February 2005
Listed chronologically by release date.

Anger Management (USA 2003)
Director: Peter Segal
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 14.94
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Adam Sandler (Dave Buznik), Jack Nicholson (Dr Buddy Rydell), Marisa Tomei (Linda), Luis Guzman (Lou), Jonathan Loughran (Nate), Kurt Fuller (Frank Head), Krista Allen (Stacy), January Jones (Gina), John Turturro (Chuck), Lynne Thigpen (Judge Brenda Daniels), Nancy Walls (Flight Attendant),

Sandler butts heads with Nicholson in this tale of repressed fellow who loses it and the couselor assigned to "sort him out". Funny if obvious. Special Edition release with commentary, deleted scenes and bloopers.

Bend It Like Beckham (UK Germany 2002)
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 14.98
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Parminder Nagra (Jess Bhamra), Keira Knightley (Jules Paxton), Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (Joe), Anupam Kher (Mr Bhamra), Archie Panjabi (Pinky Bhamra), Shaznay Lewis (Mel), Frank Harper (Alan Paxton), Juliet Stevenson (Paula Paxton), Shaheen Khan (Mrs Bhamra), Ameet Chana (Tony), Pooja Shah (Meena),

Cheaper re-release of the UK girl power/soccer/coming-of-age comedy movie. Nagra and Knightley are excellent.

Big Fish (USA 2003)
Director: Tim Burton
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 19.94
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Ewan McGregor (Young Ed Bloom), Albert Finney (Senior Ed Bloom), Billy Crudup (Will Bloom), Jessica Lange (Senior Sandra Bloom), Alison Lohman (Young Sandra Bloom), Helena Bonham Carter (Jenny/The Witch), Robert Guillaume (Senior Dr. Bennett), Marion Cotillard (Josephine), Matthew McGrory (Karl), David Denman (Don Price), Missi Pyle (Mildred),

Re-release of the father/son odyssey directed with Tim Burton's usual fondness for the absurd. Endearing film despite a couple of slightly suspect accents. Highly Recommended.

Blue Lagoon (USA 1980)
Director: Randal Kleiser
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 19.94
MPAA Rating: R
Christopher Atkins (Richard), William Daniels (Arthur LeStrange), Leo McKern (Patty Button), Brooke Shields (Emmeline),

Tale of young disaster survivors coming of age in a tropical paradise. Beautiful photography. Beautiful People. The word "buppies". Why is it that I'd like some of the aquatic non-human cast of Open Water to show up?

Cars That Ate Paris (Australia 1974)
Director: Peter Weir
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 19.95
MPAA Rating: PG
Chris Haywood (Darryl), John Meillon (Mayor), Max Phipps (Mulray), Tim Robertson (Les), Bruce Spence (Charlie), Kevin Miles (), Terry Camilleri (), Rick Scully (), Max Gillies (),

Early effort from brilliant director Peter Weir, revolves around bizarre town that makes its living hijacking cars. For fans, but does boast some arresting visuals, notably the spiky VW.

Chariots of Fire (UK 1981)
Director: Hugh Hudson
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 26.99
MPAA Rating: PG
Ben Cross (Harold Abrahams), Ian Charleson (Eric Liddell), Ian Holm (Sam Mussabini), Alice Krige (Sybil), Nicholas Farrell (Aubrey Montague), Cheryl Campbell (Jennie Liddell), John Gielgud (Master of Trinity), Lindsay Anderson (Master of Caius), Nigel Havers (Lord Andrew Lindsay), Daniel Gerroll (Henry Stallard), Nigel Davenport (Lord Birkenhead),

Loaded 2 disc release of the tale of two British athletes in the run up to the 1924 Paris Olympics. Lovingly created film is a little leisurely paced, but otherwise is a treasure. Parodies of the Vangelis scored slow-mo running may have done the feature some damage over the years. Highly recommended.

Day of the Dolphin (USA 1973)
Director: Mike Nichols
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 19.95
MPAA Rating: PG
George C. Scott (Jake Terrell), Trish Van Devere (Maggie Terrell), Paul Sorvino (Curtis Mahoney), Fritz Weaver (Harold DeMilo), Jon Korkes (David), Edward Herrmann (Mike), Leslie Charleson (Maryanne), John David Carson (Larry), Victoria Racimo (Lana), John Dehner (Wallingford), Severn Darden (Schwinn),

Dated but entertaining tale of marine biologist Scott who's managed to devise a method to communicate with dolphins. Naturally there are baddies who wish to turn this to their advantage. Odd choice for Mike Nichols to direct. Tense and occasionally overly cute. Recommended.

Grudge (USA 2004)
Director: Takashi Shimizu
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 28.95
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Sarah Michelle Gellar (Kare Davis), Jason Behr (Doug), William Mapother (Matthew Williams), Clea Duvall (Jennifer Williams), KaDee Strickland (Susan Williams), Grace Zabriskie (Emma), Bill Pullman (Peter Kirk), Rosa Blasi (Maria Kirk), Ted Raimi (Alex), Ryo Ishibashi (Detective Nakagawa), Yoko Maki (Yoko),

Tale of possessed house follows The Ring formula a little too closely, and too many people go places they patently shouldn't far too often. The scares are there though, a good six by my count. Ouch - the price tag.

Order (USA 2003)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 14.98
MPAA Rating: R
Heath Ledger (Alex Bernier), Shannyn Sossamon (Mara Sinclair), Benno Furmann (William Eden), Mark Addy (Thomas Garrett), Peter Weller (Driscoll), Francesco Carnellutti (Dominic),

Lots of familiar faces from the same director's A Knight's Tale in this tale of dodgy religious types and an evil at large. The critics hated it, but viewers seem to be kinder. Perhaps I ought to buy it?

Ray (USA 2004)
Director: Taylor Hackford
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 29.98
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Jamie Foxx (Ray Charles), Kerry Washington (Della Bea Robinson), Regina King (Margie Hendricks), Clifton Powell (Jeff Brown), Harry J. Lennix (Joe Adams), Bokeem Woodbine (Fathead Newman), Aunjanue Ellis (Mary Ann Fisher), C. J. Sanders (Young Ray Robinson), Sharon Warren (Aretha Robinson), Curtis Armstrong (Ahmet Ertegun), Richard Schiff (Jerry Wexler),

Superb biopic of Ray Charles held together by Jamie Foxx's excellent performance and great direction from Taylor Hackford. Highly Recommended.

Return to the Blue Lagoon (USA 1991)
Director: William A. Graham
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 19.94
MPAA Rating: R
Milla Jovovich (Lilli), Brian Krause (Richard), Lisa Pelikan (Sarah), Todd Rippon (Gullion), John Turnbull (Dawes),

Milla takes over from Brooke Shields in this sequel-cum-remake of The Blue Lagoon. Again all very fetching or should that be wretching?

Star Chamber ( 1983)
Director: Peter Hyams
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 9.98
MPAA Rating: R
Michael Douglas (Steven Hardin), Hal Holbrook (Benjamin Caulfield), Yaphet Kotto (Detective Harry Lowes), Sharon Gless (Emily Hardin), James B. Sikking (Dr. Harold Lewin), Joe Regalbuto (Arthur Cooms), Don Calfa (Lawrence Monk), John DiSanti (Detective James Wickman), DeWayne Jessie (Stanley Flowers), Jack Kehoe (Hingle), Larry Hankin (Det. Kenneth Wiggan),

Tale of a frustrated Judge tired of letting creepozoids back onto the streets and the solution he is offered by a secret society. Will at least cause you to think about the issues as this thriller unwinds. Gorgeous and groundbreaking night time photography in this, Hyam's 2nd best film after Capricorn One (which is now hard to watch because of the OJ factor) methinks.

Vampire Effect (HK 2003)
Director: Dante Lam
Release Date: 02/01/2005
Price: 14.94
MPAA Rating: R
Ekin Cheng (Reeve), Josie Ho (Lila), Mickey Hardt (Duke Dekotes), Edison Chen (Kazaf), Anthony Wong (Prada), Mandy Chiang (Momoko), Chapman To (Man Keung), Charlene Choi (Helen), Gillian Chung (Gypsy), Jackie Chan (Jackie), Sheung Li Lam (Jackie's Father),

Kind of Asian Buffy the Vampire Slayer, cheesy but fun with some great martial arts stunts. Jackie Chan's appearance is more of a cameo than his billing would suggest. Comic book and vampire violence is mild PG-13 stuff, why the MPAA gave this an R is beyond me.

Before Sunset (USA 2004)
Director: Richard Linklater
Release Date: 02/08/2005
Price: 19.96
MPAA Rating: R
Ethan Hawke (Jesse), Julie Delpy (Celine), Vernon Dobtcheff (Bookstore manager), Louise Lemoine Torres (Journalist#1),

Linklater's follow-up to Before Sunrise, set 9 years (is it really 9 years?!) later and our two protagonists are still carrying a torch for eachother. Sweet natured look at relationships, nothing earth shattering.

Excalibur (UK 1981)
Director: John Boorman
Release Date: 02/08/2005
Price: 12.97
MPAA Rating: R
Nigel Terry (Arthur), Helen Mirren (Morgana), Nicholas Clay (Lancelot), Cherie Lunghi (Guinevere), Paul Geoffrey (Perceval), Nicol Williamson (Merlin), Robert Addie (Mordred), Gabriel Byrne (Uther Pendragon), Keith Buckley (Uryens), Katrine Boorman (Igrayne), Liam Neeson (Gawain),

Re-release for Boorman's terrific blood and thunder version of the Arthurian legend. Makes the more recent retelling seem particularly insipid. Only drawback is the ham acting which brings forth the ghost of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Grumpy Old Men (USA 1993)
Director: Donald Petrie
Release Date: 02/08/2005
Price: 12.97
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Jack Lemmon (John Gustafson), Walter Matthau (Max Goldman), Ann-Margret (Ariel), Burgess Meredith (Grandpa), Daryl Hannah (Melanie Gustafson), Kevin Pollak (Jacob Goldman), Ossie Davis (Chuck), Buck Henry (Snyder), Christopher McDonald (Mike), Steve Cochran (Weatherman), Joe Howard (Pharmacist),

Matthau and Lemmon have never been better in this tale of the elderly duo who's lives are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of the delectable Ann-Margret. Very funny and kind. I think this deserves more critical acclaim than it gets. One of the best comedies of the 90s. Bless you, Jack, Walter, Ossie and Burgess.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (USA 1978)
Director: Michael Schultz
Release Date: 02/08/2005
Price: 14.98
MPAA Rating: PG
Peter Frampton (Billy Shears), Barry Gibb (Mark Henderson), Robin Gibb (Dave Henderson), Maurice Gibb (Bob Henderson), Frankie Howerd (Mr. Mustard), Paul Nicholas (Dougie Shears), Donald Pleasence (B.D. Brockhurst), Sandy Farina (Strawberry Fields), Dianne Steinberg (Lucy), Steve Martin (Dr. Maxwell Edison), Steve Tyler (future villain band),

It's hard to imagine a film that could not be enhanced by the music of the Beatles. This is that movie. Easily one of the worst ideas ever, hanging a movie on song title characters. Astonishing that Steve Martin ever found work again. However there is pleasure to be had form the sheer awfulness of it all and trying to spot familiar faces in the finale of mugging musical extras.

Sorcerer (USA 1977)
Director: William Friedkin
Release Date: 02/08/2005
Price: 14.98
MPAA Rating: PG
Roy Scheider (Scanlon/Dominguez), Bruno Cremer (Victor Manzon), Francisco Rabal (Nilo), Amidou (Kassem), Ramon Bieri (Charles Corlette), Joe Spinell (Spider), Peter Capell (Lartigue),

A bunch of desperate types is enlisted to drive a dangerous cargo over mountainous roads. Remaking the Wages of Fear must have seemed like a good idea, but this version has few friends, possibly because there is no one to root for. Friedkin's stunning visuals are emasculated by the pan & scan presentation (Why? Why? Why?). Great score by Tangerine Dream.

Carry on Camping (UK 1972)
Director: Gerald Thomas
Release Date: 02/15/2005
Price: 22.99
MPAA Rating: NR
Sidney James (Sid Boggle), Kenneth Williams (Dr Soper), Joan Sims (Joan Fussey), Charles Hawtrey (Charlie Muggins), Terry Scott (Peter Potter), Barbara Windsor (Babs), Bernard Bresslaw (Bernie Lugg), Hattie Jacques (Miss Haggerd), Peter Butterworth (Joshua Fiddler), Julian Holloway (Jim Tanner), Dilys Laye (Anthea Meeks),

Oddly one of the more beloved Carry Ons as the team are placed in the traditional British holiday from hell environment. See also "Cor, Blimey" which documents the off screen relationships betwixt the cast. Highly recommended for middle aged expatriates (like ME!).

Motorcycle Diaries (Argentina USA Germany UK Chile Peru France 2004)
Director: Walter Salles
Release Date: 02/15/2005
Price: 29.98
MPAA Rating: R
Gael Garcia Bernal (Ernesto Guevara de la Serna), Rodrigo De la Serna (Alberto Granado), Mercedes Moran (Celia de la Serna), Jean Pierre Noher (Ernesto Guevara Lynch),

Study of the young Che Guevara and a life altering road trip. Delightful film with great performances that doesn't rub your face in the events that are to follow. Seems to be enraging right wing filmgoers.

Saw (USA 2004)
Director: James Wan
Release Date: 02/15/2005
Price: 28.98
MPAA Rating: R
Leigh Whannell (Adam), Cary Elwes (Dr. Lawrence Gordon), Danny Glover (Detective David Tapp), Ken Leung (Detective Steven Sing), Dina Meyer (Kerry), Mike Butters (Paul),

Mind games psycho thriller with lots of sharp implements around. Probably one of the better horror efforts from a rash of them that appeared at the end of last year (Will the sequel be Wrench?).

Vampires: Out for Blood (USA 2004)
Director: Richard Brandes
Release Date: 02/15/2005
Price: 27.98
MPAA Rating: R
Kevin Dillon (Hank Holten), Vanessa Angel (Susan Hastings), Jodi Lyn O'Keefe (Layla Simmons), Lance Henriksen (Captain John Billings),

Originally titled Out for Blood (and not a sequel to Carpenter's Vampires), this made for cable vampire flick isn't too bad for undemanding genre fans.

Project X (USA 1987)
Director: Jonathan Kaplan
Release Date: 02/22/2005
Price: 14.98
MPAA Rating: PG
Matthew Broderick (Jimmy Garrett), Helen Hunt (Teri), William Sadler (Dr Carroll), Johnny Ray McGhee (Robertson), Jonathan Stark (Sgt. Krieger), Robin Gammell (Colonel Niles), Stephen Lang (Watts), Jean Smart (Dr Criswell), Dick Miller (Max King),

Agreeable story of Broderick given the punishment of looking after the chimps at a shady government lab with predictable consequences. Great cast of hissable villains.

Yellow Emanuelle (Italy HK 1976)
Director: Bitto Albertini
Release Date: 02/22/2005
Price: 19.95
MPAA Rating: NR
Chai Lee (Dr. Emy Wong),

Dodgy cash in on the Emanuelle cycle (with the tackiest title). Chai Lee is a dish though. Originally titled Mondo dei sensi di Emy Wong.