Big week this week with several sleeper films including Jack the Giant Slayer, Stoker, and Quartet. Plus Friend of FOG! Richard Griffin’s latest, Exhumed. Plus the latest seasons of Wilfred and Workaholics as well as the premiere season of Rectify.
Plus, Movie 43, which might be one of the worst studio films ever released.
As always, fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart and check out this weeks’ latest releases!
Jack the Giant Slayer
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| Warner • Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download 6/18 |
Jack the Giant Slayer tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend—and gets the chance to become a legend himself. Cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy and John Kassir. Extras include featurettes, deleted scenes, and gag reel.
Last Word: Bryan Singer’s refreshingly amusing family film reimagines the classic fairy tale with rousing success. Mismarketed to an older audience, Jack the Giant Slayer is actually one of the few non-animated films that easily appeals to younger viewers and holds the attention of the adult crowd. The acting is pretty terrific with standout performances by Hoult, and the especially rollicking McGregor who’s energy is infectious. Effects are solid and while the film certainly breaks no new ground, it’s a fun diversion and well worth your time. Recommended.
Quartet
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| Starz / Anchor Bay • Released 6/18/13 |
The home for retired musicians will soon host a new resident. Word is, it’s a star. But Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay), Wilfred Bond (Billy Connolly) and Cecily Robson (Pauline Collins) are in for a shock when this former “star” turns out to be none other than their former singing partner – and Reggie’s former wife – Jean Horton (Maggie Smith). Will the famous quartet let old wounds keep them from making music together again, or will they be able to patch up their differences in time for Beecham House’s gala concert? Dustin Hoffman directs this moving, funny film about music, love, and second chances. Extras include commentary and featurette.
Last Word: Dustin Hoffman makes his directorial debut look effortless, with a warm, charming film featuring a spectacular ensemble of talented actors. Like an elderly The Breakfast Club, Quartet takes a variety of personalities and sticks them in a location where, for better or worse, they’re stuck. Sentimental and comfortable, with outstanding performances and subtle direction, Quartet should be embraced and celebrated. Highly recommended.
Workaholics: Season Three
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| Comedy Central • Released 6/18/13 |
Slackers Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine and Anders Holm are living and working together as telemarketers at TelAmeriCorp. Dress codes, deadlines, and waking up before noon aren’t things they’re used to, though, so the crew spends their days scheming to avoid doing any real work and their nights looking for good times. In Season Three, the boys get a surprise visit from home, help a coworker spy on a cheating spouse, and welcome their newest roommates, and Jesus, into their bachelor pad. Extras include commentaries, bloopers, alternate takes, music videos and more.
Last Word: Extremely entertaining, Workaholics is a lowbrow but very funny. Strong chemistry, high rewatchability and overall ridiculous. Recommended.
Stoker
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| Fox Searchlight • Released 6/18/13 |
Academy Award Winner Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska and Matthew Goode star in this darkly wicked, beautifully executed mystery by critically acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook (Oldboy). Following the tragic death of her father, India Stoker meets her charismatic uncle, whom she never knew existed. When he moves in to comfort India and her mother, the two find that the newest member of their family might actually be their worst nightmare. Extras include featurette, deleted scenes, behind the scenes, red carpet premiere and image galleries.
Last Word: What it lacks in plot, Pan Chan-wook’s Stoker makes up for with spooky discomfort. A cinegeek’s dream film, the stylish, and occasionally frustrating thriller makes excellent use of atmosphere and tone, providing one the most memorable viewing experiences in recent memory. Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode, Nicole Kidman, Dermot Mulroney, Jacki Weaver and Lucas Till all give nuanced and award worthy performances. Recommended.
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| 20th Century Fox • Released 6/18/13 |
From the writers of The Hangover comes a reckless and raunchy comedy 21 years in the making! On the day before a critical med school interview, straight-A college student Jeff Chang (Justin Chong) gets a surprise visit from his two best buds (Skylar Astin and Miles Teller) to celebrate his 21st birthday. In no mood to party, Jeff finally agrees to a single drink, which quickly leads to an over-the-top, out-of-control night filled with epic beer pong, smoking hot coeds…and one angry buffalo. Can Jeff’s friends get their plastered pal cleaned up in time for his morning appointment? It’s worth a shot. Extras includes featurettes and gag reel.
Last Word: You might think twice when my recommendation begins with, “It’s no Project X.” Unfortunately, the big problem with this is first, it’s not funny. There really aren’t any jokes. Second, none of these characters are particularly likeable and Third, it suffers from the mistake that people being loud, outrageous or drunk is an appealing aspiration. Skip it, unless you’re drunk. And if you’re drunk and you want to laugh, drink more.
Wilfred: Season Two
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| 20th Century Fox • Released 6/18/13 |
The story of a dog and his man. Elijah Wood and Jason Gann return for another fearlessly funny season of Wilfred… the story of a dog and his man. Following the first season’s cliff-hanger finale, Season Two finds Ryan making a fresh start with a real job and a new girlfriend. But with Wilfred’s help, Ryan discovers he still has a lot to learn about life, including “squishy” viral videos and the ongoing cuteness war between dogs and babies. Extras include deleted scenes, blooper reel, exclusive short, mash-up and featurette.
Last Word: The chemistry between Wood and Gann got even stronger this season and the show itself was funnier than the first season. Guest stars include Rob Riggle, Allison Mack, Robin Williams, Chris Klein, Steven Weber, Nestor Carbonell, Dwight Yoakam, Mary Steenburgen, John Michael Higgins, and Brad Dourif. Wilfred isn’t for everyone, but once you get into the rhythm of the show, it’s highly entertaining. Recommended.
The Brass Teapot
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| Magnolia • Released 6/18/13 |
Be careful what you wish for. John (Michael Angarano) and Alice (Juno Temple) live in small-town America – married, very much in love, and broke. But an accident leads them to a roadside antique shop where Alice is spontaneously drawn to a mysterious brass teapot. It isn’t long before they realize that this is no ordinary teapot and that perhaps they have found the answer to all of their financial woes. John and Alice must decide how far they will go to fulfill their dreams of wealth. Also starring Alexis Bledel, Billy Magnussen, Alia Shawkat, Bobby Moynihan, Steve Park, Ben Rappaport, Lucy Walters and Jack McBrayer. Extras include featurettes, interviews, deleted scenes, prologue/alternate opening, commentary and trailer.
Rectify
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| Starz / Anchor Bay • Released 6/18/13 |
After spending 19 years on Death Row for the rape and murder of his teenage girlfriend, Daniel Holden is going home. His conviction has been vacated due to new DNA evidence, thrusting him back into a world he no longer knows. Having spent his adult life waiting to die, Daniel must now learn how to live again. But, his reentry into the outside world may be as unforgiving as prison. He is haunted by the past, dogged by the present, and uncertain of the future. As he struggles to adapt to his new life, his return will reignite the fears of a small town and threaten to shatter his family’s fragile peace. Daniel’s alleged crime divided a community. His freedom could tear it in half. Extras include featurettes.
Summoned
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| Lionsgate • Released 6/18/13 |
Recently divorced artist Laura (Ashley Scott) lives a quiet life in Marin County, spending time preparing for an upcoming show. One day, she sees a news story about a man named Nathan (Scott Whyte) who’s been found dead, suspected of having jumped off the roof of his San Francisco apartment building. Something about this bothers her, and we follow her to a local retirement home, where she tells her friend Frank (James Hong) what’s happened. It turns out that Laura, Frank and Nathan all served on the jury for one of San Francisco’s most high-profile cases – the trial of infamous serial killer Evan Barber, known as the Midnight Murderer. The jury ultimately found Evan guilty, and he was executed soon afterward. While the authorities are quick to dismiss Nathan’s death as a suicide, Laura is suspicious. When Frank also turns up dead, the coincidence is too great to ignore. She starts looking into Nathan’s last days, and learns that he’d been working on a book about his experiences, and re-examining some of the evidence from the case. Meanwhile, Laura starts to get the feeling that someone, or something, is following her. Could she be next? Also starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., Bailey Chase, Tichina Arnold and Amanda Perez.
Last Word: It’s got James Hong in it, aka David Lo Pan. Worth checking out for him alone.
American Mary
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| Xlrator • Released 6/18/13 |
Twisted Twins Jen and Sylvia Soska are back with their stunning follow-up to the indie hit Dead Hooker in a Trunk. American Mary is the story of a medical student named Mary who is growing increasingly broke and disenchanted with medical school and the established doctors she once idolized. The allure of easy money sends a desperate Mary through the messy world of underground surgeries which leaves more marks on her than the so-called freakish clientele. Appearances are everything.
SlugTerra: Slugs Unleashed
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| Shout! Factory • Released 6/18/13 |
To be the best slugslinger, you’ve got to be the fastest. But you’ve also got to be the smartest. That’s where Eli Shane comes in. Growing up, Eli always dreamt of joining his father beneath the surface and becoming the greatest slugslinger in Slugterra. Now, the time has come. But Eli’s father is missing and it’s up to Eli, his Shane Gang, and his favorite slug — a faithful little Infernus called Burpy — to protect Slugterra from its foes until his father can be found. Includes the episodes The Slug Run, Shadows And Light, Dawn Of The Slug, Club Slug and Endangered Species. Extras include featurettes.
Exhumed
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| Wild Eye Releasing • Released 6/18/13 |
A moody, atmospheric horror in the Hammer tradition, Exhumed is the tale of a twisted family who, unable to leave their home, turn their captivity into a disturbing and violent game that will challenge their very reality. From director Richard Griffin and writer Guy Benoit, Exhumed stars Evalena Marie, Sarah Nicklin, Jocelyn Padilla, Michael Reed and Debbie Rochon. Extras include commentary, deleted scenes, and trailers.
The Ghastly Love of Johnny X
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| Strand Releasing • Released 6/18/1l3 |
Banished to Earth for intergalactic juvenile delinquency, Johnny X and his gang of Ghastly Ones set off in search of a piece of alien technology that could change the fate of the universe forever the so-called resurrection suit. Soon, the extraterrestrial no-goodniks are embroiled in a wacky scheme involving a femme fatale named Bliss, a shifty concert promoter with schemes of his own, and a recently deceased musician who won’t let a little decomposition stop him from rocking. With Paul Williams, Kevin McCarthy and Creed Bratton. Extras include commentary, featurettes. deleted scenes and outtakes.
Movie 43
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| 20th Century Fox • Released 6/18/13 |
From the twisted minds of producers Peter Farrelly and Charles Wessler, comes Movie 43 — the outrageous new ensemble comedy starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Movie 43 is not for the easily-offended and contains jaw-dropping, sometimes shockingly disturbing, but always entertaining intertwined storylines you’ll have to see to believe. The all-star cast includes Dennis Quaid, Greg Kinnear, Common, Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, Anna Faris, Chris Pratt, J. B. Smoove, Emma Stone, Justin Long, Katrina Bowden, Jason Sudeikis, Uma Thurman, Bobby Cannavale, Kristen Bell, John Hodgman, Leslie Bibb, Richard Gere, Kate Bosworth, Jack McBrayer, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Patrick Warburton, Seann William Scott, Johnny Knoxville, Gerard Butler, Halle Berry, Stephen Merchant, Terrence Howard, Elizabeth Banks, and Josh Duhamel. Extras include trailer and exclusive deleted segment.
Last Word: Lots of talented actors who are not funny are trying really hard in this foul anthology film. With fourteen directors of varying competence, the film unites them in one singular thoughtless, misogynistic, racist, cruel and ultimately toxic movie that might find their audience on DVD & Blu.
But shouldn’t. Highly recommended that you don’t even consider wasting your time.
23:59
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| Magnet • Released 6/4/13 |
Set in 1983 on an island used for military training a rumor circulated like wild fire amongst the soldiers. A mad woman living on the island had died at the exact hour of 23:59, and it is believed that her spirit had returned to haunt the soldiers at the exact same time. One of the recruits, Tan, the introverted platoon outcast, is adamant that he will be the next victim of the mad woman’s spirit. He tries to convince his buddy Jeremy that the woman’s spirit has been visiting him every night. Jeremy laughs it off and claims that there are no such things as ghosts in this world. They only exist because of Tan’s overactive imagination. However, during the 24 km road march for the platoon in the forest, Tan was found dead by the river, with his limbs contorted in a strange way and an expression of deep fear on his face. Overwhelmed with guilt, Jeremy decides to investigate Tan’s death, convinced that it was not an accident as what the military officers believe. Little does he know that the truth behind Tan’s death will unearth a terrible dark secret of the island and he will have to confront his deepest fears in order to find the truth.
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness – Good Croc, Bad Croc
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| 20th Century Fox / Released 6/18/13 |
As the chosen Dragon Warrior and sworn protector of the Valley of Peace, Po the panda is highly skilled, ever vigilant and hungry for justice…and dumplings. Together with the Furious Five – Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane and Viper – Po must fend off fierce villains, including an evil version of himself (courtesy of the Mystical Mirror of Yin and Yang) and the toothy Croc Bandits! This release is a compilation of episodes from the animated television spinoff and unfortunately doesn’t include any of the original voice cast. Includes the episodes “Good Croc, Bad Croc,” “The Princess and the Po,” “Chain Reaction,” “Bad
Po,” “Jailhouse Panda,” “Father Crime,” and “Po Fans Out.” For kids only.
