DVD Reviews

The Color of Freedom:
Interesting, true story that follows the relationship between Nelson Mandela and the prison guard that watched over his entire 27 year stay in South African prisons.
Recommended

Uncovered- The War on Iraq:
Though a bit dated at this point, it’s well worthwhile to view this 2004 documentary on the neo-con lies and deception used for their aggressive war against Iraq.
Recommended

Killshot:
A decent action thriller with good acting, but a mediocre script. Mickey Rourke’s part is well suited for his talents.
Recommended

Dead Man:
One of those artsy “not for everyone” films. An offbeat western starring Johnny Depp. Depp’s character is uninteresting but he encounters many others that are, played by actors who do some entertaining work.
Recommended

John Hiatt-Live From Austin, Tx:
1993 performance on Austin City Limits by the rockin’ songwriter, extraordinaire.
Recommended

The Legend of 1900:
A man is born on a trans-Atlantic cruise ship and never once leaves the ship. During his life he becomes a legendary piano player who resists the lure of fame and money if he would just leave his ship/home. Interesting story idea and some great piano music.
Recommended

The Secret Life of Bees:
A superb female cast lead this story of a young teen searching for the truth about her long dead mother in 1964 South Carolina.
Recommended

In Tranzit:
Based on a true story in 1946 Russia. German POW’s suspected of war crimes during the Russian siege are held in a camp manned entirely by women soldiers. Recommended

Front Line- The Dark Side:
A 2006 presentation outlining the deception, dishonesty and back stabbing that occurred during the lead-up to the Bush/Cheney invasion of Iraq.
Recommended

Crossing Over:
A multi-plot drama that follows a number of immigrant individuals in Los Angeles and the problems they encounter in the attempt to “be legal.” A great illustration how the state destroys dreams, lives, and families- all in the name of security paranoia and controlling the movement of their human livestock.
Recommended

The Grapes of Wrath:
Well crafted movie for its time. Just don’t be offended by the populist tone and promotion of state benevolence.
Recommended

A/k/a Tommy Chong:
A must-see documentary outlining the arrest and imprisonment of Tommy Chong for manufacturing bongs. The film makers don’t have to work hard to show the idiocy and waste of the American drug war. Hats off to Tommy, who seemed to keep his sense of humor and biting wit throughout the entire ordeal.
Recommended

Judgment at Nuremberg:
A monumental piece of work, both historically and artistically. The 1961 film (with an incredible cast) dramatizes the second round of the Nuremberg trials- the tribunal that tried civilian judges. The case is not as cut and dried as you may think.
Recommended

Battle in Seattle:
The film attempts to show the story of the 1999 WTO protests- where the folks who propose world socialism (backed by violence) protest those who propose world fascism (backed by violence). Instead of telling the stories of REAL people involved in the conflict, the director chooses to give us fictitious characters. If the characters aren’t real, how can I have faith in the film’s credibility as a record of an historical event? How can I be certain that the beliefs and attitudes exhibited by the characters parallel those of the actual participants?
Not recommended

August Evening:
Nice, quiet family drama, with the attractive, natural quality that comes from several first time actors.
Recommended