There’s a great deal of variety in this week’s summary, with a significant amount of genre pictures making their debuts – sure seems like there’s at least something that should appeal to all readers. As always, remember to click on any links to read detailed reviews of several of the titles featured. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these movies a try!
Big New Releases!
The ABCs of Death 2 – 26 different filmmakers make 26 horror shorts from each letter of the alphabet in this independent feature. The first film was considered wildly uneven, and frankly one can probably expect the same this time out. However, there’s some really strong talent involved behind the camera, including Alejandro Brugues (Juan of the Dead). The varied segments include “Capital Punishment,” “Falling,” and most curious of all, “Xylophone.”
The Best of Me – On a completely different tact, this Nicholas Sparks romance flick features a pair of high school sweethearts who rekindles their romance after decades apart. It features James Marsden, Michelle Monaghan and Gerald McRaney (the love affair is between the first two performers, one assumes). The movie was widely panned and described as a schlocky melodrama that is only effective in providing campy laughs. Romance fans can now make up their own minds.
Dear White People – A group of new African American students navigate the waters at a predominantly white college in this independent comedy/drama that raised significant buzz on the festival circuit. It garnered nothing but raves from critics who called it a very funny film that effortlessly lampoons and satirizes stereotypes and makes some interesting points in the process. It stars Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Brandon Bell and Dennis Haysbert.
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby – This independent drama is going to require a bit of an explanation. Some months back, director Ned Benson made two films about a couple and their tumultuous relationship. They were called Him and Her and focused on each individual’s perspective. This film takes all of that footage and condenses it into a single story providing insight into both characters. The press gave it more positive reviews than negative. Some didn’t like the mash-up and found this version slow-moving, but others loved the performances and appreciated the ambition of the filmmaker. The lead roles are essayed by James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, William Hurt, Isabella Huppert and Viola Davis.
Dracula Untold – The famous vampire is rebooted in this action/adventure (with a scare or two thrown in for good measure). In this version, the Transylvanian prince makes a deal with a sinister figure hiding in a cave in order to save the people of his kingdom. While critics didn’t outright hate the film, they didn’t care much for it either. Most wrote that it muted all what was intriguing about the monster for a bland period drama. The movie stars Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Domenic Cooper and Charles Dance.
Hector and the Search for Happiness – A frustrated and emotionally stunted psychiatrist goes on a soul searching journey for happiness by crossing the globe in the comedy/drama. While there were a few less severe reactions, reviews were quite poor for this effort. In fact, many truly hated the lead character as well as the strange tonal shifts and found that overall effect shamelessly sentimental. It does features a strong cast, including Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, Jean Reno, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgard and Toni Coltette. Read the site’s full-length review right here.
John Wick – This old-fashioned, action film throwback follows a retired hit-man who is drawn back into action after a personal tragedy. He single-handedly begins to take down every thug who gets in his way. Surprisingly, the press were very fond of this hard-boiled tough guy movie, calling it fun, escapist entertainment with a sense of humor and some memorably staged fight sequences. The cast includes Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Willem Dafoe, Adrianne Palicki and Ian McShane. Read an in-depth write-up of the film here.
Ouija – A group of kids play the Hasbro board game and summon a terrifying spirit that begins to hunt them down (happens every time!) in this horror flick. Critics were not impressed and uniformly panned the movie. While some complimented the pro-active female characters, all found it a ridiculous effort overall that is filled with nonsensical plot-holes and laughable behavior. It stars Olivia Cooke. Those wanting to know more should read the site’s full-length review right here.
The Overnighters – This very well-regarded documentary scored raves from reviewers, who called it a stunning and insightful piece with many calling it a real-life, modern day version of The Grapes of Wrath. In unemployment-ravaged North Dakota, a new oil refinery opens and attracts the attention of many migrants seeking work. When a pastor allows workers to sleep at his church, he comes under fire from the entire community. Those who appreciate non-fiction film may want to check it out.
The Retrieval – A fatherless African-American boy joins a group of bounty-hunters who catch runaway slaves in this low-budget independent drama set during the Civil War. Along the way, the boy’s loyalties become confused. The movie received positive reviews from the press, calling it a simple but well-made and acted coming-of-age story with a subtle approach. It features Ashton Sanders, Tishuan Scott and Keston John.
Starry Eyes – There was a lot of festival buzz surrounding this independent, surreal horror flick about a struggling actress cast in a mysterious new movie. She soon finds herself transforming mentally and physically into the role. More critics liked the movie than disliked it, describing it as a unique and slow-burning chiller with an effectively unsettling finale. It stars Alexandra Essoe.
Blasts From the Past!
Disney are delivering a bunch of Japanese Studio Ghibli titles. These well-regarded animated efforts include the 1992 pig pilot flick, Porco Rosso. Also being released on the same day is the 1994 raccoon heavy effort Pom Poko and the more recent 2006 title Tales From Earthsea. One assumes that they will be dubbed into English – no word on whether the original Japanese tracks will be included.
Jean-Luc Godard enthusiasts will be happy to see Criterion’s new Blu-ray for the 1980 drama Every Man For Himself. The French film examines sexual and professional relationships among its three lead characters. The disc’s extras include a new high definition digital restoration, as well as interviews and essays on the film and its social commentary.
VCI are distributing a Blu-ray of the little known 1951 Film Noir effort The Prowler. Reportedly, it has some bonus features too.
Otherwise, the big Hollywood studios are issuing some catalog titles to Blu-ray. Warner Bros. have the popular 1982 drama Diner and the 1956 Kirk Douglas Van Gogh biopic Lust for Life. Universal have some more recent options. They include Blu-rays of the 1993 biopic Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story and the 1997 action flick Kull: The Conqueror. Sony are releasing the 1997 Julia Roberts comedy My Best Friend’s Wedding. Finally, New Line are bring the 2000 drama Love & Basketball to high definition.
You Know, For Kids!
Here’s what’s being made available for youngsters.
Barney’s Great Adventure: The Movie
Care Bears: Share Your Care
Cat in the Hat: Fun Feathered Friends
Curious George: Zoo Night and Other Animal Stories!
LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers
Pom Poko (Disney)
Porco Rosso (Disney)
Pound Puppies: Puppy Love
Tales From Earthsea (Disney)
On the Tube!
Today’s the day for the final seasons of the great 70s series The Bob Newhart Show. So in its honor, you can watch Bob walk his way to work down the Magnificent Mile in Chicago during the opening credits.
Also arriving is The Saint: Set 2 – these were TV movies made around 1989 and based on the famous character originally played (in the 60s) by Roger Moore. So, I’m including the opening of the original series below. Just remember people, The Saint: Set 2 does NOT feature any Roger Moore shenanigans. You’ll have to find those elsewhere.
American Experience: The Big Burn (PBS)
The Bob Newhart Show: Season 5
The Bob Newhart Show: The Final Season
Canterbury’s Law: The Complete Series
Frontline: Firestorm and the Warlord (PBS)
Last of the Summer Wine: Vintage 2003 (BBC)
Maude: Season 1
Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting – Fall Collection
Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting – Winter Collection
The Saint: Set 2
Unlikely Animal Friends: Seasons 1 – 3 (National Geographic)
The Wonder Years: Season 2
Until next week!