New in Home Entertainment
January 19, 2016
Straight Outta Compton
Rated R for language throughout, strong sexuality/nudity, violence, and drug use
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Biopics can be very hit and miss but this critically acclaimed story about the rap group NWA found a way to not only tell one of the pivotal stories of rap music, but managed to do so in a way that has the power to change the perspectives of its audience. I remember the first time I heard the song “*%^& the Police” when it was first released, and honestly I was truly offended and wondered how this kind of anti-American rhetoric could even be allowed. But then came video cameras on cell phones, recording the very acts that have been perpetrated on many black communities throughout the country and honestly, I look at the same song as an honest and powerful protest against an unjust system that at times treats minorities as sub-human. This film brings much to light that needs to be seen and in the end gives you an understanding why this band is worthy of such a well-told biographical offering. A-
The Intern
Rated PG-13 for some suggestive content and brief strong language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 60%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Anne Hathaway here plays a young woman whose internet company decides to hire local retirees in an attempt to connect with the older community. In the process, retired widower Robert DeNiro ends up with the coveted job of being Hathaway’s right-hand man. What looks on the outside like a predictable and over-sentimental attempt at sweet comedy proves to be much more thought-provoking and enjoyable than I thought possible going in. That being said, the ending makes the strong female CEO look weak as she deals with her relationship with her husband. At least her relationship with De Niro is endearing and authentic throughout. B-
Everest
Rated PG-13 for intense peril and disturbing images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%
Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D
This underrated adventure tells the true story of a group of mountain climbers who try to conquer the tallest peak in the world under the worst conditions they could imagine and unspeakable tragedy. Beautifully filmed, the movie helps you understand what it is like to take on such an adventure while at the same time removing any desire to do so in real life. It’s a challenging film that goes against convention as most of it relies on man vs nature rather than forced internal struggles to bring about tension within the script. B+
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Rated R for strong sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity, drug use, language and drinking – all involving teens
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Taking place in the early 1970’s in San Francisco, this coming of age tale follows a young girl who explores her sexuality by sleeping with her mother’s boyfriend while documenting her various exploits on her tape recorder. The frank sexuality will be very upsetting for some audiences, but personally I found it to be a very interesting story full of brave performances by some pretty terrific actors. B
Inside Llewyn Davis: The Criterion Collection
Rated R for language including some sexual references
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
The folks at Criterion picked the perfect time to re-release this 2013 Cohen Brothers musical about a young folk singer who tries to make it while struggling with personal relationships and a quest for a missing cat. I say perfect timing since it stars Star Wars Episode 7’s Oscar Isaac as the lead and Adam Driver as a fellow musician who offers him a couch to sleep on during his journey. Yes it’s an artsy, eclectic picture but between the amazing music and Isaac’s tremendous display of vulnerability, the film will seem magical to the right viewer. A