“Gabriel (2007)”

Andy Whitfield
Dwaine Stevenson
Samantha Noble
Michael Piccirilli
Erika Heynatz
Harry Pavlidis
Kevin Copeland
Jack Campbell
Matt Hylton Todd
Brendan Clearkin
Goran D. Kleut
Valentino del Toro

R           114min           2007

Fallen angel Sammael has claimed the midworld in the name of darkness. With the help of his menacing, gun-toting task force, he has smothered the dark, dreary cotu in vice, violence and cruelty. Sammael’s victory is assured – until the arrival of Gabriel, the last of Heaven’s seven archangels. Gabriel is young, strong and the mightiest warrior seen since Michael, his predecessor, disappeared. In no time, Gabriel’s bravery and skill threaten to decimate Sammael’s evil henchmen and redeem Jade, the lost angel with the heart of gold. But Sammael has one last card to play, the secret of his own past, the knowledge of which could destroy Gabriel forever.

I felt that this is a good film. It was a different take on the tale of GOD verses the Devil, and angel verses demons. The main character is Gabriel the last of GOD’s Arc Angels sent in this seven years battle for souls.

This is a low budget film that uses every sense to make a great action film. The film does have rough patches but its worth the watch. The character development, of all the angels, before Gabriel, is intriguing working with in the confines of the story. With a little more money and a few rewrites this would have be a great film.

As it stands it relies on the viewer to know the basics about the Bible and Apocalypse. As I understand this film takes place after Doomsday and these are the people left after Judgment. I could be wrong and that is fine but where I’m right or wrong. This place is bleak when Gabriel “falls” to it.

The only problem I did have with the film is the ending. For me it was a bit confusing and it may have been explained in the special features if I had have had time to watch them all. It’s cloak of ambiguity leaves me wondering the possibilities of a sequel. It’s the fate of the character Jade and Gabriel that it has me questioning.

There are basic special features on this DVD. There are the standard deleted scenes. Then there are the three behind the scene featurette: Genesis, Battlefront, and Evolution. The movie previews for this film are “Southland Tales” and “Zombie Strippers”.

I give it 3/5.

Footnote, this is an Australian film and could not be found online for purchase.

“Jumper”

Hayden Christensen
Samuel L. Jackson
Diane Lane
Jamie Bell
Rachel Bilson
Michael Rooker
AnnaSophia Robb
Max Thieriot
Jesse James
Teddy Dunn
Kristen Stewart

PG13           90min           2008

A genetic anomaly allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between “Jumpers” and those who have sworn to kill them.

First, this is a very compact film. A lot action takes place in very short amount of time. This film ends setting up sequels that I hope are coming very soon. “Jumper” relies on the viewer to be familiar with the books that the film is based on.

There are several things, in the film, that did not happen in the books; most of the character’s motivations are explained in the books. Many characters are change and morphed. As a fan of the books I think they stay faithful to the story, but tried too hard to make a franchise out of this story. The film would have also benefited from additional 20 mintues of storytelling to give people a better understanding of the characters and there motivations.

Most of David and Millie’s story are told in the books “Jumper: A Novel (Jumper)” and “Reflex (Jumper)”. While Griffin’s backstory is told in “Jumper: Griffin’s Story (Jumper)”. The Paladins’ story is told in “Jumper: Jumpscars (Jumper)”. All of them are a perquisite if you want to fully appreciate the film. They give back story and missing plot development on most of all the character’s motivation. Even if you do not they are still good reads.

I’m personally looking for a sequel. I want to see the dynamic of this new mother and son relationship. If Millie character development stays true to the sequel “Reflex”. How they plan to develop Griffin, from the book there is so much more to Griffin than they portrayed in the film. With this new plot line, what will be Dave’s progression now? I’m also interested in they mystery of Sophie.

There are people on both sides of the fence. I think it’s a good film but I think you should see it to find out for yourself. The film is just a tip of the iceberg in the world that Steven Gould created in his books. Watch the film then read the books or read the books and watch it on video. Either way I think you will get the full potential of the movie by reading the books.

I give it 4/5.

“Martian Child”

John Cusack
Amanda Peet
Sophie Okonedo
Oliver Platt
Bobby Coleman
Joan Cusack
Anjelica Huston
Richard Schiff
Howard Hessman

PG           107min           2007

John Cusack stars as a lonely science-fiction writer who adopts a boy who claims to be from Mars. With the help of his quirky friend (Amanda Peet) and his sister (Joan Cusack), this new father discovers that being a parent means anything is possible. – from the back cover

This is a cute story based on the true-life actions on the adoption of the writer from the Star Trek episode Trouble with the Tribbles. It’s a nice emotional story and the viewer will instantly come to love this “kid from Mars”. John Cusack does a great job as a widower trying to adopt a child. Amanda Peet and Cusack have great screen chemistry and makes the screen light up with her bubbly present. The

“Martian Child” is a family film that everyone can love. It has a emotional love story that will resonant with any relationship but none more importantly as the father son relationship. It shows how powerful love can be.

John Cusack does a great job of balancing a man still grieving and a man trying to find a place to give his love. What is highlighted but never shown is that his wife died and before death, they discussed children. I thought it was admirable to want to adopted on his part and not until I wrote the previous sentence did it come to me why a widower would be at the bottom of the adoption totem poll.

Amanda Peet comes on screen and everything lights up. She displays chemistry with Cusack that developed during the feature “Identity”. Even as she comes and sometimes aides him the relationship in the movie progress at a “normal” pace. As it’s not the focus “Martian Child” leaves you wondering.

“Martian Child” has an outstanding supporting cast. Joan Cusack actually plays she sister in this film. Howard Hessman, Oliver Platt and Anjelica Huston make mostly cameos in the film. Bobby Coleman does a great job of being the quirky little Martian child.

There are a few special features. There are the deleted and alternate scenes. It has a film makers’ commentary. There is a featurette on the real Martian Child and the theatrical trailer. The movie previews are “Run Fatboy Run”, “The Last Mimzy”, “Gracie”, “Hairspray”, and “August Rush”.

I give it 4/5.

“No Reservations”

Catherine Zeta-Jones
Aaron Eckhart
Abigail Breslin
Patricia Clarkson
Jenny Wade
Boe Balaban
Brian F. O’Byrne
Celia Weston
Stephanie Berry
Zoe Kravitz

PG           104min           2007

Want a perfectly prepared dish of tender quail in truffle sauce? Kate (Catherine Zeta-Jones), a workaholic, master chef, can do that. But don’t ask her what to do about the free-spirited, opera-loving sous chef (Aaron Eckhart) who joins the staff of her upscale Manhattan restaurant. Or what to do about the orphaned niece (Abigail Breslin), more partial to fish sticks that foie gras, who comes to live with her. – from the back cover

If you are a fan of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart , and/or Abigail Breslin then “No Reservations” is for you. Individual their performances work. But together Echart and Zeta-Jones have not chemistry. Breslin’s portray of the niece is like an adult in a child’s body. It’s like death gave her a sense of world knowledge.

It’s a standard romantic comedy. The only thing special about it is that it is focused around food. The dishes may distract you from the film. They make some wonderful recipes and on the featurette by the Food network, they show you the people behind these wonderfully looking dishes.

As for the plot “No Reservations” is just average. Jones and Eckhart barely have chemistry and if not for the cuteness of Abigail Breslin, the would have never gotten together in a million years. They seem to have a sexual attraction but it seemed to me that in the end, they were together for the niece’s betterment and not their own.

There were no special features to speak of. There was a featurette from the Food Network’s Unwrapped.

I give it 3/5.

“Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married”

Tyler Perry
Janet Jackson
Jill Scott
Malik Yoba
Richard T. Jones
Michael Jai White
Sharon Leal
Tasha Smith
Denise Boutte
Lamman Rucker

PG13           118min           2007

On vacation at a secluded cabin in the snowcapped mountains of Colorado, eight married college friends have gathered fro their annual seven day reunion. But the cozy mood is altered when on of the husbands shows up with a sexy young temptress in tow. As dirty laundry is aired, each couple wonders about the strength of their own marriage. The husbands and wives take an intimate look at their lives while struggling with issues of temptation, infidelity, and forgiveness as they seek a way forward.

“Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?” is another one of Tyler Perry’s successful plays that has been converted into a successful motion picture. With bigger set and more location, this play converts into an amazing story on the subject of marriage. Perry gives a few examples of marriages that most people find themselves in or can relate too.

Tyler Perry brought Janet Jackson back to the screen and it is good to see her on the screen again. He also finds the most amazing and perfect actors for his conversions. If you have ever seen one of his plays then you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t it’s time for you to face the conversion.

“Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?” is relatable even to the unmarried. This is a film that gives us a glimpse in to the inter-workings of marriage and tries to show the viewer that through GOD, communication, and love can help to make a marriage work.

“Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?” has a few special features. There is a featurette on Jackson returning to the screen. There is a featurette on reflecting on getting married. There is also one highlighting the music. The movies previewed are “Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls”, “What’s Done in the Dark…”, and “House of Payne: Volume 1”.

I give it 5/5.

“The Jane Austen Book Club”

Kathy Baker
Maria Bello
Marc Blucas
Emily Blunt
Amy Brennenan
Hugh Dancy
Maggie Grace
Jimmy Smits
Kevin Zegers
Lynn Redgrave

PG13           106min           2007

Six Months. Six novels. Six members. The Jane Austen Book Club takes reading the classics to new heights of passion in this romantic comedy featuring an all-star cast.

When five women and one man get together to discuss the English writer’s beloved novels, they realize the heartaches of Emma, Mr. Dancy and the Bennet sisters are not so different from their own. Finding comfort, wit and wisdom from the pages and each other, they discover that, in matters of love, all they need to ask is: What would Jane do?

“The Jane Austen Book Club” is a contempary look at her characters as they read six of Austen’s book and is based on the book of the same name by Katlen Joy Fowler. Some who say this is a “chick flick”, I found it more akin to a soap opera. The characters lives where suppose to resemble reality yet the drama is heighten for dramatic purposes, and you never really see anyone work.

Every character is a full realized person even if we do not understand their motivations, yet they also fit the characterization of one of Austen’s characters. The actor’s in the character do a great job of keeping me interested in their lives and the story. Even if most of the relationships end in a predictable fashion, it’s the journey not the destination with this film. This is a great date movie. Beware women may to want to read Austen with their boyfriends and husbands.

Having just discovered Emily Blunt, she stands out in this film of great performances. She is an unhappy high school French teacher, whio has nnever been to France, in a crumbling marriage on the verge of an affair with one of her students. That is a mouth full that tells her character but doesn’t do justice to her performance. Only recognizing her from her other work “The Devil Wears Prada”, she finds an amazing comedic timing in this film. I do not think the moments are supposed to be funny they are to me because they are moments that we all had in real life and her reaction are so real. From the wig to the clothes they all make this character memorable for me.

There are the standard featurette. There is a cast and crew commentary. It has a behind the scene featurette and deleted scenes. There are also three featurettes: 1. Life of Jane Austen, 2. The Book Club: Deconstructed, 3. The Los Angeles Premiere. The movie previews are “Persepolis”, “Across the Universe”, “My Kid Could Paint This”, “Jimmy Carter Man From Plains”, “Blonde Ambitions”, “Comanche Moon”, “Little Women”, “My Mom’s New Boyfriend”, and “Saawariya”.

I give it 4/5.

“The Brave One”

Jodie Foster
Terrence Howard
Naveen Andrews
Nicky Katt
Mary Steenburgen

R           122min           2007

”Why don’t they stop me?” Erica Bain wonders. Bain, a popular New York radio host, watched her fiancé die and nearly last her own life to a vicious, random attack. Now she discovers a stranger within herself, an armed wanderer in the urban night, out for vengeance and of war with her own soul.

“The Brave One” is Jodie Fosters best work in awhile. She plays the duality of the character perfectly. She is clearly a character that has snapped but has not gone off the deep end. The story leaves you questions of morality. It’s one of those rare dramas that really gave me a gut check to ask myself how far was too far for this character and how far who I have gone.

Jodie Foster’s character has an despicable act of violence laid upon her and her fiancée. She after recovering she is a change person. It is the fact of trying to find a semblance of normal in this new world she is facing that she does an amazing job at. You question if she is truly all right and if she ever will be at the end.

“The Brave One” stays the middle ground leaving the viewer to decide based on their on morality and value system. All the violence she enacts can be justified but the question is that is it right. That question it left to the viewer every single time I think that it makes the film more interesting. At what point in the film does her fight for vengeance become excessive.

Those questions made me really take a gut check of me. Others that watched the film all had different points when they thought she had crossed the line of justified to become the same thing that created her. It this reason that we have laws to govern us, but its also about what do we do when those laws fail to protect us and let us protect ourselves. It’s a question you will have to ask yourselves and “The Brave One” gives great examples to start dialogues of conversation as heated as the sands of the Sahara.

There is only one featurette and some additional scenes that comprise the special feature section of this disc. The movie previews for the movie are for “Michael Clayton”, “The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford”, “Get Smart”, and “Shoot Em Up”.

I give it 4/5.

“When A Man Falls”

Dylan Baker
Stacie Bono
Timothy Hutton
Sharon Stone
Pruitt Taylor Vince
David Williams

R           86min           2007

When a lonely housewife (Sharon Stone) faces the reality of her dying marriage to Gary (Timothy Hutton), she seeks comfort in unlawful and forbidden activities. While Gary takes to drinking away his troubles he doesn’t realize that things are falling apart around him – until it’s too late.

“When a Man Falls” is a film that it put me to sleep, every time I tried to watch it. It’s a waste of veteran actors. The only reason I do not classify it as an “End of Days” because it maybe I gave up on it too soon.

There are no special features to speak of.

I give it 1/5.

“The Legend of Butch and Sundance”

David Rodgers
Ryan Browning
Rachelle Lefevre
Blake Gibbons
Mark Conseulos
Michael Biehn
Jay Brazeau
Michelle Harrison
Susan Ruttan

PG13           89min           2004

Just before the turn of the Century two young outlaws team up for a historic ride. Based on historical references, the “True Story” of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

“The Legend of Butch and Sundance” is a failed “backdoor” pilot that has been released to capitalize on the release of “3:10 to Yuma”. With a cast of relative unknowns, I see why it never made it pass the pilot stage. It has a gimmicky feel that would not work well with a televised serial. The film also did a good job of concluding the early story of Butch and Sundance.

As a stand-alone, film its not that bad. It is a little rough around the edges. It’s fatal flaw is that the story is too tied off. The ending neatly wrapped up most of the stories told in this film.

“The Legend of Butch and Sundance” cover says that it takes its story from historical information on the duo. To me it feels like a poor man version of “American Outlaws”. It plays very similar to the film and deviates only in a very points.

This is a bare DVD. It has a theatrical trailer and still gallery. The movie previews for this DVD are “3:10 to Yuma”, “Young Guns: 15th Anniversary Edition”, and “Dust”.

I give it 2/5.

“Feast of Love”

Morgan Freeman
Greg Kinnear
Radha Mitchell
Billy Burke
Alexa Davalos
Selma Blair
Toby Hemingway
Jane Alexander
Fred Ward
Stana Katic

R           102min           2007

Bradley is a hopeless romantic; Harry has the wisdom and experience to guide those around him; and young beautiful Chloe defines romantic fate. Each of their lives intertwine into one story in which no one can escape being bent, broken, befuddled, delighted and ultimately redeemed by love’s inescapable spell.

This film is based on the novel of the same name by Charles Baner. “Feast of Love” is a touching film about different version of love. It has an amazing ensemble cast that delivers the emotion impact that makes this a good film. It is a warm blanket that when you are feeling blue you will want to come back to.

This ensemble film is lead by Morgan Freeman, centers around Greg Kinnear and is anchored by Alexa Davalos. Morgan Freeman does a great job of being the elder statesman mentoring to the other characters. Greg Kinnear is the center of the action and everything revolves around him and his café. He’s the catalyst for the most of the action that takes place. Chloe is the emotion anchor of this film and is played amazingly by Alexa Davalos.

“Feast of Love” is an amazing film. It is one of those films that you will repeatedly come back to. It has the strong emotion story. It has a cast that does an amazing job.

There are no special features on this disc. There are movie previews for “Death at a Funeral” and “2 Days in Paris”.

I give it 4/5.