Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Alvin, Simon and Theodore race to Miami on a wild road trip, but their jaunt soon takes a nutty detour, leading to hijinks and music-packed adventures across the country.
The fourth film in the franchise incorporates a familiar plotline that eventually appears in most stories about a single/divorced/widowed parent — the anti-parent trap. In this case, Dave is dating a woman with a bully for a son and the boys are afraid what an engagement might mean for their family. Tony Hale portrays the goofy authority figure hot on their trail but never able to apprehend the chipmunks, which is all but necessary in this sort of zany journey across states. Along the way there’s plenty of singing and dancing, including a fun rendition of “Uptown Funk” in the streets of New Orleans and an original number at the end of the picture. Though I still don’t entirely understand the need for an all-star voice cast when they’re completely unrecognizable under the chipmunk-ifier.
Special features include: “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Story So Far”; “Cue the Chipmunks: The Great Big Chipmunks Music Finale”; “Our Furry Planet”; “Alvinisms”; “WETA and the Chipmunks: Animators’ Reference Reel”; “Ultimate Playlist”; “Munk Rock”; “RedFoo “Squeaky Wiggle” Dance Instructional”; “After the Party: A Munkumentary”; and theatrical trailer. (Fox Home Entertainment)
Backtrack (Blu-ray)
Psychologist Peter Bower’s (Adrien Brody) life is thrown into turmoil when he discovers that the patients he has been seeing are the ghosts of people who died twenty years ago. Risking his own sanity, Peter delves into his past to uncover a terrifying secret that only he can put right.
This is an interesting supernatural mystery that gradually draws all of Peter’s experiences into question. However, the cause of his turmoil remains mostly unclear until nearly the end of the narrative. In the meantime he treats patients for nonexistent ailments and seeks advice on his own well-being from apparitions. At the heart of his own psychosis though is an unexpected and horrific crime he was too young to understand or accept. A captivating thriller, the audience is keen to follow Peter down the rabbit hole and uncover the girl in blue’s secret even if when it’s difficult to decide what’s real or not.
Special features include: commentary by director Michael Petroni; deleted scenes; behind-the-scenes featurette; and interviews with cast. (VVS Films)
The Boost (Blu-ray)
Living the high life — figuratively and literally — married couple Lenny and Linda Brown (James Woods and Sean Young) will see their fast lane L.A. lifestyle come crashing down around them when the real estate market takes a sudden downturn. Unemployed and in debt, Lenny and Linda’s hedonistic lifestyle and casual drug use soon spiral out of control as they careen toward an abyss.
Well-made movies about addiction depict not only the lows, but the high-points that allowed the lows to seem tolerable. Lenny takes a flashy job with a new company that also introduces him to the exciting world of cocaine. Since it’s no big deal, he sees no reason his wife shouldn’t partake as well. Their mutual addiction and co-dependence become liabilities in every city they attempt to start anew. It’s these failed attempts at a fresh start that really demonstrate the power of addiction. This is not the only film in which Woods portrays an addict, but he does so with such genuineness it’s impossible not to appreciate the authenticity he delivers.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
Breaker! Breaker! (Blu-ray)
J.D. Dawes (Chuck Norris) finds himself run afoul of the corrupt and unscrupulous Judge Joshua Trimmings (George Murdock) and his henchmen, when he ventures into a small desert town in search of his missing brother.
There’s an assumed camaraderie between truck drivers that includes various types of warnings, ranging from speed traps to road conditions. It’s been depicted in a number of movies, complete with humorous call signs and codes to relay messages. However, most of J.D.’s heroics occur outside of his rig. It doesn’t take long for him to encounter resistance in the corrupt small town, which he counters in typical Chuck Norris fashion with a few swift punches and kicks. This isn’t the most imaginative narrative and certain parts don’t even make sense, but J.D.’s fellow truckers come through when he needs them most – and do what many probably only wish they could with their massive vehicles.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
Daddy’s Home (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Brad (Will Ferrell), who always dreamed of having the perfect family, is determined to become the best step-dad to his new wife’s (Linda Cardellini) children. But when their biological father Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) shows up unexpectedly, Brad’s idyllic family life is turned upside down and he must go toe-to-toe with Dusty.
In spite of the ridiculous pissing contest these men engage in, the movie is happily hilarious. Brad and Dusty are complete opposites, and the latter is much better at manipulating the situation in his favour – often by turning a misunderstanding involving Brad into an embarrassing “teaching opportunity” for the kids. From making Brad appear racist to finding a means of legitimately comparing his physical prowess to Brad’s, Dusty is a far superior competitor in the non-existent contest for the mother’s affection. Brad realizes as the step-dad he is at automatically at a disadvantage in the eyes of the children, which clouds his judgement and leads to some funny but bad choices. Ferrell and Wahlberg are excellent opponents as both deliver entertaining comedy that relies on their various strengths. Nonetheless, the movie’s conclusion contains one of its best and most memorable moments.
Special features include: deleted and extended scenes; making-of featurette; “Daddy-Off”; “Daddy Daughter Dance”; “Halftime Stunt”; “Tony Hawk: Skater Double”; “Child’s Play”; “Hannibal Buress: The Perfect Houseguest”; and blooper reel. (Paramount Home Media Distribution)
Fargo: Year Two (Blu-ray)
The all new “true crime” case in Fargo’s latest chapter takes you back to 1979 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Luverne, Minnesota. Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson), a young State Police Officer recently back from Vietnam, investigates a case involving a local crime gang, a major mob syndicate and a small town beautician Peggy Blumquist (Kirsten Dunst) along with her husband Ed (Jesse Plemons), the local butcher’s assistant. Helping Lou piece things together is his father-in-law, Sheriff Hank Larsson (Ted Danson). The investigation will lead them to a colourful cast of characters. Joe Bulo (Brad Garrett) is the front man for the northern expansion of a Kansas City crime syndicate. His number two is Mike Milligan (Bokeem Woodbine), part enforcer, part detective. Bulo and his crew have their sights set on the Gerhardt crime family in Fargo, currently led by matriarch Floyd Gerhardt (Jean Smart). With her husband at death’s door, Floyd takes over the family business, frustrating her eldest son, Dodd Gerhardt (Jeffrey Donovan). An impatient hothead with a cruel streak to match his ambitions, Dodd can’t wait for both his parents to die so he can take over and expand their business from kingdom to empire. Bear Gerhardt (Angus Sampson) is the middle son, an intimidatingly large man who, although inarticulate, is the most decent of his clan. Rye Gerhardt (Kieran Culkin), the youngest of the Gerhardt clan, views himself as a big shot, but in reality he’s just a small dog with a loud bark.
One of the new trends in television series is to create subsequent seasons that are not direct continuations of the previous one but still exist in the same universe. As the storylines in the first season are self-contained, the second season goes back in time to a period before assassins and a suitcase turned Fargo on its head. There are numerous subtle elements that link the two chapters, but one unmistakable eureka moment connects them and influences the viewer’s perspective going forward. The show writers once again construct a complex web of stories with incredibly interesting characters whose lives gradually and irreversibly intersect. The body count is higher this time around, but so are the intricacies of the plot. Fortunately the cast is flawless and the acting is excellent.
Special features include: “Lou on Lou: A Conversation with Patrick Wilson, Keith Carradine and Noah Hawley”; “Waffles and Bullet Holes: A Return to Sioux Falls”; “The Films of Ronald Reagan: Extended Fargo cut”; “The True History of Crime in the Midwest”; and “Skip Sprang TV Commercial.” (Fox Home Entertainment)
Fear the Walking Dead: Season 1 Special Edition (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
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 (Kim Dickens) and English teacher Travis Manawa (Cliff Curtis) 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. The additional bonus features in this edition provides greater insight into the characters’ motivations and the “Inside the Episode” shorts are fascinating explanations of how the story develops; and then there’s the lighter side of the actors’ odd end-of-days must-haves.
Special features include: commentaries on all episodes; deleted scenes; widescreen version of pilot episode; “Inside Fear the Walking Dead”; “Fear: The Beginning”; “Five Things You Need to Survive”; “Locations: LA & Vancouver”; “Quarantined”; “Stunts and Anarchy”; “The Faces of Fear”; and “The Infected.” (Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Making the Grade (Blu-ray)
Rich, preppy Palmer Woodrow (Dana Olsen) would much rather be skiing in Europe than attending Hoover Academy prep school, which provides Palmer with his last shot at graduating. As it turns out Palmer is more motivated than anyone imagines. Enter Eddie Keaton (Judd Nelson), a low-rent con artist in need of cash and on the run from a loan shark (Andrew Dice Clay). With $10,000 and a Porsche courtesy of Palmer, Eddie assumes his identity. Hoover Academy will never be the same.
This is a hijinks movie typical of the ‘80s in which a group of “kids” come up with a grand scheme to trick the adults. Palmer isn’t the most likeable character so his absence for much of the film is actually an advantage. Eddie adapts to his new life rather quickly in spite of knowing nothing about being preppy thanks to his coach/roommate and desire to impress a girl who would otherwise be out of his reach. Of course he also gets into a fair amount of trouble, which is doubled once his bookie decides to conspicuously hang out on campus. Still, Nelson is amusing and generally charming as the smooth-talking imposter.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
Midwinter of the Spirit (DVD)
Country vicar Merrily Watkins (Anna Maxwell) is in training to be an exorcist, or “deliverance minster,” for the Church of England. Although guided by the sardonic, no-nonsense Reverend Huw Owen (David Threlfall), Merrily contends with self-doubt in her tough new role. Her faith deeply shaken by her husband’s recent death, she also struggles to raise her teenage daughter on her own. When Merrily is called in to consult on a grisly murder investigation, the inexperienced exorcist finds herself battling supernatural terrors that threaten to overwhelm her.
This miniseries is part drama, part horror, part mystery that starts somewhat subtly. Merrily is called to what seems to be an innocuous bedside prayer that brings her face-to-face with absolute evil. What follows is a series of strange occurrences that are generally creepy as she finds herself haunted by this brief encounter. In the meantime, her daughter is becoming more withdrawn. Unfortunately, the source of her suspicious retreat is obvious to the audience well before the characters realize what’s happening. Soon Merrily and Rev. Owen are working to solve the mystery, enlisting the help of law enforcement and a social worker as needed. The conclusion packs an appropriate climax that still manages to toss in one more reveal before the end.
Special features include: photo gallery. (Acorn)
The Peanuts Movie (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Everyone’s favorite eternal optimist, Charlie Brown, embarks on a heroic quest, while his beagle pal Snoopy takes to the skies to pursue his arch nemesis, the Red Baron.
From a fan’s perspective the filmmakers’ loyalty to the source material is appreciated and thus watching the gang’s trip to the big screen didn’t result in a single cringe-worthy moment — probably one of the perks of having Charles Schulz’s son and grandson on the writing team (as is also indicated in the bonus features). The storyline is split between Charlie’s pursuit of The Little Red-Haired Girl and Snoopy’s quest to defeat The Red Baron. While the former is the main narrative, the latter does dominate the final act as the dog and his house-plane race through the skies to rescue his love, Fifi, from the Germans. In between, the movie manages to squeeze in everything beloved from the characters’ amusing dance moves to Woodstock’s frustrating chirp to Peppermint Patty’s terrible advice to the unintelligible adults. Hopefully a younger generation of moviegoers who may have only seen the briefer holiday specials will find 90 minutes of the Peanuts gang’s quirks and comedy as entertaining as the long-time admirers of Schulz’s work.
Special features include: “Snoopy Snippets”; “You Never Grow Up Charlie Brown”; “Snoopy’s Sibling Salute”; “Learn To Draw Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown”; “Get Down With Snoopy and Woodstock” music video; “Better When I’m Dancin’” Meghan Trainor lyric video x2; behind the scenes of “Better When I’m Dancin’”; “Snoopy’s Playlist”; and theatrical trailer. (Fox Home Entertainment)
Turn: Washington Spies: The Complete Second Season (DVD)
In this season, the Patriot cause has suffered the crushing loss of their capital city of Philadelphia to the British. Washington’s army faces desertion and death, and the embattled General faces conspirators from within his own ranks, as well as personal demons he keeps hidden from the men he leads. Washington’s closest ally in these dark times is also his most celebrated battle commander, Benedict Arnold — a friend whose growing discontent will threaten the fate of the Revolution. Outnumbered and outgunned on the battlefield, Washington is counting on his ring of young spies and his greatest hope, Abe Woodhull, a lone civilian deep behind enemy lines, who finds he has little left to lose and is willing to risk everything he has left… including his soul.
The action is comparatively restrained this season, primarily focusing on the spy ring and the danger it holds for everyone involved and those around them. While a lot of important information is discovered and exchanged this season, the consequences for their espionage are much greater and in some ways unexpected. A different side of Major John Andre is revealed as he falls for a woman who was only meant to be a pawn to achieve his career goals. Major Hewlett is once again confronted with his arch-nemesis, though Lt. John Simcoe is much craftier and malicious that anyone guessed or knows how to counter. Finally, this season’s cliff-hanger is unexpectedly harsh and raises a lot of questions for the upcoming season.
Special features include: deleted and extended scenes; making-of featurette; “A Treacherous Trio”; and “Washington & Billy Lee.” (Anchor Bay Entertainment)
Undertow (Blu-ray)
Following the death of his wife, John Munn (Dermot Mulroney) moves to Georgia with his two sons, Chris (Jamie Bell) and Tim (Devon Alan), in hopes of making a new start for his family. Once there, rebellious Chris finds a kindred spirit in his Uncle Deel (Josh Lucas), recently released from prison and holding a grudge against his brother for marrying the woman he loved. Resentments soon boil over with tragic consequences sending Uncle Deel in hot pursuit of his fleeing nephews.
This movie is fairly monotonous in tone as Chris rebels against and despises their new, isolated living situation in which his education has been replaced by work around the house. Tim is said to have a weak disposition so he occupies his time exploring the area and eating everything he gets his hands on. When Deel arrives, it appears to be a relatively friendly reunion; but it doesn’t take long for their uncle’s true intentions and malice to reveal themselves. Chris proves rather competent in living on the run as the brothers encounter a variety of people along the way. All the actors’ performances are suitably downtrodden, conveying years of life not going their way; though Lucas mixes a little charm and wit into Deel’s personality. Kristen Stewart also has a small role as Chris’ non-committal girlfriend.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
Youth (Blu-ray & Digital copy)
Fred (Michael Caine) and Mick (Harvey Keitel) are two lifelong friends vacationing in a luxury Swiss Alps lodge as they ponder retirement. While Fred has no plans to resume his musical career despite the urging of his loving daughter Lena (Rachel Weisz), Mick is intent on finishing a screenplay in what may be his last important film for his muse Brenda (Jane Fonda).
This movie consists of a series of moments that don’t necessarily follow seamless transitions, but do follow the narrative trajectory. Fred and Mick spend most of their time reminiscing or watching a couple who never seem to speak to each other; they never dwell on life’s losses or difficult decisions, which makes the eventual destination of their journey rather jarring. Lena is dealing with her own issues, which also prompts her to confront her father about things that have long been buried between them. Paul Dano also appears as an actor on retreat, preparing for a role that, when revealed, is quite surprising. However, his presence provides another outlet for Fred and Mick to explore their past and future.
Special features include: “Michael Caine”; “Paolo Sorrentino”; “Cast”; “Music and Sound”; “The Essence of Youth”; image gallery; and theatrical trailer. (Fox Home Entertainment)
