On Demand Weekly

Attention Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant fans, CEMETERY JUNCTION (FilmBuff) is now available on VOD until 10/31/2010. ODW's review will run Wednesday. See the trailer below...

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: PAGE EIGHT (Gravitas).

PAGE EIGHT
By Joe Charnitski

It’s the 21st century.

Ok, you probably already knew that, but if you didn’t, you will by the time you’ve finished watching writer/director David Hare’s political spy thriller PAGE EIGHT. Throughout the film, characters are reminded that we live in a new era – we’re post-Cold War, post-9/11. International men of mystery no longer carry business cards, they have web sites. Previously incorruptible relationships (between men and women, life long best friends and western allies) are no longer as durable as they once seemed. The leaders of nations act in shadows and their subordinates are persuaded to look away and carry on. Everyone’s left feeling insecure, distrustful. It’s the perfect setting for an international tale of intrigue and suspense.

The tone is set from the opening shots. Johnny Worricker (Bill Nighy) takes a brisk evening stroll through the beautifully shot, moonlit streets of London while a smug jazz score plays along. This guy is either the keeper of government secrets or a notorious playboy. Turns out he’s both. Johnny works as an intelligence analyst for MI5. His ex-wife is now married to his best friend, and boss, Benedict (Michael Gambon). Johnny left her when she became pregnant 20-some years ago. He can’t remember exactly when.

Johnny is cool, observant and precise. He’s also warm, funny and sincere in moments. He’s a serious man, but not cold. Nighy does an excellent job of balancing these competing emotions and characteristics. There’s a great scene between Johnny and his daughter Julianne, a famous painter. She asks him what he thought of her recent gallery opening. His response is crisp and spot-on. There’s some good fatherly advice in there, too. Sadly, it’s not what she wanted to hear, and he’s left in a confused state, unsure what it is exactly she wants from him. The scene encapsulates his character, and Nighy is sublimely believable and human in the portrayal.

The crux of the plot centers on a top secret document that Benedict has been given by an unnamed informant. It reveals previously suspected but never confirmed activities by the US government in the prosecution of the War On Terror. It raises questions about the British government’s complicity and threatens to shake the two nations’ “special relationship.” Benedict shares the document (and the alarming revelation found on page 8, thus the title) with Johnny knowing that if something happens to him, his best friend will follow the mystery no matter where it leads. Ralph Fiennes and Judy Davis appear in supporting roles as players in the scandal.

On Demand Weekly helps you browse through the New Movies On Demand (MOD) this month with our May preview!

The Movies On Demand MOD May Preview of The Indies has arrived. Indies premiering in May feature some notable performances, award nominees and winners and well-known actors in unique roles. For instance, cable viewers can find W.E., directed by Madonna, which won best original song at this year’s Golden Globes; #REGENERATION, the documentary following the Occupy Wall Street movement, narrated by Ryan Gosling, which premieres the same day as theaters; BEL AMI, featuring Robert Pattinson Twilight seducing Uma Thurman, Christina Ricci, and Kristen Scott Thomas’ characters. Also notable is RAMPART, from the director of THE MESSENGER, featuring a dynamic performance from Woody Harrelson and strong supporting cast as well Ben Foster, Cynthia Nixon, Anne Heche, Steve Buscemi, Sigourney Weaver, Robin Wright, Ice Cube, Brie Larson, Ned Beatty; ALBERT NOBBS, with Oscar-nominated performances from Glenn Close and Janet McTeer as Irish women living and working as men in late 19th-century Ireland; WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, featuring a powerhouse performance from TIlda Swinton; TAKE THIS WALTZ with Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen; and Coriolanus critic’s pick 95% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes which is the directorial debut of Ralph Fiennes

Almost every indie new release listed comes to Movies On Demand either before or the same day as DVD.

Enjoy On Demanding this month!


Indie Titles:
ALL IN: THE POKER MOVIE – Premieres May 1
TV-14, Documentary

Same day as DVD


W.E. – Premieres May 1
R, Drama
Andrea Riseborough, James D'Arcy

Same day as DVD


#REGENERATION – Premieres May 3
TV-14, Documentary
Narration: Ryan Gosling

Same day as theatrical release


BEL AMI- Premieres May 4
R, Drama
Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman

Before theatrical release


ALBERT NOBBS – Premieres May 15
R, Drama,
Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska

Same day as DVD


RAMPART – Premieres May 15
R, Drama
Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster

Same day as DVD