As the month rolls on, it’s another busy week for home video releases that encompass the genres of comedy, drama, thriller, family and even musical. Here are the highlights. As always, some of the movies listed have been reviewed in detail… click on the links to read more about them. So, if you aren’t able to make it out to the movie theater this week, be sure to check some of these out!
Big New Releases!
Better Living Through Chemistry – This independent black comedy features some big names that include Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde, MIchelle Monaghan, Jane Fonda and Ray Liotta. The story follows a pharmacist trapped in a loveless marriage. When he falls for a femme fatale, he gets wrapped up in a murder plot and a bicycle race. The press wrote that this effort plays it too safe with the concept and suffers from a lack of ambition. Still, it might be worth a look based on the cast alone.
Black Nativity – For those who don’t mind watching Christmas movies in April, this musical drama based on the stage play tells a modern, updated version of the Nativity story from the perspective of a street-wise teen. Critics were evenly split on the film, with many admiring the work of the supporting actors, but feeling the movie in general was trite and earnest to a fault. They also criticized it for an absurd and over the top final act. Viewers can now make up their own minds. Tyrese Gibson, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and Nas star, along with Forest Whitaker and Anglea Bassett.
Date and Switch – Here’s another independent comedy about two teens who attempt to lose their virginity before the big high school prom. Complications arise when one of the pair come to the conclusion that they are gay. Unfortunately, this effort wasn’t very well received upon its release, with many describing it as a coming of age flick that doesn’t result in more than a couple of chuckles here and there, and ends up being less memorable than it could have been. Nicolas Braun and Hunter Cope plays the leads, with supporting roles from familiar faces Nick Offerman, Gary Cole and Megan Mullally.
Flowers in the Attic – The popular V.C. Andrews book gets another adaptation in this Lifetime TV movie featuring Heather Graham, Ellen Burstyn and Kiernan Shipka. For those unfamiliar with the story, it’s an incestuous tale of siblings locked up within the mansion of their extremely nasty grandmother. As time passes, all kinds of lurid family secrets are revealed. Reportedly, this version is somewhat truer to the source material (although fans of the book should still expect plenty of alterations). Critics were evenly split on the end result – some described it as trashy fun, while others found it too stiff to be enjoyable. The sequel, Petals on the Wind, will air on Lifetime next month.
Great Expectations – It didn’t get much of a push in North America, but this 2012, UK-produced adaptation of the Charles Dickens tale is now available on DVD/blu-ray. The story follows a poor orphan who inherits a fortune from a mysterious benefactor and attempts to woo the icy woman of his dreams. Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco) directs this period drama starring Jeremy Irvine, Holliday Grainger, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane and Jason Flemyng. The press were generally positive about this version, but some did complain that it was too formal an adaptation that didn’t present anything new to audiences.
The Invisible Woman – Speaking of Charles Dickens (and Ralph Fiennes), here’s a biopic about a young woman who fell for the author and suffered for it. Reviews were positive, with many impressed by the work of the cast and the technical credits, including costuming (which earned an Oscar nomination). However, there were a few who didn’t find the period romance between the two leads passionate enough. In addition to Fiennes, the movie features Felicity Jones and Kristin Scott Thomas. Read our full length review of the film here.
Möbius – In the mood for an international spy thriller set… internationally? This French/Belgian effort didn’t get a theatrical release in the US, but played elsewhere around the world on the big screen. A Russian agent falls for an American banker while attempting to take down a money laundering ring, but finds himself unsure of who to trust. Jean Dujardin, Cecile De France and Tim Roth star. It’s gotten mixed reviews. Some found it amusingly quirky, while others found the plot overly complicated.
The Nut Job – This children’s animated effort follows an irascible squirrel planning a heist on a local nut store. Those who saw it report that it’s only for the youngest members of the family. Reviews were terrible, suggesting that the animation was poor and the script filled with scatological humor (fart jokes) and bad puns. The voice talent includes Will Arnett, Brendan Frasier, Liam Neeson, Katherine Heigl, Gabriel Iglesias and Maya Rudolph. Despite the protestation of the press, a sequel is reportedly in production.
Philomena – Steve Coogan and Judi Dench star in this Best Picture nominee that found its way onto many of 2013’s Best of the year lists. Based on a true story, it follows a quirky retiree determined to find and reconnect with the son she gave up for adoption years ago. A down on his luck journalist decides to help for a story and the odd couple end up following the trail all the way to the US. The movie was one of the most well received of the year, with many praising both the comedic and dramatic work of its two stars. For a more detailed synopsis, click here.
Ride Along – This late January release was a surprise hit at movie theaters, and hits store shelves this week. A security guard get engaged and in order to prove himself decides to go on a ride along with her protective cop brother. It all sounds highly illegal and unbelievable, but audiences didn’t seem to care. Reviews were also terrible, saying that there was little the performers could do to eke comedy out of the predictable script. Now audiences can decide for themselves. Kevin Hart, Ice Cube and John Leguizamo take on the lead roles. If you enjoyed it, a sequel is on the way.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Based on the James Thurber classic (and previously brought to the silver screen in 1947), this adaptation was a big Christmas release that split critics. It follows the title character, an introverted man who spends most of his time daydreaming. When his personal and professional life is threatened, he must step out of his head and inspire himself to take action. The cast includes Ben Stiller, Kristin Wiig, Jon Daly, Kathryn Hahn, Adam Scott, Shirley McLaine and Sean Penn. Many felt it was an interesting attempt that tries too hard to be meaningful and doesn’t quite hit the heights it aspires to, but still manages to provoke a chuckle or two.
Blasts from the Past!
There’s a wide variety of options this week. First up on Blu-ray from Olive Films is Sleep My Love (1948). Directed by Douglas Sirk (Written on the Wind, All that Heaven Allows), it’s a film noir starring Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche involving an amnesiac who awakes on a train and feels like her life may be in danger.
The thriller Double Indemnity receives a 70th Anniversary special edition Blu-ray. In this Billy Wilder (Sunset Blvd., Some Like It Hot) effort, Fred McMurray plays an insurance agent who gets roped into a big scheme by femme fatale Barbara Stanwyck. Considered a true classic, Raymond Chandler’s twisty script contains some great rapid fire dialogue. The Universal Blu-ray features a numerous special features including commentaries from film historians.
My personal favorite of the week is the new “Limited Edition” Universal Blu-ray of Touch of Evil (1958). It’s yet another great film noir thriller with an incredible long take opening shot and some fantastically moody lighting. The story isn’t too shabby either. It follows a newly married narcotics officer who finds their lives under threat from some shady characters. It stars Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh and Welles himself and the disc is also full of extras, including multiple cuts of the film as well as commentary tracks and making of documentaries.
There are a couple of more modern Blu-ray releases as well, including the interesting Stephen Hawking documentary A Brief History of Time (1991). It chronicles the man’s life and give a basic demonstration of some of his theories. On the other end of the spectrum, the Kevin Smith mall-set comedy Mallrats (1995) also arrives on Blu-ray jam packed with too many extras to list. Fans will definitely want to check it out.
You Know, For Kids!
There are only a handful of new titles this week – here they are!
Angry Birds Toons: Season 1, Vol. 2
Barney: Happy Birthday Barney
Thomas & Friends: Railway Mischief
Between the Lions: Vowel Power (PBS Kids)
On the Tube!
There are plenty of options listed below for TV show fans.
Anger Management Vol. 3
The Beverly Hillbillies: Official 4th Season
The Bletchley Circle: Season 2
The Carol Burnett Show – Carol’s Crack Ups
Flowers in the Attic (Lifetime)
Hell’s Kitchen: Season 11
Into the Cosmos Collection (National Geographic)
The Making of a Lady (ITV UK/PBS TV Movie)
Midsomer Murders: Season 8 Reissue
Midsomer Murders: Season 9 Reissue
Murder on the Home Front (ITV UK/PBS TV Movie)
Petticoat Junction: Official 3rd Season
The Practice: The Final Season
Ripper Street: Season 2
UFC: The Ultimate Fighter – Season 18