Greetings once again as we take at look at highlights of what is coming to home video this week. It’s a very busy column with plenty of interesting flicks and shows in a wide variety of genres. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day – Disney produced this tale that follows a young boy whose family must survive a variety of horrible experiences during a particularly hectic day. Overall, the press were generally positive about this flick. Several notices called it an agreeable family flick, although there were some who found the situations forced and family a little grating. It stars Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Coolidge and Megan Mullally. To read the site’s full-length review, click right here.
Force Majeure – Almost unanimously glowing reviews followed this Swedish effort about a happy family who find their lives in upheaval when an avalanche results in some unexpected behavior. It has been called a biting exploration of gender roles and expectations that will likely result in plenty of post-screening conversations. The slyly dark comedy was an early favorite to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, but in the end it wasn’t even nominated. Now renters can decide for themselves if it was slighted. nominations despite glowing reviews from nearly all who saw it. For more info, read our review of the title here.
Kill the Messenger – Those in the mood for an indie biopic may want to give this effort a try. Set in the 70s, it tells the true-life tale of an investigative journalist who attempts to expose a government conspiracy. Unfortunately, his personal and professional life is threatened in the process. Critics were generally positive about the movie. Although some found it a bit too leisurely paced, most were impressed by the performances and the thought-provoking message. Jeremy Renner, Rosemary DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Read a detailed review of the film here.
Laggies – A single woman in her late 20s deals with having no personal or career prospects in this indie romantic comedy. It features Keira Knightley, Chloe Grace Moretz and Sam Rockwell. While a few found the slacker lead character difficult to relate to, in general the movie garnered decent write-ups. Most found that the character’s predicaments were handled sensitively and suggested that the cast managed to make the end result sweet and engaging.
The Lookalike – When the obsession of a drug lord passes away and threatens to ruin a big deal, those involved search for a lookalike to fool him into participating. This independent thriller didn’t garner much attention from the press despite a long list of familiar faces including Justin Long, John Corbett, Gillian Jacobs, Gina Gershon and Luiz Guzman. They called it too convoluted and suggested that it wasn’t able to develop enough suspense to earn a recommendation.
Nightcrawler – Much like Force Majeure, many expected this grim look at the media to receive some award consideration, but it was ultimately shut-out. From a personal perspective, it’s a very strong effort that may ultimately find its following in the coming years. The story follows a misanthrope who attempts to start a business selling video footage of horrible crimes and accidents to local news networks. He quickly finds that the new career choice is perfect choice given his personality. Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton and Riz Ahmed headline. The movie received raves that called it a disturbing yet funny razor-sharp metaphor for success in the modern world, and praised its star for his physical and emotive transformation into character. This effort comes highly recommended.
On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter – This documentary sequel is a follow-up to the 1971 Oscar nominated original about motorcycling. Obviously things have changed in the last 40 plus years as riding has become a popular pastime. Unfortunately, reviews weren’t particularly strong for this effort, calling it a well-shot but surface level examination that doesn’t do much to provide any insight into its fan base and at times comes across as more of a promo piece than a doc. Interested parties can now make up their own minds.
Predestination – A federal agent travels through time to stop future criminals but finds his latest target impossible to catch in this Australian sci-fi thriller. While it only received a limited release in North America, the press were extremely positive about it. A select few called it overly meditative, but almost all found it to be an engrossingly fun and twisty effort with bigger ambition than one would expect. It stars Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook and Noah Taylor. Sounds like an interesting title that slipped under the radar and may be worth checking out.
Rosewater – Comedy Central funnyman Jon Stewart makes his directorial debut in this true story drama about a broadcast journalist who is interred and tortured while reporting on a story in Iran. Overall, the film received positive reviews. While a few complained that it was noble to a fault and didn’t delve deeply enough into its subject matter, the majority found it to a heartfelt tribute to its subject. Certainly sounds like a flick that may be worth a look. It stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Kim Bodnia.
Stray Dogs – This art-house effort from Taipei follows a poor man and his children struggling to survive on the streets. When a woman enters the picture the family dynamic begins to change. Notices were very strong, suggesting that while it wouldn’t appeal to everyone, those who could appreciate the deliberate pace, painterly photography and long, silent pauses might find it to be an interesting meditation on socioeconomic themes.
Blasts From the Past!
As always, Shout! Factory have some interesting Blu-ray double feature titles on the way. This includes a pairing of the vampire comedies Love at First Bite (1979) and Once Bitten (1985). First Bite was a big hit back in the day and stars a mugging George Hamilton as the vampire protagonist, while Once Bitten features an early starring role for Jim Carrey.
The second Blu-ray features a wild performance from Nicolas Cage in the cult comedy Vampire’s Kiss (1988) along with the Peter O’Toole haunted hotel lark, High Spirits (1988). Amazingly, the latter was helmed by heralded filmmaker Neil Jordan (The Crying Game, Interview with the Vampire, Ondine) and features an impressive cast that also includes Liam Neeson, Beverly D’Angelo, Jennifer Tilly and Martin Ferrero. He has stated in interviews that the film was taken from him and the final version is quite removed from the darker version he shot. His original cut is probably lost for all time, but the silly studio version does have its fans and features a few amusing moments.
Speaking of silly, the bizarre cult flick Massacre Mafia Style aka The Executioner (1978) is an ultra low-budget crime flick that gained a share of fans for the deadpan acting of its mobster leads and preposterous situations. It all results in plenty of chuckles for viewers in the right frame of mind.
Kino has a couple of titles from director Norman Jewison coming to Blu-ray. They include the well-received cold war comedy The Russians Are Comings, the Russians Are Coming (1966) and the period drama F.I.S.T. (1978). The second title an underrated effort that starred Sylvester Stallone (yes, that Stallone!) as a fictional union leader whose life story bears more than a passing resemblance to real-life teamster Jimmy Hoffa.
Criterion has a pair of big Blu-ray releases. First is the classic A Day in the Country (1936) from director Jean Renoir (The Rules of the Game). This effort is a short about a relationship that develops between a man and woman in the country. Unlike most films of its ilk, it is noted for an approach more realistic. The disc includes tons of extras that include interviews and hours of outtakes from the shoot.
If you want creepy, you can’t go wrong with Don’t Look Now (1973). Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie play a couple living in Venice who are struggling with the death of their daughter. Events take a creepy turn when they begin having visions of what appears to be a small child in a red coat. The Criterion Blu-ray includes a new 4K digital restoration and various documentaries on the making of and meanings behind the film.
With a new Peanuts movie on the way, Paramount are slowly re-releasing the original slate of films from the 70s to DVD. This week, it’s Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown! (1977). It’s one of the more popular efforts in the older series and features Charlie Brown and the gang going camping and getting involved in a river rafting race.
Finally, Disney is putting out a Diamond Edition of the popular animated feature 101 Dalmatians (1961). It is the first time the movie is being made available on Blu-ray. There aren’t many extras listed at present, although it does contain one new bonus – an animated short entitled The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt.
You Know, For Kids!
There’s plenty for the youngsters as written about above and listed below. Take a look!
101 Dalmatians
Digimon Fusion: Season 1
Dora and Friends
Earth: A New Wild (PBS)
Lego: DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League
Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown! (Peanuts)
Sailor Moon: Season 1, Part 2
Slugterra: Slug Fu Showdown
Transformers Rescue Bots: Jurassic Adventure
On the Tube!
It’s a slower week for TV, but here’s what is available. Enjoy!
Atlantis: Season 2, Part 1
Batman (1967): Season 2, Part 1
Digimon Fusion: Season 1
Hart to Hart: Season 4
Mama’s Family: Season 6
Nurse Jackie: Season 6
Olive Kitteridge (miniseries)
Z Nation: Season 1