Movies
Library News
Branch Library DVD Collection Survey
Help us to improve our branch library DVD collections, by filling out our DVD survey in November.
New 'Select: Sound & Vision' collection!
Get the latest CDs & DVDs faster! The 'Select' collection - now available at Karori and Kilbirnie libraries as well as Central - is designed to make it easier to borrow heavily used and reserved items within our AV Collection. The items in this collection have a reduced loan period of 3 days, meaning you can access the most popular CDs and DVDs faster for the same price and find them on the shelf more often.
You can find more information on our News page.
Latest Staff Picks
A film with me in it .
A recent release, this is a brilliantly written black comedy that comes very highly recommended by this reviewer. It stars comedians, Mark Doherty as Mark and Dylan Moran as a failed alcoholic Pierce. When Mark's disabled brother (played by his real life brother), landlord and dog are killed in a series of bizarre freak accidents, he asks his friend Pierce to help. Pierce, an aspiring scriptwriter dissuades Mark from calling the police, and instead tries to rework the events as if they were a film script. Needless to say things go from bad to worse. This is very funny, extremely entertaining film. (Linda)
Blow out
'Blow out' from 1981, is Brian De Palma's reworking of the Michelangelo Antonioni 1966 movie 'Blow Up', and Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Conversation' and also John Travolta's first 'adult' role. Travolta plays Jack Terry a disillusioned movie sound-man, who does the effects for cheap c-grade horror movies. While taping wind sounds one night he 'tapes' a car accident that takes the life of a Presidential candidate, but manages to drag a young woman out of the submerged car wreck. When 'photographs' of the accident appear in a tabloid, he combines them with his 'sound', and comes to believe he has proof of a 'gunshot' that sent the car off the road. Teaming up with up the flighty 'make-up' girl he pulled from the wreck (Nancy Allen) Travolta attempts to prove that a murder has taken place despite being told to leave things alone. Deeper and more layered than anything else De Palma did, it resonates on several levels, and is perhaps his best movie, full of audacious camera angles, split screen shots, and brooding atmosphere. John Lithgow makes a nasty villain, and the ending is truly jolting. (Mark)
Last chance Harvey.
A romantic comedy, with some teary moments. Dustin Hoffman as (Harvey) and Emma Thompson as (Kate) fabulous in the lead roles, each on their own separate journeys through life, one been there done that, the other still to find that special someone. Also a story of a Fathers relationship with his estranged daughter bringing new meaning to "It's never-too late for love" be it family, be it new relationships. Either way it's a story of 'new beginnings' with happy endings. Most definitely my 10/10 pick for the year! (Ethel)
Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2.
Technically a YA film, but enjoyable for women of all ages. In Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants the girls are still in high school and the film is definitely teenage chick flick. But by movie number two, they are at university and slightly more worldly. Friendship, love & family remain the main themes, but the storylines are appealing to an older age group. And there's the wonderful stunning summer scenes of Santorini to enjoy again. 3 1/2 stars from me. (Kini)
Appaloosa.
Faithfully adapted from the novel by US crime writer Robert B. Parker, directed by Ed Harris (who also stars and co-wrote the screenplay) 'Appaloosa' is an old-school western. There is none of the revisionism of say 'Unforgiven' here; it's all about good guys and bad guys. Harris plays legendary 'Peacemaker' Virgil Cole, and Viggo Mortensen is Everett Hitch, his right hand man. Harris & Mortensen are commissioned to enforce the law in the town of Appaloosa, which has been taken over by an aggrandising Rancher (Jeremy Irons) who is also suspected of killing a Marshall. Things however become more complicated with the arrival in town of a mercurial piano player (Renee Zellweger) and her developing relationship with Harris. Parker's novels are all about men of violence and the 'code' they choose to live by, but 'Appaloosa' is also a subtle story about loyalty and friendship. Somewhat slow, but atmospheric and full of some of Parker's trademark tersely humorous dialogue. Solidly enjoyable. (Mark)
Jar City.
Based on the mystery novel of the same name by Icelandic writer Arnaldur Indridason this gripping thriller was shown at the 2008 Wellington Film Festival. Set in Reykjavik, Iceland Detective Inspector Erlendur, is at times a brooding, complex but likeable character who features in all Arnaldur Indridason's novels, he has only one clue when an elderly man in found murdered, and that is an old photograph of a young girl's grave. He discovers that many years ago the man was accused, though not convicted, of horrible crimes. This is a chilling, haunting murder mystery set in a harsh, unforgiving but fascinating landscape. This multi award winning film is a great viewing experience, although at times not for the squeamish. Hopefully the six other mysteries featuring Inspector Erlendur will also be adapted to film. (Linda)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Not a huge fan of Scarlett Johansson, however I thought she was perfect in her role as the 'flirtatious' Cristina in this movie, along with her friend 'the engaged to be married' Vicky, holiday in Barcelona, there they meet the local painter/artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), both become romantically involved with him. Then his beautiful but irrational ex wife Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) arrives back on the scene bringing new meaning to 2's company 3's a crowd, or is it 3's company 4's a crowd? An entertaining watch I think if you can put up with the narrative. If nothing else Javier Bardem does it for me every time. (Ethel)
The gods must be crazy, The gods must be crazy II.
This 2 disc set takes us back to a fun, simple film humour contrasted by a somewhat sad bonus documentary on the real life of
N!xau, the star tribesman. (Jesse)
Zero effect.
Funny and clever 'The Zero Effect' was the 1988 debut of writer-director Jake Kasdan (son of Lawrence Kasdan 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'Body Heat', 'Grand Canyon' etc). Daryl Zero (Bill Pullman) is a tactless, demanding, amphetamine taking, borderline agoraphobic with extremely bad social skills. He is also 'The World's Greatest Detective'. His assistant, the much put upon Steve Arlo (Ben Stiller), acts as his public face, negotiating with clients. When they take the case of a business tycoon (Ryan O'Neal) who has misplaced the keys to his safe deposit box, they become ensnared in a web of blackmail, revenge and murder which seems to revolve around a mysterious paramedic (Kim Dickens). Bill Pullman established his cred as the go-to guy for B-movie whacko's with this role, and Stiller is great in the role of the straight man. 'The Zero Effect' is kind of a comedy/mystery/romance take on the Sherlock Holmes story 'A Scandal in Bohemia', the extremely clever script is talky, but always engaging, and full of twists, and subtle comedic touches (Pullman's deadpan narrations of his 'method'). Recommended if you like something a bit different. (Mark)
Crank.
Crank stars Jason Statham as hitman Chev Chelios. At the start of the movie he is poisoned by a rival and he soon discovers the only way to keep the poison from killing him is with massive doses of adrenaline. If he slows down he dies. This means that the movie never slows down either. It is the quintessential action film with none of the slow boring bits which are so often jammed into other movies. This movie is speed with Statham as the bus. (Grisham)
The band's visit.
The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives in the wrong town in Israel and they cannot reach their destination, the Arab Cultural Centre until the next day. There is no accommodation but locals take them in - some reluctantly but overnight they begin to learn about the other's lives. This film is a gem - it has a gentle pace and at times sparse dialogue but delivers a film that focuses on the similarities of people rather than their differences. The acting is superb. A must see. (Liz)
A night with Tom Waits.
Tom Waits was a young 29 when this concert footage was filmed in a pre-Bush Austin, Texas.
His wasted lived-in persona, so apparently acquired and artificial on 'Nighthawks at the Diner'
had seemingly become the real Waits. The first song is a tender, bleary-eyed medley of
'Summertime' and 'Burma Shave.' One song is about escape, naïve optimism and the
swallowing suffocation of a small town whilst the other is about potential and an eternal summer of life's promise.
'So hush little baby don't you cry...' The two fit like they were forgotten puzzle pieces and
Waits prowls the stage, runs his bony hands through his greasy hair, recites phrases as if they were made up on the spot.
'Cause everyone in this stinking town's got one foot in the grave and I'd rather take my chances out in
burma shave..' (Monty)
Hush.
A tired couple with a faltering relationship are heading home on the M1. Arguing, the driver Zakes (William Ash) cuts off a van, only to have its back door roll open and catch a glimpse of a naked woman chained in a cage. He calls the police, but refuses to get further involved, prompting another argument with his girlfriend Beth (Christine Bottomly). They stop at a service station complex, where she breaks up with him. However he sees the mysterious van again, and attempts to find his girlfriend, only to find her broken necklace, and back in the parking lot the van pulling away...leaving him to set out after it. 'Hush' is a nice little UK thriller/horror flick. It borrows elements from other movies (Speilberg's 'The Duel', and 'Breakdown' to name a couple) and has a few holes in the plot; however it's still extremely suspenseful and well acted. Definitely worth watching. (Mark)
Our AV collection
Search for the latest AV material in these categories:
DVDs by genre:
Check out the monthly lists of our latest DVDs, and the reviews on the AV Recent Picks page in MyLibrary.
Featured books
The underlined titles will take you directly to our catalogue. Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.
The half : photographs of actors preparing for the stage, Simon Annand.
For twenty-five years actors have given Simon Annand unprecedented access to photograph them in the intimacy of their dressing-rooms during the 30 minutes before curtain up - 'the half'. This magnificent book offers not only a dazzling gallery of actors - including Anthony Hopkins, Cate Blanchett, Daniel Day Lewis, Judi Dench, John Gielgud, Vanessa Redgrave, Jim Broadbent, Jeremy Irons, Glenda Jackson, Jude Law, Charlotte Rampling, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Martin Sheen, Felicity Kendal, Kevin Spacey and Ralph Fiennes - but also a meditation on the mystery of the final stage of an actor's journey. (Amazon.com)
Arise Sir Sean Connery, John Parker.
John Parker traces the astonishing rise to stardom of the tough Edinburgh street kid, who left school at the age of 13. Arriving in London with gold teeth and tattoos to seek his fortune in the meat market of bodybuilding, Connery fought against snobbery to become a self-taught Shakespearean actor. Then came the big break. Auditioning for the part of James Bond, he told producers with typical bluntness how Bond should be played, and it landed him the job - and overnight stardom. Connery went on to become one of the world's most versatile, highly paid actors, winning an Oscar for his role in The Untouchables. Here, John Parker offers an engaging portrait of one of the most glamorous, talented, and complex actors in movie history. (Amazon.com)
Some like it hot : me, Marilyn and the movie, Tony Curtis ; with Mark A. Vieira.
In early 1958 legendary director Billy Wilder offered Tony Curtis the chance to star in a new picture. The movie was to be called "Some Like It Hot"; it went on to become one of the best-loved films of all time. Now, fifty years on from its first release, this is the true story of what really went on behind-the-scenes during the making of the funniest movie of all time, told by one of its leading 'ladies'. For the first time, Tony Curtis shares the many as-yet-untold secrets from the set in his own inimitable voice. He speaks frankly about his working relationship with Jack Lemmon and Billy Wilder, as well as his romance with Marilyn Monroe. Here too is the truth behind Monroe's erratic behaviour, which almost scuppered the production. Featuring never-before seen photographs from his private collection and numerous personal anecdotes, this is an insider's account of the making of a Hollywood classic. (Amazon.co.uk)
Halliwell's The movies that matter : from Bogart to Bond and all the latest film releases, edited by David Gritten.
Starting with the black-and-white classics and continuing through the golden period of the 1970s and right up through modern-day blockbusters, the world's best films are compiled in this definitive film guide from Halliwell's. A plot synopsis for each film is provided along with helpful icons that denote Acadamey Award winners and nominees, as well as complete information on release dates, soundtrack availability, and key actors, producers, and directors. Fully updated and beautifully designed, this is the ultimate guide to the 5,000 must-see movies of all time. (Amazon.com)
Book collection
Where to find film books:| The film section | Mainly 791.43 - 791.438 |
| Directors | 791.43023, Biography collection |
| Actors | 791.43092, Biography collection |
| Film scripts | 791.437 |
| Script writing | 808.23 |
| Film editing software (eg Adobe Premier, iMovie, QuickTime) | 778.559, 778.5992, 006.6869 |
Search tips: If you're after something specific such as information on a particular person or film, try a subject or keyword search in our catalogue.
Check the large book section and reference books if you can't find anything in the normal-size sequence.
Magazine roundup
Want to check out what's in the latest issue of your favourite movie magazine? Here are some links to either the magazine's website, or (where available), the fulltext of the magazine through our online databases. Enjoy!
American Cinematographer online
Camcorder User & DVD Movie Maker online
Cineaste fulltext
Empire UK and Oz online
Entertainment Weekly fulltext
Film Comment fulltext
Filmfare online
Newsreel = Newsreel is reference only and kept on the 2nd Floor of the central library.
For details on the latest issue, visit Newsreel online
NZfilm online
Onfilm online
Premiere fulltext
SFX online
Sight & Sound online
Uncut online
Note: to read articles online, you must have logged into EBSCO during the past month on the computer you are using.
What's on?
Local Cinemas
Deluxe Cinemas (The Embassy) | Empire (Island Bay) | Lighthouse Cinemas | Paramount Cinema | Penthouse Cinema | Reading Cinemas
Cinema guides
Tonight Guide - Session times for Embassy, Paramount, Rialto and Penthouse.
Wellington Film Society - Join the society or buy a sampler to see old and new gems from throughout the world.
What's On in Wellington
Wellington Film Guide - Session times and reviews for current and upcoming releases.
Noremote.co.nz - Session times for films in all Wellington (and Christchurch) theatres.
Online movie resources
Databases
All Movie Guide - Huge database featuring reviews, actor biographies, cast/credits info, genre keyword searching amongst other features.
ForeignFilms - Database & news.
Internet Movie Database - Similar to allmovie.com, but arguably more extensive. Movie news, biographies, user-ratings, plot summaries, photo galleries and more.
Movie Review Query Engine - Easy to use movie review database. Links to full text reviews of over 39,000 films.
Local Festivals
Fringe Film Festival July.
OutTakes Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Late May/early June.
Wellington Film Festival July-August.
International Festivals
Film Festivals - a portal site for festivals and film news.
Cannes
The Film Festival Server
Sundance
New Zealand Film
Lonely Geek NZ cinema guide - Links to industry sites.
Lord of the Rings location guide
The Film Archive - Includes Events Calendar.
New Zealand Film Commission
Pipers NZ film links
Spada - Screen Production and Development Association
Zeroland - NZ film section
NZ News, Reviews, Media
Screen Hub - daily online film and television industry news & vacancies.
Lumiere - NZ site with film criticism, reviews and forum.
New Zealand Herald - Daily reviews, competitions, entertainment news.
Karate Party - Wellington-based film review site.
International News, Reviews, Media
Agony Booth - "An ongoing inquisition into some of the worst movies humanity has to offer."
Cinescape - Magazine site.
Cinema review - Archived reviews of cinema and video/DVD releases. Provides short synopses; critical reviews; cast and crew information; average reviewer ratings.
Comic Critic - Movie reviews done in comic form.DVD Journal - DVD news, reviews, commentary, 'stuff like that'.
DVD.review.net - 'UK's No.1 DVD review website'.
DVD Talk - DVD reviews and columns.
Empire UK edition. Empire Australian edition.
E-online - Hollywood gossip.
Film Threat
Guardian - great film reviews.
Hotdog - Magazine site.
JoBlo - Latest news, DVD, VHS and cinema reviews; upcoming releases, box office rankings.
Journal of Religion and Film
Masters of Cinema - Substantial material about quality foreign films and classics.
Metacritic - Compares net-wide reviews for film and DVD/Video releases to yield an overall rating.
Moviemaker - Magazine on the 'art and business of making movies'.
New York Times - some of the best reviews and analysis (free registration req'd).
Premiere - Magazine site.
Reelviews - Copious reviews by James Berardinelli.
Roger Ebert - Reviews, interviews & essays, events and 'answer man'.
Rotten Tomatoes - Similar to Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes compiles net-wide reviews to give an overall 'fresh' or 'rotten' rating.
Self Made Critic
SFgate
U.K. Critic
Uncut - Hybrid magazine focusing on music and film. The offspring of Mojo and Hotdog would look something like this.
Online DVD rentals
Fatso
Movie Shack
DVD Unlimited
Studios and Collectives - International
British Film Institute
Google Film Studio Directory
Universal Studios - Archives and Collections - Features information about Universal studios plus regularly updated exhibitions from the archives.
Movie Studios & Theatrical Companies @ Movies A-Z
Wikipedia Hollywood Movie Studio List
Wikipedia International Movie-Related Topics
VHS/DVD rental & retail
Aro Video - Wellington's home of quality film has an equally excellent website. The fully searchable catalogue is replete with reviews and recommendations. They also have a good range of VHS and DVD titles for purchase.
DVD video NZ
DVD video planet
Manga NZ
Moviehouse
Real Groovy
Smoke CDs - some music DVDs
United Video and U.V. Courtney Place
Video Ezy
Miscellanea
The Movie Wavs Page - Recorded, downloadable, classic movie quotes. Just the thing for that Dirty Harry line you always wanted for your answering machine. See also: The Movie Sounds Database and Reelwavs.
The Oscars
The Razzies
Whoops! - Movie Goofs, Flubs, Flaws and Mistakes.
Comments, ideas?
Contact us (mark.lesueur@wcc.govt.nz)
Last updated 23 October 2009
