The Visitor Movie Review

The Visitor (2007) is an emotional tale of self discovery late in life and the so called American dream. With a career defining performance by Richard Jenkins you are in for a "reel" treat. The movie has the newcomers Haaz Sleiman and Danai Gurira along with the always great Hiam Abbass.

Walter (Jenkins) is a widower and college professor at Connecticut College that is nearing the end of his career. He is lonely, reserved, and bored as he goes through the motions of his life in CT. He enjoys classical music and tries to learn to play the piano; but, without the drive and internal flame for life, he struggles. Reluctantly he goes to New York City to present a paper he symbolically co-authored. Having a successful life, he maintains an apartment there to make trips to the city easier.

When he arrives in NYC he is perplexed to find fresh flowers and lights on in his apartment. Opening the bathroom door proves to be the surprise of a lifetime. Zainab (Gurira) is in the bath; she starts screaming and is afraid not knowing who this man is. Her boyfriend, Tarek, arrives during all this and the situation escalates as he slams Walter against the wall thinking he harmed Zainab. Through much screaming they finally figure out that they sublet the apartment illegally from someone and Walter is the true owner. Being great people they pack there things and head on there way apologizing for the misunderstanding. When he discovers they have nowhere to go he graciously offers to let them stay - thus starting a relationship that will touch all of their souls.

Tarek plays the djembe (African drum) for a band and on the street for tips while Zainab makes stunning handmade jewelry she sells at a booth. After the first day at the conference Walter returns to see Tarek's drum and is intrigued after watching others play in the park on his lunch. Perhaps Walter has finally found an instrument he can express himself with. Over the next few days he learns from Tarek through some simple lessons and while listening to him play at the clubs. Walter begins to break out of his shell and they both go to play the drums in the park. On their way back they take the subway and have trouble getting through the turn styles with the drums. Tarek swipes his subway card but ends up having to jump over because he gets all contorted. Some undercover officers see him and take him in.

Walter tells the story to Zainab when he returns that night - she is already upset because Tarek was supposed to help her pick up her new table for selling her items. She becomes very emotional; Walter tries to calm her saying he made a statement at the station and they should release him that night - it was all just a misunderstanding. His heart sinks when Zainab tells him they are illegals. The next day Tarek has been moved to an Immigration Services detention center. I want to keep writing more about this amazing and gripping yet tranquil movie, but I will not ruin it for you. The beats of the djembe are intoxicating and a whole new story comes into view when Tarek's mom (Abbass) comes into town after not hearing from her son for a couple days.

All the above (and more) occurs in about the first 30 minutes of the movie. It is a wonderfully paced movie but filled with amazing detail and emotion. If you watch the movie again you catch on to many things you didn't notice the first time; don't get me wrong - you will not be confused at all. It is an easy story to follow but enlightening to see how much detail was put into it.

10 out of 10 - I was memorized by this film. The acting and storyline are extremely well-done. I hope you can watch this and share your feelings about it. Live in MA? I will have you over for movie and a coffee; that is how much I love this movie! It had me tapping my foot, cheering, and crying.

Tyson Documentary Review

Tyson (2008) is a very revealing and telling history of Mike Tyson's life told by Tyson himself. He talks through his childhood up to current day in a very open and candid manner.

The filmmaker (James Toback) did a perfect job of letting him tell his story without coaxing or slanting the film to any side; it is simply Mike's story. Most of the film is of him sitting on the couch or outside his home describing his life from his perspective. It is intertwined with some really great fight footage along with film and photographs from Tyson's younger days.

I have a new respect for him as a boxer after watching this. I was much too young to understand his accomplishments when he was in his prime. He didn't do anything to alleviate my opinion of him personally from his later years, even making me like him less. Even still, I am glad to have a record of who he really is. The film will give you new insight (good and bad) into his mind and life.

8 out of 10 - Rated R - A no frills history of Mike Tyson; albeit remarkably insightful and captivating. Everyone should see this for the boxing history and to learn more about the life of a very intriguing man.

π Movie Review

π or Pi (1998) is a crazy mind-bending thrill ride! It was filmed entirely in black and white with a grainy high contrast look giving it a timeless (and slightly manic) feel. Maximilian (Max) Cohen is a genius mathematician searching for a pattern in the stock market. If he can determine the pattern he can predict its next move.

He is an eccentric, smart, and troubled man that also suffers from intense headaches putting him into a dream-like state. The only friend to pull him away from his computer (Euclid) is his old professor Sol (Mark Margolis). The two play Go together often and discuss number theory even though Sol tries to get him to step away from his work before he goes crazy.

The idea he works from is that if you look at our galaxy, shells, liquids, and so many more things a common pattern appears. The golden ratio is seen in all these items; if we come from and are made up of this pattern and it is all around us, it is reasonable to think anything we create would also have this pattern (such as the stock market).

Word gets out about his research and he is relentlessly pursued by Wall Street firms trying to acquire his research. A friend, Lenny, is trying to get him to help decode the Torah to find the hidden message. All these people push Max hard for the information as he tries to stay hidden and keep working. Will he ever make his discovery? If so, who will know the meaning of it and how would it be used? He is constantly popping pills and taking injections to try to keep his head straight as his problems and paranoia worsen.

8 out of 10 - Rated R - A heart pounding experience that will keep you guessing and working along side Max to figure it out. It is a visual and auditory experience like no other. Watch this one soon if you like math, sci-fi, or just crazy cult following movies.

Duane Hopwood Movie Review

Duane Hopwood (2005) is a story of living with your mistakes, accepting them, and moving on. Duane (David Schwimmer) had a happy marriage to Linda (Janeane Garofalo) with two young children until his drinking ruined it all. The movie starts with him being divorced and working the night shift as a pit boss with good visitation rights to see his children; he now drinks to dull the pain.

He is heading home one evening and gets stopped for drunk driving. The officer is a friend and offers to take him home and let it slide; that is, until he discovers his daughter is in the car. He continues his downward spiral after his license is taken away and finds out he may have his visitation taken away.

Riding his bike to and from work in the winter and all the family issues are dragging him down, fueling his drinking. His snappy temper against his ex-wife’s boyfriend is sure to come back to haunt him. He is such a lost soul, going as far as confessing he still loves his ex-wife to the women that just spent the night with him.

To balance the film out there are some hilarious parts when a co-worker (Judah Friendlander) moves in with Duane. Other great situations and characters round out the film. Will he finally find himself and happiness with his broken family?

This story could represent many families and is a good movie about the stresses of life and how to deal with them especially when life is not going your way. David Schwimmer does a tremendous job.

7 out of 10 – Just a decent well acted movie about life. It is not super special or a movie you will talk about with your friends.

Last Days Movie Review

Gus Van Sant's Last Days (2005) was inspired by the life of Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and stars Michael Pitt as Blake. He is an extremely gifted musician with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Blake is excellently portrayed by Pitt; his eyes and mannerisms show his despair and the feeling of confinement in his life. The constant tour dates, visitors to his home, friends coming and going, and people asking for money and help have drained Blake. The music he so loves has made his life miserable.

In a trance like state he avoids everyone as he lurks around the house and in the woods. He walks slow and hunched over while incoherently talking to himself. The movie opens with him wondering through the woods where he goes for a swim; I took the water to symbolize hope and freedom, he then urinates in it. After sleeping in the woods by a fire he shuffles back to his seedy mansion. Evan with no spoken words thus far, you can sense he is troubled and deeply depressed and alone.

During the movie we learn more reasons for his self isolation. By using extended duration camera shots you can really feel his thoughts and emotions. Scenes of his musical talent are shown that allow us to further glimpse into his life. At times the movie will jump back to replay a scene from a different point of view

7 out of 10 - Rated R - This is not a happy film and it leaves many things to interpretation. It is a good one for fans of Kurt Cobain or anyone that can not understand how a brilliant successful musician can end up in feeling this way. As most people will realize how this ends it is really a story of oneself and the battle within.

The Iron Giant Movie Review

The Iron Giant (1999) is a touching story with deep moral lessons. This movie is one of the big marketing blunders of the 90s and continues today. The DVD cover alone gives you the wrong impression; it looks to be just a simple animated kid's movie.

You may be apprehensive of the film being animated, but do not worry because the story line, emotions, and character interactions are so well done and fulfilling that you will be immediately drawn in. It is complex enough for adults to love and also simple enough for kids to enjoy - a true family film. Drawing on the openness of children to accept new things while adults are more reserved, the film teaches valuable lessons through times of happiness and fright while ingraining the message that we choose who we are in life.

A large robot from space crashes into the ocean during the Cold War era. It's landing is witnessed by a skipper in distress that is seemingly saved by the iron giant. The skipper calls the government worried it could be a device created by the Soviet Union. That night a boy named Hogarth heads into the woods after seeing a path of destruction leading to his missing TV antenna. He comes upon the metal being and actually saves him from electrocution. Once he gets over his terrified state and the robot acknowledges he saved him, they begin a wonderful friendship.

The investigator arrives from Washington, DC and plans to take the wacky report and be on his way to more important things, that is, until he finds his car half eaten. Through many follies he keeps trying to obtain evidence of what is in the woods. If he can ever obtain the hard evidence his superior requires the might of the US Army will be coming to the small town.

8 out of 10 - Rated PG - A timeless tale that is sure to please. Looking beyond, the robot also symbolizes the tools of war and how the choice exists not to use them. The voice cast includes Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick, Jr., Vin Diesel, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney, and Eli Marienthal. The screenplay was based on The Iron Man by Ted Hughes.

Acolytes Movie Review

Acolytes (2008) is a pretty good thriller/suspense film; some may call it horror. This one got my heart pumping a few times when it made me jump back in my chair. Not exactly a major award winner, but certainly entertaining.

The opening sequence gets you pumped up for the film extremely fast. There is a girl covered in dirt running through the woods disoriented and afraid - SMASH- hit buy a car driving fast on the dirt road. The film works towards explaining that event and much more.

James, Mark, and Chasely are walking home from high school and decide to hang out in the woods. When James and Chasely begin to make out Mark wonders off into the woods. Walking zoned out, he is frightened to find himself all of a sudden standing within feet of a man burying something. After quickly hiding and watching the SUV drive off he runs back to tell what he saw. The three return with shovels to see what the stranger was doing. Panic ensues when they find a dead backpacker.

Instead of calling the police they decide to attempt to locate the SUV and the person responsible. As they are doing that James makes a call tipping off the police to Mark saying he knows what happened to their missing classmate (not the backpacker). James and Mark where sodomized by Mark years ago and do all they can to seek revenge. They think of a plan to blackmail the killer from the woods into killing Mark. The three are entering into a world they know nothing about!

6.5 out of 10 - A good late night flick with a great story that builds on itself and has some unpredictable twists and turns. - Be sure to check out the alternate ending on the DVD; I prefer it to the one in the movie. Other than Joel Edgerton (woods killer) the acting is pretty standard; Joel is amazing. The title refers to being a follower.

Wendy and Lucy Movie Review

Wendy and Lucy (2008) is an extraordinarily simple and captivating film starring Michelle Williams and Lucy the dog. The rhythmic music and sounds combined with exquisite composition and hypnotic acting make the film a piece of moving art. Although simple, the film and its message are intense.

Wendy (Michelle Williams) and Lucy allow us to peer into a part of their lives. We join her when she is walking and playing catch with Lucy in the woods. Lucy runs ahead to find an interesting group of people having a fire by the railroad tracks. Wendy seems apprehensive to walk up to them to retrieve her dog because they are a loud eccentric group of travelers that may not be so friendly. She finds Lucy with a young gothic girl that is very nice and chatty.

Later that night Wendy is in her car counting what little money she has to get to Alaska for a possible new life. Lucy is fast asleep in the back seat as Wendy curls up under her thin blue blanket. She is abruptly woken up the following morning by a security guard saying she must get out of the parking lot she is in. With her car not starting and the security guard insisting she move now, she is beginning to look panicked.

Problems begin compounding for Wendy. She is out of dog food, has a dead car, and no money in a far away town with no one to help. She continues to meet new people and get into and out of dire situations. Scared and alone, you begin to wonder what else could go wrong and does she have it in her to keep moving forward.

I applaud Kelly Reichardt (director/writer) for her vision and individualism when making this impeccable film. Michelle Williams truly became Wendy; her body language, expressions, and eyes conveyed absolute realism.

10 out of 10 - Rated R - This story is so captivating that I hope you have the privilege to see it.

Two Lovers Movie Review

Two Lovers (2008) is the last Joaquin Phoenix movie unless he decides to return from his music career. With a rather simple and predictable plot you may wonder what the appeal is.

The movie revolves around Leonard Kraditor (Phoenix), a suicidal case of a depressed man that was left by his fiancée and has now moved back in with his parents. He is working at the family dry cleaners and is the bane of his own existence. Enter the daughter of a soon to be business partner of his father's that puts a little smile on his face. Sandra (Vinessa Shaw) is a simple lovely women and falls for Leonard and they start dating with the approval of both families. Michelle (Paltrow), who lives in the same building, makes a grand entrance with much drama and problems. Leonard becomes infatuated with the sexy troubled party girl and sneaks around to spend time with her.

The storyline and events are almost inconsequential to this film - it is a true character study (exploration). When you meet someone interesting at a coffee shop does where you are, what you're eating or wearing matter? Of course not, it is the person, the conversation, their feelings and who they are that you are interested in. That is what this is; we explore and learn about the characters in great depth.

I felt Michelle could have been better cast. To me Paltrow is the sophisticated type and just didn't fit into the character perfectly - she still did a great job though. Shaw played her part to perfection. Joaquin didn't let down as usual. He is such a gifted actor and I hope to see him back on the screen soon. Some say this was his defining performance, maybe so for the genre, but I will always remember him as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line and Max California in 8MM.

8 out of 10 - Rated R - Watch it for what it is and you will enjoy!

Diggers Movie Review

Diggers (2006) is a film of life's changes with clam digging in the 1970s as a back drop. After Hunt's (Paul Rudd) and Gina's (Maura Tierney) dad dies they are forced into some difficult situations along with the emotional turmoil. Their dad was a hardcore bayman like Hunt and his three closest friends are. They dig for clams in the South Bay of Long Island and hardly make enough money to support their families because a large corporation, South Shell, is buying up the best spots.

This coming of middle-age film is excellently written and acted with a well rounded ending. We follow the lives of a group of friends:

- Hunt loves taking pictures with his black and white Polaroid camera. When he picks up his dad's ashes he keeps them in his Playmate cooler so he can have some time with him. He has a peculiar eye flirting relationship with a girl (Zoey) that he sees sitting outside each day when he boats by. He ends up meeting her at a bar one night and they hit it off. Some drastic changes to his simple life may be coming as he considers his next move.

- Gina is divorced from her cheating husband and is having a hard time with the loneliness after her father passes.

- Jack (Ron Eldard) is a ladies man and is seeing Gina without Hunt knowing it.

- Lozo (Ken Marino) has a large family with many kids and when his motor gets stolen he contemplates getting a job at South Shore; the very company that is threatening the livelihood of many diggers.

- Cons (Josh Hamilton) is a druggie that has his mind filled with odd quotes and life lessons.

They are a interesting and close group of friends that will surely have some likeness to someone in your life.

7 out of 10 – Rated R - A pleasant watch and an enjoyable nice movie about life. I liked it because the issues presented are for a little later in life than most of the other coming of age movies that focus on the school and college age groups. It covers the issues you may face in your 30s or 40s such as job loss, children, divorce, and the death of a parent. Be sure to watch this one!

Bart Got a Room Movie Review

Bart Got a Room (2008) stars Steven J. Kaplan as Danny and is another goofy high school teen type of movie; that is about all I have for you. One thing I do for each review is watch the movie about two days before and only go back to it for little details. Doing it this way ensures the review is not written in the heat of the moment and directly shows the staying power of the film.

Even though I am more of a drama and thriller fan, I love a good comedy. I could spit off lines from Superbad and American Pie all day.

Bart Got a Room is about Danny trying to find a prom date with ever increasing urgency when he finds out the biggest dork in school, Bart, got a room for after the prom. His divorced parents are also on the prowl often putting Danny in awkward situations.

The story was bland, the acting was bland, and the filming was bland.

5 out of 10 - Rated PG -13 - Coming in under an hour and twenty minutes this is like a TV special gone wrong. The possibility does remain for this movie to shine; it wasn't until my second viewing that I truly appreciated and liked Napoleon Dynamite. Perhaps I will give it a second look.

The 24th Day Movie Review

The 24th Day (2004) is a compelling psychological thriller for our times. This independent film stars James Marsden (X-Men) and Scott Speedman (Underworld). The opening scenes immediately start laying the groundwork for this tale of deception while testing our assumptions. Striking performances make this thriller into a drama like experience.

One evening at the bar Dan (Marsden) is enjoying a drink with Isabella when Tom (Speedman) comes into the scene. The three tell stories, laugh, and drink - just having a great time. Later on Dan and Tom are playing a game of knowledge and relaxing and drinking in an apartment.

At first glance it would appear they are roommates and Dan was out with his girlfriend when Tom met up with them and are now home for the evening. It is quickly realized this is not the case when Dan gets close to Tom and slowly moves in for a kiss and Dan jumps back. Tom is much more reserved than the outgoing Dan and wants to talk more before going down that road. They get to talking about how many past partners they have had and other things in detail when Tom asks many peculiar questions. The line of questions gives you an uncomfortable feeling like there is much more behind them. He even wants to know if Dan is careful and clean; not such an odd question now-a-days, but the relentless way it is asked is giving him some weird vibes.

When Tom is looking around Dan's apartment he notices something that gives him a little déjà vu. He says to him that he thinks he has been here before but doesn't know when or for what purpose. It turns out the two had an encounter five years earlier; completely freaked Dan heads for the door but doesn't make it far with it being locked. Before he realizes it Tom has him tied to a chair with his mouth taped and is pushing a needle in his arm. Dan heads out for a cup of coffee while leaving him there alone. What in the world is going on?

This extremely unpredictable film will keep you engaged wondering where it is going and what is to happen next. Throughout there are flashbacks from Dan that fill in some of the questions - and raise new ones.

7 out of 10 - Rated R - I liked this movie and how it was done. This movie holds an important message everyone should see. Everything written above just touches the surface of this mind bending experience.

How Much Further Movie Review

Qué Tan Lejos (2006) is a Spanish film taking place in, and about, Ecuador. This movie tries to cover a lot of ground; it shows the Ecuadorian countryside, touches on political/historical items, and has a little entertainment value.

The story starts out with Esperanza getting off a plain and Tristeza finishing up school. Tristeza (Sadness) finds out the guy she thought she was dating is getting married and must get to Cuenca to stop the wedding. When she gets on the bus she is seated next to Esperanza (Hope) who is on holiday. A short while later the bus stops because the road is closed due to a strike of some sort miles away.

They decide to hitchhike their way there. They get in the back of a truck with some weird TV guys heading to shoot the strike; this only gets them part way because of a burning log in the road. They go on foot making their way through the country and running into Jesus who is also headed to Cuenca to spread his grandmother's ashes in the Tombebamba River. The walking continues and they pass through Alausi where Tristeza gets on the back of some guys motorcycle to go ahead.

Jesus and Esperanza end up getting a ride with Andres who turns out to be Jesus' cousin and is going for a wedding (same wedding?). They meet up with Tristeza in Zhud but can not go once again because of another roadblock. They head towards the beach in the hopes of getting there a round about way. Will they ever make it and has their journey taught them anything?

Throughout the entire film there are references to interesting places, people, and dates; almost a travel guide in movie form. I was hoping for a ending to remember that never materialized - just fizzled away without much closure of anything.

5 out of 10 for entertainment and a 5.5 out of 10 as a piece on Ecuador. It felt as is Tania Hermida (director/writer) was torn between doing a fictional film or a documentary; she settled on both and tried to make it work. I got more of a lesson on life in Ecuador than an entertaining movie. Perhaps that was the goal - if so I would have liked to see it changed up with more robust facts and details about the country. There were long stretches of time when nothing more than driving in silence occurred that could have been shrunk down to beef up the content. Skip this one unless you or your relatives are or were from Ecuador; could be interesting if that is the case. Has English subtitles.

Conversations With Other Women Movie Review

Conversations with Other Women (2005) stars Aaron Eckhart and Helena Bonham Carter. It is a simple film that revolves around a conversation between two people one night. The film is shot entirely in split-screen. The split screen allowed for many interesting things; one is when the characters come together in one side the other side can be used for flash backs, another is when a conversation takes place you can see both people's expressions and opposite views simultaneously. This could certainly be messy and not for all audiences. I was a little unsure where I should look when starting but soon enough the images merged in my head making for a one of a kind experience that was enjoyable. The director/editor (Hans Canosa) did a bang up job!

At a wedding a nameless man approaches a nameless woman offering a drink that she does not accept. They banter back and forth about how she is a back-up bridesmaid and that the friends where more of her ex-husband's. He has a girlfriend (Sarah the dancer) and she is married to Jeffrey "Jeff" the Cardiologist; even still they playfully flirt. When the evening progresses we learn he is the brother of the bride. He also claims to remember her previously from when he was younger and tells of a story she says is fiction because she has never heard it before.

They continue their repertoire while pondering their next move. The conversation is comfortable and fun until the elevator door opens and the realization of what could happen enters their minds. The ride up to her room becomes awkward when another bridesmaid, someone he knows, gets in with them. She picks up on a vibe and is sure to talk about his girlfriend. Curious is if she will fully remember him or maybe his memory has not been kind to him.

There are some great French songs by Carla Bruni that set the mood throughout. This is an excellent one to watch twice in a row; each time offering a different view point.

7 out of 10 - I enjoyed it, but would not call it unforgettable. The very unique style and writing appealed to me more. Worth a rental anytime! Remember this is just a conversation, little slow at times, but the visual keeps you interested pretty well along with the progression of the conversation.

Fling Movie Review

Fling (2008) is also known as Lie to Me abroad and explores the alternative lifestyle of an open relationship. Samantha (Courtney Ford) and Mason (Steve Sandvoss) are both successful in their work and on the outside appear to be in a loving relationship; and they are. They laugh, go out, live together, and have a strong bond unlike many couples. A few of their friends and co-workers know that they have a very open relationship, not only seeing other people for one night or many, but even talking of their experiences and asking the other for advice.

At Sam's sister's (Allison) wedding she runs into James, an ex-boyfriend, while Mason advances towards the groom's sister Olivia. James and the groom (Luke) are friends and he knows of his and Samantha's arrangement; although knows nothing of him and Olivia. Luke must also keep it a secret from his wife, Sam's sister, as she does not know and they don't want to tell her. Quite a tangled web!

As Sam and Mason spend more time with their flings their relationship is appearing strained as they don't share there emotions as much. Jealousy creeps in and they begin spending even more time with their new lovers to get their minds off their relationship because they can not stand the thought of the other with another. New discoveries could drastically alter their direction in life whether they want it to or not. Has their open relationship finally reached the breaking point? Can their friends and family be kept in the dark? Perhaps what many young people may see as an amazing and fun way to live is not all it is cracked up to be.

With a handheld camera style and a great soundtrack you become immersed in their lives. The acting is top notch allowing you to feel the emotions of the characters. The content of this movie could make it very racy but it is not; it is tastefully sensual. The pace keeps you engaged at all times; a great movie that will entertain.

9 out of 10 - Rated R - The DVD is available at Amazon.

3-Iron Movie Review

3-Iron (Korean title: 빈집 or Bin-jip, meaning Empty Houses) is a 2004 artistic film from Kim Ki-duk. Although it is a drama/romance film it is also a piece of art and a masterpiece of cinema. Pure poetry.

I did not know what to expect when watching it but was pleasantly surprised by its simplicity and Zen like quality. There is almost no talking; maybe 10 minutes for the entire movie. The story is told through pure visuals and most dialog is by expression and eye contact.

Tae-suk is a young man with no ties (a drifter) that places restaurant flyers on people's doors. We soon find out the purpose of the flyer is that when he comes back in the evening he can see who has not come home often validated by the answering machine once he is inside. To gain entry he meticulously picks the lock not to cause damage; inside he showers, eats, and sleeps. In exchange for the home's "hospitality" he fixes things, does laundry, and cleans the home leaving it nicer than when he arrived (minus a little food).

Once of these homes he goes into we find that Sun-hwa is watching him. She is badly bruised and cut from her abusive husband and is fascinated by Tae-suk. Through a series of events he rescues her from more abuses from her husband. She then joins him on his journey and they live from house to house becoming closer to each other. Events and circumstances will shape where they are headed as the past is fast approaching.

8 out of 10 - A different type of movie that everyone must experience at some point. A little more character development and history of Tae-suk would have been nice to have; but not pivotal to the story. 3-Iron refers to a golf club and is a symbol for much more. Your home should be quiet when watching this; Korean with English subtitles (not much talking though so not much reading). The DVD does not have many extras but is a needed addition to any collection.