This week we do slightly better than last week when it comes with what to buy on DVD. Here’s what’s out:
Australia – I was very excited for this film when it came out. Even a bad Baz Luhrmann film is interesting. You either really love or really despise his films [Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, and Moulin Rouge!]. There’s no middle ground with his work. Until I saw Australia. I watched the film in theatres, and found myself not caring about it at all. For lack of a better word, the story was very “blah!” It felt like two movies – the first half being about a cattle drive to save a ranch, and the second movie about saving children on an island that’s about to be bombed. I will say that Australia looks beautiful, with tons of grandiose shots, that make you want to go visit the country. Hugh Jackman is good in the film, as his character can be entertaining, comedic, dramatic, romantic, and tough [I think that’s hard to pull off]. So he’s entertaining to watch when he’s on screen. Unfortunately, Nicole Kidman does not deliver one of her better performances. Some of the dialogue she’s stuck with no actor could pull off, but she does try. Australia is a flawed film, but worth checking out.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua – Why oh why was this film even made? The trailer was one of the most annoying things I’ve seen in ages. Whenever it was screened before a movie, there were usually groans in the audience. Unfortunately, kids love the idea of talking dogs, and the film didn’t flop at the box office [I hate to say it, but it was a hit]. So if you like talking dogs, or have the sense of humour of a 4 year old, this film’s for you.
Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic – This is one of those releases that only fanboys will buy. From what I have read, this DVD is the graphic novel on film, with every character narrated by one person. Now since most fanboys have read the graphic novel, I don’t know if this will interest anyone. [Note – According to Amazon.com, Watchmen illustrator Dave Gibbons oversaw this version of the graphic novel, so it might be worth picking up].
Ace Ventura Jr.: Pet Detective – You read that right [I was wishing it wasn’t true when I wrote this down]. This is a Direct-to-DVD sequel of the Jim Carrey franchise, although I’m happy to report that Carrey wisely has nothing to do with film. The plot involves Ace Jr. trying to find a kidnapped Panda, and his mom is the prime suspect. If that peaks your interest, or if you find the cover art on the DVD funny, then pick this up on today! [Sidenote – I’ve read some reports on the web saying that this film was supposed to be released in theatres in the Fall of ’08.If this is true, I think everyone should e-mail the people at Warner Bros., and thank them for deciding that this film should go Direct-To-DVD.]
Other releases this week include:
ER – The Complete Tenth Season
Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares – Complete Season One
Wonder Woman
Next week, two big films come to DVD – Milk, and the 70th Anniversary Edition of Pinocchio.
