New on DVD
New on DVD
District 9
Rated R for bloody violence and pervasive language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Creativity abounds in this independent sci-fi flick from producer Peter Jackson and director Neill Blomkamp. In Johannesburg, South Africa, a space ship has parked itself above the city and the aliens inside are put into a giant slum to both house them and contain them. When their numbers start to become too many, the humans attempt to move them out to a camp further away, but things go terribly wrong during the eviction and the events are catastrophic. This is just a wonderful film that starts out like a documentary and converts to a thrilling sci-fi action pic. It's a little bloody for some folks, but it's also a lot of fun. The special features include a look at how low budget this film started out and what happens when someone like Peter Jackson gets in your corner. If you missed it in theaters, get ready for an innovative and entertaining film. A
9
Rated PG-13 for violence and scary images
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Don't confuse 9 with District 9 by any means (or Nine the musical for that matter). 9 is a dark, animated tale about a world where humans have been killed by machines and a group of nine creatures created by a scientist come together to put an end to the machine's evil ways. I have to admit that it is an interesting film to look at, but I had a tough time understanding or making any sense of any of it. Truly all style and little substance, 9 will leave you scratching your head. C
It Might Get Loud
Rated PG for mild thematic elements, brief language and smoking
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
In this documentary, three generations of superstar guitarists, Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White discuss their influences and jam out while bringing together the similarities and differences of the styles of over 30 years of rock and roll. As much as I love music, I honestly don't feel as committed as I think I would need to be to fully appreciate a movie such as this. I loved the music, but not this much. I can definitely see how a true rock aficianado will cherish this little indie. B-
The Other Man
Rated R for some sexuality/nudity and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Liam Neeson is married to Laura Linney, a woman that seems unsatisfied in her marriage. When he gets into her computer, he discovers that she's been having an affair with Antonio Banderas and he sets off to confront him. What starts off like a cheating spouse flick with a very talented cast turns quickly into a very strange, twisty pic. But not twisty in a good way, like Ed Norton is really Brad Pitt or Bruce Willis is really a ghost. In those tales the hero is in it with the audience and discovers the truth at the same time. Here, the writer just left out a big chunk of the middle of the story and figured that it would be a surprise at the end. It is not only irritating, but bad filmmaking. So good cast, good writer/director, and no one to tell them bad idea. C-
The Mel Brooks Collection
Available on Blu-ray
Need a last-minute Christmas present for that hard to buy for guy in your life. Well let me tell you - there are few fellows that wouldn't love this magnificent blu-ray set of Mel Brooks best films including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, History of the World - Part 1, Spaceballs, Robin Hood: Men in Tights and more. Also included is a 120 hardcover book, "It's Good to be the King!" which is only available in the set. Top that off with 6 all new featurettes, 4 new trivia tracks, and more, and you will put a smile on any gent's face. A+
Comments