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Teaching Mrs. TingleGenre: Horror/Suspense Release Date: 05/07/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1999 Run Time: 95 mins Released By: Miramax Echo Bridge Cast: Katie Holmes, Helen Mirren, Barry Watson, Marisa Coughlan, Liz Stauber From the king of teen angst and horror Kevin Williamson comes this story of straight-A student Leigh Ann (Katie Holmes) whose hopes for a scholarship are in jeopardy thanks to the tyrannical Mrs. Tingle (Helen Mirren). When Leigh Ann and her friends confront Mrs. Tingle about their grades, a series of mishaps lead to a wicked game of cat and mouse. Part black comedy, part teen melodrama, part revenge on Williamson's own Mrs. Tingle. … more less -
Jersey GirlGenre: Comedies Release Date: 05/07/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2004 Run Time: 110 mins Released By: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment Cast: Ben Affleck, Raquel Castro, Liv Tyler, George Carlin, Jason Biggs Breaking from his signature slacker-underdog films like CLERKS, MALLRATS, and CHASING AMY, Kevin Smith delivers the feel-good family movie JERSEY GIRL. While Smith's pert one-liners and wryly ironic sense of humor are clearly present in the script, his casting choices (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck) and glossy aesthetic identify the film as a mainstream Hollywood crowd-pleaser. Affleck stars as Ollie, a powerful entertainment executive with a perfect wife (Lopez) and a beautiful Manhattan apartment. But when his wife dies in childbirth and his career fizzles to a halt, he humbly gives up his fast-paced Manhattan lifestyle for the benefit of his daughter Gurtie (Raquel Castro), who is 7 years old for the majority of the film. He moves to New Jersey to live with his father (George Carlin), finds a new romantic interest (Liv Tyler), and learns some lessons about what's important in life. A subplot about Will Smith keeps a string of Hollywood insider jokes and quick cameos (Matt Damon) running throughout the film, while a school play modeled after "Sweeney Todd" lends itself to some funny theatrical moments. An emotive pop soundtrack features music by Aimee Mann in addition to a handful of well-timed entries that help move the plot along ("Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" plays as Ollie sheepishly drives his U-Haul across the river from Manhattan to Jersey), rounding out JERSEY GIRL as a likeable comedy. Parents beware, Smith may have curbed his edginess for this one, but foul language abounds. … more less -
Dragon LordGenre: Foreign Films Release Date: 05/07/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1982 Run Time: 94 mins Released By: Miramax Echo Bridge Cast: Jackie Chan, Hui-Min Chen, Hong-Yip Cheng, Chang Chung, Tai Do Dragon (Jackie) and his buddy Cowboy get mixed up in a plot to swipe some valuable Chinese antiques and are forced to kick butt. However, the real attraction here is a number of showstopping set pieces that involve Jackie and Cowboy playing some pretty demented versions of Badminton and Football, all while trying to win the heart of a local beauty. Known variously as YOUNG MASTER IN LOVE, DRAGON STRIKE, and DRAGON LORD, it is still a very worthy entry in the Jackie Chan canon. … more less -
Marvin's RoomGenre: Dramas Release Date: 03/26/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1996 Run Time: 100 mins Released By: Miramax Echo Bridge Cast: Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Hume Cronyn Upon receiving a call from her leukemia-stricken sister after not speaking with her for two decades, a devil-may-care single mother packs up her two sons--one, a rebellious teen who has spent time in a mental institution--and heads to Florida to reunite with her ailing sibling and their bedridden father. The women's differences in philosophy immediately spark a wrenching confrontation, but help arrives from the most unexpected of sources--the delinquent teen, whose reluctance to accept the family he never knew ultimately melts away when he discovers his aunt's true spirit. An acclaimed drama, adapted by Scott McPherson from his 1990 stage play. Academy Award Nominations: Best Actress--Diane Keaton. … more less -
Down to YouGenre: Comedies Release Date: 03/26/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2000 Run Time: 92 mins Released By: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment Cast: Freddie Prinze, Julia Stiles, Selma Blair, Shawn Hatosy, Zak Orth Al (Freddy Prinze, Jr.) and Imogen (Julia Stiles) are college students at a New York university who meet at a bar and are immediately attracted to each other. Gradually, their relationship evolves over a three-month period. As their relationship intensifies, troubles arise, forcing them to separate. Years later, looking back, Al understands that Imogen may, in fact, have been the one. He can only pray that it is not too late. A fresh young supporting cast, featuring Selma Blair, Ashton Kutcher, Shawn Hatosy, and Rosario Dawson, round out this charming romantic comedy. … more less -
Italian Job, TheGenre: Action/Adventure Release Date: 03/12/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2003 Run Time: 110 mins Released By: Paramount Home Entertainment Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Mos Def, Seth Green F. Gary Gray's thoroughly entertaining caper film--a remake of the 1969 crime classic starring Michael Caine and Noel Coward--doesn't merely imitate the original, and that is what makes it such a pleasant, wholly refreshing surprise. Mark Wahlberg stars as Charlie Croker, a smooth thief who orchestrates a flawless heist in Venice with the help of his mentor, safecracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland). Together with his cronies--explosives expert Left-Ear (Mos Def), tech whiz-kid Lyle (Seth Green), adrenaline junky Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), and the shady Steve (Edward Norton)--Charlie walks away with $35 million worth of precious gold bars. But just when the gang appears to be headed to freedom, Steve performs a heist of his own, killing John and running off with the gold, thinking that Charlie and his mates are all deceased. A year later, Charlie has located Steve, who is gradually selling off the gold bars in Los Angeles. With the help of John's beautiful daughter Stella (Charlize Theron), a brilliant safecracker in her own right--as well as those adorable Mini Cooper sports cars--Charlie orchestrates a revenge heist that will teach Steve a valuable lesson about loyalty once and for all. … more less -
Mission: Impossible IIIGenre: Action/Adventure Release Date: 03/12/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2006 Run Time: 125 mins Released By: Paramount Home Entertainment Cast: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Sasha Alexander, Billy Crudup, Laurence Fishburne J.J. Abrams, creator of small-screen hits ALIAS and LOST, makes his feature film debut with the third installment of this successful series based on the hit 1960s television show. Secret Agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) has decided to take it easy and lead a somewhat normal life. He's even found his perfect woman, Julia (Michelle Monaghan), and is engaged. But when newbie agent Lindsey Farris (Keri Russell)--whom Hunt mentored--goes missing while on assignment, the reluctant agent finds himself back in business. Soon, with his old buddy Luther (Ving Rhames) in tow, along with team members Zhen (Maggie Q) and Declan (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), Hunt is traversing the globe on the trail of Farris's captor, Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), an elusive international weapons dealer. The stakes increase when the villainous Davian gets a hold of Hunt's fiancée and uses her as a bargaining chip. A raucous combination of spectacular chases, explosions, amazing stunts, and elaborate schemes takes the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) team to Berlin, the Vatican, and Shanghai. With fascinating hi-tech tools these secret agents can impersonate virtually anyone, scale walls in an instant, infiltrate the tightest security system, and blow up the evidence when they're done. But facing their most formidable foe ever, Hunt and his fellow agents are fighting the clock to keep Julia alive and get Davian the mysterious weapon he is demanding. Cruise's personal involvement in the stunts lends a nice air of authenticity to Hunt, who also shows his emotional side in this outing as he juggles his secret life and his new love, as well as possible betrayal by someone inside the IMF. Laurence Fishburne also stars as IMF's Director Brassel, and Billy Crudup appears as his somewhat timid right-hand man, Musgrave. … more less -
Deep ImpactGenre: Dramas Release Date: 03/12/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1998 Run Time: 121 mins Released By: Paramount Home Entertainment Cast: Robert Duvall, Téa Leoni, Elijah Wood, Morgan Freeman, Vanessa Redgrave When it is discovered that an enormous comet is on a collision course with Earth, a handful of Americans make different preparations for the end of the world. While Leo Biederman (Elijah Wood), the fourteen-year-old amateur astronomer who discovered the comet, deals with the pangs of first love, an ambitious newswoman (Tea Leoni) attempts to reconcile with her estranged parents. Simultaneously, a former astronaut (Robert Duvall) finds himself in the stars once again in an attempt to prevent the catastrophe from occurring. Mimi Leder (THE PEACEMAKER) directs from a script by Bruce Joel Rubin (GHOST) and Michael Tolkin (THE PLAYER). … more less -
Mission: ImpossibleGenre: Action/Adventure Release Date: 03/12/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1996 Run Time: 110 mins Released By: Paramount Home Entertainment Cast: Tom Cruise, Jon Voight, Henry Czerny, Emmanuelle Beart, Jean Reno Tom Cruise stars as Ethan Hunt, leader of a crack squad of intelligence operatives, in this labyrinthine action-thriller based on the hit 1960s-'70s television series. When a dangerous mission in Prague goes inexplicably wrong, Hunt finds himself out in the cold. A mole has infiltrated the CIA, and suspicions are that it's Hunt. His only chance: Find out who the real mole is and turn the tables. The plan takes him on an incredibly suspenseful infiltration of CIA security, leading to a spectacular chunnel climax that would make Hitchcock proud. Thanks to crisp, inventive direction from Brian De Palma and Danny Elfman's dynamite electronica score (including a catchy update of the original Lalo Schifrin theme), this mission is great fun. The talented roster of stars backing Cruise includes Ving Rhames, Vanessa Redgrave, John Voight, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Jean Reno. A witty script by Robert Towne (CHINATOWN, SHAMPOO) and David Koepp keeps the ball rolling in unexpected directions, with the paranoia always set to high. A box-office record-setter during its original release, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE led to a well-deserved sequel, also with Cruise and Rhames. … more less -
Transformers: Revenge of the FallenGenre: Action/Adventure Release Date: 03/12/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2009 Run Time: 149 mins Released By: DreamWorks Home Entertainment Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn Two years after saving the world with the Autobots, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) away at college when an ancient Decepticon named The Fallen returns to Earth on a mission of vengeance. With the Allspark destroyed, the Autobots lose all hope of returning to their home planet of Cybertron, and begin working with an elite military known as NEST to hunt down any remaining Decepticons. But even as they fight for humanity alongside Major Lennox (Josh Duhamel) and USAF Master Sergeant Epps (Tyrese Gibson), the Autobots are acutely aware that not all humans are thrilled by their presence on planet Earth. When National Security Advisor Theodore Galloway (John Benjamin Hickey) wages a heated campaign aimed at exiling the giant robots back into space, head Autobot Optimus Prime agrees to comply with the voice of the people, while warning them of the potential consequences of leaving the planet unprotected. Meanwhile, Sam contends with an overly-cocky college roommate, and attempts to remain faithful to Mikaela (Megan Fox) by fending off advances from pretty - and persistent - co-ed Alice (Isabel Lucas). Just as Sam begins adjusting to the quirks of campus life, a series of inexplicable visions leave him convinced that the struggle between good and evil is far from over. And he's correct, too, because the Decepticons have just discovered that Sam is the one human who possesses the ability to tip the balance of power to the Autobots' advantage, and they're determined to gain the upper hand by dispensing with him once and for all. Now, as Sam and Mikaela unearth a secret about the Transformers that alters the entire course of human history, the Decepticon known as The Fallen prepares to return, and reclaim the plant once and for all. … more less -
Batman & RobinGenre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 02/12/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1997 Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Chris O'Donnell, Uma Thurman, Alicia Silverstone The Caped Crusader returns to battle the abominable Mr. Freeze and green-thumbed Poison Ivy. To save his ailing wife, Dr. Victor Fries turns to a life of crime after a hideous accident makes him unable to tolerate even moderate temperatures, while Dr. Pamela Isley falls victim to mutated plant DNA when things go awry in a jungle laboratory funded by Wayne Industries. Of course, though their interests are diametrically opposed (Freeze wants another Ice Age; Ivy wants to make the world safe for plants), the two villains team up to defeat Gotham's dynamic duo of Batman and Robin, who are joined by butler Alfred's motorcycle-obsessed niece as Batgirl. And when Alfred is diagnosed as having the same terminal disease as Freeze's wife, the trio find themselves not only fighting an altruistic battle, but a personal one as well. A frenetic, colorful, and often overwhelming sequel to "Batman," "Batman Returns," and "Batman Forever." … more less -
Batman ReturnsGenre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 02/12/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1992 Cast: Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough In director Tim Burton's sequel to his successful BATMAN (1989), the Caped Crusador (Michael Keaton) is pitted against the demented, ravenous Penguin (Danny DeVito), a pitiful, orphaned psychopathic freak who once went on a baby-killing spree, and a "power" hungry capitalist villain Max Shreck (Christopher Walken). As the two criminals plot to gain domination over Gotham City, BATMAN must plot to stop them. In the highly stylized BATMAN RETURNS--complete with dark, Gothic architecture and moody lighting--Batman (and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne) is thrown a third enemy, a terrible distraction: Cat Woman (fearlessly and fabulously played by Michelle Pfeiffer). She is the slinky, sharp-clawed alter-ego of Shreck's secretary Selina. Batman must overcome his own dark past, and his present love entanglements, to rid Gotham of it's evil enemies, this time with even more intricately designed sets and tongue-in-cheek humor, making BATMAN RETURNS an action-packed, but darkly fun adventure. … more less -
Mortal KombatGenre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 01/08/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1995 Run Time: 101 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Christopher Lambert, Talisa Soto, Lyndon Ashby, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Bridgette Wilson Three warriors, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage and Lui Kang, battle the servants of the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung to determine the fate of the world. Based on the popular video game. … more less -
Like CrazyGenre: Dramas Release Date: 01/01/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2011 Run Time: 90 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlie Bewley, Alex Kingston Drake Doremus' romantic drama LIKE CRAZY stars Felicity Jones as Anna, a British girl who comes to America to attend college. In Los Angeles she falls madly in love with fellow student Jacob (Anton Yelchin), who returns her affection absolutely. However, when she overstays her visa, the government kicks her out of the United States, forcing the lovebirds to maintain a long-distance relationship and overcome a number of problems to keep their relationship alive. … more less -
Shine a LightGenre: Musical & Performing Arts Release Date: 01/01/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2008 Run Time: 122 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ron Wood, Christina Aguilera The music of the Rolling Stones has lit up the soundtrack to so many Martin Scorsese films ("Gimme Shelter" has appeared in no less than three of his features--GOODFELLAS, CASINO, and THE DEPARTED) that it's little surprise to find the director teaming up with the legendary rockers for this concert recording. SHINE A LIGHT begins with a few glimpses of the preparation that went into the recording of the show, which was staged over two nights at New York City's Beacon Theatre in 2006. Scorsese also includes some candid footage of the Stones doing a pre-show meet-and-greet with guests Bill and Hillary Clinton, which highlights some of the different personality traits in the band. Keith Richards and Ron Wood are the clowns, always goofing around; Mick Jagger is the consummate professional, always polite to a fault; Charlie Watts caries a real air of dignity, as befits someone who enjoys a dual career as a noted jazz musician. The bulk of the movie is dedicated to the multi-camera shoot at the Beacon, which captures the Stones playing some of their biggest hits and a few lesser-known numbers. Special guests such as Jack White, Buddy Guy, and Christina Aguilera are ushered on at various points in the show, and the concert footage is broken up by some amusing vintage footage of the band. By using so many cameras, Scorsese captures a side of the Stones that is rarely seen, such as Watts turning to camera and puffing out his cheeks and Richards offering encouraging words to Jack White as he exits the stage. SHINE A LIGHT provides a welcome glimpse into the Stones' world at this advanced stage in their career, and continues Scorsese's obsession (see also: NO DIRECTION HOME and THE LAST WALTZ) with documenting some of the most influential characters in rock & roll. … more less -
Hot RodGenre: Comedies Release Date: 01/01/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2007 Cast: Andy Samberg, Isla Fisher, Jorma Taccone, Bill Hader, Danny McBride Amateur suburban stunt man Rod Kimble (SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE's Andy Samberg) believes he's destined to follow in the footsteps of his late father, who made test runs of Evel Knievel's stunts before the better-known daredevil repeated them and took all the glory. Kimble risks life and limb strictly for fun and the entertainment of the neighborhood kids, but when his macho stepfather, Frank (DEADWOOD's Ian McShane)--who repeatedly beats and belittles Rod in basement sparring matches--develops a life-threatening heart ailment, Rod attempts the biggest jump of his career to raise the $50,000 necessary to get Frank a heart transplant so that he can have one last chance to fight Frank and prove his manhood. HOT ROD establishes its mission statement early on when Rod pedals his moped past a Salvation Army thrift store in his sloppily hand-decorated costume. Seemingly inspired by NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, THE KARATE KID, and the HAPPY DAYS episode in which the Fonz attempts to jump his motorcycle over 14 garbage cans, director Akiva Schaffer (Samberg's longtime cohort in the online comedy venture THE LONELY ISLAND) sets Pam Brady's (TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE) screenplay in what seems like the mid-1980's (complete with Europe-heavy hair metal soundtrack), though allowing for the existence of the Internet and Vitamin Water. The simple plotline is merely a jumping-off point for a series of failed stunts and often hilarious non-sequiturs. Samberg is likeable in his first starring role, but he is more than equaled by a supporting cast including SNL's Bill Hader, Danny McBride, fellow Lonely Islander Jorma Taccone, and Isla Fisher (WEDDING CRASHERS), who comprise Rod's loyal crew. McShane chews the retro scenery when onscreen and the always-welcome Sissy Spacek lends credibility to the proceedings in her few scenes as Rod's mom. … more less -
NextGenre: Action/Adventure Release Date: 01/01/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2007 Run Time: 96 mins Released By: Paramount Home Entertainment Cast: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Moore, Jessica Biel, Thomas Kretschmann, Tory Kittles In the years since his novel DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? was brought to the screen as BLADE RUNNER (1982), Philip K. Dick's paranoid, futuristic works have frequently made the same leap---sometimes as brainy puzzlers (OPEN YOUR EYES, A SCANNER DARKLY), but more often as star-powered action vehicles (TOTAL RECALL, PAYCHECK). NEXT (based very loosely on Dick's short story "The Golden Man") falls squarely in the latter category, with always-game Nicolas Cage as Cris Johnson, a man with the ability to see two minutes into the future. Afraid that all sorts of frightening demands will be made on him if the true scope of his ability becomes known, Johnson limits the use of his powers to a hokey, third-rate Vegas stage show and reading slot machines to gauge their payouts. Meanwhile, terrorists have imported a nuclear device into the U.S., with the intention of detonating it in a major metropolitan area, and F.B.I. agent Callie Ferris (Julianne Moore) has discovered that Cris's ability is no fake and that he might be able to prevent the disaster. Unfortunately for Cris, he has just met Liz Cooper (Jessica Biel), a gorgeous schoolteacher who gets more involved in this international intrigue than she had any intention to. Lee Tamahori (DIE ANOTHER DAY) keeps NEXT's action coming at an admirable clip, fully exploiting the film's gimmick of several possible outcomes to every major crossroads that Cris encounters. Enough things explode, drive fast, and roll down hillsides to satiate any action fan looking for a well-oiled thrill machine. Cage and Moore are their usual likeable screen personas, Biel's Liz Cooper is a suitably crushworthy romantic interest, and Mark Isham's (CRASH, THE BLACK DAHLIA) score provides perfect accompaniment to the proceedings. … more less -
Black SheepGenre: Comedies Release Date: 01/01/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1996 Run Time: 87 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Chris Farley, David Spade, Tim Matheson, Christine Ebersole, Gary Busey Chris Farley stars as Mike Donnelly, the doltish younger brother of a gubernatorial candidate (Tim Matheson). Mike can't seem to stay out of trouble, thus potentially endangering his brother's chance at winning the election, so campaign aide Steve Dodds (David Spade) is assigned to chaperone him until the election is over. Not realizing that he is biting off more than he can chew, Steve takes Mike to the wilderness of Washington state, where the two men are ill-equipped to deal with the difficulties that nature throws their way. Penelope Spheeris (WAYNE'S WORLD) directs this slapstick comedy, which reunites the successful team from 1995's TOMMY BOY. … more less -
Island, TheGenre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 01/01/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2005 Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Ewan McGregor, Djimon Hounsou, Sean Bean, Steve Buscemi In this thriller from director Michael Bay (PEARL HARBOR, ARMAGEDDON), survivors of global contamination live in a sterile, self-contained world where their every move is monitored. The rules are easy: be pleasant, refrain from asking questions, and don't rock the boat. Everything they need is provided for them, from the white uniforms that magically appear in their closets, to their customized cafeteria-style meals. The survivors all eagerly await their big payoff: winning the lottery and being sent to The Island, the only remaining untainted land in the world. But Lincoln Six-Echo (Ewan McGregor) yearns for more from his life and begins to wonder what really lies outside the thick walls. When his best friend, Jordan Two-Delta (Scarlett Johansson), wins the lottery, he knows that he has to find out the truth about their world before she departs. What he finds is terrifying enough to send Lincoln and Jordan fleeing from the facility to the real world where they quickly discover that they are clones, and that both The Island and global contamination are a ruse. The clones sole purpose is to be harvested for replacement parts when their sponsors need them. With his business now in jeopardy, Dr. Merrick (Sean Bean), the founder of the cloning company, hires a crack team led by Albert Laurent (Djimon Hounsou) to track down his escaped product. Wild chase scenes through Los Angeles circa 2050 are punctuated by high-tech transportation as Lincoln and Jordan run for their lives and try to assimilate into a world that is completely foreign to them. The futuristic set design and visual effects are particularly impressive. McGregor and Johansson both expertly communicate the human element and desire for life that has developed in the two clones, while still finding humor and awe in their childlike naivety. … more less -
Last HolidayGenre: Comedies Release Date: 01/01/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2006 Run Time: 111 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton, Gerard Depardieu, Alicia Witt Queen Latifah is absolutely delightful in Wayne Wang's romantic comedy, LAST HOLIDAY. Latifah stars as Georgia Byrd, a reserved plus-sized woman who lives a dreary, ordinary life in pre-Katrina New Orleans, where she dreams of an elegant existence filled with fancy food, stylish clothing, and high-society parties. But she spends most of her evenings eating frozen dinners all alone, often thinking about a shy coworker (LL Cool J) she has a crush on. When she is suddenly diagnosed with a terminal illness and given three weeks to live, she collects her savings and decides to go crazy, doing all those things she would never allow herself to do before. She heads for one of the world's ritziest hotels, the Grand Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, where she takes advantage of every luxury she can, from spa treatments to downhill ski runs to helicopter trips to designer shopping excursions. While her lavish appetite is admired by a gourmet chef (Gerard Depardieu, showing agile comic skill), she is deemed a potential threat by a corporate bigwig (a slick Timothy Hutton). She's also none too happy to find her too-smooth senator (Giancarlo Esposito) enjoying a lush vacation instead of serving his community. Latifah simply lights up the screen in a somewhat different version of the role played by Alec Guinness in Henry Cass's 1950 original. This version of LAST HOLIDAY has been updated with a playful pop soundtrack, Geoffrey Simpson's beautiful photography, William Arnold's bright and colorful production design, and an enjoyable, lighthearted pace from director Wang (DIM SUM, THE JOY LUCK CLUB, and MAID IN MANHATTAN). … more less
