Gil Mansergh’s Cinema Toast
NEW RELEASES 1/12/07

Curse of the Golden Flower (R)
Chow, Yun Fat, Gong Li, Jay Chou
Directed by: Zhang Yimou
If you have ever watched one of those Chinese language soap operas on cable TV, you know that the melodramatic, silent-movie acting style keeps your atention even when the dialogue and subtitles are in languages you don’t understand. This film ratchets overactilng almost to the breaking point and places the actors in sumptuously gilded, chrysanthemum strewn, 10th century costumes and settings that have to be seen to be believed.
3 pieces of ornate and melodramatic toast

Alpha Dog (R)
Justin Timberlake, Emile Hirsch, Bruce Willis, Shawn Hatasy, Dominique Swain, Sharon Stone
Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
It’s a radical 180-degree shift from 10th Century China to the violently clueless, white suburban gangsta druggies who populate the neighborhoods where Valley GIrls used to reside. Incredibly based on true events of a revenge kidnapping witnessed by 38 different people, this movie is not for the faint-of-heart.
3 pieces of anything but delicate toast

Stomp the Yard (PG-13)
Columbus Short, Chris Brown, Maegan Good
Directed by: Sylvain White
An unteresting and formulaic plot drags down the astounding dancing sequences in this marginal flick. Set up: LA dude named DJ, attends all-black Truth University in Atlanta where rival fraternities hold a step-dance competition for glory. Do you think sparks will fly between DJ and the provost’s foxy daughter who is dating the president of the rival fraternity? But of course.
1 and 1/2 pieces of tired-old-plot toast

Primeval (R)
Orlando Jones, Dominic Purcell
Directed by: Michael Katleman
Originally scheduled for an April release, and with previews not shown to critics, a film crew travels to South America to track down a serial killer who has been active for over 300 years.
Gil does not watch or review slasher films

Arthur and the Invisibles (NR)
Voices of David Bowie, Snoop Dogg, Madonna, Freddie Highmore, Mia FArrow
Directed by: Luc Besson
The director who brought us the truly original “La Femme Nikita,” and the truly brave “Unleashed,” attempts a part live, part animated tale. It has an NR rating because, (Although it is meant for children) there are references to using marijuana, alcohol, catching STDs, promiscuous sexuality and symbolic intercourse between a live10 year old boy and an animated, pin up style, beauty princess.
not available for preview (if you see this, e-mail Gil your reactions gilmansergh@comcast.net)

The Painted Veil (PG-13)
Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, Diana Rigg, Toby Jones
Directed by John Curran
This movie adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham’s story of infidelity and enui which ends in 1920’s colonial China during a cholera epdemic, is like a fine novel you don’t want to put down (or to end, either for that matter). Consider it to be perfectly brewed revenge served English style from a silver service in porcelin cup and saucer with a hint of sweetness (only one lump please) and savory tartness (with lemon, of course). (at the Rialto in Santa Rosa)
3 and 1/2 pieces of English toast

NEW ON VIDEO/DVD

The Night Listener (R)
Robin Willilams, Toni Collette, Bobby Canavale, Joe Morton, Rory Culkin, Sandra Oh
Directed by: Patrick Stetner
Box Office: $7,766,987
Robin Williams plays an Amisted Maupin-like writer who conquers depression after te break up of a ten year relationship, by tracking down a story of child abuse that (or may not) be true. Toni Collette shines as the (allegedly) abused boy’s blind stepmother.
2 pieces of simplified toast

Quinceanera (R)
Emily Rios, Chalo Gonzalaz, Jesse Garcia, Davild W. Ross
Directed by: Richard Glatzeer, Wash Westmoreland
Box Office: $1,540,873
Pregnant before her 15th birthday, (although she claims she is a virgin), a young girl is ostracized by her father and moves in with her gay uncle and cousin in this Sundance audience favorite. Showing at the Rialto in Santa Rosa.
3 pieces of Latina toast