Well, it looks like it’s another busy week with some interesting releases. As always, follow the links for full length reviews. If you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to check this out!
Big New Releases!
Bad Milo – One of the oddest films to be released in some time, this horror/comedy actually managed to garner some positive reviews, despite its disturbing subject matter. A stressed out, middle-aged man suffers from intestinal problems, only to… err… flush a demon our that kills his tormentors. Naturally, the protagonist tries to befriend and control it, but things don’t go according to plan. The press called it twisted and gross but strangely enjoyable and many wrote that it has the makings of a midnight cult classic. Ken Marino stars with Peter Stormare, Gillian Jacobs, Stephen Root and Mary Kay Place.
Blue Jasmine – Woody Allen’s latest garnered extremely positive reviews. Oscar nominee Cate Blanchett stars as a wealthy New Yorker whose life and finances fall apart. As a result, she moves in with her sister in San Francisco and attempts to live modestly, but her old habits end up creating havoc. Reportedly, this comedy/drama has a much darker edge than Midnight in Paris. As with all of his films, the cast list is exemplary and includes Alec Baldwin, Sally Hawkins, Lous C.K., Peter Sarsgaard and, interestingly enough, Andrew “Dice” Clay.
Captain Phillips – Tom Hanks stars in this drama based on a true story. In it, he plays a desperate ship captain who must fend off an invasion by Somali pirates. The film was a success at the box office and members of the press complemented director Paul Greengrass (United 91, The Borne Legacy) for presenting a believably tension-filled account of the hostage crisis. In the process, it has managed to snag a Best Picture Oscar nomination. Read the site’s full length original review here.
Charlie Countryman – This trippy flick has elements of drama, comedy and crime film fused together. It follows a young man who travels to Eastern Europe, falls for a woman and then ends up intertwined in the criminal underworld. Reviews were very mixed with more falling on the negative side and it only received a limited release at theaters. Many felt that it was overwrought and its odd and inconsistent tonal shifts couldn’t be resolved. Still, adventurous renters may want to give it a shot. It stars Shia LaBeouf, Evan Rachel Wood, Melissa Leo, Mads Mikkelsen and Rupert Grint.
In a World… – There was a great deal of critical support for this independent comedy that satirizes a lesser-known job within the film industry. It stars writer/director Lake Bell as a voice-over artist competing with her father for narration work on movie trailers. Also appearing in the film are Demitri Martin, Rod Corddry, Ken Marino, Geena Davis and Ken Offerman. The majority of critics felt found the movie funny and engaging, praising the witty script. Read the original review here.
Instructions Not Included – One of the biggest surprises of the year was this low-budget, Spanish-language comedy from Mexico that grossed more than $44 million dollars at the US box office. It follows a playboy who finds a baby at his doorstep and begins raising the young girl until her mother reenters the picture. Plot-wise, expect elements of the comedy Big Daddy tossed with the drama of Kramer vs. Kramer. Reviewers were mixed on the title, claiming the last act resorts to maudlin melodrama, but it has managed to strike a chord with general audiences regardless. Director/co-writer Eugenio Durbez stars.
Machete Kills – Fashioned as a homage to B-movies of the 70’s, this sequel follows the titular character as he takes on a variety of assassins and an evil criminal mastermind. While the original remains a goofy pulp item, this follow-up didn’t perform nearly as well as its predecessor at the box office and most critics disliked the end result. The general consensus suggested that it was a rambling and sloppy effort. It may play better at home. At least it stars a number of talented performers, including Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriquez, Sofia Vergara, Lady Gaga, Demian Bichir, Charlie Sheen and Mel Gibson. Read the site’s original review here.
Sunlight Jr. – This independent film didn’t garner much attention and barely got released, but boasts an impressive cast including Naomi Watts, Matt Dillon and Norman Reedus. It’s a serious, grim drama about a poverty stricken couple struggling to survive in today’s economy. More critics were more positive about the film than negative, with the majority calling it disturbing and effective, praising the authentic work of the actors.
Blasts from the Past!
Baffled! – If you’re looking for something a bit campy, this 1973 TV pilot follows an ex-race car driver (played by Leonard Nimoy!) who discovers he possesses ESP and decides to use his newly found powers to solve crimes. As expected, all sorts of goofiness follows. This pilot was never turned into a full blown television series but it remains a oddball curiosity, particularly as a result of the lead’s trippy visions and amusing 70’s hair and costuming. Star Trek and cult movie fans might want to give it a try. Scorpion Releasing presents both a US and UK cut on the DVD.
Cat People and Die Monster Die and Raise the Titanic – Shout Factory!, who continue to bring us all kinds of unusual cult and genre films, have three separate Blu-ray releases this week. There’s Paul Schrader’s bizarre Cat People remake from 1982 starring Nastassja Kinski, the 60’s Boris Karloff horror flick Die Monster Die, and the mega-budgeted 1980 flop Raise the Titanic, a drama that depicts a team of scientists and divers who attempt to bring the famed ocean liner back to the surface and into New York harbor. None of the films are particularly strong, but if you do happen to be a fan, you won’t find a better package or presentation.
Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy – This incredibly detailed 4 hour documentary uses all new interviews, behind the scenes footage and other surprises to chronicle the making of the entire Nightmare on Elm Street film franchise. Fans of the series will likely enjoy the package and learn more than they could ever hope to about these iconic horror films. It’s available on both Blu-ray and DVD.
Robocop – A cop wounded on the job is turned into the title character in this phenomenal classic from 1987. If you haven’t seen it, it’s more than just an action film – it features some great consumerist satire in addition to tackling thematic issues like identity. It’s essentially perfect, and one of the most memorable flicks of the decade. Timed to coincide with the upcoming remake, this new Blu-ray features a brand new transfer of both the theatrical and unrated editions of the film. Frankly, it’s the best this movie has ever looked on video. And there are loads of extras, including all of the supplements previously available on the DVDs (including a great commentary track) as well as all new interviews. For fans and new viewers, this is a must own.
You Know, For Kids!
There’s a fair number of new titles for little tykes – these are the major ones.
The Adventures of Chuck and Friends: Trucks Vs. Wild
Angelina Ballerina: On With the Show
Barney: Storytime with Barney
My Little Pony: Classic Movie Collection
Peanuts: Touchdown Charlie Brown
Sesame Street: Be a Good Sport
On the Tube!
There’s a lot of 80’s TV shows on the release slate today along with a couple of more recent titles and one classic. Many of these seasons have already been released, but are now available in discount combo sets.
Bewitched: Seasons 1 & 2
Bounty Hunters: The Complete 1st Season
Comedy Bang Bang: Season 1
The Cosby Show: Seasons 1 & 2
Counting Cars: Season 2, Vol. 2
Good Times: Seasons 1 & 2
Highway to Heaven: Season 3
How the Universe Works: Season 2
Just Shoot Me: Seasons 1 & 2
Married With Children: Seasons 1 & 2
NYPD Blue: Season 5
Wings: Seasons 3 & 4