Art House, Documentary, Independent, Foreign and Special Interest Films
Titles linked to for Reviews

Independent

Crossbones (2005) Six reality-show participants must run for their lives from a cursed pirate captain in this horror tale set in a remote part of the Florida Keys. While hunting for buried treasure, the contestants accidentally resurrect the bloodthirsty pirate Redblood, who's been trapped by an ancient curse for centuries. Desperate to get his hands on a magic ring that can break the spell, Redblood goes on a killing spree. Joseph Marino and Mayra Soto star.
Starring: Mayra Soto, Joseph Marino; Director: Daniel Zirilli
Genre: Horror
Format: Full Screen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
For language, violence and brief drug use

Matthew Vaughn directs this intricate drama, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, about a British drug dealer (Daniel Craig) who longs to ditch his illegal trade. But he can't do that without wrapping up just one more job involving a gargantuan stash of purloined ecstasy. The cache's original owners are after him as well, leaving him with no other choice but to run for his life while trying to make this one final deal a big success.
Starring: Daniel Craig, Tom Hardy; Director: Matthew Vaughn
Genre: Drama
Format: Widescreen
Language: English;Subtitles: English
For strong brutal violence, sexuality, nudity, pervasive

The Girl in the Cafe (2005) Lonely civil servant Lawrence (Bill Nighy) is in for a life-altering experience when he invites a young woman to the G8 Summit in Iceland in this poignant comedy. Not long after meeting Gina (Kelly Macdonald) in a café, Lawrence asks her to accompany him to the event. Both shy outsiders, Lawrence and Gina hit it off, but their attraction to each other is tested when Gina's personal convictions contradict Lawrence's professional obligations.
Starring: Bill Nighy, Kelly Macdonald;Director: David Yates
Genre: RomanceFormat: Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Not rated. This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.

LACKAWANA BLUES (2005) - Playwright Ruben Santiago-Hudson stars in this version of his Obie Award-winning stage drama directed by George C. Wolfe. Rachel "Nanny" Crosby (S. Epatha Merkerson) lives in a house in Lackawanna, N.Y., that she opens up to anyone looking for a place to rest and regroup. Times are changing as segregation loses its grip, and each person passing through has a tale to tell, influencing the young boy, Junior, whom Nanny has taken in as her own.
Starring: S. Epatha Merkerson, Marcus Franklin; Director: George C. Wolfe
Genre: DramaFormat: Widescreen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

" The film director's touch is elegant but unobtrusive, the greatest visual impact coming from previously unseen backstage outtakes from the work of DA Pennebaker, who made the 1967 Dylan doc Don't Look Back. The main significance of Scorsese's involvement, you suspect, is that it persuaded Dylan to talk." Mark Lawson Wednesday September 21, 2005 The Guardian

Read more Reviews: NYTimes PBS - Contact Music - RockPhiles - Bob Dylan.com- IMDB - USA TODAY


SMILE (2005) Katie (Mika Boorem), a privileged American teen, and Ling (Yi Ding), a disfigured Chinese girl, form an unusual bond in this drama directed by Jeffrey Kramer. Overwhelmed by the demands of impending adulthood and confused by her parents' evolving relationship, Katie travels to China with her dad (Sean Astin), a doctor who hopes to help Ling by surgically transforming her face. But it's he and Katie who walk away changed by their experiences.
Starring: Sean Astin, Mika Boorem;Director: Jeffrey Kramer
Genre: Independent
Format: Widescreen;Language: English
For some mature content involving teen sexuality



Documentary

Bright Leaves (2003) As the leading producer of tobacco in America, North Carolina holds a sometimes disconcerting legacy tied to the promotion of cigarette use. This documentary goes inside the tobacco industry of the state and includes a visit to a North Carolina native whose great-grandfather created the tobacco brand Bull Durham. Take a voyage through the community that surrounds this tobacco-rich location.
Starring: Ross McElwee, Patricia Neal; Director: Ross McElwee
Genre: Documentary
Format: Full Screen; Language: English
. This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.

Born into Brothels (2004) This Oscar-winning documentary is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in Calcutta's red-light district, where their mothers work as prostitutes. Spurred by the kids' fascination with her camera, Zana Briski, a photographer documenting life in the brothels, decides to teach them photography. As they begin to look at and record their world through new eyes, the kids awaken to their own talents and sense of worth.
Starring: Not Available; Director: Ross Kauffman
Genre: Documentary Format: Full Screen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
Awards: Academy Award Winner
For some sequences of strong language

This action-packed documentary chronicles the infamously treacherous Tecate SCORE Baja 100 road race across Mexico's Baja Peninsula. In order to capture the race's true power and the majestic beauty of the desert, 55 cameras and four helicopters were used during filming. Join famous racing names such as Robby Gordon, Mario Andretti, Jimmy Vasser and Mike "Mouse" McCoy for an unforgettable look at one of racing's most thrilling events.
Starring: James Garner, Steve McQueen; Director: Dana Brown
Genre: Documentary
Format: Widescreen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
For racing action and peril, and for some language


Exposing the Da Vinci Code (2005) Author Dan Brown's best-seller The Da Vinci Code spawned heated debate among historians, religious scholars and almost everyone who read the provocative tome. This hourlong documentary explores the theories presented in the book and examines how it attacks Christianity. Dr. Stephen Munsey, Pastor Benny Hinn and other notable theologians dissect the novel and explain how it attempts to shatter centuries of spiritual convictions.
Starring: Paul Sharrett, Dr. Stephen Munsey; Director: Not Available
Genre: Documentary
Format: Full Screen; Language: English
This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.

Inside Deep Throat (2005) This fascinating documentary by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato examines the goings-on behind the porn film that grew to become an icon: Deep Throat. Released in 1972, the film made more money than its producers anticipated and ignited a sexual and social revolution. Features interviews with the movie's stars, Linda Lovelace and Harry Reams, plus commentary by director John Waters and writers Norman Mailer and Gore Vidal.
Starring: Dennis Hopper, Gore Vidal;Director: Fenton Bailey ...
Genre: Documentary
Format: Widescreen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
For explicit sexual content


  Lords of Dogtown (2005) A group of outcasts from California's Venice Beach change the face of skateboarding forever in this 1970s tale written by "Skateboard Godfather" Stacy Peralta. The Z-Boys (a group of radical riders who scout the neighborhoods for empty swimming pools) invent a brazen style of skating, become legends and deal with heartache when the sport they live for turns into big business. Heath Ledger, Rebecca De Mornay and Johnny Knoxville star.
Starring: John Robinson, Emile Hirsch; Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Genre: Drama
Format: Widescreen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
Unrated. This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.

Last Days (2005) A rock 'n' roll star seeks solace in the woods in Gus Van Sant's drama centered on a Kurt Cobain-type character. Tired of all the pressures of his career and constantly being in the public eye, Blake (Michael Pitt) retreats to his remote home and embarks on an introspective journey. As he sequesters himself from his fans, his manager, a private eye and others, Blake ultimately finds release from his troubled life. Asia Argento co-stars.
Starring: Michael Pitt, Lukas Haas; Director: Gus Van Sant
Genre: Drama
Format: Full Screen
Language: English ; Subtitles: English
For language and some sexual content


An Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival, Jonathan Nossiter's documentary examines the politics of the global wine industry and pits big business against the little guy. Nossiter toured Europe, South America and the United States for interviews with consultants from multinational corporations, "peasant" owners of family-run wineries steeped in tradition, and a variety of industry experts including influential wine critic Robert Parker.
Starring: Jonathan Nossiter, Hubert de Montille
Director: Jonathan Nossiter
Genre: Documentary
Format: Widescreen;Language: English
For brief pin-up nudity

Rize (2005) Former commercial photographer and music video director David LaChapelle delves into the "krumping" culture in South Central Los Angeles, capturing the unbelievable gyrations of dancers with moves so quick that they warrant a special disclaimer. The high-octane documentary centers on "Tommy the Clown," a former birthday entertainer who opened a school to train community kids to krump -- and keep them out of trouble.
Starring: Tommy the Clown, Lil C.;Director: David LaChapelle
Genre: Documentary
Format: Full Screen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
For suggestive content, drug references and language

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Foreign

5X2 (2005) Marion and Gilles are married, but their life is far from a bed of roses. This nonlinear film tracks the couple backward from their divorce proceedings to a strained dinner party, the birth of their child, their wedding and, finally, the day the couple met. It's a fascinating study in tension, dissatisfaction and the moment where things went horribly awry. Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi and Stephane Freiss star. François Ozon directs.
Starring: Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi, Stephane Freiss; Director: Francois Ozon
Genre: Foreign
Format: Widescreen
Language: French; Subtitles: English
For strong graphic sexuality, language and some drug content

Oliver Stone Presents: Bang Rajan (2000) Oliver Stone helped bring this oft-forgotten story -- set in the 18th century Thai village of Bang Rajan, where eleven villagers stood their ground as the Burmese army invaded -- to U.S. theaters. Armed with only machetes, the brave few were up against an army of 100,000. Providing background, the film begins with the ascension of King Mang Ra of Burma, whose invasion of Thai territory aimed to shrink the country's ruling arm.
Starring: Jaran Ngamdee, Winai Kraibutr; Director: Tanit Jitnukul
Genre: Foreign
Format: Widescreen
Language: Thai; Subtitles: English
This movie has not been rated by the MPAA

 The Bridge of San Luis Rey (2005) Mary McGuckian directs this complex drama based on a novel by Thornton Wilder. When an elaborate rope bridge collapses on July 20, 1714, five strangers share a horrible fate. But is it possible their deaths could have been connected? As a Peruvian priest tries to divine a definite answer, we learn the victims' personal stories through flashback. Robert De Niro, Gabriel Byrne, Harvey Keitel, Kathy Bates and F. Murray Abraham star.
Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Kathy Bates; Director: Mary Mcguckian
Genre: Drama
Format: Widescreen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
For thematic elements, some disturbing images

Dot the I (2005) Young Spanish flamenco dancer Carmen (Natalia Verbeke), who lives in London, is on the verge of marrying Barnaby (James D'Arcy). By happenstance, she meets Kit (Gael Garcia Bernal), a Brazilian actor, the night before her wedding and ends up kissing him. What follows is subterfuge galore (to cover up their budding lust). Better cross a few of those t's, too! Costars Charlie Cox and Tom Hardy. Matthew Parkhill directs.
Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Natalia Verbeke; Director: Matthew Parkhill
Genre: Thrillers
Format: Widescreen
Language: English; Subtitles: French
For strong sexuality/nudity, language and some violence

Downfall (2004) Der Untergang / The Downfall: Hitler and the End of the Third Reich In 2002, the gripping documentary Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary, introduced audiences to the German dictator's stenographer, Traudl Junge, by letting her tell her own story. Now director Oliver Hirschbiegel brings Junge to life in the form of actress Alexandra Maria Lara, who stars in this Oscar-nominated drama. Painstakingly realistic, Downfall takes Junge's point of view to recreate Hitler's (Bruno Ganz) last days in his Berlin bunker.
Starring: Bruno Ganz, Alexandra Maria Lara ;Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Genre: Foreign; Format: Widescreen
Language: German; Subtitles: English
Awards: Academy Award Nominee
For strong violence, disturbing images and some nudity

High Tension (2005) Haute Tension / Switchblade Romance Students Marie (Cecile de France) and Alex (Maiwenn Le Besco) have no idea of the horrors that await them when they head off to a remote country home to study for their upcoming exams. When night falls, a psychopathic stranger attacks, tying up Alex and taking her away. It's up to Marie to save her friend -- but first, she must figure out what is really going on. Philippe Nahon co-stars in this twisty-turny tale of terror.
Starring: Cecile De France, Maiwenn; Director: Alexandre Aja
Genre: Foreign
Format: Widescreen
Language: French, English
Subtitles: English
For for graphic bloody killings, terror, sexual content

Imagining Argentina (2004) Buenos Aires in the 1970s was a hotbed of dictatorial political unrest marked by a rash of disappearances (read: abductions and murders). Theatre director Carlos Rueda (Antonio Banderas) and his wife, Cecilia (Emma Thompson), get caught up in the flux when she writes an inflammatory editorial. When Cecilia's jailed, Carlos develops the supernatural ability to see the future -- a future where he imagines his wife dying during an escape attempt.
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Emma Thompson; Director: Christopher Hampton
Genre: Drama
Format: Widescreen
Language: English;Subtitles: English
For violence/torture and brief language

Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005) Today's world of technology and convenience makes it increasingly difficult to find a real connection with another person. In this compelling look at the everyday human experience, Christine (Miranda July) is a cab driver and artist who leads a solitary life. Richard (John Hawkes) is a recently divorced father who's waiting for great things to happen in his life. When his path crosses with Christine's, he's both entranced and panic-stricken.
Starring: John Hawkes, Miranda July; Director: Miranda July
Genre: Independent
Format: Widescreen
Language: English; Subtitles: English
For disturbing sexual content involving children.

Novo (2002) Office worker Graham (Eduardo Noriega) has recently suffered a complete memory loss -- and the inability to make new memories -- as a result of a martial arts-related accident. The upshot is that every time he has sex with Irene (Anna Mouglalis), one of the secretaries in the office, he forgets about it an hour later, so every time is the first time. Think of this winsome comedy as a cross between 50 First Dates and Memento.
Starring: Eduardo Noriega, Anna Mouglalis; Director: Jean-Pierre Limosin
Genre: Foreign; Format: Widescreen
Language: French; Subtitles: English
For strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language


The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005) De Battre Mon Couer s'est Arrete Tom (Romain Duris) seems destined to follow in his father's footsteps as a Parisian property shark until a chance encounter with his late mother's music agent leads him to believe he can become a concert pianist. With the help of a beautiful Chinese virtuoso, he starts preparing for a critical audition and making positive changes in his life. But secrets from his past threaten to destroy his plans for the future.
Starring: Romain Duris, Aure Atika; Director: Jacques Audiard
Genre: Foreign; Format: Widescreen ...
Language: French; Subtitles: English
This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.

Wild Side (2004) Three friends from tragic backgrounds come to rely on one another in this poignant tale. To care for her dying mother, prostitute Stephanie (Stephanie Michelini) returns home, where she's haunted by childhood memories. She's joined by army deserter Mikhail (Edouard Nikitine), who relives the horrors of war, and hustler Jamel (Yasmine Belmadi), who longs to return to his family. To ease their pain, the three find comfort in one another's arms.
Starring: Stephanie Michelini, Yasmine Belmadi; Director: Sebastien Lifshitz
Genre: Foreign
Format: Widescreen
Language: French, English; Subtitles: English
This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.

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