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Top 5/Bottom 5: Don Cheadleby Aaron Peck Don Cheadle is a very versatile actor. He's also extremely likable no matter what role he's playing. In the new Showtime series 'House of Lies' he plays a womanizing, no-good scummy management consultant and somehow he's still as likable as always. I don't get it. We can call it the Cheadle Effect I suppose. He's also one of these actors that, for better or worse, spans every genre. He doesn't stick to just one movie or one type of role. He seems invested in just about everything that comes by – yes, unfortunately that also means movies like 'Hotel for Dogs.' [teaser]With the debut of Cheadle's new series on Showtime, and his role in the recently released dark comedy 'The Guard,' we take a look back at his career and document the highs and the lows.[/teaser] The Best 'Boogie Nights' On the surface I'm still not convinced that 'Boogie Nights' was supposed to be a good movie. You take Paul Thomas Anderson out the equation and suddenly you have Mark Wahlberg and Burt Reynolds starring in an epic drama about the rise of the porn industry. However, the end product is still quite stunning in its unflinching look at the adult film industry coupled with real eroticism and some very funny moments. 'Boogie Nights' hits just about every tone, from happy to sad, from coked-out to happily satisfied there isn't an emotion that the movie leaves untouched. One of the most memorable scenes from that movie – besides the ample Heather Graham nudity – was when Cheadle, as Buck Swope enters a donut shop only to find himself in the middle of a hold up where everyone is killed except for him. It's a scene that seemingly pops up out of nowhere, but Cheadle handles it perfectly. 'The Guard' Acting alongside Brendon Gleeson must be a daunting task, especially when the man is pulling off one of the funniest and bizarre performances of the year. Gleeson's dry wit throughout the movie is only matched by Cheadle's straight-laced FBI agent who can do nothing but be surprised and disgusted by the things that come out of Gleeson's mouth. One of the most underrated films of 2011. It won't win any awards, but I dare anyone to watch it and not like it. 'Hotel Rwanda' This is one of those movies that critics could easily label "manipulative" because it deals with such an emotionally charged issue. Genocide is something that needs to be dealt with delicately when presenting it a dramatic fashion. Here Cheadle, as Paul Rusesabagina, runs a hotel in Rwanda. Despite his best efforts, Paul is caught up in the middle of the Hutu and Tutsis conflict. The hotel soon becomes a refuge from the innocent people fleeing the bloodshed. Cheadle handles his role with a sincerity that could never be confused with heavy-handedness. 'Reign Over Me' The attacks on the World Trade Centers are another issue that is usually maligned by people whenever someone tries to make a thoughtful movie about them. It's still a sore subject in American history and one that conjures up all sorts of feelings, from sadness to hatred. Cheadle plays Alan Johnson who happens to run across his old college roommate Charlie Fineman (Adam Sandler). Charlie lost everything in the attacks and has since become a recluse. Alan does his best to help Charlie, but realizes that his old friend is helping him just as much. It's a tender movie about friendship and love. It's about how we deal with loss even during some of the most traumatic moments of our lives. It's yet another dramatic role where Cheadle brings a sincere earnestness to the screen. 'Traffic' Steven Soderbergh's examination of drug trafficking and its effects on people and culture remains a masterpiece in multi-character filmmaking. 'Traffic' bounces around from storyline to storyline, fitting in as much as possible. Everyone is great in this movie, not just Cheadle, who plays a DEA agent named Montel Gordon. 'Traffic' is the sum of its star-laden parts, and the product of a visionary director. Oh, and did I mention it comes out in a Criterion release in a couple of weeks? Color me excited. The Worst 'Brooklyn's Finest' If there's ever been a more mundane, lifeless police procedural I don't think I've seen it. This sinks to the bottom along with 'Righteous Kill.' It's a boring, unoriginal work about policemen doing police-like things. Some are dirty, some are straight-laced, and the movie is a bore. 'Hotel for Dogs' It's so funny (well, it's not that funny now that I think about it) that an actor who could take such believable and honest roles in some great dramatic features can also find himself in a movie about a hotel for stray dogs that looks like it was lifted right out of Disney Channel Hell. 'Ocean's Twelve' Speaking of Steven Soderbergh the 'Ocean's' movies are, more or less, light fun. The first one was actually quite enjoyable, but the second one was beyond awful. From the first movie everything led up to the heist. That one quick succession of events that left us wondering what had just happened. Nothing like that happens in 'Twelve.' Even though it's still directed by Soderbergh, something feels completely off about this whole movie, including Cheadle's accent. Although... 'Thirteen' is pretty bad too. I guess it's a tie. 'Rush Hour 2' Sure, Cheadle only plays a bit part here. Why he's in such a lame movie is a good question. Why he's in such a lame role in a lame movie is an even better question. What, you don't remember Cheadle being in 'Rush Hour 2'? He plays Kenny who lets James Carter in on information about the group who is counterfeiting $100 bills. Still don’t remember who he is? No worries, it's better if you forget this whole mess ever happened. 'Volcano' 'Volcano' is one of my guilty pleasures, but I'm not above admitting that it's a bad movie. The late 90s were home to all sorts of natural disaster movies like 'Dante's Peak' and 'Twister.' 'Volcano' never does much more than showcase computer generated lava slowly devouring Los Angeles. To quote Roger Ebert: "'Volcano' is an absolutely standard, assembly-line undertaking; no wonder one of the extras is reading a paperback titled "Screenwriting Made Easy." Still one of my favorite movie review quotes of all time. Agree, disagree, or have any other movies to add? Click on the link below to head into our forums and add your two cents about Don Cheadle's acting career.Posted Tue Jan 10, 2012 at 12:20 PM PST by: -
'Parenthood' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Universal is releasing 'Parenthood' in time for the studios' 100th anniversary. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is readying 'Parenthood' for Blu-ray on March 6. The hit 1989 comedy stars Steve Martin, Mary Steeburgen, Rick Moranis, Dianne Wiest, Joaquin Phoenix, and Keanu Reeves and is directed by Ron Howard. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Art Imitating Life, Family Reunion, Words and Music, Unforgettable Characters, and The Lew Wasserman Era. Suggested list price for the release is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Parenthood' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.Posted Tue Jan 10, 2012 at 11:45 AM PST by: -
'The Nutty Professor' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The comedy remake starring Eddie Murphy is in the works for Blu-ray this year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'The Nutty Professor' will hit Blu-ray on March 6. The Oscar-winner for Best Make-Up follows grossly overweight Professor Sherman Klump who takes a special chemical that turns him into the slim but obnoxious Buddy Love. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: The Lew Wasserman Era and Unforgettable Characters. Suggested list price for the release is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Nutty Professor' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.Posted Tue Jan 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Harvey' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The classic 1950 comedy starring James Stewart is planned for Blu-ray this March 6. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal has revealed 'Harvey' will be released on Blu-ray on March 6. Based on the acclaimed stage play by Mary Chase, director Henry Koster's film focuses on a man named Elwood P. Dowd who is friends with a six-foot tall rabbit. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements include: Special Introduction by star Jimmy Stewart with photographic montage, Production Notes, The Carl Laemmle Era, The Lew Wasserman Era, and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the release is $26.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Harvey' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.Posted Tue Jan 10, 2012 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Pioneer Launches a Portable External BD/DVD/CD Burner with BDXL Capabilities[teaser]The company boasts that it's the most compact and lightest BDXL burner on the market today. [/teaser] Pioneer's new BDR-XD04 is, according to the company, the smallest and lightest BDXL burner on the market today. It's touted as a portable player that's equipped with a few nice features. First and foremost is the concern of write speeds. If you're burning to a dual-layer Blu-ray disc you're going to get 6x speeds while triple and quad layer discs will slow things down to 4x. You can also write to DVDs and CDs of course, but no information is given as to the speed there. The BDR-XD04 offers PowerRead and PureRead2+, both technologies designed to eliminate problems caused by fingerprints, dust and even minor scratches. The pair of features make discs more readable and help to eliminate popping sounds on discs. In addition to the disc reading features, you'll find Auto Quiet mode, which slows down the rotation speed while watching Blu-rays and DVDs to keep the drive nice and quiet. Source: eCousticsPosted Tue Jan 10, 2012 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
'The Double' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]Keep your enemies closer when the Richard Gere thriller blasts onto Blu-ray at the end of the month. [/teaser] In a recent press announcement, Image Entertainment says they will release 'The Double' on Blu-ray on January 31. When a United States Senator is brutally murdered, the evidence points to a Soviet assassin code- named Cassius, who was long-thought to be dead. Two men who know Cassius best are thrown together to catch him. Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere, 'An Officer and a Gentleman') is a retired CIA operative who spent his career tracking Cassius around the globe. Ben Geary (Topher Grace, 'Spider-Man 3') is a hotshot young FBI Agent and family man who has studied the killer's every move. Ben thinks he knows Cassius, but Paul knows he is dead wrong. Now, time is running out to stop this merciless killing machine before he finds his next target. Martin Sheen ('The Departed'), Stephen Moyer ("True Blood"), Odette Yustman ('Cloverfield') and Stana Katic ("Castle") costar in this tense thriller from the co-writers of 'Wanted' and '3:10 to Yuma' that will keep you guessing until the very last shot. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include Commentary with director/co-writer Michael Brandt and co-writer Derek Haas, producer interviews, and a trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.97. You can find the latest specs for 'The Double' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 31.Posted Tue Jan 10, 2012 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Chinatown' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Roman Polanski's acclaimed 1974 crime drama has been slated for an April Blu-ray release! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount has revealed 'Chinatown' will be released on Blu-ray on April 3. The murder mystery starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston was nominated for 11 Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Picture, but only won for Best Writing/Original Screenplay (Robert Towne). Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the release is $26.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Chinatown' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 3.Posted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 02:00 PM PST by: -
Panasonic Will be Streaming Directly From CES[teaser]You can tune in to their press conference as well as Q&As with experts and celebrities. [/teaser] The Consumer Electronics show will bring you some of the biggest announcements of the year in the home theater market, and while there will certainly be plenty of coverage and live blogging, the second-hand experience just doesn't compare to actually being there. Panasonic is giving you a chance to experience the event on their live stream, getting you up-to-date information and getting you up close to the action. They'll have experts on hand to answer your questions and celebrities like John Glen who directed five different Bond films and Michael Apted who helmed 'The World is Not Enough.' It all starts at 3:00pm PST on Monday, January 9th for a live stream of Panasonic's press conference. On the 10th and 11th you can watch eight hours of live CES coverage including a director's panel historically only open to the press. Source: PanasonicPosted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 01:45 PM PST by: -
'The Deer Hunter' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The five-time Oscar winner is finally coming to Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is working on 'The Deer Hunter' for Blu-ray on March 6. Director Michael Cimino's drama stars Robert De Niro, John Savage, Meryl Streep, and Christopher Walken and won Academy Awards for Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Supporting Actor (Christopher Walken), Best Director, and Best Picture. The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Commentary with cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and film journalist Bob Fisher, deleted and extended scenes, and 100 Years of Universal: Academy Award Winners featurette. Suggested list price for the release is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Deer Hunter' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 6.Posted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Memphis: The Original Broadway Production' Blu-ray Dated and Detailed[teaser]The hit Broadway musical comes to Blu-ray in a few weeks. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory will release 'Memphis: The Original Broadway Production' on Blu-ray on January 24. 'Memphis' takes place in the underground clubs of the segregated 50's, where a young white DJ fell in love with everything he shouldn't: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. With explosive dancing and a tale of fame and forbidden love, the show is filled with roof-raising rock 'n' roll and features a Tony Award winning score with music by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan. Memphis special features include “Behind The Scenes: How Memphis Was Captured.” Filmed live at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway with the original cast, Memphis will also air nationally on PBS on February 24. The show is currently on a national tour as well as still performing on Broadway. The Blu-ray will feature 1080i video, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Behind-the-Scenes: How Memphis Was Captured, Cast Hellos, Who's Who, and Theatrical Trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Memphis: The Original Broadway Production' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 24.Posted Mon Jan 9, 2012 at 10:00 AM PST by:
