It appears as if things have settled down after a few very hectic release weeks. By comparison, there’s only a handful of titles to report. However, it’s a good mix with some solid films hitting the shelves. As always, some of these films were extensively reviewed upon their theatrical release, so be sure to click on the links to read more. There’s plenty to see, so if you can’t make it out to a movie this week, check one of these flicks out!
Big New Releases!
About Time – This British romantic comedy from Richard Curtis (Love Actually) tells the quirky story of a young man who learns from his father that the male members of his family can travel through time at will. The man tries to use the power to his advantage, but finds shifting through time more complicated than expected. Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy star. The press were generally positive about this release, critiquing the sentimentality but complimenting the charm of the cast for selling the unusual plot device. It’s a successful date night movie that certainly tugs at the heartstrings. But watch out, it’s the father/son relationship and not the romance that may ultimately draw out the tears.
Baggage Claim – A flight attendant decides that she needs to get married as soon as possible and gives herself a deadline of 30 days to find the right man. Frequent flyer miles are racked up as she interviews potential suitors. This comedy received a limited release at theaters and didn’t impress those who saw it. The majority of complaints were that the plot was generic and unmemorable, and that the script didn’t have enough personality to set it apart from others of its ilk. The cast includes Paula Patton, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Luke, Taye Diggs and, inexplicably, Ned Beatty.
Cutie and the Boxer – It’s already streaming on Netflix, but fans of this Oscar nominated documentary can now rent or buy the title on DVD as well. It follows 80 year old alternative underground artist Ushio Shinohara as he prepares for an upcoming showcase of his work and also explores the art of his wife Noriko. Critics unanimously praised the film for not only presenting the unique work of its subject, but exploring their long-lasting marriage.
Dallas Buyers Club – This Best Picture Oscar nominated drama is the highlight of the week, and seems certain to win at least a trophy or two at the end of February. Matthew McConaughey and Jerod Leto appear in this 80’s set, true life tale of HIV infected men. Cast aside and given little treatment, they use legal and illegal means to obtain alternative medicines to help combat the disease. It was released to much acclaim, with Leto receiving a great deal of attention for his transformative turn as a transvestite. Jennifer Garner, Steve Zahn and Griffin Dunne are also featured in the film. Read the site’s original full length review right here.
Escape Plan – Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger team up in this hard boiled action flick. Stallone plays a security expert wrongly imprisoned. He teams up with Arnold’s convict character in an attempt to break free from a futuristic, high security prison. Jim Caviezel plays the crooked warden and the film also features familiar faces like Curtis Jackson, Vinnie Jones and Vincent D’Onofrio. It didn’t make much of an impact at the box office or with critics (who felt it was a forgettable imitation of the earlier work of its stars), but it should play well enough on home video. Read a longer review of the film right here.
Free Birds – This animated film arrives on video after hitting movie screens only a couple of months ago. In this effort, a pair of turkeys plot to change history and spare themselves an unpleasant Thanksgiving. The press complimented the animation, but felt the gags were ineffective. Seems like this effort might be exclusively for kids. Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler, George Takei, Colm Meaney and Keith David provide the voice talent.
Romeo and Juliet – The latest period adaptation of the Shakespeare play about a pair of doomed young lovers flopped at theaters. Critics were equally unimpressed with the production, suggesting that while the adults cast members were decent, the two kids playing the title characters just didn’t share much onscreen chemistry. They also disparaged the fact that the Bard of Avon’s original dialogue was heavily rewritten. Hailee Steinfeld and Douglas Booth lead the cast, which includes Paul Giamatti and Stellan Skarsgaard. Now viewers can determine for themselves if it’s worthy of a dagger to the heart.
Blasts from the Past!
Like Charles Bronson? Or Kenny Rogers? Or really, really cheesy 80’s horror? If so, then it’s your week with several older films finding their way to Blu-ray. Warner Bros. is putting out a special Blu-ray celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the 1974 revenge picture Death Wish. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include any special features other than the trailer, but reportedly the film has been completely re-mastered and looks fantastic.
As always, Shout! Factory has some interesting titles. Country singer Kenny Rogers stars in The Gambler Collection DVD, which contains three gambler TV movies. There’s the original from 1980, The Gambler: The Adventure Continues from 1983 and The Gambler: The Legend Continues from 1987. If that wasn’t enough, the 1981 Coward of the County telefilm based from the song of the same name is also included. The set only features the first three movies (there were five in total) and the films themselves are by no means great, but Rogers fans will at least learn how to hold ’em, as well as how to fold ’em (not to mention when to walk away and when to run).
Finally, Shout! is also releasing a couple of cult horror films on Blu-ray from B-movie director Kevin S. Tenney. Night of the Demons is a schlocky shocker from 1988 starring Scream Queen Leanna Quigley that is famous for its bizarre lipstick scene. Witchboard, from 1986, casts Tawney Kitaen as a woman who may be possessed by the spirit of a Ouija Board. The discs come with audio commentaries and other special features. If you are a fan, then these Blu-rays feature the best transfers you’re likely to ever see of these titles, so check them out.
You Know, For Kids!
There’s plenty out this week for kids as well. Here’s the list.
DC Justice League: War
Free Birds – see review above
Geronimo Stilton: Intrigued on the Rodent Express
Gotham City Serials: Batman/Batman & Robin
My Little Pony – Friendship is Magic: Season 3
Serengeti: Natures Greatest Journey (4K Ultra HD)
Wings
On the Tube!
Valentine’s Day comes early with the release of Joanie Love Chachi: The Complete Series on DVD. This notorious Happy Days spin-off series hasn’t been seen since 1983 and I’m morbidly curious about revisiting it… probably against my better judgment. Even if watching the adventures of Scott Baio and Erin Moran isn’t your cup of tea, there’s loads of other releases to check out as well. Choices include various documentaries, Lifetime TV movies as well as other sitcoms (including another, more successful Happy Days descendant, Laverne & Shirley). In the meantime, take this amazing clip in and watch Joanie and Chachi say, “Look at me!” You’re welcome, folks.
American Experience: The Amish – Shunned
American Experience: Poisoner’s Handbook
The Broker’s Man: Series 1
Burton & Taylor (BBC)
Chasing Shackleton
The Ellen Show: The Complete Series
Family Matters: The Complete 4th Season
House of Versace (Lifetime TV Movie)
Joanie Loves Chachi: The Complete Series
Laverne & Shirley: The Complete 7th Season
Midsomer Murders: Set 23
Nova: Cold Case JFK
The Tick: The Complete Series
The White Queen: Season 1