Sadly, there’s nothing in the way of classic reissues this week. However, there are plenty of new release options for fans of several genres, including drama, comedy, sci-fi, action and horror. As always, several of these films were reviewed in detail upon their theatrical release – click on the links to read more about them. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to read through and check out some of these titles at home.
Big New Releases!
All Is Lost – Best described as sort of a minimalist, sea-set version of Gravity, this dramatic film tackled a similar type of story and garnered star Robert Redford a Golden Globe nomination (although he didn’t end up receiving an Oscar nod). He plays a lone man hopelessly lost in the ocean in a sinking boat. Critics uniformly praised Redford for his physical work and the ability to communicate desperation with almost no dialogue. Now viewers can decide for themselves if he was shafted by the Academy. Read the full length review here.
Austenland – This comedy follows a woman obsessed with the work of Jane Austen… in particular, the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. While vacationing at an Austen-themed fantasy resort, she soon finds herself in the middle of a wacky love triangle. It’s directed by Jerusha Hess (who co-wrote Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre and Gentlemen Broncos) and features a solid cast, including Keri Russell, Bret McKenzie and Jennifer Coolidge, James Callis and Jane Seymour. The film wasn’t particularly well received by the press, with many finding the gags too strange and slapstick-centered. There were a few positive notices, though, and those who can get on its oddball wavelength may get a chuckle out of it. Read this site’s original review here.
The Best Man Holiday – Coming 14 years after The Best Man, this romantic comedy sequel reunites the entire cast of the original film. While visiting over a Christmas break, these old acquaintances get together and end up reigniting their old rivalries and relationships. It was a big hit at the box office and the majority of reviewers were positive, complementing the work of the performers despite the film’s otherwise conventional plot. The stars include Monica Calhoun, Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall and Terrence Howard.
The Counselor – The first original screenplay from famed author Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men) is sure to elicit extreme responses. In this tale, a lawyer involved in some shady dealings gets in over his head and finds events spiraling well out of control. The script attracted a stellar director (Ridley Scott) and cast (Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt), but audiences and critics did not respond to the final product. Many cited the film as pretentious, slow-moving and needlessly convoluted. Read this site’s full length review here.
Diana – This UK biopic of Princess Diana didn’t get much of a push earlier in the year in theaters. The story specifically follows the final two years of the young princess’s life, with an emphasis on her extramarital affair with a doctor. Naomi Watts stars, along with Naveen Andrews. It received mostly horrendous reviews, with many calling it the kind of over-baked romantic melodrama you might see on afternoon TV. Yikes! Now viewers can make up their own minds.
Ender’s Game – Perhaps the highest profile release of the week, this futuristic sci-fi fantasy follows a young boy who is recruited into military school to help fight a war against an oncoming alien force. The film underperformed at the box office, but generally received decent, if unspectacular, reviews from the press. Many suggested that although it ignored some of the complex issues raised in the story, it was still a well-produced sci-fi adventure. Asa Butterfield and Harrison Ford star, with Ben Kingsley, Abigail Breslin and Viola Davis in supporting roles. Read the original review here.
Haunter – Scare fans may want to check out this independent haunted house picture, which takes a horror film approach to a concept previously seen in the comedy Groundhog Day. The Canada/France co-production is about a teenager forced to live the same day over and over again. Thing begin to change when she comes into contact with another young girl. It played at a few fright film festivals and split critics. Some complimented the creepy mood of the film, while others complained that it was too subdued to be effective. Abigail Breslin and Steven McHattie star.
How I Live Now – This independent drama from the UK is set in the near future, and follows a teenager attempting to survive as an apocalyptic war breaks out. Reportedly, it’s a small film that focuses on characters rather than special effects. Saoirse Ronan plays the lead, under the direction of Kevin McDonald (Marley, State of Play, The Last King of Scotland) Reviewers were mostly positive, saying it painted a tense portrait of a world on the brink of collapse. Interested parties may find it to be a little more nuanced than your typical young adult flick.
Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth – Spike Lee captures Mike Tyson’s one-man speaking tour. In this film, the boxer describes his childhood and explains goes through many of the major events in his life before a live audience. It originally played on HBO, but curious parties will now find it available on DVD.
22 Bullets – This violent, French crime film is the first of three foreign language titles this week. It follows a retired mobster out for retribution after being shot 22 times by his former acquaintances. The movie received a limited release a few months back, but didn’t make much of an impact. Many critics claimed that it was a fairly generic revenge flick, although a small group were impressed by its 70’s style, old-school action. Jean Reno takes on the role of angry, bullet-ridden protagonist.
Wadjda – Another foreign-language effort, this drama is notable as the first film made entirely in Saudi Arabia and reportedly breaks convention by also having been directed by a woman. The story follow a young girl desperate to save up and purchase a bicycle. It all sounds very simple, but the central character must overcome societal biases and other great obstacles to achieve her goal. The film received rave reviews, with many calling it an impressive and subtly moving piece. This effort sounds like a must see for any foreign film fan.
Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon – This period kung-fu epic from director Tsui Hark (responsible for the Once Upon a Time In China series with Jet Li) is a prequel to the well received Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame. This time out, the titular hero must tackle a sea monster and uncover an elaborate conspiracy intended to take down those in power. Some fans have called it an improvement over the original, with some nifty visuals and impressive high wire fight scenes.
You Know, For Kids!
Here are the latest releases for tykes! Disney fans shout take notice of an elaborate Blu-ray for the 1967 animated classic The Jungle Book.
Chugginton: Brewster Leads the Way
DC Super Heroes: The Filmation Adventures, 1
Harry & His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs: Dino World Rescues
Harry & His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs: Play Make Believe
Harry & His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs: Let’s Rock!
The Jungle Book (Diamond Edition)
Khumba
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie-rella
Power Rangers: Zero, Vol. 2
Scooby-Doo Adventures: The Mystery Map
On the Tube!
And there’s lot of TV related releases available as well. This week includes the third release from the very popular and critically acclaimed BBC series, Sherlock. Each season consists of three episodes that run close to ninety minutes (near feature length). If you haven’t seen the previous chapters in the series yet, they are worth going back and checking out! If this mystery series isn’t for you, there are some other interesting releases too.
The Americans: Season 1
Dallas: The Complete 2nd Season
Doctor Who: The Moonbase (Story 33)
Hetty Wainthropp Investigates: Complete Collection
Hindenburg (Encore Miniseries)
Newhart: Season 2
Regular Show: Mordecai & Margaret: Pack 5
The Returned (France)
Sherlock: Season 3
Swamp People: Season 4
Yukon Men: Season 1
Sidney Sheldon’s Windmills of the Gods