DVD Sunday

When anything more strenous than getting up to go to the loo is nigh impossible, there's only one thing to do:

Get in as much visual stimulation you can (and no, I can't bear looking at porn when my stomach's like this). So in the spirit of sharing and tummy aches, I present to you not one but three mini DVD reviews, just to show you how much of a couch potato I've been today.

Spartan
This little gem of a thriller may be one of the best movies of 2004 that no one will ever see. Starring Val Kilmer and William Macy (!!) among others, this political-espionage thriller tells the story of a kidnapped girl whose existence possibly threatens the whole US government. I wish I could tell you more, but that would spoil the whole thing. Written and directed by playwright turned director David Mamet, this movie drew me in with numerous red herrings, good acting all around and a generally intense atmosphere. Very nice.

Bubba Ho-Tep
I'd been waiting for ages for this, and it's finally paid off. Bruce "Evil Dead" Campbell stars as Elvis, who gives up his life of fame by switching places with an Elvis impersonator. Growing old in an East Texas rest home, he befriends Jack (Ossie Davis) who believes he's the real president Kennedy (albeit with his brain removed) and discovers that their neigbours are being killed slowly by an Egyptian mummy wearing cowboy boots! An excellent script followed by amazing performances by Campbell and Davis (one of the best Elvis performances I've ever seen) make this one in the running for instant cult status. Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like something out of the ordinary and brutally honest about growing old, I'd seriously give this one a check.

Aswang
Tagalog for vampire, I'd watched this roughly 10 years ago without ever knowing its real title. Thanks to the magic of DVD, it's finally available to the public. Telling the story of a woman who signs her baby away to a wealthy family on to discover they may not be who they seem (how's that for a typical movie blurb) this is indie film-making at its rawest. There's some interesting use of gore, and the acting is typically what you'd expect, but all in all it makes for an interesting viewing. Rounding out the experience are interviews with the filmakers and actors as well as actual audition tapes and fundraising trailers. Nice one.

So there you have it. Proof that Sundays can be spent doing better things than watching DVDs. Kids, don't be like me. Get a life.