The most densely plotted instalment of the saga so far, Attack of the Clones is a tale of both Machiavellian political drama and doomed romance; it's epic war film and silly comic-book fantasy combined, as teenage Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) chafes at the restrictions imposed by his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and falls in love with Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). Renegade Jedi Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) is leading a breakaway federation of disgruntled systems; while the insidious influence of Darth Sidious is felt rather than seen as his invisible hand guides apparently unrelated events, from Jar Jar's unwitting instigation of a disastrous Senate decision to bounty hunter Jango Fett's revelatory role at the centre of the conspiracy. Along the way the story has fun with the conventions of Chandleresque detective fiction as Obi-Wan explores the seedier side of Coruscant, and incorporates the noble warrior ethos of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in its portrayal of the Jedi order. The portentous tone is lightened by tongue-in-cheek self-referential dialogue and the antics of robotic clowns R2D2 and C3PO. (One niggle for music fans, though, is the cavalier cut-and-paste approach to John Williams's music score.) Like the Empire Strikes Back, Clones is the bridging film of the trilogy and thus ends on an equivocally bittersweet note. On the DVD: Attack of the Clones is an all-digital film, and so looks suitably superb in this anamorphic widescreen transfer, accompanied by a THX encoded Dolby 5.1 soundtrack. Anyone who owns The Phantom Menace two-disc set will know what to expect from the special features: here's another group commentary led by George Lucas, two lengthy documentaries on the digital effects ("From Puppets to Pixels" and "The Previsualisation of Episode II") plus several other featurettes and Web documentaries, notably "Films Are Not Released, They Escape", a look at the sound design. There's also a fun trailer for the R2-D2 mockumentary "Beneath the Dome", trailers, photo galleries and more to satisfy any Star Wars fan. --Mark Walker
Star Wars: The Phantom Menance See the first fateful steps in the journey of Anakin Skywalker. Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn rescue Queen Amidala, ruler of a peaceful planet invaded by dark forces. On their escape, they discover nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker, a child prodigy who is unusually strong in The Force. Star Wars: Attack of The Clones Watch the seeds of Anakin Skywalker transformation take root. When Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker is assigned to protect Senator Padmé Amidala, he discovers his love for her and his own darker side. Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovers a secret clone army as the galaxy marches towards full-scale war. Star Wars: Revenge of The Sith Discover the true power of the dark side. Clone Wars rage across the galaxy. The sinister Sith Lord seizes control of the Republic and corrupts Anakin Skywalker to be his dark apprentice, Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi must confront his fallen friend in an epic lightsaber duel. Product Features Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Filmmaker And Cast Audio Commentary Cast And Crew Archival Audio Commentary Conversations: Doug Chiang Looks Back Discoveries From Inside: Models & Miniatures Documentary: The Beginning Extended And Deleted Scenes And Much More! Star Wars: Attack of The Clones Filmmaker And Cast Audio Commentary Cast And Crew Archival Audio Commentary Conversations: Sounds In Space Discoveries From Inside: Costumes Revealed From Puppets To Pixels: Digital Characters In Episode II Cast And Crew Interviews Extended And Deleted Scenes And Much More! Star Wars: Revenge of The Sith Filmmaker And Cast Audio Commentary Cast And Crew Archival Audio Commentary Conversations: The Star Wars That Almost Was Discoveries From Inside: Holograms & Bloopers Within A Minute: The Making Of Episode III Filmmaker And Cast Interviews Extended And Deleted Scenes And Much More!
David Suchet stars as Agatha Christie's enigmatic eccentric and extremely intelligent detective Hercule Poirot. From England to the Mediterranean accompanied by his elegant and trustworthy sidekicks Captain Hastings Chief Inspector Japp and Miss Lemon Poirot pits his wits against a collection of first class deceptions. Includes all 70 episodes plus many extras.
When Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker is assigned to protect Senator Padmé Amidala, he discovers his love for her and his own darker side. Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovers a secret clone army as the galaxy marches towards full-scale war. Episode II: Attack Of The Clones Bonus Disc Conversations: Sounds In Space Discoveries From Inside: Costumes Revealed The Art Of Attack Of The Clones From Puppets To Pixels: Digital Characters In Episode II Feature-Length Documentary State Of The Art: The Previsualization Of Episode II Documentary Films Are Not Released, They Escape Documentary Episode II Visual Effects Breakdown Montage (Siggraph Reel) Coruscant Overview Ewan McGregor Interview Naboo Overview Tatooine Overview Geonosis Overview Hayden Christensen Interview Blue Screen Acting Extended Speeder Chase Jedi Temple Analysis Room The Lost Twenty Anakin's Nightmares Padmé's Parents' House Anakin And Ruwee Obi-Wan & Mace - Jedi Landing Platform Dooku Interrogates Padmé Raid On The Droid Control Ship & Extended Arena Fight Dexter Jettster Maquette Zam Wesell Speeder Concept Model Youngling Outfit & Helmet Costume Zam Wesell Costume Shaak Maquette Anakin Outland Peasant Costume (With Cloak) Anakin Outland Peasant Costume (Without Cloak) Padmé Outland Peasant Costume (With Cloak) Padmé Outland Peasant Costume (Without Cloak) C-3PO Costume Tusken Raider Woman Costume Tusken Raider Child Costume Geonosian Maquette Acklay Maquette Nexu Maquette Reek Maquette Padmé Trip To Geonosis Costume (With Unused Headdress) Jango Fett Costume Super Battle Droid Maquette Geonosis Arena Maquette Republic Gunship Model Clone Trooper Maquette
When Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker is assigned to protect Senator Padmé Amidala, he discovers his love for her and his own darker side. Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovers a secret clone army as the galaxy marches towards full-scale war.
Ike Graham (Richard Gere) is a New York newspaper columnist with a problem - his deadline is an hour away, his ex-wife is his boss and his writer's block is working overtime.
When Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker is assigned to protect Senator Padmé Amidala, he discovers his love for her and his own darker side. Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovers a secret clone army as the galaxy marches towards full-scale war. Episode II: Attack Of The Clones Bonus Disc Conversations: Sounds In Space Discoveries From Inside: Costumes Revealed The Art Of Attack Of The Clones From Puppets To Pixels: Digital Characters In Episode II Feature-Length Documentary State Of The Art: The Previsualization Of Episode II Documentary Films Are Not Released, They Escape Documentary Episode II Visual Effects Breakdown Montage (Siggraph Reel) Coruscant Overview Ewan McGregor Interview Naboo Overview Tatooine Overview Geonosis Overview Hayden Christensen Interview Blue Screen Acting Extended Speeder Chase Jedi Temple Analysis Room The Lost Twenty Anakin's Nightmares Padmé's Parents' House Anakin And Ruwee Obi-Wan & Mace - Jedi Landing Platform Dooku Interrogates Padmé Raid On The Droid Control Ship & Extended Arena Fight Dexter Jettster Maquette Zam Wesell Speeder Concept Model Youngling Outfit & Helmet Costume Zam Wesell Costume Shaak Maquette Anakin Outland Peasant Costume (With Cloak) Anakin Outland Peasant Costume (Without Cloak) Padmé Outland Peasant Costume (With Cloak) Padmé Outland Peasant Costume (Without Cloak) C-3PO Costume Tusken Raider Woman Costume Tusken Raider Child Costume Geonosian Maquette Acklay Maquette Nexu Maquette Reek Maquette Padmé Trip To Geonosis Costume (With Unused Headdress) Jango Fett Costume Super Battle Droid Maquette Geonosis Arena Maquette Republic Gunship Model Clone Trooper Maquette
Chiwetel Ejiofor (American Gangster Endgame Talk To Me) Christopher Eccleston (Lennon Naked Doctor Who) Sir Antony Sher (The Wolfman Primo) and Stephen Rea (The Crying Game Breakfast on Pluto) are to star in The Shadow Line BBC Two's landmark noir thriller written produced and directed by Hugo Blick (Sensitive Skin Marion And Geoff).
It must be stressed that despite the fact that it was produced in 1973 and stars both Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland, The Wicker Man is not a Hammer Horror film. There is no blood, very little gore and the titular Wicker Man is not a monster made out of sticks that runs around killing people by weaving them into raffia work. Edward Woodward plays Sergeant Howie, a virginal, Christian policeman sent from the Scottish mainland to investigate the disappearance of young girl on the remote island of Summer Isle. The intelligent script by Anthony Schaffer, who also wrote the detective mystery Sleuth (a film with which The Wicker Man shares many traits), derives its horror from the increasing isolation, confusion and humiliation experienced by the naïve Howie as he encounters the island community's hostility and sexual pagan rituals, manifested most immediately in the enthusiastic advances of local landlord's daughter Willow (Britt Ekland). Howie's intriguing search, made all the more authentic by the film's atmospheric locations and folkish soundtrack, gradually takes us deeper and deeper into the bizarre pagan community living under the guidance of the charming Laird of Summer Isle (Lee, minus fangs) as the film builds to a terrifying climax with a twist to rival that of The Sixth Sense or Fight Club. --Paul Philpott
The brand new sitcom written by Graham Linehan (Father Ted Black Books) and produced by Ash Atalla (The Office) The IT Crowd centres on the worlds of Roy Moss and Jen who make up the IT department of Reynholm Industries. While their social betters work upstairs in fantastic surroundings the IT dept work in a horrible dark basement underneath it all... The IT Crowd will strike a chord with everyone who dreads getting stuck in a corner with the IT boys at the office party or who's ever phoned their IT dept only to be asked ""Have you tried turning it off and on again?"" Filmed on location and in front of a live studio audience The IT Crowd is a surreal look at the underclass of a company.
During the Second World War the Germans put many of the Allied prisoners-of-war (POWs) who had proved consistent escapees together in a maximum security fortress, the very name of which became a legend. Based on the book by Colditz escapee Major Pat Reid, The Colditz Story (1957) documents the further, sometimes successful, escape attempts of these extraordinarily brave, resourceful and indomitable men. Starring John Mills, Eric Portman, Bryan Forbes and Anton Diffring, and co-written and directed by Guy Hamilton, who later made The Battle of Britain (1969), this is a sober, even-handed account, that is gripping and informative, yet not without humour. Sterling performances from the cast of stalwart actors adds up to a British cinema classic. Such is the fascination of Colditz that in 1972-3 the BBC made a very successful drama series staring Jack Hedley, Bernard Hempton, Robert Wagner and David McCallum, while in 2000 Channel 4 offered a superb three-part documentary, Escape from Colditz. In contrast to the semi-documentary feel of The Colditz Story David Lean's classic The Bridge on the River Kwai, from the same year, is an epic and powerful account of POW life in barbaric Japanese prison camps. --Gary S. Dalkin
Just Cause is a film that relies on phony plot twists and steals openly from any other thriller that it can remember. If there was a drinking game requiring players to drink during every cinematic "homage", you'd be tanked after its first 45 minutes. Take one case of racial injustice, place it in an exotic, exquisitely photographed location (the Florida Everglades), and bring in an outsider, played by a bankable star, to save the day. Make sure nothing appears as it seems. Add a couple of plot twists, some over-the-top character actors (Ed Harris, shamelessly riffing on Hannibal Lecter), stir, and serve. The big name in this case is Sean Connery, who plays a Harvard law professor summoned to the swamps by an apparently innocent death row inmate (Blair Underwood), who swears he didn't rape and kill that 11-year-old girl. He says he confessed because maverick psycho-cop Tanny Brown (Laurence Fishburne) made him play a solo game of Russian roulette. He says his Serial-killer neighbour on death row (Harris) committed the crime. Connery buys it, the audience buys it, and how could they not? Director Arne Glimcher (who made the lacklustre Mambo Kings) coerces everyone with simplistic plot manipulations. Characters are given no depth, and the actors are pawns moved about like pieces on a Cluedo gameboard. -- Dave McCoy, Amazon.com
It must be stressed that, despite the fact that it was produced in 1973 and stars Christopher Lee, The Wicker Man is not a Hammer Horror film. There is no blood, very little gore and the titular Wicker Man is not a monster made out of sticks that runs around killing people by weaving them into raffia work. Edward Woodward plays Sergeant Howie, a virginal, Christian policeman sent from the Scottish mainland to investigate the disappearance of a young girl on the remote island of Summerisle. The intelligent script by Anthony Schaffer, who also wrote the detective mystery Sleuth (a film with which The Wicker Man shares many traits), derives its horror from the increasing isolation, confusion and humiliation experienced by the naïve Howie as he encounters the island community's hostility and sexual pagan rituals, manifested most immediately in the enthusiastic advances of local landlord's daughter Willow (Britt Ekland). Howie's intriguing search, made all the more authentic by the film's atmospheric locations and folkish soundtrack, gradually takes us deeper and deeper into the bizarre pagan community living under the guidance of the charming Laird (Lee, minus fangs) as the film builds to a terrifying climax with a twist to rival that of The Sixth Sense or Fight Club. --Paul Philpott On the DVD: The Wicker Man can finally be seen in its glorious entirety on DVD, thanks to the restoration of some 15 minutes of previously lost material. Since the original negative long ago disappeared (apparently dumped beneath the M3 motorway) the picture quality for the added scenes is dubious, but what's much more important is the regained richness in the depiction of Summerisle's society (including a wonderful deflowering ritual set to music) and the added depth to Howie's character. Almost redundantly this excellent two-disc package provides the butchered theatrical cut as well, which comes with a good new documentary explaining both the genesis of the film and its turbulent history. Christopher Lee and director Robin Hardy pop up in an archival interview from the 1970s and are also reunited with Edward Woodward in the brand-new and first-rate commentary track for the director's cut: Lee in particular remains passionate about the movie and still angry about its shabby treatment. Both versions of the film are widescreen 1.85:1; the theatrical cut is in remastered Dolby 5.1, but the director's cut remains in mono. --Mark Walker
When a young girl mysteriously disappears Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote island to investigate. But this pastoral community led by the strange Lord Summerisle (a brilliant performance by the legendary Christopher Lee) is not what it seems as the devout Christian detective soon uncovers a secret society of wanton lust and pagan blasphemy. Can Howie now stop the cult's ultimate sacrifice before he himself comes face to face with the horror of the Wicker Man?
This curiously dry adaptation of Thomas Hardy's last novel, Jude is a good example of Michael Winterbottom's inability to make a particularly good film until Welcome to Sarajevo. Christopher Eccleston plays Jude Fawley, a self-educated stonemason who holds the dream of attending university but identifies with the working class. Kate Winslet is enlisted to play his cousin Sue Bridehead, a young woman with suffragette leanings and a position as a teacher's assistant. When the two enter into an illicit union, they are condemned to the margins of society, ultimately resulting in a horrifying tragedy. Winterbottom takes an oddly lean approach to Hardy's deterministic story, which leaves a viewer feeling short on emotion just when one needs it for the from-bad-to-worse third act. Welcome to Sarajevo proved that Winterbottom needs a whole other level of personal involvement to make a film that inspires him. Jude isn't one of those lucky films. --Tom Keogh, Amazon.com
Zev Guttman (Academy Award® Winner* Christopher Plummer), receives a mysterious package from his close friend Max (Academy Award® Winner Martin Landau), containing a stack of money and a letter detailing a shocking plan. Both Zev and Max were prisoners in Auschwitz, and the same sadistic guard was responsible for the death of both their families a guard who, immediately after the war, escaped Germany and has been living in the U.S. ever since under an assumed identity. With Max wheelchair-bound, Zev must embark on a cross-continental road-trip to bring justice once and for all to the man who destroyed both their lives. From Academy Award® nominated¡ director Atom Egoyan and with an incredible lead performance from Christopher Plummer as the frail but unstoppable Zev, REMEMBER is a thrillingly fast-paced revenge story. * Winner, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Beginners, 2012. Winner, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Ed Wood, 1995. ¡ Nominee, Best Director, The Sweet Hereafter, 1998.
When a young girl mysteriously disappears Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote island to investigate. But this pastoral community led by the strange Lord Summerisle (a brilliant performance by the legendary Christopher Lee) is not what it seems as the devout Christian detective soon uncovers a secret society of wanton lust and pagan blasphemy. Can Howie now stop the cult's ultimate sacrifice before he himself comes face to face with the horror of The Wicker Man?
This morning they were playing ping-pong in the hospital rec room. Now they're lost in New York and framed for murder. This was never covered in group therapy. Michael Keaton heads an all-star cast in this irresistible comedy about four mental patients who are seperated from their therapist on the way to a baseball game. A chronic liar with a violent streak Billy (Michael Keaton) finds himself on the loose in New York City with his fellow group-therapy patients: Henry (Chri
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