Category: DVD Review

New in Home Entertainment

December 13, 2016

Suicide Squad
Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout, disturbing behavior, suggestive content and language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 26%
After the dismal reviews of Batman V Superman, DC was looking for a hit with its story about the U.S. government hiring a group of super villains to take on a new threat facing the country. They even promised us the best Joker of all time in Jared Leto. But not even the good performances by Will Smith and Margot Robbie could save this mess of a script by the typically dependable David Ayer who both wrote and directed. The main villain was laughable as an all-powerful goddess and that great Joker they promised us? All style and no substance. Perhaps if slightly recast in some roles and an R rating stamped on the label, this could have been the fun ride we all thought we were promised, but as is, even with this new extended unrated cut, the film is yet another disappointing DC output. C-

Southside with You
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, smoking, a violent image and a drug reference
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
In the style of Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise films, Southside is a surprisingly refreshing story about what it could have been like if you took a camera on the first date between Barrack and Michelle Obama. While many won’t even consider this as a potential rental, if you can put politics aside I can’t imagine you won’t enjoy it. There’s no talk of healthcare or foreign policy, but rather just two intelligent people trying to figure out their place in the world and who they’d like to spend their lives with. It’s a sweet but smart talkie and a perfect date movie. A-

Ben-Hur
Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and disturbing images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 25%
For those of you who have heard of the original 1959 film by the same title, which went on to win 11 Academy Awards including best picture, but didn’t want to invest the four hours of your life necessary to experience it, here’s a new two-hour version that offers plenty of chariot racing and a sort-of revenge tale. Giving the film some credibility is Morgan Freeman, completely out of place and not hiding it. Ultimately the film fails because it lacks energy and life. Where the previous edition had wow-factor galore and a chariot race decades ahead of its time in regards to special effects, this film staggers and suffers under its own attempt to outdo a masterpiece. C-

Phantasm: Remastered
Rated R for nudity, violence, and intense scenes
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%
I was seven when this classic horror film first hit theaters, and when I finally got to see it a few years later I remember that little ball scaring the daylights out of me. Now, more than 30 years later, J.J. Abrams has done a fantastic HD restoration of the original print, hoping to scare people again with one of his favorite movies. Much of what I found scary then is simply funny now, but the nostalgia alone is worth taking this out for another ride. B-

New in Home Entertainment

December 6, 2016

Jason Bourne
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and brief strong language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 56%
Director Paul Greengrass and actor Matt Damon are back together again, after defecting from the last Bourne movie, and this time things are exactly the same as always. Jason, still on the run, remembers a little bit more about who he is and goes after the man responsible, this time around that would be Tommy Lee Jones. While completely repetitive in regards to the franchise, the film still serves up quality action with superb pacing, but with nauseating camera work. If you are in for more mindless entertainment – you’re good here. If you’re looking for an intelligent action thriller, you are completely out of luck. C+

The Secret Life of Pets
Rated PG for action and some rude humor
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
Universal’s original new animated feature pits a pair of dogs who upon getting lost, must find their way back to their owners apartment. Mostly funny, largely in part to the tremendous voice talents of Louis C.K and Kevin Hart, the film provides some really laughter-inducing entertainment that can be appreciated by adults while loved by children. It’s a bit predictable as you’d probably expect, but with some nice surprises thrown in throughout. It’s not even close to being the best animated film this year, but its flaws are forgivable. B

Don’t Think Twice
Rated R for language and some drug use
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
Writer, director and star Mike Birbiglia here leads a New York City comedy troupe whose camaraderie is put to the test when when one of the members (Keegan-Michael Key) earns a spot on an SNL-like weekly television show. While not as funny as you think it will be, the movie has an authenticity that you won’t get from a film trying constantly to be hilarious. It shows the struggle to keep comedy as an art form while at the same time dealing with its daily disappointments when fame and money don’t follow along. While the end of the film does seem a bit over-scripted as it tries to reign in the story, it still remains lovable at heart. B+

The Hollars
Rated PG-13 for brief language and some thematic material
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 43%
John Krasinski directs and stars in this comedy about a young man who must come home to deal with his family upon learning about his mother’s brain tumor. The talented cast, including Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Anna Kendrick and Sharlto Copley, just can’t make this film what it should be. There are some very nice moments during the film, but it screams low-budget independent in a bad way with plot holes and errors throughout. It hopes to win you over with its heart but doesn’t have the legs to get there. C+

New in Home Entertainment

November 22, 2016

Kubo and the Two Strings
Rated PG for thematic elements, scary images, action and peril
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
This stunning stop-motion animated film from Focus follows the tale of young boy who must hide from and eventually battle his aunts and grandfather with only his magical musical instrument, a monkey and a giant warrior beetle to protect him. The tale is mesmerizingly creative from start to finish and is an overall artistic masterpiece. In a year filled with award-worthy animated films, I will predict that Kubo is the only film that might be able to compete with Moana for the Oscar. A

War Dogs
Rated R for language throughout, drug use and some sexual references
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 60%
From Todd Phillips, director of all three Hangover films, comes this “based-on-a-true-story” film about two young and ambitious punks (Jonah Hill and Miles Teller) who become arms dealers when the discover how easy it is to get rich off the U.S. government. The movie has its funny moments for sure, but while it is sold as a comedy, it is mainly a drama meant to shed light on our corrupt system and the abuses capable within it. While I found much of the subject intriguing, I was certainly not entertained as I found myself annoyed at both the prospects of the film being both possibly true and sensationalized. C+

Chicken People
Not Rated
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
In a country with diverse passions and interests, its always fun and refreshing to come across a documentary exploring weird subjects such as this documentary where folks come together to compete to see who has raised the most perfect chicken. I learned more about poultry and poultry competitions than I ever thought I would or ever wanted to. In the cynical and contentious place our country is in right now, its good to see our quirkiness come through in such a majestic and entertaining manner. A-

The Squid and the Whale: Criterion Edition
Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic dialogue and language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Getting the Criterion treatment this week is Noah Baumbach’s 2005 indie favorite about an eccentric Brooklyn family that is left in disrepair after an ugly separation. The performances from Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney and Anna Paquin are terrific but most memorable is the star-making awkwardness of Jesse Eisenberg whose horribly misguided decisions bring mostly empathy rather than disgust. It’s a thoughtfully strange little film with a ton of extras, as is usual with Criterion’s releases. B+

New in Home Entertainment

November 15, 2016

Finding Dory
Rated PG for mild thematic elements
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Taking place directly after the events of 2013’s Finding Nemo, Finding Dory follows the blue tang with limited short term memory as she goes on a long journey to find her family, which she has only now started remembering. There’s no doubt that this Pixar mega hit gets a lot right. It is stunningly beautiful to look at, has some interesting new characters and is pretty engaging. My problems lie in the story, which feels too much like Finding Nemo, and the overall writing which isn’t merely creative as we’d expect from these artists. Compared to many other studios’ animated pictures, it is very good. But within the Pixar or Disney universe, it lacks the magic we are used to seeing on screen. I fully expect Moana and Zootopia to trounce Dory in the awards races this year. B-

Sausage Party
Rated R for strong crude sexual content, pervasive language, and drug use
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
This raunch-fest from the minds of Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg (Superbad) follows a grocery store full of talking food as they long for the day they are purchased and brought home, until they discover the horrors that await them there. The story here is creative and fun and full of laughs, if your sense of humor allows this kind of overtly offensive material. For me, I found it to be mostly funny, although as it dives into a preachy and almost arrogant attack on religion, it does lose much of its comedic power. B-

Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season
Rated TV-MA
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
For much of its life on HBO, Game of Thrones has remained one of the most popular shows in television history, in spite of, or maybe because of, its constant habit of killing off main characters, both hero and villain alike. In Season 6, there were constant surprises, but there were also more crowd-pleasing moments than in any of the previous seasons. But just because you have more to cheer for doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. The dram is riveting and they are setting up their last two seasons to be legendary. A

Dreams: The Criterion Collection
Rated PG
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 55%
While writer/director Akira Kurosawa is best known for his samurai films like The Seven Samurai and Rashoman, he also created many more quiet and introspective films such as 1990’s Dreams. Here Kurosawa shows his audience eight vividly colored vignettes based on his own visions. While I wouldn’t suggest this film to most of you out there, if you are a fan of Kurosawa, there is much to be excited about. This Criterion edition not only features a new 4K digital transfer, but also has a ton of new interviews and the 2011 documentary ‘Kurosawa’s Way’ featuring interviews with directors such as Alejandro Inarritu and Martin Scorsese (who also stars in one of the Dreams sequences as artist Vincent Van Gogh). B

 

New in Home Entertainment

November 8, 2016

Captain Fantastic
Rated R for language and brief graphic nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
Viggo Mortensen and his six children live off the grid in Oregon, where he educates and trains them to be truly independent adults without the use of modern conveniences. Upon news that their mother has died, the family decides to re-enter society and attend her funeral in New Mexico. As smart as it is engaging, the film stays on course for two hours to deliver one heck of a great family road trip movie. Mortensen is the perfect actor for a project such as this and he is sure to receive some attention come award season. Overall, I ended up loving almost every happy and sad minute of this family’s transformative journey. A-

Star Trek Beyond
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
In this latest Star Trek adventure, the crew goes on a rescue mission only to discover a trap set by a new alien villain set on destroying the Federation. So the plot is just like almost every other Star Trek movie and television show. Fortunately the writing and directing are strong enough to make the journey an enjoyable one. With J.J. Abrams switching sides to Star Wars, Fast and the Furious director Justin Lin takes the helm and the action is almost as strong as the eye-popping visuals. B

Imperium
Rated R for language throughout
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
Daniel Radcliffe stretches his acting muscle here in this drama about a young FBI agent who shaves his head and goes undercover to infiltrate the white supremacist movement. The film is as timely as it gets considering the attention these groups have received during the current election, and the threat of domestic terrorism here far overshadows that of the Muslim extremists we tend to spend most of our time worrying about. Radcliffe turns in a convincing performance, although his introduction into the world of skinheads and nationalists seems a bit too simplified. B

Anthropoid
Rated R for violence and some disturbing images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 66%
Based on a true story, Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan are two Czech spies who sneak into their homeland at the beginning of WWII in order to assassinate the man believed by many to be Hitler’s third in command, Reinhard Heydrich. It’s a dark and obviously perilous journey of two friends on a suicide mission, but despite its bleak undertones, the film is well-enough produced that it doesn’t become too depressing of an experience. When all is said and done, you feel more educated than downtrodden. B-

 

New in Home Entertainment

October 18, 2016

Independence Day: Resurgence
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and destruction, and for some language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 31%
When Independence Day hit theaters 20 years ago, it was a fun, brainless exercise in entertainment that was more guilty pleasure than fine movie-making. With jaw-dropping special effects (for their time) and a fun cast of big movie stars like Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum and Harry Connick Jr., the movie was released at the perfect time, making it a big hit. But this newest attempt at franchise building seems dull in comparison. 20 years later, humans have stolen the technology of the aliens, but now the aliens are coming back with a vengeance. The story isn’t all that bad, but the execution is lousy. They brought back most of the old characters (Smith was wise enough to turn them down) without even thinking through if we even needed them, and we didn’t. The special effects are as good as you’d expect for a film such as this, but they don’t do anything to help make the film special. And the lousy box office results are another example of how audiences sent Hollywood a big message this last summer that spending all that money on familiar tentpole projects isn’t exactly the best investment. C-

Ice Age: Collision Course
Rated PG for mild rude humor and some action/peril
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 13%
In this fifth installment of the franchise that keeps on going whether or not we like it, Scrat the squirrel’s acorn quest sets off a chain of events that sends the regular crew on a new adventure into new lands. In a year where animated films will be vying for the top spots on many a top 10 list, this film solidly holds up the rear. It’s lack of humor or any semblance of good writing gives the audience more to cringe over rather than cheer for. Even my six-year-old, who loves anything animated, left the theater saying “it was okay.” It was not okay. The only saving grace are the Scrat interludes, which while not as original as their Oscar-nominated predecessors, still charm while they make you chuckle. D+

New in Home Entertainment

October 4, 2016

X-Men: Apocalypse
Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence, action and destruction, brief strong language and some suggestive images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 48%
While the X-Men First Class trilogy had been moving along nicely, director Bryan Singer made a humongous error with this final chapter, posing Oscar Isaac as the all-powerful Apocalypse, a seemingly immortal villain capable of doing pretty much anything. While there are some enjoyable moments and dazzling special effects, the story bogs down while trying to throw too much fuel into fire behind a villain that turns out to be quite dull. The only good news is that all three films are being released in 4k Ultra HD, for those with the ability to watch them, and the visuals are stunning, making the experience (for this newest film at least) far better than the movie deserves. C

Mike and Dave need Wedding Dates
Rated R for crude sexual content, language throughout, drug use and some graphic nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 36%
Two brothers (Adam Devine and Zac Efron) put up an online ad to get wedding dates for their sister’s wedding in Hawaii and two uncontrollable girls (Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza) try to manipulate their way into the free trip. The plot isn’t bad, but the execution is awful. It had a feel like they were improvising their way through the entire picture and the result is an unfunny mess that makes the very talented cast look like hacks. So far this is my worst movie of 2016 and it could be hard to beat. F

Into the Forest
Rated R for a scene of violence involving rape, language and some sexuality/nudity
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%
Set in the near future, two sisters (Evan Rachel Wood and Ellen Page) who have moved off the grid must figure out how to stay alive after an apocalyptic event takes place. As intense as it is creative, the project is a true nail biter, that, while tough to watch at times, is worth a view. The performances are both believable and mesmerizing as the struggle to survive becomes more and more intense for the siblings. B+

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
Rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action throughout
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 13%
Set as a prelude to the upcoming Final Fantasy video game release, Kingsglaive follows the war between two magical cities in a plot that has something that feels Shakespearian with huge demons tagging along. Honestly, after watching I still don’t know what the plot is exactly. It’s very downfall is how confusing it will be to the average Joe. It looks as if the ambition is fully engaged, but maybe too much so. The artistry is unique and worth a look, but by the end it just isn’t an easy tale to comprehend or enjoy. C

The Last King
Rated R for violence and a scene of sexuality
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%
Game of Thrones actor and Wyndham Hotels spokesman Kristofer Hivju stars in this Norwegian true story about a team of soldiers who, in 1206, try to save a baby from being assassinated when it is discovered that the child is the heir to the throne of the recently killed king. It’s a fairly predictable action pic but well done still. My biggest shock came from how well the Norwegians must have been able to ski 800 years ago. B-

New in Home Entertainment

September 27, 2016

Central Intelligence
Rated PG-13 for crude and suggestive humor, some nudity, action violence and brief strong language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69%
As a younger teenager, Dwayne Johnson was an overweight bullying victim who Kevin Hart stood up for in high school. Now on the eve of their class reunion, Hart is approached by Johnson who is now a musclebound spy trying to recruit him to help with an important mission. The CIA story doesn’t really work that well but it does throw out some decent action. What does work is the comedy, especially in the first act. Both Hart and Johnson have great chemistry on screen together and I found myself laughing a lot throughout. What it lacks in credibility and authenticity, it more than makes up for in entertainment value. B

Warcraft
Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy violence
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 28%
When I was playing WOW before my son was born (I had to give up my addiction in order to at least try to be an effective father) I was excited about the potential Warcraft movie on the horizon. Now, almost a decade after first hearing about, the buzz is long gone. But apparently there are still millions of Warcraft players and this movie is pretty much just for them. Following an insane plot, based mostly on the original Warcraft game than the interactive World of Warcraft, the movie follows a group of humans who must fight a group of orcs when each discovers the existence of the others’ world. While its fun to see the universe come to life, and the special effects are gorgeous, especially on a large 4K set, the movie still fails to deliver anything other than a brawny, brainless melee. C+

Neon Demon
Rated R for disturbing violent content, bloody images, graphic nudity & seven of aberrant sexually, and language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 53%
Set in the world of Los Angeles modeling, Sixteen year-old Elle Fanning is the pinnacle of aesthetic loveliness in the ugly underworld of beautiful people. Having the looks but not the cunning, she attempts to survive in a society that wants to eat her alive. At first fascinating, by the end the film takes a perverse turn that is hard to understand and even more difficult to digest. There are scenes here that you can’t unsee, no matter how hard you try. So beware. The film was lucky to get an R and if you don’t lose sleep, you still might lose your meal. C

Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including violent content, and for some language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Set in the New Zealand countryside, a curmudgeonly old farmer who has fostered a young troublemaker with his wife, is threatened with losing the boy when his wife suddenly passes. Through a series of comedically tragic events, the two end up on an adventure through the wilderness, putting their relationship to the test. It’s a charming and unusual film, filled with some terrific surprises and unexpected quirky humor. While the director, Taika Waititi, is not a known entity yet, he should become more of a household name upon the release his next film, the mega tentpole Thor: Ragnarok. With Thor and Hulk in his hands, you will see from this film a hint of what we should expect in 2017. B+

City of Gold
Rated R for some language
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold loves Los Angeles and what it brings to the culinary world. This terrific little documentary follows him around LA to present the case that the City of Angels is one of the foremost dining Mecca’s in the world. But more than just a 90 minute visual buffet, the film shows what it’s like to be a journalist at the top of your game, doing something that you love, and that makes a major difference in the lives of those you write about. A

New in Home Entertainment

September 20, 2016

Neighbors 2
Rated R for crude sexual content including brief graphic nudity, language throughout, drug use and teen partying
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 62%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
Following up on the events of Neighbors, where a young married couple (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) take on the fraternity house next door, it is now a couple of years later and they want to sell their home. With the fraternity gone this should be no problem, except now a group of rebellious girls wanting to start a sorority take over the old fraternity house. Where the first film was just a standard adult comedy, this new outing is so much more than its surface level. The girls, while making completely horrible neighbors, are also rebelling against the way girls are treated in sororities, college and life in general, making this an impactful feminist manifesto. Sure it’s raunchy, but its thoughtful at its heart which elevates it past other such films in the genre, including the original. B+

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 38%
Available on DVD, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and 4K Ultra HD
This second of the new Ninja Turtles movies finds the turtle brothers at war with a new foe while contemplating leaving their life of secrecy for a world of appreciated heroism. It’s cheesy and the plot is as ridiculous as any other Ninja Turtles movie, but if you are looking for non-stop action, this film does provide in spades. For adults, it’s not the best way I can think of to spend 97 minutes, but kids seem to like it and there are worse forms of mindless entertainment. C

Free State of Jones
Rated R for brutal battle scenes and disturbing graphic images
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 46%
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
You would think that when you mix famed writer/director Gary Ross (The Hunger Games) with Matthew McConaughey in a Civil War drama, you would be looking down the barrel of an Oscar. But instead, this drama about a defiant southern farmer fighting the Confederacy ends up to be a big mess. Its very downfall is its ambition, making the story more convoluted and complicated than it needs to be. Perhaps if they wanted to provide this much material, it would have been better suited as a television mini-series. The project has great potential but it falls under its own weight. C

Aliens: 30th Anniversary Edition
Rated R
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Available on Blu-ray
While 30 years old, this sequel to Ridley Scott’s masterpiece is still an amazing piece of filmmaking. It works on so many levels including sci-fi, horror, thriller and war drama. The question is, do you really need a new copy? Chances are, you probably already own a previous one. To entice you, the price point is low ($14.99 on Amazon) and it comes with both versions of the film and a terrific new interview with James Cameron about the making of the project. It also has a beautiful new collector’s book and a set of art cards. So if they hadn’t sent me a free one – I would have ordered without hesitation. A

New in Home Entertainment

September 13, 2016

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
Rated R for some graphic nudity, language throughout, sexual content and drug use
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77% (Certified Fresh)
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
While Lonely Island is a popular entity on SNL, Universal created zero buzz around this comedy gem before suddenly dumping it in a few theaters over the summer. But this mocumentary, about a breakout pop star (Andy Samberg) who can’t keep his success alive on his second album, is pure comedy gold. The songs from Lonely Island are consistently funny and at 86 minutes, the joke doesn’t have the time to get stale. I laughed so hard I had to watch it again the next day in order to catch what I missed the first time. It is a very hard R so be careful about having the kids around or you may hear some catchy songs coming out of their mouths that could find them in the Breakfast Club. A

Captain America: Civil War
Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of violence, action and mayhem
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90% (Certified Fresh)
Available on DVD, Blu-ray,and Blu-ray 3D
This third installment of Captain America is arguably the best yet and really should be considered an all-out Avengers film. As the Avengers take sides due to a United Nations mandate that they have accountability for their actions, a new foe sneaks in to take advantage of the split. It’s a fun super hero romp with lots of suits to excite lots of fans. The plot is strong, the action exciting and while a bit long at 147 minutes, it is a fully engaging piece of entertainment. A-

The Conjuring 2
Rated R for terror and horror violence
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80% (Certified Fresh)
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
From the stories of real-life demon hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren, comes this sequel to the 2013 hit where the couple head this time to London to take on what Ed considers in his book, The Demonologist, to be their most frightening encounter of their career as they attempt to excise a demon-possessed little girl. What makes this one so scary is its authenticity. To make your experience that much more terrorizing they actually play the real recordings during the closing credits to give you extra special nightmares. Good stuff for the horror fans. A-