Couples Retreat – This film actually came out on DVD this past Friday, but it is still the biggest title to be released, so I’m listing it first. It was a major hit at the box office this fall, despite lackluster reviews. The premise is four couples go to a couple’s therapy resort where hijinks happen. The laughs are few and far between in this comedy, but it offers gorgeous scenery, as the film was shot in Tahiti. Definitely for Vince Vaughn fans only. Trivia note – the director of the film is Peter Billingsley, who most people remember as Ralphie from A Christmas Story
The Time Traveler’s Wife – This romance stars Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams and it comes out on DVD just in time for Valentine’s Day. The premise is about a man and a woman who fall in love, but he travels through time, and only appears at certain points of the woman’s life. The initial feeling of being with a time travelling man is cool at first, but as he is gone for long stretches in her life, and missing important events, she becomes less enamored with it all. The film did fairly well at the box office, and well definitely be a popular rental/purchase this week for Valentine’s Day.
A Serious Man – This film is nominated for Best Picture this year, so now’s your chance to see what you missed out on in theatres. The film is by the Coen Brothers, and is about a man coming to terms with his wife leaving him. One of the many reasons why she is doing this is because his brother will not move out of the house. It is quirky and funny in a Coen Brothers style of way, which means to say that it is not for everyone. The film is also up for Best Screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards as well.
I Hate Valentine’s Day – A film that is definitely not nominated for an Academy Award is this one. Nia Vardalos reteams with John Corbett in this romance about a woman who only sees a man for five dates. As soon as she hits the fifth date, she kicks him to the curb. Along comes a new restaurant owner, and suddenly her theory on dating is questioned. This film was widely panned when it was released in theatres. It’s definitely nowhere near as good as My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Dare – This film stars Emmy Rossum and is about three friends in high school whose friendships are put to the test. There are two guys and one girl. The girl is a “good girl” who wants to be actress. She is questioning herself and her “good girl” image, as she decides to go against the rules and become a “bad girl”. Her best guy friend is concerned about her new image, and wants her to be herself, and not something she’s not. The third character is a loner who complicates everything. I’m making it sound a bit more formulaic then it actually is, but it might be worth checking out.
Endgame – William Hurt and Chiwetel Ejiofor star in a film based on true events. The film is about the secret discussions and meetings that happened to help bring an end to the Apartheid regime in South Africa. I think Ejiofor is one of the best actors working today, so it is definitely a film that interests me.
The Phantom – I’ll admit that I have never seen this film, but I know it is one of the least popular comic book adaptations that has ever been put to celluloid. The film stars Billy Zane as a super hero who is trying to stop an evil mastermind from obtaining three magic skulls. The tagline on the original poster says “Slam Evil”, and if that interests you, then you should check this re-release out.
TV on DVD
J.A.G.: Season 10 – The Final Season – I have never watched an episode of this show, but I find it amazing that a show that switched networks was able to last for ten years on the small screen. The plot of the show is simple as it follows the lead character Harmon Rabb, who is a former Navy fighter pilot and his fellow JAG lawyers as they deal with cases each week. When you hit season ten, only hardcore fans of the show are going to be buying it.
Until Next Tuesday!
