There may be only a handful of major releases this week, but many of the films featured are noteworthy. As always, readers can click on the links after the brief summaries to get the site’s original full length reviews. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to read ahead and check out something at home!
Big New Releases!
12 Years a Slave – Perfectly timed to coincide with the winning of several Academy Awards (including Best Picture), this film adapts the autobiography of Solomon Northup. The harrowing and moving tale follows the man as he is kidnapped, shipped south and thrown into slavery for more than a decade. It received universal praise upon its release, with critics calling it a striking portrait of the period and one of the most important films of recent years. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti and Alfre Woodard (with a brief appearance by Brad Pitt). Read our original, full length review here.
The Grandmaster – This Academy Award nominated action-drama from Chungking Express director Kar Wai Wong attempts yet another biopic of martial arts and kung fu legend Ip Man. Tony Leung and Ziyi Zhang lead the cast. The Hong Kong production received solid notices from the press upon its release, with many critics praising the beautifully composed images (the cinematography received an Oscar nomination). Some have suggested that this adaptation places a bigger emphasis on mood than action and as a result Western audiences may find something lost in translation. Still, adventurous viewers may want to give it a try.
Hours – The story of this New Orleans set suspense flick follows an expectant father who brings his wife to the hospital after she goes into labor. Soon after, Hurricane Katrina hits causing massive flooding and power outages. Cut off from the world, the couple faces intense threats to their lives and safety. Paul Walker stars in one of his final roles alongside Genesis Rodriguez. It received decent reviews during its limited release, with many calling it a lean, B-movie thriller that works efficiently for most of its running time.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – One of the year’s biggest box office smashes comes to home video. Protagonist Katniss Everdeen is drafted back for another round of the violent Hunger Games and does her best to survive a competition featuring past champions. This follow-up received even more positive notices than the original film in the series, with critics complimenting not only the action, but the new themes and deeper existential questions introduced into the series. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland and Philip Seymour Hoffman headline this effort. Read our original review here.
Oldboy – This remake of the 2003 South Korean cult hit follows a man imprisoned with explanation for 15 years, who becomes bent on revenge after his mysterious release. It stars Josh Brolin as the title character and features Elizabeth Olson, Samuel L. Jackson and Sharlto Copley. Despite the high caliber of cast and famed director Spike Lee behind the camera, this feature didn’t make much of an impact at the box office or with the press. It received mixed to negative reviews with the majority stating that the newest version couldn’t match the shock and impact of the original film. Perhaps those who aren’t familiar with the source material may find it more effective.
Blasts from the Past!
The Visitor – Wow… they don’t make them like this anymore. Grindhouse Releasing (who previously distributed the enjoyable cult item Miami Connection) have found another bizarre oddity in this 1979 Italian horror film. Mixing equal parts of The Exorcist, The Omen and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the “plot” follows a child carrying the genes of an evil force from outer space. Legendary talents John Huston, Glenn Ford, Sam Peckinpah, Shelley Winters and Mel Ferrer star along with a very young Lance Henriksen. Those who can appreciate a so-bad-it’s-good kind of movie will definitely want to check it out. Read the site’s original, full length DVD review here.
You Know, For Kids!
There’s plenty coming for kids, including popular 80’s titles An American Tale and Harry & the Hendersons making their Blu-ray debuts. Those looking forward to the upcoming Mr. Peabody and Sherman flick can also catch up on the original cartoon series. Here’s a rundown of several notable titles.
An American Tale (blu-ray)
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That – Space is the Place
Dora the Explorer: Dora in Wonderland
Harry & the Hendersons (blu-ray)
Leapfrog Letter Factory Adventures: Letter Machine
The Original Mr. Peabody & Sherman Wabac Adventures: Vol. 1 (1959)
The Original Mr. Peabody & Sherman Wabac Adventures: Vol. 2 (1959)
Sesame Street – Elmo’s World: All About Animals
Sid the Science Kid: What Is a Rainbow?
Teen Titans Go: Mission to Misbehave Season 1, Part 1
Thomas & Friends: Spills and Thrills
On the Tube!
Finally, here’s what TV show fans will be able to rent or purchase starting this Tuesday.
Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Series 11
Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor
Nature: Funkiest Monkeys (PBS)
Noah & the Great Ark (History Channel)
Rawhide: Season 7, Vol. 2
Venture Bros.: Complete Season 5