
RON JEREMY |
| Before I start this column, I would like to thank everyone for their comments during my Oscar columns. I hope everyone enjoyed the Oscars and award season. It was an interesting year at the movies to say the least. 2007 appears to be off to a strong start with films such as ZODIAC, BREACH, and THE NUMBER 23. I can only hope that 2007 is a meaningful year at the movies. I hope we are awarded with films that are challenging, unique, and fun. I can only hope it's a return to the glory days of late 2003 to early 2005. Now that football and the Oscars are over, what's left? Well, I have decided to take a new approach to my bi-weekly column here at Matchflick.com. I'm going to try and bring you some new and unique features. I'm going to attempt to branch out and bring you the latest in DVDs and books. I'm going to tell you what is worth your time and money.
With this column, I'm going to tell you about some DVDs that were released in the past few months. You might not have heard of a lot of these films. Some of these films are straight-to-DVD and some of these were released in theaters. Nevertheless, I think you'll find them unique and different. I hope you will seek out a lot of these films. In the future, I'll be telling you about some interesting books. Now before you say boring, I hope you hear me out. I will be telling you about movie books. After all, most movies are based on books. On the same token, I hope some of you will give me suggestions regarding good books. I think you'll be surprised by how much you enjoy some of these books. I searched near and far to bring you some of the best. Now, I present you with some DVDs that you should seek out next time you go to the video store.
OPEN WATER 2
If you loved the first OPEN WATER, you'll love OPEN WATER 2. OPEN WATER 2 features a lot of the same tension and drama from the first film. It also brings it to the next level. With that said, OPEN WATER 2 is not as good as the first film. Nevertheless, it is a worthy sequel that stays true to the first film. It takes its time before it gets to the real meat and bones of the story. The 
OPEN WATER 2 |
| film also features Susan May Pratt, who some of you might remember from 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU. OPEN WATER 2 was recently released on DVD. It was a straight-to-DVD release. The major difference between OPEN WATER and OPEN WATER 2 is that OPEN WATER 2 features more bodies. It brings the violence and tension to a new level. A lot of the scenes are very hard to watch. If you like films built on tension, drama, and surroundings, you should seek out OPEN WATER 2. If you want your violence right away, you should pass on OPEN WATER 2. OPEN WATER 2 requires a patience audience.
The Alfred Hitchcock Box Set (The Ring / The Manxman / Murder! / The Skin Game / Rich and Strange) (1930)
This set is a must for fans of Hitchcock. This three-disc set features five early Hitchcock films. The real gem in this package is Hitchcock's THE RICH AND THE STRANGE. You also get a handful of silent films from Hitchcock. Did I mention you get a fifteen-minute documentary on Hitchcock? If you want to see some of his early work, this set won't let you down. The picture also looks very good considering these films were released in 1930. This DVD set shows you the groundwork that would be laid in future Hitchcock films. You can't appreciate Hitchcock's later work until you have seen where it all started for him. The documentary also speaks with members of Hitchcock's family. You'll learn a little bit about the man behind the films. This set won't let you down. You can't go wrong with five films from the master of suspense.
THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON
This is a fantastic documentary that shows real footage of Lennon's battle with the U.S. Government. This documentary is very relevant to today considering what's going on in our world. The film also features current opinions from Geraldo and Yoko Uno. This is a moving documentary that shows Lennon's refusal to be silenced. As stated above, the most interesting part about this documentary is the real footage. You see Lennon and Uno in bed during their infamous press conference. You also hear from members of the government as they talk about how much of a 
KEEPING MUM |
| threat Lennon was to them. You really learn a lot about the way the world was run back in Lennon's day. This is one of the best unseen documentaries out there. I highly recommend you seek out this political documentary. I learned a lot about different issues because of this documentary.
KEEPING MUM
KEEPING MUM is a very British comedy about very British people. KEEPING MUM features Rowan Atkinson, Patrick Swayze, Maggie Smith, and Kristin Scott Thomas. If that cast doesn't draw you in, I don't know what will. This is a very dark comedy that explores the family dynamic in a unique and funny way. The film also has a heart behind it. Maggie Smith is fantastic as a maid with a killer instinct. You also can't go wrong with Patrick Swayze as a horny golf instructor. Mr. Bean also gives a restrained and even moving performance. The DVD was released on Oscar weekend, which might have hurt its audience. I hope you seek out this film now that the Oscars have come to a close. You'll be laughing, crying, and having a great time with this movie. It's one of the most original comedies to be released in quite a while. I really hope this film finds an audience on DVD.
Lastly, I'm going to give you a single book recommendation for this week.
RON JEREMY: THE HARDEST (WORKING) MAN IN SHOW BUSINESS
Before you shake your head, I hope you hear me out. Ron Jeremy has also starred in a number of feature films. In his new book, he tells you all about his experiences in porn and Hollywood. He's very open and very funny. He shares a number of groundbreaking stories. You might be surprised by how much you learn about Ron Jeremy. It's one of the most heartfelt and surprising books of the year. This book comes highly recommended by me. Outside of that, porn fans will love this book. You'll hear all about your favorite porn stars. The book runs at over three-hundred pages and features in-depth thoughts from Mr. Jeremy. This is a real case of don't judge a book by its cover. I finished this book within two days. I couldn't put the book down. I'd seek this book out if you are looking for a fun autobiography.
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Expect the unexpected from Tony as he'll give you his columns on the way movies used to be, the way movies are, and the way they should be.
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| Tony Farinella |
Tony is an Oak Lawn, IL based film reviewer and columnist looking to have fun and share his unique views on film with everyone. Tony also has an unhealthy obsession with Vanessa Lengies, but that is neither here nor there.
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