It’s another busy week with tons of releases both new and old that should pique anyone’s interest. As always, make sure to click on any links to read more detailed 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!
Alleluia – An introverted nurse falls for a charming womanizer in this French/Belgian thriller. She’s soon convinced into helping the man target and murder wealthy, single woman and steal their goods. Inspired on the real life “Lonely Hearts Killers” of the 1940s, plenty of graphic violence ensues. Notices were very good for this picture – it was described by most as disturbing and not for the faint of heart, but compelling, beautifully shot and brazenly bizarre. Lola Duenas and Laurent Lucas play the deranged pair.
Big Sky – This indie suspense flick follows an agoraphobic teenager in a van on her way to a treatment facility. Problems arise when the vehicle is stolen by crooks, leaving escape as the only means of survival. Despite the interesting concept, reviews were not particularly strong. It was described as a good-looking movie that ultimately doesn’t develop its characters enough to engage audiences. Now viewers can make up their own minds. It stars Bella Thorne, Kyra Sedgwick, Frank Grillo and Aaron Tveit.
Blumenthal – Brain Cox leads the cast of this independent comedy as the grouchy and envious brother of a playwright famous for writing satirical works about his own family. When the irritable brother learns that his sibling has passed away, he must deal with the fallout. Critics were split on this effort, praising the performances but calling it uneven. Some felt that the jokes that worked made it worth enduring the slow patches, while others felt that it was too derivative of the films of Woody Allen.
Chain of Command – In the mood for some B-movie action? This tale follows an ex-special ops agent who witnesses his brother’s murder and goes out for revenge, only to uncover a deep government conspiracy. This one wasn’t shown to many critics, but the few write ups that have appeared online are very, very poor, critiquing it as dull and routine. If you want to take a chance, the cast includes Michael Jai White, Max Ryan and WWE wrestler Steve Austin.
The Great Museum – If you’re looking for an offbeat documentary, this German effort definitely offers something a little different. Without much (if any) narration, the filmmakers capture the tireless, detail-oriented work of an art restoration team at The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. Viewers simply witness them doing their daily jobs on several works of art as the camera moves around. The filmmaking approach split reviewers. Some found it to be an unbiased and fascinating show of the inner workings of a museum, but others found the lack of story disconcerting and couldn’t get involved in the movie.
In the Name of My Daughter – This French drama recreated a true story from the 1970s, in which a woman leaves her husband and takes up with her mother in the south of France. Unfortunately, she begins dating a new beau who may not be all that he seems, leading to an unexplained event. The press in North America had mixed reactions to this film. While half found it beautifully shot and mysterious, others suggested that it was too slow and lacked any sort of satisfying resolution. Looks like it might be of more interest to foreign-language art house enthusiasts. Adele Haenel, Guillaume Canet and Catherine Deneuve headline.
Pitch Perfect 2 – The big release of the week is this follow-up to the 2012 sleeper hit. After winning the national a capella championship, the protagonists travel across the Ocean and complete for the world title. Reviews were decent for the comedy. Like most sequels, many admitted it didn’t have quite as many laughs or possess the same charm that the original did. However, they still felt that a few big laughs and a likable cast made it entertaining enough to recommend. It stars Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Stanfield, Brittney Snow and plenty of celebrity cameos. To read a full-length review, just click here.
Results – This independent romantic comedy involves a unhappy and recently divorced man who hires a pair of personal trainers to help him get into shape. Their radically different personalities lead to tension between the group members. The movie reportedly features plenty of what appear to be improvised conversations between the characters. Overall, notices were positive. It has been described as an atypical, oddball and low-key effort with strange, flawed main characters and a few solid chuckles – apparently, you just have to be prepared for it to ramble a bit. The cast includes Guy Pearce, Cobie Smulders, Kevin Corrigan, Giovanni Ribisi, Brooklyn Decker and Anthony Michael Hall.
Ride – A mother chases down her surfing-enthusiast son who has quit college to find himself. Upon her arrival, she unexpectedly finds herself joining the group, riding the waves and discovering a new aspect of herself. Helen Hurt directed and stars in this drama, along with Brenton Thwaites and Luke Wilson. It garnered mixed reactions from members of the press. A great number were intrigued by the movie’s focus on its mother-son relationship and called it sweet, though just as many found the drama forced and suggested parts of the movie were more reminiscent of a television sit-com.
Saint Laurent – This biopic from France follows the famous fashion designer through his most productive years, from 1967 to 1976. Apparently, it’s a trippy tale showing the man at work and the difficulties he encountered juggling the various aspects of his life. Reactions to the movie were split right down the middle. There are reviews that describe it as a flashy take on a flawed character that effectively depicts a downward spiral. On the other side, numerous writers called it empty and lacking in substance. Guess you’ll have to decide on your own. And a quick note to curious parties – there were two different French narrative films made about the title character in 2014 (the other is confusingly called Yves Saint Laurent), so be sure you’ve got the right one.
Blasts From the Past!
There are so many classic (and not-so-classic) titles coming to high-definition that it’s going to take a bit of time to run through them all. But keep reading and rest assured that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Olive Films have a massive slate of Blu-rays. If you enjoyed Hackers from a few editions back, you might want to try the computer thriller Antitrust (2001), starring Ryan Phillippe, Rachael Lee Cook and Tim Robbins. Also coming your way is Black Caesar (1973), a fun, low-budget action flick with Fred Williamson as a criminal figure who goes toe-to-toe with the mafia.
On the comedy front, Dirty Work (1998) features a hilariously acerbic Norm MacDonald as a man who begins a revenge-for-hire business. His schemes are pretty silly but generate plenty of laughs. If you’d like to read more about it, click here. Fatal Instinct (1993) is a parody of Basic Instinct in the style of Zucker Brothers (Airplane!), throwing out hundreds ridiculous puns and bad jokes in a manic style. It isn’t the strongest title in the resume of director Carl Reiner (The Jerk, The Man With Two Brains, All of Me), but it may provide a few low-brow chuckles.
There’s also the award winning Civil Rights TV movie, For Us, The Living: The Medgar Evans Story (1983). The cast includes Howard E. Rollins Jr., Irene Cara and Lawrence Fishburne. Hitler: The Last Ten Days (1973) is a WWII drama with Alec Guinness about the title character’s final days locked deep within an underground bunker.
On a lighter note, The Invisible Monster (1950) is an old Republic serial about an evil mastermind who plots to take over the world via invisible soldiers (a very cheap special effect, one would think). It should be good for some bad movie night laughs, and features Joan Crawford in an early role. Speaking of silly, Lisa (1990) is a thriller about a bored teen making anonymous calls to strangers. Unluckily, after an ill-advised conversation she ends up befriending and becoming the latest target of a serial killer. Should be a nostalgia rush for anyone who was a youngster during that time period.
Mad Dog Time (1996) was an all-star crime caper about a mob family that comes under attack after its patriarch is put into an asylum. It never found an audience during its initial release, but features Ellen Barkin, Gabriel Byrne, Richard Dreyfuss, Jeff Goldblum, Diane Lane, Burt Reynolds, Kyle MacLachlan, Angie Everhart, Gregory Hines, Billy Idol and many more. John Larroquette and Kirstie Alley star in the wacky comedy Madhouse (1990) about a yuppie couple whose home is invaded by unwanted guests. Despite receiving a wide release, this movie has never been made available on DVD, so it’s great to see it appearing on Blu-ray. To read a full review of the disc, click here.
And there’s even more from Olive. Romance fans may find some enjoyment in the cheesy hit Mannequin (1987) featuring Brat Packer Andrew McCarthy as an artist who falls for a mannequin come to life (played by Kim Cattrall). It is very of its time, but has its share of fans. The flick also featured the radio hit, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” performed by Starship. Enthusiasts can follow it up with Mannequin: On the Move (1991) aka Mannequin Two: On the Move, featuring William Ragsdale as the man and Kristy Swanson as the store display dummy.
Also coming to Blu-ray from Olive is the well-regarded Denzel Washington action/thriller The Mighty Quinn (1995) – it’s about a cop in the Caribbean who finds himself a suspect in a murder investigation. The Mod Squad (1999) is a feature update of the late 60s TV show. It’s about a group of young delinquents hired by cops to go undercover and infiltrate a drug organization within a high school. Claire Danes, Omar Epps and Giovanni Ribisi star.
Prick Up Your Ears (1987) is a biopic from Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons, Philomena) that garnered a lot of praise upon its original release. It follows the life of British playwright Joe Orton and features Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina and Vanessa Redgrave. Those who enjoy Reese Witherspoon titles will see the actress in an early role as girlfriend to lead Stephen Dorff in S.F.W. (1994), a acidic comedy about a angry teenager who becomes a media darling after being taken hostage while shopping at a store.
In the action picture Slaughter (1972) ex-gridiron great Jim Brown takes on the mob and faces off against Rip Torn. Some Kind of Hero (1982) features comedy legend Richard Pryor as a war veteran who returns home to find everything turned upside down. Finally, horror fans may want to check out The Woods (2006) a flick about creepy goings-on at a remote boarding school. The movie includes supporting turns from Bruce Campbell and Patricia Clarkson.
Shout! Factory have an old terror flick arriving on Blu-ray well. The Sentinel (1977) tells the story of a fashion model who experiences odd events at her new apartment. Could it have something to do with the neighbors, or is there a more supernatural force at work? I never really cared for this film, but it does come full of great extras that include three commentary tracks(!) and promotional materials. It also features tons on familiar faces onscreen – you’ll even see Christopher Walken in a bit part.
Fox are putting out a 40th Anniversary Blu-ray of the midnight cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1974). It comes with just about every extra that’s been added to previous editions (hours upon hours of stuff) as well as rubber gloves and a film soundtrack.
Kino Lorber also have some classic titles coming your way on Blu-ray. Busting (1974) is a gritty little buddy cop movie featuring Elliott Gould and Robert Blake as two cops attempting to take down a big crime boss. It’s a 70s picture, so the mood is much darker thank typical titles in its genre. If memory serves, it’s a politically incorrect but otherwise interesting and engaging effort. The Destructors (1974) is about a cop who becomes frustrated with his efforts to catch an underworld figure, so he hires a hit man to help him out. The cast includes Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn and James Mason. Finally, The Satan Bug (1965) is a thriller about a virus created in a germ warfare lab. When it’s accidentally released, the protagonists do all they can to keep it contained in the lab – if it gets free, it could threaten the entire world.
Continuing on, Criterion also have some notable titles arriving on Blu-ray. Breaker Morant (1980) was a critically acclaimed, Oscar nominated Australian drama starring Edward Woodward about three lieutenants who are court marshaled for war crimes in South Africa. The disc includes a restored high definition transfer of the film, a preexisting audio commentary with director Bruce Beresford, as well as interviews and a documentary about the figure whom the film was based upon.
Also from the same company is a Blu-ray of another Beresford film, Mister Johnson (1990). Set in Nigeria, this one follows a local who takes a job as a civil servant to British authorities, only to soon find himself between the two worlds. Pierce Brosnan co-stars in this well reviewed drama. Besides the new transfers, the disc comes with recent interviews with the director, producer and two lead actors.
Finally, Criterion also have a new edition of the Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel) comedy, Moonrise Kingdom (2012). It’s a funny and beautifully shot effort about two young runaways on an island off the coast of New England. In addition to the excellent movie, the Blu-ray features loads of bonus material, including a documentary on its production, behind the scenes footage, interviews, home movies shot by actor Edward Norton, as well as a commentary track featuring the director and many members of the cast. Sounds like a great release.
“Attica!” Warner Brothers are releasing a 40th Anniversary edition of the Al Pacino classic, Dog Day Afternoon (1975). In addition to the film and numerous making of extras, this edition also includes a full length documentary about the movie’s co-star John Cazale (who was also a big part of the first two Godfather films).
Speaking of anniversaries, Columbia are releasing special edition Blu-rays of two family titles celebrating their 10th and 20th years – The Indian in the Cupboard (1995) and Zathura (2005).
Anyone interested in knowing more about the late, great Dennis Hopper can now see a documentary about him. Etiquette Pictures have a Blu-ray/DVD combo of The American Dreamer (1971). It follows the actor as he prepares to helm the ill-fated 1971 flop, The Last Movie (which was the follow-up to his 1969 directorial debut, Easy Rider). Reportedly, it’s an up close and personal portrait that doesn’t shy away from presenting the actor at both his best and worst.
You Know, For Kids!
There are plenty of new arrivals for kids this week – lots of Gumby and Halloween related titles. Check them out below.
The Adventures of Spongebob Squarepants (includes all Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy Episodes) (Nickelodeon)
Berenstain Bears – Trick or Treat: Spooky Stories
Franklin and Friends – Trick or Treat: It’s Halloween Time
Gumby – The Gumby Show: The Complete 50s Series
Gumby – The Gumby Show: The Complete 50s Series (with Bendable Figures)
Really Wild Animals Collection (National Geographic)
On the Tube!
There are loads of TV releases worth your while. Personally, I’d recommend the recent program The Last Man on Earth. It’s a hysterically funny comedy about an average man who survives an apocalypse and depicts the lonely character living under very unusual circumstances. As the series progresses, it really becomes about this very flawed character making poor decisions and ultimately suffering the consequences. Star Will Forte is not only hilarious as the selfish anti-hero, but also somehow possesses the talent to make him weirdly sympathetic at several points. A word of warning though… people who dislike the show really dislike it (I think they have trouble with the lead being an utter numbskull), so expect to have an extreme reaction one way or another.
“Come on, get happy!” Also coming is a complete box set of The Partridge Family (1970-1974). It tells the story of a band (consisting of a mother and her children) and their adventures on the road touring. There’s no shortage of clips from the show on the internet, so below you’ll find the opening credits and catchy theme, some commercials for the show (it used to air alongside The Brady Bunch), and a clip featuring their best known song, “I Think I Love You.” The fictional band actually released the tune as a radio single in 1970, resulting in a surprise number one hit. Enjoy!
The Adventures of Spongebob Squarepants (includes all Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy Episodes) (Nickelodeon)
Arrow: The Complete 3rd Season
Castles in the Sky (BBC)
The Cosby Show: The Complete Series
CPO Sharkey: Season 2
Cristela: Season 1
DC Comics Starter Pack Blu-ray (Arrow, The Flash, Gotham)
Doctor Who – Dark Water/Death in Heaven 3D (BBC)
The Flash: The Complete 1st Season
For Us, The Living: The Medgar Evans Story (1983)
Frontline: Growing Up Trans (PBS)
Good Times: The Complete Series
King of the Hill: The Complete 12th Season
The Last Man on Earth: Season 1
The Mystery of Matter: Search for the Elements (PBS)
Modern Family: The Complete Season 6
The Nanny: Season 4
The Partridge Family: The Complete Series
Really Wild Animals Collection (National Geographic)
The Red Road: The Complete 2nd Season
Rocky Mountain Law (National Geographic)
The Sentinel: The Complete Series
The Slap (Australian miniseries)
Swamp Monsters: Season 1
Vera: Set 5