Category: DVD Review

New in Home Entertainment

April 20, 2015

Escape from New York
Rated R
Available on Blu-ray
Unbeknownst to my mother, Escape from New York was the first Rated R film I ever saw. Back when VHS was a new technology, my friend invited me over to watch this ultra-cheesy B movie about a rogue criminal named Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) who is tasked with rescuing the President of the United States after his plane crashes in New York City, which is now a maximum security prison. Now, almost 35 years after its theatrical release, Escape has a new 2k restoration and the violent cheese nearly melts off of the screen. Sure it’s not a great movie. The acting is bad (even with a stellar cast) and the story is littered with cliches and plot holes. But it is still a fun movie to watch regardless. You get over the nostalgia quickly and move on to a movie whose influence is still seen today. B+

Sullivan’s Travels: The Criterion Collection
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
I love it when I discover old classics that I should have watched and just never knew I needed to. Sullivan’s Travels is such a film. Preston Sturges’s 1941 classic stars Joel McCrea as a big Hollywood director whose desire to make the social drama “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” drives him to want to live on the streets with the poor of society, just to really feel their struggle. Of course he does it in his own wealthy way, making the comedy really come to life. This new digital restoration gives the 74-year-old film a beautifully crisp look and the tale is as relevant now as it was back in the day. In fact, it might be even more relevant as we haven’t really learned from our history and are still reenacting it today. A+

Antarctica: A Year on Ice
Rated PG for mild thematic elements and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Documentarian Anthony Powell spends a year filming in Antarctica in order to show what it’s like for the souls that brave it out down near the South Pole. I can’t say I’ve ever had a desire to visit the southernmost continent, but that being said, I found this documentary to be both interesting in subject and stunning to look at. Using interviews along with tons of indoor and outdoor photography, you get a real sense of what you would expect if you were to ever make the decision to join the handful of people who live there. What the film doesn’t do is explain why you would want to make such a decision. Personally, I got the sense that to make such a commitment requires not a sense of adventure, but rather a slight absence of mental health. B

New in Home Entertainment

April 7, 2015

Wild
Rated R for sexual content, nudity, drug use, and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Reese Witherspoon stars in this true story about a young woman who sets off on a solo trek across the more than a thousand miles along the Pacific Crest Trail in order to leave behind her regretful past and hopefully point herself to a better future. There’s no doubt that there is a good movie here, but so much of this film is difficult to watch. I’m not a big fan of being witness to such a huge self destruction, even if it does come with a rejuvenation, but Reese does as good a job as she possibly can to tell this story. A lot of people found inspiration in the best-selling book written by Cheryl Strayed, and subsequently in her portrayal on the big screen. And while I think the performance is fantastic and even the production is solid, it’s just not my ideal way to spend two hours. B-

A Most Violent Year
Rated R for language and some violence
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
A Most Violent Year tells the story of an owner of a successful oil-delivery service in 1980’s New York City who desires nothing more than to achieve success without resorting to the violence and corruption that plagues his industry. The most interesting thing about the film is that it fights the urge to become a gangster film. It sells itself as a violent crime drama, but it is only subtly so. While this allows for storytelling that doesn’t resort to cliche, it also disappoints at times because of this. Still, the drama is interesting and performances are strong, so it’s not a complete wash. B-

 

New in Home Entertainment

March 31, 2015

Song of the Sea
Rated PG
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
If you are still scratching your head at the Oscar snub for The Lego Movie and wondering what else could have been so much better than the brick hit, feast your eyes on Song of the Sea. This Irish import from Secret of the Kells director Tomm Moore tells the story of a young boy who must guide his sister on her journey to rescue a world of fairies from their stone imprisonment. Not only is the story richly told, it is stunningly beautiful to look at. Every frame is truly a work of art. Even my four-year-old was mesmerized throughout every moment of the film as both of us couldn’t take our eyes off of the screen. One word of advice before you watch – wiki the word selkie. The film is based on Irish folklore that I had not heard of before and the story makes so much more sense once you have a little background. A

Interstellar
Rated PG-13 for some intense perilous action and brief strong language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Science Fiction has always tried to push the limits of our existence and show us a place where we could be going, but rarely do films take us on more than a roller coaster thrill ride. Not since Minority Report have I seen a more ambitious sci-fi epic that both excites and melts the mind. In Interstellar, Matthew McConaughey is a former astronaut who is forced to become a farmer when the planet starts to die and farming becomes a necessity for most humans. But when a strange force leads him to a secret NASA base, he is convinced to fly another mission in the hopes of discovering a habitable planet that could save human existence. At almost 3 hours, this is one of the rare films that could be longer without many complaints from its audience. What makes this a truly special sci-fi film is that the amazing special effects only exist in order to serve the story, not distract from it. Director Christopher Nolan went out of his way to make sure the science behind the story was well-researched and yet presented in a way that most audiences could grasp, even if loosely. And while the ending still doesn’t make complete sense to me, I love that I want it to, and will keep revisiting until it does. A-
Song One
Rated PG-13 for a scene of sexuality, and brief language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Anne Hathaway stars in this low-budget indie about a young woman who comes home to help out with her brother, who is in a coma after an accident, only to fall in love with the musician he was obsessed with before the coma. Just like the recent releases Rudderless and Begin Again, Song One attempts to recapture the magic from the film Once by presenting its story as a modern-day musical where song comes organically rather than the actors simply breaking into tune. It’s a sweet enough love story but the music isn’t captivating enough, leaving a rather flat feeling throughout. C+

Veep: The Complete Third Season
Rated TV-MA
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
This comedic companion to House of Cards (no they’re not related but they’re so much fun to watch in tandem) stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the disrespected Vice President of the United States as she attempts to run for President. The laughs are virtually non-stop and delivered from a superb cast of talented actors. And since the show is on HBO, it has the ability to possess a scary realism that could not be reproduced by the major networks. I cannot wait for April 12 when HBO brings us the new seasons of Game of Thrones and Veep back to back. A-

New in Home Entertainment

March 24, 2015

Into the Woods
Rated PG for thematic elements, fantasy action and peril, and some suggestive material
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
This last Christmas, Walt Disney bravely took on Stephen Sondheim’s classic broadway musical that mixes up several fairy tales, such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and many others, while at the same time exploring the blessings and dangers of leaving one’s comfort zone. The impressive cast, including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, Anna Kendrick and Johnny Depp, all deliver surprisingly exceptional performances. The production itself is also a grand experience with lush visuals and an amazing score. Still, the movie could have been better. I was okay with Disney Disneyfying the movie into a PG version, but it would have been nice if they hadn’t left out my two favorite songs, Agony (Reprise) and No More. B+

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images
Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D
When I first heard Peter Jackson was creating The Hobbit for the big screen, I was elated. Then came the news that it, like Lord of the Rings, would be in three parts. How? Lord of the Rings made sense – it was three books. The Hobbit is only one short novel. But he did it – and to amazing effect. What only constituted a short portion of the novel grew into this gigantic and rich story and a wonderful conclusion to the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. A

Exodus: Gods and Kings
Rated PG-13 for violence including battle sequences and intense images
Available on DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D
Ridley Scott’s epic retelling of the story of Moses was killed by critics and lost money at the box office, but did it deserve this plague? I think hardly. Sure the screenplay was a little too creative in the retelling of the classic story (it’s a stretch to imagine God taking on the image of a child), but the movie is mostly a solid piece of entertainment. Christian Bale is fantastic as Moses and while I would have rather had a more Egyptian Ramses than Joel Edgerton, at least he is a terrific actor. My only qualm with the picture is that it bogs down in parts and could have been better paced. I just hope that the failure of this and the recent Noah at the box office doesn’t mean the temporary end of biblical epics in Hollywood. I think there are many great stories in the Good Book that could use the big budget modern Hollywood touch and I hope that there are still creative executives who still want to make them. B

Gates of Heaven/Vernon, Florida Double Feature: The Criterion Collection
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
I find it amazing that a great documentary can be made about anything and still capture our attention. Here are two cases to prove my point. Legendary documentary filmmaker Errol Morris showcases two such examples in this double feature from Criterion. In Gates of Heaven, Morris looks at a community of pet owners who actually bury their pets in a real cemetery. Then in Vernon, Florida, Morris points his camera towards the strange and eccentric folks that live in this small Southern town, each one weird and yet endearing. Also included is the short film Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe where the famed filmmaker encourages Morris to finish Gates of Heaven with the promise that if he does, he will eat his own shoe. A-

New in Home Entertainment

March 17, 2015

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
Rated PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
This continuation and hopeful end to the Night at the Museum franchise finds night watchmen turned event coordinator Ben Stiller heading to the British Museum in London to uncover why the tablet that brings everything in the museum to life is suddenly losing its power. Honestly, while I hated the first two films in the series, I find myself mellowing my opinion on this third one. Sure the writing suffers as much as the first, but kids seem to really enjoy it and it is a very decent source of family entertainment. I also find it interesting how many big stars pop up. Coming back again are Robin Williams, Owen Wilson and Ricky Gervais. But jumping into the mix are Sir Ben Kingsley and Pitch Perfect’s Rebel Wilson. And even more interesting: they all look like they are having a blast. I just wish I could have had as much fun watching it as they had making it. C

Top Five
Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, crude humor, language throughout and some drug use
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Chris Rock directs, writes and stars in this sobering comedy about a comedian who, after making a series of Martin Lawrence/Tyler Perry-like films, tries to assess his career, life and purpose. One can only assume that this is an extremely close and personal story for Rock, who is usually responsible for broad comedies than intellectually stimulating fare. While the movie does have some very serious and even disturbing moments, it is also incredibly funny at times, and most importantly, the whole project is humble and self-deprecating. While some audiences will find the film rather offensive and a little too real, others like myself will find the brutal honesty a breath of fresh air. B+

Son of a Gun
Rated R for violence, language throughout, some sexuality, nudity and drug use
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
This Australian crime drama follows a young man in prison for a small crime who befriends a notorious criminal played by Ewan McGregor in order to gain protection. Once out, the young ex-con repays his debt to his protector by springing him out of prison and assisting him with a series of high-stakes heists. I’m not sure why this wasn’t a higher profile film as it is a more entertaining thriller than most of the genre we’ve seen in the last year. Although he wasn’t involved, the movie felt more like a Michael Mann film than most of the famed auteur’s offerings in the last decade. It is well-written, well-produced and a real showcase for its talented cast. A-

Pioneer
Rated R for language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
In Norwegian and English with English subtitles
Taking place during the early 80’s Norwegian oil boom, Pioneer tells the story of a tragic diving accident that leaves the survivor alone to investigate how it happened. While the film feels both authentic and relevant, it is also slowly paced and suffers from the weight of its own sense of self-importance. That being said, the acting is solid, especially from its lead, Norwegian actor Aksel Hennie. C+

New in Home Entertainment

March 10, 2015

Believe Me
Rated PG-13 for some language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Upon first seeing the trailer for this Texas-filmed indie I was completely turned off. To me it looked like a film aimed at putting Christianity in the most negative of lights. But I watched it anyway and discovered the most peculiar thing: a Christian film made almost specifically for non-Christians. Believe Me tells the story of a group of friends who decide to form a fake evangelical team in order to embezzle money meant for overseas charities and missions. And while it is most certainly cynical towards some Christians, it is reverent towards Christianity. One of the things I hate most about Christian films, besides the fact that a lot of them stink, is that they are made specifically for their Christian audiences and do little or no good towards people of a differing viewpoint. So to experience a film that lovingly pokes fun of some of the problems I too see in my religion, while not being sacrilegious, is a breath of fresh air. It helps that the film, while exaggerated, feels more authentic than I expected it to be. It also helps that the screenplay is well-written and the cast is as likable as it is capable. I have many friends at church I would never recommend this movie to. But at the same time I have no hesitation suggesting it to anyone who believes as I do that most films in the genre are complete crap. B+

R100
Unrated
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Japanese with English Subtitles
From Drafthouse Films comes this Japanese import about a man who hires a dominatrix agency to surprise him during his days with depraved and unexpected acts of dominance. While the film sells itself as a super-violent and sexual experience, I found it to be neither. I was truly surprised though at how much I laughed throughout – although it does turn truly sick about half way through the movie and completely warped by the end. Aside from a few vile moments, the film is far more entertaining than its American domination counterpart Fifty Shades. B-

The Breakfast Club: 30th Anniversary Edition
Rated R
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Yes its been 30 years since the Brat Pack, made up of the very young versions of Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Rigwald, Anthony Michael Hall and Ally Sheedy, changed our view of school detention. I’m sure director John Hughes didn’t understand the monster he was creating, but there’s no doubt that this was a ground breaking film that launched 5 careers and sold millions of soundtracks. This new edition features a fully restored and digitally remastered presentation that is more beautiful than the day it was released. While I was never a huge fan of the actual movie, I am most definitely appreciative of its impact to moviedom. B

New in Home Entertainment

February 24, 2015

Whiplash
Rated R for strong language including some sexual references
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
So now many of you are saying “did that Farmers Insurance guy just win an Oscar?” The answer is he didn’t just win it – he owned it. His win was one of the most dominant in an actor category that I have ever seen. And deservedly so. Whiplash tells the story of a young and talented drummer (Miles Teller) who is pushed to the point of insanity by his jazz instructor (played by now Oscar winner J.K. Simmons). It is a beautifully frustrating experience that provided not only my favorite performance of the year, but my favorite movie as well. It is a brilliant film that I can almost guarantee you’ll love – if you can make it to the end. A+

Big Hero 6
Rated PG for action and peril, some rude humor, and thematic elements
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
One of my biggest surprises on Oscar night was watching Disney win its second animated feature Academy Award for Big Hero 6. I’m sure they are still partying in Burbank. Based on a little-known Marvel comic and set in the futuristic California city of San Fransokyo, Big Hero 6 tells the tale of a young genius named Hiro who puts together a team of engineering nerds to save the world from a madman who stole his robot technology to use for sinister purposes. Very funny and action packed, it is an absolute blast to watch, whether you’re a kid or an adult. And in the robot Baymax, Disney has officially created one of the most lovable characters in its universe. A
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Rated PG for thematic elements, some violent action and partial nudity
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
A surprise nominee in this year’s Feature Animated Oscar category is this beautiful hand-drawn story from Studio Ghibli. This tale of a young girl born from a bamboo stock and adopted by local villagers is like a lovely dream. It’s incredibly strange but unbelievably graceful in its telling. Although animated, I think adults are the main audience for this one. While the artistry is quite an achievement, this kind of animation, unfortunately, is lost on most children. But then some of the scenes will have you glad they aren’t watching when they come along. A-
Horrible Bosses 2
Rated R for strong crude sexual content and language throughout
Available on Blu-ray and DVD
The name Oscar should never even come to mind when thinking about this sequel to the very funny raunch com Horrible Bosses This new adventure follows our heroes (played by Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis) as they attempt to start their own company with a ludicrous invention. After they get screwed over by a ruthless business man (played by Christoph Waltz), they, of course, try to get revenge. While there are some laughs to be had here, the entire storyline is so ludicrous and unbelievable that it gets annoying. I love all of the many actors involved and I can appreciate what they bring to the table, but I was taken out of the film by its absolute lack of any sense of reality or organic action. C

New in Home Entertainment

February 17, 2015

Life Itself
Rated R for brief sexual images/nudity and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
The primary reason that you are reading this review, written by me, is the subject of this extremely well-made documentary. While most kids in my youth were watching cartoons and wrestling on Saturday mornings, I couldn’t wait to tune into At the Movies with Siskel and Ebert. Roger Ebert was a weird kind of idol to have as a youngster, but his insight greatly enriched my life and his suggestions have led to some of my greatest film discoveries. Covering his lifespan, from his humble beginnings to his tragic end, this movie is one of the most fitting portraits one could possibly dream up. Directed by one of Ebert’s favorite directors, Hoop Dreams’ Steve James, and featuring dozens of people whose lives were touched by the cantankerous critic, the film is is packed with emotion, both happy and sad. It’s easy to give this film, and Ebert’s life, a big thumbs up. A

The Theory of Everything
Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and suggestive material
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
One of this year’s biggest surprises was this quite amazing biopic telling the true story of the life of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. One would think that a film of this sort would be a depressing and cold picture, but Theory turns out to be the opposite. Thanks to an amazing script and superb direction, as well as two of the best performances of the year by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, the film evolves into a vibrant tale of life and even a beautiful although bittersweet romance. A

St. Vincent
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material including sexual content, alcohol and tobacco use, and for language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Now that Wes Anderson has been making films for 20 years, it is inevitable that young directors growing up on his films will create similar products. In writer/director Ted Melfi’s first major league film, he manages to get Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts and Chris O’Dowd to do this lovable, Andersonesque story about a grumpy old man who befriends the young boy who lives next door. What starts out as a predictable raunch com, quickly turns into a deeper film about what its like to be a boy growing up as well as a man winding down. It’s hard to believe that a movie such as this could convert into a heart-warming comedy, but it’s so welcome when it does. B+

The Homesman
Rated R for violence, sexual content, some disturbing behavior and nudity
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Tommy Lee Jones stars and directs this western about a plain woman (Hillary Swank) who volunteers to escort three women with prairie fever from their homes in Nebraska to a church in Iowa. What The Homesman has going for it is also its downfall: its authenticity. I’ve no doubt that these kinds of things happened, but they are not fun to watch. While it has some interesting and weird twists and turns, its miseries make the viewer miserable in return. C

Game of Thrones: The Complete Fourth Season
Rated TV-MA
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
After the much-talked-about season three of HBO’s hit show based on George R.R. Martin’s best selling novels, there was no telling where season four would go, but the journey has once again been worth the traveling in season four. With an ever-bigger budget and a bolder direction, we are edging closer to a grand finale that I hope is still years away. There are so many unforgettable moments but thankfully all of my favorite characters have managed to stay alive and some of my most hated villains have met their doom. Of course that means more will come to fill their shoes in season five, set to premier on April 12. Winter is still coming. A

New in Home Entertainment

February 10, 2015

Nightcrawler
Rated R for violence including graphic images, and for language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
When you are young, sick, twisted and entrepreneurial, the world is your oyster. That’s what young Jake Gyllenhaal discovers when he comes upon the promise of a new profession offering fame and fortune to freelance camera crews who capture crime and accident scenes, as they happen, to sell them to the highest bidding news station. While Jake has done some good work in the past, nothing comes close to his performance here. Gritty and more than ethically dubious, the movie will have you feeling repulsed, appalled and drawn in at the same time. It’s the closest thing to a modern-day seventies film we’ve had since, well, the seventies. A

Laggies
Rated R for language, some sexual material and teen partying
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Keira Knightly stars in this dramedy about a 28 year old girl who was the life of the party in high school but who has gone nowhere since. With one week to go before her wedding, she decides to lay low by moving into the house of a high school girl she buys beer for at the liquor store (Chloe Grace Moretz). What could have been a nice coming of age, what will I do with my life kind of movie, is lazily converted into a romantic comedy that you unfortunately see coming a mile away. While I love the actors, and even the acting, I could care less for the script. I almost wish they would have focused more on the relationship between Knightly and Moritz rather than horning in on the dad. Either way, the film has some nice moments, but there’s not enough here to interest most audiences. C+

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Rated PG for rude humor including some reckless behavior and language
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Young Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) is in the middle of a life crisis where everything goes wrong that can while his parents (Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner) and siblings are enjoying their perfect lives. After making a wish for a reversal of fortune, his luck changes, as does theirs, creating an eventfully awful experience for everyone associated. One thing Disney has always succeeded at is the family-friendly comedy and this one is par for the course. While predictable and cliched, it is fun to watch for kids and adults alike and will help you appreciate a lack of drama in your own life. B+

Force Majeure
Rated R for some language and brief nudity
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
In Swedish and English with English subtitles
This Canne Film Festival award winner follows the life of a young family on a ski trip where the father undergoes a serious analysis of his priorities, courage and very manhood after being exposed to a deadly-looking avalanche. The film plays like a psychodrama, but due to the very nature and discomfort of all involved, it ends up being a wildly funny comedy through its effective use of supreme discomfort. The acting is seriously good by the small but talented cast and I really enjoyed the presence of the creepy but caring ginger-bearded friend played by Game of Thrones’ Kristofer Hivju. A-

New in Home Entertainment

February 3, 2015

Dear White People
Rated R for language, sexual content and drug usage
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
When I was in junior high I went to go see Spike Lee’s School Daze and to this day I still remember how uncomfortable I was in that theater. Part of the reason was the culture shock and part was I was sitting next to my mom in a mostly black theater. After seeing an interview with writer/director Justin Simien on the Colbert Report concerning what I incorrectly thought was a similar film, I immediately reflected back on that discomfort and chose not to see or review the film while it was in theaters. This being a light week for DVD releases, I decided to check it out in the privacy of my own home and I’m glad I did. The film follows a group of black and white students at an Ivy league school dealing with modern race relations where white students think racism is over and black students think it is changed but just as present as in the days of their grandparents. The film, while slanted away from my thinking, is thoughtful and thought provoking. Making fun of films by filmmakers such as Tyler Perry, the movie attempts to be, in my opinion, a black film as much for whites as it is for blacks. That’s a difficult task, especially considering that it will most likely be interpreted very differently by both. Making the movie even more interesting is that it explores stereotypes of whites and blacks while both exploiting the stereotypes and tearing them down at the same time. Overall, it is a well-written, well-directed script with an extremely talented cast that left me in a much more comfortable (although still challenged) state than Spike’s film from 1988. Then again, things might have been different if I had also watched this one with my mom in that same theater (which is now a gun range of course). A-

Dracula Untold
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of warfare vampire attacks, disturbing images, and some sensuality
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Luke Evans (The Hobbit) plays the man who would become Dracula and what lead to his infamy and curse. One of my fondest memories of Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Francis Ford Coppola was the history of Dracula. The stylized recreation has stuck in my mind for more than 20 years now. So I was excited to see a full-length feature based on this myth. Unfortunately, the project was tackled by filmmakers with poor vision who were unable to do the story justice. There are many faults to this such as miscasting, overuse and misuse of effects and too flashy of a production. More than any of its other faults, though, is creating a PG-13 universe. A vampire film with so little blood is simply lame. I guess they wanted to bring teenagers into the fold but what a waste here. C-