Release Dates Aug 04 2008 @ 07:04 pm
DVD Releases for August 5th, 2008
I desire to call upon the power of the intertubes this week for something. There is a film that I saw when I was 8 or 9 and the images still resonate with me two decades later, but for the life of me I cannot figure out what it was. I have googled the heck out this thing and combed through IMDB’s keywords list, but to no avail. Perhaps one of you know what it is.
Here are the images I remember: a man stands up on a railroad track, intending to commit suicide (or blow the train up, I can’t remember which), while another man screams at him to stop. The train comes and hits him, and I think it was pretty bloody. The second image involves a beautiful woman driving a truck (or a car) onto an army base. All of the soldiers swarm around the car, cat calling and hooting. Then, the woman blows the car up, killing all of them.
I would have seen this around ‘88 or ‘89, so it can’t be any later than that. Anyone have any clue what film this is from? Ok, now that I’ve completely hijacked this post for personal purposes, on to the releases for the week…
The Counterfeiters
My top pick for the week is, of course, 2007’s Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film. Set during World War II, it is the story of Jewish counterfeiters forced to work for the Nazi war machine. Daniel Getahun gave it a superlative review over at Getafilm, and all signs point to a well crafted war drama.
Recommended if you liked Schindler’s List, The Pianist, or Amen.
My Brother Is an Only Child
A coming of age story about two brothers growing up in the 60s and 70s in a small Italian town, this sounds…not so interesting. The critics, however, have given this one a clean bill of health, so no need to fear the stupid-disease. This apparently mixes politics and drama, so you can get your revolution on with your melodrama at the same time.
Recommended if you liked Before the Revolution, Y tu mama tambien, or The Year My Parents Went On Vacation
Nim’s Island
This one doesn’t quite rate the Bin of Shame this week, but it’s close. Filled to the brim with top notch talent – Abigail Breslin, Gerard Butler, and (gasp!) Jodie Foster – but looking about as appealing as an abridged version of Treasure Island illustrated by 3rd graders, this one might hit the spot if you’ve got youngins looking for a feel good adventure fix, but I would just suggest popping Disney’s classic Swiss Family Robinson in instead. You’ll thank me for it.
Recommended if you’ve never heard of Pixar
Bin of Shame
Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (oh Casper Van Dien, how far your career has fallen….oh, wait a sec…)
on Aug 04 2008 @ 7:25 pm 1. Cinexcellence said …
The Counterfeiters…yay! Been wanting to see this one.
on Aug 04 2008 @ 9:39 pm 2. Haiku Girl said …
Counterfeiters was in my top 10 films of last year. I found myself completely lost in the story. I must buy this film ASAP.
on Aug 04 2008 @ 10:01 pm 3. Cinexcellence said …
I almost got to see it in the theater. Darn.
on Aug 04 2008 @ 10:33 pm 4. Daniel said …
Wow, the two of you exhibit more enthusiasm than many others I know who have seen it. I thought I was actually in the minority minority in thinking that it was in fact “a well crafted war drama.”
It shouldn’t have won the Oscar over 4 Months or The Band’s Visit, but since they were robbed of nominations and I didn’t see the next most likely challenger, Mongol, it’s pretty much a moot point.
What it comes down to is that I think The Counterfeiters deserves credit for not being your typical Holocaust movie. It’s more about one man whose life journey unfortunately takes him through the Holocaust.
Thanks for the link love again, btw!
I missed My Brother is an Only Child, but considering that I heard good things – and I liked 2/3 recommendations (y tu mama and Year My Parents), that’s one that I’d like to catch up with.
Nim’s Island…hmm…appeared to be a kid’s version of Fool’s Gold. I guess Luke might have something to say about that, though…
on Aug 05 2008 @ 6:47 am 5. Luke Harrington said …
A kids’ version of Fool’s Gold???? I’m so there!!!!
on Aug 05 2008 @ 9:49 am 6. Sam Juliano said …
Daniel, I agree that THE COUNTERFEITORS did not remotely serve the Oscar over the unominated 4 MONTHS or THE BAND’S VISIT, but I nonetheless think it’s a very fine film that presnts a moral dilemma most persuasively, and it’s entertaining as well.
That’s more than I can say for that derivative MY BROTHER IS AN ONLY CHILD, whose main character evinces little real indication of what he’s fighting for. It’s a far cry both sociologically, politically and (emotionally) from Malle’s LACOMBE LUCIEN, nor does it even attempt to replicate any of the filmic conventions of neo-realism. Still, it’s worth a look-see,(the first part of the film is stronger) and it’s not a bad film.
on Aug 05 2008 @ 10:49 am 7. Daniel said …
You know, Luke, more than once you’ve made me hesitate for a few seconds before passing by Fool’s Gold. I might just give in one of these days.
on Aug 05 2008 @ 10:57 am 8. Evan Derrick said …
Oh dear. Luke’s dark plan is beginning to succeed. Don’t give in, Daniel! Don’t give in!
on Aug 05 2008 @ 11:15 am 9. Evan Derrick said …
Internet, you are failing me. Does that description up above not remind anyone of any film? Dadgummit, someone has to know what I’m talking about.
on Aug 05 2008 @ 1:06 pm 10. Luke Harrington said …
Well, I’m no expert, but I bet it was actually a car commercial.
on Aug 26 2011 @ 5:14 pm 11. Ronnie Marotte said …
What a thought provoking update, can I set it up so I receive an email when you write a fresh article?