DVD Round-Up: ‘Casino Jack and the United States of Money,’ ‘Under Still Waters’

CHICAGO – The DVD Round-Up has gone silent for a few weeks on summer vacation but as more and more interesting titles threaten to fall through the cracks, it returns with three art films that are definitely worth a look. Don’t worry. Summer vacation hasn’t made the Round-Up arthouse-only, but it’s nice to comeback a little smarter-looking than when we left.

“Casino Jack and the United States of Money,” “Looking For Eric,” and “Under Still Waters” were all released on September 14th, 2010.

“Casino Jack and the United States of Money”

Photo credit: Magnolia

Synopsis: “The portrait of Washington super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, from his early years as a gung-ho member of the GOP political machine to his final reckoning as a disgraced, imprisoned pariah, confirms the adage that truth is indeed stranger than fiction. A tale of international intrigue involving casinos, spies, sweatshops and mob-style killings, this is a story of the way money corrupts our political process. Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney illuminates the way politicians’ desperate need to get elected — and the millions of dollars it costs — may be undermining the basic principles of American democracy. Infuriating, yet undeniably eye-opening and entertaining, Casino Jack is a saga of greed and corruption with a cynical villain audiences will love to hate.”

“Casino Jack and the United States of Money” was written and directed by Alex Gibney. It is rated R and runs 118 minutes. The film is presented in widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio track.

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Extended Interviews
o New York Premiere Q&A
o A Conversation with Alex Gibney
o Webisodes
o “I’m Just a Bill”
o Lobbying 101
o Commentary with Director Alex Gibney

“Looking For Eric”

Photo credit: IFC Films

Synopsis: “In the tradition of feel-good comedies like The Full Monty and Waking Ned Devine comes Looking For Eric, the movie by Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes The Barley, Sweet Sixteen) that premiered to laughter and applause at the Cannes Film Festival. Imagine if a boxing fan had Muhammad Ali suddenly pop into his home to offer sage advice about life. Or a baseball fan had Mickey Mantle raising a glass of beer and giving him pointers on the ladies. That’s what it’s like for British soccer fanatic Eric Bishop after one of the greatest players of all time - Eric Cantona, the legendary player for Manchester United - magically appears to give the down-on-his-luck man a hand with raising his kids and wooing back his ex-wife. When the menace of crime threatens Eric’s home, Cantona’s advice finally gets him to reach out to his friends that have always been ready to help via a con-job climax that’s as effective as it is silly.”

“Looking For Eric” was written by Paul Laverty and directed by Ken Loach. It is not rated and runs 117 minutes. The film is presented in widescreen and accompanied by an English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio track.

Special Features:
o Bonus Material
o Trailer
o TV Spot
o Deleted Scenes

“Under Still Waters”

Photo credit: IFC Films

Synopsis: “A weekend at a country home is the perfect chance for young married couple Andrew and Charlie to patch up their differences. But a near-collision with stranded motorcycle rider Jacob throws a curve into those plans. Three is not just a crowd. In the middle of nowhere, it’s dangerous. Especially when Andrew can’t understand why his wife seems so smitten with Jacob or why the stranger is carrying a gun. A friendly gesture leads to a tense showdown in writer-director Carolyn Miller’s thrill ride featuring fresh performances by rising stars Jason Clarke (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps), Clifton Collins Jr. (Star Trek) and the striking Lake Bell (It’s Complicated, Shrek Forever After).”

“Under Still Waters” stars Lake Bell, Clifton Collins Jr., and Jason Clarke and was written and directed by Carolyn Miller. It is not rated and runs 88 minutes. The film is presented in widescreen and accompanied by an English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio track.

Special Features:
o Trailer

[14]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [15] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [14]