Hope everyone out there enjoyed the holidays. After a dry spell, things are slowly returning to normal. It isn’t an overloaded week, but there are a couple of interesting options. So in case you can’t make it out to the movie theater this week, here are some home video release highlights. As always, there are links to more detailed reviews on some of the film listed. Be sure to check them out!
Big New Releases!
The Act of Killing – One of the most bizarre titles of the year, this documentary from Demark/Norway/UK/Finland features interviews with Indonesian death squad leaders who are encouraged to reenact their barbaric actions for the cameras. Shockingly, the subjects agree and stage all sorts of recreations that even include musical numbers. Seen by many critics as a fascinating look at madness, it was universally praised upon its release and seems a front runner for a Best Documentary Oscar nomination. Famed German fiction and documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog stated, “I have not seen a film as powerful, surreal and frightening in at least a decade.” If it scares Herzog, then expect some pretty shocking stuff. Cinemastance listed it as one of the best movies of 2013. See David Pinson’s full list here.
Big Ass Spider! – Forgiving B-movie fans may want to give this camp flick a try. It features a giant alien spider on the loose and wreaking havoc in Los Angeles. An exterminator leads a team of scientists to vanquish the threat. Horror film fan sites gave it some decent notices, suggesting that it could be a cut above Sharknado and others of its ilk. Familiar faces appearing in this title include Ray Wise, Lin Shaye and Troma film founder Lloyd Kaufman.
Closed Circuit – Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall star in this UK set and produced thriller about a pair of barristers with a romantic past who not only find themselves working a high profile terrorism trial, but uncovering a deeper conspiracy that threatens all of their lives. Reviews were mixed for this effort, with many praising the acting but finding the story plotting a tad… plodding. Ultimately, it may suit the small screen better than the big screen. Read the original review here.
Inequality for All – Here’s another documentary that received a great deal of positive press when it received a limited release earlier in the year. In this film, ex-US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich leads audiences through the country’s current economic system, calling for change. He paints a frightening picture of the future – one in which the income gap between the extremely wealthy and the rest of the country grows even further apart, essentially wiping out the middle class.
Runner Runner – Definitely one of the most critically lambasted films of the year, this drama follows a young poker player who is scammed out of his college savings by a crooked online site. When he travels down to Costa Rica and confronts the mastermind behind it all, he’s apologized to and immediately hired by the organization, only to find himself being engulfed in the criminal underworld of online gaming. Justin Timberlake, Ben Affleck, Gemma Arterton and Anthony Mackie star. The film ultimately flopped at the box office and the press called the film bland and vapidly written. Read our original review here.
Thanks for Sharing – This romantic comedy follows a group of characters all dealing with a similar problem – sex addiction. It doesn’t sound like hilarious material, but the movie attracted a strong cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Gad, Joely Richardson, Patrick Fugit and musician Pink. Despite the impressive actors, the film didn’t receive much of a push at cinemas and divided critics. While some enjoyed the work of the stars, many reviewers found it corny and overly talky and self-reflective. Curious viewers can now make up their own minds.
We Are What We Are – This remake of a 2010 Mexican horror flick follows a family of cannibals. Their existence is threatened when the household patriarch is incapacitated and his youngsters are forced to venture out and bring much needed food to the table. The original film was effective, but from a personal perspective featured characters that weren’t relatable enough. However, this version has received extremely strong reviews from film festivals. It could be a rare instance where a remake may actually improve upon the original. Those who enjoy dark, grim entertainment may want to give it a try. The movie also features actors Michael Parks and Kelly McGillis.
Blasts from the Past!
There are a few oddball efforts coming this week among one major release. Shout! brings a Blu-ray double feature of the goofy, 1976 plague-on-a-train disaster flick The Cassandra Crossing and the 1977 hit man thriller The Domino Principle (aka The Domino Killings). The cheesy 1984 independent horror flick The Power also arrives from ADA Corp on DVD (special features or aspect ratio aren’t listed, so don’t expect a marvelous transfer).
The Wicker Man: The Final Cut – One of the horror cinema’s biggest cult films (not to be confused with the 2006 Nicolas Cage remake) comes to Blu-ray in a new cut with a high quality transfer. The plot follows a devoutly Christian cop investigating a disappearance on an island filled with Pagan worshippers. After initially being completed in 1973, the movie had a tough time getting released and was edited by distributors. It has resulted in a few alternate cuts, with some scenes being omitted, added and placed in different chronological order. This new edition features a version closest to the one originally created in the editing room. The previously released UK Blu-ray of this title presented the three most notable cuts of the film. It appears as if only one version is featured here, but fans who already own the other editions or those who haven’t seen it yet will probably enjoy this release.
You Know, For Kids!
Octonauts: Here Come the Octonauts
On the Tube!
There’s plenty of options this week in television. Here they are!
Archer: The Complete Season 4
Barney Miller: Season 4
Being Human: Season 3
Copper: Season 2
Duck Dynasty: Season 4
The Following: Season 1
House of Lies: Season 2
Northern Exposure: Season 4
Star Trek: Enterprise: The Complete 3rd Season