Well, it’s sad that a promising trilogy is now being announced as having almost five more installments added soon. Lions Gate has made no lies or double talk about this decision. The creators Whanel and Wan have proclaimed they’re dropping out of the further installments, but the studio and Tobin Bell are intent on continuing this franchise. Soon we’ll have “Saw: in Space”! Since the studio is intent on raping this series until it bleeds, “Saw III” is possibly the last good entry in an otherwise quality franchise.
Babel (2006)
Since films like “The Constant Gardener” and “Traffic” have set a precedent for big budget Oscar contenders with a commentary on society, “Babel” is one of the many to enter the film community with a rather timely commentary. If anything, “Babel” should make for some interesting debating once the film has ended, and will surely enter into the Oscars eventually. Iñárritu’s film revolves around alienation and communication, and alienation not only through immigration, but through the differences that alienate us from everyone around us, even to people similar in nationality. Take for example Chieko who is a deaf-mute still grieving her mother’s suicide and seeks to be accepted in her country among her friends.
Curious George (2006)
“Curious George” takes the adaptation in the right direction, with new character changes that work well. As a fan of the book series, and as someone who grew up reading this wonderful series, I was anxious to see “Curious George.” And the child in me wasn’t let down. The man in the yellow hat is now named Ted. And his yellow suit is one he was tricked into wearing. And I like it. Many other questions are answered in this big screen animated adaptation (How did George get his name?) that I can describe as one of the most adorable animated films I’ve seen in years.
Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
“I’ve never said suicide, I never will say suicide… Jim Jones killed them.”
One of the most spine-tingling moments of “Jonestown: The Life and Death of the People’s Temple” is a simple minute of passive home video footage. Jim Jones opens a box of supplies and explores it: “Here we have rice… black-eyed peas… Kool-aid.” How does one man win over 909 people? How does one man convince them he is the second coming of Christ? How does one man convince almost a thousand people to follow him in committing suicide? Prey on their vulnerabilities.
The Ghouligans (Web Series)
The Slack Pack’s “The Ghouligans” is an awful lot like the most recent 60’s homage “The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra.” It’s not perfect, it’s an acquired taste, but in the end it’s a pleasing little satire/love letter to the time of cheesy monster flicks. Except The Slack Pak takes its film in the angle of “The Munsters” in which we follow a group of displaced monsters in modern times struggling to get by and make dues.
Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Vol. 4 – The Ultimate Race (DVD)
If you’re a fan of “Oban Star Racers,” or “Speed Racer,” movie 4 of the “Acceleracers” series will please tween boys with bright animation, epic car races, and stories simplistic enough to keep their attention. This final installment involves the Acceleracers devising a plan to save one of their kidnapped team mates Wylde brother of the hero Kurt. To do this they have to open the Cosmic Realm, a dimension of twists and turns and infiltrate Racing Drones Headquarters, and the action beefs up for this last go around. Are you excited?! I sure am! Even though I have no idea what I just wrote! Can you get your son to explain to me?
Festival of Fright (DVD)
Upon first glance at the cover, it’s pretty obvious “The Monster Club” didn’t just take a bunch of images and pasted them together (seriously, take a look at the cover! It’s like a poster! The horror gods shine on you Kerry Gammill). And “Festival of Fright” is not just a pastiche of trailers to sell DVDs. “Festival of Fright” is in the tradition of trailer compilations of the VHS era that not only help us relive some of the best and worst horror films ever made, but also show us that film can still be fun because it invokes nostalgia, amusement, and lets us marvel at how film has evolved and devolved over decades.