DVD Fix: June 16th

Welcome to the inaugural DVD FIX, where we cover all your current DVD releases, along with some food for thought on older (and sometimes forgotten) favorites and not so favorite.

NEW & NOTABLE RELEASES

June 16, 2009

-Fiday the 13^th Killer Cut (2009)
-Transfomers Season 1 (G1)
-Ghosbusters (Blu-Ray)
- Burn Notice Season 2
-Famly Guy Vol. 7
 -Dr Strangelove (Blu-Ray)
-Lost Season 1 (Blu-Ray)

June 23, 2009

-Inkheart
- Pink Panther 2
- Waltz with Bashir 

 

DVD REWIND

In this part of DVD FIX, I take you back and review a DVD from past years. With the lackluster selection for this edition, as well as have not viewed the majority of these films, perhaps a dual trip down memory lane is on order…

Ghostbusters (1985)

Ghostbusters played a large part, of my childhood growing up, as with any other child that grew up in the 1980’s. I had numerous action figures, including my favorite Egon, my very own proton pack and of course the packaged slime that always seemed to get everywhere. They were iconic, their theme song to this day is tilled played in some form every Halloween and I am willing to bet that a majority of you readers out there have dressed up as one at some point in your life.

For those living under a rock and have no idea what I am talking about (which I find hard to believe), Ghostbusters stars Dan Akroyd (one of the brains behind the creation of the film), Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson, as the Ghostbusters with Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis co staring as well. The film details the origins of titular characters and the rise of paranormal activity in 1985 New York city.

Ultimately what makes this film such a classic, is the fantastic writing, the perfect comedic timing by all the actors, particularly Bill Murray and Dan Akroyd, and in the same token, the performances given by each performer. The writing was witty and well thought out. Ackroyd (Ray Stanz) and Murray (Peter Venkman), both SNL alumni, were spot on in their delivery with Murray stealing the show. Initially, Harold Ramis, one of the films writers, had wrote the part of Egon with no particular actor in mind and had no intention on playing the part. After no suitable actor was cast, he signed on the play him and due in part to knowing the character, pulled off a memorable display, nearly stealing the show, whenever Murray was off screen.

Hudson was a late edition, after Eddie Murphy, who the part was written for, turned the offer down in favor of Beverly Hill Cop. With Murphy out of the picture, the story was rewritten and reduced the role of Winston Zedemore. Hudson, though not in the film until the latter part,  brought a more grounded character, this helped  to balance out the wide spectrum of characters represented in the four protaginists and when your cast and characters are balanced, it leaves more room for the story to move forward, as was the case for Ghostbusters.

My personal recommendation, if you have not seen Ghostbusters, make time and see it, it is a worthwhile investment of your time and you will not walk away with disappointment.

 

Man of the Year (2006)

I believe that had this film been advertised properly and promoted more as a political dramedy with a little thriller thrown into the mix, rather then a full out comedy, it would have performed better. Given the false advertising and the horrible word of mouth that followed, Man of the Year was not seen for what it truly was, an incredible what if scenario played out, with stellar performance by every one involved.

 Man of the Year also stars, political stand up comedian Lewis Black (one of my personal favorites), Christopher Walken, Jeff Golblum and Laura Linney. Robin Williams plays Tom Dobbs, a late night political talk show host, who is jokingly asked why he is not running as a presidential candidate in the upcoming election. After some serious thought, he decides to throw his hat in the ring and run for President. This is where a lot of the comedic context of the film takes place, is during his campaign trail, with his appearance at the debate being the pinnacle of the humor and then leads us into the more serious and dramatic tone. After the elction, it looks as though Tom Dobbs has won the elction and is set to become the next President.

Meanwhile, in diferent sub plot, during the election campaign, Eleanor Green (Laura Linney), a software programmer for Delacroy, stumbles upon a glitch that selects the same candidate, regardless of the number of votes cast, in the software being used in the upcoming election. When she approached the company head (Jeff Goldblum) with the news, she is ignored and then is pursued by company agents in an effort to silence and discredit her. She is able to meet with President Elect Tom Dobbs and explain to him that he is only in that position because of the glitch.

Even though I was disappointed that this was not another Robin Williams comedy, what kept me invested was some phenomenal acting by the supporting cast. And you would expect nothing less with the likes of Linney and Walken, surprisingly Black really stole it for me, not just because I am a fan of his, but how serious he can be, while still maintaining his comedic punch. I never thought I would live to see the day where Golblum played the villain, but he pulls it off with such ease, and played a real convincing prick. 

 If you decide to view Man of the Year with the expectation of a comedy, like it was advertised, then either change your expectations or prepare to be disappointed. It is a Dramatic-thriller with comedic impulses. If you go into it with that frame of mind, you should walk away with very little disappointment.

 Until next time, keep watching