Friday, July 30, 2010

Wild at Heart

David Lynch wrote and directed this nightmarish film which was the follow up to his masterpiece "Blue Velvet." The story of two lovers on the run from the evil mother of the girl who has unleashed several killers to kill her boyfriend. As with most of Lynch's films, it's not about the story but his unique vision which is unlike any other. Lynch goes over-the-top with the style in this film in every aspect that's surprising and shocking at the same time. Unlike "Blue Velvet," the film doesn't hold up with time and has lost much of its initial allure. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Volver

Spanish maestro Pedro Almodóvar returned to dramedy with another stunning film after a dark turn with "Bad Education." A woman's personal life is turned upside down when past family secrets collide with current ones that involves her mother, sister and daughter. Almodóvar gave Penélope Cruz a turning point in her career after several missteps outside of Spain. Cruz gave her best performance to date which she followed many others and established herself as one of the best actresses in the world. The film is a treat from begin to finish as Almodóvar puts his magic spell in every frame with genuine doses of drama and comedy. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Tillman Story

Director Amir Bar-Lev tells the story of Pat Tillman, a professional football player who joined the army to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, only to be killed by friendly fire which led the Bush administration to cover-up the circumstances and use his death as propaganda to the agony and nightmare of his family. Bar-Lev along with the Tillman family and other witnesses set the records straight surrounding the death while paying tribute to a hero who's remarkable life was cut short by a tragedy. An utterly compelling and heartbreaking film about the causalities of war and the disturbing consequences that's timely and relevant. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Damned United

Acclaimed British director Tom Hooper continues to deliver excellent work. The story about legendary British coach Brian Clough who briefly coached Leeds United, the nation's top team which became a low point in his illustrious career. Hooper directs a stellar cast with a brilliantly written script by Peter Morgan along with an equally excellent crew. While the story might have a limited target audience outside of Britain, Morgan and Hooper manage to bring the human drama about ambition and friendship that's universal. The excellent cast includes Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meany and Jim Broadbent. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Chloe

Acclaimed Canadian director Atom Egoyan changes gears with this elegant remake of the French film "Nathalie" by Anne Fontaine. The story about a doctor suspecting her husband's fidelity hires a beautiful prostitute to seduce him which has devastating consequences. While the original was a character study between two women from different backgrounds, the remake adds sex and danger to spice up the story about misplaced trust along with a Hollywood ending. Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfried and Liam Neeson star along with Toronto in this thriller. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Yes Man

Jim Carrey is back to what he does best in this comedy by director Peyton Reed. A reclusive and lonely middle aged loan officer turns his life around after he attends a self-help seminar where he has to say "YES" to everything for a year. It's a formula driven film around Carrey's talent as a comedian who was at the top of his game with a similar and far superior "Liar, Liar." There are some hilarious moments but also some cringe ones as well. Zooey Deschanel costars and steals the scenes with her freshness that the film otherwise lacks. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Friday, July 23, 2010

SALT

Australian director Phillip Noyce returns to Hollywood with a vengeance with this action thriller. A CIA agent goes on the run to clear her name after a defector accuses her of being a sleeper Russian spy. Angelina Jolie kicks ass and then some in this old fashioned thriller. Noyce who made the best Jack Ryan films with Harrison Ford is the right director who can deliver while Jolie doing her part. The talented supporting cast includes Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor and August Diehl. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Inkheart

British director Iain Softley continues his career's downward spiral with this dull fantasy film. The story about a young girl who discovers that her father's gift to bring characters of fiction alive has devastating consequences for both worlds. While the intentions are well, the core story lacks originality and ingenuity which brings down the film like a house of cards with a bitter aftertaste. Again talent can take a poor script only so far. The cast includes Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany and Helen Mirren who waste their talents. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Invention of Lying

British comedian Ricky Gervais made his feature debut as a director besides writing and starring in this comedy. The story set in an Utopian society where everybody always tells the truth much to the agony of a middle aged man who's life turns upside down when he accidentally invents lying. Gervais cleverly attacks society and religion in this satire. There are some funny moments but falls short eventually as the story progresses. Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey and Jonah Hill costar with Gervais. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Sentinel

A talented cast is wasted in this yarn with a poor script and direction. The story about a secret agent who's framed and hunted while he tries to clear his name and protecting the president. There's potential for an exciting action thriller which comes off as dull as it's boring. The pedigree of the talent brings some excitement but can't save the debacle which leaves a bitter aftertaste. The cast includes Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland and Kim Basinger amongst others. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Step Into Liquid

Dana Brown, son of surf legend Bruce Brown (The Endless Summer) steps into his fathers steps with this breath taking documentary about the surf culture around the world the sport is more important than life and death. Brown travels around the world to interview professional and die hard surfers about their way of life to capture the essence of the surf. It's obvious that the passion goes beyond sports for everybody involved which is addiction or religion which is contagious. Compelling personalities along with the stunning footage makes this documentary a joy to watch. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Bronson

Danish writer and director Nicolas Winding Refn brings the life of notorious British criminal Charles Bronson to screen with this highly stylized and entertaining film. Bronson was born as Michael Peterson who went to prison for robbery and ended up 34 years with 30 in solitary confinement for violent behavior. Refn's kinetic and vibrant film is highlighted by the presence of Tom Hardy who gives a riveting performance as Bronson. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Quarantine

The American remake of the Spanish horror film [REC] by writer and director John Erick Dowdle has some minor changes but is practically the same film. The story about a journalist following firefighters during a night that lands them in a Los Angeles building where a virus turns its residents into zombies. Where in the original the camera man was only heard and never seen has been given a face along with familiar faces of character actors. Also the religious angle of the original has been replaced by bio-terrorism. Where the original had a more slick and polished look, this film looks drab more like DV than HD. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

[REC]

Spanish writer and director duo of Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza combine reality tv with horror in this thriller. A journalist following a team of firefighters gets more than she bargained for when they respond to a call in a Barcelona building. Immediately after their arrival the building locked down and everybody one by one is infected by a virus that turns them into a zombie. The film starts effectively before getting down to the business, that's when the cracks in the story appear before it gets derailed at the end. There are some genuine thrills and the combination of reality tv and horror works well together. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Friday, July 16, 2010

INCEPTION

Writer and director Christopher Nolan delivers a masterpiece on the promise following his smashing breakthrough with "Memento." While his other films were impressive to say the least, this the film that will define him as a major talent who delivers with what money and talent can buy and then some. The story set in the future where dreams can be shared or manipulated to plant ideas or steal secrets. A team of professional thieves in the field are assigned for a dangerous mission that could destroy them. A brilliant and mind-blowing film that's far and beyond above any film in its proximity in originality and flawless blending of various genres such as Sci-Fi, Action-Thriller, Romantic-Drama. A perfect blend of style and substance where technology and talent complete each other. The impressive cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy and Ken Watanabe with equally impressive supporting cast and crew. Nolan brings a quote by Ingmar Bergman to mind: "Film as dream, film as music. No art passes our conscience in the way film does, and goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls." YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Soloist

After two smashing period films, British director Joe Wright makes his American debut with this contemporary drama based on a true story. The true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a gifted but homeless musician suffering from mental illness who gets a second chance in life after he gets the attention of Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times journalist. Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. star in this compelling drama about the power of music that's truly inspiring. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo

Danish director Niels Arden Oplev brings to life the first bestseller of the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larsson. A journalist and a computer hacker join forces to solve a 40 year old mystery surrounding the disappearance of a heiress. A riveting thriller with one of the most unique and original female protagonists in recent memory makes this film a must-see. Swedish actress Noomi Rapace transforms herself completely and becomes Lisbeth Salander, the tattooed and pierced goth heroine. Oplev along with his cast and crew deliver an outstanding adaptation with fully developed characters and a compelling story. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Man Without A Past

Finnish writer and director Aki Kaurismäki, the master of deadpan comedy delivers his best film with this outstanding film. A man who arrives in Helsinki becomes the victim of a violent crime that wipes his past memories. After starting a new life including new friends and love, his past comes to haunt him. Kaurismäki's beautifully shot and acted film is a tremendously humanistic film where the violence and kindness of human nature are at full display with much humor and heart. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Since Otar Left...

French writer and director Julie Bertucelli made her feature debut with this compelling and poignant drama. The story about a Georgian family consisting of three generations of women as they deal with a tragedy. Bertucelli's hits all the right notes from the setting to the story and characters. She sheds a light on the immigrant condition from the outside through what they left behind. Bertucelli along with her cast and crew delivers a powerful film with a heart and soul. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Antibodies

German writer and director Christian Alvart takes on previous serial killer films that fails at its own ambition. After a notorious serial killer is caught, he plays mind games with a small town cop that visits him regarding an unsolved case. Alvart's obvious ambition to take on the greatest criminals in history such as Jack, the Ripper, Charles Manson and far superior Hollywood films such as "Silence of the Lambs" and "Seven" cuts himself and his film short by doing so as the parallels are obvious. The film also lacks the authenticity it requires for it work. A lot of poor choices where style overrides substance further damages a potent story that would have been otherwise powerful which is a shame. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Edge of Darkness

Troubled star Mel Gibson returned after a long absence to star in this thriller for director Martin Campbell. The story of a detective whose life is shuttered after his daughter is gunned down in front of him. After initially thinking he was the target, he discovers a conspiracy involving his daughter that literally pushes him to the edge. While not entirely original or new, the film is a solid formula film from a director and actor with proven track record. The supporting cast includes Danny Huston and Ray Winstone. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Capitalism: A Love Story

Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore takes on capitalism and delivers a powerful film which is disturbing as it is scary. He lays the cards on the table and exposes the threats that the United States faces. Moore is as fearless as ever and never shy to name the culprits and point fingers at the guilty. The film is a must see for those interested regardless of their political inclinations whether being a democrat or a republican. Troublesome times are ahead globally no matter where you are. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Dodes'ka-den

Japanese master Akira Kurosawa made his first color film with this bittersweet tale about people at the margins of society. Through several stories, we get to know a group of slum-dwellers each trying to survive and cope with daily ordeals. A mentally retarded boy and his mother, an abused girl with her uncle, two alcoholic friends and their wives amongst others. While it's the most stylized of Kurosawa's film, the characters are real and sincere. Kurosawa was fully involved with the production design and cinematography which are glorious in dazzling colors. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Geisha

Japanese director Hideo Gosha tells the story of one of Japan's famous Geisha houses. The story of Katsuzo, a Geisha recruiter who's deeply connected and haunted by his trade since his love and their daughter are Geishas. When an opposite crime gang tries to take over the house, it becomes a personal matter for Katsuzo who has to protect his business as well as his family. The fascinating and complex world of the Geisha is brought to life which is very informative. Ken Ogata stars along with a talented supporting cast. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Horsemen

Swedish video director Jonas Åkerlund fails to make successful transfer to feature films with this poorly written and directed thriller. A detective finds out he was chosen to be assigned on a series of gruesome murders. There's a potent story in the film based on the four horsemen of the apocalypse that was not fully developed properly which is a shame. The cast includes Dennis Quaid and Ziyi Zhang who are wasted by the mediocre material. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Pandorum

German director Christian Alvart and American writer Travis Milloy have come up with a potent Sci-Fi thriller that really thrills. Two men on board of a spaceship wake up with no knowledge of their mission or identity. They set out to find what happened to the ship and its crew. Alvart cleverly builds on previous classics and delivers a claustrophobic and psychological thriller with a satisfying story and ending. The talented cast and crew includes Dennis Quid and Ben Foster in the leading roles. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Zombieland

Director Ruben Fleischer makes his feature debut with this fast paced horror comedy. Two men roaming the US after zombies destroyed the world are outwitted by two girls in a battle for survival. Fleischer and his writers cleverly dives into the genre without dwelling too long to keep the action going and relying on the talented cast to deliver the goods which makes for an entertaining ride. Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson star along with Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin. Bill Murray's cameo is the highlight of the film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Laura

Otto Preminger's classic film noir is a fascinating thriller which plays a psychological game with the viewer. The story about a detective who falls in love for a woman whose murder he's investigating. Preminger gets away with murder literally with this film which falls apart in its individual parts such as story, characters and acting but works surprising well altogether. The film features one of the most unique and unusual introductions of lovers in cinema that has to be seen to be believed which might be the secret to its status. The dashing Dana Andrews and ravishing Gene Tierney are perfectly cast for their looks more than anything. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Return to Rajapur

Indian writer and director Nanda Anand makes her feature debut with this love story. A young American woman traces her parents fateful travel to India which ended in tragedy. The story seems like an updated and recycled version of the James Ivory classic "Heat and Dust" adapted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala based on her novel which is superior in every way. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

A Lost Man

French-Lebanese writer and director Danielle Arbid made a unique and brave film that you don't see very often. A French photographer looking for trouble in the Middle-East becomes obsessed with a mysterious man and hires him as a translator. French Melvil Poupaud and British-Sudanese Alexander Siddig star as the lost men in their world and thriving on danger for survival. Beautiful cinematography and original story make for a fascinating film. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Daughter of Keltoum

French-Algerian writer and director Mehdi Charef made a moving film about the plight of women in rural Algeria. A young Swiss woman's journey to a desolate mountain village to confront her biological mother leads her to a heartbreaking revelation about herself and her family. Charef delivers a well written and acted film that shows a different side of Algeria rarely seen on cinema far from the big cities or tourist destinations where people still live with cruel and harsh conditions of their environment, untouched from any kind of progress. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Extract

American writer and director Mike Judge returns with another comedy set in work space. The story about a small business owner who's suffering from personal and professional problems. While the film has some funny moments, it lacks coherence that the hilarious trailer promised. The cast including Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis and Ben Affleck amongst others bring their talents but can't save the film suffering from a weak screenplay. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Creation

British director Jon Amiel gives legendary naturalist Charles Darwin his due with this moving film. The film focuses on the years before the release of his book "The Origin of Species" that changed the world, maybe the second book since the Gutenberg Bible. Darwin well aware of the consequences of his theory was struggling with the publishing of the book due to the loss of his beloved child and the opposition of his religious wife. Amiel makes a solid film that was overdue and finds the right angle to tackle it. Real life couple Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly provide their talents to give insight behind one of the greatest minds of human history. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

The Beaches of Agnès

Legendary filmmaker and artist Agnès Varda delivers another masterpiece which is about her life. The true testimony of an artist is to deliver a unique work of art which Varda accomplishes flawlessly in this outstanding documentary that's informative as it's moving. Varda who was the only female member of the French New Wave recounts her career and private life that spans through six decades. She's a true artist and her passion in on display without one false note. Her feature films, video installations and documentaries makes her of the greatest female artists ever. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Flow: For Love of Water

Irena Salina's eye-opening documentary is a must see film for everybody as she investigates the global water supply crisis due to pollution and scarcity that has started a battle between the poor people against the corporations. It's shocking what's going on in the world without much of its population knowing. The film makes a clear case without a doubt how water is being privatized by big corporations such as Nestle, Coke and Pepsi with the help of World Bank and governments, in order to bottle and sell them back to the people around the globe. The battle for water will continue and surpass all the other problems humans will face in the future. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

The Bad Sleep Well

Japanese legends director Akira Kurosawa and actor Toshirô Mifune reunited again for another classic. The story of a man who marries the daughter of a corporate tycoon to take revenge. Kurosawa magnificently blends Shakespearean tragedy and film noir to tell the story of corporate greed that stops at nothing, not even family. The ever prolific Kurosawa delivers another classic in peak form from the first frame till the last without any compromise. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.