Pinky's Quadruple Features

[pinkerton]

Hidalgo (2004 Dir. Joe Johnston Anamorphic 2.35:1)

Hollywood at it's best and therefore it's worst by default. Lovely
cinematography super nice transfer this film is really a safe family
film, say fourth or fifth graders on up. It will look great on your
home cinema, give your subwoofers a workout et. al. That's the good
news. The bad news is that the story line is predictable, the acting
is superficial because the characters are superficial. The film is
light entertainment that will shine on your system for virtually
the whole family. It's a safe bet.

Brokedown Palace (1999 Dir. Jonathan Kaplan Non-Anamorphic 1.85:1)

I rented this because I am a hopeless Kate Beckinsale fan-boy, and I
was not disappointed. She and the film camera have a relationship
that is nothing short of amazing. Ms. Beckinsale photographs as well
as anyone I've ever seen, but then I'm a hopeless fan-boy. I'd
forgotten how solid Bill Pullman is as an actor: consistent focus,
aware of his place in the frame, aware of his weaknesses as well
as his strengths. Claire Danes is really, really good in this film.
The transfer is marginal at best. I actually recommend this film,
it just works for me. It's layered, characters aren't exactly what
or who they seem. There is mystery where there shouldn't seem to be.
Nice pace, nice music, nice movie.

The Good Thief (2002 Dir. Neil Jordan Anamorphic 1.85:1)

Can you say Nutsa Kukhianidze? Good, I knew that you could. I'm no
expert but as far as I can tell she currently rules the roost as
super sleek, pouty (in the style of Bardot), Euro starlet. She wears
just enough lingerie to satisfy throughout the film, and I look
forward to see more of her in the next couple of years. Really good
transfer for a flipper, it's a caper movie in the tradition of all
the others that went before it. Since the plot is well worn the
director opted to shoot in "style" mode. If you are a fan of the
French and their quirky ways, this film will work for you. If you
hate all that is French: stay away. I'm a Francophile and thought
this movie was well worth my time.

The Big Bounce (2004 Dir. George Armitage Anamorphic 2.35:1)

This is a dangerous movie. Dangerous in that it is a new-age try
at a purely dialog driven film. The filmmaker introduces a character
late fifth, early sixth reel who has more lines than Jackie Chan/
Arnold/Van Damme have in any of their entire films. No action, no
real plot, just folks chatting with each other. Dangerous in this
current world. It's a shame the film didn't work, nice try though.
Did I say exquisite transfer? This is very helpful when viewing the
marvelous Ms. Foster with her ubiquitous telephoto shot of her in her
bright yellow bikini strolling along the North Shore.

[pinkerton]

Hellboy (2004 Dir. Guillermo del Toro 1.85:1 Anamorphic)

So the bad guys are photographed in a blue hue, the good in
red, and the civilians in yellow. The primary colors and what
comic book publishers use to create their color comics. I
haven't looked at any of the Hellboy comics so I can't comment
on accuracy to the big screen, however the film has a pure
comic book feel to it. It's great for the kids and the transfer
is marvelous. It's simple entertainment, nothing more, and
that's fine.

The Girl Next Door (2004 Dir. Luke Greenfield 1.85:1 Anamorphic)

To get a film made the filmmaker must spin a pitch to backers.
Backers expect to make money on their investment, right? I wish
it were that simple. Although R rated this film is pointed
directly at 13, 14, 15 year old boys to tease them into porn
consumption. The film is a marketing tool. It looks like Vivid
Video backed the project: there's product placement all over
the place. Pick on people your own size Vivid. Great transfer.

The Reckoning (2003 Dir. Paul McGuigan 2.40:1 Anamorphic)

Lots of recessive genes make for loving photography of actors'
baby blues. Nice Medieval costumes, nice music, nice but not
great transfer. The film seems better suited for television
and that's not really a compliment. I guess for me it's an
issue of pace and subject matter. Was this film really only
meant for TV and got bumped up? It sure feels like it. I wish
I could be more specific. If you like period pieces and great
shots of Wales this'll work.

Northfork (2003 Dir. Michael Polish 2.40:1 Anamorphic)

Outstanding cinematography from David Mullen. This movie proves
one thing to me: failed attempts at humour kill art films
dead. If you're gonna do an art film make absolutely sure
the funny bits are actually funny or leave them out. I forgive
the highly derivative nature of the product. I forgive the
fact the the film is so very obvious. There is no forgiving bad
wry humour attempts. Almost but not quite great transfer.

[pinkerton]

The Butterfly Effect (2004 Dir. Bress&Gruber Anamorphic 1.85:1)

You get a choice on this DVD to watch the theatrical cut or the director's
cut. I picked the director's vision of the film. Perhaps I picked incorrectly
but sadly I haven't the time or inclination to view the theatrical or any
other version of this film. I've nothing positive to say. Nothing. Even the
transfer sucks.

Mona Lisa Smile (2003 Dir. Mike Newell Anamorphic 1.85:1)

Didactic cinema shot dramatically simply doesn't work. If somebody comes along
and proves me wrong I'll shut up, but after this film I'm still talking. If
I wanted to make a film about post World War Two feminism, I'd shoot a
documentary: find the women still alive who were moving and shaking at the
time and sit them in front of a camera. Feminism is too real and too complex to
be given to Hollywood and Ms. Roberts. Mediocre transfer.

Never Die Alone (2004 Dir. Ernest R. Dickerson Anamorphic 2.35:1)

Films shot on a tight budget mean that actors must act, or else. This one is a
winner. Particularly Jennifer Sky and Antwon Tanner who both are just
marvelous in support. What I liked most about the film was it's lovely,
elegant timeless quality. I couldn't get a fix on when the film was set, and
although the film drifts back and forth in time it was impossible for me to
get a firm grasp. I like that. I want to see more from this director.
Nice but not great transfer.

Scary Movie 3 (2003 Dir. David Zucker Anamorphic 1.85:1)

I laughed out loud more than once, in fact many times. Nice pace from the
old pro Zucker, and Anna Faris is adorable. The transfer is nothing short
of spectacular. This one will shine on your system, plus make you laugh.

[pinkerton]

Kill Bill's One and Two (2003 Dir. Q. Tarantino 2.35:1 Anamorphic)

The Count of Monte Cristo meets Kurosawa, the Shaw brothers, and
Antonioni's 'Zabriskie Point'. I actually laughed out loud at the
violence, and felt guilty because of it. Perhaps Mr. Tarantino's
cado with the quarreling Magpies is meant to absolve my guilt.
It doesn't. Strangely inconsistent transfer: the film is too much
for Standard def. DVD.

Love Actually (2003 Dir. Richard Curtis 2.40:1 Anamorphic)

I recommend this movie for two reasons:
1) the genius casting of Hugh Grant's counterpart (not his love interest).
2) the nudity. The nudity is purely British and therefore wryly humourous
and even faintly erotic. Nice but not great transfer.

Eurotrip (2004 Dir. Jeff Schaffer 1.85:1 Anamorphic)

Another winner! Just watching these kid actors move through the film
in Europe, no less, is fun in and of itself. I laughed uncontrollably
in one part. Great transfer.

[pinkerton]

Godsend (2004 Dir. Nick Hamm 2.35:1 Anamorphic)

Oh, is this one awful. Rebecca Romijn-Stamos is a looker and not
completely without talent. Her looks however don't save this turkey's
gizzard. How did they get De Niro involved??? Nice not great transfer.

Possession (2002 Dir. Neil LaBute 2.35:1 Anamorphic)

Nice, elegant, slow yet tolerantly paced story. The film gently moves
back and forth in time, and I'm a sucker for that sort of stuff. If
you're a Nineteenth Century/Unrequited Love/Poetry type, this movie
will be your bag. I really, really liked it. Almost great transfer.

Lost in Translation (2003 Dir. Sofia Coppola 1.85:1 Anamorphic)

You either love it or hate it and I love it. Give me style every time.
Anna Faris is a show stealer and I'm now an official hopeless fanboy.
Her karaoke scene is absurdly funny, and that's a compliment. My gosh
what an amazing, spectacular transfer.

Secret Window (2004 Dir. David Koepp 2.35:1 Anamorphic)

Radio plays of fifty and sixty years ago had this sort of spin. Suspense,
The Mysterious Traveler, The Whistler, Inner Sanctum. They all had plots
like this movie. Good for a half hour but certainly not substantive
enough to make a feature film out of. That's still true today. Mr. Depp
is charming but the film is just not very good. At all. Great transfer.

[pinkerton]

Man on Fire (2004 Dir. Tony Scott 2.35:1 Anamorphic)

Lovely, lush photography and well paced. Mr. Scott knows what he's doing,
and that is a pleasure. Skip merely canonizing Christopher Walken and move
him directly into sainthood please. Magnificent transfer.

The Company (2003 Dir. Robert Altman 2.40:1 Anamorphic)

Those of you who only have space operas, hobbit movies, and Disney animation
in your DVD collections should collect this one: it'll give your shelf a little
class. Mr. Altman has always been hit or miss with me and this one is a hit.
Dare I call it the definitive dance film of this generation? I just did. It is.
There's some ballet but mostly modern dance and it's marvelous dance. The
ending piece even pokes fun at dance itself. Great transfer.

The Day after Tomorrow (2004 Dir. Roland Emmerich 2.35:1 Anamorphic)

Designed straight at ripping American popular culture, the filmakers did some
"lifting" themselves: i.e. the movie is an obvious Poseidon Adventure/Towering
Inferno remake. Oddly enough those films ruled the roost of pop culture
thirty years ago. I must admit that when H.M.S. Dennis Quaid set sail, I
missed the boat. Magnificent transfer.

Dorm Daze (2003 Dirs. Scott/John Hillenbrand 1.85:1 Anamorphic)

Nicely administered use of the classic Comedia Del Arte style. Frenetic pace
which is kept up by a young, freshly scrubbed cast who all look like they
just graduated from acting school. I didn't laugh out loud but the film is
worth a rental. Cameron Richardson's bouncy entrance into the film is the
stuff of legend. Great transfer.