Quick DVD round up…
A mixed bag of heavy and light over the past two weeks beginning with Martin Scorsese’s best flick since Goodfellas (the Aviator and Gangs of New York were abysmal IMNSHO). The Departed pits an in form Jack Nicholson against Di Caprio’s state trooper undercover agent. However, Matt Damon steals the show as a crooked trooper. Also watch out for an Oscar nominated turn from Mark Wahlberg (who’d have expected him to get so far?).
An Inconvenient Truth is Al Gore’s documentary film presentation of his slideshow on the nastiness that is global warming. Although slowed down by interludes featuring more personal commentary by Gore, the slideshow is actually entertaining viewing. Gore manages to bring to the table concepts, facts, and figures that can easily confound people and yet manages to present them in a compelling and easily understood manner. Check out the bonus features on the DVD to find a lengthy update. It was powerful enough to prompt family members to begin waste separation at home. The Question now is will Mr. Gore announce his presidential candidature at the Oscars where he’ nominated in the best documentary category! Oh and a quick plug for the film’s unsung hero - Keynote : Apple’s answer to powerpoint and soooo much better.
Flushed Away brings Dreamworks’ CGI skills with Aardman’s brilliant character design, story-line and British wit. Though I was partly rooting for the amphibians, this is perhaps the best CGI cartoon since The Incredibles and Ice Age 2. Watch out for blink and you’ll miss ‘em gags and the brilliant Le Frog and his hench frogs. Haven’t watched Happy Feet yet, but this flick was much better than decidedly average Cars and Monster House which are up for the best cartoon feature.
Last but definitely not least is Little Miss Sunshine, a quirky little film which follows a family rally round their 7 year old in her bid to win a beauty pageant. Hilarity ensues or should that be sniggers and wry smiles ensue? It’s definitely enjoyable and watchable with an unexpected, understated performance from Steve Carell as the suicidal, gay uncle Frank.