Old School Reviews: Movie and DVD reviews by John Nesbit

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Director Danny Boyle isn't one to stick with one genre, and now his varied career turns toward Bollywood to deliver an entertaining gem. Using the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire as a plot device, Boyle explores the non-touristy side of Mumbai life with his dynamic digital camera. (Full Review ... )

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Features

I.O.U.S.A.

As President-elect Barack Obama has affirmed, the biggest issue in the U.S. (and the world) remains the economy. And the most literate documentary ever produced on the subject is Patrick Creadon's expose on the national debt and the rarely discussed effects this has on U.S. citizens. (Full Review ... )

Quantum of Solace

Gone is the humor, repartee, and character... making this Bond flick the driest and most tiresome in decades. If you're a Bond completist, go ahead and venture into the theaters, but all you'll see during the convoluted narrative are endless chase scenes and explosions.

In Theaters

On DVD

Burn After Reading (2008)

Written simultaneously with No Country for Old Men, the Coen brothers' latest offering is much lighter—slapstick dark comedy. Like Blood Simple, the killings are pointless but this time are obviously designed for entertainment only.<

Pete Seeger: The Power of Song

Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, and the Dixie Chicks are among those who express tributes to Pete Seeger's legacy on Jim Brown's intimate documentary that traces Seeger from his roots to his eighth decade. (Full Review ... )

Dalai Lama Renaissance

In 1999, some forty ambitious intellectuals set out to resolve some of the world's most pressing problems, but they are in for a surprise when they present their plan to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This documentary preserves the essence of the week-long conference. (Full Review ... )

Standard Operating Procedure

We all remember those infamous Abu Gharib photos, and the shame they brought to the U.S. But there's much more to the story than anything you've seen on CNN, and Errol Morris's latest documentary is now available on DVD to fill us in on shocking background details. (full review ... )

Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The

An interesting premise begins with childhood innocence but swiftly degenerates into sterotype and predictability. Without a strong script or strong sense of realism, the filmmaker relies on overloading James Horner's syrupy score to aim for your tear ducts and misses badly. ( ... Full Review)

American Blackout

Ian Inaba's documentary chronicling U.S. "Apartheid" elections in 2000 and 2004 is essential viewing. Headlining the film is outspoken Green Party candidate for President, Cynthia McKinney. (Full Review ... )

Man on Wire

On August 7, 1974 a free spirited French tight-rope walker achieved his life's ambition: high above the NYC skyline between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Compelling behind the scenes tale can now be seen on the big screen! (Full review . . . )

A Perfect Day (2005)

Set in Beirut, a young man and his mother start the day with a lawyer appointment to declare the family patriarch dead after waiting 15 years for his return. (Full review ... )

A Jihad for Love

Well intentioned documentary follows similar format of Trembling Before G-d to examine how devout homosexuals deal with their Muslim faith. (Full Review ... )

Quo Vadis

A long time coming, the 1951 classic finally debutes on DVD this week! Although not a great movie, it's still a lot of fun watching Peter Ustinove ham it up and fiddle while Rome burns--a worthywhile guilty pleasure. (Full Review ... )

Hamlet 2

Uneven quirky comedy hit from the 2008 Sundance Festival will entertain anyone who has experienced high school theater.

Travellers and Magicians

The first major feature filmed in Bhutan (inspiration for Hilton's magical Shang-ri-La), Norbu's film is a visual delight and excellent glimpse into his native land and people. (Full Review)