The cliche is that the critic always likes the more artsy films, or the older, why-don't-they-make-'em-like-that-anymore "classics," while the general moviegoing populace simply wants to see something new in a theater and be entertained.
Today, I intend to prove that cliche . . . correct.
Of the three new DVDs (and four movies) reviewed here, my recommendations are the artistic Japanese anthology film and the 40-year-old classic.
The latest JLo flick? Just fair — and primarily for its supporting cast.
The remake of said 40-year-old classic? Forget it.
— "Akira Kurosawa's Dreams" (Warner, 1990, PG, $19.98). Although it is uneven and slow, and far from the best work of the Japanese filmmaker's prime, "Akira Kurosawa's Dreams" remains an interesting series of vignettes gleaned from his actual dreams over many years, and filmed toward the end of his life (Kurosawa died two years later, at age 82).
The eight short stories here vary widely, both in terms of subject matter and treatment. But they are all artful and entertaining. And while some may seem obscure, and occasionally even heavy-handed, the gems are worth waiting for.
A couple of these parables tackle nuclear warfare and its aftermath, but it is the lighter pieces that are most enjoyable, especially when a young Kurosawa meets Vincent Van Gogh and walks through a series of his paintings. (American filmmaker Martin Scorsese plays Van Gogh.)
If ever a film cried out for explanatory extras, this is it, but, sadly, it's a bare-bones disc.
Extras: Widescreen, in Japanese with English subtitles, production notes, etc.
— "Maid in Manhattan" (Columbia/TriStar, 2002, PG-13, $27.95). Jennifer Lopez does the "Cinderella" thing in this frothy comedy, playing a maid in a posh hotel who is wooed by a politician (Ralph Fiennes); he has mistaken her for a wealthy guest. It's all as light as a feather and quite predictable, but Lopez and Fiennes are capable, and there are a few laughs.
The best performances, however, are supporting roles played with comic style by Stanley Tucci and Natasha Richardson, and especially an understated Bob Hoskins. There's also a nice subtext about the treatment of minorities, which isn't preachy but gets the point across.
Story and plot? It's best not to think about it too much.
Extras: Widescreen and full-frame, trailers, etc.
— "The Truth About Charlie" (Universal, 2001, PG-13, $26.98). This remake of the classic 1963 thriller "Charade" is a pale imitation, brought into the 21st century with a bland leading man (Mark Wahlberg), an over-the-top villain (Tim Robbins), jittery camera work (from director Jonathan Demme) and a confusing story that is more trouble than it's worth. "Charlie" does get a boost from Thandie Newton, but it isn't enough. And all the plentiful extras here don't help, either.
The real calculated error, however, is making this a two-sided disc, with the original "Charade" on the flip side. Anyone who watches the old movie will quickly see how much more witty, funny, suspenseful and thrilling it is than any single moment in the new one. "Charade" also boasts a charming stellar cast: Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, James Coburn and George Kennedy. Then there's that memorable Henry Mancini score.
Don't buy this disc for "Charade," however. That film has been floating around on various DVD labels for several years now, and you can buy a clean widescreen version for as little as $7. (There's also a more expensive "Charade" on the Criterion label, which has a witty audio commentary by director Stanley Donen and screenwriter Peter Stone.)
Extras: Widescreen, audio commentary, making-of documentary, deleted scenes, trailer, etc.
E-mail: hicks@desnews.com