The Dark Knight Theatrical Release Date: July 18, 2008
The film is ambitious in scope, plus a good catalyst for conversation.
Hancock Theatrical Release Date: July 02, 2008
Spoiler Warning Like Jerry Maguire (1996) meets My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006). Will Smith is like a modern day dysfunctional Superman in this role, and Charlize Theron is like some version of Shakespeare's Juliet in this romance fated for tragedy. One question: are Hancock's sneakers lined with titanium? Note: Media-Selections is well aware that with the addition of this movie, the film commentary here is weighted towards actor Will Smith, and also that two films featuring Andy Garcia (Smokin' Aces and The Air I Breathe) are covered.
Stop Loss DVD Release Date: July 8, 2008
Actor Ryan Phillippe plays a man angered by a modern military policy in this movie by the same name. The film begins with a convincing urban combat action sequence, and has a catch-22 plot with depictions of various types of veterans and their families.
I Am Legend DVD
Based on a book by Robert Matheson, who author Stephen King is quoted referring to as an "inspiration" on the back cover of the 1995 paperback edition by TOR/ORB books -- it may be a challenge not to jump in your seat from a sudden scare while watching this film in an IMAX theater for the first time. Will Smith's character has adventures that may remind viewers of Night Of The Living Dead (1968), Mad Max (1979), 12
Monkeys (1995), Cast Away (2000), and Vanilla Sky (2001).
The Air I Breathe DVD
Aspects of this film may remind viewers of Run Lola Run (1998, starring Franka Potente) and Next (2007, starring Nicholas Cage). Actor Brendan Fraser portrays a darker and more serious/realistic character than his famous role in The Mummy Returns (2001).
Control DVD
Based on a true story, the film about influential Manchester area band Joy Division utilizes black and white cinematography that results in certain scenes having powerful artistic contrast. Actor Sam Riley's solid portrayal of young, up and coming rock and roll vocalist Ian Curtis is well complemented by the supporting actors.
Vexille DVD
This vibrant animated film about an apocalyptic struggle between man and technology may remind viewers of The Animatrix (2003), and classic action/sci-fi anime titles like Akira (1988).
Transformers (2007) DVD
Transformers is similar to another summer blockbuster special effects heavy aliens-attack-earth-so-humans-must-unite movie: Independence Day ("ID4", 1996). Parts of it may also remind audiences of The Hulk (2003), Men In Black ("MIB", 1997), and Maximum Overdrive (1986). The object in the film called the "all-spark" is reminiscent of Star Trek's Borg ships in its style and function of spreading robotic humanoid technology. The "all-spark" can also be compared to the monolith in 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984) in the way that it grows exponentially with geometric symmetry. This action science fiction film has top-tier special effects and some funny moments involving the lead character enacted by Shia LaBeouf. The scene where the robot walks out of the pool stands out as the introduction of the leader of the benevolent Autobots in his original robot form. The design and special effects graphics in that scene achieve a level of visual realism which rivals the pristine looking "CGI-obvious" forms that most of the Transformers take on later in the film.
Smokin' Aces DVD
This gangster flick about a contract killing is set in the Lake Tahoe region, and is worth watching if you're a fan of Alicia Keys or Common -- two music industry artists who apparently make their feature film* acting debut in this title. The movie has noteworthy performances by Ryan Reynolds and Ben Affleck. Ryan Reynolds' character ultimately resigns himself to acting on his principles in the finale to the film. The actor convincingly portrays anger, sadness and determination at the same time. You may recognize him from the 2006 remake of The Amityville Horror. Ben Affleck is cast as a street-wise leader with two partners who act like quarreling siblings. Other Smokin'... actors include Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, and Jeremy Piven (of HBO's Entourage). This film has plot twists, humor from oddball characters, cloak and dagger action, and shootout scenes. The story revolves around different groups of mercenaries, and the authorities, competing to be the first to get to a supposed turncoat organized crime member hiding out in a hotel, with a million dollar bounty on his head. If there were a wanted poster in the film, like in the classic cowboy western movies, it might read "Wanted Dead Or Alive: Buddy 'Aces' Israel".
* eg: "silver screen" -- not cable television, network television, or music video
Casino Royale DVD
Acrobatic stunts in the opening chase scene result in a first class action sequence. Daniel Craig portrays a violent and driven James Bond who gambles for car keys and apparently enjoys sleeping with married women. The screenplay uses some of people's worst fears to excite audiences with sights of dizzying heights, drowning, a near plane crash, a snake, and more. The varied settings, foreshadowing, plot twists, and character development contribute to a strong adaptation. Mads Mikkelsen portrays the villain, with Eva Green as the love interest, and supporting roles by Judi Dench and Giancarlo Giannini.
Renaissance DVD
In the behind the scenes/"making of" section on the DVD version of this French film, a production team member implies that this film may be the rebirth of film noir in animated format. Not only does that idea fit with the title of the movie, but the film actually seems to deliver on the concept of pioneering or popularizing a specific animation style. Black and white motion capture animation results in a visually sleek and substantively gritty portrayal of man's search for immortality in a Paris of the future. Look for the one scene where colors other than grayscale are used.