Capsule Reviews - #-C
Explore capsule reviews.
2001: A Space Odyssey DVD
This is one of my all-time favorites. It's one of the films that started me on a life-long love of the movies.
This is one of my all-time favorites. It's one of the films that started me on a life-long love of the movies.
21 Grams DVD
21 Grams is an actor’s film, but to my mind, it is more cerebral than character-driven.
21 Grams is an actor’s film, but to my mind, it is more cerebral than character-driven.
24 – Season Two DVD
This smart and often gripping mix of suspense and drama immediately drew me in. I am intrigued by the unusual dramatic structure, which defies my ordinary expectations of a TV drama.
This smart and often gripping mix of suspense and drama immediately drew me in. I am intrigued by the unusual dramatic structure, which defies my ordinary expectations of a TV drama.
25th Hour DVD
Read a DVD review of one of Spike Lee’s most emotionally powerful films.
Read a DVD review of one of Spike Lee’s most emotionally powerful films.
28 Days Later DVD
Although the dynamite first act of this movie doesn't deliver on its promises, I still recommend this movie because it is a compelling drama with genuinely scary moments.
Although the dynamite first act of this movie doesn't deliver on its promises, I still recommend this movie because it is a compelling drama with genuinely scary moments.
300 DVD (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Based on a graphic novel coauthored by Frank Miller, this is a visually stunning, cinematically innovative and highly entertaining action spectacle about the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., which is celebrated as an example of valiant resistance against an overwhelming force.
Based on a graphic novel coauthored by Frank Miller, this is a visually stunning, cinematically innovative and highly entertaining action spectacle about the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., which is celebrated as an example of valiant resistance against an overwhelming force.
8 1/2 Criterion Collection DVD
Here's a and brief review of the Criterion Collection DVD.
Here's a and brief review of the Criterion Collection DVD.
8 Mile DVD
I liked the way director Curtis Hanson mixed elements of a coming-of-age story with class struggle, and Eminem has the right screen presence.
I liked the way director Curtis Hanson mixed elements of a coming-of-age story with class struggle, and Eminem has the right screen presence.
A Beautiful Mind DVD
I thought that this movie played much better on DVD than it did when I saw it during its theatrical release.
I thought that this movie played much better on DVD than it did when I saw it during its theatrical release.
A Mighty Wind DVD
There are lots of laughs in A Mighty Wind, but the edge of the humor in this film is a little gentler than in some of Guest’s others. He’s made funnier films, but this is one of my favorites.
There are lots of laughs in A Mighty Wind, but the edge of the humor in this film is a little gentler than in some of Guest’s others. He’s made funnier films, but this is one of my favorites.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence DVD
This film raises thought-provoking questions about what it means to be human, but the movie sometimes feels too warm and fuzzy for its dark subject matter. But the movie is a flawed masterpiece that is well worth seeing.
This film raises thought-provoking questions about what it means to be human, but the movie sometimes feels too warm and fuzzy for its dark subject matter. But the movie is a flawed masterpiece that is well worth seeing.
About a Boy DVD
I found About a Boy to be one of those rare films that is warm, human, funny, and entertaining from start to finish. It has far fewer clichés than other recent comedies.
I found About a Boy to be one of those rare films that is warm, human, funny, and entertaining from start to finish. It has far fewer clichés than other recent comedies.
Adaptation DVD
I loved Adaptation for its wit and humor: it is one of the most original films I've seen in a long time. The acting is superb and alone would be enough to carry the movie.
I loved Adaptation for its wit and humor: it is one of the most original films I've seen in a long time. The acting is superb and alone would be enough to carry the movie.
Ali DVD
Although it's a good movie, not a great one, Ali is well worth watching and offers a glimpse into the fascinating life of a boxing legend. Read my brief review of "Ali" on DVD.
Although it's a good movie, not a great one, Ali is well worth watching and offers a glimpse into the fascinating life of a boxing legend. Read my brief review of "Ali" on DVD.
All About Eve (1950) DVD
This movie was nominated for 14 Academy Awards and won 6, including Best Picture. A superb screenplay, arguably the sharpest dialogue in any movie, and richly developed characters make for one of the best of the classic Hollywood films.
This movie was nominated for 14 Academy Awards and won 6, including Best Picture. A superb screenplay, arguably the sharpest dialogue in any movie, and richly developed characters make for one of the best of the classic Hollywood films.
Amelie DVD
This was a feel-good movie; but I would have felt even better if it had been 20 or 30 minutes shorter. Read a DVD overview and brief movie review of "Amelie."
This was a feel-good movie; but I would have felt even better if it had been 20 or 30 minutes shorter. Read a DVD overview and brief movie review of "Amelie."
American Gangster DVD
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe turn in star performances in American Gangster, an entertaining crime drama inspired by a true story.
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe turn in star performances in American Gangster, an entertaining crime drama inspired by a true story.
American Pie 2 DVD
This is a mindless, good-natured comedy.
This is a mindless, good-natured comedy.
American Wedding DVD
Although this film offers little other than entertainment, I recommend this sweet-natured, laugh-out-loud comedy. However, it's not for people who don't like sophomoric, raunchy, vulgar humor.
Although this film offers little other than entertainment, I recommend this sweet-natured, laugh-out-loud comedy. However, it's not for people who don't like sophomoric, raunchy, vulgar humor.
Amores Perros DVD
This a film that takes a passionate, compelling look at life in contemporary Mexico City, but its gritty intensity is not for the faint-hearted.
This a film that takes a passionate, compelling look at life in contemporary Mexico City, but its gritty intensity is not for the faint-hearted.
An American Werewolf in London DVD
A review of the DVD release of An American Werewolf in London.
A review of the DVD release of An American Werewolf in London.
An Inconvenient Truth DVD
A review of the movie An Inconvenient Truth on DVD.
A review of the movie An Inconvenient Truth on DVD.
Apocalypse Now — The Complete Dossier
I was so impressed by this two-disc DVD set that I have no hesitation in calling it one of the best DVDs of the year. Read a capsule review of Apocalypse Now — The Complete Dossier.
I was so impressed by this two-disc DVD set that I have no hesitation in calling it one of the best DVDs of the year. Read a capsule review of Apocalypse Now — The Complete Dossier.
Apocalypto DVD
Mel Gibson directed and co-wrotet his visually stunning action-adventure film about Mayans just before they first encountered the Spanish.
Mel Gibson directed and co-wrotet his visually stunning action-adventure film about Mayans just before they first encountered the Spanish.
Atonement DVD Review
The DVD provides an excellent audio commentary track by director Joe Wright. The DVD is worth watching for the artistic value of the feature film alone. But the commentary gave me a deeper understanding of the movie and filmmaking process, making the DVD worth buying.
The DVD provides an excellent audio commentary track by director Joe Wright. The DVD is worth watching for the artistic value of the feature film alone. But the commentary gave me a deeper understanding of the movie and filmmaking process, making the DVD worth buying.
Away From Her DVD
A review of the movie on DVD.
A review of the movie on DVD.
Bobby DVD
This is not a great movie, but it does remind viewers of the vision of harmony that RFK was promulgating in a troubled time.
This is not a great movie, but it does remind viewers of the vision of harmony that RFK was promulgating in a troubled time.
Brokeback Mountain DVD (2-Disc Collector's Edition)
Read a review of the Collector's Edition DVD set.
Read a review of the Collector's Edition DVD set.
Brokeback Mountain
A capsule review of Brokeback Mountain.
A capsule review of Brokeback Mountain.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
A capsule review of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
A capsule review of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Capote
A capsule review of Capote.
A capsule review of Capote.
Chappelle's Show - Season Two
A capsule review of Chappelle's Show - Season Two.
A capsule review of Chappelle's Show - Season Two.
Children of Men DVD
Children of Men creates an unforgettable vision of things as they might be in 2027. The movie is disturbing because its fictional world is all too recognizable as a possible projection of the real world we're living in today.
Children of Men creates an unforgettable vision of things as they might be in 2027. The movie is disturbing because its fictional world is all too recognizable as a possible projection of the real world we're living in today.
Closer DVD
A capsule review of Closer.
A capsule review of Closer.
Comedy Central: Roast of Pamela Anderson - Uncensored DVD
A capsule review of Comedy Central: Roast of Pamela Anderson - Uncensored.
A capsule review of Comedy Central: Roast of Pamela Anderson - Uncensored.
Review: "Angel - Season One" DVD
Read a brief DVD review and overview of "Angel - Season One" on DVD.
Read a brief DVD review and overview of "Angel - Season One" on DVD.
Review: "Angel - Season Three" DVD
Read a review of season three of the TV Show "Angel" on DVD.
Read a review of season three of the TV Show "Angel" on DVD.
Review: "Anne Frank Remembered" DVD
I think the best thing about the documentary "Anne Frank Remembered" is the understated and detailed way it tells the tale of one Holocaust victim and her legacy. Read a review of this movie on DVD.
I think the best thing about the documentary "Anne Frank Remembered" is the understated and detailed way it tells the tale of one Holocaust victim and her legacy. Read a review of this movie on DVD.
Review: "Antwone Fisher" DVD
Although the treatment of this inspiring story is somewhat formulaic, I found it very emotionally involving. This earnest and heartwarming film brought tears to my eyes. Read a brief DVD review of "Antwone Fisher."
Although the treatment of this inspiring story is somewhat formulaic, I found it very emotionally involving. This earnest and heartwarming film brought tears to my eyes. Read a brief DVD review of "Antwone Fisher."
Review: "Austin Powers in Goldmember"
I enjoyed all three Austin Powers movies, and I think this is the best of the three. Although there is some fairly gross humor, I laughed out loud throughout this film. Read a DVD review of "Austin Powers in Goldmember."
I enjoyed all three Austin Powers movies, and I think this is the best of the three. Although there is some fairly gross humor, I laughed out loud throughout this film. Read a DVD review of "Austin Powers in Goldmember."
Review: "Bang the Drum Slowly" DVD
I enjoyed “Bang the Drum Slowly,” although it was a bit of a guilty pleasure. This is an unusual film in that it focuses on the friendship between two men and dares to show their sensitive sides. Read a review of “Bang the Drum Slowly” on DVD.
I enjoyed “Bang the Drum Slowly,” although it was a bit of a guilty pleasure. This is an unusual film in that it focuses on the friendship between two men and dares to show their sensitive sides. Read a review of “Bang the Drum Slowly” on DVD.
Review: "Barbershop" DVD
I laughed a lot in "Barbershop" and felt very good at the end of the movie, but it’s very lightweight. Read a short review and DVD overview of "Barbershop."
I laughed a lot in "Barbershop" and felt very good at the end of the movie, but it’s very lightweight. Read a short review and DVD overview of "Barbershop."
Review: "Beauty and the Beast" DVDs
"Beauty and the Beast" is an enchanting animated musical that is entertaining throughout. I was captivated by the story, characters, and the gorgeous, cinematic beauty of the animation. Although this movie is aimed at kids, I expect that most adults will enjoy it thoroughly. Read a review and overview of the DVDs.
"Beauty and the Beast" is an enchanting animated musical that is entertaining throughout. I was captivated by the story, characters, and the gorgeous, cinematic beauty of the animation. Although this movie is aimed at kids, I expect that most adults will enjoy it thoroughly. Read a review and overview of the DVDs.
Review: "Bend It Like Beckham" DVD
"Bend It Like Beckham" sometimes falls into clichés, but this movie's heart is in the right place.
"Bend It Like Beckham" sometimes falls into clichés, but this movie's heart is in the right place.
Review: "Big Fat Liar" DVD
"Big Fat Liar" is a good-hearted comedy that is laugh-out-loud funny throughout. Although this movie is aimed at kids, I expect that most adults will find it entertaining. Read a brief review and DVD overview of "Big Fat Liar."
"Big Fat Liar" is a good-hearted comedy that is laugh-out-loud funny throughout. Although this movie is aimed at kids, I expect that most adults will find it entertaining. Read a brief review and DVD overview of "Big Fat Liar."
Review: "Black Hawk Down" DVD
I found "Black Hawk Down" well worth watching when I saw it on DVD. Read my DVD overview and brief review of "Black Hawk Down."
I found "Black Hawk Down" well worth watching when I saw it on DVD. Read my DVD overview and brief review of "Black Hawk Down."
Review: "Blazing Saddles" DVD
"Blazing Saddles" is one of the most hilarious movies I've ever seen. It's been released previously on DVD, but the 30th Anniversary Special Edition is the best version yet.
"Blazing Saddles" is one of the most hilarious movies I've ever seen. It's been released previously on DVD, but the 30th Anniversary Special Edition is the best version yet.
Review: "Bowling for Columbine" DVD
Read a review of Michael Moore’s documentary "Bowling for Columbine" on DVD.
Read a review of Michael Moore’s documentary "Bowling for Columbine" on DVD.
Review: "Breathless" DVD
"Breathless" is a landmark French New Wave film and one of the most influential movies in cinema history. I find it one of the most entertaining of the great movies because it is fast-paced, witty, and above all romantic. Read a review of "Breathless" on DVD.
"Breathless" is a landmark French New Wave film and one of the most influential movies in cinema history. I find it one of the most entertaining of the great movies because it is fast-paced, witty, and above all romantic. Read a review of "Breathless" on DVD.
Review: "Brotherhood of the Wolf" DVD
"Brotherhood of the Wolf" is a fascinating mélange of movie genres, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Read my brief review/DVD overview of this movie.
"Brotherhood of the Wolf" is a fascinating mélange of movie genres, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Read my brief review/DVD overview of this movie.
Review: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Season Three"
I enjoyed the entertaining mix of horror, comedy, and drama in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Third Season" and expect fans of this popular TV show to like the DVDs even better than I did. Read a brief review/overview of the DVDs.
I enjoyed the entertaining mix of horror, comedy, and drama in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Third Season" and expect fans of this popular TV show to like the DVDs even better than I did. Read a brief review/overview of the DVDs.
Review: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Fourth Season" DVDs
In season four, Buffy, Willow, and Oz enter college. But as Buffy faces the new challenges of college life, things become a little more complicated for her than for the average non-vampire-slaying freshman. Read a review of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Fourth Season" on DVD.
In season four, Buffy, Willow, and Oz enter college. But as Buffy faces the new challenges of college life, things become a little more complicated for her than for the average non-vampire-slaying freshman. Read a review of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Fourth Season" on DVD.
Review: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Five" DVD
The fifth season of the TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" has an effective and entertaining mix of comedy, horror, and drama, but it also can be a little uneven. Some episodes work a lot better than others, but overall it was worth watching on DVD. Read a review of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Five" on DVD.
The fifth season of the TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" has an effective and entertaining mix of comedy, horror, and drama, but it also can be a little uneven. Some episodes work a lot better than others, but overall it was worth watching on DVD. Read a review of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Five" on DVD.
Review: "Butt-Ugly Martians - Vol. 1-3" DVDs
Although it was a guilty pleasure, I found "Butt-Ugly Martians - Vol. 1-3" surprisingly amusing, and I even laughed out loud occasionally at some of the humor. I give these DVDs a marginal recommendation, but I expect many kids will enjoy them much more than I did.
Although it was a guilty pleasure, I found "Butt-Ugly Martians - Vol. 1-3" surprisingly amusing, and I even laughed out loud occasionally at some of the humor. I give these DVDs a marginal recommendation, but I expect many kids will enjoy them much more than I did.
Review: "Casablanca" (1942) DVD
I’m thrilled to own the new DVD set of this beloved great American classic movie. It truly is an unusual DVD set that enhances my enjoyment and understanding of a film I’ve loved all my life. Read a short review of "Casablanca" on DVD.
I’m thrilled to own the new DVD set of this beloved great American classic movie. It truly is an unusual DVD set that enhances my enjoyment and understanding of a film I’ve loved all my life. Read a short review of "Casablanca" on DVD.
Review: "Cat People" (1982) DVD
Despite its ambitions, "Cat People" never fully transcends a B-movie sensibility. Read my review of this cult horror movie on DVD.
Despite its ambitions, "Cat People" never fully transcends a B-movie sensibility. Read my review of this cult horror movie on DVD.
Review: "Change of Habit" (1962) DVD
It could be argued that "Change of Habit" is one of the worst movies ever made, but I have to admit I laughed myself silly and had a great time watching it. I can't really recommend it though, but Elvis Presley fans and those viewers who are in the mood for campily bad cinema might have fun watching this DVD movie.
It could be argued that "Change of Habit" is one of the worst movies ever made, but I have to admit I laughed myself silly and had a great time watching it. I can't really recommend it though, but Elvis Presley fans and those viewers who are in the mood for campily bad cinema might have fun watching this DVD movie.
Review: "Children of Paradise"
Read my brief DVD review of "Children of Paradise," a movie that uses a poetic, lyrical style to tell a story that is immediately accessible to almost any first-time viewer, yet has great resonance for the cinephile who watches the film repeatedly.
Read my brief DVD review of "Children of Paradise," a movie that uses a poetic, lyrical style to tell a story that is immediately accessible to almost any first-time viewer, yet has great resonance for the cinephile who watches the film repeatedly.
Review: "Chris Botti & Friends Night Sessions" DVD
I thoroughly enjoyed "Chris Botti & Friends Night Sessions: Live in Concert," trumpeter Chris Botti's concert DVD that also includes guest artists Sting and Shawn Colvin. Read my brief review and overview of this performance DVD.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Chris Botti & Friends Night Sessions: Live in Concert," trumpeter Chris Botti's concert DVD that also includes guest artists Sting and Shawn Colvin. Read my brief review and overview of this performance DVD.
Review: "Citizen Kane" Special Edition DVD
"Citizen Kane" is an enduring masterpiece that is considered by many to be the greatest movie ever made. I've never enjoyed watching it more than on the new Special Edition DVD.
"Citizen Kane" is an enduring masterpiece that is considered by many to be the greatest movie ever made. I've never enjoyed watching it more than on the new Special Edition DVD.
Review: "City of God" DVD
A DVD review of "City of God," an unsettling tale of poverty, kids, guns, and drugs.
A DVD review of "City of God," an unsettling tale of poverty, kids, guns, and drugs.
Review: "Close-Up" DVD
"Close-Up" tells the curious tale of an unemployed man who poses as a filmmaker he admires. This semi-documentary offers insights into the contemporary human condition and on the relationship between cinema and society.
"Close-Up" tells the curious tale of an unemployed man who poses as a filmmaker he admires. This semi-documentary offers insights into the contemporary human condition and on the relationship between cinema and society.
Review: "Coldplay Live 2003" DVD and CD Set
I was thoroughly entertained by the "Coldplay Live 2003" DVD and CD set. This is a must-have for Coldplay enthusiasts and may create some new Coldplay fans as well. Read a review of "Coldplay Live 2003."
I was thoroughly entertained by the "Coldplay Live 2003" DVD and CD set. This is a must-have for Coldplay enthusiasts and may create some new Coldplay fans as well. Read a review of "Coldplay Live 2003."
Review: “About Schmidt” DVD
Read a short DVD review of "About Schmidt," a bittersweet drama starring Jack Nicholson.
Read a short DVD review of "About Schmidt," a bittersweet drama starring Jack Nicholson.
Review: “Angel - Season Two” DVD
I had a lot of fun watching "Angel - Season Two" on DVD, and I suspect the show's fans will enjoy it even better than I did. Read a review of this six-disc DVD set.
I had a lot of fun watching "Angel - Season Two" on DVD, and I suspect the show's fans will enjoy it even better than I did. Read a review of this six-disc DVD set.
Review: “Bloody Sunday” DVD
I found this docudrama compelling and especially liked its realism and immediacy. Even though it would have made the movie longer, I wanted to see more development of Ivan Cooper's character. Read a review of “Bloody Sunday” on DVD.
I found this docudrama compelling and especially liked its realism and immediacy. Even though it would have made the movie longer, I wanted to see more development of Ivan Cooper's character. Read a review of “Bloody Sunday” on DVD.
Review: “Catch Me If You Can” DVDs
This is one of the most entertaining films I’ve seen in a long time. DiCaprio and Hanks give fine performances, and I like what Spielberg did with the relationship between their characters. Read a review of “Catch Me If You Can” on DVD.
This is one of the most entertaining films I’ve seen in a long time. DiCaprio and Hanks give fine performances, and I like what Spielberg did with the relationship between their characters. Read a review of “Catch Me If You Can” on DVD.
The Bourne Ultimatum DVD
The Bourne Ultimatum is one of the most entertaining action thrillers ever. This high-energy, fast-paced movie skillfully intersperses quieter moments and features an outstanding performance by Matt Damon. The DVD contains an informative audio commentary by director Paul Greengrass.
The Bourne Ultimatum is one of the most entertaining action thrillers ever. This high-energy, fast-paced movie skillfully intersperses quieter moments and features an outstanding performance by Matt Damon. The DVD contains an informative audio commentary by director Paul Greengrass.