DVDpedia : Library : Title : I

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: New Line Home Video

Genre: Drama

Duration: 134

Summary: "I Am Sam" makes you laugh, cry, and recoil all at the same time. Perhaps no other film of recent memory has epitomized the shameless sentimentality of Hollywood as succinctly as director and screenwriter Jessie Nelson's story of a mentally challenged man fighting to retain custody of his 7-year-old daughter. Sam (Sean Penn), who has the mental age of 7, wipes down tables at a Los Angeles Starbucks and takes good care of his daughter Lucy, who was left with him shortly after birth by a homeless woman. Sam has gotten by just fine with a little help from his friends, including his eccentric neighbor (Diane Wiest) and a lovable group of similarly challenged friends, but a series of misunderstandings leaves Sam fighting to get Lucy back from the state. Sam's lawyer, Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer), is an overly ambitious woman whose life is soon transformed by proximity to Sam's brimming humanity. Sean Penn is, as usual, wholeheartedly committed to his role and turns in an admirable, if overtly affected performance. However, "I Am Sam", with all its earnest charm, reaches an emblematic low when Sam, a character apparently devoid of any authentic sentiment, delivers a courtroom speech memorized from "Kramer vs. Kramer" as the film's finale. "--Fionn Meade"

Theatrical: 2006

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Genre: Comedy

Duration: 87

Summary: Given that "Office Space" is a bona fide cult classic, it comes as some surprise that Mike Judge's follow-up wasn't more heavily promoted. Granted, this live-action comedy is a darker, more pointed proposition, but it's unfortunate that few theater patrons got the opportunity to, well, judge for themselves. In "Idiocracy", the "King of the Hill" creator visualizes what would happen if Devo's proposition--that mankind is in the process of devolution--came to pass. The catalyst: the overeducated start having fewer children while the undereducated have more. Enter Joe (Luke Wilson), a military librarian with no family and even less ambition. The Pentagon chooses him for a top-secret hibernation project due to his extreme "average-ness." They select Rita ("SNL"'s Maya Rudolph), a prostitute, for the same reason. When the experiment goes haywire, the two emerge 500 years later--rather than one. Now it's 2505 and they're the brightest people in the over-polluted land. Everyone else is, basically, Beavis and Butt-head. Yes, the satire couldn't be less subtle, but the premise gives Judge license to make as much fun of junk food pop culture as dystopian classics like "1984" and "Planet of the Apes". Wilson wisely plays it straight, even if the actors who surround him sometimes succumb to excess. And the effects may be cheesy, but that just adds to the fun. "Idiocracy" features former footballer Terry Crews ("Everybody Hates Chris") as President Camacho and Dax Shepard ("Punk'd") as Joe's futuristic friend Frito. "--Kathleen C. Fennessy"

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: Dimension

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Duration: 95

Summary: Based on a short story by sci-fi master Philip K. Dick, "Impostor" holds considerable appeal for genre enthusiasts, who will instantly recognize trace elements of the Dick-based "Total Recall" and "Blade Runner". Fortunately, derivative plotting doesn't detract from director Gary Fleder's capable handling of briskly paced action involving Spencer Olham (Gary Sinise), a weapons designer suspected of being an alien robot with an assassin's agenda. The year is 2079; Earth is at war with an alien race called the Centauri, and its dome-sealed cities are intensely monitored by the Earth Security Agency. A high-tech chase ensues between Olham and his ESA pursuer (Vincent D'Onofrio), testing the bond of trust between Olham and his physician wife (Madeleine Stowe). This marital subplot gives the film's twist ending additional impact, and Dick's recurring themes of lost identity and drug-altered reality are handled with adequate sophistication, while cool gadgetry and sharp visual effects compensate for the plot holes. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Walt Disney Video

Genre: Animation

Duration: 115

Summary: After creating the last great traditionally animated film of the 20th century, "The Iron Giant", filmmaker Brad Bird joined top-drawer studio Pixar to create this exciting, completely entertaining computer-animated film. Bird gives us a family of "supers," a brood of five with special powers desperately trying to fit in with the 9-to-5 suburban lifestyle. Of course, in a more innocent world, Bob and Helen Parr were superheroes, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl. But blasted lawsuits and public disapproval forced them and other supers to go incognito, making it even tougher for their school-age kids, the shy Violet and the aptly named Dash. When a stranger named Mirage (voiced by Elizabeth Pena) secretly recruits Bob for a potential mission, the old glory days spin in his head, even if his body is a bit too plump for his old super suit.

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: Miramax Home Entertainment

Genre: Art House & International

Duration: 101

Summary: With "Infernal Affairs", Hong Kong filmmakers Wai Keung Lau and Siu Fai Mak have successfully taken a smart script and a great cast, added some stylistic cinematography, and dual-fistedly given a new twist to a formulaic genre. Lau Kin Ming (Andy Lau), a young, loyal gangster, is ordered by his Triad boss Sam (Eric Tsang) to join the police force. While on the inside the young mole can keep a close eye on police activity, ensuring the gang's activities will not be interrupted. Police Superintendent Wong (Anthony Wong Chau-Sang) has a similar plan. He takes a bright, ambitious police cadet Yan (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and makes him an undercover cop with plans to get him inside the Triads. Years pass and both are now deep into their assigned roles. Undercover cop Yan, more or less living the life of a gangster, is now a member of Boss Sam's group, and "Officer" Lau has all the appearance of a good cop trying to bust up the Triads' drug ring. During a bust that could finally bring down Boss Sam, the moles inadvertently become aware of each other's existence, and each is left wondering who is on the inside. What follows is a unique and exciting twist on the classic cat and mouse chase in which each man is not fighting for his life, but for his anonymity. In addition to its plot twists, what lifts "Infernal Affairs" above the standard cop story is its subtle exploration of the relative nature of good and evil. Part action, part psychological examination, "Infernal Affairs" is a sharp and fresh take on the classic crime story, and the inspiration for a 2006 Martin Scorsese remake ("The Departed"). Not to be missed. "--Rob Bracco"

Theatrical: 2003

Studio: Weinstein Company

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 119

Summary: As every Asian action devotee will tell you, "Infernal Affairs 2" is not a sequel but a prequel to Hong Kong directors Wai Keung Lau and Siu Fai Mak's "Infernal Affairs" (2002), which served as the inspiration for Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning "The Departed". Gone are original stars Andy Lau as Lau (the Matt Damon character from "The Departed") and Tony Leung as Chan (Leonardo DiCaprio's counterpart); pop star Edison Chan and Shawn Yue, respectively, play younger versions of the two leads as they begin their careers as a Triad member feeding police information to mobster Hon Sam (Eric Tsang, reprising his role from the first film) and a mole infiltrating Sam's organization. A side plot involves the son (Francis Ng) of a murdered Triad leader who causes trouble for all three characters. As with the original film, the violence and bulletplay is both operatic and frantic, and the truths, half-truths, and false identities labyrinthine in their complexities; viewers are advised to watch the first "Infernal Affairs" before tucking into this disc, unless they wish to be hopelessly confused. The Special Edition DVD includes seven deleted scenes, somewhat dull commentary by Anthony Wong (Inspector Wong, on whom Martin Sheen's role was based), Mak, and Tsang), a 20-minute making-of featurette that includes interviews with much of the cast and production team, and a "Confidential File" that sets more behind-the-scenes footage to music. The trailer and teaser spot round out the extras. " -- Paul Gaita"

Theatrical: 2002

Studio: Warner Home Video

Genre: Thriller

Duration: 118

Summary: As a more conventional follow-up to his innovative thriller "Memento", Christopher Nolan's "Insomnia" offers ample proof that his skills are genuine. A superbly crafted remake of the 1997 Norwegian thriller, this moody police procedural is transplanted to a remote Alaskan town, where a veteran Los Angeles detective (Al Pacino) arrives to investigate the murder of a teenaged girl. Professional tragedy collides with psychological turmoil as the detective suffers from sleeplessness under the region's perpetual daylight, and a local rookie cop (Hilary Swank) begins to suspect that truths are being hidden as the disturbing case unfolds. While the Alaskan setting intensifies the atmospheric mystery, Pacino's bleary-eyed disorientation adds a rich layer to his character's erratic behavior, and the casting of Robin Williams as the killer was a risk that pays off nicely. In many respects better than the original, "Insomnia" is a Hollywood remake that's refreshingly free of compromise. "--Jeff Shannon"

Theatrical: 2001

Studio: Anime Works

Genre: Television

Duration: 30

Summary: Comic book artist Jhonen Vasquez's outré sci-fi spoof, which ran on Nicktoons at Night from March 2001 to December 2002, remains the object of a vociferous cult following. Pressure from the fans compelled Nickelodeon to resume production of "Invader Zim" twice before the show was cancelled permanently. The title character is a zealous, none-too-bright agent from the Irken Empire posing a human boy. Zim imagines he's gathering vital information for the imminent conquest of Earth; the Irken leaders actually sent him here to get rid of him. With the rather spotty assistance of Gir, his robot sidekick disguised as a dog, Zim alternately sneers at humanity and gets himself into trouble. The only person who recognizes Zim as an alien is his UFO-obsessed classmate, Dib.
The two-disc set is loaded with extras that will delight fans of the show, including commentaries by Vasquez and several of the story and voice artists, a second "commentary" of pigs grunting, subtitles in Irken, and the original pilot for the series. The uninitiated may find "Invader Zim" suggests a cross between "Dexter's Laboratory" and "Jimmy Neutron" re-imagined by Tim Burton. The bizarre designs, over-the-top vocal performances, and bodily function jokes are not for the faint-hearted, but they're not supposed to be. (Unrated, suitable for ages 10 and older: cartoon violence, gross humor) "--Charles Solomon"

Theatrical: 2001

Studio: Anime Works

Genre: Television

Summary: Prepare yourself for some Irken yuletide goodness as Zim concludes its triumphant DVD release. Featuring the highly sought after "unaired" season two episodes, ZIM fans will finally get what they've been waiting for. Watch ZIM eat waffles while a pair of backseat drivers make trouble from beyond the stars. See Mortos steal souls as a Fry cook appears from all that space. Yes boys and girls, there is a Santa... and he's bent on world domination!

Theatrical: 2001

Studio: Anime Works

Genre: Television

Summary: Invader Zim's mighty need to destroy all of humanity knows no bounds. Fortunately for Earth, he's a cosmically inept fool! But this Invader has more to deal with than that self-proclaimed protector of our planet, Dib. The path to conquest is paved with hazardous challenges, which include all of the prickly, meat-flavored horrors that Earth has to offer. Zim must outwit Mall Security, endure the terror of Bloaty's Pizza Hog, and defeat the evil space babies.

Theatrical: 1993

Studio: Anime Works

Genre: Anime

Duration: 151

Summary: Iria is one of those anime that made its way over to American early and was able to have an effect on people. I saw a piece of this anime on the Sci-Fi Channel a long time ago, and since then I've always wanted the entire collection. Though the dubbed voice-acting is dated, and the animation a little washed, it matches up well with other action-oriented sci-fi anime of its time (the animation style somewhat matches the anime series DNA2). Plus, it has a solid story, if a bit used, that carries the OVA from episode to episode.

Iria, an assistant bounty hunter to her brother Gren, was dispatched along with Gren and another bounty hunter named Bob on a rescue mission in deep space. Yet upon arriving, they realize something isn't right. The ship in which they were sent is piled high with bodies, and all of them were killed at the hands of a fearsome and indestructible artificial alien named Zeiram. In an attempt to escape the ship with her life, Iria is separated from her friends. But Zeiram haunts her, both physically and mentally, and her battle to uncover the creature's weak-point, as well as her search to find her friends and family, comprises the next five episodes (the synopsis above is of the first episode). Along the way Iria meets a few new friends who aid her in her fight against Zeiram, including a sheep-in-wolf's clothing named Key, who's a young orphan and expert thief that idolizes Iria.

Theatrical: 2008

Studio: Paramount

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 125

Summary: You know you're going to get a different kind of superhero when you cast Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role. And "Iron Man" is different, in welcome ways. Cleverly updated from Marvel Comics' longstanding series, "Iron Man" puts billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (that's Downey) in the path of some Middle Eastern terrorists; in a brilliantly paced section, Stark invents an indestructible suit that allows him to escape. If the rest of the movie never quit hits that precise rhythm again, it nevertheless offers plenty of pleasure, as the renewed Stark swears off his past as a weapons manufacturer, develops his new Iron Man suit, and puzzles both his business partner (Jeff Bridges in great form) and executive assistant (Gwyneth Paltrow). Director Jon Favreau geeks out in fun ways with the hardware, but never lets it overpower the movie, and there's always a goofy one-liner or a slapstick pratfall around to break the tension. As for Downey, he doesn't get to jitterbug around too much in his improv way, but he brings enough of his unpredictable personality to keep the thing fresh. And listen up, hardcore Marvel mavens: even if you know the Stan Lee cameo is coming, you won't be able to guess it until it's on the screen. It all builds to a splendid final scene, with a concluding line delivery by Downey that just feels absolutely right. "--Robert Horton"

Theatrical: 2004

Studio: Tokyo Shock

Genre: Action & Adventure

Duration: 128

Summary: Wow, another demented head trip by Miike. I'm not exactly sure what I just watched, but I know it was great.

You've got the fierce warrior Izo, who is brutally murdered and then his soul seeks some closure. Or rest. But his spirit is denied at the gates of both heaven and hell. So the soul wanders aimlessly, trapped within himself, feeling eternally restless and bitter. He then embarks on a ruthless rampage of death, destruction, and mayhem that is visually spectacular.

The plot linear structure is intentionally wavering and sporadic, maybe in an attempt to make you also feel lost. There are some amazing action sequences that reminded me of Matrix, Kill Bill, and Ichi the Killer. With this exploration of life after death comes a strong level of surrealism portrayed, which I thought was imaginative and entertaining. I also loved the showdown between Izo and big Bob Sapp, way too cool.

This film is generous with the blood and the swordplay, but it's abstract notions and problems with continuity might not appeal to many viewers. Oh well, may your soul burn in eternal damnation, haha.