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SCREEN IT DVD CAPSULE REVIEWS Site Directory: Home Page Free Newsletter! DVD Reviews This Week's New Movies Complete List of Movies (alphabetical) Movies Listed By MPAA Ratings Movies Listed By Genre This Week's New Videos Complete List of Videos (alphabetical) Videos Listed By MPAA Ratings Videos Listed By Genre Advertise On Screen It! Visitor Survey Send Us Your Comments/Questions First Time Visitors Official Movie Pages & Other Links Less filling than our full-length reviews but still informative, our DVD capsule reviews offer technical and supplemental information for each release, along with a quick look at whether the title is any good and/or entertaining or enjoyable. ALL THE RIGHT MOVES Length: 90 minutes Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9 Languages: English, French Subtitles: English, Spanish Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Sides: 1 Extras: Scene selection/Jump to any scene. Theatrical trailers for this film (in English and Spanish) and "Less Than Zero," "Taps," and "Say Anything." The only way football star Stefan Djordjevic (Tom Cruise) will avoid a life in the blast furnaces of his bleak Pennsylvania hometown is by winning a college scholarship. Even his coach (Craig T. Nelson) dreams of parlaying a winning team into a college job far away from this graveyard of the American Dream. But it's not long before the two virtually ruin each other's chances for escape and their door to the future starts to close. Lea Thompson and Christopher Penn co-star. It was 1983 and star Tom Cruise, hot off his appearance in "Taps" from two years earlier, appeared in 4 films -the sex comedy "Losin' It," Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders" and, of course, "Risky Business." The fourth was this small-scale picture from first time director Michael Chapman (who previously served as cinematographer on films such as "Raging Bull" and "Taxi Driver"). While nothing remarkable or inherently special, the film shows a mostly realistic and somewhat refreshing look at high school life and athletics, and was further proof that Cruise was on his way to becoming a star. All the Right Moves is now available for purchase by clicking here. DONNIE DARKO Length: 113 minutes Screen Formats: 2.35:1, 16x9 Languages: English, French Subtitles: English, Spanish Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Sides: 1 Extras: Scene selection/Jump to any scene (with moving images). Running audio commentary by writer/director Richard Kelly and star Jake Gyllenhaal. Running audio commentary with various cast and crew members. Theatrical trailer and 5 TV Spots. Filmographies for select Cast & Crew Members. 20 Deleted and Extended Scenes (with or without commentary). Music Video: Gary Jules "Mad World." Donnie Darko Website Gallery. Liner Notes for the Soundtrack. Cunning Visions - Infomercials (with commentary), His Name is Frank, Book Covers, and Website Gallery for Cunning Visions. Art Gallery for Production Stills and Concept Art. The Philosophy of Time Travel - Succession of stills from the manual. In a funny, moving and distinctly mind-bending journey through suburban America, one extraordinary but disenchanted teenager is about to take Time s Arrow for a ride. October 2,1988: just another ordinary day in Donnie Darko's (Jake Gyllenhaal) teen-aged existence. He's taken his medication, watched the Dukakis and Bush debate, and had dinner with the family. Then an outrageous accident occurs that barely misses claiming Donnie's life. As Donnie begins to explore what it means to still be alive, and in short order to be in love, he uncovers secrets of the universe that give him a tempting power to alter time and destiny. From 26-year-old first-time writer-director Richard Kelly comes the provocative Donnie Darko, a genre-busting fable that blasts the American suburban drama into a wildly imaginative realm of time travel, alternate universes and the manipulation of one's fate. But at the core of Donnie Darko is the simple story of a boy trying to make a stand in a lonely, chaotic world and discovering that every little thing he does counts on a cosmic scale. Seen at 2001's Sundance Film Festival, Donnie Darko - which also stars Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne, Katharine Ross, Patrick Swayze and Noah Wyle -- became one of the festival's most talked-about and debated films, praised for blending sci-fi fantasy with an original vision of a modern suburbia teetering on the edge of dread and disaster. The question became, what is Donnie Darko? Is it a look back at the underbelly of the Ferris Bueller and Back to the Future era? Or is it a wild journey into multiple realities and multiple outcomes? Is it the story of an increasingly cynical, hypocritical society on a crash-course with apocalypse? Or is it a fairy-tale about a teen hero who changes the world around him? Is this the cosmic death knell of the Reagan Era, or a portrait of a troubled community redeemed by the hand of God? The surprising answer is that Donnie Darko is all of these -- a deep inquiry into the recent past and the possibilities for the future all wrapped up in the story of a teenager unlike any you've met before. Donnie Darko is now available for purchase by clicking here. THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW: SEASON ONE Length: 106 minutes (Disc One), 102 minutes (Disc Two), 114 minutes (Disc Three). Screen Formats:Full Frame Languages: English Subtitles: English, Spanish Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Sides: 3 Discs Extras: Gary Shandling Talks... "No Flipping" -- 27+ minute discussion with star Garry Shandling and TV critic Tom Shales discussing the TV series (with some clips from the shows). EPISODE 1 "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY" Guest Star - Robert Hays Larry finds himself in opposition to a network executive who wants him to do live commercials for "The Garden Weasel." EPISODE 2 "PROMISE" Guest Stars Dana Delany, David Spade and William Shatner Larry can't decide what he should do when a comic scheduled for the show appears first on a rival talk show. EPISODE 3 "SPIDERS" Guest Stars Carol Burnett, Jon Lovitz, Steve Duchesne and Steve Kutcher Larry battles his reluctance when real live spiders are scheduled for the show, and he tries to find a sketch to do with guest Carol Burnett. EPISODE 4 "THE GUEST HOST" Guest Star Dana Carvey Dana Carvey's success as a guest host on the show makes Larry very, very nervous. EPISODE 5 "THE NEW PRODUCER" Guest Stars Robert Morton and Jeff Cesario A friend of Larry's replaces Artie temporarily as producer, but schemes to make the job permanent. EPISODE 6 "THE FLIRT" Guest Stars Mimi Rogers and Michael Richards Jeannie becomes very jealous and accuses Larry of flirting with a playful Mimi Rogers on the show. EPISODE 7 "HANK'S CONTRACT" Guest Stars Robin Williams and George Foreman It's contract negotiation time for Hank and he's going for a raise, and a golf cart. EPISODE 8 "OUT OF THE LOOP" Guest Star Peter Falk Larry feels out of touch when he's the last to know that his head writer is having a torrid office affair. EPISODE 9 "THE TALK SHOW" Guest Stars Billy Crystal and Catherine O'Hara An argument at Jeannie's home causes Larry to lose his concentration during the show that night. EPISODE 10 "THE PARTY" Guest Star Martin Mull Larry's little dinner at home with Arthur, initiated by Jeannie, escalates into a full- blown party and causes Larry to become extremely paranoid. EPISODE 11 "WARMTH" Guest Star Richard Simmons Worried about his ratings, Larry hires a focus group to help tighten up the show. EPISODE 12 "A BRUSH WITH THE ELBOW OF GREATNESS" Guest Star Bela Shaw Larry makes the tabloids when a woman claims he knocked her into a magazine rack and neglected to apologize. EPISODE 13 "HEY NOW" Guest Stars Bob Saget, Ray Combs and Earl Holliman Hank falls asleep during the show, which is just the last straw for a fed up Larry. Debuting in 1992 on HBO, this satirical look at the world of late night TV talk shows was arguably the best program on the air that year, the following ones through 1998, and even now, of all time. Rather than creating a completely fictitious host, show and guest, the creators of this series - which was nominated for a slew of Emmys - put all of that in the context of our real world, where real life celebrities played themselves, the host - brilliantly played by Garry Shandling - fretted about everything (although filtered through narcissism), and the show competed against the likes of Leno and Letterman. With terrific writing (the dialogue is often razor sharp), superb supporting performances - especially from Rip Torn as Larry's bulldog manager; Jeffrey Tambor as his rear-kissing but self-serving sidekick; and the likes of Janeane Garofalo, Jeremy Piven and others in marvelously crafted roles - as well as a scathing look at the world of talk shows, celebrities and raging egos, the series excelled not only because it was brilliantly conceived and executed, but also because it was anything but the usual network TV pablum. Featuring the first 13 episodes from season one, this compilation is a must-have, collectors set for anyone who enjoys TV writing, directing and acting at their best (but doesn't mind the language/adult material). We highly recommend it. The Larry Sanders Show - The First Season is now available for purchase by clicking here. LESS THAN ZERO Length: 98 minutes Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9 Languages: English, French Subtitles: English, Spanish Sound: Dolby Digital 4.0 Sides: 1 Extras: Scene selection/Jump to any scene. Theatrical trailers for this film (2 in English, 1 in Spanish) as well as "The Beach," "Brokedown Palace," "Fight Club," "Taps" and "Two Girls and a Guy." 5 TV Spots. Returning home from college for Christmas vacation, Clay (Andrew McCarthy) is eager to resume his long-time romantic relationship with Blair (Jami Gertz) and his old friendship with the irresponsible Julian (Robert Downey, Jr.). But he finds the two have started a relationship of their own and developed a fondness for clubs, wild parties and endless amounts of cocaine. Clay's determination and love for Blair enables him to win her back, but Julian is a different story. Increasingly hopeless, addicted and deeply in debt to his dealer (James Spader), Julian puts Clay and Blair through the ultimate test of friendship, loyalty and love. In hindsight, this 1987 film about drug addiction brings up the old argument of art imitating life or life imitating art. Although only the actor and his closest associates will ever know the complete truth about whether Robert Downey, Jr. was really emobying the drug addict part at the time, drawing off past experiences, or simply acting , this story of a young man, his addiction, and his friends' efforts to help him ring too close to home considering all that has occurred to the actor after appearing in a role that seemingly foreshadowed his own subsequent experiences. The performance was the actor's first big role in what would become an undulating career, and it's quite good. McCarthy and Gertz don't fare as well, but are passable, which pretty much sums up the overall picture that might be as glossy as they come (not only to entice the viewer but also be symbolic of the shallowness of the high flying lifestyle depicted in the film), but ultimately isn't particularly enjoyable or entertaining to watch (not that that was its objective). Less Than Zero is now available for purchase by clicking here. SAY ANYTHING Length: 100 minutes Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9 Languages: English, French Subtitles: English, Spanish Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Sides: 1 Extras: Scene selection/Jump to any scene. Running audio commentary by Cameron Crowe, John Cusack, Ione Sky. 5 Alternate scenes, 10 deleted scenes, and 13 extended scenes. 6+ minute Featurette about the film, including clips from it, behind the scenes footage and various interviews. 2 theatrical trailers and 8 TV spots. Cameron Crowe's Personal Photo Gallery - 7 B& W stills. In this charming critically acclaimed tale of first love, Lloyd (John Cusack), an eternal optimist, seeks to capture the heart of Diane, an unattainable high school beauty and straight-A student (Ione Skye). He surprises just about everyone, including himself, when she returns the sentiment. But Diane's over-possessive, divorced Dad (Frasier's John Mahoney) doesn't approve and it's going to take more than just the power of love to conquer all. Released in 1989, the film marked the directorial debut of writer/director Cameron Crowe (who previously wrote "Fast Times at Ridgemont High). As in the writer/director's subsequent work (including "Jerry Maguire" and "Almost Famous"), a great deal of keen attention has been paid to observing specific sorts of people key to the plot and then inserting them into the film with meticulous detail. Filled with intelligent and realistic dialogue, three-dimensional characters and intriguing relationships between the young man and the object of his affection, and between her and her single father, the film doesn't have any one particular moment or element that will blow away viewers. Yet, thanks to the overall way in which it's lovingly crafted as well as the terrific performances from the three leads (especially Cusack in what was amazingly already his 14th film), the film comes off as a terrific effort to behold and enjoy. We highly recommend it. Say Anything is now available for purchase by clicking here. TAPS Length: 126 minutes Screen Formats: 1.85:1, 16x9 Languages: English, French Subtitles: English, Spanish Sound: Dolby Digital 4.0 Sides: 1 Extras: Scene selection/Jump to any scene. Theatrical teaser and theatrical trailers for this film (in English and Spanish) as well as "Cast Away," "Edward Scissorshands," "Planet of the Apes" (1968) and "Romeo+Juliet." In this compelling drama, a cadet major (Timothy Hutton) leads his fellow military students in an armed revolt to prevent authorities from turning their school into a condominium complex. His surrogate father who is also the academy's commander (George C. Scott), vows to fight the closing as well. But when an unexpected accident leads to the school's demise, military discipline goes haywire and tragedy results, Sean Penn, Tom Cruise and Ronny Cox co-star in this thought-provoking film that questions the values and morals of today's society. In what's essentially something of a military school version of "Lord of the Flies," various instances of suspension of disbelief are necessary to buy into the film's basic premise as well as various developments that pop up in the ensuing moments. Yet, the way in which director Harold Becker ("Mercury Rising," "Sea of Love") helms the script by Darryl Ponicsan, Robert Mark Kamen and James Lineberger instantly engages the viewer and should hold their interest from start to finish. It doesn't hurt that the performances are all solid. Whether it's Hutton (fresh off his Oscar for "Ordinary People"), Scott (winner for "Patton") or Tom Cruise (in just his second film) and Sean Penn (in his debut), we care about the characters and thus their predicament. Decent in its own right, it's also fun to watch this 1981 film just to see some of those notable performers early in their careers. Taps is now available for purchase by clicking here. THE TASTE OF OTHERS Length: 112 minutes Screen Formats: 2.35:1, 16x9 Languages:French Subtitles: English Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Sides: 1 (Dual Layer) Extras: Scene selection/Jump to any scene. Theatrical trailers for "The Closet," "Chocolat," "Calle 54" and "Everybody's Famous!" Three men, three women, opposites, possibilities, and tastes. Castella owns a trucking company in Rouen; Bruno is his flute-playing driver, Franck is his temporary bodyguard while he negotiates a contract with Iranians, his wife Béatrice does frou-frou interior decorating and loves her dog. The conventional Castella hires a forty-year-old actress, Clara, to tutor him in English, and he finds her and her Bohemian lifestyle fascinating. Is this love? What would she say if he declared himself? Through Bruno, Franck meets Manie, a barmaid who deals hash. They begin an affair. Are they in love? They joke about marriage. As the women hold back, the men must make decisions. Recipient of an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 2000 (losing out to "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), the R-rated film should entertain adult audiences looking for a sexy and sophisticated comedy. The Taste of Others is now available for purchase by clicking here.