An especially impressive week of releases including Sam Raimi’s visit to Oz, two of the best tv shows of the past year; House of Cards and The Newsroom, an anniversary edition of the greatest kung fu movie of all time, three fantastic Disney features (with not so fantastic sequels) and more.
As always, fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart and check out this weeks’ latest releases!
Oz the Great and Powerful
Disney’s fantastical adventure Oz The Great And Powerful follows Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus musician with dubious ethics. When Diggs is hurled away to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot – until he meets three witches (Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams), who aren’t convinced he’s the great wizard everyone’s expecting. Reluctantly drawn into epic problems facing Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it’s too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity – and even some wizardry – Oscar transforms himself into the great Wizard and a better man as well. Extras include Disney Second Screen, Bloopers, and Featurettes.
Last Word: Director Sam Raimi knocks the ball out of the park with this charming and truly wonderful film. Adapting L Frank Baum’s work and acknowledging Victor Fleming’s 1939 classic film, Oz the Great and Powerful is a perfect match between filmmaker and material and is a true love letter to the magic of movies. Highly recommended.
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
After getting a taste for blood as children, Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) have turned pro, coping with the trauma of their childhood captivity by slaying witches for hire. But when the seemingly unstoppable bounty hunters meet their match in an enemy so evil, it’ll take all their training, weapons and courage to survive as unbeknownst to them, Hansel and Gretel have become the hunted. Includes featurettes.
Last Word: Some terrific production designs and action sequences can be found amid the clunky performances and lackluster story. Worth a rental, but ultimately disappointing.
House of Cards: The Complete First Season
Ruthless and cunning, Congressman Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire (Robin Wright) stop at nothing to conquer everything. This wicked political drama penetrates the shadowy world of greed, sex and corruption in modern D.C. Kate Mara and Corey Stoll co-star in the first original series from David Fincher and Beau Willimon.
Last Word: Binge watching at it’s best. The backdrop of the nation’s capital truly intensifies the manipulative, addictive and ultimately absorbing narrative that runs through these thirteen episodes. House of Cards is simply about power and revenge laid out slowly and methodically in the political arena. Cancel your plans before you start it as once it gets going, it’s hard to turn away. Highly recommended.
Enter the Dragon (40th Anniversary Edition)
Over three decades following his untimely death, Bruce Lee remains the movies’ supreme martial arts star. His masterful final film, Enter The Dragon, stands the test of time as the most beloved martial arts epic in film history. This box office hit takes Lee to the island fortress of criminal warlord Han, whose martial arts academy covers up opium smuggling and prostitution activities. To avenge the death of his sister, Lee infiltrates the stronghold and enters Han’s brutal tournament-a breathtaking visual feast of competitions fusing skills in karate, judo, tae kwon do, tai chi chuan and hapkido, staged by Lee himself. Packed with extras include never before released production art, embroidered Dragon patch, Motion Lenticular, commentary, featurettes, interviews and more.
Last Word: Without a doubt Bruce Lee’s best film and perhaps the single greatest example of kung fu cinema, Enter the Dragon has never looked or sounded better. This cult classic is responsible influencing millions of genre fans and changed both American cinema and pop culture forever. Beyond it’s cultural significance Enter the Dragon is ridiculously entertaining and Bruce Lee is both charming and mesmerizing. Warner has pulled out the stops with the edition and is a must have for each and every cinegeek out there. Highest recommendation.
The Newsroom: The Complete First Season
From the fertile mind of Aaron Sorkin and executive produced by Sorkin, Scott Rudin and Alan Poul this behind-the-scenes drama takes a look at a cable-news program at the fictional ACN Network, focusing on the on-and-off-camera lives of its acerbic anchor Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels), new executive producer MacKenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer), their newsroom staff (John Gallagher, Jr., Alison Pill, Thomas Sadoski, Olivia Munn, Dev Patel, and others), their news-division boss (Sam Waterston), and corporate owner (Jane Fonda). Overcoming a tumultuous first day – climaxing in a newsflash that a BP oil rig has just exploded in the Gulf of Mexico – the team sets out on a patriotic if quixotic mission to “do the news well” in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles, and their own personal entanglements. Extras include a conversation with cast and crew, behind the scenes, a look at each episode with Aaron Sorkin, commentaries, and deleted scenes.
Last Word: Some of television’s best writing and a truly magnificent ensemble are make The Newsroom one of the most addictive series in recent memory. There’s a little bit of heavy handedness and self importance, but that goes with more with the vision of creator Sorkin than with the series itself. The season is set in the recent past so the characters deal with recent real live news events and both the approach and the results are truly fascinating. The characters talk and talk and talk, and frankly, I can’t get enough. Highly recommended.
Lilo & Stitch / Lilo & Stitch: Stitch Has A Glitch
Disney proudly presents the hilarious family favorite Lilo & Stitch and its sensational sequel Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch on Blu-ray for the first time with perfect picture and sound. Relive two unforgettable comedies about bringing friends and family together even when they seem worlds apart, in one incredible collection!
Lilo is a lonely little girl, and Stitch is a mischievous little creature from outer space. When Stitch crash-lands in Hawaii, Lilo adopts him as her pet, but he soon turns her world upside down. The laughter continues as Stitch helps Lilo prepare for the big island hula contest in the hysterical sequel.
Last Word: Lilo & Stitch is a truly wonderful, funny film with great characters, a terrific look, amazing Elvis music and legitimate laughs. The sequel is a less than the franchise deserves with none of the magic that makes the first one so iconic. Unfortunately, none of the extras from the previous dvd release have been brought over making this release a mixed bag; Kudos for the first film debuting on Blu, but boo for the second and lack of extras.
The Emperor’s New Groove / Kronk’s New Groove: Two-Movie Collection
Experience Disney’s outrageously funny modern classic, The Emperor’s New Groove, and the sidesplitting sequel Kronk’s New Groove – presented for the first time ever on Blu-ray with perfect picture and sound. Featuring an all-star cast and the Academy Award-nominated song, “My Funny Friend and Me” (Best Music, Original Song, Sting and David Hartley, 2000), this 2-movie collection is king-size fun for the entire family!
When the young and spoiled Emperor Kuzco is transformed into a llama by his sinister adviser Yzma, it takes a thoughtful peasant to restore the kingdom and show Kuzco just how much fun it is to be true to yourself. Then laugh along with Yzma’s hilarious henchman Kronk as he cooks up big trouble in the fantastic follow-up film.
Last Word: Terrific voice work from David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, and Wendie Malick headline this tremendously funny release, again paired with a harmless sequel that’s slightly better than average thanks to the voice work of the inimitable Patrick Warburton. Unfortunately, none of the extras from the previous dvd release have been brought over making this release a mixed bag; Kudos for the first film debuting on Blu, but boo for the second and lack of extras.
Snitch
Justice on his terms. Dwayne Johnson explodes into action as a man determined to bring a Mexican cartel to its knees. Johnson stars as a successful businessman who learns his son faces 10 tough years in a Federal hole for drug possession. Convinced it was a set-up, he volunteers to become an undercover informant and infiltrate a ruthless cartel. Now, with his back against the wall and his life totally on the line, he must expose the true criminals before they discover his identity. Extras include featurettes, commentary, deleted scenes and trailer.
Last Word: Dwayne Johnson continues to prove himself as a talent and is wisely surrounded by a strong cast including Jon Berntha, Barry Pepper, Michael Kenneth Williams, Nadine Velazquez, Benjamin Bratt, and Susan Sarandon. Unfortunately the film never gets better than an atypical afterschool special; it’s fine and an entertaining diversion, but not much else.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire / Atlantis: Milo’s Return
Set your course for adventure as Milo Thatch and his fearless crew dive into the mysteries of the sea. The group’s underwater expedition brings them face-to-face with gigantic sea monsters, spectacular spirits and the mythical land of Atlantis while they discover the power of friendship and teamwork Extras include Deleted Scenes and featurettes.
The Last Word: Based on the visual style of Mike Mignola and with stellar voice work by Michael J. Fox, Corey Burton, James Garner, Claudia Christian, John Mahoney, Phil Morris, Leonard Nimoy, Don Novello, Florence Stanley, David Ogden Stiers, and Jim Varney, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a rare non-musical entry into the Disney animated filmography. It’s a fun, action packed, beautiful film that’s a must see. Unfortunately, it’s horrid sequel is included. Unlike other Disney double feature releases, this does include a few extra features. Savor the first film and punish the kids with the sequel.
Killing Lincoln
Based on The New York Times best-selling novel, Killing Lincoln is the suspenseful, eye-opening story of the events surrounding the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. While some aspects of the plot to slay Lincoln and cripple the newly forming union are widely known, much more of the history unfolds in this insightful thriller. As actor John Wilkes Booth becomes increasingly obsessed with removing Lincoln from office, a secret cabal forms, and ultimately empowers Booth to carry out an event that will change America forever. Narrated by Oscar Winner Tom Hanks and produced by Tony Scott and Ridley Scott, this historical masterpiece stars Billy Campbell in a spectacular turn as President Lincoln. Extras include featurettes, commentary and interview with co-author Bill O’Reilly.
Last Word: A strange dramatization with onscreen narration by Tom Hanks is distracting and leads unfortunately to a clunky execution. Campbell does a fine enough job, but a combination of both it’s apparent low budget and overly melodramatic and unintentionally campy make this historical event surprisingly forgettable.
The Philadelphia Experiment
In 1943, a secret government project attempted to create a cloaking device that would make warships invisible. But during the first test, the USS Eldridge successfully vanished…and could not be found again. 70 years later, the Navy destroyer momentarily reappears on a Pennsylvania runway allowing the sole surviving crewman to escape and a local lawman to board. What is behind a sinister reactivation of the project? Where will the massive ship materialize next? And what will become of two men trapped in a time/space catastrophe? Nicholas Lea, Michael Pare, Ryan Robbins, Emilie Ullerup, Gina Holden, and Malcolm McDowell star in this electrifying remake of the ’80s hit about the allegedly true military operation known as The Philadelphia Experiment.
Last Word: The original The Philadelphia Experiment was a fun movie back in 1984 and this film with slightly better special effects (and original star Michael Pare) is good, but not nearly as entertaining as the original. Perhaps part of the problem is that the title is a bit misleading. This isn’t a remake, but just covers some of the basic plot points brought into the present day. Originally airing on Syfy, The Philadelphia Experiment is better than average for them, but genre fans might find it an entertaining enough narrative to waste a few hours.
Masquerade
Political intrigue, betrayal, peril and forbidden romance play out in this lavish, critically acclaimed, historical epic set in the royal palace of Korea’s ancient Joseon Dynasty. Amid national chaos and fear for his life, tyrannical King Gwanghae orders his trusted counselor to find a royal body double. He recruits a crude, working-class peasant, Ha-seon, a village performer who bears a startling resemblance to the ruler. When the king falls into a coma from poisoning, he is secreted away to recover and Ha-seon reluctantly assumes the throne, forced to pull off history’s biggest masquerade. Narrowly evading exposure or yet another assassination attempt by his power-hungry court, he stumbles through his daily rituals and onerous royal duties covertly coached by the king’s stoic chief advisor and chief eunuch. Soon, however, Ha-seon finds he must follow his own heart no matter what the price to save his country from collapse and its oppressed people from despair.
Last Word: Starring GI Joes‘ Byung-hun Lee, Masquerade is a better than expected take on the Prince and the Pauper story. Fantastic cinematography and a warm, affable performance from Lee, Masquerade is a sleeper that deserves to find it’s audience. Recommended.
Fred Won’t Move Out
With levity and sadness, two grown children and their aging parents struggle with the decision whether the older generation should stay in the house where they have lived for fifty years. Shot in the house where the director’s parents lived for close to fifty years shortly after they moved out, the film’s semi-autobiographical story is memorably acted by a small ensemble cast led by Elliott Gould. Shot in sequence in three weeks with a heady mix of improvisational work by both author Richard Ledes and his cast, the film’s personal approach to its subject captures a universal story uniquely told.
Last Word: Well written and heartbreaking, Fred Won’t Move Out is marred by amateurish directing. Gould’s performance is both subtle and powerful, but ultimately the film suffers from a lack of structure and resolution. Mildly recommended.
In Old Arizona
A charismatic bandit must outsmart the sheriff trying to catch him and a double-dealing Mexican beauty in this Western that was Nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Featuring an Oscarr-Winning performance by Warner Baxter as The Cisco Kid, In Old Arizona is a must-own cinematic treasure for any classic film fan.
Last Word: The first Western filmed outside (as well as the first talkie to do so), In Old Arizona is likely to be remembered as a footnote in cinematic history rather than a full entry. Stiff performances and clunky exposition leave this early singing cowboy picture as a novelty or curiosity at best.
Wedding Band: The Complete First Season
You’re cordially invited to party it up with the Wedding Band, the hilarious and light-hearted new comedy starring Brian Austin Green and Harold Perrineau. Follow the outrageously funny ups and downs of four friends who are members of a fun-loving Seattle rock band called Mother of the Bride. They haven’t figured out their personal lives, but they do know one thing for sure – weddings are the best place to meet women, drink up and rock out. Featuring A-list guest stars like Megan Fox and Molly Sims, this Wedding Crashers-meets- The Wedding Singer comedy mash-up marries the two key elements to any great party… terrific music and lots of laughter.
Last Word: This single season series will likely be forgotten, but undeservedly so. There’s a great chemistry between the cast members and although it wasn’t particularly funny, the series had some potential. Like Tom Perotta’s book The Wishbones, Wedding Band did a great job of capturing that stagnant, yet optimistic period between hope and reality. Recommended.
Burn Notice: The Complete Sixth Season
There’s trouble in paradise for former CIA operative Michael Westen and his cohorts, and the streets of Miami are hotter – and deadlier – than ever before in the action-packed, adrenaline-charged sixth season of Burn Notice. In hot pursuit of his old nemesis, Michael must take down Anson Fullerton and find a way to free Fiona from prison, where she is being targeted by a murderous foe. Michael goes full force to save Fiona as he takes on cold-blooded assassins, diabolical drug cartels, uneasy alliances, and explosive danger at every turn, until an unthinkable tragedy leaves him reeling and rocks his team to the very core.
Last Word: Although not as strong as previous seasons, the chemistry between the regular cast continues to be a draw. The series evolution from fun to dark and as a result takes itself too seriously, substituting banter for grit and tongue in cheek for deadly serious. One of the things that I always enjoyed about the series is that despite it’s verisimilitude it always had a light touch, something that’s not on display this season. Mildly recommended.
