There are going to be an abnormal number of new releases coming to movies theaters on Friday – be sure to come back them to check out several reviews. Additionally, it looks like there are loads of movies coming to DVD and Blu-ray this week, which means that you’ll probably find something to your liking if you read ahead. As always, click on the links to read more detailed reviews of the movies in question. So if you aren’t able to make it out to the movie theater this week, be sure to check some of these titles out!
Big New Releases!
August: Osage County – Those who enjoy melodrama will eat up this drama based on the stage play – it’s filled with enough ear piercing domestic disputes to fill several films. After the passing of the family patriarch, a group of relatives gather to pay their respects and family secrets are revealed. The incredible cast includes Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Ewan McGregor, Margo Martindale, Sam Shepard, Dermot Mulroney, Juliette Lewis and Benedict Cumberbatch to name just a few of the familiar faces. It received a lot of positive notices and a couple of Oscar nominations, with many praising the work of the cast even if the histrionics sometimes get out of hand. For more information, read this site’s synopsis here.
Bad Ass 2: Badasses – This direct-to-video campy action sequel to the direct-to-video original follows its “bad ass” main character. After wiping out the first movie’s villains, the lead decides to run a community center and seeks revenge after one of his young apprentices is killed by a ruthless bad guy. This time out Danny Trejo gets some help from actor Danny Glover before he heads out to kick butt. There aren’t many reviews to go on at this point, so interested viewers will have to roll the dice on their own.
Bastards – Director Claire Denis (Chocolat) returns with this French/German foreign language drama about a man who returns to Paris to learn that his brother-in-law has killed himself. He teams up with the widow to wreak revenge on the man she feels is responsible, but the hero soon uncovers some nasty secrets that may suggest an alternate version of what happened. The film received mixed reviews, with some complementing the character work interesting, while others critiqued the slow and dreary tone.
Black Coffee – Presumably set in some part around a coffee shop, this romantic comedy follows the love life of a businessman who has recently lost his job, but found the woman of his dreams. It received a limited release and reviews leaned more towards the negative. While the press admired its positive attitude, many called it overly predictable and at times dull. Darrin Dewitt Henson and Gabrielle Dennis headline the cast.
A Field in England – Director Ben Wheatley has made some memorably strange independent films over the past few years, including Kill List and Sightseers. His latest, shot in black and white, is a combination of the horror and drama genres. Set during the 17th century, it’s a period effort that follows an alchemist and his search for hidden treasure in a field during a brutal civil war. Critics were uniformly positive about the film, calling it a hypnotically bizarre with plenty of surprises. Julian Barrett of the cult TV series The Mighty Boosh stars.
Grudge Match – This comedy pits two aged ex-boxers who decide to get back into the ring to settle an old score and bear the brunt of a lot of geriatric related humor. Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Alan Arkin, Kim Basinger, Kevin Hart and Jon Bernthal headline the cast. It didn’t make much of an impact at the box office, and the press were less than impressed, calling it a serviceable but rather bland and forgettable effort. Still, it might provide a laugh or two on home video. For a more detailed post match analysis, click here.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Fantasy film fans will have to wait until December for the finale, but in the meantime viewers can catch up with Bilbo Baggins and his shenanigans as the hobbit and his dwarf friends face off against giant spiders and a nasty dragon. Once again, many felt it didn’t quite live up to the Lord of the Rings pictures. However, it still received much more praise than the last entry with the majority of comments calling it a fun and entertaining effort with a couple of memorable action scenes. Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Evangeline Lily, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Stephen Fry and the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch are featured. Read the full length original review here and learn some fun facts about the series with this trivia link.
I Am Divine – This documentary about late B-movie actor and drag queen Divine received rave reviews at festivals. Reportedly, it gives viewers an enlightening look at a man known for appearing in B-movies like Pink Flamingos and Polyester… apparently he even put out an album too. John Waters, Ricki Lake, Tab Hunter, Mink Stole and Bruce Vilanch are just a few of the interviewees.
Justin Bieber’s Believe – The second documentary of the week boasts new insight into the teen singing sensation. This includes unseen concert footage and interviews with the star in which he ruminates on the difficulties of fame. Obviously, it’s for a specific demographic only. Surprisingly, critics weren’t too harsh on the end product – while they admitted that it was clearly more of a puff piece on its subject than documentary, they suggested that the concert footage was well shot and that the end product would entertain fans.
Lizzie Borden Took an Axe – This Lifetime TV movie comes to DVD and tell the brutal true life story of Lizzie Borden, who was accused (but never prosecuted) of killing her parents with an axe. Christina Ricci plays the title role, with supporting work from Billy Campbell, Clea DuVall, Gregg Henry and Stephen McHattie. Reviewers were split on the project – most complained that while it had some interesting elements, it veers from slasher film to courtroom drama and forces it star to behave in a sullen “emo” fashion too modern for the film.
Nurse 3D – Reportedly a festival favorite, this independent 3-D horror flick tells the story of a serial killing nurse out to finish off her male patients in a variety of disturbing ways. It’s been given slightly more positive press than negative. Some who have seen it called it great trash, while others have found its attempts to be a cult film too obvious and ineffective. Paz de la Huerta, Katrina Bowden and Judd Nelson star.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones – While it wasn’t released as a numbered sequel, this spin-off follows the events of the fourth movie in the series. Using a variation of the same found footage format, it follows a couple of teenage buddies in a small apartment complex who uncover the sinister organization introduced in earlier installments and must deal with a demonic possession. Critics weren’t particularly positive, but fans of the horror series should find it an improvement on the previous release. Read what this website had to say about the film here.
Snake & Mongoose – In what could also be described as Rush for the drag racing world, this dramatic bio-pic follows the rivalry between drivers Don Prudhomme and Tom McEwen who revolutionized the sport in the 1960’s. The cast includes Jesse Williams, Richard Blake, Tim Blake Nelson, Ashley Hinshaw, Noah Wyle, Ian Ziering and John Heard. The movie received a very limited release in theaters, but most reviews suggested that apart from occasionally being corny it was an interesting film that should appeal to car race enthusiasts.
Zero Charisma – Finally, this independent comedy/drama revolves around the trails and tribulations of an overweight fantasy role playing gamer with little in the way of charm. After a series of personal events begin to impose change over his routine, the protagonist must re-examine his life. While some critics couldn’t relate to the lead character, most were positive about the film, admiring the honest approach to the life of a man consumed by a subculture. Sam Edison stars.
Blasts From the Past!
While there aren’t many classic release, the best bet is the 30th anniversary edition of the Golden Globe and Oscar nominee drama Heart Like a Wheel. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan (The Accused, Brokedown Palace), Bonnie Bedelia stars as Shirley Muldowney, the first female drag racer. It follows her struggle to receive a license and her numerous title victories as a pro racer. Beau Bridges, Hoyt Axton and Anthony Edwards are also featured. The new disc features interviews with many of the famous real life racing stars portrayed in the movie.
You Know, For Kids!
Here’s what’s new on Tuesday for the youngsters.
Ben 10 Omniverse: Duel of the Duplicates
Laloopsie Ponies: Big Show
National Geographic Kids: Amazing Animals
Power Rangers Megaforce 3
Sophia the First: The Floating Palace
On the Tube!
And below is the varied mix of TV shows available this week.
The Big Valley : Season 2
The Bobby Darin Show
Doctor Who: Series 2, Part 1
Earthflight: The Complete Series
Family Matters: Season 4
Holliston: The Complete Second Season
Mayberry RFD: The Complete First Season
Moonshiners: Season 2