Kopache, Thomas

Catch Me If You Can (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Features)

An enormously entertaining (if somewhat shallow) affair from blockbuster director Steven Spielberg. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Frank Abagnale, Jr., a dazzling young con man who spent four years impersonating an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer--all before he turned 21. All the while he's pursued by a dedicated FBI agent named Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), whose dogged determination stays one step behind Abagnale's spontaneous wits. Both DiCaprio and Hanks turn in enjoyable performances and the movie has a bouncy rhythm that keeps it zipping along. However, it never gets under the surface of Frank's drive to lose himself in other identities, other than a simplistic desire to please his father (Christopher Walken, excellent as always), nor does it explore the complex mechanics of fraud with any depth. By the movie's end, it feels like one of Frank's pilot uniforms--appearance without substance. --Bret Fetzer

Story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artists who passes himself off as a pilot, doctor, lawyer, and cashes in millions of dollars of fraudulent checks, with the FBI hot on his trail.
Genre: Feature Film-Comedy
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 10-APR-2007
Media Type: DVD

Star Trek - Generations (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)

There were only two ways for "classic Trek" cast members to appear in a movie with the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation: either Capt. Kirk and his contemporaries would have to be very, very old, or there would be some time travel involved in the plot. Since geriatric heroes aren't very exciting (despite a welcomed cameo appearance by the aged Dr. McCoy), Star Trek: Generations unites Capt. Kirk (William Shatner) and Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) in a time-jumping race to stop a madman's quest for heavenly contentment. When a mysterious energy coil called the Nexus nearly destroys the newly christened U.S.S. Enterprise-B, the just-retired Capt. Kirk is lost and presumed dead. But he's actually been happily trapped in the timeless purgatory of the Nexus--an idyllic state of being described by the mystical Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) as "pure joy." Picard must convince Kirk to leave this artificial comfort zone and confront Dr. Soran (Malcolm McDowell), the madman who will threaten billions of lives to be reunited with the addictive pleasure of the Nexus. With subplots involving the android Data's unpredictable "emotion chip" and the spectacular crash-landing of the starship Enterprise, this crossover movie not only satisfied Trek fans, but it also gave them something they'd never had to confront before: the heroic and truly final death of a beloved Star Trek character. Passing the torch to the Next Generation with dignity and entertaining adventure, the movie isn't going to please everyone with its somewhat hokey plot, but it still ranks as a worthy big-screen launch for Picard and his stalwart crew. --Jeff Shannon

Captains Jean-Luc Picard and James T. Kirk join forces to defeat an obsessed El Aurian physicist who will stop at nothing to rejoin the Nexus.
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: PG
Release Date: 10-APR-2007
Media Type: DVD

Leaving Las Vegas

One of the most critically acclaimed films of 1995, this wrenchingly sad but extraordinarily moving drama provides an authentic, superbly acted portrait of two people whose lives intersect just as they've reached their lowest depths of despair. Ben (Nicolas Cage, in an Oscar-winning performance) is a former movie executive who's lost his wife and family in a sea of alcoholic self-destruction. He's come to Las Vegas literally to drink himself to death, and that's when he meets Sera (Elisabeth Shue), a prostitute who falls in love with him--and he with her--despite their mutual dead-end existence. They accept each other as they are, with no attempts by one to change the other, and this unconditional love turns Leaving Las Vegas into a somber yet quietly beautiful love story. Earning Oscar nominations for Best Director (Mike Figgis), Best Adapted Screenplay (Figgis, from John O'Brien's novel) and Best Actress (Shue), the film may strike some as relentlessly bleak and glacially paced, but attentive viewers will readily discover the richness of these tragic characters and the exceptional performances that bring them to life. (In a sad echo of his own fiction, novelist John O'Brien committed suicide while this film was in production.) The DVD features uncut, unrated footage that was not included in the film's theatrical release. --Jeff Shannon

Best Actor OscarÂ(r) winner* Nicolas Cage and Best Actress nominee* Elisabeth Shue set the screen ablaze in this profoundly moving love story. Nominated* for two additional Academy AwardsÂ(r)Director and Adapted Screenplaythis emotionally charged powerhouse of a film graced over 100 10 Best Lists including Roger Ebert's #1 Movie of the Year. Ben Sanderson (Cage) is a career alcoholic who has hit rock bottom. Trashing all personal and professional ties to his L.A. existence, he sets off for the lights of Vegas on a mission: to drink himself to death. There he meets Sera (Shue), a beautiful, seen-it-all hooker. From the moment Ben and Sera connect, they form a unique bond based upon unconditional acceptance and mutual respect that will change each of themforever. In the words of David Thompson of Los Angeles Magazine, Leaving Las Vegas is a masterpiece. *1995

Stigmata

Gabriel Byrne plays Father Kiernan, a young Jesuit priest whose degree in chemistry makes him a sort of priest/detective as he investigates weeping Marys and the like around the world. Meanwhile, Frankie (Patricia Arquette), a rave-generation Pittsburgher, is afflicted with the stigmata--holes that appear in her wrists, resembling the wounds of Christ. The young woman's symptoms filter back to the Vatican and Father Kiernan is assigned to the case. The priest is puzzled by Frankie's atheism; usually the stigmata only appear on the devout (hence the age-old controversy of miracles vs. hysteria). Other manifestations appear on Frankie, and the priest's cardinal (Jonathan Pryce) is brought in, leading to political maneuvering within the Church hierarchy. The film owes a large and obvious debt to The Exorcist (at one point, Frankie's bed scoots across the room and she levitates into a crucifix position), but to term it an Exorcist rip-off would be to shortchange Stigmata. The premise and screenplay are more cerebral than in the l973 film, and the source of the phenomenon is coming from a completely different place.

Unfortunately, amid Stigmata's high-octane editing and slick technique, the chills of The Exorcist aren't there, giving the movie a sort of identity crisis: horror movie or intellectual thriller? Several elements of the film challenge basic tenets of the Catholic faith, hence the brief furor that erupted at the time of the film's release; if nothing else, the internal workings of the Church are shown in a very unflattering light indeed. Byrne excels as the skeptical priest, as does Arquette as the tortured young woman. All told, Stigmata is a rather uneven effort, but one with a thought-provoking combination of theology and thrills served up in a thoroughly modern, stylish package. Fans of TV's Ally McBeal will recognize Portia DeRossi in a supporting role. --Jerry Renshaw

A lost soul has just received the wounds of Christ and a shocking message that will alter history. Stunning performances from Patricia Arquette (True Romance), Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects) and Jonathan Pryce (Ronin) and a cutting edge score by Billy Corgan of The SmashingPumpkins and Elia Cmiral make Stigmata a visual and visceral feast (Entertainment Today). Frankie Paige (Arquette) has absolutely no faith in God. All of that changes when she suddenly begins to suffer the Stigmatathe living wounds of the crucified Christ. Frankie's miraculous bleeding comes to the attention of the Vatican's top investigator, Father Kiernan (Byrne). But when Cardinal Houseman (Pryce), discovers that Frankie is actually channeling an extraordinary and provocative message that could destroy the Church, he's convinced that she - and the force possessing hermust be forever silenced. Determined to stop this deadly conspiracy, Kiernan risks his faithandhis lifeto save her and the message that will change the destiny of mankind forever!

This Boy's Life

For Toby Wolff and his divorced mom Caroline 1950s life wasn't all fun and games. These two free spirits and cross-country travelers settle in the Pacific Northwest where life will be better. They hope. This Boy's Life the Wolffs' true story "is every boy's life" the Los Angeles Times' Kenneth Turan wrote. The dynamic teaming of Robert DeNiro (Analyze This Meet the Parents) Ellen Barkin (The Big Easy Sea of Love) and Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic Gangs of New York) sparks this funny touching slice-of-life drama that pits rebellious teen Toby (DiCaprio) against his tyrannical new stepfather Dwight (DeNiro). Directed by Michael Caton-Jones (Memphis Belle City by the Sea) This Boy's Life is one to remember.Running Time: 115 min.System Requirements:Running Time 115 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: R UPC: 085392461929

Robert De Niro gets top billing, but young Leonardo DiCaprio is the revelation of This Boy's Life, an astute, often painful drama of growing up in the 1950s Pacific Northwest, based on the autobiographical novel by Tobias Woolf. DiCaprio plays Tobias, a good kid with a bad boy streak but an unwavering love for his divorced mother (Ellen Barkin). "I want to be a better boy," he promises from under a greasy pompadour, and tries to prove it when she marries single father Dwight (DeNiro), a bully who parents through intimidation and humiliation. DiCaprio is magnetic in his first starring role, full of anger, hope, and confusion as he drifts back to juvenile delinquency, and his intensity gives the true story of survival and triumph its charge. DeNiro is frightening and pathetic as Dwight, and Dwight's youngest daughter is played by future star and vampire slayer Eliza Dushku. --Sean Axmaker

Breakdown

Jeff and Amy are driving to a new life in California when their car's engine dies. Amy accepts a ride from a helpful trucker while Jeff waits in the car and when she doesn't return Jeff begins a frantic search to find her.
Genre: Feature Film-Action/Adventure
Rating: R
Release Date: 7-JAN-2003
Media Type: DVD

Tautly directed and superbly photographed, this crowd-pleasing thriller from 1997 is indebted to Steven Spielberg's Duel, but more closely resembles Dead Calm in its strengths and weaknesses. Kurt Russell plays a stressed-out husband whose wife (Kathleen Quinlan) disappears after their car breaks down in the desert. Tracking her whereabouts leads to an interstate theft and kidnapping ring, and as Russell pursues--and is pursued by--a vicious redneck played to perfection by J.T. Walsh (in one of his final film roles), the movie succumbs to several tense, but utterly conventional action sequences. That doesn't stop the movie from being an above-average nail-biter. It is so effectively directed by co-writer Jonathan Mostow that even the more surreal situations seem plausible and altogether unsettling. Russell's performance is key to the film's success--he's smart enough to be admirable, and we can readily identify with his frustration, confusion, and torment. Through him, Breakdown takes on the edgy quality of a wide-awake nightmare. --Jeff Shannon

Woman Scorned

Emmy-nominee Meredith Baxter gives a towering performance as Betty Broderick, whose 1991 trial for the murder of her ex-husband and his new, younger wife mesmerized the nation. A Woman Scorned dramatizes the bitter breakup of Betty's picture perfect marriage to successful lawyer Dan Broderick (Stephen Collins), and her all-consuming rage that resulted in two shocking deaths. This DVD also includes the sequel, Her Final Fury: The Betty Broderick Story, The Last Chapter, the dramatic chronicle of Broderick's sensational trial. Judith Ivey costars as the prosecutor determined to bring her to justice.

Mr. Jones

No Description Available.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: R
Release Date: 10-OCT-2006
Media Type: DVD

Richard Gere is pretty convincing as a severe manic-depressive whose episodes of euphoria sometimes find him dancing on a two-by-four far above the street or climbing onstage during a symphony performance to "conduct" the orchestra. When the pendulum swings the other way, he is practically catatonic. As a character study, this film by Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas) has its truly compelling moments, but Mr. Jones isn't just a character study. Inexplicably, Figgis ushers in a preposterous romance between this poor fellow and his psychiatrist (Lena Olin), a relationship that is supposed to raise interesting ethical and dramatic issues. All it does is make one wonder what the devil the doctor is thinking of, and why Figgis felt it necessary to go down this lose-lose path. With Delroy Lindo in a nice part as a sympathetic construction worker who tries to help Gere's character. --Tom Keogh

A Stranger's Heart

Just in time for Valentine s Day A Stranger s Heart is a truly unique unexpected and engaging love story. When a woman with a debilitating illness takes an unexpected journey of the heart her uncanny connection to a little girl enlightens both of them to the wonderful mysteries of life. Where their hearts lead them next is a miracle that changes the meaning of family of love and of faith. Now available for the first on DVD A Stranger s Heart is a perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine s Day to celebrate the human spirit the bonds of friendship and the remarkable power of love. System Requirements:Run Time: 85 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA/LOVE & ROMANCE UPC: 796019809634 Manufacturer No: 80963

Strange Invaders/Invaders From Mars

Strange InvadersIn 1958. all folks had to worry about were communists Elvis Presley and invaders from space. When an alien spaceship lets loose some gooey green men on a small Midwestern town Main Street USA becomes Strange Street USA! This eerie sci-fi creeper unveils an out-of-this-world plot that moves furiously towards a full-throttle inspirational climax (Time)!Running Time 99 MinInvaders from MarsA slick state-of-the-art remake (Film Journal) of the 1953 thriller classic this space-age creature feature is crawling with horrifying hordes of Martians hell-bent on stealing your soul and your planet! Starring Karen Black and packed with hair-raising terror (Chicago Tribune) and magnificent (Time Out) special effects Invaders From Mars is a nail-biting voyage of knuckle-whitening fear [that] builds to a screaming pitch (The New York Times)!Running Time 93 MinSystem Requirements: Running Time 192 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: NR UPC: 027616910820 Manufacturer No: 1006941