Review Summary: 9/8-14/2006

There's nothing really spectacular this week but there's something fairly good for everyone, unless you're looking for a romantic comedy.

The best reviews go to THE WAR TAPES, which looks to be a 3½-4 star film. It is a documentary and not meant to be entertaining, and it's only showing in one theatre (Premiere Palace) but if you're interested in what Iraq is like from a soldier's point of view, this is your film. Apparently it's neither pro nor anti Bush so your prejudices should be intact after it's over.

HOLLYWOODLAND is averaging 2½-3½ stars. Most of the comments indicate the cast is excellent but the plot isn't going to give you any definitive answers. If you liked L.A.CONFIDENTIAL or CHINATOWN you should enjoy this one.

THE PROTECTOR is strictly for martial arts fans. It's averaging about 2 stars. Made in Thailand, there are apparently some minor dubbing problems but when the action starts you're in for real action, not the stunt man or computerized kind.

THE COVENANT is the only one not screened in advance for reviewers so you know what Sony thought about it. I saw this one and if you like horror/thriller films you won't be too disappointed. I'll go into more detail in my review.