Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Unrated Widescreen Edition) Review

There seems to be a little comedy club, like a secret fraternity, and one wonders just what is the secret handshake to get in? It helps, rather than hinders, if you've been in TV, especially Freaks and Geeks, which was Forgetting Sarah Marshall Producer Judd Apatow's pet project. Judd Apatow is a name you might want to casually drop into a conversation over lunch at Wolfgang Puck's. Jason Segel cut his teeth on Freaks and Geeks, and he wrote FSM, and stars in it as the heart broken Peter Bretter. Some of the break up experiences were true, and some were exaggerated. He did in fact, try to get over a break up by writing a Rock Opera about Dracula:

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Rachel Jansen: [about his rock opera] Why Dracula?
Peter Bretter: Because he's just a man, he wants to be loved but every woman he gets near he ends up smothering and killing, and I've had similar experiences.
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Wonder if he got any advice about writing Show Tunes from Neil Patrick Harris, who is after all, an authority on the subject (check out Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog. Not only that, but he hosted the Tony Awards). Segel and Harris are both currently on "How I Met Your Mother," and it would seem an excellent opportunity for Segel to get help finishing his Musical-within-a-movie while they waited around between set-ups.

Who else in FSM has worked more on the small screen than the silver one? Let's see.
There's Kristen Bell, who plays Sarah Marshall, the woman he's trying to forget. Kristen Bell was Veronica Mars on "Veronica Mars" (64 episodes, 2004-2007).

Mila Kunis is Rachel Jansen, the woman he's trying to forget Sarah with. Mila was Jackie Burkhart on "That '70s Show" (201 episodes, 1998-2006). Jackie was such an annoying brat that it is quite a surprise to see her in FSM. Even Russell Brand, who plays Sarah's new boyfriend, the polymorphously perverse and annoyingly full-of-himself rock star Aldous Snow, lead singer of Infant Sorrow (BTW, Brand is engaged to Katy Perry in so-called Real Life); confessed that he fancied her.

Bill Hader is from "Saturday Night Live," Jack McBrayer is on "30 Rock," and Paul Rudd was Mike Hannigan, one of Phoebe's many boyfriends, on "Friends" (18 episodes, 2002-2004). He also made an appearance on Kristen Bell's "Veronica Mars." Paul Rudd was Desmond Fellows (1 episode, 2007).

The plethora of TV actors was also appropriate because one of the main things that made Peter want to forget Sarah Marshall was that she was the star of a CSI-like cop show, while he was the show's composer. It was less than fulfilling work, though. He was reduced to producing ominous sounding fills, mostly percussion. There were some great clips that parodied those kind of shows, with William Baldwin skewering Horatio Kane and his ilk as Detective Hunter Rush:

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Sarah Marshall: [lifts up the sheet] What do you think, Rush?
Detective Hunter Rush: [cringes] It's going to be hard for her to reenter the pageant... without a face.
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He has the dramatic, Shatneresque pause, punctuated by taking off his sun glasses. Those shows are already a self-parody, so they're not as easy to make fun of as you would think. Meanwhile, what was it exactly that caused Sarah to dump Peter?

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Sarah Marshall: It got really hard taking care of you when you stopped taking care of yourself, I tried everything to get you off your little island, the couch.
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Wonder if Peter Bretten watched much TV while he was on his little island, the couch? Seems like Sarah Marshall was having as much trouble getting Peter off the island as the Skipper and Gilligan were, not to mention the Professor and Mary Ann. Three hour tour? Anyway, I'm not complaining about all the TV talent in FSM, because with all that comedy experience you have a crack ensemble ready, willing, and able to kick it up a notch. Before there was Robin Williams there was a little show called "Mork & Mindy," and Jim Carrey paid his dues with "Duck Factory" and "In Living Color."

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Peter Bretter: I love Hawaii.
Sarah Marshall: Yeah, it's nice, but I think for like a week, tops. Any more than that and I know that I'd go crazy, because I think that Hawaii is a place to escape for people who can't deal with the real world.
Rachel Jansen: Yeah, you know, there's so few personal shoppers and pet therapists. Gosh, it's such a hard life.
====================

A cool thing about FSM was the setting in Oahu, an island of Hawaii. It seemed like a great place to regroup and fix a broken heart. Even if Peter spent the first part of his vacation drinking potent cocktails with little umbrellas, he did eventually come to realize that he could be happy without booze and Sarah Marshall. Don't want to give away too much, but besides the cute and helpful desk clerk, Rachel, there was Surf Instructor Chuck (a rudderless Paul Rudd), and helpful staff like Kimo (Taylor Wily) ready to offer understanding and a little Kimo-therapy:

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Kimo: Are those sad tissues or happy tissues?
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FSM was a very funny movie, and it was enhanced by the setting. I love Hawaii--Oahu, Maui. Mahalo!

FSM was kind of a mish mash, but it comes at you like one of those gigantic waves all the surfers are always raving about. Shall I compare it to a Shakespearean comedy of errors? Another thing about FSM, it had sincerity.

My niece Lulu thinks it was just about the funniest movie ever, but I think that Superbad is. I thought that FSM had kind of a shaky start, but it picked up comedy momentum. Superbad rushes out of the gate and doesn't look back. But that's just me. Your mileage may vary.

The Bottom Line is that Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a memorable and funny film, and Jason Segel would seem to have a future beyond TV--both writing screenplays and acting in films. He is not such a bad songwriter/lyricist, either. He wrote some cool tunes for the film, both the Dracula musical and some tunes for Aldous Snow. Of the songs that he did not write for the film, I liked that there were two versions of The Artist Formerly Known as Prince's Nothing Compares 2 U, by both Sinéad O'Connor and The Coconutz with Daniel Ho. The second one captured the 'flava' of the islands, like that uke version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Who does that? It's awesome.

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Darald: Let me just say that if God was a city planner he would not put a playground next to a sewage system!
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I Love You, Man (2009) Jason Segel was Sydney Fife; Paul Rudd was Peter Klaven
Max Payne (2008) Mila Kunis was Mona Sax
Superbad (Unrated Widescreen Edition) (2007) Jonah Hill was Seth; Bill Hader was Officer Slater
Knocked Up (Unrated Widescreen Edition) (2007) Jason Segel was Jason; Bill Hader was Brent; Jonah Hill was Jonah; Paul Rudd was Pete
Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story (Two-Disc Special Edition) (2007) Jack McBrayer was DJ; (uncredited) Jonah Hill was Older Nate; (uncredited) Paul Rudd was John Lennon
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (Unrated Widescreen Edition) (2005) Jonah Hill was eBay Customer; Paul Rudd was David
Pootie Tang (2001) Kristen Bell was Record Executive's Daughter
Can't Hardly Wait (1998) Jason Segel was Watermelon Guy
The Size Of Watermelons (1996) Paul Rudd was Alex
Sliver (Unrated Edition) (1993) William Baldwin was Zeke Hawkins

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Darald: What's the state fish of Hawaii?
Dwayne the Bartender: The Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.
====================

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Unrated Widescreen Edition) Overview

Peter (Jason Segel) is a struggling musician who finds his world turned upside down when his TV celebrity girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), dumps him for a tragically hip rock star. It’s the hysterically funny look at how far one man will go to forget a girl – and all the fun he finds along the way!

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Unrated Widescreen Edition) Specifications

Breaking up is hard to do--but that doesn't mean you can't have some belly laughs about it. Forgetting Sarah Marshall provides that rare treat: a romantic comedy about breakups, that is both romantic and funny. The laughs, especially from writer-star Jason Segel, are both heartfelt and raunchy, and the film is just unexpected enough that it keeps the viewer's attention till the end. The touches of producer Judd Apatow, who's famously retooled rom-coms to appeal to guys as much as women, are woven throughout the film, but Segel's script, reportedly based on many of his own experiences, is fresh and original. And adult. Forgetting Sarah Marshall features male genitalia laffs presented in unexpected and human ways (the nude breakup scene is played for giggles but also deep poignancy), and the language and sex scenes are strictly for grownups--and rightly so. Segel's script, and his performance as Peter, show that he understands the true nature of adult re! lationships, which provides the refreshing difference between this film and some of Apatow's other crude creations. The cast is sublime; Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) plays title character Sarah, a self-absorbed actress, and Russell Brand is her new British honey who accompanies her to--what are the chances?--the exact same Hawaiian resort as Peter, who's nursing his broken heart. Mila Kunis plays Rachel, the resort employee who gives Peter a reason to hope, and Paul Rudd is the surfing instructor who gives him his own brand of heartfelt advice ("When life gives you lemons, just say 'F--- the lemons' and bail," he says cheerily). The pacing is screwball, and the absurdities fly (a "Dracula" musical puppet show, and a surprisingly lovely Hawaiian version of "Nothing Compares 2 U"). Nothing the viewer will forget any time soon.--A.T. Hurley

Get to Know the Cast From Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Kristen Bell (Sarah Marshall)

Jason Segel (Peter Bretter)

Mila Kunis (Rachel Jansen)

Beyond Forgetting Sarah Marshall on DVD

More from the Apatow Gang

Get it on Blu-ray

More Romantic Comedies

Stills from Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Click for larger image)

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Little Dorrit

Little Dorrit Review

Masterpiece Classic's "Little Dorrit" is the most special, endearing and heart-warming piece written by Charles Dickens that you will ever want to experience. It is by far my favorite movie of all times, in which I would have easily paid 10 times the price of this 4 set DVD collection to watch numerous times over.

"Little Dorrit" played by Claire Foy and "Arthur Clennam" played by Matthew Macfadyen are incredible in their performances, in which both present themselves in the most giving spirits that you'd wish every human being possess.

Wikipedia has a well written write-up on the series at [...]. But it seems to lack the emotional side that this series will make you feel.

On a scale of 1-100, I would give it 1,000 along with 2 thumbs up and 2 big toes up!!! I hope you love it as much as I do!!!

Little Dorrit Overview

Acclaimed screenwriter Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice, Bleak House) brings to DVD an all new Dickens adaptation starring Academy Award Nominee Tom Courtenay (The Golden Compass), Matthew Macfadyen (MI-5, Pride and Prejudice) and newcomer Claire Foy (Being Human). This gripping new series brings to life Dickens's powerful story of struggle and hardship in 1820s London. When Arthur Clennam (Macfadyen) returns to England after many years abroad, his curiosity is piqued by the presence in his mother's house of a young seamstress, Amy Dorrit (Foy). His quest to discover the truth about “Little Dorrit” takes him to the Marshalsea Debtors Prison, where he discovers that the dark shadows of debt stretch far and wide. Filled with humorous yet tragic characters, Little Dorrit is a stirring rags to riches to rags story, exposing the underbelly of nineteenth century British society as only Charles Dickens can.

Little Dorrit Specifications

Scandalous secrets, strangling bureaucracy, and crippling debts collide in the compelling BBC/Masterpiece Classic adaptation of Charles Dickens' weighty novel, which debuted in serial form in 1855. Mrs. Clennam (Judy Parfitt), a shut-in, kicks the complex storyline into action when she hires 21-year-old seamstress Amy Dorrit (newcomer Claire Foy, a warm and sympathetic presence) just days before her son, Arthur (Matthew Macfadyen, Pride & Prejudice), returns to London after 15 years at sea. Amy lives with her proud father, William (a heartbreaking Tom Courtenay), in Marshalsea, the debtor's prison where Dickens' own father did time. Despite his mother’s denials, Arthur becomes convinced that there's a connection between the Clennams and the Dorrits, so he attempts to solve the mystery on his own, with help from sniveling rent collector Pancks (Eddie Marsan, Happy-Go-Lucky) and hindrance from surly servant Flintwinch (Alun Armstrong, New Tricks) and the aptly-named Circumlocution Office.

Last filmed in 1988, Little Dorrit offers material--about greedy lenders and eager investors--ripe for reinterpretation. If the series doesn't surpass Bleak House, a high-water mark in Dickens adaptations, screenwriter Andrew Davies still does the author proud, despite a sketchy subplot concerning a miserable maid and her mysterious protector. But some things never change, and Dickens presents ample scene-stealing opportunities, of which Amanda Redman as a chilly socialite, Pam Ferris as a shallow governess, Russell Tovey as a lovesick suitor, and Andy Serkis as a Gallic psychopath--his creepiest character since Gollum--take full advantage. In the featurette, cast and crew provide a perceptive look at the making of this timely drama. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

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Leap Frog - Letter Factory

Leap Frog - Letter Factory Review

This is the first review I have ever written, but I just couldn't help but say something about this amazing video. My 4 year son had been struggling remembering letter let alone their sounds for months. Based on the number of positive reviews, I decided to try this video and I am so glad I did. We took it with us on a four hour car ride and he must have watched it at least 3 times. He watched it just as many times on the way back. By the time we got home, he not only knew all his upper and lower case letters, he knew all of their sounds and was actually sounding out words... All in one weekend. I only wish every preschooler would be able to watch this video.

Leap Frog - Letter Factory Overview

Teaches letters, phonics and listening skills. A wild adventure to the Letter Factory with popular LeapFrog characters Leap, Lily and Tad. Led by wacky Professor Quigley, Tad joins Js jumping on trampolines and Ks practicing karate kicks as new letters learn their sounds. Fun songs will have kids singing letter sounds in no time.

DVD Features:
Other:Learning games
Theatrical Trailer

Leap Frog - Letter Factory Specifications

Tad, Leap, and Lily hop from the pages of the amazingly popular Leap Pad learning toys onto the television screen in this attention grabbing phonics program. Tad's disappointment at being unable to help his family with an important presentation at the letter factory quickly turns to excitement when he meets Professor Quigley and joins each of the letters of the alphabet in their own fun-filled classroom devoted to learning their unique sound. Tad practices karate kicks with the k's, digs the vibes with the cool cat d's drumming on the bongos, and snores peacefully with the z's while learning to recognize each letter and the sound it makes. A catchy, fun song serves as a summation of each letter's "class" and entices even the most reluctant of toddlers (and their parents) to sing each letter's sound. An interactive game follows the program and gives children a chance to practice their newfound skills of recognizing letters and their sounds. Consumers expect great educational products from LeapFrog and this DVD won't disappoint. (Ages 2 to 5) --Tami Horiuchi

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The Karate Kid Collection (Four Film Set)

The Karate Kid Collection (Four Film Set) Review

Well, I must say I do own the first three Karate Kid films. I never did get a chance to see the fourth one with Hilary Swank but I did hear it was the weakest of the series so I guess I'll skip it for now. I'll start with the first film which is of course the best one. It has a great plot. A teen-age boy named Daniel who is very kind-hearted and has a deep interest in karate relocates from New Jersey to California with his mom. This is where all the trouble begins!

He falls for a cute blonde named Ali who is the girlfriend of champion Johnny Lawrence who is the best student at the Cobra-Kai karate dojo. Oddly, Johnny is not exactly a traditional villian per-se like some of his friends seem to be. It basically is a love-triangle sort of situation. Obviously, Johnny has the edge as he is bigger and much more skilled than Daniel. But Daniel has a secret weapon that everyone soon finds out about. He befriends an elderly Japanese karate grandmaster and war hero named Mr. Miyagi. Mr. Miyagi is well aware of Daniel's situation and expresses to teach him all the tricks to defeat Johnny and his friends at a tournament which he sets up with Johnny's ruthless instructor, Kreese.

The second film takes place in Japan. Daniel takes a vacation with Mr. Miyagi and ends up not only learning about Japanese culture but fighting for his life as Mr. Miyagi's long-time rival and one time best friend, Sato along with his first-rated student challenge the two. This paves way for the third film with is again based on a tournament. In my opinion, this really should have been released after the first as it seems to be more of a direct sequel to the first than the second film was. It picks up where the first tournament ends. Kreese turns on Johnny for having lost to Daniel and starts to choke him. Mr. Miyagi jumps to Johnny's rescue which persuades Kreese to throw a couple of punches at him! However, Mr. Miyagi proves very elusive to hit and he ends up severely injuring both of his hands due to accidentally hitting two car windows instead. Mr. Miyagi has the opportunity to give Kreese a severe beating due to his handicap but decides to let him go and forgive him.

Kreese, humiliated and now without students opts to consider giving up karate. But his war-buddy and vicious karate instructor, Terry who is also his partner discovers the situation and vows to help Kreese put an end to Mr. Miyagi and Daniel's championship reign. He handpicks a great Cobra-Kai type martial artist named Mike Barnes. Terry makes Barnes a great offer providing he can defeat Daniel which persuades him to really attack Daniel with a viciousness that very much intimidates him. Daniel really wants to continue fighting in tournaments but Mr. Miyagi advises against it as he believes karate is more so for defending life and honor rather than his trophy! This forces Daniel to choose another instructor who happens to be Terry! Terry pretends to be his best friend and on his side but puts him through such physically demanding training that it drains Daniel and turns him into a vicious Cobra-Kai with an attitude.

He ends up mistreating Mr. Miyagi and breaking someones face in a street fight. Daniel finally sees he is being someone he's not and returns to Mr. Miyagi who finally promises to train him. I really did enjoy this one but I do agree with the other review on here that Mike Barnes didn't have the charisma of Johnny or even Chozen. In my opinion, they should have brought Johnny back to fight along side with Daniel getting revenge against Kreese for choking and mistreating him! Also, if you remember, he did sort of make amends with Daniel at the end of part 1 and Mr. Miyagi did save his life. It would have been really interesting to see how Mr. Miyagi would've trained Johnny.

The Karate Kid Collection (Four Film Set) Overview

A collection of films about a New Jersey teenager in California, a troubled teenage girl and their mentor and father figure, a karate expert named Mr.

The Karate Kid Collection (Four Film Set) Specifications

A sizable hit with both teen audiences and sports-themed movie enthusiasts, 1984's The Karate Kid had the right combination of heart and action to spawn three sequels of varying quality between 1986 and 1994; all four features have been packaged together in this three-disc set. Though plot elements varied from film to film, the core story (and the series' greatest strength) remained the same--the relationship between a wise Japanese martial arts teacher (skillfully underplayed by comedian Pat Morita) and his young American student (Ralph Macchio in the first three films, and future Oscar winner Hilary Swank in the final entry, The Next Karate Kid). The first of the Morita/Macchio matchups remains the best of the four features, with excellent performances from both leads and director John G. Avildsen (who also handled Rocky and the first two Kid sequels) expertly balancing the emotional moments with the pure excitement of the martial arts tournament that serves as its finale.

The subsequent sequels with Macchio seemed pulpier (especially The Karate Kid, Part II, with its rekindled wartime romance subplot), and the inevitable come-from-behind competitions lacking the impact of the original; 1994's The Next Karate Kid (directed by Christopher Cain) put a slight spin on the formula by replacing Macchio with belligerent teen Swank, but it too seems like a retread of the first film. Still, the messages inherent to each film--finding one's inner strength, trusting your heart--should ring true to new generations of younger viewers. Fans may find the Collection light on supplemental features--while all four films are presented in anamorphic widescreen format, only the original (which was previously released in pan-and-scan only) offers commentary by Avildsen, Macchio and Morita and several making-of featurettes; the three sequels, packed into two discs, offer no extras. --Paul Gaita

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The Goonies (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]

The Goonies (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray] Review

I too am a true Goonie. A few years back I travelled 2,500 miles just to visit the Goonie house (and Data's house) in Astoria, Oregon. Searched for the rock formations off Cannon Beach, found the jail (then a museum) where the Fratelli's were, found the museum (then a library) where Mr. Walsh worked. This is my favorite movie of all time. (Followed closely by Big Trouble in Little China). This is a classic, by all standards. Bought this 25th Anniversary edition today and I can't wait to see it!

The Goonies (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray] Overview

From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, The Goonies plunges a band of small heroes into a swashbuckling surprise-around-every corner quest beyond their wildest dreams! Following a mysterious treasure map into a spectacular underground realm of twisting passages, outrageous booby-traps and a long-lost pirate ship full of golden doubloons, the kids race to stay one step ahead of a family of bumbling bad guys…and a mild mannered monster with a face only a mother could love.

The Goonies (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray] Specifications

You may be surprised to discover that the director of the Lethal Weapon movies and scary horror flick The Omen, Richard Donner, also produced and directed this classic children's adventure (which, by the way, was written by Donner's screen-wizard friend Steven Spielberg). Then again you may not. The Goonies, like Donner's other movies, is the same story of good versus evil. It has its share of bad guys (the Fratelli brothers and their villainous mother), reluctant-hero good guys (the Walsh bothers and their gang of friends), and lots of corny one-liners. Like in an old-fashioned Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew plot, the Goonies need to solve a problem: a corrupt corporate developer has bought out their neighborhood and plans to flatten all their homes. Luckily, the beloved gang stumbles on a treasure map. In the hopes of finding the treasure to buy back their houses, the Goonies embark on their quest through underground passages, aboard pirate ships, and behind waterfalls. This swashbuckling and rollicking ride was also a great breeding ground for a couple of child actors who went on to enjoy numerous successes in adulthood: Sean Astin (Rudy, Encino Man) and Martha Plimpton (Pecker, 200 Cigarettes). --Samantha Allen Storey

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Soldier Love Story

Soldier Love Story Review

I have watched this film many times, and its warmth, charm, and inspiring message continue to resonate. I am not a 'typical fan' of such films, but this one is special for many reasons. As some other reviewers have noted, the chemistry between all of the actors - lead and supporting - feels both sincere and relaxed. I also think many of us are deeply responding to the themes of faith, finding one's calling, family, and wholesome romance. A little gem!

Soldier Love Story Overview

Studio: Uni Dist Corp (music) Release Date: 03/16/2010

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Law Abiding Citizen [Blu-ray]

Law Abiding Citizen [Blu-ray] Review

When I saw this film advertised for theatres, I thought it was an action film. I don't think it was marketed well. Law Abiding Citizen goes way beyond action, though it does have some explosive sequences. It's actually more of a noir thriller, with many plot twists and unexpected diversions. It had many elements that reminded me of films like Phone Booth, Die Hard With a Vengeance and even Speed. The trailer made it out as a simple criminal versus a virtuous DA, but it's much deeper than that. Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler are playing a deadly game against one another, and there is no black and white. Butler's character is supposedly "the villain," but one that is so easy to sympathize with, even justified in his actions. The film really highlights many of the problems in our criminal justice system, lending the story credibility and realism. The plot kept me guessing as to just how Butler was accomplishing his objectives. However, I do think the ending could have been better. After so much clever cat and mouse, the climax was too simple and didn't live up to what came before. Overall though, it was an exciting film that kept me paying close attention and on the edge of my seat. Also, the acting from the two leads was top notch, and even the supporting cast was noticeably superb.

The DVD has some well done extras, including featurettes on special effects shots and behind the scenes. However, the best featurette discusses the law behind the film. Experts explain the actual statutes that impact the characters in the film and how they are realistically played out in the story. It added a lot to the film, basing the plot on more than than just getting off on "a technicality." The extras add to the film experience. Well worth the money; I'll definitely watch this again.

Law Abiding Citizen [Blu-ray] Overview

Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is an upstanding family man whose wife and daughter are brutally murdered during a home invasion. When the killers are caught, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), a hotshot young Philadelphia prosecutor, is assigned to the case. Over his objections, Nick is forced by his boss to offer one of the suspects a light sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice. Fast forward ten years. The man who got away with murder is found dead and Clyde Shelton admits his guilt. Then he issues a warning to Nick: Either fix the flawed justice system, or key players in the trial will die. Soon Shelton follows through on his threats, orchestrating from his jail cell a string of spectacularly diabolical assassinations that can be neither predicted nor prevented. Only Nick can stop the killing and finds himself in a desperate race against time facing a deadly adversary who seems always to be one step ahead.

Law Abiding Citizen [Blu-ray] Specifications

The legal thriller meets the serial-killer shocker in Law Abiding Citizen. The story begins when home invaders kill Clyde Shelton's wife and daughter. The bereaved father (played by a thoroughly unsympathetic Gerard Butler) looks to slick Philly prosecutor Nick Rice (a low-key Jamie Foxx) to see that they receive the maximum sentence. Instead, the murderer, Ames, testifies against his accomplice, Darby, who gets the chair, while he gets 10 years. Upon his release, Ames' mutilated body turns up in an abandoned warehouse, and all roads lead to Shelton. Rice attempts to defend him, but his client makes it impossible--Shelton wants to go to prison--so he does time, but then members of Rice’s legal team start to die. The attorney suspects Shelton, but can't connect him to the crimes, so he races against the clock to save the lives of his assistant, Sarah (Leslie Bibb), D.A. Jonas (Bruce McGill), and his own wife and child. The movie may sound like a Yank reboot of the Japanese chiller Cure, in which an inmate kills from inside institutional walls, but plays more like a mash-up between The Silence of the Lambs, without the psychological complexity, and The Devil's Advocate, without the cynical giggles. F. Gary Gray got his start with hip-hop videos and urban action flicks, like Set It Off, until he hit the big time with his remake of The Italian Job. Law Abiding Citizen is a disappointing muddle from a director who's done better in the past and will surely do better in the future. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Stills from Law Abiding Citizen (Click for larger image)

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