Twenty years ago, Able Edwards would have been heralded as a masterful work of genius, well ahead of its time, and possibly even a critical rival to the likes of Citizen Kane. In this day and age, the film is still all those things, but it's a sad fact that it will be relegated to a DVD release that few will see. This needs to be rectified. Able Edwards is the black-and- white story of a 23rd-century clone of a Walt Disney- esque mid-20th-century genius. It chronicles the clone's rise and fall, all while trying to live in the shadow of who his creators are trying to shape him to be. Powerful, emotional and just visually breathtaking, Able Edwards is, without hyperbole, a revolutionary masterpiece. Louis Fowler
click to enlarge
Hellboy Animated: Blood & Iron (NR)
Anchor Bay Entertainment
How can you not love Hellboy? The supernatural- hunting, wise-cracking demon-spawn was first a cult hit in the comics, and then mainstream audiences became better acquainted with the Guillermo del Toro live-action flick a few years ago. Until the sequel is released, fans will have these animated films, which are set in the film world and even use the voices of the film franchise's actors. This time, the gang faces a Countess Bathory- type vampire that has designs on resurrecting an ancient demoness named Hecate. And Hellboy gets slammed into a lot of walls, which is always entertaining. Blood and Iron perfectly captures the feel, tone and fun of the film (and the comics), while still working on its own level. Louis Fowler
click to enlarge
Summer School: Life's a Beach Edition (PG-13)
Paramount
It's hard to believe there was a time when everyone in America loved Mark Harmon. He was once voted America's Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine! All we recall about his career is the wacky comedy Summer School, which, surprisingly, still holds up today. Harmon plays the "cool" teacher who likes to party, surf and flirt. Too bad he's gotta teach summer school this year dude, his summer's gonna be totally ruined! Or so you think. He brings a non-linear teaching style to the classroom and, for awhile, hijinks ensue. Eventually, with the help of a then-hot Kirstie Alley, he learns responsibility and finds a deep love for teaching. Then the students pass a test and give him a hug. Louis Fowler
