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Staff Picks: Movies

Stalker
By Andrei Tarkovsky
Reviewed by wasimescu on Monday, May 14, 2012

Surely one of the most enigmatic films ever made, Stalker depicts the journey of three men into the Zone, a quarantined area ungoverned by the ordinary laws of physics.  They are searching for the Room, a place said to fulfill the innermost desires of those who enter it.

To Save a Life
By Brian Baugh
Reviewed by jegodin on Saturday, March 17, 2012

What would you do if you knew someone who didn't think life was worth it? Would you try to save them? Or just walk on by. This story tells of a guy who has it all, but risks it to make people want to save others. He encourages them to interact with each other. With the help of a local pastor, these kids turn their lives around.

Unsalted
By Vince Deur
Reviewed by cspear on Saturday, February 11, 2012

Surfing!!!! The  Great Lakes!!!!  Sho’nuff!!!!!
This video was filmed, produced, written, narrated and birthed by surfer Vince Deur of Grand Haven, Michigan.
As I watched the DVD I continually exclaimed “ Nice Waves!”

The Complete Jean Vigo
By Jean Vigo
Reviewed by wasimescu on Sunday, October 16, 2011

Clocking in at under three hours, the four films made by Jean Vigo can be watched in an evening.  Yet they contain an astonishing breadth of style and conceit, from the mock travelogue of A propos de Nice to the exuberant plotlessness of Zero de c

Departures
By Yojiro Takita
Reviewed by cspear on Monday, January 10, 2011

A nokanski or encoffineer is a person in Japan who prepares the body of a departed for viewing by the family and loved ones. When done properly it is a lyrical art form....as are many Japanese customs.

Departures won the Oscar for best foreign language film. In my opinion, well deserved!

What words to best describe? Moving, symmetrical, graceful, very satisfying.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: Lightning Thief
By Rick Riordan
Reviewed by jegodin on Saturday, December 4, 2010

Based off the book, this movie was thrilling.  It has very inviting characters and a truly engaging plot line.  Not to mention a beautiful love interest.  This modern-day tale of Greek gods is great for anyone.  It has special effects that are seamless.  A greatly frightening Hades will get the blood flowing.

Kick Ass
By Matthew Vaughn
Reviewed by aolson on Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Adapted from the comic book series. Kick-Ass is the story of a super hero obsessed kid who decides to put the suit on and see what happens. I wasn't disappointed. The movie is violent, but manages to keep the bad guys getting their due off screen. It's guilty pleasure to be sure. None the less, this movie is kick ass! AO
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
By J. K. Rowling
Reviewed by cspear on Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I liked it. Well acted and directed. Having done all the books and movies I’m glad the Deathly Hallows movie will be in two installments. It’s the usual complaint that too much was cut. My only problem with The Half Blood Prince is that the lighting throughout is too dark. I’m sure the intent was to add a foreboding ambiance but….

Elling
By Dag Alveberg
Reviewed by mackerman on Thursday, June 17, 2010

Elling and Kjell Bjarne are the Norwegian “Odd Couple.”  After becoming friends during their stay at a state hospital, the two now face the prospect of making it on the outside.  With the help of a forgiving, often frustrated social worker and their own creative resources, Elling and Bjarne become roommates and face this transition in their own charming and hilarious way.

The Princess and the Warrior
By Tom Tykwer
Reviewed by cspear on Monday, April 26, 2010

I love it when a movie suspends my normal “reality”.  Even with action and drama there is a floating surreal quality that is mesmerizing. Sissi, a nurse in a psychiatric hospital has a translucent, fragile strength. She is saved from a near death experience by an unknown young man which galvanizes her to search him out.