Fans of John Cena need to be prepared for this heavily dramatic role. There is very little action as he plays a once great high school wrestler trying to hide from his past. Though he can act, Cena is probably a bit miscast as someone to be believed as 'washed-up'. His younger brother Cal searches for the reluctant Cena to help coach him in high school wrestling, and though the low-budget film is well acted, it is slow (and the cast collectively seems to be about 10years older than the ages portrayed). Unfortunately, Danny Glover is wasted in the short minutes of screen time he does have. (Writer John Posey plays the high school wrestling coach.) I wish there were more action, or focus on wrestling strategies. Instead it is too brief or glossed over in favour of unnecessary dialogue drama. Also, the sound is often too soft losing some of the spoken lines. As bonus material, there are a couple of short featurettes on the making of.

Miracle at St. Anna depicts a much neglected aspect of history, namely the all-black Army Infantry division of WWII, and specifically their time spent in Tuscany Italy. The film runs a bit long at 140min., but is well directed (especially the battle sequences), by Spike Lee. Though I wish the overall thin narrative was more fact-based, the background is realistic enough, and this film is definitely worth viewing. The bluray offers great visual quality, but the audio is compressed with over-amplified gunfire and explosions. The bonus features include deleted scenes, along with 2 featurettes (approx. 15-20min. each) which contain archival footage and a round table with original soldiers, making both perhaps more interesting than the film itself. Highly recommended for those interested in war, history, or African American culture.

Robin Williams almost gives his best concert performance in this traditional actor's studio interview presentation. As host James Lipton explains it was an amazing night for both audience and performer, as Williams' non-stop energy was in high gear, tackling the highs and lows of his work and life. (And leaving at least one audience member with a hernia from all the laughter.) The interview itself runs over 100min. and there is some wonderful additional footage, with James Lipton: Flashbacks, and Great Moments that Didn't Make the Cut. For fans of the series, or Robin Williams, this maybe the best.

The set contains both single disc collections in the series, the gold and the platinum. This interview series from 1990 / 91 is fantastic mainly due to Alan King's access, and intelligence in asking the participants guiding questions which garner the most interesting responses.

For the Gold Collection, King interviews Neil Simon, George Burns, George Carlin, Mel Brooks, Buddy Hackett, Rob Reiner, Carl Reiner, Dennis Miller, Garry Marshall and Jerry Seinfeld. As a whole this dvd offers many diverse aspects of the business, as well as different approaches to the creation of comedy. Each 23min. segment is a revelation into the personality's mind. Most are completely riveting (Carlin especially), and though one did not seem legendary to me (Miller), King's style still makes any segment interesting.

For the Platinum Collection, King interviews Billy Crystal Bob Hope, Jack Lemmon, Carol Burnett, Steven Wright, Howie Mandel, Charles Grodin, Norman Lear, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams (the only participant to warrant a double length interview session). Again the overall presentation is quite diverse as King in making the interviewees comfortable, allows for their strongest individual perspective and presentation.

Unfortunately, there are no bonus bits for either the gold or platinum dvds (it would be great to have the unedited interviews), but there are text profiles. I wish there were more in this series. Highly recommended for fans of the legends or comedy in general.

This interview series from 1990 / 91 is fantastic mainly due to Alan King's access, and intelligence in asking the participants guiding questions which garner the most interesting responses.

For the Gold Collection, King interviews Neil Simon, George Burns, George Carlin, Mel Brooks, Buddy Hackett, Rob Reiner, Carl Reiner, Dennis Miller, Garry Marshall and Jerry Seinfeld. As a whole this dvd offers many diverse aspects of the business, as well as different approaches to the creation of comedy. Each 23min. segment is a revelation into the personality's mind. Most are completely riveting (Carlin especially), and though one did not seem legendary to me (Miller), King's style still makes any segment interesting.

For the Platinum Collection, King interviews Billy Crystal Bob Hope, Jack Lemmon, Carol Burnett, Steven Wright, Howie Mandel, Charles Grodin, Norman Lear, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams (the only participant to warrant a double length interview session). Again the overall presentation is quite diverse as King in making the interviewees comfortable, allows for their strongest individual perspective and presentation.

Unfortunately, there are no bonus bits for either the gold or platinum dvds (it would be great to have the unedited interviews), but there are text profiles. I wish there were more in this series. Highly recommended for fans of the legends or comedy in general.

This is a hilarious series that was unfortunately overlooked and lasted only 6 episodes. Struggling CPA Andy Barker (Andy Richter) accidentally finds success as an unintentional P.I., and though the set-up of the pilot is necessary, the following 5 stronger episodes should have given this series a long and extended life. On the dvds, the shows (running a short 20 min. per) are spread (unnecessarily?) across 2 discs, with commentaries on each from cast and crew (including series co-creator Conan O'Brien). Additional bonus material includes a couple of featurettes and gag reel. Highly recommended for fans of absurd (often silly) comedy.

I can highly recommend the first disc which contains a 1975 interview with John Lennon and may arguably be his best. Shown in its entirety following the assassination (1980), Tom Snyder additionally reflects on the days events with Lennon contacts (a journalist and record producer), making Disc one (65min.) a sometimes sad time capsule. Disc Two contains two tomorrow shows, the first has Snyder interviewing Paul McCartney and Wings (1979), and the second interviewing Ringo Starr, followed by Angie Dickinson (1981). Though there are no bonus features, the dvd set is a nostalgic reminder of how interviews could be conducted for the sake of interest, rather than today's marketed and packaged promotion. Recommended for Beatles fans, and highly recommended for fans of John Lennon (and Tom Snyder).

This is a fun film collection which showcases Bob Hope's wide range of comedic talents. Though much of the comedy is broad and expected (Road to Hong Kong), there are some surprises, most notably I'll Take Sweden (with beach party singing swinging numbers by Frankie Avalon) and the Facts of Life (a semi-serious illicit romance with Lucille Ball). Though not digitally remastered, for the most part the films are in good shape (there are short but noticeable portions in The Princess and the Pirate which are blurred). Unfortunately there are no bonus features (aside from the occasional trailer), but this collection is enjoyable and recommended for fans.

Initially wary about this documentary on celebrities' political points of view, I was surprised by the lack of manipulation from Wag the Dog director Barry Levinson. In capturing Obama's presidential trail this film tries, and the celebrities perhaps believe in their unbiased presentation (though it has definite liberal leanings). Yes, political figures are becoming celebrities, but what I learned (shockingly) is that at the end of the day the only ones left who can openly give their opinions in a public platform either without fear of repercussion, or without awareness of possible repercussion, may be celebrities. They can actually embrace free speech and ask questions, more so than journalists. Poliwood runs approx. an hour and a half plus as bonus dvd material there a few brief additional scenes. (Depending on one's tastes there may be a favourite personality or two, and for me it was Ellen Burstyn who displays an intelligent awareness of life, politics and history.) 3 1/2 stars

This is not a typical Jackie Chan movie (so don't expect any extensive martial arts fighting sequences, or his usual fun, charm or humour). Instead this gritty often brutal film is a realistic character study of a Chinese illegal (Chan) trying to survive in Japan's underworld. Though there are many interesting characters and developments, Chan's dramatic portrayal is surprisingly effective and the film itself, riveting. Additional dvd bonus material include a few brief select scenes commentary with Chan, as well as a worthwhile featurette. Highly recommended. (4 1/2 stars)