Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo (DVD)
As one of the funniest, freshest faces on television and in film, Amy Schumer is dominating the world of comedy today with her unique blend of honesty and an unapologetic sense of humour. Schumer’s provocative, hilariously wicked mind is on full display as she headlines her first HBO stand-up comedy special. Directed by Chris Rock and taped live before a sold-out crowd at the legendary Apollo Theatre in NYC, this one-hour special features Schumer talking about life and how awful it is.
Doing a stand-up comedy show at the Apollo is still a big deal and Schumer’s earned the right to perform there and anywhere else. She mentions the double standard of being labelled a “sex comic” simply because she’s a woman who talks about sex in her routine, though men with similar content are the norm. She is both confident and self-deprecating, and makes these opposing outlooks work. She also interacts with the audience, which delivers an amusingly awkward encounter when a young man accompanied by his mother describes a sex act. She transitions well between subjects and is able to seamlessly recover from a tangent. And most importantly, Schumer is funny on stage; not just on screen.
There are no special features. (HBO Home Entertainment)
The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (Blu-ray)
When Dr. Bill Cortner (Jason Evers) loses his sweetheart, Jan (Virginia Leith), in a car accident, he refuses to give up hope for her life. Scooping up her decapitated head, he brings it back to the lab for resuscitation. But keeping her head alive is one thing; finding her a new body is quite another. So while the mad doctor is out looking for spare parts, she’s stuck at home going out of her mind — literally. And nothing will stop her from getting revenge on the man who is keeping her as a trophy girlfriend.
Once this picture was more aptly titled The Head that Wouldn’t Die, but the concept remains the same. A cross between Frankenstein and Re-animator, the fantastical story pushes the limits of science and the imagination… though it’s not all far-fetched. While a head living independently of a body for any period of time remains fictional, Bill also dreamed of more practical transplants to help the injured and malformed. He doesn’t seem mad, but he gradually appears more fanatical until the poor, monstrous product of his experiments is revealed. Leith was basically cast to be a bodiless head for most of the film and she’s actually rather convincing as her anger takes hold.
Special features include: commentary by film historian and author Steve Haberman and writer Tony Sasso; alternate scene from the international cut; “Mystery Science Theater 3000 Episode – The Brain That Wouldn’t Die”; still gallery; and theatrical trailer. (Scream Factory)
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
They may have escaped from the Maze, but Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers now face a greater challenge: searching for clues about the secret organization known as WCKD. Their journey leads them to the Scorch, a desolate wasteland filled with unimaginable dangers. The mystery deepens at every turn as the Gladers work together to discover their purpose and battle to survive.
Following the first picture, the teens find themselves in another situation that appears simultaneously safe but deadly. Uncovering more of the conspiracy behind WCKD and its mission expands not only the story world but their personal histories. Now wandering the Scorch, there is also opportunity to see the post-apocalyptic city, desert where there was once a river and a less sterile civilization living on the fringes. New adult characters on both sides of the fight are also introduced, grounding the story a little more since it’s not just a group of adolescents anymore; though everyone still looks to Thomas to take the lead. The ultimate betrayal that sets up the journey for the next chapter is not exactly unexpected, but that doesn’t lessen the sting.
Special features include: deleted and extended scenes with optional commentary; “Janson’s Report”; “Secrets of the Scorch”; visual effects breakdowns and reels; galleries; gag reel; and theatrical trailers. (Fox Home Entertainment)
Nightmares (Blu-ray)
A pack of cigarettes, a video game, a pick-up truck and a stately colonial home all become key elements in four terrifying tales of terror in the anthology film directed by Joseph Sargent.
This is a fairly bare bones horror anthology that doesn’t include a framing story or any attempt to link the shorts other than using the same font for the credits. However, quality tales don’t need any additional trimmings. These narratives have been recycled in other movies and TV shows so most of the conclusions may already be known or easily predicted, but that doesn’t take anything away from them. The first story about a homemaker (Cristina Raines) so desperate for cigarettes she ventures into the night with an escaped murderer on the loose is obviously not going to return unscathed, but those unfamiliar with the urban legend will be reminded of a lesson in safety. Emilio Estevez portrays a young arcade game addict who gets to play the game of his life, though there may be no clear winner. The tale of a giant rat also features an infuriating husband (Richard Masur) who challenges the rodent as the narrative’s villain; though the optically created beast may actually come out on top since it can’t really help looking like a cute animal in a doll house. Lance Henriksen‘s story of a priest questioning his faith and facing off with the devil in the desert is probably the most exciting of the bunch as he’s forced to play successive games of chicken against an ominous black pick-up truck.
Special features include: commentary by executive producer Andrew Mirisch and actress Cristina Raines; radio spots; and original theatrical trailer. (Scream Factory)
Pan (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Peter (Levi Miller) is a rebellious 12-year-old who has lived his whole life in a bleak London orphanage. One night Peter is whisked away to Neverland, where he finds incredible adventures while trying to uncover the secret of his mother. Along with the warrior, Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara) and new friend James Hook (Garrett Hedlund), Peter must defeat the ruthless pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman) to save Neverland and discover his true identity.
It’s undoubtedly necessary to create a fantastic world to complement this imaginative story, but the one constructed in this film may be too elaborate. From Blackbeard’s ostentatious bustle to the extensive use of CGI, filmmakers struggle to create a world in which the audience can be appropriately swept away. Nonetheless, there was at least one aspect without fault: the casting. Miller is the perfect little scamp, convincingly causing or getting out of trouble at every turn. He also has a wonderful connection with Hedlund as the pair is left with nothing but each other in front of many green screens. Hedlund’s American bravado isn’t exactly a typical trait of Hook’s, but he does deliver on his customary confidence and overestimated charisma. Jackman’s flamboyant portrayal of the fabled pirate is an unusual interpretation, translating his narcissism into an over-the-top performance that looks exceptionally fun for the actor. Ultimately, the result is an ostensible mishmash of a lot of vibrant but not necessarily cohesive ideas.
Special features include: commentary by director by Joe Wright; “Never Grow Up: The Legend of Pan”; “The Boy Who Would be Pan”; “The Scoundrels of Neverland”; and “Wondrous Realms.” (Warner Home Video)
Pawn Sacrifice (DVD)
In this true story set during the height of the Cold War, American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer (Tobey Maguire) finds himself caught between two superpowers when he challenges the Soviet Empire. The film chronicles Fischer’s terrifying struggles with genius and madness, and the rise and fall of a kid from Brooklyn who captured the imagination of the world.
Fischer’s story has been told many times and although this may not be the most detailed account, it does attempt to capture the essence of the chess champion, and the degree and progression of his mental instability. Beginning during a serious break that jeopardized the series, it then rewinds to a childhood in which Bobby’s mother encouraged his paranoia and his exceptional talent nurtured his egomania. Maguire’s portrayal is genuine as he attempts to convey the internal conflict experienced by Bobby, which is complemented by a false sense of normalcy supported by his manager (Michael Stuhlbarg) and barely managed by his friend and priest (Peter Sarsgaard). Using close-ups and various camera angles, director Edward Zwick also tries to immerse the audience in Bobby’s perspective while also suggesting his rival, Boris Spassky (Liev Schreiber) was similarly if less disturbed.
Special features include: “Bobby Fischer, the Cold War and the Match of the Country.” (Elevation Pictures)
Sleeping with Other People (Blu-ray)
After a one-night stand in college, New Yorkers Lainey (Alison Brie) and Jake (Jason Sudeikis) meet by chance 12 years later and discover they each have the same problem: neither can maintain a relationship because of their monogamy-challenged ways. Determined to stay friends despite their mutual attraction, they make a pact to keep it platonic – a deal that proves easier said than done.
Even the cast and crew compare the picture to When Harry Met Sally, though this movie is unquestionably darker than its predecessor as not all the situations the pair find themselves in are cute or black-and-white. Jake is a straight-up womanizer who uses his charm to prolong superficial relationships and is just a few steps away from the sleazy guy who puts notches in his bed post. While Lainey also has commitment issues, she is being manipulated by a man who abuses the power he has over her. Both characters unabashedly enjoy sex — they just haven’t found their last partner. Brie and Sudeikis have solid chemistry, and both are able to bring their own comedic flair to the movie; while Adam Scott gets to bring his own brand of creepy to his character.
Special features include: behind-the-scenes featurette; and cast and crew interviews. (VVS Films)
