Pick of the Week. 2/15/05

Donnie Darko - The Director's Cut DVD from Fox Home Entertainme Release date: 15 February, 2005

We have some decent releases coming out this week, but the one that stands tall among them is Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut. I am not sure exactly what is different between this version over the original theatrical release, but I do know that this is how it was originally intended, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing this version of the film.

For those of you who have not seen the film, I am not sure that I could do it justice by attempting to describe it. For as much as I like the film, I really don't think I could adequately convey what it is about. There is time travel, teen angst, a bizarre rabbit guide, an airplane engine that falls from the sky, plus Drew Barrymore, Noah Wylie, and Patrick Swayze. All of this from a first time director.

It has become something of a cult hit with most of it's fans discovering it on video. I bought the original DVD blindly, and I am sure glad I did. It is easily one of the best blind purchases that I have made.

One thing to touch on is the focal point of the film. For as well written and directed the film is, another find is the film's star. Jake Gyllenhal stars as Donnie, and brings a morose stability to the lead role. He has been in a few movies since, and is definitely a name to remember, even if you can't spell it!

Other notables for the week:

• Saw. Love it, hate it, this movie has fans on both sides of the border, and then there are fans like me. I liked it. It is a rather effective horror film with some blood, despite it's narrative flaws.
• Motorcycle Diaries. Despite the subject, this is actually an entertaining film, with a good story that belies who the main character would grow into after the depicted events.
• Taxi. Avoid at all costs, if you have to, rent it first. Despite the likability of the two leads, this film is an absolute mess.
• The Yes Men. An interesting documentary following a group of people who masquerade as the WTO, and the ridiculous proposals people swallow from them.
• Young Einstein. Not a good movie by any stretch, but it still holds a certain goofy charm. Who can forget Yahoo Serious?
• Goodbye Dragon Inn. Looks like an interesting story, a tourist takes refuge in a theater which may be inhabited by ghosts.
• Last Life in the Universe. This also looks interesting about a reclusive man bent on suicide who meets a woman who may be able to save him.
• Tae Guk Gi: Brotherhood of War. A film from Korea about the Korean War. I have heard good things about and look forward to finally seeing it.
• Half Baked: Fully Baked Edition. I never really cared for this film, and really surprised that it ranks getting another edition. I guess it is banking on the current popularity of the talented Dave Chappelle.
• Ice Pirates. I have a vague recollection of this movie, but cannot remember what it is about.
• Requiem from the Darkness - Pain of the Damned (Vol. 3). An entertaining anime series following a storyteller.
• Angel Season 5. This completes the releases of this wonderful series, sadly cut short.
• Garfield Travel Adventures. Who doesn't love Garfield cartoons?
• Greatest American Hero Season 1. This is a series I remember liking, but cannot remember any details of from my youth.

Visit me at Draven99's Musings.

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