Ahoy, consumers. It’s Tuesday so you know what that means – new release day. This week is kind of all over the place, but there’s one big release, featuring a certain emerald-clad guardian, that I’m looking forward to and will review soon.
Here’s the notable releases for Tuesday, July 28th, and remember, any purchases made via Amazon through the links on this page will save a person’s life. Or at least line my pockets and give me more drive to keep the content coming… you cheap bastards.
- The aptly-titled fourth film in the highly-successful brought back the original cast for another testosterone-filled, two hour rap music video in which Paul Walker talks in a voice that’s actually lower than his natural speaking tone. If you like suped-up cars and ridiculous cliches then you’ll love this one.
- The wildly successful reimagining of Battlestar Galactica gets the full-series treatment on Blu-Ray. This 25 disc set will put you back at least $200 and features every season of the show, the original mini-series and the Razor feature. All that in a super cool Cylon package.
- Yes, some folks made a Dragonball movie. Yes, apparently it licks donkey dink. No, I won’t be buying it. No, you probably shouldn’t. Save your money for a full-print button-up Dragonball shirt.
- Now this is the title of the week, DC’s new full-length feature telling the origin of Green Lantern Hal Jordan. DC is on a roll with these animated films, I tell ya. Reviews so far have been really positive for this particular title, and I myself can’t wait to pop the Blu-Ray in.
Come back next week, same bat time, for the scoop on the new releases.
Ahoy sea men and women, welcome to this week’s DVD FIX, your source for what’s new in DVD/Blu-Ray land.
To say this week’s releases are weak is an understatement. Here’s the major titles hitting retail and rental shelves this week – and hey, if you buy any of these items through the Amazon.com links in this here post, you’re helping Giant Killer Squid save up for that shiny new bike we’ve been wanting. So thanks.
NEW RELEASES FOR JUNE 30th
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li
Smallville’s Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk) stars in this unfathomable movie based on the super successful arcade/console video game. Kreuk plays the deadly Chun Li, who must resist the evil forces of Father’s telling their kids to “play that game on mute”. I can’t believe someone made another Street Fighter movie.
12 Rounds (Rated + Unrated)
WWE superstar John Cena comes to home video in his second “major” starring role. I’m sure this film is just “great”.
Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season
I myself haven’t seen any of this little show, but it stars Danny McBride who just so happens to steal every movie he’s in. Featuring creative talent from Will Ferrel, Jody Hill and Adam McKay, how can you go wrong? Bonus: If you haven’t yet seen The Foot Fist Way
also starring Danny McBride, you are missing out.
That’s really all I even want to mention this week. Next week ain’t much better we’ll see new releases featuring Nic Cage, some wannabe superheroes, and a frightening fetus?
Finally, good news for fans of the X-Men animated series from the 90’s Fox Kids programming – the final two volumes of the show, 3 & 4 respectively, are set for release on September15th. Just like the first two volumes (which are really, really good) each volume features two discs of 15 episodes. I recently watched volumes 1 & 2, and this show is one of the very few that holds up since my childhood, and dare I say, the best comic-book cartoon in terms of faithfulness of tone to the source material.
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 13th 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
