When director Sam Raimi, a Detroit-area native and Michigan State alumnus best known for the tongue-in-cheek morbidity of the "Evil Dead" series and "Darkman," makes a film called "A Simple Plan," at least a hint of irony can be expected.
'Simple plan' sets web of irony
The Performance Network publicized its current show, "The Moon Wolf," as a family piece, describing it as "delightful for children 8 to 108." While it is difficult to find children who are 108 years old, even more difficult is finding anyone, children or adult, who will be delighted watching this original piece.
'Wolf' howls in shame
Family is complicated, but it's still family and blood never lies. "Playing by Heart" takes this particular mantra to heart in a portrayal of a group of adults searching for love and relationships in an unlikely world where everything says they'll never find happiness.'Playing' goes for the heart
Pantheon
Mullis bares all in autobiography: Kary Mullis
Fans call it the next revolution in home movie viewing. Detractors call it the '90s version of the failed Betamax video format. So what's the truth about DVD?
The truth is actually pretty simple. Remember back in the day when you had your oh-so-cool cassette boombox and bought those clunky, hard-to-navigate, easy-to-tangle tapes? Remember when you bought your first compact disc, a new media format that offered clear sound, no deterioration of quality over time and the ability to play your favorite song over and over without waiting for rewind?DVDs update old video format
Bond. James Bond. Yes, Pierce Brosnan is back as the alcohol-swigging secret agent in "Tomorrow Never Dies." Bond is set against Elliot Carver (Jonathan Pryce), a media tycoon obsessed with making headlines for his various news outlets. Of course, no Bond film would be complete without the ladies, and the Bond girls appear in the form of Teri Hatcher as his ex-love and martial arts expert Michelle Yeoh as his partner.Bond never dies on 'Tomorrow' DVD
More than 25 years ago, William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" made movie history by sending viewers running from the theatre straight into the bathroom to vomit, just like the charming, sweet demon-possessed girl in the film. WB has rereleased "The Exorcist" as a special edition DVD with such goodies as a director's commentary and full-length documentary on the bone-chilling, gross-out of a horror flick.'Exorcist' still terrifies 25 years after release
Definition of irony: River Phoenix was supposed to star in "The Basketball Diaries," a loose adaptation of Jim Carrol's book, which was an actual diary of his drug life. Well, before shooting could start Phoenix overdosed on drugs and died. Replacing him was Leonardo DiCaprio, who would later sign to play Dirk Diggler in "Boogie Nights.'Diaries' DVD includes DiCaprio interview
And the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay goes to "Good Nate Hunting." Scratch that, "Good Will Hunting." Believe it or not, the title character was named Nate in some of the early drafts of the film's script. This tidbit of information comes courtesy of the commentary track by writers and stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on the DVD version of the film, a must have for all "Good Will Hunting" hounds.'Good Will Hunting' DVD hits the mark
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