Smog

Here is Searching For Bobby Fischer ghetto style. Chess is a metaphor for all out war and revenge. A very well made inner city drama of total loss. Sean Nelson is Fresh/Michael and is played by 14 year old Sean Nelson. Sean is a natural actor and chews up the scenery with silence and power. A nice performance by Sam Jackson, as Fresh/Michael's father, as a wizened speed-chess playin' philosopher. Made in 1994 this film is resonant and prophetic. The transfer is mostly nice. A few reels are problematic with softness and lack of fine detail and more white flecks and dark scratches then one would like but it doesn't distract too much. The outdoor scenes, which there are many, are very film like and quite enjoyable. The sound design is excellent lacking any period music at all, no rap, hip hop or any commercial garbage drowning out the drama. Highly recommended. Go rent this puppy now.

Movie: ****
Video: ***
Audio: ***

There are some extras but I haven't checked any of them out yet.

The Bus

(slightly paraphrased from Fresh's father)

"Don't do crack? Smack's the way to go!"

I need to get my hands on this --- hadn't noticed it was available on DVD and it's something I've been wanting for a while.

Starlover

This is a GREAT movie. I just ordered the DVD, had no idea it was out yet.

Gil Jawetz

A fine DVD of a fine film featuring an OUTSTANDING performance by young Sean Nelson.

My full DVDTalk review of Fresh

DVD Smurf

I loved it, it will be in my collection in a near future.