Vinnie Jones and Steve Austin in "The Condemned"
courtesy of Lionsgate Home Entertainment
"'The Condemned' Might Surprise You"

Some movies appear to be bad even before you watch them. Such a movie is "The Condemned." Still this movie, now out on DVD, might just surprise you. You might even say "The Condemned" is a surprisingly good movie about the extremes to which television is taking us in the name of "reality." Now don't get me wrong, this is no Oscar winner. And for those with weak stomachs or a true aversion to violence, it is unwatchable. For others it is an action packed view of a contest to the death between death row inmates that takes place on an island. The contest is televised live and shown on the Internet, which in this day and age is not so far-fetched.

WWE wrestling champion Steve Austin stars as Jack Conrad, one of the prisoners selected by Ian Breckel (Robert Mammone) to take part in his "duel to the death contest." He and nine other death row inmates from around the world are selected to be taken to a remote island where they will fight each other. The last man or woman standing will gain their freedom. 

"Goldie" Goldman (Rick Hoffman) is the technician in charge of putting the show on the air. He has cameras all over the island so that all of the action can be captured. It is streamed on the Internet and Breckel expects to have an audience of some forty million viewers.

The movie examines the people behind the camera as well as the persons taking place in the "reality" show. The repulsiveness of such a show is fully explored along with the reasoning for the concept. And of course Austin's character of Jack is the good guy in all this and the one who everyone wants to win. Vinnie Jones plays Ewan McStarley, his archenemy and chief opponent.

Austin is believable in his performance of the character of Jack and also in the physical actions and prowess the role requires. He looks like a cross between Mr. Clean and Yul Brynner and has a strong presence on the screen. Jones is perfectly cast as the bad guy who makes the most of the duel.

The public's insatiable appetite for reality shows is the basis for the plot of this film. It shows to what extremes this passion for the real can take us. It is not a pretty picture and hopefully it is not a realistic one, but it is within the realm of possibility.

Some will see this movie as just a violence filled film. For them the message of the movie will be inconsequential. But for others this violent movie will have a point and that is what makes it a little better than we expect. Try it, you might be surprised how impressive it is.

A new movie on DVD is "Away From Her" and it is a film of tremendous impact. Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent star in this tale of love's endurance. Both of these actors are outstanding in a story about a happily married couple whose lives are torn apart by the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease.

For many the subject matter may hit too close to home for them to be able to watch it dispassionately, but for all others this is a movie not to be missed. The beautiful thing about the film is it offers hope in one way and closure in others. Christie could very easily find herself Oscar nominated next year for her luminous performance.

Another better than average film is "The Wind That Shakes the Barley." This DVD tells the story of the men who fought for Ireland against the British in the 1920's. It is a story of loyalty, devotion and sacrifice - the traits that still define service in wars.

Cillian Murphy who was the villain in "Batman Begins" is seen in this movie as a powerful hero. His character's story is the core of the film and the heart of the plot. Murphy's acting is excellent and should raise his status in Hollywood.

For a look at war and its consequences, take a look at "The Wind That Shakes the Barley." You will find yourself touched and impressed. 

Jodie Foster gets her gun in the new movie "The Brave One" and Gillian Anderson does the same in the new DVD movie "Closure." She and Danny Dyer star as a couple who survive a brutal attack. Once they find out who the attackers are, they are out for vengeance.

There seem to be a lot of these vigilante type of movies out lately and this one is more of the same. Anderson and Dyer do a good job of portraying the couple on a rampage. It will get your adrenaline going, that's for sure.

Charlie Sheen's career got a new lease on life when he signed on for the TV sitcom "Two and A Half Men." This show is one of the most popular on TV year after year. Sheen, Angus T Jones, Jon Cryer, Conchetta Farrell and Holland Taylor provide barrels of laughter in the show.

Now you can watch the entire first season and recapture the fun or view it for the first time. Yes, "Two and A Half Men: The Complete First Season" is now on DVD and ready to be picked up. This DVD also has a "gag reel," deleted scenes, and new cast interviews. It has it all!

"Grey's Anatomy" is another audience favorite on TV. This look at the lives and loves of the staff at Seattle Grace Hospital is fascinating. So what could be better than a DVD that includes the entire third season? This DVD has it all plus extras.

"Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Third Season: Seriously Extended" is a DVD with major extensions. There are four episodes at least that have been extended with unseen material, completely unaired scenes, a look at some of the cast, and a dialogue about favorite scenes. Wow! That is a lot of good viewing, so get this one "stat!"

Princesses Jasmine and Aurora star in a new Disney DVD "Disney Princess Enchanted Tales: Follow Your Dreams." Jasmine is the princess from "Aladdin" and Aurora is the princess from "Sleeping Beauty." In this new DVD there is a new story, new games as a bonus, and new music for the movie. Your princesses will love it.

Two new movies based on Norah Roberts' books are available on DVD. Alicia Witt and Matthew Settle star I "Blue Smoke" while Claire Forlani and Oliver Hudson star in "Carolina Moon." Witt is just awful in "Blue Smoke" and totally ruins the movie while Forlani shines in "Carolina Moon" and makes it a film you will want to watch again. If you are a romantic you will want to see Forlani but forget Witt.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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