With New Years mere hours away, it’s another quiet week on DVD store shelves. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t at least a couple of noteworthy flicks to check out, and we’ve got them listed right here. As always, click on the links to read in depth reviews. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Elsa & Fred – An eccentric pair of senior meet and start a romantic relationship in this breezy independent comedy. Based on a 2005 Spanish film of the same name, this effort didn’t find much love from the press. While they admired the work of the cast, most found it to be a passable but bland and unremarkable film that quickly evaporates from memory. The impressive cast includes Christopher Plummer, Shirley MacLaine, Marcia Gay Harden, Scott Bakula, Chris Noth, James Brolin and George Segal.
The Equalizer – This remake of the 80s television series was a sizable hit earlier in the year. The story follows a loner with a mysterious past as a government agent who decides to help a young “lady of the night” free herself from the clutches of a nasty Russian mob. It stars Denzel Washington in the title role and features Chloe Grace Moretz, Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo. The movie split the critics (although overall reviews were more positive than negative). They enjoyed the work of its star and some found it to be an exiting revenge thriller – others complained that it was too ridiculous to take seriously and a bit mean spirited. Read the site’s original review here.
Kelly & Cal – A ex-punk rocker has difficulty transitioning into suburban life and finds herself befriending a teenage neighbor in this low-key, independent comedy/drama. Reviews were solid for this little flick. They suggested that while the endeavor falters somewhat with a weak and cloying final act, it is still an very interesting and thoughtful character-based drama that features some excellent performances. Juliette Lewis, Jonny Weston, Josh Hopkins and Cybill Shepherd headline the cast.
Last Weekend – This independent comedy involves a family matriarch who invites her adult children to Lake Tahoe to enjoy a final dinner at her property before she places it for sale. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for plans to go awry. While critical notices appreciated the central performances, the majority critiqued the film for having an overabundance of superfluous characters and perhaps sympathizing a bit too strongly with its wealthy, upper-class protagonists. Patricia Clarkson, Zachary Booth and Chris Mulkey take on the lead roles.
Reach Me – Here’s a weird one… a motivational book inspires a group of strangers from various backgrounds to make significant changes in their lives. This multi-storyline indie drama features a staggering and strange cast but got blasted by the press. Literally all of them disliked the film, calling it a tonally confused muddle that leaves its cast with terrible dialogue and never really comes together. Believe it or not, it stars Kyra Sedgwick, Danny Aiello, Carey Elwes, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Berenger, Nelly, Thomas Jane, Terry Crews, Kelsey Grammer, Ryan Kwanten and Tom Sizemore among many others.
Tusk – Speaking of strange, this may be the oddest. The latest Kevin Smith production is a horror flick that follows a young podcaster who is kidnapped while attempting to land an interview in Canada. What follows is too bizarre for words. Reviews were very mixed with a few more pans than recommendations – while many found that it started off interestingly with some sharp dialogue, it rambles and eventually falls apart by the close. Justin Long, Genesis Rodriguez, Michael Parks and Haley Joel Osment take on the lead roles, with a surprise cameo appearance by a major Hollywood star. Read the site’s full-length review right here.
Blasts From the Past!
One of the weirdest and wildest flicks you’re ever likely to see is the oddity known as Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky. While there was an official DVD release many years ago (and pictured here), Tokyo Shock are now bringing a high definition Blu-ray of the flick to stores. Based on a Manga comic book, this 1991 Hong Kong production involves a young man who enacts revenge for the death of his girl, and placed in a private penitentiary with some of the nastiest characters imaginable (and that includes the warden). Despite his situation, Riki’s spirit cannot be broken… but plenty of bones are as the protagonist fights a varied assortment of characters. It’s a bloodbath, with limbs, intestines and geysers of blood spilling out across the screen. Naturally, it has also become a cult item thanks to its over-the-top approach to just about every aspect of the production. The violence will be difficult for many to handle, but others (myself included) will find it impossible to take seriously and appreciate its sheer, cheesy strangeness. If you’ve got a very strong stomach and a taste for B-movies, you will definitely get a chuckle out of it. The Blu-ray’s special features aren’t listed as of yet, so you’ll have to check it out yourself to see if it features any bonuses.
You Know, For Kids!
Wow, there’s absolutely nothing this week. Sorry, kids!
On the Tube!
There isn’t much more to be seen on the tube, either. That doesn’t leave me much in the way of videos to show, so I’ll revert to a pair of trailers from The Poseidon Adventure. It’s a New Year’s Eve-set, Oscar-winning 1972 Irwin Allen disaster flick. After all, it has to be on TV somewhere that night, right? In the meantime, see how Ernest Borgnine celebrates the New Year (spoiler: with a declarative “Whoo!”) and thrill as a massive ocean liner (or a miniature of a massive ocean liner) is toppled by a rogue wave. The movie is fun stuff if you’ve never seen it. And just for the heck of it, further down is the trailer for the hilariously absurd 1979 sequel, Beyond the Poseidon Adventure. Hope you all have a memorable and comparatively dry New Year!
Banshee: Season 2
The Brittney Murphy Story (TV Movie)
A Movable Feast With Fine Cooking: Season 2
Shameless: Season 4
When Calls the Heart: Change of Heart
When Calls the Heart: Rules of Engagement