'Men in Black' DVD packages contain cool extras

By STEVE PERSALL

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 7, 2000

Be reminded of what Times reviewers thought of this week's new video releases back when they were released on the big screen. Second thoughts include hindsight about the movies, what they'll be like on video and suggestions about who might want to rent them.

New releases

American Psycho

First impressions: "Satire without wit or irony is nothingness, which aptly describes (American Psycho). . . . Whatever satirical merit existed on the page is outdated, whatever shocks are subdued. Nearly every character . . . is a superficial bore, affecting snobbish accents and hangovers to express the era's decadent chic. The lone exception is Chloe Sevigny and her come-hither-no-not-that-close eyes.

Second thoughts: Audiences quickly rejected Harron's film, turned off either by the subject matter or the majority of negative reviews from critics. It's still a front-runner on my list of the 10 worst films of the year.

Rental audience: Gore-hounds who will probably be disappointed by Harron's subdued violence; the few readers who enjoyed Ellis' book.

Rent it if you enjoy: Root canals without anesthetic.

Flawless

(R) -- Homophobic cop (Robert De Niro) suffers a stroke during a shoot-out, then relies upon a transvestite lounge performer (Philip Seymour Hoffman) to regain his ability to speak. Meanwhile, the crooks he had been chasing threaten the odd couple again.

First impressions: "It's a jarring contradiction: an undeveloped tender angle and needlessly harsh violence. Toss in unflattering stereotypes of the gay community, and Flawless can't possibly live up to its title. Hoffman is suitably flamboyant as a drag queen. . . . . But as this film proceeds, the role becomes more pathetic, culminating in a lame finale. Hoffman milks the role for all it's worth, with diminishing returns."

Second thoughts: Hoffman's Screen Actors Guild nomination for best actor was deserved. Other viewers reported liking Flawless much more than I did. Could have a decent life on home video.

Rental audience: De Niro fans; those who appreciate Hoffman's skyrocketing career.

Rent it if you enjoy: Torch Song Trilogy, Awakenings.

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea

(NR, probably G) -- Direct-to-video sequel to the film that invigorated Disney's sluggish animation empire in 1989. The saga continues with Ariel (voice of Jodi Benson again) living happily on land, married to Prince Eric. Their daughter, Melody, gets involved in another scheme by evil Morgana (Pat Carroll) to overthrow King Triton.

First impressions: Is there anything Disney won't do to make a buck?

The trend of recycling beloved characters with inferior production values for straight-to-video profit is irritating. Just check out the recent Buzz Lightyear video -- sans the visual wizardry making landmarks of both Toy Story movies -- for proof.

The Little Mermaid II wasn't previewed. But, if it were up to Disney standards set by the original, wouldn't there be a theatrical release?

Second thought: Parents can use a little video babysitting help now and then.

Rental audience: Young children who recognize the title and parents wishing to please them.

DVD

New and noteworthy for digital players

Men in Black: Special Edition and Limited Edition -- Barry Sonnenfeld's 1997 sci-fi comedy arrives in two different DVD packages today (three, if you count the Special Edition made available in both 5.1 and DTS audio formats).

Check the cover art closely to be sure you're renting or buying the version you want.

The Special Edition (list price $29.95) contains a few cool extras, including audio commentary by Sonnenfeld and actor Tommy Lee Jones, who actually loosens up his terse demeanor after a while. A pair of behind-the-scenes featurettes are standard material.

The set includes five scenes deleted from theatrical release and closer looks at the film's computer-animated aliens and tunnel chase scene. Will Smith's Men in Black music video and the usual filmographies, preview trailers, photo and storyboards round out the set.

The Limited Edition (list price $39.95) contains those extras, plus a few aimed at viewers interested in the nuts and bolts of modern filmmaking technology.

Another audio track and featurette stars Sonnenfeld and technicians who created the film's creatures and special effects. The climactic duel between the heroes and a giant bug is studied using multiple camera angles.

An opportunity is also provided to program your own action sequence, arranging selected clips from the movie in an "editing room."

Rewind

Videos worth another look

Cannes is flashier and Telluride is more concerned with art than commerce. However, no film festival generates more genuine top-10 and Academy Awards buzz than the Toronto Film Festival.

The Canadian city's 24th annual showcase of world cinema opens today and continues for two weeks.

Prizes will be handed out, and one of the most coveted is the People's Choice Award, voted by moviegoers. Everybody has a ballot, from the highest studio executives to ordinary folks who managed to get tickets to a screening.

This cross-section of tastes has a pretty good track record. Many People's Choice Award winners have gone on to commercial and awards season success. Browse your local video store and revisit some of these Toronto favorites:

• The Big Chill -- Yuppies convene for a friend's funeral and begin questioning their generation and dashed dreams. A great ensemble cast includes Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum and (in the opening credits) Kevin Costner's hands.
• The Princess Bride -- Brilliantly realized fairy tale with a dash of modern smart-aleck comedy. Rob Reiner's movie is a treat to watch any time.
• Roger & Me -- Michael Moore made a name for himself (plus a few impolite descriptions from his corporate targets) with this 1989 documentary. Moore tracks down the head of General Motors to learn why a factory has closed in his hometown of Flint, Mich.
• American Beauty -- Last year's Oscar winner for best picture, director, actor and screenplay saw its momentum start in Toronto. A haunting suburban drama, with a great performance by Kevin Spacey.
• The Fisher King -- A pair of lost souls (Jeff Bridges, Robin Williams) find a measure of redemption in Terry Gilliam's dark metropolitan comedy. Mercedes Ruehl won a best supporting actress Oscar for her role.
• Strictly Ballroom -- Baz Lurhmann's enchanting tale of ballroom dance competition contains two appealing stars (Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice) and stunning choreography.
• The Snapper -- Warm comedy set in Ireland, where an unwed mother becomes a local scandal. Colm Meaney delivers a fine performance as her caring, uptight father.
• Fly Away Home -- Young girl teaches grounded geese to fly with the aid of her widowed, eccentric father (Jeff Daniels). One of the best family films of the past few years.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright