New in Home Entertainment
December 9, 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language
Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D
This summer was a bit of a disappointment until this unexpected gem of a sci-fi/superhero film popped out its head. Taken from the pages of a relatively little-known Marvel comic, Guardians tells the genesis story of how a rag-tag group of galactic misfits join together to, well, guard the galaxy. Chris Pratt plays the leader of the gang Peter Quill, who wishes to be known as Starlord, and together with a green princess named Gamora (Zoe Saldana), muscle-bound brute Drax (Dave Bautista), a talking raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and a walking tree (Vin Diesel), surprised the planet as it has become one of the biggest moneymakers in recent years. While it is most definitely an epic science fiction film, what wins audiences over is the playfulness it exudes. While it starts out a bit on the sad side, it lets on immediately that we are here to have fun and it is truly one of the best times I have had in a theater all year. A
Dolphin Tale 2
Rated PG for some mild thematic elements
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
In this second installment of the Dolphin Tale saga, Winter, the dolphin who lost her tail, has lost her tank partner due to old age and is now depressed and in need of a new pool mate. Compared to the first film, this one is far cheesier, but it still manages to throw in a decent amount of magic as well. Honestly, I’m glad they are making these films, even if the quality of the writing and acting isn’t always up to snuff. To have positive live-action family films again is a good thing to add to the mix, considering the large amount of family-unfriendly films we see too much of in theaters. This is a decent enough film to entertain adults while at the same time inspiring children. B
Frank
Rated R for language and some sexual content
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Let me tell you upfront – Frank is weird. Really weird. Frank tells the story of an eclectic alt band led by Frank (Michael Fassbender), a man who goes through life wearing a giant mask like you might see at a creepy amusement park. Told through the eyes of a new bandmate (played by Domhnall Gleeson) who quits his day job to play keyboards for the band, the story meanders through rehearsals to recordings to performances culminating in a crazy pinnacle at SXSW in Austin, TX. While it might seem like experimental filmmaking, and it kind of is, it also turns out to be a fascinating fantasy about mental illness, creativity and art. Let me reiterate, Frank is very weird, but it is definitely never boring and most thoroughly interesting. B+
The Jeffersons: The Complete Series
Available on DVD
Finally getting a nice DVD release is this classic television show that ran from 1975-1985 about a black couple who upon starting a successful business, move into a fancy white apartment in New York City. For much of white America, and I’m included in this group, this was a first exposure to modern black culture. Looking back it at now, it is relevant and still very funny. I’ll admit, I only made a small dent in the 74 hours of content on the 33 DVDs, but I am looking forward to enjoying more over the holidays. A-