It’s a busy week once again with plenty of variety and all sorts of curious releases coming your way. As always, be sure to click on any links you might find to read more about some of the films. So if you can’t make it out to the movies this week, be sure and give one of these titles a try!
Big New Releases!
Annie – The popular musical about a young orphan who wins the heart of a millionaire gets its second makeover (the first came in 1982). While the older adaptation received mixed reviews, the consensus is pretty clear on the new edition. The press called its star cute, but disliked just about everything else. They suggested that the musical numbers fell flat and the picture was not only schmaltzy to a fault, but that the materialistic traits of its characters were also disturbing. Now viewers can decide for themselves. It stars Quvenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne and Cameron Diaz.
The Divine Move – A young man who plays Go (a strategy board game) is set-up for murder by a gambling boss. While incarcerated, he trains and plots elaborate revenge in this South Korean action/drama. The movie was a big hit in its homeland but hasn’t received much in the way of reviews in this part of the world, so those interested will have to gamble themselves to find out if it’s effective. Jung Woo-sung takes on the lead role.
Exodus: Gods and Kings – This Biblical epic from director Ridley Scott (Prometheus, Gladiator, Blade Runner, Alien) tells the story of Moses, a man cast out from his home who became leader of a revolt against the Egyptian Pharaoh. Reaction wasn’t particularly strong for this effort. While many complimented the visuals, most thought that the rest of the film felt leaden and didn’t engage. Christian Bale, Ben Kingsley, Joel Edgerton, Jon Turturro, Sigourney Weaver and Aaron Paul headline the film. For a full review, click the link here.
Muck – A marsh creature from an ancient burial ground in Cape Cod (really?!) stalks a bunch of kids in this low-budget horror flick. When the youngsters escape the swamps, they find themselves followed to an abandoned beach house where they are… you guessed it… attacked once again. As one might expect, reports are poor thus far for this effort. At least it does feature Kane Hodder (who has played Friday the 13th‘s Jason Voorhees a few times) in a supporting role.
Penguins of Madagascar – The biggest hit of the week is this spin-off featuring characters from the Madagascar series. This animated efforts follows the adventures of four penguins who join a secret organization and face-off against a super-villain attempting to take over the world. Critics generally liked the film, suggesting that it was a slick production that may not excite adults, but should entertain younger family members. The voice cast includes the likes of John Malkovich, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Jeong, Peter Stormare, Andy Richter and Werner Herzog.
Song of the Sea – This Irish animated tale was nominated for Best Animated Film at the Oscars and comes from the production team behind The Secret of Kells. It’s another folklore adaptation about a young girl who is a selkie (a child who can turn into a seal). Reportedly, she uses her abilities to save other fairy creatures. It garnered unanimous praise from the press, who wrote that it was gorgeous and completely captivating for all ages. Many even suggested that had more people seen the film, it would have won the Oscar. Brendan Gleeson lends his voice to the project.
Son of a Gun – Decent reviews followed this independent thriller from Australia about a young man in trouble with the law. After being taken under the wing of a notorious criminal, he finds himself trapped within the gang. Soon, he has no one to trust when a heist goes horribly wrong. While some felt that it changed gears a little too frequently, most found it a fun, twisty and occasionally outrageous suspense pic with enjoyable performances. Brenton Thwaites and Ewan McGregor play the lead characters.
Top Five – Another film that received raves was this effort from comedian Chris Rock. He plays a movie star who begins a relationship with a journalist and ends up reexamining his early show business days doing stand-up. Reviews for this romantic comedy were very strong, stating that the story deftly mixes drama and laughs. They also mentioned that it allows its star to deliver some excellent routines and fantastic impressions. In addition to Rock, it features Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union, Tracy Morgan and Cedric the Entertainer.
Vice – Taking a page from the Michael Crichton’s Westworld, this science-fiction thriller stars Bruce Willis as a businessman who builds an adult-themed fantasy park with robots playing human characters. When one of the park’s mechanized females becomes sentient, she goes on the run with the help of a police detective. Reviews were abysmal for this flick, calling it an ineffective B-movie that deserves to go straight-to-video. Ouch! Now viewers can see for themselves. It also stars Ambyr Childers and Thomas Jane.
The Way He Looks – This Brazilian coming-of-age tale features a blind teenage outcast who befriends a new arrival at school and ultimately falls for him. Reviews were very strong for this foreign-language flick. They suggested that while the movie may be too syrupy on occasion, it low-key, heartfelt approach and winning performances help make it an above average effort that handles its themes with great compassion.
Blasts From the Past!
Once again, there are some great options that will appeal to those looking for a nostalgic thrill. Shout! Factory recently put out a box set contain several films from acclaimed German director Werner Herzog. Today they’re releasing Aguirre, The Wrath of God (1972) as a single disc. Set in the 16th century, it stars the late Klaus Kinski as a ruthless and obsessive soldier in Peru leading an expedition to find El Dorado. As you might have guessed, things don’t go according to plan. The movie features some incredible cinematography and the Blu-ray includes a couple of commentary tracks with the director as well as a trailer. If you’ve never seen it, it’s well worth your time.
Mill Creek are a company known for their price-friendly discs. There usually isn’t much in the way of extras, but they are great if you want to catch up on or own a film inexpensively. Coming on Blu-ray is the Orson Welles film-noir classic The Lady From Shanghai (1947) and the Marlon Brando biker drama The Wild One (1953).
On DVD, Mill Creek has several “Anniversary Series” titles. They’ll all different anniversaries, but the theme loosely unites them in some way, I suppose. They include the William Holden western Arizona (1940), celebrating its 75th Anniversary. The notorious John Wayne historical biopic Genghis Kahn (1965) is also coming out. Besides the bizarre casting of Wayne as the title character, it is likely better known for the tragedy surrounding the production. Much of it was filmed in the desert near nuclear test sites and many members of the cast and crew contracted cancer in the years following its completion.
White Line Fever (1975) is a trucker flick starring Jan-Michael Vincent as a man who stands tall against gangsters and crooked officials trying to intimidate him into carrying illegal cargo. It sounds like some good late night drive-in movie fare and has only been available in the past as a special made-to-order title. Now those interested in the White Line Fever 40th Anniversary Series disc can pick it up at a very reasonable rate. Finally, Mill Creek has the Kevin Bacon comedy The Big Picture (1990) arriving on DVD. It’s a funny send-up of Hollywood that involves a filmmaker trying to navigate the complicated studio system.
As always, Criterion has some prestige titles of note. Ride the Pink Horse (1947) is one of the more eccentric film-noirs you’re likely to see. Robert Montgomery stars and directs this tale of an agent hunting a mysterious character during a Mexican fiesta on a border town. The Blu-ray includes a new restoration, interviews and a commentary track on its historical significance. The Soft Skin (1964) is a well-regarded romance/drama from famed French director Francois Truffaut (The 400 Blows, Jules and Jim). The Blu-ray also contains a commentary as well as documentaries and other extras.
Sony have a couple of 90s efforts hitting Blu-ray for the first time. They include the bittersweet Macaulay Culkin drama My Girl (1991). The coming-of-age film deals with a young girl who must contend with her widowed father’s new girlfriend and the death of a family friend. On a lighter note, pre-teens may appreciate Troop Beverly Hills (1989). It features Shelley Long as a posh divorcee who becomes a Girl Scout leader and decides to add a bit of glamour to both the job and the lives of her anxious young company.
Finally, Kino Lorber have a couple of Blu-rays coming your way. Hester Street (1975) is a turn of the century period drama about new immigrants in the US – it earned star Carol Kane (of the recent Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) an Academy Award nomination. Vice and Virtue (1963) from Roger Vadim (Barbarella) is a French adaptation of Marquis de Sade’s Justine and stars Catherine Deneuve.
You Know, For Kids!
Here’s a listing of what’s new for kids, most of which were covered in the Big New Releases section.
Annie
Littlest Pet Shop: Pet Shop Pals
Penguins of Madagascar
Song of the Sea
Wolfie – The Incredible Secret
Wordworld: Birthday Party (PBS)
On the Tube!
There’s all kinds of goodies from TV arriving this week, including seasons five and six of the classic 60s sitcom Bewitched. And then there’s Maude… In honor of Bewitched, I’ve included a video below featuring promos and ads that aired during the original run of the series.
Additionally, Warner Archive are releasing the first season of the Adult Swim program NTSF:SD:SUV (2011-14) – the 15 minute episodes star Paul Scheer and they are a very funny parody of cops shows that always features great guest spots. Below is an ad for one of the season’s most entertaining segments. In this show, an evil mastermind on a cruise attempts to avoid capture by keeping himself in areas of the boat that remain in international waters. Enjoy!
American Experience: The Forgotten Plague (PBS)
Bewitched: Seasons 5 & 6
Bob Ross – The Joy of Painting: Spring Collection
Ghost Whisperer: The Complete Series
Gold Rush: South America
Halo: Nightfall
The Legend of Mick Dodge: Season 3
Maude: The Complete Series
Nature: Penguin Post Office (PBS)
Nova: Big Bang Machine (PBS)
NTSF:SD:SUV: Season 1 (Warner Archive)
Secrets of the Dead: Ben Franklin’s Bones (PBS)
Squidbillies: Vol. 6 (Adult Swim)
Turn: Washington’s Spies: Season 1
When Sharks Attack (National Geographic)
WKRP in Cincinnati: Season 1
WKRP in Cincinnati: Season 2