New on DVD
Tell No One
Not Rated but intended for ages 17+
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
French language with English subtitles (contains English-dubbed version as well)
This French thriller, based on the novel by Harlan Coben, tells the story of a Pediatrician that is haunted by the death of his wife. Eight years after the murder, however, he discovers that she might still be alive. This is a twisty, fast-paced pic that even for all its clues, you still won’t be able to figure things out. I loved everything about this film. The directing is first-rate and the acting is award-worthy. And even though the story is a bit trippy, it was my one of my favorites of last year. While Slumdog will be getting the most attention this week, you owe it to yourself to check out this equally entertaining film. A
Slumdog Millionaire
Rated R for some violence, disturbing images and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
I’m sure that when they picked the DVD release date for this Oscar-winning blockbuster, they didn’t expect it to still be making tons of money at the box office. Sure enough, it will be on DVD this week, while it is still making millions in its theatrical run. For those of you that haven’t seen or heard about this film, Slumdog follows Jamal, a young man from Mumbai that makes it to the final question on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. While he doesn’t know much, it just so happens that every question asked tells a relevant part of his life’s story, which we get to watch unfold over two hours. It really is everything people say it is, and it deserves all of the attention it has gotten over the awards season. A+
Marley and Me
Rated PG for thematic material, some suggestive content and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
When Jennifer Grogan (Jennifer Anniston) wants a baby, her husband John (Owen Wilson) gets her a puppy instead, hoping that this might curb her maternal appetite for at least a few years. This movie tells the life-story of a dog, Marley, and the lasting effect he had on his family. You can’t tell, but I am tearing up just writing this. Yes I’m a dog person. I married a Vet, so we are both dog people. The theater I saw this film in was hard to hear the movie at times due to the sniffles. There were people audibly sobbing. This is a well-made film and the best performance to date by Owen Wilson. Once you get past all the comedic trailer moments, you find a painfully honest film that will stay with you forever, if you should be fond of man’s best friend. A-
Seven Pounds
Rated PG for thematic material, some disturbing content and a scene of sensuality
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Will Smith stars in this film about an IRS agent that takes a special interest in the lives of seven strangers. That’s all I can tell you without giving too much away. Sure there is a twist here that you can figure out fairly early in the film, but that doesn’t make it any less poignant. It’s not entertaining in the least, but it does provide food for thought. Will Smith and the rest of the experienced cast turn in solid performances, although the directing could have used a pick-me-up at times. B
Vampire Secrets
Unrated
Available on DVD
With the onslaught of Vampire flicks lately, the History Channel decided to try to uncover the source of all of the vampire legends in this television special. I was very surprised to hear that Vlad Dracul was not where the legends started, bur rather with some other true tales that will bring you chills. As usual, the reenactments are pretty lame, but the stories are nevertheless spine-tingling. B-
The IT Crowd
Unrated – made for television
Available on DVD
From the creator of BBC’s Father Ted comes this over-the-top, yet very funny comedy about a women put in charge of a corporation’s IT department that doesn’t even know how to turn on a computer. British comedy is not for everyone, but I find the subject matter scarily relevant and extremely witty, in spite of it apparently trying not to be. B+