American Ninja (Blu-ray)
Joe Armstrong (Michael Dudikoff) is a one-man ninjitsu fighting machine. Serving in the army to avoid a prison sentence, Joe will find himself battling the deadly ninjas of the Black Star Order, as well as corrupt military leaders in order to bring down an illegal arms sales conspiracy.
Audience’s introduction to (G.I.) Joe allows him to stand out amongst a group of cowards and poor fighters. He spends the beginning of the film saying very little, but as it progresses he reveals himself to be a charming speaker rather than the strong-silent-type. Dudikoff’s skills are impressive, but the slow speed of the action sequences and the seemingly novice ninja enemies definitely detract from his apparent prowess. While there is little mystery regarding who is involved in the conspiracy, there is some surrounding Joe’s past. Conveniently he encounters a man who can shed light on his childhood, while also helping him and his friends stay alive.
Special features include: commentary with director Sam Firstenberg; “A Rumble in The Jungle”; and theatrical trailer. (Olive Films)
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (Blu-ray)
Joining Joe Armstrong (Michael Dudikoff) is Curtis Jackson (Steve James) who, like Joe, is promoted to the Army Rangers and sent on a mission to the Caribbean in search of missing Marines. Quicker than you can say déjà vu, Joe and Curtis are battling scientifically-engineered Super Ninjas in an attempt to bring down a dreaded drug lord known as The Lion (Gary Conway).
The trouble in this sequel isn’t as sophisticated as that in the first film, but Joe and Curtis are on the job. There doesn’t appear to be a reason the Marines are stationed on this island paradise, other than it provides an attractive backdrop for the story. In any case, the duo battle out-of-place ninjas on the beach, in a bar and at their training grounds. Their attempts to end Joe’s interference are expectedly poor, while Curtis has become a surprisingly adept fighter able to hold his ground against the highly trained enemy. These films are classic ‘80s action movies that deliver on the predictable fight scenes and integrity of its heroes.
Special features include: commentary with director Sam Firstenberg; “An American Ninja in Cape Town”; and theatrical trailer. (Olive Films)
The Commitments: 25th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)
Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) knows he’s the world’s greatest band manager…. Now he just needs a band. Auditioning everyone he can find, Jimmy gathers ten of the most talented, least experienced musicians from the rough streets of working class Dublin, Ireland, with a plan to launch the best soul band ever to take the stage.
Based on Roddy Doyle’s book, this film is an excellent adaptation that balances the internal drama among the bandmates and their striking performances. Forming a soul cover band in Ireland wasn’t easy, but Jimmy was unquestionably determined and found the right mix of musicians to really make a go of it. Unfortunately bringing together so many personalities for the sole purpose of creating music is bound to have its conflicts, including egos, affairs and a general distaste for each other. Yet Jimmy tries to push everyone past these issues so they can reach the potential he’s decided they have — thanks in no small part to the exceptional singer with a terrible attitude. The documentary included in this edition consists of a lot of glad-handing, but also some interesting tidbits regarding production and casting such as how they got the indelible singer.
Special features include: director commentary by Alan Parker; making-of featurette; “The Commitments Documentary”; “The Commitments: Looking Back”; “Dublin Soul”; “Treat Her Right” music video with Alan Parker intro; production photos; behind-the-scenes stills; and booklet. (RLJ Entertainment)
Criminal Minds: The Complete Eleventh Season (DVD)
The FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit (BAU) braves a relentless enemy that jeopardizes their professional lives and demands unprecedented personal sacrifices. Tackling a network of cunning, cutthroat hitmen linked by the darknet, special agents Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), Jennifer “J.J.” Jareau (A.J. Cook), Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), technical analyst Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) and new crew member, forensic psychologist Dr. Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler) delve into the depths of the dark web – and put their lives in peril like never before. While taking down serial killers along the way, the team can never rest easy… and they pay a price from which there’s no coming back.
While it was widely publicized this would be Moore’s last season with the show, fans still had to wonder how they would write-out such an integral character; luckily they do an excellent job keeping the departure in line with the character’s personality. Unfortunately, based on recent events Hotchner will not receive the same carefully planned departure from the show next season. Tyler is a good fit for the series and her character provides different entries into a number of cases. Happily, Prentiss returns for an international case; though not enough time is given to her new life overseas. The darkweb is a mystery to most, so placing it at the centre of a case is very smart planning and allows for several high-level guest stars, including Aubrey Plaza.
Special features include: commentaries; deleted scenes; “Criminology”; “To Derek, With Love”; “The Dirty Eleven”; “The Good Doctor”; and gag reel. (Paramount Home Media Distribution)
The Jungle Book (Blu-ray, DVD & Digital copy)
Mowgli (Neel Sethi) is a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known.
The casting for this film is impeccable. The entire picture rests on Sethi’s young shoulders, which is a lot to ask of a new actor; especially when most of his co-stars are digitally produced animals. Nonetheless he appears to fit right into his jungle habitat. Meanwhile, the voice cast perfectly represents their characters’ knowledge, cunning, charisma and cruelty respectively. Idris Elba lends such power to Shere Khan’s presence, while Ben Kingsley demonstrates a more quiet resolve; Lupita Nyong’o is so nurturing and protective, while Bill Murray‘s cheerfulness is contagious. Christopher Walken‘s distinct voice can make it difficult to separate him from the character, but he is undoubtedly the best choice to convey Louie’s delusions of grandeur. With the original animated film as the only point of reference, the amount of action in this version is somewhat surprising. The light-hearted playful moments are skillfully juxtaposed with unexpectedly dark scenes featuring the tale’s villains. Director Jon Favreau does an excellent job balancing the animals’ natural instincts and their human traits, including two seamless musical numbers.
Special features include: commentary by director Jon Favreau; The Jungle Book Reimagined; “I Am Mowgli”; and “King Louie’s Temple: Layer by Layer.” (Walt Disney Studios)
Me Before You (DVD)
When Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke) — Lou, as she’s known — unexpectedly loses her waitressing job, she must scramble to replace the income that her tight-knit family depends upon. Desperation drives her to take a job as a caregiver to Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a man who used to be a wealthy banker with an adventurous soul, living life to the very fullest, but for whom those days are in the past. After a tragic accident, Will lost the desire to live and now keeps everyone at a distance with his caustic, overbearing attitude. But unlike his family, Lou refuses to tiptoe around him or cater to his moods. In fact, her sparkling personality and easy nature are hard for even Will to ignore, and soon enough each becomes exactly what the other needs.
This is obviously the British version of a romantic drama in the same vein as a Nicholas Sparks adaptation in which two attractive young people who appear to have little in common fall in love. The key difference is Will is a quadriplegic, paralyzed in the opening moments of the film that disclose very little about him. Where Lou’s life seems to be an open book, Will is revealed through a collection of eavesdropping, whispered conversations and Internet searches, which makes it rather difficult to connect with his character although his life is at the centre of the narrative. Nonetheless the movie hits all the typical genre buttons, romanticizing his disability by keeping its most difficult aspects off-camera.
Special features include: deleted scenes; “From Page to Screen”; and outtakes. (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment)
The Night Manager (Blu-ray)
Hotel manager Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) goes on a quest to bring down international arms dealer Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie). After being recruited by a British intelligence officer to infiltrate Roper’s inner circle, Pine is thrust into a world of international intrigue — but in his quest to do the right thing, Pine must first become a criminal himself.
This is a gripping UK miniseries starring two excellent actors in a narrative about corruption and espionage. In spite of Pine’s seemingly vanilla background, he proves to be a very adept undercover operative. He adopts his new identity rather seamlessly, covertly reporting back to MI-6, covering his tracks and quickly becoming one of Roper’s trusted associates. The series’ progression is relatively fast-paced and full of intrigue as Pine takes on the role of secret agent man and exceeds all expectations. The surrounding characters, including Roper’s younger wife and his long-time, bad-tempered associate, regularly stir the pot, creating additional conflicts that make the program even more compelling.
There are no special features. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
The Phenom (Blu-ray)
Ever since Hopper (Johnny Simmons) was a child, he has dreamed of becoming a major-league pitcher. Relentlessly pushed by his abusive father (Ethan Hawke), he’s on the verge of becoming one of the game’s most promising players when he unexpectedly breaks down on the mound. Now, Hopper’s only hope lies with an unorthodox sports therapist (Paul Giamatti), who urges him to let go of the past so he can find success on the field.
This is less of a baseball movie than a coming-of-age drama in which a young man must confront the effects his abusive father has had on his life. When his father unexpectedly returns after an extended absence, Hopper’s game goes down the drain; therefore his agent recommends he speak with a renowned sports therapist whose methods are somewhat unorthodox but effective. For a long time their talks don’t amount to much as Hopper is convinced it’s just a slump; but the real cause of his poor play is eventually revealed. Simmons is adequate as the brooding teen with a lot on his shoulders, but Hawke and Giamatti knock it out of the park. The former in particular is especially effective as he spouts harsh criticisms and forgotten lessons at the already shaky minor leaguer.
There are no special features. (RLJ Entertainment)
Saved! (Blu-ray)
Christian high school student, the devout Mary (Jena Malone) will have her world turned upside down when her boyfriend Dean (Chad Faust) reveals that he’s gay. Try as she may, Mary can’t pray … or sleep … the gay away. Much to her surprise (not to mention Dean’s), Mary discovers that she’s pregnant. Ostracized by her holier-than-thou schoolmates, led by the pious Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore), Mary will find acceptance from kindred spirits: the school’s geeks, including the wheelchair-bound Roland (Macaulay Culkin) and Cassandra (Eva Amurri).
This is a great teen comedy about a group of young people who find not everything is as black-and-white as some adults would have them believe. Addressing many religious hot button issues, including straight camps, teen pregnancy, sex education and messages from God, this cult classic identifies the hypocrisy that often accompanies blind faith. The kids are so spirited and captivating, it’s hard not to fall in love with their characters that deliver great one-liners and, in some cases, seem to have a better handle on life than their older counterparts. It’s somewhat surprising to still see Culkin portraying a teenager (even in 2004), but he encompasses Roland’s acerbic personality perfectly.
There are no special features. (Olive Films)
Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Two (Blu-ray)
Amid growing Imperial oppression on Lothal, the rebels are forced to seek out new allies throughout the galaxy and additional resources to sustain their fight against the Empire. With the help of Ahsoka Tano, the crew of the Ghost bands together with a secret rebel cell and ex-soldiers from the Clone Wars to join a fledgling alliance determined to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy. As Ezra continues his journey to become a Jedi under Kanan’s guidance, the threat of the dark side looms large over the fate of the growing rebellion. Darth Vader himself will dispatch new Inquisitors to snuff any spark of resistance, setting the stage for a climactic showdown in which past lives will be revealed, terrible truths will be discovered, and the lives of our heroes will be changed forever.
The second season in this series doesn’t disappoint. The Ghost’s crew are continuing the good fight with the help of some unexpected allies. Pinned down repeatedly by the dark side and the almost-too-proficient Inquisitors, Ezra and his friends must become increasingly inventive to escape. Lando returns to “help” when the crew is in a jam, as does Hondo who can never be entirely trusted. Ezra’s quest to harness the Force also requires him to confront his past and discover the truth about his parents’ fate. Most amusingly Chopper is featured in an episode in which he ends up on an enemy craft and makes a very witty new droid friend, completing the R2-D2/C-3PO parallel. The season ends on a cliff-hanger that is befitting the events of the preceding episodes and once again builds anticipation for the next, which is only briefly hinted at in the special features.
Special features include: “From Apprentice to Adversary: Vader vs. Ahsoka”; “Connecting the Galaxy: Rebels Season Two”; and Rebel Recons. (Lucasfilm Ltd. & Walt Disney Studios)
