Friday, September 11, 2009

New to the library:

Crank 2: High Voltage
“He was dead...But he got better” Chev Chelios returns to track down a ruthless Chinese mobster who has stolen his most prized possession: his heart. As he hunts down his enemy in Los Angeles, his battery-operated ticker requires regular jolts of electricity in order to work. Chev is determined to get his real heart back and wreak vengeance on whoever stole it. With Jason Statham.

Horatio Hornblower
Follows the adventures of British Naval hero Horatio Hornblower as he climbs from midshipman to commander during the Napoleonic Wars. “A fine collection of rousing, swashbuckling action stories of heroism, duty, and sacrifice, these stories will satisfy those looking for adventure and attention to historical detail.”—dvdverdict.com

In Treatment
Paul is a therapist who exhibits great insight and confidence when treating his patients. But Paul suffers crippling insecurities and is counseled by his own therapist, Gina. Adding to his list of growing concerns is his wife, Kate, who is overcome with feelings of neglect and resents competing for his attention. Paul's patients undergoing treatment include: a young doctor who is in love with Paul; a Navy pilot who is reevaluating his life after a failed mission in Iraq; a teenage gymnast with suicidal tendencies; and a passionate couple who are troubled in all other areas of their lives. “This is a fascinating and superbly crafted program that deserves recognition.”—dvdverdict.com

No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
The film follows Mma Ramotste as she sets up the only woman-run Private Detective Agency in Botswana and her attempts to get it off the ground. She gets help from Mma Makutsi, her new secretary, and Mr. JLB Matekoni, the owner and super mechanic of the wonderful Speedy Motors. Mma Ramotste takes on cases and meets many new people who need her help: from a woman who thinks the man who has turned up at her door is not her father, to another lady who has a boyfriend who may or may not be faithful to her. I, Julie Stump, say that this was one of the best things I’ve seen on TV in ages! Based on the novel of the same name by Alexander McCall Smith, it was charming, entertaining, engaging and completely enjoyable! The landscapes were spectacular as was the acting. Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack were both involved in the film but died during filming. They did themselves proud though, this is a superb piece of filmmaking!

Reilly Ace of Spies
At the turn of the 20th century, one remarkable man single-handedly tried to alter the course of history. Sidney Reilly was a Russian-born British agent who radically transformed modern espionage techniques and set the mold for the super spy. From one heart-pulsing mission after another, from stealing top-secret Russian oil information to a near overthrow of the Bolshevik Revolution to his final capture by Stalin's forces in 1918, Reilly's exploits are at times so daring, it's hard to believe they are actual history. “…viewers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the deft crime solver undertakes some jaw dropping feats of bravery during his missions. The original inspiration for the James Bond character, REILLY: ACE OF SPIES is a glowing testament to one of the all-time great spies.”—cduniverse.com

Sugar
Miguel 'Sugar' Santos is a talented Dominican baseball player who longs to break into the American big league and earn the money needed to support his impoverished family. He is a talented pitcher who might just have what it takes to earn a prized spot on a Major League Baseball team. Before that happens he'll have to prove his worth in the minor leagues. Advancing in baseball's minor league system at the tender age of 19, Miguel is warmly welcomed into the small-town Iowa home of his host family. He struggles with language and cultural barriers despite the kindness of strangers. He is forced to reevaluate his life's ambition after his once-trusty arm becomes unreliable. The previously single-minded pitcher gradually begins to question both the world he lives in and the role he has chosen to play in it. “This is a wonderful film.”—Roger Ebert

Sick Around America
In the United States, more than 2.5 million people lost their jobs last year. Along with losing their livelihood, they lost their health insurance. As the economy continues to spiral downward, the new administration promises to deliver comprehensive health care reform. This film investigates the failures and future of the private insurance industry, examining the best and worst of U.S. healthcare by telling the gripping and sometimes tragic stories of ordinary Americans. As the national debate intensifies, the program lays bare the flaws in the system and examines the critical choices Americans face in changing a system that all sides agree needs a fundamental overhaul.

1 comment:

Margot said...

You are spot on, Julie,about the Ladies' #1. My book group in FL read the book & loved it. Those w/HBO watched the excellent series. Am thrilled it's on dvd.