Darkman: Dr Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson) is on the verge of realising a major breakthrough in synthetic skin when a gang led by the sadistic Robert G Durant (Larry Drake) obliterates his laboratory. Burned beyond recognition and altered by an experimental medical procedure Westlake attempts to rebuild his laboratory and re-establish ties with his former girlfriend Julie (Frances McDormand). But his most challenging task lies within himself. Torn between his desire to create a new life with Julie and his quest for revenge the man known as Darkman begins to assume alternate identities in this stunning fast-paced action thriller from director Sam Raimi. (Dir. Sami Raimi 1990) Darkman 2: Dr Peyton Westlake alias the crime-fighting master of disguise Darkman is still trying to find a way of healing his disfigured features. But a tragic turn of events causes him to re-live the nightmare that disfigured him... (Dir. Bradford May 1994) Darkman 3: The Darkman pits himself against a drug dealer as he attempts to protect his research and his team. (Dir. Bradford May 1996)
Stage and directed by Richard Wagner's grandson Wolfgang at the Bayreuther Festspiele in 1984 this production of Wagner's only comedy dispenses with the common cliches to reveal the humanity of each character. Here Beckmesser is no longer a foolish caricature but a cultivated intellectual; Stolzing emerges as a thoughtful individual rather than aggressive aristocrat; and Hans Sachs sheds his solemn patriarchal veneer to become a likeable middle-aged man.
As a rule, Flemish-language films rarely make much of an international impact, but Pauline & Paulette is a refreshing exception. Director Lieven Debrauwer's debut is an affectionate coming-together of two sisters: the mentally-restricted Pauline, living in a world of flowers and fantasy, and Paulette, her life occupied with lingerie and operetta. The story focuses on the exasperation of Pauline as she is shunted between provincial Belgium and Brussels and the realisation of Paulette, having retired to the coast, that a sister in her life might not be a bad option after all. The interplay between veteran actresses Dora van der Groen and Ann Petersen is minutely observed in detail, with the remaining cast a triumph of ensemble acting, not least Rosemarie Bergmans as the sophisticated "other sister" Cecile and Idwig Stéphane as the pompous Albert. At just 72 minutes, the film is almost too taut for its own good, but if this was Debrauwer's way of avoiding the sentimental, so much the better. Witty and touching in equal measure, this is a film to savour. On the DVD: Pauline & Paulette has a 1.85:1 widescreen picture format that captures the flowers and clothing of Paulette's shop with gorgeous realism. There are subtitles in five languages. The original trailer is included, and there's an insightful running commentary from Debrauwer. --Richard Whitehouse
Dozens of hard-core live performances simultaneously performed at New York's Apollo Theatre and The Palace in Los Angeles. Old school and new school come together in this historic event featuring over 20 of the original artists who put hip-hop and rap on the map. If you missed it live here's your chance to own a piece of rap history and see the greatest rap and hip-hop artists up-close and personal.
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