New at BOP: Review: Matrix Resurrections Movie Review: Moonfall Movie Reviews: Scream The #1 Movie in America November Forecast The Many Saints of Newark October Forecast New Trivia Question All site updates Share & Save   Tweet Print this column

From the obscure to the obscurest to the merely overlooked or underappreciated; they all have a home in the TiVoPlex! All times Pacific.

Tuesday 07/29/08

3:55 AM HBO Signature
Casi Casi (2006 PUR): Written and directed by the Valles Brothers (Jaime and Tony), Casi Casi is basically Election—Caribbean-Style, and stars Mario Pabon as Emilio, a nerdy high schooler trying to impress object of affection Jacklynne (Maite Canto) by running for Student Council president. Alas, he learns too late that his chief opponent in the race is the very same Jacklynne, and Emilio decides he must engage in a little ballot-box fixing in order to ensure a political loss and a romantic win. Paging Sequoia, Diebold, and Intercivic! If you're in the mood for a light-hearted, PG-rated teen comedy, it doesn't get any better than Casi Casi, which won the Audience Award at the 2006 San Diego Latino Film Festival. And Spanish teachers take note: this film can serve double duty as an excellent pedagogical tool!

4:15 PM IFC
Tsotsi (2005 SAF): 2006's Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Film makes its widescreen television debut this morning after previously airing in pan and scan on Starz. It's a familiar tale of sin and redemption, made fresh by its Johannesburg setting and powerful performances from Presley Chweneyagae as the titular hot-headed street punk - who would shoot you as soon as blink at you - and Terry Pheto as a nursing mother who establishes a strange bond with him. Based on a novel by Athol Fugard, the film has the kind of uplifting final reel that Academy voters love - but still remains true to its artistic vision, portraying the rough life of Tsotsi with unblinking and unvarnished honesty.

9:05 PM HBO
The Recruiter (2008 USA): This brand new HBO documentary takes a look at the world of a Louisiana-based Army recruiting sergeant. I haven't seen it yet, but early reports indicate The Recruiter is in the vein of Salesman, The Maysles' Brothers even-handed salute to Eastern Seaboard bible peddlers. If it's only half that good, it'll be worth a look. Also airs 7/30 at 12:05 AM and 7/31 at 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM.

Continued:       1       2       3