that his family left to go to America. It doesn't take him long to fall in love with a beautiful, feisty redhead by the name of Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara).
To marry her, he first has to court her according to Irish customs. With roadblocks around every corner, he finally gets her reluctant brother to allow him to court and then marry Kate.
So much of today's films rely on special effects to entertain audiences. But "The Quiet Man," directed by the legendary John Ford, uses imagination, creativity and just plain hard work to lend authenticity to the film.
Filmed in Ireland and boasting mostly Irish actors, it has beautiful countryside, original clothing, and the local Irish pub with traditional singing and story telling.
The romance and humor of this story carries you along, thanks to a wonderful chemistry between Wayne and O'Hara. It's nice for a change to see a movie where the romantic aspect relies on imagination, forgoing nudity and intense sex scenes to get the point.
Of course, with older films come glaring downfalls, most notably with the dated woman's role that would cause an outcry if it were attempted today.
DVD features include a wonderfully insightful commentary track by O'Hara, who's a delight to listen to throughout. She's so engaging, in fact, that you feel as if you were there making the movie with her. Particularly entertaining is her story behind the startled look Wayne gives her at the conclusion of the film.
Other features include "The Joy of Ireland" documentary with O'Hara, and a "making of" documentary with film historian Leonard Maltin. (Artisan Home Entertainment)
'Y tu mama tambien' (NR)
Parents may think twice sending their kids to "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" in the summer of 2004 after they see "Y tu mama tambien," helmed by future "Potter" director Alfonso Cuaron.
In short, the unrated version of "tambien," anyway, is close to being porngraphic, with scenes of full nudity, masturbation and explicit sex scenes.
Filmed in Cuaron's native Mexico, this movie tells the story of Tenoch (Diego Luna) and Julio (Gael Garcia Bernal), two teenage boys who look to fill their sexual desires the last summer before college. After seeing their girlfriends off to study in Italy, they immediately set their goals on having sex with Luisa (Maribel Verdu), the 28-year-old wife of Tenoch's cousin. She agrees to join the pair on a cross-country road trip when she learns of her husband's infidelity, and the event changes all of their lives in ways they never could have imagined.
Cuaron excels at giving viewers a realistic glimpse of life in Mexico without being preachy. From opulence to squalor, to the ever-present police force and the unparalleled beauty of the beaches, you'll find yourself sympathetic to the penniless. Intermittent narrative pieces add an interesting slant.
DVD features include audio commentary with the cast, a "making-of" featurette, and "Me La Debes," a short film by co-writer Carlos Cuaron. (MGM Home Video)
'Life or Something Like It' (PG-13)
You'll likely like "Life or Something Like It," a light romantic comedy that should satisfy "chick flick" viewers.
At the heart of the movie is television reporter Lanie's (Angelina Jolie) encounter with homeless man "Prophet Jack" (Tony Shaloub), who tells her she only has a week to live.
When Lanie can't disprove or find fault with one of Prophet Jack's predictions, she becomes distraught and she gives in to thinking she will die. And although they have a dislike of each other, Lanie takes her photographer Pete's (Edward Burns) advice by doing things she's never done, and telling people things she's always been afraid to.
In one soul-searching week she gives up a lot of what she has, but ends up with much more.
Although it's not a classic, "Life or Something Like It" is enjoyable thanks to a first-rate ensemble cast and great chemistry between Jolie and Burns.
DVD features include commentary by director Stephen Herek. (Fox Home Entertainment)
Al Pacino stars as revered criminal profiler Will Dormer, who's dispatched to a small Alaskan town with his detective partner Hap Eckart (Martin Donovan) to help a local deputy (Hilary Swank) investigate the unsolved murder of a female teenager.
But in a town where the sun never sets, Dormer is wracked by a bout of insomnia -- an affliction that becomes worsened by a checkered past and a tragic incident during the investigation that puts him at the mercy of the suspected killer (Robin Williams).
Both Pacino and Williams are well-suited to handle their multilayered roles, and Nolan increases the level of intensity with an intricately detailed narrative. The heart of the action is lost on Swank, though, a talented actress ("Boys Don't Cry") who's all but reduced to a thankless role that could have been played by any number of her counterparts.
More baffling, though, is a small role by Maura Tierney ("ER") that really goes nowhere. The odd casting choices for the supporting roles, though, are hardly a reason to avoid the film. ''Insomnia" is well worth a night in front of the television, even if you have to stay up late to watch it.
DVD features include commentary by Nolan, Swank and select crew members, a conversation with Nolan and Pacino, a "making of" documentary, and "Eyes Wide Open," a look into the world of insomnia. (Warner Home Video)
'The Quiet Man' Collector's Edition (NR)
If you take the time to watch the 1952 classic "The Quiet Man," it won't take much of what you spend to find what movies were made of in the golden era.
From the beginning when Sean Thorton (John Wayne) disembarks from a train, his innate magnetism draws you in. He is here to buy the home he was born in and that his family left to go to America. It doesn't take him long to fall in love with a beautiful, feisty redhead by the name of Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara).
To marry her, he first has to court her according to Irish customs. With roadblocks around every corner, he finally gets her reluctant brother to allow him to court and then marry Kate.
So much of today's films rely on special effects to entertain audiences. But "The Quiet Man," directed by the legendary John Ford, uses imagination, creativity and just plain hard work to lend authenticity to the film.
Filmed in Ireland and boasting mostly Irish actors, it has beautiful countryside, original clothing, and the local Irish pub with traditional singing and story telling.
The romance and humor of this story carries you along, thanks to a wonderful chemistry between Wayne and O'Hara. It's nice for a change to see a movie where the romantic aspect relies on imagination, forgoing nudity and intense sex scenes to get the point.
Of course, with older films come glaring downfalls, most notably with the dated woman's role that would cause an outcry if it were attempted today.
DVD features include a wonderfully insightful commentary track by O'Hara, who's a delight to listen to throughout. She's so engaging, in fact, that you feel as if you were there making the movie with her. Particularly entertaining is her story behind the startled look Wayne gives her at the conclusion of the film.
Other features include "The Joy of Ireland" documentary with O'Hara, and a "making of" documentary with film historian Leonard Maltin. (Artisan Home Entertainment)
'Y tu mama tambien' (NR)
Parents may think twice sending their kids to "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" in the summer of 2004 after they see "Y tu mama tambien," helmed by future "Potter" director Alfonso Cuaron.
In short, the unrated version of "tambien," anyway, is close to being porngraphic, with scenes of full nudity, masturbation and explicit sex scenes.
Filmed in Cuaron's native Mexico, this movie tells the story of Tenoch (Diego Luna) and Julio (Gael Garcia Bernal), two teenage boys who look to fill their sexual desires the last summer before college. After seeing their girlfriends off to study in Italy, they immediately set their goals on having sex with Luisa (Maribel Verdu), the 28-year-old wife of Tenoch's cousin. She agrees to join the pair on a cross-country road trip when she learns of her husband's infidelity, and the event changes all of their lives in ways they never could have imagined.
Cuaron excels at giving viewers a realistic glimpse of life in Mexico without being preachy. From opulence to squalor, to the ever-present police force and the unparalleled beauty of the beaches, you'll find yourself sympathetic to the penniless. Intermittent narrative pieces add an interesting slant.
DVD features include audio commentary with the cast, a "making-of" featurette, and "Me La Debes," a short film by co-writer Carlos Cuaron. (MGM Home Video)
'Life or Something Like It' (PG-13)
You'll likely like "Life or Something Like It," a light romantic comedy that should satisfy "chick flick" viewers.
At the heart of the movie is television reporter Lanie's (Angelina Jolie) encounter with homeless man "Prophet Jack" (Tony Shaloub), who tells her she only has a week to live.
When Lanie can't disprove or find fault with one of Prophet Jack's predictions, she becomes distraught and she gives in to thinking she will die. And although they have a dislike of each other, Lanie takes her photographer Pete's (Edward Burns) advice by doing things she's never done, and telling people things she's always been afraid to.
In one soul-searching week she gives up a lot of what she has, but ends up with much more.
Although it's not a classic, "Life or Something Like It" is enjoyable thanks to a first-rate ensemble cast and great chemistry between Jolie and Burns.
DVD features include commentary by director Stephen Herek. (Fox Home Entertainment)Copyright 2002 by Lifewhile.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
