Happy Birthday to Me typifies the horror genre prior to the self-reflection and irony that saturated the genre in the late '80s and '90s. A solid cast, decent acting, a well-written script, and relatively high production values result in a solid movie that is engaging on its own in addition to offering a glimpse into the history of '80s horror. The plot follows the rules of the genre (later parodied in such films as the Scream and Scary Movie series). A number of teenagers (played by actors who appear visibly older than their characters) from an elite prep school get into mischievous sexual situations fueled by alcohol and pot smoking. As teens start to disappear, murdered in a variety of violent ways, the film suggests a number of suspects. Is the killer the troubled star played by Melissa Sue Anderson who lost her overbearing, social-climbing mother in a car accident that she survived? Or is it the stern school mistress, the wacky, cool social clown, the social misfit, or none of the above? The film keeps you guessing until the final scene. Happy Birthday is a must-see for serious fans of the horror genre and this release is a solid digital mastering of the movie. Hardcore fans should note that the DVD release was not able to secure the rights to the original soundtrack so this version features an alternate soundtrack of largely nondescript '80s electronic music. --Brian Saltzman
St. Patrick's Day in Dublin City; this means trouble everywhere. Between The Canals follows three small time criminals from Dublin's North Inner City: Two are happy with their lot as drug users and thugs, but Liam is looking for a way out. He wants to quit his life of crime, get a job and provide for his girlfriend and son. He just has to get through this one day and maybe things will look brighter for him. A hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking story of loyalty, duty and masculinity. Special Features: Interview with Director and Writer Mark O'Connor. Song by Robert Delaney
50 First Dates (Dir. Peter Segal 2004): Henry Roth (Sandler) the local marina veterinarian only dates tourists because he's afraid of commitment - that is until he meets Lucy (Barrymore). Unfortunately Lucy lost her short-term memory months ago in a car accident and for her each day is October the 13th. She follows the same routine every day - breakfast at the same restaurant pineapple-picking with her dad and eventually bed time where sleep wipes away her short-term memory. Henry however refuses to be forgotten and as his puppy love matures he embarks on a quest to restore her memory or at least be a part of her everyday routine. But vying for Lucy's attention isn't always easy. Henry explores various approaches before making a video for Lucy to watch every morning reminding her of who she is and what she's doing... Spanglish (Dir. James L. Brooks 2004): A woman and her daughter emigrate from Mexico for a new life in America; they end up working for John Clasky (Sandler) who's trying to come to terms with sudden success as a celebrity chef an overly sensitive wife (Tea Leoni) emotional children and an increasing attraction to his new nanny... Mr. Deeds (Dir. Steven Brill 2002): Small town guy Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler) inherits a billion fortune from his deceased uncle. He promptly moves to the big city where he meets Babe Bennett (Winona Ryder) a tabloid reporter who poses as a small town girl to uncover an expos'' on Mr Deeds. Conniving opportunists attempt to get their hands on his money while Deeds' sincere naivet'' has Babe falling in love with him. Ultimately Deeds comes to find that money truly has the power to change things but it doesn't necessarily need to change him...
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