This week's pick is The Prestige. If you have not seen this movie, do so as soon as you can. It is a film that is filled with great acting, and is tightly scripted, keeping its secrets until it is time for their revelation. It is a movie that will leave you wanting more, and thinking about what had just unfolded before your eyes. It is also nominated for two Academy Awards.The Prestige was directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Nolan has delivered a great string of films, with not a croaker in the bunch. Ever since I first saw Memento I have been a fan, also enjoying Insomnia and his fantastic restart of the Batman mythos in Batman Begins. With The Prestige he continues his trend of creating these films which have a strong human element as well as a tight plot.
This film centers on a career spanning rivalry, both professional and personal, between a couple of magicians. The magicians are played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, with Michael Caine as an enabler, and builder of tricks. This is a film that is mesmerizing in its attention to detail and the craft of character as they move along their paths. It is simply a fantastic film that has to be seen tobe believed.
Also out this week:
- Babel. Nominated for Best Picture comes this story of personal conflict on a global scale. This is a very good film, but considering the absence of extras, I cannot help but think that another release is not to far away, perhaps saying "Awards Series."
- Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing. This group has had quite a ride over the past couple of years, from being shunned by fans and the music world for taking a politcal stand tha was less than popular, and coming back to win 5 Grammy's not long ago.
- Flushed Away. The box office dud from Aardman studios and their first foray into CG animation offers some nice action, but is all flash and little substance.
- For Your Consideration. Christopher Guest looks at the hype machine in this ficitonal film. I am looking forward to checking this one out.
- Ghandi. Eight time Oscar winner gets the special edition treatment.
- Penn & Teller: Bullshit Season 4. I have never seen a single episode of this series, but something tells me I would like it.
- Man of the Year. This was a funny Robin Williams vehicle, where he plays a Jon Stewart type character who runs for president, and says a lot of what we are thinking.
- Apartment Zero. Thriller from the 80's starrin g Colin Firth. I know little about it, outside of it having a bizarre relationship between roommates, and looking like something I would like.
- A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. I have heard much good about this film, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Shia Lebouf.
- Walking Tall: The Payback. I read that this is a sequel in name only. It stars Kevin Sorbo as the one man army.
- Open Water 2: Adrift. Released as Adrift in the UK, it has the similar story of its predecessor, a couple go diving, and their boat takes off without them.
- The Wandering Swordsman. Shaw Bros. film which is a take off on the Robin Hood tale. Directed by legend Chang Cheh.
- Night of the Living Dorks. This could be fun, a trio of school outsiders attempt a Voodoo ritual and become zombies, and try to fit in at school.
- The Mailman. A thriller about a man who, as a boy, witnesses the brutal murder of his parents and now returns to put the fear into his younger brother who has been adopted in the town.
- Crooked. An action film that features Don "The Dragon" Wilson and Olivier Grunier, how can you go wrong?
- Dark Castle Horror Collection. This collects a number of their horror films into one package. Not the best films ever, but more often than not I found myself enjoying them. Includes:: House of Wax, Gothika, Ghost Ship, Thirteen Ghosts, House on Haunted Hill.
What are you getting this week?
