Life in the Clone Club: ORPHAN BLACK SEASON THREE

(Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing screener DVDs for review. Mild spoilers follow)

My experience of watching Orphan Black is like many others - I binge watch after the series is over. For some people, watching the series over the course of a few days fosters a greater appreciation for the complexities of Orphan Black's narrative; others can settle for the week-to-week growth.

For me, Orphan Black's third season has a bit of lag in the middle....but towards the end, it builds into a very strong conclusion that loops back around to the first season and builds a new status quo.

Admittedly, I can find little fault with the first two seasons of Orphan Black - after all, the narrative took us straight into the heart of conspiracy and identity without missing a beat. The show used - and twisted - tropes freely, creating a uniquely engaging story. However, Orphan Black's third season seems to hold water in the middle of its arc.

For example - I could have easily done without the Breaking Bad-style comedic subplot. (Yes, Orphan Black does need to break the tension, but this felt....off, as if there was no better idea in the planning). The constant exchange of names without context felt confusing (I had to keep reminding myself who Topside and Dyad were throughout the narrative). But after two years of consistently sparkling storytelling, Orphan Black can afford a bit of a lag in year three.

But is this worth watching? Yes - there are some key twists in Orphan Black's third season that give it an added thrust. There are revelations a-plenty as the series comes to a close, and there is a sense of both reinvention and returning to basics.

In short, this is highly recommended. But be sure to watch series one and two first.

THE ARMSTRONG LIE and Noble Cause Corruption

Sometimes, we willingly engage in a "big lie": we see a situation for what it is, and are unwilling - or unable - to accept some more unpleasant truths. Those truths sometimes revolve around the idea of "noble cause corruption" - that people with noble causes sometimes engage in behaviors that can potentially short-circuit their efforts.

The documentary The Armstrong Lie takes on both - focusing on Lance Armstrong's 2009 Tour de France "comeback"....and reframing it within the context of his 2013 admission that he used performance-enhancing drugs.

Watching the film, I was impressed by director Alex Gibney's ability to focus on individual and situational complexities yet laying them out in a straightforward manner. His other films (including Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room and Client 9) have focused on moments in contemporary history where self-delusion and destructive behaviors often have great impact on the cultural fabric at large. The Armstrong Lie does one better - Gibney implicates himself (and readily admits this in the commentary).

The film is actually two films - an abortive 2009 documentary called The Road Back (which had been shelved due to then-present allegations) and a follow-up to Armstrong's infamous admission of "doping" to Oprah Winfrey. Exploring the various ways in which this story unfolded (and allowing the 2009 footage to provide slightly ironic commentary), The Armstrong Lie really makes the case that for some, self-mythologizing and self-delusion often work hand-in-hand. Some stories are built on a lie, but taking that lie to its ultimate extreme - where the lie takes on the tenor of truth - can be the greatest character lapse.

Gibney allows Armstrong and several others - critics and colleagues - to tell their own story. But the strength of The Armstrong Lie is that Gibney reiterates the basic deception at the heart of this story. Towards the end, Gibney provides a closing narration that helps solidify the major themes of the movie. He also provides some insight into Armstrong's character - that a man who came back from a horrendous health situation may make that part of his narrative. And that may not necessarily be the smartest move for an athlete.

Good documentaries do more than just describe a situation - they create a context and a narrative that reaffirms human truths. Regardless of your feelings about Armstrong's actions, The Armstrong Lie makes a strong case for greater skepticism and exploration, especially when the narrative mixes the personal with the professional.

A must-watch.

Welcome to the 2014 Cheapskate Film Festival!

Awhile ago, I held the Cheapskate Film Festival on the blog - a week of DVD reviews based on movies which I had purchased from a discount chain.

This year, I decided to make it even more cheap - every movie (and one television show) that is being reviewed was checked out of the West Lawn branch of the Chicago Public Library. Why?

Simply, it's within walking distance of my home. CPL has an excellent interlibrary loan program. And quite honestly, libraries are the greatest places on earth.

So on that note, check us out tomorrow - it's going to be a very fun week of great DVD recommendations. Meanwhile, I'll be prepping for....well, you know....that charity thing I do around Thanksgiving

DVD Review: SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN

We've all had that feeling of loving some piece of art - some creative expression that speaks to us and us alone, that moves us in an extremely personal way. But imagine, if you will, living under a repressive regime, and discovering hope in an American folk singer....who never had the glory or attention in his native land, but who sells multiple units in your part of the globe.

That's the premise of Searching for Sugarman, a great documentary from last year that should be on your must-view list.

The movies focuses on a group of South African fans of a singer named Rodriguez, who released two little-heard albums (and worked on a third) in the United States. If all this film did was look at an artist in his native habitat (in this case, a decaying Detroit), and/or examine the forces which led to his lack of success (or even limited success), this movie would be a masterpiece. (And yes, Rodriguez' music deserves attention - it's glorious sounding, soulful, and worth owning on compact disc).

But the movie goes several steps further, looking at layers of myth and legend around the artist. Examining how South Africans embraced an American artist, and how a group of concerned fans attempted to "follow the money" to find him. (When Sixto Rodriguez is finally located, it feels less like an obvious plot point...and more like a moment of surprise and joy. Yes, the direction on this documentary is that good).

Thankfully, once Rodriguez is discovered, the movie does something remarkable - it hits familiar beats, but does so without any trace of obviousness. If you're expecting a Behind the Music-style expose, you'll be sadly disappointed. Searching for Sugarman is a film infused with joy, sparkling with wonder, and quite simply, will warm even the hardest of cynical hearts.

And is has one killer soundtrack.

So do yourself a favor - rent this DVD or check to see if it's streaming. You'll be glad you caught this film....oh, and if you missed buying me a gift for my birthday, you can take me to see Rodriguez at the Chicago Theater on May 14th.

This is worth watching. You'll thank me later.

Requiem for a Fallen Actor: THE MASTER

When Phillip Seymour Hoffman passed away earlier this year, I was a bit surprised. Not only was he "too young" (as if there's ever an appropriate time to pass), but he was one of the few actors who never worked in a bad movie. He was never a "good actor in a bad movie", but he always seemed to have a knack for finding high quality scripts that brought out the best of his talents.

The Master is such a movie - there isn't a false moment or a bad performance within it. Although it received initial attention because of certain similarities to Scientology, this is a really unique piece focusing on a key relationship between two men - one seemingly lost, the other with a presumed path.

Joaquin Phoenix plays an ex-soldier who, after World War 2, attempts to deal with the trauma through drinking and carousing. But when he encounters the head of a growing philosophical moment/religion (portrayed by Phillip Seymour Hoffman), Phoenix's character finds himself growing closer with Hoffman and his family - a wife (Amy Adams) who has a key role, a son who admits that his father is "making it up as he goes along", and a daughter who strives to be the perfect member.

One of the key aspects of The Master is how it really focuses on the growing relationship between Hoffman & Phoenix....and it's a relationship that's complex and which is handled in a visually beautiful way. (In fact, a key scene involving music shows us a character's psychological state in a manner that speaks volumes without any dialogue). It's the kind of movie that works at a relatively slow, calm pace....and is best enjoyed on a Sunday afternoon.

Acting throughout the movie is top-notch, with Hoffman deserving specific kudos for not making his character either excessively buffoonish or Machiavellian - in short, he is a "regular man" who sees himself as perceiving a higher truth. Joaquin Phoenix provides a great counterbalance - his character, although lost and seeking, expresses that vulnerability and haunted quality without betraying a fundamental core. But it's Amy Adams who serves as one of the linchpins of the film - it's hard to describe her character without spoiling the movie; suffice it to say, she provides some subtle shadings to a character who could have been a single note. In fact, there isn't a bad performance throughout this movie - it's a great, breathtakingly gorgeous piece of filmmaking.

Although most filmmaking focuses on high-end, graphic novel-based action adventure, there is plenty of room for mature, adult drama. The Master received much high praise upon release. Watching it on DVD, the praise is well-deserved. This one's a must-see.

Review: NOW YOU SEE ME

I'm a sucker for a good heist/caper movie - I love films that break down an illegal act into its component parts, make sure that there are plenty of complications, and finally reveal that how they did it was as impressive when things go horribly, horribly wrong.

(And yes, I've seen both Hustle and Leverage....but long-time readers of the blog know that already).

So when I checked out Now You See Me, I almost expected a nice high concept movie (a heist done with magicians)....what I didn't expect was a thrilling, engaging movie that makes me wish that a sequel is in the works.

Granted, this movie is structured like a great franchise entry: the first fifteen minutes are the crew "coming together"; then the film moves full-throttle, as the four magicians (who refer to themselves as "The Four Horsemen") take on a series of challenges. (One of the more clever conceits is that each act of the movie's three act structure is announced as it happens). Yes, there's the cop - and partner - looking to hunt them down. And yes, there's the rogue who's looking to discredit them.

But Now You See Me is both a visual and script delight - not only are the magic tricks stunning to look at (and yes, some of them are CGI tricks), but there's never a false note or a hackneyed cliche. All of the acting is top-notch, the film is visually stunning....go see this movie.

It's out on DVD and Blu-Ray. Find it streaming. See it - you'll thank me later.

Love is the Drug: BURTON & TAYLOR

(Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing a complimentary DVD for review)

They were one of the most dysfunctional couples in pop culture. Married - and divorced - twice, noted for their addictive and dysfunctional behavior. And yes, they inspired a Lifetime movie featuring Lindsey Lohan.

Thankfully, the BBC's Burton & Taylor  isn't that television movie - in fact, despite some flaws it's a very warm, tender observation of a couple learning how to live with each other....and to live despite each other.

Focusing on their 1983 revival of Noel Coward's Private Lives, the film provides a portrait of two people - one getting healthier and facing personal demons; the other seemingly lost in addictive behaviors - attempting to sort out their feelings for each other. While one party is attempting to seemingly revive their relationship, the other is playing it safe and sober...and the drama comes not from high-pitched antics, but from the efforts of two people to learn how to be adults.

Although it's an exceptional film, the script seems to be relatively one-sided in how it portrays the pair. Dominic West (of The Wire) captures an actor towards the end of his life who is gaining - and in some ways, regaining - a high level of self-respect. But Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth Taylor....well, she seems way too broad, too much of a drama queen....but that is precisely the point. Somehow, despite the separate styles, both actors have a strong chemistry, and the movie never threatens to sink to the depths of Liz and Dick.


This is a very good Sunday afternoon movie - the kind of film that can be viewed, enjoyed, and that provides a touching coda to one of the tumultuous pairings in popular culture. I expected Burton & Taylor to be a bit over-the-top; the fact that it's subdued - and is still extremely powerful - makes it a definite must-view.

Building the Base Under Siege: DOCTOR WHO - THE MOONBASE

(Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing a complimentary copy for review. My opinions are my own).

Thankfully, many of my efforts this past week (thanks, in no part, to a harsh winter) were spent reading and viewing a variety of complimentary materials, including one of the final "classic" DVD releases for Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary, The Moonbase,  one of Patrick Troughton's earliest stories as the Second Doctor, as well as an early example of "base under siege"

Like several other stories from the 1960s (including Reign of Terror, The Tenth Planet, and The Ice Warriors) , The Moonbase contains animated reconstructions of two "missing" episodes, and the style is...well, it's closer to the anime-derived style of Reign and Tenth Planet than the more Hanna-Barbera-esque style of Ice Warriors....and it does seem to clash with the rest of the story. However, this is a bit misleading, as The Moonbase is....well, it's pretty much a straightforward rewrite of The Tenth Planet. (According to the production notes comment track, it was originally slated for William Hartnell before....well, you know....).

What really makes this episode a keeper....well, it's the second story featuring the Cybermen (moving away from the more ghostly versions of Tenth Planet into a more robotic form). It's also a story that wears its mid-1960s nature on its sleeve. (Not only does a female companion serve as a foil for the Doctor, but he actually asks her to "make some coffee and keep (the others) happy". It's not bad, by any means....but it establishes a formula that would make its home in Troughton's second season as the Doctor (including the recently rediscovered Web of Fear, to be released on DVD in April).

In an article about Who that was published last year (and which I can't find the link), a writer referred to Troughton as the "hipster Doctor". But if there's anything that The Moonbase proves, it's that Troughton not only took over the character, but really laid a strong foundation for the show's future.

After watching The Moonbase, do yourself a favor and watch the Second Time Around featurette on The Krotons DVD. With one more story to be released, fans will have a pretty consistent run of Troughton's Doctor....and The Moonbase is a strong example of why he's so well regarded by fans.

Buy it. Now.

5 Things Learned Revisiting DAY OF THE DOCTOR With Mom (SPOILERS)

Thanks to BBC Home Entertainment, I was fortunate enough to receive a review copy of Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor on DVD and Blu-Ray. Fortunate because although I organized a live view, well....I don't know if I had really watched the episode. So I decided to share the viewing with Mom, who's celebrating one year in her new apartment. (Plus, she has a large TV, which helped matters).

So in that spirit - and yes, there are spoilers - some thoughts about watching Day of the Doctor a second time:

1. As I had mentioned in my initial review, fandom is a phenomenon which is best shared, and with an open heart. I am fortunate enough that I was able to enjoy the episode despite first seeing it in a specific context (with people making requests on time, complaining about parking on the north side of Chicago, etc). Enjoying it in much more sedate surroundings was a plus. On that note....
2. Yes, there is fan service, but what do you expect for a 50th anniversary? Moffatt managed to both provide the necessary fan service as well as reshift the narrative - yes, there are plot holes a-plenty, but at the very least, we now have a slightly different focus for the show.
3. Not since Jon Pertwee in Spearhead from Space has a Doctor's eyebrows
   
   played a significant role. Mark my words - Capaldi's eyebrows will be Series 8's "Bad Wolf"
4. If Tom Baker's cameo didn't choke you up (like it did pal JB and, on this second viewing me)....you are truly heartless and cynical. And probably need to start watching something a little more mechanical like CSI.
5. In retrospect, I think John Hurt as a "missing" Doctor works better than Christopher Eccleston would have - it works better thematically, provides a great context and, quite honestly, provides a more emotionally satisfying conclusion. Now, Eccleston's Doctor isn't just the lone survivor of the Time War; he was an unwilling victim who had to carry the guilt of his predecessor.

And yes, Mom enjoyed the episode...and before you dismiss that, consider this: Mom had a liver transplant several years ago. Not only did she have a major organ replaced, she managed to live longer with her new liver than Lou Reed did with his.

And that's the only cheap shot I'm going to take -Day of the Doctor was an absolute joy to watch, and a great start to Doctor Who's 51st year.

Regeneration & Rebirth: DOCTOR WHO - THE TENTH PLANET

(NOTE: Thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing a complimentary DVD for review. My opinions are my own)

Historically, the Doctor Who story The Tenth Planet is renowned for introducing the concept of regeneration - the changing of one actor over to another. So on that level, the story is worth a cursory watch, but the new two DVD release of The Tenth Planet on DVD is a must-own, if only because of some of the historical material presented.

In terms of actual story, The Tenth Planet is....well, it's not the story you think it is. Although it does debut the Cybermen, the bulk of the story concerns efforts to rescue two different space missions. (The Cybermen just happen to be a complicating factor). Add in production issues (including Hartnell growing sick for episode 3), the story tends to weaken. It isn't until the last ten minutes - ironically, the first "regeneration" (although it isn't called that in the episodes) - that the story ultimately redeems itself.

The other factor is that, like many classic Doctor Who episodes, The Tenth Planet has one episode missing from the BBC archives. Thankfully, the disc provides two options: an animated version of episode four as well as the picture-and-text reconstruction taken from the initial VHS release. As I've discussed previously, I'm not a fan of the picture-and-text style of reconstruction, and the animated version works...but the style (with more of an anime influence - think Reign of Terror) can be a bit off-putting at times, and it feels as if the animators were pushing the limit. (Plus, you can see that they used the same shot from An Unearthly Child several times as a fill-in). With the recently discovered The Enemy of the World or The Web of Fear (and yes, one of these days I hope to watch and review), hope always springs eternal....

But what makes this disc a must-own is some of the historical material - the obligatory making-of featurette on Disc 1 provides plenty of insight into not only how this episode was made (including the technical aspects of the regeneration), but into some of the politics of production, including working with William Hartnell. A three-minute interview with Hartnell, taken when he starred in a pantomime right after Doctor Who, leads off disc two. Although way too brief, it does provide a glimpse into Hartnell's mind set, and suggests that perhaps he needed to leave the role. Some other featurettes - focusing on the psychology of companions, the role of the male companion, and the idea of a "golden age" of Doctor Who - help round out disc two, and help provide greater value for the set.

Encouraging people to purchase a lackluster story seems counterproductive, but The Tenth Planet remains a critical piece of Who mythology. Yesterday's DVD release is more historically important than merely another story....and for that reason, Doctor Who: The Tenth Planet on DVD is a must-own.

Fighting the Good Fight: ROCKY BALBOA

"...it's not how hard you can hit; it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward..."

Yesterday was not a good day - several small events (including a bureaucratic snafu and a canceled phone interview) had me feeling totally defeated. Although the frustration and sense of defeat linger, they're not as bad as they were yesterday....when I felt like just giving up. So I decided to kick back after class, relax, and watch Rocky Balboa.

I'm glad I did - it's not just a great addition to the series, but it's a near-perfect sequel to the original film.

Taking place in the present day, we see Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) adjusting to a life of...well, a life. His wife has passed on, his son is working at a high-end New York firm, and he owns a restaurant where he regales patrons with boxing tales, and we get a sense that Rocky is...missing something. Something which could give his life meaning....like boxing. Maybe he'll do a few local fights, just to show that he hasn't lost it - yeah, that's the ticket....

Enter Mason Dixon (Anthony Trevane), an eager young fighter who wins easily....but only because his opponents aren't necessarily that good. He's eager to prove himself, to show that he's not taking the easy way out. When a computer simulation shows Rocky Balboa defeating him in a fight, he decides to put on an exhibition to show that he has the "eye of the tiger"....

(Sorry - wrong Rocky sequel).

Written and directed by Stallone, Rocky Balboa parallels the original movie in many ways, but ultimately, focuses on how both Rocky and Dixon face their own inner challenges. As the quote which prefaces this post suggests, this is more than a movie about "beating the odds" - it is (to use a cliche) how not to allow the odds to beat you. Although we see his world crumbling around him (one key sequence has Rocky and Paulie (Burt Young) touring old haunts from the original film), Rocky remains adamant in finding truly human, tender moments - he reunites with a character from the first film, now grown up. He remains loyal to a former opponent. And yet, when the inevitable training scenes come, they never feel tacked on - this is a movie which is more about fighting inner demons than another boxer.

In handling the emotions of its main characters - Balboa and (to a lesser extent) Dixon, this becomes a great character study in facing oneself. When they enter the ring, even though it's "only an exhibition", both men have something to prove. In a way, Rocky Balboa serves not only as a capstone to the original film, but it manages to almost obliterate the other sequels from memory. It reinforces the themes of the original film, and has a great emotional tone that never feels cloying, manipulative, or counterfeit. The end of the film may not be the expected, traditional ending, but somehow, it just feels right.

(And no, I will not use the fan cliche "the feels". One does not use "the feels" when discussing Rocky Balboa)

Full disclosure: the original Rocky had an impact on me as a child - so much so that I had a Rocky poster on my wall for years. Being well-into-adulthood, Rocky Balboa had a similar effect - it reminded me that some goals are worth pursuing despite the drawbacks. Even in the midst of unfavorable odds, sometimes the bravest, smartest thing a person can do is not simply surrender, but get back up and reenter the fray. That character comes not from suffering, but from persistence

Oh, and there's boxing in this, as well.

See this. Now.

Review: I AM BRUCE LEE

Most documentaries about individuals work towards a more linear proposal - person is born, grows up, becomes famous, trouble ensues, etc. (Think of it as the Behind the Music approach to storytelling). One of the great aspects about I Am Bruce Lee is that it not only provides a clear narrative, it puts his life and work into a really wide perspective.

In other words, readers, if you think all Lee did was kung fu movies....you're in for a pleasant surprise.

Granted, it would have to be - besides actors and directors, a large number of athletes and professional martial artists discuss Lee's life and career. As a Bruce Lee fan myself, the documentary had me watching it repeatedly - not just because it features clips of his movies, but because it really delves into Lee's personal philosophy, and work ethic....and really shows Lee as more than just a great actor and athlete: it really shows how he was a "Renaissance man".

(And if you need an example, take a look at how Brain Pickings discusses Lee's concept of "being like water". It's so good, I wish that I had written it)

There are several really great highlights, including footage from Game of Death, Lee's uncompleted final film; great footage from Lee's past as a child actor; and some really interesting perspectives from a variety of unlikely individuals. (Al Bundy is a martial artist in real life? Who knew?) The only major misstep - and one which threatens the overall arc of the film - is when one individual claims that Lee "invented" mixed martial arts. Discussion about that particular subject - probably spurred more by a production entity than anything else - seems to be unnecessarily distracting, and doesn't really go anywhere. Focusing on Lee as an athletic role model is one thing; this particular discussion appears more self-serving than anything else. Thankfully, I Am Bruce Lee quickly moves through this conversation, and gets back on track. (Surprisingly, it even covers some of the conspiracy theories around his death, and Lee's widow puts it into perspective. This sequence is a must-watch, if only because it deserves to be seen).

Bruce Lee accomplished much in his short life, and his films show a man whose fighting style shared a hard-hitting impact and stylistic grace simultaneously. Action films of the past 40 years owe a stylistic and spiritual debt to Bruce Lee's work....but more importantly, there is a much deeper underpinning to his work. I Am Bruce Lee is undoubtedly one of the best pop-culture documentaries in current memory, focusing as much on Lee's intellectual and spiritual pursuits as it does on his movie and television work.

This is more than just a great way to pass the time - it's a very casual, yet penetrating look into a key aspect of popular culture. It's also mandatory viewing.

A

The Last Great UNIT Story - DOCTOR WHO: TERROR OF THE ZYGONS

(Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing a complimentary DVD for review)

Admittedly, my love of 1970s Who is probably borne more out of nostalgia (so much so that last night - the rough date when I first watched Who - I watched my first story) than anything else. So when I received a review copy of Terror of the Zygons (released today by BBC Home Entertainment), I approached watching it with some trepidation. It's not one of my favorite stories, but it's not hated - it was always just "there". Having viewed the DVD, I can honestly say that it's probably the last great UNIT story - a melding of Letts'/Dicks' storytelling tropes with Hinchcliffe/Holmes' more baroque leanings, making it a much better story than memory serves.

It's not without reason that this is the last great UNIT story - all the UNIT regulars are present, and there's a great semi-contemporary focus on oil in Scotland, as well as the Loch Ness Monster. Although initially intended as a six-part season closer (for Tom Baker's first season), Terror of the Zygons became a four-part season-opener which demonstrated the economy and more gothic leanings of Hinchcliffe and Holmes. (If the Zygon's fetal appearance doesn't slightly creep you out, the more "organic"-looking tech of the Zygon ship would be sorely out of place in early 1970s Who). Terror of the Zygons also shows off exactly why Douglas Camfield was highly regarded as a Who director - there's a directness and energy in his direction. (One of the featurettes on disc 2 is a great documentary on Camfield, and he's one Who director whose work is worth finding and watching). Only the special effects - an effect to bring Harryhausen-style animation to Who - provide a slight drop in quality; however, this is only a small part of what is a really good Who story. (Also, UNIT never really featured in a major way - in Seeds of Doom, they serve as backdrop, and we'll not mention The Android Invasion).

Like the Camfield featurette, many of the special features are illuminating, especially for the wrong reasons. For example, in part three of The UNIT Family, Tom Baker rips into the character of Benton, and John Levene's onscreen behavior....possibly explains the lack of respect. (For those following along: Part One is found in The Invasion DVD, and Part Two is in Day of the Daleks). But many of the other featurettes, including a pair of interviews with Tom Baker and Elizabeth Sladen, are really on the money. Like many of BBC Home Video's other Who releases, you definitely get value for the money, and this definitely deserves watching.

With all the news around "found" episodes and the 50th anniversary, it would be easy to forget that there is currently a great wealth of currently available Doctor Who on DVD. Terror of the Zygons is one of those stories - for some, it's a classic; for others, is a great watch. For me, it's moved into a place that's a little of both. Very highly recommended.

DESPERATE ACTS OF MAGIC: A Review

(Note: Special thanks to Gold Cap Films for providing a complimentary screener DVD for review)

Back in the early days of the blog, I reviewed a small, independently produced film called Never Say Macbeth. I liked it, and was pleased to receive a copy of Tammy Caplan and Joe Tyler Gold's follow-up, Desperate Acts of Magic. At the risk of an overly cute tag line, Desperate Acts of Magic accomplishes great narrative sleight of hand, starting as a near-typical romantic comedy and becoming a sharp, entertaining gem which deserves a wider audience.

Taking advantage of a "Fire-tunity", Jason (Joe Tyler Gold) decides to pursue his dream of being a successful magician, much like his pal Steve (Jonathan Levitt). In one of the most original "meet cutes" ever written, Jason meets Stacy (Valerie Dillman), who is looking to make the big time as a female magician. After insulting Stacy, Jason is inspired to create a new act - one which uses the magician/assistant relationship to focus on larger issues. Shenanigans a-plenty ensue as Jason attempts to win back Stacy, deal with his pal Steve, train new assistant Ellen (Sascha Alexander), and hopefully, gain entry into the world of magicians....

What elevates Desperate Acts of Magic from being just another cookie-cutter romantic comedy is the misdirection of the script. Places where you might expect it to fall into cliche, the story moves into a slightly different direction. Rather than pull familiar rabbits out of hats, Desperate Acts provides plenty of colorful twists, some dead-on performances, and quite honestly, some exceptional film making.

(One of the film's selling points is that much of the magic is done "on camera", and this would be impressive enough...but the movie goes several steps further. One key scene - where Stacy is performing a magic act with a video playing in the background - is very well-edited, and never feels indulgent - it's the best sequences in the entire film. Listen to the director's commentary, and you'll not only get the usual behind-the-scenes information, but you will also get a great crash course in guerilla filmmaking. Although it took a long time to complete this film, the craft and care with which Desperate Acts of Magic was made shows in every single frame.)

Desperate Acts of Magic will be available on DVD on September 10th, and their web site lists other viewing options....but this is definitely a movie to check out. Unlike its bigger budget cousins, Desperate Acts of Magic is a smart, funny, well-scripted movie that manages to accomplish its feats without any smoke or mirrors. Definitely worth seeking.

An Overabundance of Smug: CATFISH

One of the advantages of our media-saturated culture is that one year's "can't-miss-masterpiece" is this year's "casual-choice-from-the-public-library." I have always wanted to see Catfish, the documentary (or is it?) about social networking, for awhile now, so after checking it out of the library....

...well, having seen it, even though I paid nothing,  I still want my money back.

Catfish's premise is simple - a young man who is the subject of a documentary (I'm assuming it started about his photography) becomes friendly with a 7 year old girl via Facebook, which leads to an online "romance" with her sister....and then becomes a tangled narrative focusing on trust, hiding behind identities, and....well, this movie has problems.

It's main one - an overabundance of smug. Although the three "leads" (the main character and two directors) attempt to make this into some kind of reality-like narrative, everything about this movie appears staged and artificial, almost scripted. (And yes, I am very well aware of Charlie Brooker's excellent piece on reality tv editing via Screenwipe.) There's also some wild inconsistencies with the cast and their "performances" - I find it hard to believe that a character who wants to be "left alone" and unfilmed will, later on, demonstrate manic glee at stealing another's mail.

Towards the end - a moment which should have demonstrated pathos and understanding, if not forgiveness, when we see how sometimes living desperate lives can lead to enmeshment in fantasy, we do not get authentic emotion - what we get is a sense of condescension and patronization. It's the kind of arrogance that comes with living in cities (and I admit, I am just as culpable) - that somehow some lives are "lesser". In fact, with a series of brief information screens at the end of the film, Catfish does what very few films (even documentaries) do - kick a person while they're down, almost as if to claim some moral superiority.

It would be easy to describe this film as similar to a Facebook profile - shallow, superficial, and poorly considered. Ironically, a much better film about similar issues in social networking (named The Social Network) would be made later on, but Catfish manages to do something that many do in social media: promote themselves and their ego without any context or nuance.

In short, Catfish seems to be a film made almost exclusively for the social media douchebag....and that is a shame, because it could have been so much more....

Building a Better Bond: SKYFALL

Whether watching the movies on Sunday nights as a child or reading the original Ian Fleming novels as a teenager, it's hard for me not to deny the influence of James Bond on my life.

In fact, when I reread a few novels last realized, I hadn't realized how hard-boiled Fleming's conception of Bond was...so when I caught Skyfall on DVD, I was not only pleasantly surprised, but relieved.

This, really, is the James Bond for the 21st century.

From the pre-credits sequence to the end of the trailer, Skyfall is pretty much wall-to-wall action, but what makes it a companion piece - and endgame - to Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace is that it firmly places Bond in a contemporary context. While the character was originally created within the midst of the Cold War, he is now almost a slightly tarnished knight errant, one who "fights in the shadows" against enemies who cannot easily be determined. It's a film whose subtext makes Bond easily fit within a post 9/11 context without seeming too forced....and yet as if Fleming himself wished it.

This is also one of the best shot Bond films that I remember - Sam Mendes does quite an excellent job in directing this film. Not only are the scenes incredibly good looking, but there is a great sense of pace, timing, and the film never feels overly long. (Yes, it's one of those two-and-a-half-hour films that modern Hollywood loves to release on a regular basis). The acting is strong, the music is gorgeous....

....and quite honestly, although I've loved Bond, I have to admit that Bond films of the past ten to fifteen years have left me cold. Skyfall has reignited my bromance with Bond.

And with Skyfall, we have a James Bond who is timely, ready for action, and who shows great promise.

Who By Numbers - THE VISITATION SPECIAL EDITION

Courtesy BBC Home
Entertainment

(Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing a complimentary DVD set for review)

Watching 1980s Doctor Who - especially Peter Davison's first season - is tinged with a slight bit of nostalgia. From catching the end of episode 1 of Earthshock at a convention to bugging the local PBS station about purchasing the rights, I have a slightly skewed perception of then-current Doctor Who. So when I heard about The Visitation being rereleased as a "Special Edition", my initial thought was....Really? Does this story warrant a 'special edition'?

Although it's pretty much an example of then-Who by numbers, The Visitation is an OK watch, but the two-disc Special Edition contains some extras which are really good viewing.

Courtesy BBC
Home Entertainment

Written by Eric Saward, The Visitation is a neo-historical; it's a story that - conceptually, at least - would not be out of place on the new series, focusing on alien intervention in Earth's past. Taking place in 17th century England (within one day of a great event of historical importance), The Visitation is a languidly paced adventure, and can be a bit draggy in places. (This could easily be restructured as a single new-episode drama). Although the production values are exceptional, there are a few plot holes and inconsistencies, but as a good piece of lazy, Sunday afternoon viewing, The Visitation is a pretty good story, and the picture quality is pretty superb.

But it's the Special Features on Disc 2 that make this a really good addition to a DVD library. Part of the continuing series of Doctor Who Forever featurettes, The Apocalypse Element focuses on the efforts of Big Finish and BBC Audio to provide continuing audio-based stories of classic Doctors. Grim Tales and The Television Centre of the Universe focuses on the cast of The Visitation, focusing not just on locations and the intricacies of television production in the early '80s, but showing that - after all these years - a strong chemistry remains between them. (Don't worry - the original featurettes that came with the initial Visitation DVD release are on Disc One.)

So if you're a sucker for early 80s Who - or you enjoy watching documentaries about various aspects of production - The Visitation: Special Edition is a must-own. It's a good story, great for an afternoon, but it's not quite a "classic"...but don't let that stop you from checking it out.

Regaining My Blogging Mojo

Admittedly, for a good chunk of April and May, this blog was relatively inactive: I can - and will - blame writer's block.

That, and some situational matters, some existential (dealing with Dax's passing in the midst of job seeking) and some practical (having to revise some honest-to-gosh-hopefully-publicated-in-books fiction). So for awhile, I've felt honestly drained. But life has me bouncing back (as well as a pretender to the throne), and so I've been revisiting and regaining my writing mojo....

...not just in the sense of this blog, but all around. Here's a quick little summary:

• For the Chicago Nerd Social Club (I'm on their board), I've done write-ups on Doctor Who DVDs (thanks, BBC Home Entertainment) and Superman-related documentaries; 
• For my monthly column on Comic Related, you can catch my review of the recent BBC America hit Orphan Black, and speaking of which;
• Please like Zone 4 on Facebook, if only because you can avoid hearing a particular co-host chewing the scenery very loudly (and yes, I'm going to burn for that comment); 
• You can get a preview of my activities next week via Chicago Now; and
• I discuss reviving the Net Tuesday/Net2Chi/Netsquared group in a post with a familiar theme for current readers.

And I've also started a new endeavor, which I'll probably write about....early next week.

I'm back.

Please feel free to distribute this post via social media because not only could I use the traffic....but more importantly, the motivation to write.

Alternative History: Looking at BBC Home Video's THE WILD WEST

(Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing a complimentary DVD for review. My opinions are my own)

(Courtesy BBC Home Entertainment)

Sometimes, you find an all-too-brief documentary series that you wish had been produced further - not only does it provide great insight, but it also enjoyable to watch.

The Wild West, a joint BBC/Discovery Channel co-production from 2011, is such a show. The DVD is very bare-bones, but the content - three episodes focusing on figures from American history - is fascinating.

The series focuses one episode apiece on three major Wild West figures - George Armstrong Custer, Billy the Kid, and Wyatt Earp. Part dramatization and part exploration, these three episodes reveal some of the truth behind the myth...and which is extremely fascinating. From the The Wild West provides some exceptional examples of how history can be explored without relying solely on either auctions or a purely "docudrama" approach.

(Courtesy BBC Home Entertainment)

factors that cost Custer Little Big Horn to rumors of Billy the Kid's "pardon" to the trial of Wyatt Earp,

And for those concerned about scenes being "dramatized", these are more to provide a context than to proclaim true historical accuracy....although for the segment on the shootout at the OK Corrall, actual trial transcripts were used).

It may not be a high profile release, but The Wild West is a pretty solid watch, and quite honestly, fans of Westerns and history will really enjoy this. It is available via a

(Courtesy BBC Home Entertainment)

variety of outlets, including BBC America's Online Store. It may only be three one-hour episodes, but this is definitely a "hidden treasure" for anyone interested in watching some great Westerns, looking at American history....or just some casual viewing which is both educational and enjoyable)

Very highly recommended.

Hard Boiled Time Lord: DOCTOR WHO - MIND OF EVIL & INFERNO: SPECIAL EDITION

(Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing complimentary DVDs for review)

There's nothing quite like early 1970's Doctor Who - unlike the whimsy of the current series, many stories during Jon Pertwee's tenure are a mix of slightly harder-edged, almost pulp elements, with an immediacy that makes them inherently watchable. Two recent BBC DVD releases - focusing on stories written by Don Houghton - really establish a much more pulp-flavored Doctor, giving him an edge that many contemporary audiences can appreciate.

Although it's seven episodes long, Inferno moves at a very brisk pace, and can easily be watched on a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The final episode of Season 7 (which was a radical reworking of the show), Inferno focuses on efforts to drill into the earth's crust to find a new energy source. However, as always complications arise, but what makes the story work (and makes it not feel very padded) is that events transpire on a parallel world. (One of the few times classic Who would dive into that theme). In addition, several new featurettes - including a comedic focus on Havoc (the stunt team during series 7) and a look at the failed Dark Dimension 30th anniversary movie make this DVD (which was initially released only a few years ago) a definite must-buy. (Plus, the restoration is excellent, and the picture quality is far beyond the previous effort).

But the noteworthy release is The Mind of Evil from 1971, which had been delayed repeatedly, and was only available as a relatively poor black-and-white film copy. In short, this is not only a great-looking release (in full-blooded color), but is a pretty strong, cracking good story. Focusing primarily on a prison riot, much of The Mind of Evil has some definite pulpish elements: strong antagonists with a variety of motives, an espionage-flavored subplot involving a stolen missile...and a stellar performance from Roger Delgado as the Master. Although the previous story (Terror of the Autons) introduced the character, here's where he begins to shine. Although the series was beginning to move in a more family-friendly direction, this is one of the few classic Who stories that feels like it would fit in the current, plot-driven era of modern Who.

Both stories are from the 1970s, and let's be honest - several of the attitudes and fashions presented are Mind of Evil's picture quality is well worth the wait - it looks as if the original two inch videotapes were located and restored. (However, much like The Ambassadors of Death, this is a longer story that deserves to be watched in hour-long chunks due to its dense plotting).
One of the great things about Don Houghton's writing on both stories is that he provides both Inferno and Mind of Evil with strong well-plots which never really feel padded nor which plod along for their own sake.

Both stories have been released as dual DVD sets, and are worth it. Oh, and by the way, Spearhead from Space will be released on Blu-Ray in August. I'm glad that I'm fortunate to work with BBC Home Entertainment on reviewing its video releases, because with their classic Doctor Who re-releases, they're not only laying the groundwork for an excellent 50th anniversary celebration....but are setting an example for other television DVD releases.

Doctor Who as pulp fiction? The DVD releases of Mind of Evil and Inferno answer that question with a resounding "Yes!"