CinemaCLIPS Movie Blog

This blog has moved

2010-04-08T16:31:00.001-07:00

This blog is now located at http://blog.cinemaclips.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://blog.cinemaclips.com/feeds/posts/default.

WIN A FREE DVD

2008-07-01T20:25:00.002-07:00

Enter our CinemaCLIPS DVD Trivia Contest & win DVDs

Click on the above contest link for details.

The answer should be easy to find at several movie database info sites.The DVDs are completely free with no shipping charges.

Don't forget to include your mailing address along with your trivia answer.We have a privacy policy, so we won't sell your address to anyone.We just need it to mail you your prize.

Good luck!

CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR DVD Review

2008-05-16T13:00:00.003-07:00

CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 3 CAMS

RATED R

The true story of how Texas congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) secretly helped to bring about the end of the Cold War. With the assistance of disgruntled CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and wealthy Houston socialite Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), Wilson secured the funding to arm the Afghanistan rebels in their fight against the Russians in the 1980s. “Charlie Wilson’s War” is a mildly entertaining and interesting look at events that ultimately changed history. Based on the book by George Crile, this wry political commentary is at its best when Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman share screen time. Extremely well-acted, but it is another fine Hanks performance that is eclipsed by Hoffman - who easily grabbed a supporting actor nomination. When the two stars aren’t together on screen, the movie slows down considerably. The supporting players add little to the landscape. While it’s great to have Julia Roberts back, her radiant moments amount to nothing more than an extended cameo. The enchanting Amy Adams also gets too small a role as personal assistant to the boozing womanizer Wilson, who was surrounded by beautiful women in and out of the office (earning the film its “R” rating). Director Mike Nichols gets the most out of Aaron Sorkin’s witty screenplay, which is reminiscent of “The West Wing” (created by Sorkin). But this is not quite "Graduate" work for Nichols.
DVD Extras: A "making of" featurette and a profile on the real Charlie Wilson.

NATIONAL TREASURE 2: BOOK OF SECRETS DVD Review

2008-05-15T19:15:00.006-07:00

NATIONAL TREASURE 2: BOOK OF SECRETS
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 3 CAMS

RATED PG

To prove that an ancestor was not a conspirator in Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) follows a trail that leads from John Wilkes Booth’s diary to a Presidential Book of Secrets. Along for the ride with Ben from Paris to London to Washington D.C. and Mount Rushmore are sidekick Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), ex-girlfriend Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), father Patrick (Jon Voight) and mother Emily (Helen Mirren). Also in pursuit: bad guy Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris), who wants to leave his mark on the world, and FBI Agent Sadusky (Harvey Keitel). “National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets” is almost a carbon copy of the first entry in the series and just as exciting. It is a touch of history disguised as pure popcorn entertainment. While not as inventive as “National Treasure”, the stellar cast looks like they’re having fun - and so does the audience. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub deliver the goods on the screen with around-the-world locales, massive sets and non-stop action. Maybe some of the facts are stretched or changed (a lost city of gold in America?), but this is just the type of guilty pleasure that could have inquisitive minds researching the past. A little education while entertaining is not a bad thing. Now that’s a treasure for us all.
DVD Extras: Deleted scenes, bloopers, audio commentary by director Jon Turteltaub and actor Jon Voight, featurettes, Easter Eggs and much more.

ENCHANTED DVD Review

2008-04-02T16:43:00.006-07:00

ENCHANTED
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED PG

Cartoon fairytale Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) is pushed down a well by evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) and ends up as a human in New York City. Prince Edward (James Marsden) and a chipmunk named Pip jump to the rescue while Giselle falls under the spell of single dad Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter Morgan( Rachel Covey). The Queen is not far behind. “Enchanted” is one of the most original and inventive movies to come out of the Disney Studio in years. Thoroughly delightful and entertaining, this is exactly the type of movie Walt Disney would make if he were alive today. Director Kevin Lima (“Tarzan”), along with cast and crew, should be applauded. Practically all of the Disney animated classics are gently skewered with comic reverence. The trash talking Pip is a howl. It is refreshing to see old-style animation for a change. Memorable new songs and music by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz complete the perfect picture. Amy Adams is at the top of my list for Best Actress. Creating a real-life cartoon character is difficult at best (remember Robin Williams as Popeye?). Amy makes it look easy. James Marsden is equally amazing. He could be on the short list for Best Supporting Actor. Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew in “Harry Potter”) adds a touch of hilarity as the Queen’s pudgy attendant Nathaniel. This is a family event at its finest - even with a scary dragon. “Enchanted” is captivating and enchanting!
DVD Extras: Featurettes, bloopers, deleted scenes and a brand new cartoon short "Pip's Predicament: A Pop-Up Adventure".

ROAD TO VICTORY Comments

2008-02-25T13:30:00.004-07:00

As a film festival judge, I have screened many independent movies. Recently, I watched "Road To Victory" - the story of an ex-football player who is unable to perform sexually.
It was powerful, thought-provoking and held my interest right up to the end. The subject matter does make it a tough sell with limited audience appeal, but this should open some Hollywood doors to writer/director/star Mike Reilly and his lovely co-star Julia Anderson.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN-AT WORLD’S END DVD REVIEW

2008-01-04T14:21:00.002-07:00

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED PG-13

Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Capt. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) set sail to rescue Pirate Lord Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from Davy Jones’ Locker. All of the Pirate Lords, including the treacherous Capt. Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat), must meet and unite to regain control of the high seas from Lord Beckett (Tom Hollander) and Davy Jones (Bill Nighy). Beckett, holding Jones’ heart hostage, is in control of the Flying Dutchman. “Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End” is a long (almost 3 hours), but ultimately satisfying conclusion to the swashbuckling series. The loose ends are tied up and the characters’ fates are resolved with a hint of new adventures - if you stay through the end of the lengthy credits. At times, confusion reigns as the intricate plot sorts out the multiple character situations. Capt. Sparrow’s afterlife in the Locker, filled with rock crabs and a crew of Jacks, goes on way too long. But the extended spectacular final sea battle, elaborate sets, costumes and adventures add up to a visually stunning ride that captures the spirit of the popular park attraction. Director Gore Verbinski brings back the entire cast with an added treat. Keith Richards, doing a great Jack Sparrow impression, is on board briefly as Lord Capt. Teague. With a minimum of makeup, he manages to gather a little moss. The digital version was screened for the press. The presentation was flawless - bright, sharp and no film artifacts or breakage. This cinematic wave of the future is truly impressive. With a few surprises along the way, “Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End” is a seaworthy effort that won’t sink the franchise.
DVD Extras: A treasure trove of featurettes, deleted scenes, bloopers and more.

RATATOUILLE DVD Review

2007-11-15T16:39:00.003-07:00

RATATOUILLE
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED G

Remy (the voice of Patton Oswalt), a young rat living in a Paris bistro, dreams of becoming a chef in a five-star restaurant. Fate intervenes in the form of a restaurant garbage boy named Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano). Together, the unlikely pair cook up a scheme to attain their goals. “Ratatouille” is a delightful concoction for all ages. This latest creation from Pixar is among the studio’s finest. Rich in detail, the visually stunning animation is the most advanced CGI work to date. Even the cartoon food dishes are tantalizing. Presenting an inventive story , filled with unforgettable characters, director Brad Bird nearly surpasses his work on “The Incredibles”. The talented voice cast makes you focus on the characters rather than the star personalities. Janeane Garofalo is chef Colette, who has eyes for Linguini. Cruel head chef Skinner is brought to life by Ian Holm. Peter O’Toole is the hard-to-please restaurant critic Anton Ego - the animators chance to skewer critics everywhere. Pixar favorites Brad Garrett, as the spirit of legendary chef Auguste Gusteau, and John Ratzenberger, as the panicky waiter Mustafa, add to the delight. In the grand tradition of Walt Disney, values of family, friends and life’s goals are woven throughout this fabulous entertainment. Before the feature, another amazing Pixar short, “Lifted” (an alien abduction tale), is screened. But the real reason to attend is the main event. “Ratatouille” is a gourmet feast.
DVD Extras: A delightful new animated short "Your Friend The Rat", the animated theatrical short "Lifted", behind-the-scenes featurette and deleted scenes.

EVAN ALMIGHTY Review

2007-11-06T16:16:00.004-07:00

EVAN ALMIGHTY
ROG’S VIEWPOINT - 4 CAMS

RATED PG

Elected to Congress, former news anchor Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) must now make good on his campaign to change the world. During a lengthy drought, God (Morgan Freeman) appears to Evan and asks him to build an ark for an impending flood. Animals start following the distraught politician and the people, including his family, have their suspicions. “Evan Almighty” is a likeable and inspirational delight for the entire family, with only a couple of dog and bird poop jokes to offend. While not as manic and creative as “Bruce Almighty”, this pleasant sequel succeeds - thanks to the antics of Steve Carell and a boatload of critters. This time around, director Tom Shadyac expands on an interesting premise without the talents of Jim Carrey. But acting god Morgan Freeman returns as God in one of his more endearing roles and Wanda Sykes is at her wisecracking best as the Congressman’s secretary. Lauren Graham has a few shining moments as Evan’s wife Joan. Those animals in action will hold you in awe and the ark and flood effects are spectacular. As a harmless movie with a message, “Evan Almighty” is divine comedy.

DVD Extras: Deleted scenes, outtakes, featurettes, games and more.

Help with movie titles

2007-05-23T15:01:00.003-07:00

Have a movie you would really like to see again but can't quite remember the title? If you can supply only a portion of the information about it, such as who starred in it and the general plot, chances are that we can give you that movie title and tell you whether it is available on video.

Don't want to wait for an answer from us? Now you can do multiple searches for the best deals on videos, books, music and collectibles. Please use our affiliates' services before e-mailing us for an answer.

TIPS - Be sure you have correct spelling or the search won't be accurate.
Use your back button to get back to us.
We have had several notices of "hard-to-find" videos being offered at auctions.
You might want to check those sites periodically.