By Diana Srougi
MONTREAL (RushPRNews) 01/03/09– 2008 is now over, and the year’s very last films have just been released on DVD. This week we look at comedies, intended or not.
The Duchess No Curstey For That One
“The Duchess”, directed by Saul Dibb, is  a historical drama with little originality. The storyline about royalty and affairs has been told many times before much more successfully, even though it redeems itself by presenting the tale of a worthy but little known female character. Keira Knightley,  who interprets 18th century’s Duchess of Devonshire is poorly cast in the role or maybe just poorly directed, but she does succeed in emoting truthfully. Although the scenario is rather plain, the exquisite costumes and photography are stunning.
Release date USA: December 27th 2008
Distributor: Paramount Vantage
Rating: 7.1/10
Towelhead: Nothing Is Private
“Towelhead”, written and directed by Alan Ball, with actors Aaron Eckhart and Toni Collette giving strong performances . With a plot that makes no sense and poorly-developped characters with extreme mood swings, it is hard to believe in any of it. The storyline is an awkward exaggeration of racism, closed-mindedness and early sexual awakening in a Texan-suburb . Although the themes explored are interesting, its approach is problematic.
Release date USA: December 30th 2008
Distributor: Warner Independent Pictures (WIP)
Rating: 7.4/10
Ghost Town: A Lesson About Life and Death
“Ghost Town” is a funny, romantic and entertaining feel-good movie, with a cynical beginning. Actors Greg Kinnear, Ricky Gervais and Téa Leoni all give excellent performances in this humorous film about ghost sightings written and directed by David Koepp. “Ghost Town”‘ is a tale of moralities well-worth viewing.
Release date USA: December 27th 2008
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Rating: 7.3/10