Well, the gear-up for Black Friday is on in earnest, as this week sees a huge slate of releases. We’ve got blockbusters, mid-sized hits, indie hits, and the beginning of the onslaught of Christmas movies. Here’s what’s on shelves:
Maleficent –
One of the year’s biggest hits is a hit for a reason: a great cast, terrific special effects, a brilliant marketing campaign, and — oh yeah — the film is really good. Disney pulled off a rare feat here, a PG-rated film that’s mature enough for adults to dig into but subtle enough for kids to see. Now, to be fair, I think this isn’t for kids younger than, say 10 or 11. My kids haven’t watched it yet, as it’s way to scary for them. That said, I can see why tweens would gravitate towards this. It’s epic, big-scale fantasy that doesn’t play down to the audience. Plus, Angelina Jolie is fantastic in it. Talk about a role she was born to play! This one is worth making a family movie night out of.
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, Extended Edition –
One of last year’s biggest blockbusters, this middle chapter of The Hobbit trilogy is a pretty solid outing, although I personally enjoyed the first film better. I know I’m in the minority on that opinion, but the first one really clicked for me. Still, this chapter has some really great stuff to be found, especially the last 40 minutes or so once Smaug enters the picture. Now, we have the Extended Edition of the film, which adds some 25 minutes of extra scenes back into the film, and they’re worth the addition. I can’t say that the film changes dramatically, but as usual with the extended cuts, they flesh things out and give the films a bit more breathing room. These extended editions have a fan life of their own, and those who have been on board for all the previous extended films will find themselves satisfactorily rewarded.
Hercules –
This is probably the best film of director Brett Ratner’s career. Now, before you take that as effusive praise, let me tell you that I consider Ratner the worst director in Hollywood. I think he’s a complete hack, and I find most of his films to be near-unwatchable. So the fact that I somewhat enjoyed Hercules is a big compliment, but it doesn’t change the fact that Ratner’s a terrible director. This is a movie that could have been so much better in somebody else’s hands. It’s enjoyable enough, but there’s absolutely no spark to it, no sense of fun; it’s blockbuster by-the-numbers. The supporting cast is largely what saves it, with Rufus Sewell stealing the show and Ian McShane doing his best to do the same. I’ve seen Dwayne Johnson act much better than this in other films, and I think a better director wouldn’t have lost so much of his natural charm. Still, for a way to kill a Friday night, there are worse options.
Planes: Fire & Rescue –
My kids have been huge fans of the Cars movies since they were old enough to watch TV, so obviously, the first movie was a film they were going to enjoy. Cars gets unfairly maligned as one of Pixar’s weakest films, but for my money, it’s still one of their absolute best. Planes plays to a slightly younger audience, but it basically stays true to the Cars universe while introducing all-new characters who happen to be planes. This second film ups the ante, introducing a bunch of new characters in the Fire & Rescue Squad. The film is more action-adventure based, and it’s got some pretty exciting moments for the younger set. Parents may not love the Planes movies, but kids will and that’s what’s important.
Sherlock: Limited Edition Gift Set –
I’d like to say that I was originally skeptical that a Sherlock Holmes story set in the 21st century would work, but Sherlock is a BBC show. That means that I knew it would be brilliant and I would love it, as I love almost everything the BBC puts out these days. Amazingly, the BBC not only met but exceeded my expectations. Sherlock is utterly brilliant. Don’t let the modern day trappings throw you off; if you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan, this show will thrill you. It’s exciting, suspenseful, clever, and filled with great references to the classic stories and character quirks. Lest I ignore the key players behind the success of the show, credit must be given to Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Holmes and Watson, respectively. The duo’s charisma is the stuff of which TV legends are made. I can’t imagine anyone else cast in these roles. While the show has been available on home video before, this new limited edition gift set includes all three seasons in one box set, along with two very snazzy busts of Holmes and Watson, plus some other goodies like art cards and video extras. Whether you’re a die-hard Sherlock Holmes fan, a casual fan, or not even a fan at all, I implore you to try this show. It’s really quite fantastic, and I think everyone who sees it will become instantly hooked.
A Most Wanted Man –
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final starring role is an odd film of fits and starts. Directed by Phil Joanou (who I’ve yet to be overly impressed by), the film tells the tale of an aging warhorse German spy trying to track down an islamic terrorist operating in Hamburg. Along the way the story involves political asylum, money laundering, identity, and torture, none of which are particularly easy topics to tackle. The film starts off slow, then gets interesting, then gets slow again, than finish with a bang. As a result, it’s a hard film to really get wrapped up in. Hoffman is good as always, but there’s no denying that it’s not one of his best performances. He looks tired. I can’t speak to what his personal situation was during the filming of this movie, but it’s ultimately not the perfect capstone to a career as a great as his.
The Newsroom: The Complete Second Season –
I’ve always liked Aaron Sorkin’s works, although I’ve never been a slavish devotee. I watched the West Wing for a season or so, but that was about it. The Newsroom, however, which focuses on the goings-on and the personal relationships at work at a major cable news channel, is pretty damn terrific. Sorkin does his usual mix of combining personal politics, character drama, lightning-quick dialogue, and people talking while walking, and it all comes together into a wonderful end result. Sure, Sorkin is pretty much giving us The West Wing or Sports Night in a new setting, but it is pretty damn enjoyable, so who cares? I’ll watch television this good no matter how derivative it is. The Newsroom — like many of Sorkin’s past works — will probably inflame some viewers and enthrall others. I’m in the latter camp, and I think most people in the show’s target audience will be as well.
The One I Love –
This mind bending indie drama with a twist is a hard film to review. I really liked it, but to say anything about it all takes away from the film. I’ll tell you that the film involves a couple trying to rebuild their marriage by going away for the weekend, and when they get to their destination, their relationship experiences some really strange changes. That’s about all I can tell you without giving away what makes the film so interesting. Mark Duplass and Elizabeth Moss are terrific in the lead (and pretty much only) roles, and while I know it’s hard to want to watch a movie without a real hook to grab you, trust me when I tell you that this film is much more interesting if you don’t know what to expect. I wouldn’t even watch the trailer below.
Reno 911: The Complete Series –
I always liked Reno 911, despite the fact that sometimes it could remind me of a Saturday Night Live sketch that goes on just a bit too long. Overall, though, the show is a lot of fun, and having the complete series on DVD now means that I can pop it in whenever the mood for some cop-fueled silliness strikes me. Reno 911 isn’t perfect; that’s what you get with a show that is largely improvised, a mix of sheer brilliance and weak chuckles. But it’s a lot more fun than not, and after having had a break from the show for a few years, I’ve really enjoyed revisiting it. Plus, it’s hard not to enjoy seeing so many comedic talents in one place: the always terrific Thomas Lennon and the brilliant but underrated Wendi McLendon-Covey, plus shorter stints by Joe Lo Truglio, Jim Rash, Patton Oswalt, and Keegan-Michael Key, among others.
Sgt. Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show – The Complete Series –
One of television’s earliest comedy blockbusters, Sgt. Bilko was a spotlight for Phil Silvers’ signature character, and he clearly steals the show. But Sgt. Bilko is 1950s humor at its best; rather than feeling dated, it feels timeless. Unlike so many other comedies from the past that age poorly, Sgt. Bilko comes across as a classic, and it’s funny stuff. The joke telling is from another era, but it works because the writing is strong and the actors understand how to be funny. This huge box set includes all 143 episodes of the classic show (four seasons’ worth) and includes a ton of extra features, so it’s a must-have for fans of the show or classic Hollywood in general.
Premature –
Sometimes the quote on the DVD cover nails it, and this is one of those cases. Premature is American Pie meets Groundhog Day, and I liked it way more than I thought I would. The story basically involves a high school kid who keeps living the same day over and over, with one additional twist: it’s his having an orgasm that re-sets the day. At the end of the day, it’s a film about teenage sex, relationships, and high school angst, but it’s also pretty funny. Alan Tudyk has a great role as a college recruiter with a secret, and the rest of the cast, almost entirely unknown, is charming in there own way. The humor is vulgar but not at the expense of actually being funny, and I ended up having a lot of fun with this little movie.
The Unauthorized Saved By the Bell Story –
I’m not sure why this movie had to be “unauthorized.” It’s about as tame as they come. If you’re looking for lurid tales of teenage sex and drugs, you’ve come to the wrong place. Instead, this TV movie tells the Saved by the Bell tale from the point of view of Dustin “Screech” Diamond, who is the main character of the story. That being said, as a casual fan of Saved by the Bell but not a die-hard fan, even I really wanted to watch this movie, and I did end up enjoying it quite a bit. The cast does a good job of playing young versions of all the actors we know and love, and the costume designer deserves an Emmy. I’ve never seen such authentic ’90s clothes on screen since the 90s, and I lived through them. Saved by the Bell fans, this may not be the tell-all you were hoping for, but it’s pretty fun nonetheless.
Step Up: All In –
The fourth (fifth? sixth?) entry in the once-popular dance series sees everyone’s favorite dancers get together in as Las Vegas for the ultimate dance off. Supposedly, this film sees “all-stars from previous installments come together.” I don’t really know who most of them are, save for lead actress Briana Evigan, but I guess if you’re an ardent fan, you’ll see some familiar faces. For the most part, though, the film delivers what you’ve come to expect from Step Up movies: lots of dancing, furious editing, and hot music. And really, isn’t that why you’re watching in the first place?
Merlin: The Complete Series –
As I mentioned above, I love BBC television, and Merlin was no exception. Over the course of five seasons, Merlin gave us a really engaging, interesting take on a classic legend. Focusing on a young Merlin as he learns to become the great wizard he’ll eventually be, the show is fun, action-packed, and filled with great characters and plenty of humor. The series had a mythology that continued to grow throughout each season, with new plotlines developing nearly every episode. But it’s the interplay between characters that really keeps this show moving. Sure, there are some great action and magic sequences, but much like a show with a similar feel — Smallville — it’s the characters that will keep you coming back for more. This set includes all five seasons of the show in one place (on Blu-ray or DVD) and not only includes a ton of extra features, but also a set of refrigerator magnets. Cool!
M Squad: The Complete Series –
While this classic show has been available on DVD before, this Special Edition DVD set comes with some new extra features. Most notably, you get a bonus disc with four classic TV appearances by the great Lee Marvin, who also happens to be the lead actor in M Squad. So in addition to some great crime drama, you also get Lee Marvin in: Wagon Train – The Jose Morales Story (1960), Checkmate – Jungle Castle (1961), The Virginian – It Tolls for Thee (1962) and Lee Marvin Presents: Lawbreaker – Pittsburgh (1963). As for the show itself, it has clearly aged a bit, but it’s pretty hard-nosed for 1950s television. Marvin is terrific in the lead (of course), and guest stars that include Angie Dickinson, Charles Bronson, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, and Burt Reynolds make it fun to play spot-the-future-star. A great throwback.
Also available on Blu-ray & DVD this week:
Even though it’s on TV every year, if you want to be able to watch this classic holiday special whenever you want, the new Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: 50th Anniversary Edition is a great way to do it. Not only does it give you the whole 51-minute special with no commercials, but it looks great in high def (although it is also available on DVD) and there are a few fun extras, like a video pop-up book.
Acclaimed documentary The Dog looks at the true (and bizarre) story of the man who was the inspiration for Al Pacino’s classic film, Dog Day Afternoon. The story here goes deeper into the motivations and real life of bank robber John Wojtowicz, and it makes for compelling viewing.
Land Ho is a charming comedy that tells the tale of two elderly American friends who take a spur-of-the-moment trip to Iceland, and along the way rediscover who they are. It’s not a plot-heavy moment, nor is it a laugh-a-minute comedy. Instead, it’s a character driven film with heart and a light humorous touch. Viewers with patience will really enjoy this critically claimed film.
Timothy Dalton, Jonathan Pryce, Twiggy, Patrick Stewart, Julian Sands, Stephen Rea star in The Doctor And The Devils, a little-seen 1985 cult horror film. With a screenplay by Dylan Thomas, this movie’s great cast is its biggest selling point, but this tale of grave-robbing gone wrong will be of definite interest to horror fans looking for something they haven’t seen before.
Previously released as a box set, the Perry Mason Movie Collection: Double Features 7, 8, and 9 are now available as separate releases, with each one including two movies. I love these films, as I grew up watching Perry Mason in reruns and was probably old enough to watch these movies as they aired on TV, which was very exciting at the time. These three double features include the following movies: The Case of The Poisoned Pen, The Case Of The Desperate Deception, The Case Of The Silenced Singer, The Case Of The Defiant Daughter, The Case Of The Ruthless Reporter, and The Case Of The Maligned Mobster.
Hot in Cleveland: Season Five focuses on three L.A.-based best friends of a fortysomething-ish persuasion (played by Wendie Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, and Jane Leeves) transplanted to Cleveland from the fabulous land of Hollywood; a world in which they’re considered hot, fashionable, and in-demand with the menfolk. Through a series of circumstances that only happen in sitcom-land, they end up staying in Cleveland and feeling young again, renting a house that comes with its own cranky old caretaker (enter Betty White.) Now, if you’re only into shows like Arrested Development and Curb Your Enthusiasm, this probably won’t be your cup of tea, but if you like a good, simple sitcom along the lines of Golden Girls or the like, Hot in Cleveland is actually a lot of fun to watch.
The new box set Doctor Who: The Matt Smith Years collects all three seasons of Smith’s run as The Doctor, along with all of the bonus features that were originally included on the separate DVD & Blu-ray releases. This 16-disc set is a nice way to encompass one of the most popular Doctors in a cool-looking box set, although if you already have the individual season, there’s nothing new to entice you to buy this.
A combination of Candid Camera and childhood dares, Impractical Jokers: Season 2 is funny enough for what it is. A group of four every guys dare each other to do ridiculous pranks and it’s all captured on camera for our viewing pleasure. At times silly, at times hysterical, this will appeal to fans of shows like Jackass and Punk’d, even though it’s got its own distinct flavor.
Birds of Paradise: Meet the Flockers — previously a Wal-Mart exclusive — is a direct-to-video movie that will strongly appeal to kids who like the Rio films. It also features a cast that will appeal to some adult viewers, so that’s something, at least. Look for Drake Bell, Ashley Tisdale, Ken Jeong, Jane Lynch, and Jon Lovitz adding their voices.
Not the fashion documentary it sounds like, Style Wars is actually an award-winning documentary that was first broadcast in 1983. The film tackles the urban lifestyle that had begun taking on a life of its own in New York City, and so we are treated to some amazing footage of graffiti tagging, breakdance battles, and much more. It’s fascinating stuff, and it makes a neat time capsule into an ’80s culture that isn’t homogenized for throwback sitcoms.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Sam Neill star in To the Ends of the Earth, a British miniseries based on a series of books from William Golding, author of The Lord of the Flies. It’s been available on DVD before, but with Benedict Cumberbatch seemingly taking over the world, the time seemed right to re-release it and expose it to new audiences.
The Lifetime Holiday Triple Feature is an odd mix of movies, with two recent lighthearted Christmas tales that were clearly made in the last few years combined with a 1980s country-themed Christmas special that focuses more on racism than Christmas. I can’t imagine that most people interested in The Twelve Trees of Christmas and Kristin’s Christmas Past will also want to watch the dated A Country Christmas Story. Still, Shiri Appleby, Lindy Booth, and a very young Megyn Pryce are in the movies, so there are some familiar faces for viewers.
PBS’s popular show continues on DVD with Craft in America: Service – Season 6, which focuses on “the power of the handmade to inspire, motivate, and heal,” mostly made by regular people with interesting stories. This go-around has a military focus, starting way back with the creation of the Army Arts & Crafts Program through today.
Shauna MacDonald (Hemlock Grove) and Kate Trotter (Lost Girl) star in Tru Love, a moving love story about two women with a 30-year age gap who fall in love, and the reaction of their families to their coupling. The performances are terrific, and the film works in some humor to balance out the serious issues.
The Taking of Deborah Logan is a surprisingly strong entry in three genres that are all suffering these days: horror films, found footage movies, and exorcism stories. Considering that it checks off all three of those boxes, the fact that it’s not terrible is quite a surprise. The fact that it’s pretty decent is even more surprising. Good performances help make up for the tired found footage aesthetic, and this one is worth taking a look at.
Two new Garfield animated releases are out this week: The Garfield Show: Techno Cat and The Garfield Holiday Collection. Techno Cat contains six episodes from The Garfield Show, all of which have at least some sort of technology hook to them. The Garfield Holiday Collection collects five Garfield holiday-themed specials: Garfield Halloween Adventure, Garfield on the Town, A Garfield Christmas, A Garfield Thanksgiving, and Garfield in Paradise.
The popular British pig family returns in the holiday-themed Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Christmas. This isn’t my favorite kids show, but that’s me looking at it from an adult perspective. It’s good enough for the younger ones; cute enough to be endearing. Kids who like this show will enjoy having this holiday DVD to get pumped for the holidays.
“America’s 39-member first family of song,” The King Family, was popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Now, they’re coming back on DVD, with The King Family Christmas a collection of four of the original Christmas specials. You get songs like White Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Silent Night, My Favorite Things, and more, as well as all kinds of musical performances with a holiday theme.
Robert Loggia, Tyler Ritter, and Naomi Judd star in An Evergreen Christmas, a film about a Hollywood star returning to her hometown to attend her father’s funeral. It’s kind of like a musical version of August: Osage County, if it was made for The Hallmark Channel. I imagine the target audience will enjoy this film, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.
Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas features two holiday specials from the beloved show. What’s nice is that they cover the spectrum of the series’ run: Christmas at Plum Creek is from Season One, while A Christmas They Never Forgot is from Season Eight. A nice treat for Little House fans.
John Denver and Jane Kaczmarek star in The Christmas Gift, a holiday movie that apparently has a lot of fans. It’s mostly a showcase for Denver, who’s not half bad in the lead role, but it’s definitely showing its age. Fans of the film will be thrilled to have it on DVD, but people watching it for the first time might have a harder time getting caught up in it.
The latest trend in holiday movies is dog-related films (thanks, Marley & Me!), and so this year we are treated to A Belle for Christmas, which features Dean Cain, Haylie Duff, and Kristy Swanson. It’s got all your family holiday film hallmarks: a widowed dad, an “evil” girlfriend, precocious kids, and — of course — an adorable dog.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Daniel Tiger’s Happy Holidays features seven episodes of the popular PBS kids’ show, with a holiday theme taking the forefront, of course. This DVD has been packaged with a cool little figurine of Daniel Tiger though, making it a great Christmas treat for the kiddies, and at a nice, low price.