New in Home Entertainment
June 18, 2013
Jack the Giant Slayer
Rated PG-13 for intense scenes of fantasy action violence, some frightening images and brief language
Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D
The story of Jack and the Beanstalk is taken to the extreme with this version where Jack and the king’s men go after the princess when she is taken by giants. This film’s relative lack of success can be blamed primarily on poor weekend placement. Opening just one weekend before Oz the Great and Powerful, it seemed like Warner Brothers was trying to play chicken with the wizard and lost in grand fashion. Now its being released on DVD one week after Oz where it might gain a few viewers but will no doubt lose again. All that being said, Jack is a better film. It is cleverly written and the pacing is terrific thanks to X-Men director Bryan Singer. And even though the cast is relatively unknown, aside from Ewan McGregor and Stanley Tucci, the acting is just perfect for a film such as this. It’s fun, witty and entertaining, however it might be a bit dark for the youngins. B+
Quartet
Rated PG-13 for strong language and suggestive humor
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
In a home for retired musicians, an annual concert sees a distraction from a new diva that has just moved into the facility. While the plot isn’t the best and is fairly predictable, the performances by the classically aged cast are terrific and make the film very much worth the watch. In his directorial debut, Dustin Hoffman proves he has the chops for bigger projects and the music, both the performances from the folks in the home and the lovely score by one of my favorite composers, Dario Marianelli (Pride & Prejudice), add a lovely touch to an adorable film. B+
Killing Lincoln
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
From the National Geographic Channel and based on the book by Bill O’Reilly comes this documentary about the death of one of our most beloved presidents. Narrated by Tom Hanks and told more like a reenactment than an actual narrative, the film does a good enough job in helping you understand the events but does a poor job in doing much else. Robert Redford’s 2010 film The Conspirator serves as a much better representation of the story but those looking for merely a history lesson might enjoy tuning into this new version. C+
Workaholics: Season Three
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Comedy Central has had some very good and extremely bad sitcoms throughout the years and while it pains me to say it, this comedy about three twenty-somethings starting out in the workplace really makes me laugh. Yes its over the top, and gets more so by the season, but the majority of the jokes hit, largely due to the talented trio that head up the show. And while I know its inevitable, I hope these guys can keep from growing up. B