Gamer – Gerard Butler and Michael C. Hall star in this action-adventure from the directors of Crank where humans control humans in online gaming environments. Obviously there is something bad and evil happening behind the scenes, so its up to Gerard Butler to save the day. The film bombed in its September release, but I’m sure it will do much better on DVD.
Pandorum – Speaking of films that bombed, here is Pandorum. The film stars Dennis Quaid and is about two astronauts who wake up from a hyper-sleep and have no idea where they are. It’s dark, it’s cold, and as they soon realize that they are not alone. The premise, in some ways, sounds like a cheap version of Alien.
Smokin’ Aces II: Assassin’s Ball – The main original stars of the first film are nowhere to be found in this Direct-To-DVD that is about a FBI desk clerk who is the target of a large group of assassin’s who want to collect a large bounty on him. I thought the first film was a lot of fun, except for the last 10 minutes, so hopefully the sequel retains that sensibility.
The Invention of Lying – Yet another film that did not live up to expectations, this film stars Ricky Gervais and is about a world where no one lies. One day, Ricky Gervais’ character makes a lie and gets away with it, which causes him to lie more and more. The premise sounds fantastic, but I’ve heard the film is just all right. It’s the only comedy coming out this week, so if you want a laugh, check this one out.
Whiteout – The streak continues of having subpar films coming out on DVD with this film starring Kate Beckinsale. It’s a thriller where Kate’s character travels to Antarctica to track down a killer. She teams up with a U.N. operative after the same person, and she is about to face a serious problem, as the Antarctic winter sets in, she won’t be able to see anything around her, and it will be too cold to go outside for long periods of time. Again, a decent premise, but this was one of the most poorly received films of 2009.
TV on DVD
Damages: The Second Season – This season begins with an attorney pulling a gun on screen and firing the trigger. Also, a scientist played by William Hurt asks for the help of Glenn Close because he is being threatened. The pedigree from this show is great, but I’ve never watched an episode.
Dallas: The Complete Twelfth Season – This season picks up with Sue Ellen no longer in Dallas. That’s what I got from Wikipedia, as I don’t have a clue what was happening in this show. The series was definitely beginning to fade in the ratings at this point, so people who purchase it are definitely hardcore fans.
Law and Order: The Seventh Year – What’s notable about season seven is that it is the first time that ADA Jamie Ross appears, played by Carey Lowell, as ADA Claire Kincaid was killed by a drunk driver at the end of season six. McCoy, Briscoe, and Curtis are all back, and they continue to solve crimes that are sometimes inspired by stories ripped from the headlines.
Thirtysomething: The Complete Second Season – This season is only 17 episodes in length, and it continues to focus on the life and struggles of Michael and Hope Steadman. This show was a big deal to baby boomers in the late 1980’s.
Weeds: Season Five – This season begins with Nancy telling Esteban that she is pregnant, so Esteban decides to let her live. I always thought this show was a little funnier than the plot synopsis makes it out to be, but the show is definitely “growing” in popularity, plus Mary Louise-Parker is an excellent actress.
Until Next Tuesday!
Wow…you watch a lot of stuff. Do you play video games? If so, what are your current favorites?? Just curious.
Also, I agree with you regarding most of your post, but you must admit that the posters for Pandorum and Whiteout are cool to look at.
Keep writing!