The Informant! – Matt Damon stars in this Steven Soderbergh comedy about corn! All right, it is not just about corn, as Matt Damon’s character helps the government uncover a price-fixing scam. As Damon’s character goes further undercover, he really begins believing his own hype that he is a secret agent, which leads to comical things happening on screen. Definitely the highest profile title on DVD this week.
Everybody’s Fine – Did you just ask yourself the question “Wasn’t this just in theatres?” The answer is yes, and it did not have a very long theatrical life. This film starts Robert De Niro as a father whose kids are unable to see him over the Christmas holidays, so he goes out to see them all. The film also stars Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, and Drew Barrymore. I’m truthfully a little surprised that the DVD release was not held off until next Christmas, to capitalize on the tie-in.
The September Issue – For anyone who is a fan of fashion or of The Devil Wears Prada (for those who don’t know, Meryl Streep’s character is based on Anna Wintour), then you will like this documentary which focuses on Anna Wintour preparing Vogue’s 2007 September issue.
The Box – This film is directed by Richard Kelly of Donnie Darko fame and stars Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella. The plot is simple. A couple is delivered a box with a red button. If they press the button, they get a million dollars, although someone in the world that they don’t know will die. It’s a little more complex than that, but the film is definitely not for all tastes.
The Damned United – This film is for soccer fans, as it chronicles the account of Brian Clough and his 44 day reign as the head coach of Leeds United. Michael Sheen continues to impress with yet another solid performance as Brian Clough. The film features a master class of British acting talent as Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney and Jim Broadbent also star.
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant – A sixteen year old boy is taken to a freak show where he becomes impressed by the people working in it. The trouble is the boy finds out that they are more than what they say they are. One of them is a vampire, which impresses the teen so much that he wants to leave home with them and become a vampire. John C. Reilly stars, and the film is directed by Paul Weitz who directed The Golden Compass.
The Trade – This film was made in 2003 and stars Eddie Mills, Elizabeth Banks and Judah Friedlander. The plot is simple – does a man choose the fame and success of being on Wall Street, or does he go home to the family and the woman that he loves? This film is being released on DVD now to capitalize on the success of Elizabeth Banks film career and Judah Friedlander’s success on 30 Rock.
Wrong Side of Town – Why should you see this movie? Because it stars Ja Rule, and wrestlers Dave Batista and Rob Van Dam. The plot is about an ex-Marine who has to do what it takes to save his daughter.
Sorority Row – A group of sorority sister’s pull a prank on a guy who has messed around with someone in their sorority. They make him think he has killed a girl. Unfortunately the girl in question is accidentally killed by the guy later on. They all vow to keep it a secret, but as we know in horror film’s, secrets lead to revenge, which equals a high death count on screen.
Motherhood – Uma Thurman stars as a housewife with two kids who is dealing with a lot of pressure to put on one of her children’s sixth birthday party. It’s a film that is really about the day in the life of a housewife. Anthony Edwards and Minnie Driver also star.
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths – Another Direct-To DVD offering from the folks at DC Universe. The plot of the film involves a heroic Lex Luthor from another universe recruiting the Justice League to help save his world.
The Adventures of Clutch Powers – This film is the first Lego animated feature and owes a fair bit to Indiana Jones as Clutch Powers. Clutch leaves Lego City to go to a Space Police prison planet and then to a mystical universe in order to put the rightful heir of a throne back in charge.
Breakfast with Scot – This film is about a gay couple who are raising a son together. The only difference is that one of the men is an ex-hockey player of the Toronto Maple Leafs and he never wanted kids. The other man, whose kid is his brother’s who has gone missing, tries to cope being a dad. Both gay men soon discover that the kid is gay as well, and they all try to get along.
TV ON DVD
Nurse Jackie: Season One – Edie Falco stars as a nurse struggling to find balance in her personal and professional life, as well as the problems of her co-workers. Falco has received much acclaim for her work on this show.
Jersey Shore: Season One – A series that has been popular, but has received no acclaim is Jersey Shore. It follows the lives of Italian teenagers in New Jersey. Think of every Italian stereotype, and chances are that it is contained in this MTV show.
Night Court: The Complete Third Season – Definitely one of the most popular sitcoms on TV in the 80’s, as it follows Harry Anderson and his co-workers as they deal with the weirdo’s at a night court. The performance to see in this series is John Larroquette’s as Assistant D.A. Dan Fielding.
Until Next Tuesday!
