| Cinema Tuesdays Reviews grew as an extension of the popular Cinema
Tuesdays film series. Beyond the summer months of the screenings, Nathan Cone, Randy Anderson and others provide reviews of recent theatrical releases, DVD releases and books in Cinema Tuesdays Reviews.
As you read the reviews, we've provided courtesy links to Amazon.com for more information about each of the books and DVDs mentioned. Should you decide to buy one of these items using this special link, your purchase will benefit Texas Public Radio. |
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  Xanadu
One year ago, Xanadu opened on Broadway to rave reviews, and this year it garnered four Tony nominations. Alas, Xanadu came up short at the Tonys, but fans can revel in a new DVD release of the 1980 film of Xanadu, which includes a second disc of the soundtrack, featuring music by ELO. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the "Magical Musical Edition" of Xanadu, and saysit's not as bad — or as good — as you remember. June 19, 2008
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 Enchanted
Amy Adams seals her star status with her performance as the princess Giselle in Enchanted, a Disney film that takes a conventional fairy tale story and adds a pinch of satire. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the movie, recently released on DVD. Its three Oscar-nominated songs are still stuck in his head. June 10, 2008
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 No Country For Old Men
Last year’s Best Picture Oscar winner, “No Country for Old Men,” also picked up awards for Best Supporting Actor (Javier Bardem), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Director. It’s now available on DVD. Texas Public Radio’s Nathan Cone says that while this film may seem at first glance a departure for the Coen Brothers, it actually fits right in with their body of work. You can read his review of the DVD here. April 16, 2008
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 Becoming Jane
The studio pitch could have been "It's like Shakespeare in Love, but without the jokes!" Becoming Jane takes a minor flirtation from the early life of author Jane Austen and imagines a scenario that might of inspired her novel Pride and Prejudice. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the DVD here. March 27, 2008
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 Gone Baby Gone
Oscar®-nominated Amy Ryan stands out as the mother of a missing child in Gone Baby Gone, Ben Affleck's directorial debut. The film also stars Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and Casey Affleck. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says Gone Baby Gone is a reminder of how talented Ben Affleck is. Read his full review here. February 20, 2008
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 Walt Disney Treasures
Each year, serious Disneyphiles (like our own Nathan Cone) look forward to the December release of several Walt Disney Treasures DVDs. The two-disc sets, packaged in a handsome tin box, are chock full of rare material from the company's vast television and film archives. The latest wave features the continuing adventures of Donald Duck, an insider's look at Disneyland, and Oswald, a character that pre-dates Mickey Mouse. January 10, 2008
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 Once
The Irish romance Once, about two musicians who meet on the streets of Dublin, is now out on DVD after a successful theatrical run. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says this is one of his favorite movies of the year, and it perfectly captures the joy of finding a kindred spirit both personally and musically. December 23, 2007
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 Waitress
A sweet confection of a movie, Waitress stars Keri Russell as a small town worker at a diner whose pies inspire rapturous adoration from her customers. The movie was a bittersweet success story in 2007 — its writer and director, Adrienne Shelly, died in 2006 after completing the film. December 12, 2007
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 Ratatouille and Pixar Short Films Volume 1
Sure to be in a lot of stockings this year is the latest offering from Pixar Animation Studios, Ratatouille, the story of a lowly rat's dream to become a great Parisian chef, directed by Brad Bird (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant). Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone offers a review of the DVD along with another special treat from Pixar that you shouldn't overlook. November 25, 2007
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 Death Proof
“A terror so fierce, it’ll tear you in two!” was the tag line that accompanied theatrical showings of Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror and Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof earlier this year, when they were double-billed as Grindhouse. Now, the two films really have been split for their respective DVD releases. Texas Public Radio’s Nathan Cone thinks Death Proof is the better of the two releases. October 1, 2007
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 The Graduate
The Graduate turns the big Four Oh this year, and there's a new special anniversary edition of the film available on DVD. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone watched the film again recently, and came to appreciate the film in a new way. September 9, 2007
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 The Muppet Show: Season 2
After the first season of The Muppet Show brought those felt covered funny folks worldwide fame in 1977, the second season gave us classic songs and sketches, and stellar guests like Peter Sellers, Elton John, and Steve Martin. The show was subsequently awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Series. TPR’s Nathan Cone, a Muppet fan from childhood, recently took a trip back in time with The Muppet Show: Season 2 on DVD. August 12, 2007
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 Racing Against the Clock
Texas Public Radio's resident fitness fanatic James Baker was recently inspired by Racing Against the Clock on DVD. The documentary is the story of five women, middle aged to senior, and their newfound interest in athletics. You can read James' review here, visit the iExercise page here, and get inspired yourself! June 7, 2007
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 Little Children
Little Children is the second feature from director Todd Field, whose previous feature, In the Bedroom, also took place in a close-knit community. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of Little Children on DVD. You can also listen back to an earlier interview with one of the film's Oscar-nominated stars, Jackie Earle Haley. May 4, 2007
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 Music from the Inside Out
One of America's premier musical ensembles is profiled in the documentary Music from the Inside Out, now available on DVD. The movie doesn't focus on the great directors of the storied Philadelphia Orchestra, but instead gives viewers a glimpse into the players lives and what inspires them to create music. Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson has a review of the film. April 13, 2007
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 Invincible
To get himself ready for the Super Bowl, Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone sat down to watch the inspirational movie Invincible. The movie recounts the story of the NFL's oldest rookie, Vincent Papale, who made the Philadelphia Eagles team at age 30 in 1976. His review of the DVD is online. January 31, 2007
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 Walt Disney True-Life Adventures
From 1948 to 1960, the True-Life Adventure films entertained and educated moviegoers. These films offered a glimpse at nature in its almost purest form -- the Disney name meant there would be some creative editing and narration, after all! Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of a new four volume DVD series that includes all of the True-Life Adventure films and more. January 26, 2007
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 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Earlier this year, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest plundered moviegoers wallets, and this month sold an incredible ten million copies when it was released to DVD. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone enjoyed the first film, but found himself in choppy waters watching this sequel. December 16, 2006
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 Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Director's Cut DVDs are a dime a dozen these days, but Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is something special. Nearly 30 years ago, Richard Donner was fired from the production of Superman II and replaced by another director, who re-shot over half the film. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of this astonishing restoration of Richard Donner's vision, now on DVD. December 4, 2006
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 Cars
Cars roars onto DVD with a surprisingly light load as far as extra
features go. No matter, Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says the movie
itself is plenty of reason to check this one out. And, this is the second
Pixar film in a row to feature a special public radio connection... November 13, 2006 |
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 Mandela
The recently-released DVD of the Oscar-nominated Mandela is quite a package! Besides the film, this box set includes a CD soundtrack, book, and map of South Africa. Texas Public Radio's Deirdre Saravia thoroughly enjoyed them all, and has a review of the set. November 2, 2006 |
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 A Prairie Home Companion
You won't find any mention of Lake Wobegon in the film, but A Prairie Home Companion successfully brings the folksy humor of the long-running radio program to the movies. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of Robert Altman's film of A Prairie Home Companion on DVD. October 22, 2006 |
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 Goal! The Dream Begins and The Miracle Match
Earlier this year, the soccer-themed Goal! The Dream Begins was released in theaters, riding waves of World Cup fever.
Now the rags-to-riches story has been released to DVD, along with another movie about underdogs, The Miracle Match, based on the United States' improbable 1950 win over Britain during the World Cup.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of both discs. September
27, 2006 |
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 Barbecue: A Texas Love Story & Lubbock Lights
Two of the many, many things Texans are mighty proud of are barbecue and Texas Music.
Two new-to-DVD documentaries take a look at the best of both, and Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the discs.
You'll also find an interview with Chris Elley, director of Barbecue: A Texas Love
Story,
from TPR's David Martin Davies. September 9, 2006 |
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 Tsotsi
Last year's Oscar-winning Foregin Language film, "Tsotsi," was recently released on DVD.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says the film is a great tale of redemption, and the DVD includes some valuable bonus
features. August 9, 2006 |
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 Night Stalker
Hoping lightning would strike twice, ABC tried an updated version of the 1970s television hit "The Night Stalker" in the fall of 2005.
The show didn't last, but not because it wasn't any good. Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson says it's just because it didn't live up to "The Night Stalker"
name. May 26, 2006 |
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 Shopgirl
Based on Steve Martin's first novella, "Shopgirl" is quite refreshingly about a real adult relationship.
Martin stars as Ray Porter, "a man over fifty" wooing a young woman who works the glove counter at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Claire Danes and Jason Schwartzman also star, and Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has the DVD review. May 19, 2006 |
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 The Busby Berkeley Collection
Choreographer Busby Berkeley is the focus of a new box set that shows off his extravagant production numbers to great effect.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone reviews "The Busby Berkeley Collection," which features five films from the 1930s, including "42nd Street" and "Gold Diggers of 1933." April 22, 2006 |
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 Zu Warriors
Director Tsui Hark's martial arts fantasy "Zu Warriors" is one of those "kinda-sorta" remakes.
The University of Texas-educated filmmaker first visited the Zu Mountains on film in 1983.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the 2001 version of "Zu Warriors," now on
DVD. April 4, 2006 |
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 Ryan/Hardwood/Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square
Big things come in small packages, like these three short films that were all nominated for an Academy Award.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone reviews a new DVD that compiles all three on one disc, and in an archived audio interview, he speaks to Hubert Davis, director of
"Hardwood." March 23, 2006 |
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 The Virgin Spring/The Last House on the Left
Quick, name a successful foreign film that was later remade in America as a... horror film?
Yes, Ingmar Bergman's thought-provoking essay on spirituality and evil, "The Virgin Spring," new to DVD, was remade as "The Last House on the Left."
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone watched both films in the span of a week to see how they compare. March 14, 2006 |
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 Elia Kazan: A Biography
He was one of the century's greatest directors of stage and screen, but
Elia Kazan is remembered as much for his HUAC testimony in the 1950s as
for his body of work. A new biography of Kazan attempts to rectify
that. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone reviews Richard Schickel's Elia Kazan: A Biography. March 3, 2006 |
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 Lady and the Tramp
A groundbreaking animated film, "Lady and the Tramp" was the first original story to be produced by the Disney studios.
It's also surprisingly more adult than you may remember, according to Texas Public Radio's Nathan
Cone. February 23, 2006 |
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 Proof
Director John Madden and star Gwyneth Paltrow take the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Proof" from stage to screen with winning results.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the new DVD of the film, which he says is not a "math movie" by any
means. February 16, 2006 |
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 The Pink Panther
MGM is piggybacking a DVD re-release of their "Pink Panther" films as the Steve Martin remake hits theaters this month.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone took a look at the DVD of the original "The Pink Panther," and found there's more there than meets the
eye. February 7, 2006 |
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 Rock 'N' Roll High School - Rock On Edition
The Ramones were one of the greatest bands in the history of rock music, and at their peak in the late 1970s when they were captured on film in the movie "Rock 'N' Roll High School."
A special edition DVD of the cult classic was issued in December, 2005.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review. January 13, 2006 |
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 Disney Rarities
Among the latest wave of Walt Disney Treasures DVD sets, "Disney Rarities" stands out not only for its content, but for a few unfortunate reasons.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the set. December
30, 2005 |
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 The Adventures of Superman: Season 1
Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive!
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! With these words, a new Superman adventure began each week in the 1950s, featuring George Reeves in the title role.
A new box set compiles all the episodes from Season 1 of the series. December 12, 2005 |
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 Twin Sisters
Proving that there are still unique stories to be told from the World War
II era, "Twin Sisters" is the story of siblings torn apart by love and war.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the film and DVD. November 5, 2005 |
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 Cinderella: Platinum Edition
The new Platinum Edition DVD of "Cinderella" is chock full of extras, but do all of them matter?
Read a review of the DVD written by Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone. October
25, 2005 |
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 Paris Is Burning
The documentary "Paris Is Burning" captures New York drag balls of the late 1980s on film.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone checked out the recently released DVD of the
film. October 12, 2005 |
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 Lost: The Complete First Season
ABC's hit program "Lost" begins its new season this month. Although Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone usually doesn't schedule his life around a television show, this time he's made an exception.
Read the review of "Lost: The Complete First Season" here. September
17, 2005 |
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 The Flowers of St. Francis
Italian director Roberto Rossellini took neo-realism back to the early 1200s for "The Flowers of St. Francis," new to DVD.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the film and disc. September
9, 2005 |
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 Timeless Tales
Although they don't offer much new material for collectors, these two new DVDs of "Timeless Tales" are nice diversions for kids and parents.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone reviews the discs and their contents. September 2, 2005 |
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 Sin City
A visual feast, Robert Rodriguez' "Sin City" has arrived on DVD. Co-directed by graphic novelist Frank Miller, with an assist from Quentin Tarantino, Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson says this is one comic-book movie you wouldn't want to show your kids.
But it's great nonetheless. August 25, 2005 |
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 My Left Foot
Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Christy Brown, born with cerebral palsy, who learned to write and paint using only his left foot.
Does the new DVD of the movie live up to the "Collector's Series" label?
Read the review to find out. August 20, 2005 |
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 Cypher
Part "Clockwork Orange," part "The Matrix," the direct-to-DVD movie "Cypher" stars Jeremy Northam as a mild-mannered office drone who becomes involved in a world of cyber-espionage.
But note the key phrase: direct to DVD. Is it worth a look? Check out Nathan Cone's
review. August 11, 2005 |
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 Gunner Palace
Director Michael Tucker's intimate portrait of the lives of American soldiers in Iraq, "Gunner Palace," is now out on DVD.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says it's a valuable snapshot of current history.
Read his review of the DVD, and an interview with director Michael Tucker. August 1, 2005 |
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 It All Started With A Mouse
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, celebrates 50 years this summer. To help promote the grand event, there are three new DVDs that take the viewer back where it started: to the Mouse himself.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the discs. July
26, 2005 |
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 Bride & Prejudice
Indian star Aishwarya Rai stars in "Bride & Prejudice," a Bollywood-style remake of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, now on DVD. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says the visual flair and sweet story make it worth a look at
home. July 17, 2005 |
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 Sling Blade
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone reckons you might like this new DVD of Billy Bob Thornton's "Sling Blade," mm-hmm.
You might like it almost as much as Karl likes his french-fried potaters, mm-hmm.
You can study on the review here. June 7, 2005 |
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 Assassination Vacation
Public radio's Sarah Vowell brings her unique voice to historical narrative with Assassination Vacation. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the new
book. May 26, 2005 |
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 TV on DVD
TV on DVD is all the rage, but Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone, whose eyes are usually glued to a feature film, is a little behind the curve on this trend.
Nevertheless, he's now happy to schedule his own reruns. Read on for a review of two of his recent
finds. May 18, 2005 |
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 National Treasure
Do you ever wonder about the All-Seeing Eye on the back of the dollar bill?
Just what were those Founding Fathers up to when they weren't drafting the Declaration of Independence and sticking it to King George III? National Treasure has a few fanciful ideas, and Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the
DVD. May 10, 2005 |
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 House of Flying Daggers
The romantic action flick "House of Flying Daggers" was recently released on DVD.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the film, which he says is even better than director Zhang Yimou's previous film,
"Hero." May 4, 2005 |
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 Timbuktoubab
Take a musical journey to the African nation of Mali in the new documentary,
"Timbuktoubab." Texas Public Radio's Deirdre Saravia, host of World Music on KSTX, has a review of the DVD. April 26, 2005 |
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 DisneyWar
James B. Stewart's DisneyWar is no fairy tale. The book documents how Michael Eisner's own actions cost him his magic kingdom.
According to Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone, the book is a fascinating glimpse inside one of America's most powerful
companies. April
21, 2005 |
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 Hustle
Major League Baseball begins its season this week under a cloud of controversy.
Fittingly enough, the made-for-television movie "Hustle," about a less far-reaching scandal than this year's steroids scandal, has just been released on DVD.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the film. April
3, 2005 |
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 Finding Neverland
It's a small world after all, as Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone not only finds Neverland, but finds a personal connection to its Oscar-winning score
composer. March 28, 2005 |
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 The Incredibles
Okay, so this is TPR staffer Nathan Cone's third review in a row focusing on animation, but he can't help it! Click to read a review of Pixar's "The Incredibles," and discover its secret connection to the world of public radio, if you dare! March 10, 2005 |
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 Bambi: Platinum Edition
Available for the first time on DVD, "Bambi" is a bonafide classic from 1942, that, in its remastered form, now looks and sounds as if it could have been made in the past ten years.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the brilliant new Special Edition of the
film. March 4, 2005 |
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 The Cat Returns & Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Studio Ghibli's "Howl's Moving Castle" is raking in the yen in Japan.
Over $170 million dollars and counting. The success of this film led Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone to examine some of the studio's earlier offerings, new to DVD. February 26, 2005 |
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 Mr. 3000
As Major League Baseball's spring training begins in Arizona and Florida, Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone sat down with the sports comedy "Mr. 3000," starring Bernie Mac.
Does the movie knock it out of the park? February 16, 2005 |
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 Shall We Dance?
The Hollywood hit "Shall We Dance?" with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere has just been released on DVD.
But you'll also find another newly-released DVD with that same title on the shelf at your local store.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has this review of the Japanese film "Shall We Dance?" that wowed audiences in 1997 and inspired Hollywood's
remake. February 10, 2005 |
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 The Berlin Philharmonic Story
For nearly a century and a quarter, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra has been an orchestra to be reckoned with.
Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson has a review of a new DVD that chronicles the history of this
ensemble. January 28, 2005 |
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 Classic Cartoon Favorites
This week, a review of Disney's "Classic Cartoon Favorites" series, featuring some of the best work by Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and for the first time ever on DVD, Chip and Dale.
According to Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone, the discs are a lot of fun, and best of all, are available for a low
price. January 21, 2005 |
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 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Just in time for the Oscar race, Focus Features has released a 2-disc DVD version of its 2004 fantastical romance, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."
It's a movie you won't soon forget. January 13, 2005 |
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 The Battle of Algiers
The DVD really came into its own in 2004, with incredible box sets of "Star Wars," "Lord of the Rings," and more.
So, what was the best DVD set of the year? Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone feels it was the Criterion Collection's "The Battle of Algiers." January 4, 2005 |
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 Zatoichi & Sonatine
Takeshi Kitano's unique style is evident in a new two-disc DVD set that includes both his gangster classic
"Sonatine," and 2004's art-house hit "Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman."
Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson has a review. December 27,
2004 |
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 Mary Poppins: 40th Anniversary Edition
Go ahead, spend your tuppence on a jolly holiday with Mary! Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the 40th Anniversary Edition of "Mary
Poppins," and he says it's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. December
17, 2004 |
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 Hero
Jet Li stars as the hero with no name in director Zhang Yimou's first action film, "Hero," new to DVD.
Read a review of the film by Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone. December
15, 2004 |
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 Tom & Jerry and Looney Tunes
Warner Bros. has been serving up a steady stream of excellent DVD sets of animated fare.
Two of the best feature the classic Looney Tunes characters, and MGM's Tom and Jerry.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone grew up on these shorts, and you probably did,
too. December 2, 2004 |
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 Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas
Just in time for the holidays, Disney has released its first full-length feature foray into the world of computer generated animation, "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas."
But does the CGI Mickey have the same spunk as his animated counterpart? November 23, 2004 |
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 Before Sunset
What does Richard Linklater's "Before Sunset" have in common with "Aliens," "The Godfather, Part II," and "The Empire Strikes Back?" It's a sequel that lives up to and enhances the original film from which it sprung. November 12, 2004 |
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 Bridget Jones's Diary: Collector's Edition
You witnessed her transformation from "tragic spinster" to "wanton sex goddess" in 2001.
Now, there's more Bridget Jones to love with a new "Collector's Edition" of "Bridget Jones's Diary" on DVD.
But is this new DVD worth your while? November 5, 2004 |
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 Aladdin & Mulan
Twice in the 1990s, Disney looked to the east for the inspiration. Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the first-ever DVD release of "Aladdin," and the Special Edition DVD of
"Mulan." October 28, 2004 |
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 Ed Wood
Ed Wood's energy, optimism, and joy of filmmaking kept him and his family of misfits going. The long-delayed DVD release of director Tim Burton's tribute to the notoriously bad director, Ed Wood, is finally here. Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson has a review. October 18, 2004 |
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 The Work of Director Spike Jonze
Spike Jonze, before being celebrated in the mainstream press for his films "Being John Malkovich" and "Adaptation," directed some of the greatest music videos of all time.
Sixteen of Jonze's best music videos are collected on the DVD "The Work of Director Spike Jonze," which also includes three half-hour documentaries, and some assorted odds and ends from one of the most creative and talented directors working
today. October 14, 2004 |
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 The Alamo
Despite being a box office bomb earlier this year, Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says you should remember director John Lee Hancock's "The Alamo," new on
DVD. September 27, 2004 |
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 Heroes, Lovers, and Others
Clara Rodriguez's Heroes, Lovers, and Others: The Story of Latinos in
Hollywood, explores the many ways Latino stars have made their mark in Hollywood.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone has a review of the book. September
17, 2004 |
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 Kill Bill, Volume 2
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone got bloody satisfaction from watching "Kill Bill, Volume 2," but he's not so sure you should grab a copy for
yourself. September 10, 2004 |
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 City of God
Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson has a review of the Oscar-nominated film "City of God," which takes a look at one boy's attempts to escape the violence that plagues the shanty towns of Rio de
Janeiro. August 23, 2004 |
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 Olympic-Themed Movies
Despite the boycotts and scandals associated with the Olympic games, I always find them inspiring. Maybe this year will be the one that inspires me to increase my workout frequency, to take up a new sport, or push a little harder. But for now, I sat down with a cold Gatorade to watch three Olympic-themed movies before the games
began! August 18, 2004 |
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 The Black Hole
Famous for being Disney's first-ever PG rated film, and a big leap for the studio into the science fiction genre, the 1979 film "The Black Hole" has gotten a bad rap, according to Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone. Read his review for a defense of the film, which, he reminds us, received two Oscar nominations! July 31, 2004 |
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 Elephant
Although the attacks of 9/11 and the ongoing threat of terrorism from abroad seems to have eclipsed school shootings as the number-one threat depicted on American magazine covers, director Gus Van Sant's award-winning film "Elephant" is a reminder of the spring of 1999.
This fictional film explores homegrown violence by depicting how a Columbine-like incident shatters an ordinary school day. July 24, 2004 |
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 My Voyage To Italy
Anyone who has read an in-depth interview with director Martin Scorsese, or seen him speak, knows the enthusiasm he has for the movies of the past.
He's as much a film historian as he is a great director. In his documentary "A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies," Scorsese looked back on the American movies that affected and influenced him as a student.
Four years later, Scorsese did the same for Italian movies, and now his film "My Voyage To Italy" is available on
DVD. July 17, 2004 |
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 Cold Mountain
Nominated for seven Academy Awards, "Cold Mountain" is a visually splendid film, even if the narrative isn't as spectacular.
Nevertheless, Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says the "Cold Mountain" DVD enhances the experience of watching this film. July 9, 2004 |
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 The Leopard
This movie is so big, Criterion gave it a three-disc treatment, and it took two Texas Public Radio staff members to give the DVD set a full review!
Randy Anderson and Nathan Cone offer their comments on the film and its DVD presentation. June 16, 2004 |
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 Touching the Void
A jaw-dropping documentary hits home video with its intensity intact!
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone, who would never set foot on a mountain climb, did manage to enjoy "Touching the Void." June 16, 2004 |
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 Cop Land: Director's Cut
Drastically cut before its theatrical release in 1997, the Director's Cut of James Mangold's "Cop Land" restores about 15 minutes of footage, and the movie plays better for it. Plus, Stallone ACTS! June 10, 2004 |
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 Mickey Mouse in Living Color, Volume Two
Donald Duck had eclipsed Mickey Mouse by the 1940s, but the Disney mascot still had some life in him.
This two-disc set compiles some of Mickey's best "acting," including turns in "Fantasia" and "Mickey's Christmas Carol."
Nathan Cone has a review. June 4, 2004 |
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 Tomorrowland
Despite their age, Walt Disney's "Tomorrowland" features from the 1950s don't seem as dated as Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson thought they would. May 26, 2004 |
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 Walt Disney on the Front Lines
A fascinating peek into the Disney vaults, Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says "On the Front Lines" is essential viewing for animation and history buffs alike.
The two-disc DVD set includes WWII-era material from the studio. May 25, 2004 |
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 Dirty Pretty Things
Director Stephen Frears is known for his gritty view of life, and "Dirty Pretty Things" is no exception to this worldview, according to Texas Public Radio's Randy Anderson. April 22, 2004 |
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 'Tis Herself
Even those unfamiliar with actress Maureen O'Hara's work might enjoy 'Tis
Herself, according to Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone. The book offers an intimate look at showbiz through the eyes of the "toughest Irish lass who ever took on Hollywood," as the author describes herself.
April 15, 2004 |
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 Down and Dirty Pictures
Writer Peter Biskind's follow-up to his juicy Easy Riders, Raging Bulls picks up where that book left off.
Wheras Easy Riders, Raging Bulls focused on the freewheeling days of the '60s and '70s, Down and Dirty Pictures explores the money-grubbing producers and distributors of "independent" films in the 1980s and 1990s.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says it ain't a pretty picture. April
9, 2004 |
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 Under the Tuscan Sun
A pleasant little feature, "Under the Tuscan Sun" rests on Diane Lane's shoulders.
Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone says despite a few clichés, the movie works. April 5, 2004 |
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 Crop Circles: Quest for Truth
Documentary filmmaker William Gazecki chases down the mystery behind crop
circles in this straight-to-video feature. Texas Public Radio's
Randy Anderson, who loves a good paranormal story, is still
skeptical. March 15, 2004 |
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 Double Feature: Psych-Out/The Trip
Producer Roger Corman gave several movie stars their start in pictures, or
at least worked with them early in their careers. On this
double-sided DVD featuring two full-length movies, you'll see Jack
Nicholson, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Bruce Dern, Dean Stockwell, and
other notable actors drop acid, smoke grass, and play guitar without
moving their hands! Texas Public Radio's Nathan Cone gets down with
the freaky scene in his review. March 5, 2004 |
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 Comic Book: The Movie
Guest reviewer Ryan Steans takes a look at what might be the perfect flick for nerds everywhere (including himself): "Comic Book: The Movie."
But is this mockumentary more schlock than mock? March 1, 2004 |
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