Old School Reviews: Movie and DVD reviews by John Nesbit

Doubt

John Patrick Shanley translates his theatrical play into film. Although Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman are destined for the most notice, Viola Davis grabs the most memorable moment with heartfelt sincerity. (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 ... )

Slumdog Millionaire

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 ... )

In Theaters

On DVD

Wrestler, The (2008)

Making a comeback of sorts, Director Darren Aronofsky turns his moving digital camera over to another comeback artist (Mickey Roarke) to craft a heartfelt portrayal of an over the hill pro wrestler. (Full Review ... )

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 ... )

Revolutionary Road

Despite the star power of DiCaprio and Winslet, this is no Titantic sequel. It's more akin to director Sam Mendes enhancing his take on mid life crises in American suburbia with powerful dramatic flair.

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 ... )

Milk

Sean Penn channels Harvey Milk with a superb supporting cast in Gus Van Sant's well-intentioned biopic, but for more substance check out the 1894 documentary The Times of Harvey Milk.

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 ... )

Defiance

Well intentioned historical drama fails to light sparks, as its lead actors routinely hit their marks in the woods and fight off Nazis and collaborators.

Faith of the Century

Due on shelves in December, Facets Video brings back the 1999 documentary chronicling the history of Communism in the 20th century, using rare and once unavailable propaganda footage. (Full Review)