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How to Deal
Comedy New Line Home Video PG-13
Teen idol Mandy Moore ("A Walk to Remember") learns how to deal with an awful lot--"How to Deal" crams divorce, teen pregnancy, a wedding, a car accident, and a pot-smoking grandmother into a single year in the life of Halley Martin (Moore). Halley's so resentful of her parents' divorce (and her father's impending remarriage) that she resolves not to fall in love--so of course a hunky guy named Macon (Trent Ford) decides that she's the girl for him and woos her with gentle persistence. Two things save all of this from being a teenage soap opera: First, a refreshingly realistic (though not explicit) and unjudgmental look at teenage sex; second, a sterling supporting cast, including Allison Janney ("The West Wing"), Peter Gallagher ("sex, lies, and videotape"), and Dylan Baker ("Happiness"), alongside pleasant young actors like Alexandra Holden ("Sugar and Spice"). "--Bret Fetzer"

Ice Age - The Meltdown
Comedy 20th Century Fox PG
The love life of a woolly mammoth--handled with G-rated delicacy--drives this sequel to the first computer-animated romp in the age of prehistoric mammals. While the first "Ice Age" took a delightful premise and suffocated it with a formulaic plot--in which a mammoth named Manfred (voiced by Ray Romano, "Everyone Loves Raymond"), a sloth named Sid (John Leguizamo, "Moulin Rouge!"), and a sabre-tooth tiger named Diego (Denis Leary, "Rescue Me") helped an abandoned human infant return to its tribe (basically, "Three Mammals and a Baby")--the sequel takes the now-familiar setting, gives it a shapeless, episodic storyline, and yet somehow becomes pretty darn entertaining. Faced with the threat of a flood from melting ice, our heroic trio are on the run to escape from their blossoming valley. On the way, they meet a female mammoth (Queen Latifah, "Bringing Down the House") who thinks she's an opossum and get menaced by some freshly defrosted carnivo! rous fish. Add into the mix a herd of lava-worshipping mini-sloths, some Busby Berkeley-style vultures, and more ingenious slapstick featuring the acorn-crazed Scrat, and "Ice Age: The Meltdown" will amuse even jaded adults. -- "Bret Fetzer"

Beyond "Ice Age: The Meltdown"
Ice Age - Super Cool Edition
Ice Age & Ice Age 2: The Meltdown - (DVD 2-Pack)
Funtastic Adventures Collection Box Set (Ice Age / Robots / Fern Gully / Once Upon a Rainforest) Stills from "Ice Age: The Meltdown" (click for larger image)













The Illusionist
Drama 20th Century Fox PG-13
First screened in Europe and scheduled for limited release in the U.S., "The Illusionist" offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of "Seventh Heaven" alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, "The Illusionist" is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. -- "Jeff Shannon"

Beyond "The Illusionist"
"Eisenheim the Illusionist" and Other Stories


Paul Giamatti in a More Loveable Role
Magic Kits & Accessories Stills from "The Illusionist"













InuYasha - The Movie 1: Affections Touching Across Time
Anime.Action Ventura Distribution NR
The first Inu-Yasha theatrical feature plays like an extended episode of the popular television series. Kagome, Inu-Yasha, Shippo, Miroku, and Sango are pitted not against Naraku, but against the moth-demon Menomaru, who was awakened by a falling shard from the enchanted Shikon Jewel. Menomaru seeks to recapture the power of his father Hyoga, who was defeated by Inu-Yasha's father when Hyoga came to Japan "from the continent" (i.e., during the Mongol invasion of 1274). Only the combined power of Kagome's arrows and Inu-Yasha's sword Tetsusaiga can defeat this mighty demon. Affections Touching Across Time is unusually handsome for a feature based on a broadcast series: When snow falls on Kagome's 20th-century home, the designers evoke the prints of Kawase Hasui. Unfortunately, the images have been compressed to fit the TV format, and there's no widescreen option. Still, it's a must-have for Inu-Yasha fans. (Unrated: suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - The Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass
Anime.Action Ventura Distribution NR
Like the first Inu-Yasha feature, Affections Touching Across Time, The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass pits the regular cast against a new foe: Kaguya, who claims to be the legendary Moon Princess. Series creator Rumiko Takahashi mixes Eastern and Western elements in this supernatural tale: Kaguya's symbol is the pentangle or pentagram, associated with witchcraft in Europe. Like the Princess in the Japanese fable "The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter" (also called "The Maiden from the Sky"), Kaguya demands bizarre magical objects, which Kanna and Kagura fetch. The supernatural battles don't prevent Kagome and Inu-Yasha from squabbling or Miroku from making yet another ill-considered pass at Sango. Ultimately, the unacknowledged love they share enables Kagome and Inu-Yasha to defeat Kagura, and their warm moments recall the unexpected gentleness of the OVA "The Two Akanes: 'Ranma, Look at Me!'" from Takahashi's most famous creation, Ranma 1/2. (Unrated, suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - The Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler
Anime.Action Ventura Distribution PG-13
"Swords of an Honorable Ruler" is darker and more dramatic than the two previous "Inu-Yasha" features--or the broadcast series. Inu-Yasha's father Inu no Taisho, the Great Dog Demon, possessed not two but three swords: Tetsusaiga, Tenseiga, and Sounga, which are linked to Earth, Heaven, and Hell, respectively. After the human princess Izayoi gave birth to Inu-Yasha, she was killed by Takemaru, a samurai who loved her from afar. Inu no Taisho died soon after; the sword smith Totosai and Myoga the flea hid the first two swords, according their master's instructions, and sealed away Sounga. Seven centuries later, Sounga has become one of the treasures of the Higurashi family shrine. During what should be an ordinary ritual, Sounga is freed and returns to the past through the Bone Eater's Well. The bloodthirsty spirit of the sword raises the soul of Takemaru and begins a campaign of hideous destruction. Can Inu-Yasha, Kagome, Shippo, Miroku, Sango, and Sesshomaru defeat the sword-ghoul--individually or collectively?
In addition to being more violent than other "Inu-Yasha" films, "Swords of an Honorable Ruler" is more lavish, with lots of CG special effects and a score by Kaoru Wada that evokes "The Rite of Spring". Director Toshiya Shinohara keeps things movie so briskly, the viewer doesn't have time to miss Naraku, Kikyo, or the Shikon Jewel, although the final battle goes on far too long. The drama and passion of "Swords of an Honorable Ruler" will delight "Inu-Yasha" fans. (Rated PG-13: violence, grotesque imagery, minor risqué humor) "--Charles Solomon"

InuYasha - Vol 01 - Down the Well
Anime.Action Viz
001: The Girl Who Overcame Time... And the Boy Who Was Just Overcome
002: Seekers of the Sacred Jewel
003: Down the Rabbit Hole, and Back Again

Based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi, the creator of Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura, the Inu-Yasha TV series (2000) has been eagerly awaited in the U.S. Kagome Higurashi, a normal 15-year-old girl, falls down a dry well--and finds herself in the feudal past, 50 years after her ancestress Kikyo imprisoned the half-human/half-demon Inu-Yasha. As the reincarnation of Kikyo, Kagome possesses a magic jewel that greatly increases the power of demons. (Inu-Yasha needs it to make himself all demon.) Kagome fetters Inu-Yasha with the help of her priestess-ancestor Kaede, and when the jewel is shattered Kagome and Inu-Yasha must ally to recapture the fragments. If a demon or evil human were to obtain a single shard, the consequences would be terrible. Inu-Yasha sometimes feels like cross between Ranma and Blue Seed, but Takashi once again blends interesting characters, comedy, and adventure into a winning story line that is entirely her own. (Unrated: Suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - Vol 02 - A Girl's Best Friend
Anime.Action Viz
004: Yura of the Demon-Hair
005: Aristocratic Assassin, Sesshomaru
006: Tetsusaiga, the Phantom Sword

The new fantasy-adventure from Rumiko Takahashi really begins to hit its stride in these episodes. Despite their endless bickering, Kagome and Inu-Yasha prove an effective team against the demons they encounter in the Warring States netherworld. Kagome grows more aware of her psychic talents; Inu-Yasha develops a grudging respect for her. Together they defeat Yura, whose weapons include nets of hair and skulls. A much more formidable opponent is Sesshomaru, an exquisite mage who is Inu-Yasha's older brother. Sesshomaru wants the enchanted sword--carved from one of the fangs of their demon-father--which lies hidden in a most unlikely place. Sesshomaru's servant Jaken and Myoga the flea, who joins Kagome and Inu-Yasha, both resemble Happosai in Ranma 1/2. Once again, Takahashi infuses what could be a formulaic story with vivid characters, striking visuals, and unexpected twists. (Unrated; suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - Vol 03 - Fathers and Sons
Anime.Action Viz
007: Showdown! InuYasha vs. Sesshomaru
008: The Toad Who Would be Prince
009: Shippo and the Thunder Brothers

Based on a manga by Rumiko Takahashi, Inu-Yasha (2000) melds elements of Japanese folklore and familiar anime devices into a deftly imaginative blend of humor and adventure. Kagome, a modern girl caught in the intrigues of an alternate reality, and the half-demon Inu-Yasha continue squabbling as they search for fragments of the Sacred Jewel. Inu-Yasha defeats his older brother Sesshomaru, who appears in the alternate guises of a mannered dandy and a monstrous wolf, and wins the Tetsusaiga, their father's magic sword. But Kagome discovers the trick that makes it an effective weapon. Together, they defeat a toad monster and take on the powerful Thunder Brothers. The bickering principals recall the fractious Ranma and Akane, but these characters are less farcical and have more at stake. The result is an extremely entertaining series that never falls into cliché. (Unrated: suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - Vol 04 - The Thunder Brothers
Anime.Action Viz R
010: Phantom Showdown - The Thunder Brothers vs. Tetsusaiga
011: Terror of the Ancient Noh Mask
012: The Soul Piper and the Mischievous Little Soul

Two new characters join the cast of this engaging series and create complications. Shippo, an orphan fox spirit, meets Kagome and Inu-Yasha in the Warring States period. In Japanese folklore, foxes are shape-shifters and illusionists; Shippo uses these talents to help defeat the Thunder Brothers. A more conventional but potentially more dangerous addition is Hojo, a handsome upper classman at Kagome's school, who's concerned about her recent absences. His understated good manners contrast sharply with the prickly Inu-Yasha--just as Kagome is beginning to recognize his good points. In "Mischievous Little Soul," Kagome takes great risks to rescue the unhappy spirit of a little girl killed in a recent fire. Inu-Yasha appears just in time to provide some much-needed help and explanations in a moving story that recalls the more emotional installments of Takahashi's Maison Ikoku. (Unrated: suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - Vol 05 - Secret of the New Moon
Anime.Action Viz
013: The Mystery of the New Moon and the Black-Haired InuYasha
014: Kikyo's Stolen Ashes
015: Return of the Tragic Priestess, Kikyo

Just as Hojo asks Kagome for their first date, she has to leave to continue her mission in the Warring States period. With Inu-Yasha and fox-spirit Shippo, she battles demons that recall the spider-monsters in many Kabuki plays. Between battles, Inu-Yasha seems to admit an unexpected affection for Kagome, an admission linked to his demonic powers fading during the dark of the moon. In the multi-part adventure that begins with "Kikyo's Stolen Ashes," the filmmakers presenting conflicting versions of the relationship between Kikyo and Inu-Yasha, Rashomon-style. Did Inu-Yasha love Kikyo and seek the power of the Sacred Jewel to become fully human and live with her? And, more importantly, who betrayed whom, leading to the battle that left Inu-Yasha pinned to a tree by Kikyo's arrow? These intriguing plot twists typify Takahashi's sophisticated story-telling. (Unrated: suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - Vol 06 - Deadly Liasons
Anime.Action Viz
016: Mystical Hand of the Amorous Monk Miroku
017: The Cursed Ink of the Hell-Painter
018: Naraku and Sesshomaru Join Forces

As the quest for the fragments of the sacred jewel continues in Rumiko Takahashi's "feudal fairy tale," Inu-Yasha, Kagome, and Shippo meet the monk Miroku. His right hand is a deadly weapon, the result of his grandfather's battle with the shape-shifting demon Naraku. Miroku flatters Kagome, rousing Inu-Yasha's jealousy. But the unscrupulous monk reveals the cause of the rift that led to Inu-Yasha's imprisonment and Kikyo's death. Naraku and the elegant Sesshomaru join forces to capture the Tetsusaiga, the enchanted sword carved from a fang of Inu-Yasha's father: all the characters have their powers severely tested, but Kagome demonstrates unexpected strengths. The filmmakers draw on traditional Japanese art for the bizarre assortment of demons the heroes have to overcome. Once again, the deft balance of character comedy and fantastic adventure provides superior entertainment. (Unrated: suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - Vol 07 - Secrets of the Past
Anime.Action Viz
019: Go Home to Your Own Time, Kagome!
020: Despicable Villain! The Mystery of Onigumo
021: Naraku's True Identity Unveiled

The tone of this "feudal fairy tale" darkens as the back story emerges: 50 years earlier, Kikyo tended Onigumo, a badly burned thief. As his desire for the Sacred Jewel--and Kikyo--grew, Onigumo summoned a horde of demons, whom he allowed to consume his flesh and soul. The evil creatures fused to form the terrible Naraku. Recognizing his feelings for Kagome, Inu-Yasha tries to protect her from Naraku by sending her back to her own time and blocking the passage between the ages. Fox-spirit Shippo reunites the pair--who immediately begin quarreling. Inu-Yasha, Kagome, Shippo, and Miroku face the most deadly foes Rumiko Takahashi has created, including a forest demon who vomits hordes of monstrous, three-eyed wolves. It's exciting to see an artist as prominent as Takahashi pushing the envelope in her stories, rather than repeating her earlier successes. (Rated: 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - Vol 08 - Kikyo's Wandering Soul
Anime.Action Viz
022: A Wicked Smile; Kikyo's Wandering Soul
023: Kagome's Voice and Kikyo's Kiss
024: Enter Sango, the Demon Slayer

As the tapestry of her "feudal fairy tale" grows richer, Rumiko Takahashi draws on traditional Japanese sources for a bizarre array of monsters and villains. Trapped in an artificial clay body, Kikyo's soul becomes a hungry ghost out of folk tales. She uses the spirits of dead women to maintain her physical form until she can slay Inu-Yasha. When Kagome interferes, Kikyo learns of Naraku's treachery and the real cause of her death. Naraku's evil plots continue: when Sango, a girl who kills demons with a boomerang-like blade, is injured battling a spider monster (an enemy that occurs frequently in Kabuki plays), Naraku murders everyone in her village. He blames Inu-Yasha, hoping Sango will kill him. Kagome and Myoga begin to explore the origins and nature of the "sacred jewel" that radiates power yet brings misfortune to everyone who approaches it. (Rated: 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon

InuYasha - Vol 09 - Origin of the Sacred Jewel
Anime.Action Viz
025: Naraku's Insidious Plot
026: The Secret of the Sacred Jewell Revealed!
027: The Lake of the Evil Water God

The demon-slayers' village turns out to be the source of the Sacred Jewel, the key to this adventure series. With some help from Sango, Inu-Yasha, Kagome, and their friends are able to enter a vast cavern and learn how the Jewel was created long ago in a battle between hordes of monstrous demons and Midoriko, the greatest priestess of the age. The Shikon, or Jewel of the Four Souls, embodies the qualities of courage, friendship, wisdom, and love. When they function together, harmony and happiness are the result. But the Jewel is also a miniature battleground between good and evil: a metaphor for the world--and for Inu-Yasha's heart, as he vacillates between selfishness and kindness. To his credit, director Masashi Ikeda presents all this information without losing the tempo of the story's ongoing comedy and adventure. (Rated: 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, brief nudity) --Charles Solomon



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