By Film and television author RANDY WILLIAMS reviews the latest movies, television shows, documentaries and music programs now available for purchase online or at your local retail store.
‘Michael Clayton’
George Clooney is the title character, a go-to attorney when his powerful New York law firm wants a mess swept under the rug. This intense big-business thriller presents circumstances that eventually force Clayton to make decisions with life-and-death implications. From the writer of the “Bourne” trilogy, this is Tony Gilroy’s directorial debut and an Oscar-nominated one at that. “Michael Clayton” was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture with Tilda Swinton winning as Best Supporting Actress. Supplements include Gilroy’s commentary plus those of his brother, the film’s editor along with additional scenes. (Warner Bros) United Artists’ Best Picture Collection A diverse quartet of movies representing some of the best filmmaking in Hollywood arrive in this new DVD package. “Marty,” a story about two lonely people who have almost resigned themselves to never being truly loved is the first film to claim both Best Picture Oscar and Cannes’ Golden Palm. It was written by Paddy Chayefsky (”Network”). “Tom Jones,” a classic comedy featuring Albert Finney as a lady charmer, netted four Academy Awards. “West Side Story,” the unusual musical about rival gangs, won ten Academy Awards. Legendary writer/director Billy Wilder wrote and directed this scathing satire, “The Apartment” starring Jack Lemon and Shirley MacLaine. (MGM) ‘In the Valley of Elah’
A career officer (Tommy Lee Jones) and his wife (Susan Sarandon) work with a police detective (Charlize Theron) to uncover the truth behind their son's disappearance following his return from a tour of duty in Iraq. Writer/director Paul Haggis (”Crash”) does well to force us to look at things we don’t necessarily want to see. Extras include additional scenes and a couple of making-of documentaries.(Warner Bros) ‘The Mod Squad’ The First Season, Volume 2 TV’s hippest cops return in this series produced by Aaron Spelling and Danny Thomas that originally aired in 1968. Three young outsiders (Clarence Williams III, Peggy Lipton, and Michael Cole) are brought in to fight crime and help bridge the generation gap as outsiders of the Los Angeles police force. The final 13 episodes come in four discs with a special feature entitled: “Hello My Name is Julie — The Mod Look.” (Paramount/CBS) ‘Pinochet’s Last Stand’
Based on true events, this dramatization portrays the former dictator of Chile held captive by his past. The story revolves around his stunning 1998 arrest in Great Britain. Despite supposed immunity armed with a diplomatic passport, the retired general was held under house arrest for over a year as a campaign pushing for his extradition trial gathered momentum. The South American despot who came to power through a violent military coup in 1973 presided over a 17-year reign that involved the ruthless torture of thousands of citizens. Emmy-winner Derek Jacobi (”Hamlet,” “Gladiator,” “Frasier”) plays the dictator. (HBO) ‘Girlfriends’ The Third Season An ambitious lawyer (Tracee Ross), her sassy assistant (Golden Brooks), the free-spirited roommate (Persia White) and sassy friend (Jill Jones) make for a combustible group of Los Angeles ladies dealing with wedding bells, perplexed boyfriends, and the lures of plastic surgery. Twenty-four episodes originally aired in 2002 to 2003. Special features are entitled: “Its What You Wear That Counts,” and “Here Comes the Bride.” (Paramount/CBS)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 7, 2008. Read the original PDF.