New in Home Entertainment
June 28, 2016
Eye in the Sky
Rated R for violent images and language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
We hear a lot about drone warfare nowadays, but have very little narrative in regards to the stories behind the attacks. In this fictional but all-too-real story, Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman and Aaron Paul must decide whether or not to fire a hellfire missile when a terrorist cell in Africa is identified and proof is given that a suicide attack is imminent. Complicating the matter is a little girl selling bread just outside their house. Do they attack knowing they will kill the girl, or do they wait, which could possibly end the lives of dozens of people in a short while? The film takes place in real-time and the drama is riveting. It is not only an engaging motion picture but a great starter of conversations as well for those who have seen it. There is an authenticity here that allows the viewer to take either side of the argument and then question their decision in the end. A-
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content, drugs use and violent war images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Based on the memoir from the real-life reporter who spent five years in Afghanistan and Pakistan from 2004-2009, WTF stars Tina Fey as Kim Baker, a fish-out-of-water journalist sent to one of the most dangerous parts of the world to cover a chaotic war. You can tell that the filmmakers here were going for a modern-day Good Morning Vietnam and they were almost successful. The drama is real and there is a constant sense of danger, but the comedy only works to give relief from the tragedy. I did appreciate the production however and its authentic feel. We really don’t get a good sense of what it would be like to work a job like Baker’s and this film gives a great account to that experience. B
Kung Fu Panda 3
Rated PG for martial arts action and some mild rude humor
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D
This third installment of the popular Kung Fu Panda has Po reuniting with his actual father and moving to the secret panda village to prepare them to battle a new and imposing force. While Jack Black is still entertaining, the storytelling feels tired and much of the plot is nonsensical. Still, there are some absolutely beautiful animated sequences, including the weird final battle, which are truly impressive. There’s very little here for adults to enjoy but the kids should eat it up. B-
Dr. Strangelove: The Criterion Collection
Rated PG
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 cold war masterpiece is given the Criterion treatment in this newly restored 4K digital transfer. Being that this title has seen a number of blu-ray releases over the years, the question most will ask is “should I buy it again?” If you are a huge fan and can’t wait to devour any and all things new about the film, then you might appreciate the new interviews. There are also a huge amount of special features from previous releases. I tried watching the new version against my old blu-ray and I couldn’t tell a noticeable difference, but I’m sure that there are those out there who will claim to see a huge improvement. Overall, its still a great film worth revisiting every couple of years, with a performance from Peter Sellers that is among the best in Hollywood history. A+