Little Screen
This week's new releases, by Jay Bobbin of Zap2it, are rated on a scale of one to four, with H equivalent to a poor rating and HHHH meaning excellent.
21
***
Based on the true story of college students who learned the art of counting cards to cash in big at the Las Vegas tables, this engrossing drama features Kevin Spacey -- also one of the film's producers -- as the professor who acts as the scheme's ringleader. Jim Sturgess ("Across the Universe") plays a newcomer to the plot, hoping to cover his tuition but getting a bonus in an attractive ally (Kate Bosworth); Laurence Fishburne appears as a security man who gets wise to what's going on. DVD extras: three "making-of" documentaries; audio commentary by director Robert Luketic and producers Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca.
LA INK: SEASON 1
***
That's "LA" as in Los Angeles, the setting of this spinoff of the TLC series "Miami Ink." Not only is the idea the same, it's a direct outgrowth of the earlier show, following tattoo artist Kat Von D after she leaves Miami and opens her own Hollywood shop to provide clients with body art. Familiar faces who turn up include actors Eric Balfour ("24") and Jesse Metcalfe ("Desperate Housewives"), musicians Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) and Scott Ian (Anthrax), and Steve-O and Bam Margera of "Jackass" fame.
ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS
***
It certainly isn't the same galaxy far, far away that fans have long known, as the Seth Green-produced staple of Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" serves up a satire of the saga. There's little doubt George Lucas approved of the venture, since he lends his own voice to his animated likeness while two U.S. presidents -- George W. Bush and Abraham Lincoln -- engage in a lightsaber duel, and Luke Skywalker proves to be much hipper than first thought. Conan O'Brien and Hulk Hogan also are heard.
LAS VEGAS: SEASON FIVE
***
As it eventually turned out, this was the final round for the NBC drama about the staff and guests of the Montecito Resort and Casino. One of the most significant changes was the departure of James Caan and the arrival of Tom Selleck as the site's new owner; as the episodes begin, Danny (Josh Duhamel) fears for Delinda's (Molly Sims) safety after a top-floor explosion, and an airborne Sam (Vanessa Marcil) tries to escape from her abductor.
TURN THE RIVER
***
Famke Janssen ("X-Men," "Goldeneye") gets an impressive showcase for her talents with this drama of a pool hustler who applies her skills at the table to getting back her son, whom she gave up when he was born. She faces hurdles including solid competitors and a vengeful ex-husband (Matt Ross); others in the cast assembled by actor turned writer-director Chris Eigeman include Rip Torn, Terry Kinney and Marin Hinkle ("Two and a Half Men"). DVD extras: "making-of" documentary; audio commentary by Eigeman.
SIX REASONS WHY
HH
Those reasons are the bullets contained in the chambers of the guns used by the central characters in this Western, notable just for being one of the few recent examples of the genre. Four people end up with their guns aimed at one another, and the personal stories that brought them to that crossroads are recounted; stars include Jeff and Matthew Campagna -- who also wrote and directed the film -- and Colm Feore. DVD extras: theatrical trailer; "making-of" documentary; interview with the Campagnas.
Coming soon:
DOOMSDAY
July 29
The title is what all of humanity faces, unless a virus can be contained, in this thriller; Rhona Mitra plays the military scientist leading the search for a cure.
HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY
July 29
Following their visit to White Castle, the slacker buddies (John Cho, Kal Penn) get in trouble with authorities, then are sent to the site where suspected terrorists have been held.
SHINE A LIGHT
July 29
Rock music's legendary Rolling Stones are profiled by director Martin Scorsese, who incorporates segments from a 2006 New York concert by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and company.
NIM'S ISLAND
Aug. 5
Seeking her missing father, a youngster (Abigail Breslin) appeals to her favorite adventure novelist (Jodie Foster) -- who's riddled with phobias -- to help in the hunt.
HANNAH MONTANA AND MILEY CYRUS: BEST OF BOTH WORLDS CONCERT
Aug. 19
On video as in theatres, Cyrus' music performance is presented with a 3-D effect.
PROM NIGHT
Aug. 19
Brittany Snow plays the target of a stalker, on what should be one of the happiest occasions of her life, in this remake of the Jamie Lee Curtis thriller.
Oldies but goodies -- If your local video store is fresh out of the newest titles, give these attractions a try:
DIRTY MONEY," or "UN FLIC"
1972
***
The secret leader (Alain Delon) of a bank-robbing gang fears he'll be identified by a friend who happens to be a police chief; Catherine Deneuve and Richard Crenna co-star.
OCEAN'S ELEVEN
2001
***
A just-paroled convict (George Clooney) gathers associates old and new to stage a simultaneous heist of several Las Vegas casinos; Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Julia Roberts also star.
TATTOO
1981
***
A tattoo artist (Bruce Dern) kidnaps the model (Maud Adams) he is obsessed with, intending to turn her into a living tapestry of his work; Cynthia Nixon has a supporting role.
* Little Screen appears in Life & Times each Friday.
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