Unrated movies in Action & Adventure DVDs & Videos

Description:

This amped action drama stars Vin Diesel as Xander (aka Triple X), a rebellious extreme sports star with a mission to defy authority and create anarchy. In the dramatic opening scene of the movie, Xander pulls an outrageous serious of stunts with the help of a band of similar-minded jocks, broadcasts the whole event live onto the Internet with a network of strategically placed digital cameras, and then avoids being captured by the squadron of police who pursue him. When Triple X is later taken into custody, Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), a representative from a government agency, hires the chiseled athlete and turns him into a secret agent with a mission to travel to Prague and collapse a dangerous terrorist cell operated by Yorgi (Martin Csokas) and the seductive Yelena (Asia Argento). Triple X is quickly drawn into Yorgi's lair, a stunning chateau situated in the mountains that is equipped with every high-tech modern amenity imaginable, along with a sizeable team of extra-large Slav bodyguards, a laboratory staffed by top scientists, and an always-ready gaggle of gorgeous concubines. Non-stop stunts, pounding hard-core music, elaborate sets, and inventive costumes make this Rob Cohen-directed adrenaline overload a visually exciting, aurally engaging, highly entertaining success.

Description:

This sequel to the Russian film NIGHT WATCH centers on an epic battle between forces of good and evil. An uneasy truce has kept the armies at bay for centuries, but that peace is about to end, and it will pit vampires, psychics, and witches against one another. Both factions, the Day Watch and the Night Watch, have beings of extraordinary power called "Great Others," and if these two people meet, a supernatural war will begin. Anton Gorodetsky (Konstantin Khabensky) finds himself torn between his son, the dark side's Great Other, and the woman he loves, the champion for the Light Others. DAY WATCH (DNEVNOI DOZOR) explodes in the mind-bending space between THE MATRIX and UNDERWORLD. The Russian film boasts the same visual verve as THE MATRIX, and it's just as revolutionary. Director Timur Bekmambetov is operating on a completely different level of creativity than most of his peers, fashioning a unique world and jaw-dropping set pieces. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance, but DAY WATCH doesn't take itself too seriously. From humor in the subtitles themselves to jokes at the expense of the Russian bureaucracy, there's a lot of fun to be had at the dawn of the apocalypse. Though NIGHT WATCH was an enjoyable experience, Bekmambetov ups the ante with this sequel, improving on the original in every way. DAY WATCH may clock in at an epic 140 minutes, but it's a tight film filled with action and style.

Description:

The FBI's top bomb expert Danny O'Neil has been assigned to protect Senator Frank Travers, who has been having an affair with danny's wife. Terrorists have developed a lethal new explosive to try to get the Senator and in the tense final minutes, Danny must decide the fate of his wife, her lover and the nation's capital.

Description:

This sequel to the Russian film NIGHT WATCH centers on an epic battle between forces of good and evil. An uneasy truce has kept the armies at bay for centuries, but that peace is about to end, and it will pit vampires, psychics, and witches against one another. Both factions, the Day Watch and the Night Watch, have beings of extraordinary power called "Great Others," and if these two people meet, a supernatural war will begin. Anton Gorodetsky (Konstantin Khabensky) finds himself torn between his son, the dark side's Great Other, and the woman he loves, the champion for the Light Others. DAY WATCH (DNEVNOI DOZOR) explodes in the mind-bending space between THE MATRIX and UNDERWORLD. The Russian film boasts the same visual verve as THE MATRIX, and it's just as revolutionary. Director Timur Bekmambetov is operating on a completely different level of creativity than most of his peers, fashioning a unique world and jaw-dropping set pieces. The fate of the universe hangs in the balance, but DAY WATCH doesn't take itself too seriously. From humor in the subtitles themselves to jokes at the expense of the Russian bureaucracy, there's a lot of fun to be had at the dawn of the apocalypse. Though NIGHT WATCH was an enjoyable experience, Bekmambetov ups the ante with this sequel, improving on the original in every way. DAY WATCH may clock in at an epic 140 minutes, but it's a tight film filled with action and style.

Description:

A highly acclaimed, animated samurai sword-and-sorcery epic. Jubei, a masterless ninja for hire. He joins forces with a powerful female ninja, Kagero, after the rest of her ninja team is destroyed by a powerful man-monster. With extraordinary fight scenes and stunning animation NINJA SCROLL is Yoshiaki Kawajiri's masterpiece.

Description:

Fraternal twins Conner (Flanery - SUICIDE KINGS) and Murphey (Reedus - GOSSIP) MacMannus are on a mission from God to rid Boston of crime. However, instead of signing up for the police force, these hard-drinking Irish-American brothers take the law into their own hands a la Charles Bronson in DEATH WISH. Heralded as saints by the city's beleaguered residents, the brothers also attract the attention of Paul Smecker (Dafoe - EXISTENZ), the openly gay FBI special agent assigned to investigate the spate of killings amongst the ranks of the Russian mafia. First-time director Duffy pulls out all the breaks in this inventive, action-packed thriller sure to please fans of HARD BOILED and RESERVOIR DOGS.

Description:

This amped action drama stars Vin Diesel as Xander (aka Triple X), a rebellious extreme sports star with a mission to defy authority and create anarchy. In the dramatic opening scene of the movie, Xander pulls an outrageous serious of stunts with the help of a band of similar-minded jocks, broadcasts the whole event live onto the Internet with a network of strategically placed digital cameras, and then avoids being captured by the squadron of police who pursue him. When Triple X is later taken into custody, Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), a representative from a government agency, hires the chiseled athlete and turns him into a secret agent with a mission to travel to Prague and collapse a dangerous terrorist cell operated by Yorgi (Martin Csokas) and the seductive Yelena (Asia Argento). Triple X is quickly drawn into Yorgi's lair, a stunning chateau situated in the mountains that is equipped with every high-tech modern amenity imaginable, along with a sizeable team of extra-large Slav bodyguards, a laboratory staffed by top scientists, and an always-ready gaggle of gorgeous concubines. Non-stop stunts, pounding hard-core music, elaborate sets, and inventive costumes make this Rob Cohen-directed adrenaline overload a visually exciting, aurally engaging, highly entertaining success.

Description:

This amped action drama stars Vin Diesel as Xander (aka Triple X), a rebellious extreme sports star with a mission to defy authority and create anarchy. In the dramatic opening scene of the movie, Xander pulls an outrageous serious of stunts with the help of a band of similar-minded jocks, broadcasts the whole event live onto the Internet with a network of strategically placed digital cameras, and then avoids being captured by the squadron of police who pursue him. When Triple X is later taken into custody, Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), a representative from a government agency, hires the chiseled athlete and turns him into a secret agent with a mission to travel to Prague and collapse a dangerous terrorist cell operated by Yorgi (Martin Csokas) and the seductive Yelena (Asia Argento). Triple X is quickly drawn into Yorgi's lair, a stunning chateau situated in the mountains that is equipped with every high-tech modern amenity imaginable, along with a sizeable team of extra-large Slav bodyguards, a laboratory staffed by top scientists, and an always-ready gaggle of gorgeous concubines. Non-stop stunts, pounding hard-core music, elaborate sets, and inventive costumes make this Rob Cohen-directed adrenaline overload a visually exciting, aurally engaging, highly entertaining success.

Description:

Named after a 1941 Alfred Hitchcock film, MR. AND MRS. SMITH is really its own ball of flaming wax, with enough sizzling chemistry between stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to blow up a small building. He shows he is equally adept in comedy and action, and she manages to set new screen standards of bad-ass sexiness. It's impossible to dislike this pair, or a movie that makes being married seem like such insane fun. Pitt and Jolie play extremely skilled professional assassins who have managed to stay married for five years without ever realizing each other's profession because they work for rival agencies and the work is top secret. When their paths eventually cross on a high-level hit, one of the most lethal battles of the sexes in the history of cinema is officially on. Thanks to a genuinely witty script, the issue isn't who will win, but whether the couple will realize they are meant for each other before it's too late. Director Doug Liman was obviously the right choice for the material, having proved his ability to fuse engaging romance with knuckle-biting action in 2002's THE BOURNE IDENTITY. The comedy is sophisticated and witty, the action is visceral and intense, and there is plenty of satisfying eye candy. Another plus is Vince Vaughn as a fast-talking fellow hit man who lives with his mother. The cinematography is by Bozan Bajelli (the genius behind Abel Ferrara's best mid-1980s work) who imbues each environment, whether it's the Smith's house, or the urban streets--with its own evocative color scheme and feel.

Description:

Fraternal twins Conner (Flanery - SUICIDE KINGS) and Murphey (Reedus - GOSSIP) MacMannus are on a mission from God to rid Boston of crime. However, instead of signing up for the police force, these hard-drinking Irish-American brothers take the law into their own hands a la Charles Bronson in DEATH WISH. Heralded as saints by the city's beleaguered residents, the brothers also attract the attention of Paul Smecker (Dafoe - EXISTENZ), the openly gay FBI special agent assigned to investigate the spate of killings amongst the ranks of the Russian mafia. First-time director Duffy pulls out all the breaks in this inventive, action-packed thriller sure to please fans of HARD BOILED and RESERVOIR DOGS.

Description:

Director Ronny Yu (FREDDY VS. JASON) tells the story of Chinese hero Huo Yianjia in JET LI'S FEARLESS. Born in the late 1800s to a martial-arts master in the Tianjin region of China, Huo Yianjia (Jet Li) is not allowed to train at his father's school because he has asthma. Later, as an adult, the self-taught Yianjia becomes a master in his own right with his own school and disciples. His only goal: to become the Champion of Tianjin--and he is willing to fight any and every challenger. Along the way, Yianjia's pride takes over and he becomes obsessed with both praise and revenge, missing the true purpose and message of the martial arts. When his quest for revenge results in tragedy, Yianjia embarks on a new journey, leaving Tianjin. Returning to his home years later, Yianjia is a new man, understanding the connection between body, mind, and soul. Instead of fighting for personal gain, he sees the importance of maintaining the national identity and pride of the Chinese people. Focusing on the importance of good sportsmanship and unity, Yianjia starts the Jingwu Sports Federation, bringing all the schools of martial arts together. Most important, he makes history in Shanghai in 1910 by defending the honor of the Chinese people in a contest against representatives from the four major foreign powers in China. Based on a true story, the film features detailed period settings and costumes, as well as superior stunts. Jet Li evokes a wide range of emotions as Yianjia, instilling the character with life and capturing the essence of this important chapter in Chinese history. Dong Yong stars as Yianjia's loyal friend, Nong Jinsun, and Sun Li plays Moon, a young woman who befriends Yianjia when he leaves Tianjin. This film is in Chinese with English subtitles.

Description:

DUKES OF HAZZARD: Slipping into the boots made famous by John Schneider and Tom Wopat, Seann William Scott and Johnny Knoxville play moonshine-selling cousins Bo and Luke Duke. Along with their ridiculously gorgeous cousin Daisy (Jessica Simpson) and joke-telling Uncle Jessie (Willie Nelson), the Duke boys love to get the goat of Hazzard County's most crooked law enforcement officials, including Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (M.C. Gainey) and county commissioner Boss Hogg (Burt Reynolds). But when they discover that Boss Hogg is using his leverage to run them off their farm in order to turn Hazzard County into a strip mine for coal, things get personal. With the help of their faithful friends, Bo and Luke set off on their riskiest adventure yet. DUKES OF HAZZARD - THE BEGINNING: This feature-length TV movie takes a step back in time to show how the young Bo and Luke Duke grew into the characters TV audiences came to know and love. The troublesome Bo (Jonathan Bennett) and Luke (Randy Wayne) are placed firmly in the clutches of their Uncle Jesse (Willie Nelson) at the onset of the show, but they're soon teaming up with cousin Daisy to foil Boss Hogg's plans to seize their uncle's farm.

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Nothing makes good-guy non-recidivist offender Cameron Poe happier than the thought of returning to society, where his angelic wife and the equally angelic little girl he's never known are waiting. And nothing makes him angrier than the passel of psychopathic murderers and rapists aboard his prison transport plane--especially when, under the direction of ringleader Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom, they revolt and hijack their own plane. Fortunately, our hero's been trained by the Army as an elite one-man-fighting-machine, and a dogged Justice Department agent waits on the ground to help him bring the fanatical fly-boys in for a bloody crash landing--in Vegas! A hyperactive Molotov cocktail blended from the frenetic efforts of high-octane action producer Jerry Bruckheimer ("The Rock"), hipster-schtick screenwriting specialist Scott Rosenberg, and music video director West. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Original Song ("How Do I Live"), and Best Sound.

Description:

Memphis Raines (Nicholas Cage) is a former car thief who is forced to come out of retirement when his younger brother, Kip (Giovanni Ribisi), is unable to deliver 50 expensive cars to dangerous smuggler Raymond Calitri (Christopher Eccleston). With his brother's life on the line, Memphis must enlist his old car-stealing partners for help in order to pull off the ultimate crime. His team includes his mentor, Otto (Robert Duvall), and an old flame (Angelina Jolie), plus a crew of other colorful characters. Once he gets them all together, Memphis has to do the impossible: organize the theft of 50 cars from all over Los Angeles in a single night, hampered by rivals, security systems, and the best efforts of the LAPD detective (Delroy Lindo) who is out to get him. GONE IN 60 SECONDS is a fun, action-packed movie featuring producer Jerry Bruckheimer's trademarks: a simple, heartfelt story, comedy, spectacular action, an excellent cast of stars and character actors, and an amazing car chase through the crowded streets of Los Angeles. This film is based on the cult classic 1974 movie of the same name, and it's a must-see for lovers of classic cars or action fans of any stripe. Dominic Sena, the director of KALIFORNIA, directed this fast-moving crime-adventure extravaganza.

Description:

Peter Berg (THE KINGDOM, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) directs this story of a reluctant superhero, John Hancock (Will Smith). Like the best superheroes, Hancock can fly, is bulletproof, and has insurmountable strength. He uses these gifts to fight crime in Los Angeles and save people in distress, Unfortunately, he also is a drunk who leaves a trail of costly destruction behind during his lifesaving pursuits, and his constant sarcasm fails to win him friends. But after Hancock randomly saves his life, public relations executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) decides to give him a makeover and help the superhero change his image so that the police and citizens of Los Angeles will realize how much they need their seemingly inappropriate hero. All the while, Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron)--who seems to simultaneously have a strange connection and aversion to Hancock--worries that her do-gooder husband will end up disappointed by Hancock's antics. The special effects are quite impressive, as Hancock flies through Los Angeles crashing into buildings, bursting through freeway signs, and flipping automobiles around as if they were wet noodles. Smith evokes a depth and warmth in Hancock; even when he's unpleasant and anti-social, it's clear that there is more to him. Bateman is well cast as a man who really does want to change the world for the better. And Theron is quite touching in her role as a wife to Ray, a mother to Aaron, and ultimately a savior to Hancock. Be forewarned that this rather lighthearted film takes a rather sudden dark turn about three-quarters of the way through, and gunplay and fight scenes abound.

Description:

When inexperienced call girl Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette) is paid to seduce comic-book-nerd and Elvis fanatic Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), she doesn't expect to fall for him. But these two lost souls seem to be made for each other and quickly pledge their love, marrying at Detroit's city hall. Clarence discovers some newfound bravado and attempts to retrieve Alabama's possessions from her pimp, Drexl (Gary Oldman), who isn't exactly eager to let Alabama go. Fleeing Drexl's apartment, Clarence not only leaves a trail of bodies, but also inadvertently mistakes a suitcase of uncut cocaine for one with his wife's clothing, and the chase is on. The unlikely newlyweds head for Los Angeles hoping to sell the cocaine and make enough money to leave the country. Unfortunately, they also have to contend with the mob, yuppie drug dealers and the police. Michael Rapaport is amusing as Clarence's best friend who lives with Floyd, a stoner played by Brad Pitt. A sedate Dennis Hopper appears as Clarence's father, who ultimately faces off with mob boss Vincenzo Coccotti (Christopher Walken). Director Tony Scott (CRIMSON TIDE, ENEMY OF THE STATE) does justice to the violence and quirkiness of Quentin Tarantino's second feature film script.

Description:

Director Oliver Stone chalks up an ambitious entry on his biopic résumé (past entries include films about Jim Morrison, Richard Nixon, and JFK, among others) with this cinematic treatise on the life of the mighty Alexander the Great. Despite his early death at 32, Alexander packed some unimaginable conquests into his limited years, ruling over a huge chunk of the globe. Stone draws on a voice-over narration provided by Anthony Hopkins, in the character of Ptolemy, one of Alexander's generals, to describe some of the battles. Thus, Stone shifts the weight of the film to focus on the personality of Alexander (Colin Farrell), a man who is stricken by overwhelming personal insecurities that contrast with his bold achievements. Complex dealings with his mother (Angelina Jolie) and father (Val Kilmer) plague him, as does his turbulent relationship with his wife, Roxane (Rosario Dawson). His connection with his best friend, Hephaestion (Jared Leto), is ambiguous, with Stone touching on their vaunted homosexuality via some shared tender moments. As these personal battles are played out, Ptolemy fills the historic gaps in the narrative by charting the conflicts that raged at Alexander's behest. Eventually, Stone lets loose with an epic on-screen battle, which sees Alexander's troops rumble across India in another country-conquering quest. But while his minions struggle, and Alexander demands success, it becomes clear that he is his own worst enemy, with his only real threat coming from a tempestuous struggle with his own ego. Stone's summation of the great leader paints a picture of an embittered and solitary figure who was able to rule everyone but himself. This extended version of Stone's movie includes an additional 45 minutes of footage, all restored by the director himself.

Description:

With soaring photography that circles from above then swoops in for the action, TROY is Wolfgang Petersen's majestic presentation of the classic Greek legend. It tells the story of an epic battle over Helen (Diane Kruger), the queen of Sparta, who is kidnapped by her lover Paris (Orlando Bloom), the prince of Troy. This infuriates Helen's husband Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), whose brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox) convinces him to invade Troy. They recruit Achilles (Brad Pitt), the best warrior in Greece, whose bravery, quick feet, and remarkable swordsmanship (not to mention tanned biceps, short kilts, and blond locks) have earned him a reputation that is almost as impressive as his ego. Achilles agrees to fight for Sparta, if only for the fame it will bring him. Even Achilles's mother, in a touching scene, advises him to forget mortal achievements and become a hero who will be remembered throughout history. Along with the invasion of Troy, a series of duels must also be fought: Paris, who is heartbreaking in his lovestruck naiveté, must go up against the enraged Menelaus, and Achilles must settle a score with Hector (Eric Bana), who is fiercely dedicated to protecting his brother Paris and their father, the frail king Priam (Peter O'Toole). When the war finally ignites in its massive proportions, the action is awesome. And as the increasingly dramatic events play out, TROY earns its own timeless reputation among other action-adventure epics such as GLADIATOR and SPARTACUS.

Description:

With soaring photography that circles from above then swoops in for the action, TROY is Wolfgang Petersen's majestic presentation of the classic Greek legend. It tells the story of an epic battle over Helen (Diane Kruger), the queen of Sparta, who is kidnapped by her lover Paris (Orlando Bloom), the prince of Troy. This infuriates Helen's husband Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), whose brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox) convinces him to invade Troy. They recruit Achilles (Brad Pitt), the best warrior in Greece, whose bravery, quick feet, and remarkable swordsmanship (not to mention tanned biceps, short kilts, and blond locks) have earned him a reputation that is almost as impressive as his ego. Achilles agrees to fight for Sparta, if only for the fame it will bring him. Even Achilles's mother, in a touching scene, advises him to forget mortal achievements and become a hero who will be remembered throughout history. Along with the invasion of Troy, a series of duels must also be fought: Paris, who is heartbreaking in his lovestruck naiveté, must go up against the enraged Menelaus, and Achilles must settle a score with Hector (Eric Bana), who is fiercely dedicated to protecting his brother Paris and their father, the frail king Priam (Peter O'Toole). When the war finally ignites in its massive proportions, the action is awesome. And as the increasingly dramatic events play out, TROY earns its own timeless reputation among other action-adventure epics such as GLADIATOR and SPARTACUS.

Description:

Combining the historical appeal and epic sequences of films like GLADIATOR and BRAVEHEART, director Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY) and producer Jerry Bruckheimer provide a sleek twist on the King Arthur legend. Arthur (Clive Owen), a brave Roman/British Christian warrior who leads his band of pagan knights on missions for the Empire, must complete one final mission before the knights can earn their freedom from servitude and Arthur can return to Rome. Along the way, however, Arthur realizes that the pullout of the Romans will open the door for a crushing invasion of Britain by the Saxons, and he takes it upon himself to fight with Merlin (Stephen Dillane) and Guinevere (Keira Knightley) for the freedom of the British people. Stunning battle scenes with extensive attention to historical detail rely very little on computer graphics and instead use intricately realistic props, costumes, and scenery. Featuring the largest film set ever built in Ireland, KING ARTHUR features a scale replica of Hadrian's Wall and two complete villages. Haunting music by composer Hans Zimmer completes this story of unselfish heroism, which ultimately provides a satisfying completion to the legend of Arthur and his knights.

Description:

Based on the popular Playstation 2 game, HITMAN chronicles the frame-up and retribution-packed odyssey of Number 47 (Timothy Olyphant), a bald assassin raised from birth to be a killer and tattooed with a barcode on the back of his head. There's lots of BOURNE SUPREMACY-style flash-edits and superhuman stunt work as 47 seeks to find out why moderate Russian presidential nominee Belicoff (Ulrich Thomsen) was the client for his own assassination, a hit that 47 pulled off perfectly, except for one hitch: the target's still alive. For romantic interest we have Olga Kurylenko as a foxy Russian prostitute sold into slavery by the evil Belicoff. She and 47 wind up on the lam together but they'll never be safe as long as Belicoff is still alive. Meanwhile, Interpol agent Mike Whittier (Dougray Scott) has been tracking 47 for years; he's on the scent and about to close in. Luc Besson was the producer on this, and fans of his TRANSPORTER, THE PROFESSIONAL and LA FEMME NIKITA films will eat it up, as it's got the same narrative arc, same hyper-kinetic shoot-em-up flavor, vividly saturated colors, swooping camerawork, tightly choreographed fights, and lots of blood flying from the copious bullet wounds. Vin Diesel executive produced, and one wonders what stopped his big bald head from filling the screen in the lead, but no matter, as Olyphant does a thorough job, speaking in a measured drawl that recalls, of all people, Clint Eastwood in his DIRTY HARRY days.

Description:

A ramped-up techno soundtrack bleats out adrenaline-pumping action tunes while leather-clad vampire slayers smash through walls and floors and ceilings, break windows with their bodies, and occasionally defy gravity. Cascades of flying glass sparkle in the air and crimson pools of blood shine on the floors of warehouse dens where the hungry creatures hide. This is BLADE: TRINITY, the third installment of the film series adapted from Marvel comics. Here, a new challenge faces the preternaturally sharp hunter, Blade (Wesley Snipes), when a group of vamps resurrect the long-slumbering "Drake" (Dominic Purcell)--the ancient and all-powerful Count Dracula--and Blade meets the ultimate opponent. Teaming up with the Nightstalkers, a group of similar-minded hunters led by tough slayer-hottie Abigail (Jessica Biel) and her joke-a-minute partner Hannibal (Ryan Reynolds), Blade is ready for battle. However, Drake's handlers are an unruly bunch themselves, with sassy goth wench Danica (Parker Posey in a wonderfully exaggerated performance) doing her best to make things as unpleasant as possible. What's more, while Danica's vamp team is harvesting homeless people for their blood, the Nightstalkers' scientist creates a potion that can not only kill Drake but can take the entire bloodsucking race with him. And thus, David S. Goyer continues the BLADE cinema series, satisfying fans with plenty of the nocturnal monster mystique they so desperately crave.

Description:

With soaring photography that circles from above then swoops in for the action, TROY is Wolfgang Petersen's majestic presentation of the classic Greek legend. It tells the story of an epic battle over Helen (Diane Kruger), the queen of Sparta, who is kidnapped by her lover Paris (Orlando Bloom), the prince of Troy. This infuriates Helen's husband Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson), whose brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox) convinces him to invade Troy. They recruit Achilles (Brad Pitt), the best warrior in Greece, whose bravery, quick feet, and remarkable swordsmanship (not to mention tanned biceps, short kilts, and blond locks) have earned him a reputation that is almost as impressive as his ego. Achilles agrees to fight for Sparta, if only for the fame it will bring him. Even Achilles's mother, in a touching scene, advises him to forget mortal achievements and become a hero who will be remembered throughout history. Along with the invasion of Troy, a series of duels must also be fought: Paris, who is heartbreaking in his lovestruck naiveté, must go up against the enraged Menelaus, and Achilles must settle a score with Hector (Eric Bana), who is fiercely dedicated to protecting his brother Paris and their father, the frail king Priam (Peter O'Toole). When the war finally ignites in its massive proportions, the action is awesome. And as the increasingly dramatic events play out, TROY earns its own timeless reputation among other action-adventure epics such as GLADIATOR and SPARTACUS.

Description:

Director Oliver Stone chalks up an ambitious entry on his biopic résumé (past entries include films about Jim Morrison, Richard Nixon, and JFK, among others) with this cinematic treatise on the life of the mighty Alexander the Great. Despite his early death at 32, Alexander packed some unimaginable conquests into his limited years, ruling over a huge chunk of the globe. Stone draws on a voice-over narration provided by Anthony Hopkins, in the character of Ptolemy, one of Alexander's generals, to describe some of the battles. Thus, Stone shifts the weight of the film to focus on the personality of Alexander (Colin Farrell), a man who is stricken by overwhelming personal insecurities that contrast with his bold achievements. Complex dealings with his mother (Angelina Jolie) and father (Val Kilmer) plague him, as does his turbulent relationship with his wife, Roxane (Rosario Dawson). His connection with his best friend, Hephaestion (Jared Leto), is ambiguous, with Stone touching on their vaunted homosexuality via some shared tender moments. As these personal battles are played out, Ptolemy fills the historic gaps in the narrative by charting the conflicts that raged at Alexander's behest. Eventually, Stone lets loose with an epic on-screen battle, which sees Alexander's troops rumble across India in another country-conquering quest. But while his minions struggle, and Alexander demands success, it becomes clear that he is his own worst enemy, with his only real threat coming from a tempestuous struggle with his own ego. Stone's summation of the great leader paints a picture of an embittered and solitary figure who was able to rule everyone but himself. This extended version of Stone's movie includes an additional 45 minutes of footage, all restored by the director himself.

Description:

John Cena of the WWE stars in this barrelhouse brawler of a film as John Triton, a marine who gets discharged after he disobeys orders while rescuing prisoners in Iraq. Now he's back home in South Carolina with his wife, Kate (Kelly Carlson), and a lame security job. Meanwhile, a gang of colorfully violent jewel thieves knock over a diamond business and blow a police car 30 feet in the air while making their getaway. John and Kate are driving out in their SUV for a weekend in the mountains and wind up at the same gas station as the robbers. Shots get fired, the fuel tanks explode, and the bad guys hightail it out of there--with Kate as a hostage. Triton must now use his formidable Marine training to track the bad guys via car chase, boat chase, and knife-in-hand swamp-stalking. Despite the rampant violence, this is suitable for the WWE fanbase, as it downplays the blood and death and ups the quotient of sucker punches, throwing guys through walls, and leaping away from fireball explosions in slow motion. Robert Patrick plays the lead bad guy, shrugging off wry in-jokes about his role in TERMINATOR 2 while he shoots witnesses. Abigail Bianca is the evil girl in the gang--she and Kate get to have a fight of their own before it's all over. Fortunately Cena manages to hold his own onscreen amid the amusing dialogue and flying fists, making for a satisfying addition to the ranks of action heroes.

Description:

The prophetically named Johnny Blaze and his father perform death-defying stunts in a carnival, but the real danger to his dad's life is the cancer growing within his dying body. To save him, Johnny makes a deal with Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda, EASY RIDER) and sacrifices his soul. When his father is killed mid-stunt, Johnny runs away, leaving behind his grief and a young love named Roxanne. Years later, Johnny (Nicolas Cage, WORLD TRADE CENTER ) is the most famous rider in the country. Despite his daredevil tendencies, Johnny is a different man when he's not riding his bike. Though he wears leather jackets and pants, he prefers jelly beans to Jim Beam while listening to the Carpenters. Years have passed since Johnny has seen the love of his life, but he still carries a torch for Roxanne (Eva Mendes, HITCH). When he sees her after a stunt, he tries to regain her love and trust. But it's time for the devil to take his due as he brings Johnny into an epic battle with Blackheart (Wes Bentley, AMERICAN BEAUTY). In the presence of evil, Johnny transforms into a super-strong skeleton with a flaming skull who has the power to defeat Blackheart and his minions. As Johnny, Cage plays a cross between his Elvis devotee in WILD AT HEART and the sensitive he-man in CON AIR. The evil Mephistopheles is Fonda's most memorable role since his Oscar-nominated turn in ULEE'S GOLD, and this film provides an opportunity for him to return to the spotlight. GHOST RIDER doesn't rank with the best of the comic book adaptations such as SPIDER-MAN and BATMAN BEGINS, but director Mark Steven Johnson (DAREDEVIL) provides a film driven by both humor and action.

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Peter Berg (THE KINGDOM, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS) directs this story of a reluctant superhero, John Hancock (Will Smith). Like the best superheroes, Hancock can fly, is bulletproof, and has insurmountable strength. He uses these gifts to fight crime in Los Angeles and save people in distress, Unfortunately, he also is a drunk who leaves a trail of costly destruction behind during his lifesaving pursuits, and his constant sarcasm fails to win him friends. But after Hancock randomly saves his life, public relations executive Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman) decides to give him a makeover and help the superhero change his image so that the police and citizens of Los Angeles will realize how much they need their seemingly inappropriate hero. All the while, Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron)--who seems to simultaneously have a strange connection and aversion to Hancock--worries that her do-gooder husband will end up disappointed by Hancock's antics. The special effects are quite impressive, as Hancock flies through Los Angeles crashing into buildings, bursting through freeway signs, and flipping automobiles around as if they were wet noodles. Smith evokes a depth and warmth in Hancock; even when he's unpleasant and anti-social, it's clear that there is more to him. Bateman is well cast as a man who really does want to change the world for the better. And Theron is quite touching in her role as a wife to Ray, a mother to Aaron, and ultimately a savior to Hancock. Be forewarned that this rather lighthearted film takes a rather sudden dark turn about three-quarters of the way through, and gunplay and fight scenes abound.

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Though it is one of America's most popular sporting events, the association of NASCAR with uneducated, backwards rednecks seems cemented into the American consciousness. So the brilliant comedy TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY, is not just a sidesplitting series of slapstick pratfalls and over-the-top accents, but a lens into an important part of American culture. Comic sensation Will Ferrell (SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, ANCHORMAN) plays the title character, Ricky Bobby, a figure who is at once laughably ridiculous, infuriating, and loveable. Ricky Bobby, with his bleached-blond wife, cute sons Walker and Texas Ranger, and dim-bulb sidekick Cal (award-winning actor John C. Reilly, flexing his considerable comedic muscle), has got it made. He is NASCAR's most popular driver, and nearly every aspect of his life is endorsed by a recognizable product. Yet his racetrack kingdom is not unshakeable: two formidable opponents, his unpleasable father, Reese (Gary Cole), and a flashy new opponent, the openly gay French import Jean (played by a hilarious Sasha Baron Cohen, known to millions as Ali G), threaten to hijack his crown and expose his vulnerabilities. Though many of the jokes are easy laughs (having Ferrell run around shirtless is a guaranteed guffaw-fest), the script (co-written by Farrell and Adam McKay) is nuanced and intelligent, lending its characters much more sympathy and complexity than dumber comedies are want to do. And every performer--from Ferrell to Amy Adams (as Susan, Bobby's fawning assistant)--tackles his or her part with joy and relish. A knee-slapper with smarts and savvy, TALLADEGA NIGHTS ensures Ferrell's position as one of comedy's shining talents.

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Versatile Hong Kong box office giant Chow Yun-Fat makes a Hollywood splash as a John Lee, Chinese hitman beholden to drug kingpin Mr. Wei (Hong Kong stalwart Ken Tsang, in an interesting reversal of his "crusty cop" persona). The good news is that Lee's free after one hit; the bad news is that Wei wants revenge on a cop who killed his son--by killing the cop's son. Lee decides to run rather than kill the boy, and Wei doesn't take kindly to the betrayal. Tough-talking passport forger Meg Coburn (Mira Sorvino) creates a new identity for Lee, but that's of little help when they must face Wei's army of "replacement killers." First-timer Fuqua provides eye-candy visuals and plenty of action set pieces. John Woo executive produced.