Unfortunately, many gratifying films that are released throughout the year never really make it to wide release because of their independent nature. Sometimes these films will make a short appearance at the more artsy theaters in the area (Ritz), but then disappear. Due to the intense popularity of DVDs, many of these films have been granted a second life when they hit video stores. Here are a few titles that you may have missed in theaters but should consider checking out after their recent DVD release. Thirteen
Catherine Hardwicke’s controversial film debut about the angst-ridden period known as (female) adolescence is quite a gritty, realistic affair. When shy and reserved Tracy enters the seventh grade, she is immediately drawn to Evie, one of the most popular girls in junior high. Soon the two are sharing more than make-up tips as the after-school activities begin to consist of money theft, body piercing and sex.
Thirteen-year-old Nicki Reed actually co-wrote the script with director Hardwicke (it is allegedly based on Reed’s experience), which truly bombards the viewer with some tragic and heartbreaking characters, including Tracy’s mom Mel (Holly Hunter, Oscar nominated for work in the film) who is completely lost in how to stop her daughter’s destructive path.
The actual risqu and button pushing elements of the story aren’t as shocking or gasp inducing as something such as Larry Clark’s “Kids,” but “Thirteen” has been mismarketed in that fashion. This isn’t about numbing the audience, but rather earnestly interested in winning their empathy. Some of the actual structural components of the plot are spotty and sketchy, but in the end “Thirteen” is about rich characters and amazing performances that bring those characters to life. Between Hunter and Reed’s performances, it’s unlikely that your eyes will unglue from the screen until the credits roll. B
Camp
Those who missed out on this critically-acclaimed low budget “Fame” imitation last summer when it hit limited theaters should check it out now that has been given the lead role on DVD. The film follows a group of teenagers who attend a summer theater camp (aptly called Ovations) and chronicles their trials and tribulations leading up to a benefit concert at the end of the summer.
There’s plenty of enthralling teenage drama along the way, both on and off-stage, as the group of teenagers vie to deal with their issues while attempting to snare parts in the many musical productions being put on throughout their stay. Among others, there is the distraught gay teen struggling to fight acceptance, the typical “bitch girl” who is the most appealing physically but also the emptiest emotionally, the dramatic ugly duckling who hopes she can find love as well as a lead in one of the musical numbers, and finally the “straight” guy (a joke the film capitalizes on–“he’s really straight!”) who just wants to be taken seriously as an actor.
Writer-Director Todd Graff also scores high points for casting his film with actual novices and Broadway hopefuls rather than experienced actors. They may not always pull off some of the more dramatic moments, but they give “Camp” an infinitely more natural quality that gels effectively with the plot onscreen. That, coupled with some truly hilarious mo-ments and several vibrant, catchy musical numbers (yes, it’s a musical too) that actually connect and move the plot, make “Camp” a unique and feel-good experience. This is one performance that’s not to be missed. B-
Lost in Translation
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, “Lost in Translation” is a true rarity, a film that lives up to its hype on every level and then some. The story follows famous actor Bob Harris (Bill Murray, in the per-formance of his career), who is getting a hefty amount of money to promote a new whiskey in Tokyo. Meanwhile, recently married Charlotte (beautifully played by Scarlett Johansson) sits alone most of the time in her hotel room because she is visiting Tokyo on business with her husband, whose busy schedule results in boredom for her.
Both characters are shown as lonesome creatures that seem to have lost that connection in life that allows them to feel emotion, happiness, or even a state of content. The two eventually cross paths (they reside in the same hotel) and as these strangers spend more time together in a place that’s completely foreign to them, the connection they establish helps them forget that bad place their broken spirits reside in and restores that joy, even if for a limited time.
Director Sophia Coppola’s movie a work of art: it’s a marvelous creation where every little detail is given maximum attention. Every component, including the captivating cinematography of Tokyo, the soothing score, the beautiful love story, and the stunning heartfelt performances between Murray and Johansson absolutely shine throughout.
The movie isn’t even really about dialogue, since many of the scenes are driven by images, music or even characters’ facial expressions, but the sheer simplicity of the film is also part of its beauty. For those who missed “Lost in Translation” in theatres, pick it up on DVD today. It’s easily the best film of the year and one that will be remembered for a long time to come. A