New in Home Entertainment
March 13, 2012
The Adventures of Tintin
Rated PG for adventure action violence, some drunkenness and brief smoking
Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D
Spielberg’s first feature-length animated film follows the adventures of a young detective who is incredibly well-known in Europe but relatively unknown in the States. Needless to say, a little character development would have gone a long way here as we try to get to know the hero attempting to discover the secret of a ship called “The Unicorn.” But if you can get past this lack of a normal story-telling device, the film is full of adrenaline and is absolutely beautiful to boot. Should it have been nominated for an Oscar this year in the animated category? Absolutely. Especially since it is a far superior film to Kung Fu Panda 2 and Puss in Boots. But at least it was recognized for the outstanding score by John Williams. B+
The Three Musketeers
Rated PG-13 for sequences of adventure action violence
Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D
All it takes is one look at the leading actor’s ridiculous hair worn by the young actor Logan Leman (Percy Jackson) to come to the realization that this film is not a well-thought-out creation. Taking the original book by Alexandre Dumas and turning it into a big special effects extravaganza is an interesting concept but ultimately fails under the heavy hands of director Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil). While the production is itself (aside from Leman’s hair) is lush and lovely, the dialog is horrific and the actors look tired rather than lively and charismatic. This project is ultimately a huge waste of a talented cast and a timeless tale. D+
Melancholia
Rated R for some graphic nudity, sexual content and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
After hearing the seemingly unbelievable news that Kirsten Dunst (Spiderman) had just won best actress at the Cannes Film Festival, I couldn’t wait to see her in Danish director Lars von Trier’s (Dancer in the Dark) latest opus. Set at the end of the world as a mysterious planet comes hurdling towards the Earth, two sisters, played by Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg, find themselves struggling in their relationship and their impending doom. I have to admit that I haven’t completely wrapped my head around this one yet. This an extremely complex and ambitious film that will require multiple visits, much thought, and probably some outside reading to fully appreciate. That being said, I thought the production was stunning (and cheated out of an art design Oscar nom this year) and the acting powerful, although a bit melodramatic. If you are into challenging films, this should be right up your alley. A-
Jack and Jill
Rated PG for crude material including suggestive references, language and comic violence
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
While this is traditionally the exact kind of film that ends up being on every critic’s worst film of the year list and an obvious Razzie candidate, I found this Adam Sandler pic to be rather interesting. After all, this film about fighting male and female twins (both played by Sandler) is exactly the kind of film Sandler made fun of himself for in his last serious role in Funny People. Between Funny People and the truly excellent Punch Drunk Love, Sandler has proven he has chops but these crappy little films he makes are geared by the studios to steal money from who they consider to be their large and unsophisticated audience. It’s pandering at its very worst, which while I can’t claim it possesses any sort of merit, I find myself fascinated by the sheer audacity of the lack of respect for the movie-going public. C+
Tennessee Tuxedo: The Complete Collection
Available on DVD
The classic 1960’s television toon featuring Don Adams as the voice of penguin Tennessee Tuxedo who wanders the zoo with his walrus pal Chumley, getting into all kinds of trouble, all the while educating the audience and making them laugh. This new set, released by Shout Factory, features all 70 original episodes plus loads of extras. A-