Assassination (Blu-ray)
Snipers. Marksmen. Hired Guns. Double Agents. A group of exiled rebels are planning a hit on an army commander in Japanese-occupied Korea, but the only killer for the job is in prison. Now, the Resistance must devise a jailbreak, escape a hitman and discover which of them is a traitor.
This is a narrative linked heavily to Korean history, which may make parts of the story less meaningful for viewers unaware of their early relationship with Japan. However, the assassination plot is very intriguing and the characters quite lively — attributes audiences will appreciate when they realize the film is 140 minutes. The story is conveyed with a fair amount of detail, beginning decades earlier to illustrate events that would influence the Resistance’s present. The character list expands for the length of the film as new allies and targets appear, which can be somewhat confusing at first though it becomes much clearer by the last hour. The actors are excellent whether fulfilling action or comedic tasks and the script tries not to over-complicate an already complex situation.
Special features include: theatrical trailer. (Well Go USA)
The Bold Ones: The Lawyers: The Complete Series (DVD)
This series follows the exploits of the firm of respected attorney Walter Nicholls (Burl Ives). Facing an increasingly growing and provocative case load, Nichols hires brothers Brian Darrell (Joseph Campanella) and Neil Darrell (James Farentino) to assist him. Together, the three take on challenging cases which frequently mirror the issues confronting America’s evolving social landscape, in the name of justice for all.
This show is a cross between Matlock and Law & Order. Ives is the experienced lawyer mentoring the younger siblings in how far they can push the limits of the law without repercussions. However there’s nothing fluffy about the defendants they represent. Taking on morally complex cases, they often tread on treacherous ground to protect their clients. In one case, a loophole is employed to save a man from death row even though it could mean being disbarred. In another episode, they must use privileged knowledge and the safety provided by “double jeopardy” to help an innocent man refute a murder charge. Most of the show takes place in the courtroom so it can seem a little slow, but the complexity of the cases keep the audience interested.
Special features include: both full-length pilot movies. (Shout Factory)
Desert Dancer (DVD)
Set against the backdrop of Iran’s volatile 2009 presidential election, this film follows the true story of renowned international dancer Afshin Ghaffarian. At a time when dancing is forbidden, Afshin (Reece Ritchie) and some friends, including the beautiful Elaheh (Freida Pinto) risk their lives to form an underground dance company. Inspired by banned online videos of timeless legends like Michael Jackson and Rudolf Nureyev, Afshin and Elaheh embrace their passion for dance — and for one another.
This movie attempts to remain true to Ghaffarian’s real-life experience at the expense of a cohesive and engaging narrative. Afshin is shown as a child whose appreciation of the arts makes him an outcast among his peers, until he finds like-minded students at an arts school and nurtures his love of dance. With no adult outlets for his creativity, he convinces his friends to form a secret dance troupe. But independent of this risk, they deal with violent attacks from opposing political factions and heroin addiction. In spite of these passionate activities, the emotion is absent of from the narrative. However, their big performance is the most powerful of the entire film and effectively tells a mesmerizing tale through dance.
Special features include: “In Conversation with Afshin Ghaffarian”; “The Rise of the People”; “First Memories”; and theatrical trailer. (Fox Home Entertainment)
Dukes of Hazzard – The Complete Series (DVD)
Luke and Bo Duke (Tom Wopat and John Schneider) — a couple of good old boys — and their cousin Daisy Duke (Catherine Bach) stay just ahead of the sheriff in their souped-up 1969 Dodge Charger, The General Lee, and have fun thwarting the plots of the corrupt Hazzard County Commissioner Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke) and his bumbling brother-in-law-Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (James Best).
The legend of the good-natured outlaw was epitomized in this series with the Duke cousins always outsmarting and outrunning the bumbling local sheriff and the audience cheering them on to do so. In addition to living it up in the TV show, Wopat and Schneider were considered heartthrobs of the small screen, jumping their orange Charger over any obstacle, and Bach even had shorts named after her character. The set also includes the two feature films the show inspired. Sean William Scott and Johnny Knoxville certainly attempted to capture the spirit of the source, though nothing beats the original.
There are no special features. (Warner Home Video)
Eight Men Out (Blu-ray)
The scandal that gave the nation’s favourite pastime a black eye is dramatically rendered, tracing the gambling conspiracy by member of the Chicago White Sox to lose the 1919 World Series in exchange for a huge payday.
Most baseball fans are aware of the World Series fix, but their knowledge of the details is more varied. The men who participated were blackballed and reviled for tainting the American pastime, but they had a side to the story as well. A star-studded cast, including John Cusack, Charlie Sheen, D.B. Sweeney, David Strathairn, Michael Lerner, Clifton James and Christopher Lloyd, bring the historical scandal to the screen from beginning to end, revealing the intricacies and motivations for such a risky plan. Mobster Arnold Rothstein was a known gambler, so it’s unsurprising he was a major player in the scheme. But the movie also shows players that were underpaid by their wealthy yet stingy employer, and that not everyone accused actually participated even though they were all dealt the same penalty. The intriguing story and genuine performances continue to make this a staple for sports enthusiasts.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray)
Set in a city where people come to escape, shield secrets, and bury their pasts, a mysterious outbreak threatens to disrupt what little stability high school guidance counselor Madison Clark and English teacher Travis Manawa have managed to assemble. The everyday pressure of blending two families while dealing with resentful, escapist, and strung out children takes a back seat when society begins to break down. A forced evolution, a necessary survival of the fittest takes hold, and the dysfunctional family must either reinvent themselves or embrace their darker histories.
After five seasons of the hit series based on the graphic novel by Robert Kirkman, they finally launched a spin-off show that serves as an independent prequel to the original. Though they will inevitably intersect one day, there is presently no need to know anything about the characters or storylines in the original series. Depicting the beginning of the epidemic, in the overall timeline these events take place while former officer Rick Grimes was in a coma (his waking launches The Walking Dead narrative). In comparison this show is slower paced and much less gory, which may appeal to those who enjoyed the plot but were turned off by the blood and guts. As expected the start of the plague inspires a lot of military action, but not everyone is comfortable with their “no questions asked” policy. As a result, much of what takes place is motivated by desperation and frustration.
Special features include: “A Look at the Series”; and “Inside the Characters of Fear the Walking Dead.” (Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Mississippi Grind (Blu-ray)
Down-on-his-luck gambler Gerry (Ben Mendelsohn) and his hot-streak buddy Curtis (Ryan Reynolds) hit the road for New Orleans hunting a big payday. On riverboats and racetracks they chase women and thrills, before risking it all in the wager of their lives.
Gerry shows all the signs of a gambling addict: unable to quit when he’s ahead; lying about losing; buried in overwhelming and mounting debt; and stealing from his loved ones. Yet, in spite of the warnings, Curtis thinks he’s a good man and hopes that their partnership will somehow put him on the path to redemption. Moving from city to city, local game to local game, the focus is on the budding and waning friendship between the two men rather than the games they play. Both men are lost and looking for answers in all the wrong places, though they’re misguided search is entertaining. And Mendelsohn and Reynolds are quite appropriately ccenter because even though it’s difficult to understand why they’re together, they do exhibit a believable chemistry.
Special features include: making-of featurette. (VVS Films)
Momentum (Blu-ray)
When Alex (Olga Kurylenko), an infiltration expert with a secret past, accidentally reveals her identity during what should’ve been a routine heist, she quickly finds herself mixed up in a government conspiracy and entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a master assassin (James Purefoy) and his team of killers. Armed with her own set of lethal skills, Alex looks to exact revenge for her murdered friends while uncovering the truth.
This is a female-led action picture and Kurylenko proves to be an exceptionally kick-ass action star. The best parts of this movie are when she’s facing off against an opponent – or several as is often the case. The audience easily sides with her, and it’s a joy to watch her dispatching the enemy and wrecking their plans by being one-step ahead. She appears authentic and joins the ranks of Gina Carano as a believable contender. After The Following, Purefoy is still a natural and talkative villain that keeps his composure and doesn’t generally get his hands dirty. He is the perfect adversary in a cat-and-mouse match because he appears to relish the challenge.
Special features include: behind-the-scenes featurette. (Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XXXIV (DVD)
This isn’t long ago, in a galaxy far, far away. This is the not too distant future, next Sunday A.D., so these aren’t the episodes you’re looking for. But know this, friend: Mystery Science Theater 3000 is also an epic tale of heroes and villains, two robot sidekicks, alien races and snappy one-liners. Joel and Mike, the unlucky witnesses to the cheesiest movies in any galaxy, may not have the Force with them, but they have an even more powerful weapon — the riff! And they wield their jokes with sublimely funny accuracy at the dark side of cinema. Join our rebel force in the epic battle against four generally grievous movies from that galactic empire once known as American International Pictures. It will be an attack of the clowns you won’t soon forget. Titles include: Viking Women Vs. The Sea Serpent (aka The Saga of the Viking Women and their Voyage to the Waters of the Great Sea Serpent); War of the Colossal Beast; The Undead; and The She-Creature.
This collection includes pictures hosted by Joel or Mike, though it’s likely fans have a preference. In comparison, Mike’s classic commentary continues to be somewhat witty and amusing; while Joel’s observations are a bit baser and repetitive. The movies themselves are typically ridiculous with misleading titles, and are amusing to watch regardless of the quality of the riff. For example, the “Colossal Beast” is a giant man who’s the victim of an experiment gone wrong and “The Undead” actually revolves around a past-life instead of the implied zombies. The latter episode also includes The B Natural, which is a dreadfully encouraging picture in which an actress who is clearly a woman is consistently referred to as a man and gives poor advice to an impressionable teenager.
Special features include: new introductions by Frank Conniff; “It Was A Colossal Teenage Movie Machine: The A.I.P. Story”; theatrical trailers; and four exclusive mini-posters by artist Steve Vance. (Shout Factory)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Blu-ray)
It’s the Griswolds’ year to host Christmas and Clark (Chevy Chase) is going all out – which means he’s gone overboard with the lights, tree and family gift. To make things more interesting, their quirky in-laws and oddball relatives arrive with their own expectations and eccentricities that threaten to ruin the holidays for everyone – even the Griswolds’ neighbours (Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Nicholas Guest).
The Griswolds have taken audiences on many adventures, including Europe, Las Vegas and Walley World, but none are as funny or endearing as their Christmas calamity. From blocked sewers to an electrified cat to a holiday kidnapping, it just warms your heart while tickling your funny bone. This movie is a staple during the holidays for many fans who pull out their own moose mugs to toast along with one of the greatest Christmas rants on film. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, it’s always funny; and if you’ve never seen it, you won’t be disappointed by the disastrous merriment that plagues this family and their quirky relatives.
Special features include: commentary by actors Randy Quaid, Beverly D’Angelo, Johnny Galecki, Miriam Flynn, director Jeremiah Chechik and producer Matty Simmons; and theatrical trailer. (Warner Home Video)
Smooth Talk (Blu-ray)
High school sophomore Connie Wyatt (Laura Dern), a 14-year-old girl on the verge of becoming a woman, is anxious to escape the boredom of family farm life before the school year starts. Feeling tethered to her home and under the thumb of an overbearing mother, Connie will find herself in dangerous waters when a flirtatious day out at the mall leads to a meeting with the mysterious and charismatic Arnold Friend (Treat Williams).
Eighteen-year-old Dern didn’t necessarily look young enough to play Connie, but she certainly captured the competing priorities of a 14-year-old girl. In classic ‘80s style, Connie leaves her house as her parents’ modest daughter only to change her outfit as soon as she’s beyond their watchful stares. However when she finally receives the adult attention she thought she desired from Friend, she begins to regret her desire to grow up so quickly. Of course it doesn’t help that Williams’ character is wholly intimidating and incredibly predatory. The exchange between them in the final act is one of the most uncomfortable conversations to witness, as the layers of innuendo swell and the risk to Connie mounts. Though the rest of the film is fairly pedestrian, these final scenes are paramount.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
Tokyo Tribe (Blu-ray)
In a futuristic Japan, territorial street gangs form opposing factions collectively known as the Tokyo Tribes. When one of the gang leaders breaks the fragile peace, it triggers a brutal street war for supremacy.
If there’s one thing writer/director Sion Sono is known for, it’s his uniqueness. In spite of his busy schedule of producing several movies a year, they have little in common with each other. In this film, he combines his admiration of Yakuza gang violence and martial arts action with a musical. Based on a popular manga series, almost the entire movie is recited in rap verses, combining to create a hip-hop action musical. So distinctive, it can be quite jarring at first. However, as the film progresses, the style gradually grows on the viewer. The characters are generally and expectedly ridiculous with one appearing in a thong during his tough guy routine and another being a lead mafioso that strangely and randomly pleasures himself at odd moments. This film is inevitably divisive, but if one adopts the laidback attitude required by most Sono movies, it can be enjoyable to some degree.
Special features include: theatrical trailer. (XLRator Media)
Transporter Refueled (Blu-ray)
Frank Martin (Ed Skrein) is the best driver money can buy, willing to deliver anything for a price. But when his father (Ray Stevenson) is kidnapped by a gorgeous gang of thieves, Frank must shift his skills into overdrive to rescue him.
This franchise basically launched Jason Statham‘s career as a Hollywood action hero, which means anyone hoping to take his place has big shoes to fill. The smart move on the part of the studio would be to distance the reboot from the original and imagine an all-new story about a getaway driver for hire. Unfortunately, this picture stays close to the source material with minor tweaks that only harm its position in the franchise. Filmmakers once again cast a British actor, but he is a less adept fighter and is forced to portray Frank with feelings which counter one of the characters key attributes. Stevenson is the main highlight, portraying the older gun-for-hire that exhibits more charm and skill than his progeny.
Special features include: “Frank Martin: The Reluctant Hero”; “The Coeur Brise: Les Femmes of Refueled”; and “Rocketing from 0-60.” (VVS Films)
Voodoo Man (Blu-ray)
By using the essences of the young women he’s captured and aided by his associates Nicholas (George Zucco) and Toby (John Carradine), the voodoo doctor (Bela Lugosi) will find his plan jeopardized by the derring-do of intrepid screenwriter Ralph Dawson (Michael Ames).
For those only familiar with Lugosi’s work as Dracula, this movie can provide a bit of insight beyond his timeless portrayal of the famous vampire. The story adopts elements previously seen in tales of somnambulists, transporting traditional voodoo ceremonies to American basements in which young women are hypnotized into zombie-like compliance. The film doesn’t do much to explain its narrative, rather pushing audiences to draw their own conclusions – even if the story and its characters are rather ridiculous. The police appear well-meaning but mostly incompetent, while Lugosi is comfortable in the role of a different manner of ghoul.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
