It’s another Tuesday, so here’s what to should check out, give a chance and avoid this week in the world of DVD. Jordan also jumps in to highlight one special film joining the Criterion collection this week.
Grab ‘Em Right Away:
Black Dynamite
Directed by: Scott Sanders
Written by: Michael Jai White & Bryon Minns
Starring: Michael Jai White
Why should you buy this? If you love movies and especially movie-making, then this is the film for you. It’s an over-the-top spoof of the Blaxploitation genre and even though a lot of those elements are enough to make this movie amazing, what takes it to the next level in enjoyment is the intentionally bad filmmaking, itself a brilliant joke. There are several moments when scenes linger and Michael Jai White stands, unsure of whether he should stay in character or not. Then the boom mic pops up in the top corner of the frame. It is hilarious from start to end – especially the end.
Hunger (Criterion Collection)
Directed by: Steve McQueen
Written by: Steve McQueen & Enda Walsh
Starring: Michael Fassbender
Why should you buy this? Jordan here. I had to include this Criterion update for one of best films of 2008. In an astounding feature length directorial debut, Steve McQueen tells the story of IRA commander Bobby Sanders with such restraint and beauty, it’s a must-see. Every single shot in this film is perfect as if McQueen was displaying painting after painting. The film can be disturbing but Michael Fassbender‘s tour-de-force performance immediately shot up to one of my favorites of the decade after watching this masterpiece.
Give it A Chance:
Law Abiding Citizen
Directed by: F. Gary Gray
Written by: Kurt Wimmer
Starring: Jamie Foxx & Gerard Butler
Why should you rent this? This was one of the most fun theater experiences I had last year. The movie itself isn’t anything worth mentioning to the Academy, just a ridiculous B-movie for a lazy afternoon. Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx are definitely phoning it in, hamming it up from scene to scene, so don’t expect to admire them. The thing that makes this movie worth a rental is the set pieces of all of the deaths that take place when Butler‘s revenge from prison begins.
Good Hair
Directed by: Jeff Stilson
Written by: Lance Crouther & Paul Marchand
Starring: Chris Rock
Why should you rent this? This movie was made for young men all across the world. So to inform you about all the money you will be spending in your future when you start dating women — especially a black woman. I found this movie eye opening, because I knew nothing about the topic of black people’s hair and how to care and manage it. It was also interesting to find out about the amount of money being generated in this industry and even more eye-opening how little a part the African American community plays in the industry — especially when they are the sole consumer. Chris Rock tackles the topic with a good sense of humor while never losing sight of what he wants to say. Here is one of those few documentaries that won’t just inform you but will keep you entertained throughout. I’ve actually seen this twice already and it’s a great watch.
Avoid it like the Plague:
Women in Trouble
Directed by: Sebastian Gutierrez
Written by: Sebastian Gutierrez
Starring: Carla Gugino, Adriane Palicki, Connie Britton, Marley Shelton, Cameron Richardson, Garcelle Beauvais, Caitlin Keats & Paul Cassell
Why should you refuse to call her back? This movie is a story about these numerous women who are all going through some issues in their lives. Everyone from a few porn stars to regular everyday single moms having trouble getting it all together. However, the problem with this film is that it definitely tries to make light of all these situations and always seems to fall flat on it’s back. You think it’d be easy enough to make fun of women in porn, but in the end it just comes off as a waste of time and space. You can expect a ton of happy endings, pun intended, and a lot of dissatisfied viewers.
Worth Taking Note:
Clint Eastwood: 35 Films 35 Years at Warner Bros.
This new collection is available on DVD, and definitely something worth noting this week. I’m a huge fan of Clint Eastwood‘s work (as an actor and a director) and even though I myself haven’t seen each and every film in this collection, I honestly can’t say that I will have to wait long to say that I have. I live for collector’s sets like these and even though I would never tell anyone that they have to get these kinds of things (due to the price attached to them). Those of you who haven’t bothered to read this and have already bought it are the people I’m writing this for. So check it out.
Films included in collection: Where Eagles Dare (1968), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), Dirty Harry (1971), Magnum Force (1973), The Enforcer (1975), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), The Gauntlet (1977), Every Which Way but Loose (1978), Bronco Billy (1980), Any Which Way You Can (1980), Honkytonk Man (1982), Firefox (1982), Sudden Impact (1983), City Heat (1984), Tightrope (1984), Pale Rider (1985), Heartbreak Ridge (1986), Bird (1988), The Dead Pool (1988), Pink Cadillac (1989), White Hunter, Black Heart (1990), The Rookie (1990), Unforgiven (1992), A Perfect World (1993), The Bridges of Madison County (1995), Absolute Power (1997), Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), True Crime (1999), Space Cowboys (2000), Blood Work (2002), Mystic River (2003), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Letters from Iwo Jima (2006), Gran Torino (2008), The Eastwood Factor short film.
Jordan’s Blu-ray Deals of the Week:
Snatch [$12.99]
Gone With The Wind 70th Anniversary Edition [$15.49]
The Wizard of Oz (3-Disc Emerald Edition) [$16.49]
The Rest
Coco Before Chanel
Halo Legends
The Guild: Season 3
Claymore: Complete Box Set
Revanche (Criterion Collection) (also starts streaming on Netflix Watch Instantly)
Lola Montes (Criterion Collection)
Blu-Ray
Goodfellas (20th Anniversay Edition)
Ran
The Ladykillers (1955)
Contempt/Le mepris (1963)
What are you picking up this week?