New Line Cinema's DVD of Wag the Dog could possibly be the most cerebral DVD ever produced. The digital transfer is good, the film presented in either 1.85:1 widescreen or full frame. The commentary track features director Barry Levinson and actor Dustin Hoffman, although the two were recorded separately and edited together. Levinson's commentary is dry and very matter of fact, but it is worth it to hear a great actor like Hoffman frankly discussing his craft. Few will have the patience to read the essay "The Line Between Truth and Fiction," presented in chapters from the bonus materials menu. "From Washington to Hollywood and Back" is an incredibly informed documentary on the history of journalism, politics, and entertainment, and features interviews with Levinson, John Frankenheimer, Dee Dee Myers, Tom Brokaw, and others, while including some candid footage from a documentary about the 1992 presidential election. Finally, the disc features a short segment with actor William H. Macy discussing the genius of writer David Mamet that will probably only appeal to fans of the writer's work. Wag the Dog is a stunningly frank and informed platinum edition DVD from New Line, another reminder of what the format is capable of at its best.
This movie should scare the naive into researching political think tanks and absolute political reality. If it weren't so real it would have been extremely funny, but still excellent and well worth watching.
I think that I expected the same type of plot as in Hoodwinked, with everyone presenting the truth as they saw it and the whole truth eluded until all the parts of the whole came together. There was a real lesson to be learned from Hoodwinked but the sequel wasn't what I expected. I can't say it was bad, just not the movie I thought it would be when I read the description.
Up in Smoke has been around for a long time and is still funny. If you are opposed to partying you should not watch this with you children, otherwise, watch it and laugh like you did the first time you saw the tutu hit the stage!
I bought this movie because of the cast; I had no idea of how the plot would unfold. I liked the story and its expression of worth at any age. I was especially struck by one line, how the hotel was necessary because countries like the U.S. outsourced the care of their elders. In a very calm way the plot slapped the face of those who throw away their older relatives as if they reach a certain age and become worthless. This movie could have become a heavy drama however, the script kept it on the lighter side, and the cast created very realistic characters who brought life to the darker moments.
I bought this movie out of protest because it was pulled from the theaters but it was worth the price of the DVD. It was funny and dumb and exactly what I expected from the cast and subject matter. It was meant as a comedy, not a documentary so don't expect an accurate overview of life in North Korea. Instead, think of it as any other dark comedy that bashes a bad guy while making sure good prevails. It was dirty, raunchy, funny, stupid, sometimes a bit sad and at times, puppy cute! Watch it with a drink or two and some snacks and enjoy it for what it is, a comedy.