Michael Smith Movies
A typical roundtable discussion about the biggest sci-fi franchise in feature film history devolves into an intense and increasingly personal debate about such hotly contested topics as Christian fundamentalism and the War in Iraq when a group of outspoken Star Wars fans are invited to speak their minds in a forum where no topic is off-limits. On the opening day of Revenge of the Sith, eight audience members are invited to take part in a roundtable discussion concerning the entire Star Wars saga. While the primary topic of debate will be the sprawling futuristic universe dreamt up by George Lucas, no topic is taboo and everyone is instructed to speak their minds no matter how controversial the thought may be. As the discussion gets underway and tempers begin to flare, it becomes immediately obvious that no two members of the group share the same opinion about the film. But the divisions run far deeper than that, and it isn't long before tempers flare and one man proves incapable of containing his rage. Later, after order has been restored and everyone has settled calmly back into their seats, the topic drifts back to Star Wars and all eight participants realize that their simple discussion about the movies has suddenly taken on a life all its own. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carol DeSalles, Dan Heinrich, (more)
A serial killer with a sickening knack for showmanship and a keen sense of technological know-how sets up a graphic website to taunt the FBI and display his gruesome handiwork in this dark thriller directed by Gregory Hoblit (Primal Fear and Frequency) and starring Diane Lane. As a cybercimes investigator on the frontline of the war against virtual criminals, Special Agent Jennifer Marsh (Lane) thought she had seen it all. She realizes just how wrong she is, however, when she learns of a technologically advanced psychopath who has set up the world's first-ever snuff website. Audience participation is key on the ingenious killer's website, because the more hits his page gets the quicker he is to dispatch his victims. But how does one catch a killer who has covered their cyber-tracks with the web-savvy skills of a world-class hacker? Now, as the hunt becomes personal, Marsh vows to use every resource at her disposal in order to catch the killer before he logs on for another round of cyber slaughter. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diane Lane, Billy Burke, (more)
