Read it!

The Cinema of Robert Zemeckis
Norman Kagan
Taylor Trade Publishing, $18.95

Robert Zemeckis is one of the most respected filmmakers of our time having helmed projects such as the Back To The Future trilogy, Forrest Gump, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Contact and Cast Away.  Kagan has done extensive research on Zemeckis and examines the underlying themes throughout all of the director's works. The book covers the entire scope of Zemeckis' career from his earliest works to collaborations with Steven Spielberg, painting a picture of Zemeckis and his sometimes hostile portrayal of the world. The book contains several film-stills and behind-the-scenes photos from the director's illustrious career.



10 Sure Signs A Movie Character is Doomed & Other Surprising Movie Lists
Richard Roeper
Hyperion Press, $20

Richard Roeper has been blessed with the good fortune of being picked to replace the late Gene Siskel as one half of the most recognizable movie critic duo in history. Unfortunately, his good fortune as a critic hasn't been able to save him from having to sit through some of the most awful movies Hollywood has to offer. In his never ending quest to avoid falling asleep or going stark-raving mad during a screening of a real stinker, Roeper has occupied himself by coming up with lists in his head. The lists include: the worst lines in cinematic history, most employed movie clichés, the top 40 worst movies of all time and movies in which Ben Affleck cries like a big, fat baby and other oddities.  The end result is this book that is dedicated to those who love great movies, but also love to hate the dreadful ones.

Know it!

On March 31, 2003, a new category was added by the Ontario Film Review Board to its film classification system. The former AA (Adult Accompaniment) has been split into two parts; 14A which means children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and 18A, which means those younger than 18 must see the film with an adult.  Another change is the G (General) rating, which will replace the F (Family) rating for films suitable for all. PG and R ratings remain the same.  
  The new categories now provide Ontario with the same film system as British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Manitoba adopted a similar system in February.
  For more information log on to www.ofrb.gov.on.ca


Hear it!

Bend It Like Beckham
Milan/Warner
The charm of this film lies in its ability to reconcile two seemingly unrelated worlds: the teenaged Indian protagonist wants to play professional soccer, but her family wants her to adhere to the traditions of their culture. The soundtrack likewise succeeds by striving for harmony between contemporary rock and dance music, and Indian pop that is infused with more traditional, world music elements. There's even a fine amalgamation of East and West on a track by Partners in Rhyme featuring the late Pakistani superstar Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. What this really boils down to, though, is the battle of the Spice Girls; both Melanie C (Sporty) and David Beckham's wife Victoria (Posh) contribute new solo material here.

Bringing Down the House
Hollywood/Universal
Queen Latifah, the film's star (and Oscar nominee for Chicago) also serves as executive producer for the soundtrack. She weighs in with two songs, one of which is a great collaboration with Puff Daddy's pal Mario Winans called "Do Your Thing." Best moments come courtesy of Def Jam diva Kelly Price's
update of the Chaka Khan classic "Ain't Nobody," "Let Go" by Eve & Jadakiss and the oh-so-smooth "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Babe" by Mr. Barry White.
Laurel Canyon
Hollywood/Universal
The soundtrack to this film about a dysfunctional family living in a trendy
arts community is an unexpected treat. Actor Alessandro Nivola stars as a charismatic British musician, and actually sings two songs penned by Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous on the disc. These recordings feature a who's who of the indie-rock world (including Sebadoh's Lou Barlow and Russ Pollard, plus Imaad Wasif of Alaska) as Nivola's backing band. Mercury Rev contribute a tremendous new song called "In a Funny Way," and young artists like Clinic, Baxter Dury (Ian's son) and Scapegoat Wax appear alongside vintage
material from T. Rex and Steely Dan.

- Mike McCann