Shutter Island – The highest profile release of the week is directed by Martin Scorsese, based on a novel by Dennis Lehane, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Jackie Earle Haley, Max von Sydow, Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson and Michelle Williams. The plot follows DiCaprio’s character as he goes to investigate the disappearance of an inmate at Shutter Island. DiCaprio has always been pushing to get an assignment on the island, but when he finally arrives, he questions why he was sent there. Could it be because the doctors want to treat him, and the U.S. Marshal’s office no longer wants him? The staff thwarts his investigation at every turn, but eventually DiCaprio finds a clue to the disappearance of the inmate. While all this is going on, a storm cuts off all communication with the island, and some inmates escape. More clues follow, but DiCaprio continues to question everything, including his own sanity. The trailer is very intriguing, and you know you’re getting a quality film with Scorsese directing and the sheer talent of the actors involved.
From Paris With Love – The director of Taken – Pierre Morel – tried to recapture some of the same magic from that film, but unfortunately From Paris with Love did not catch fire at the box office. From Paris with Love stars John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers and follows Rhys Meyers character, who is a personal aide to the U.S. Ambassador in Paris. He also does a little work for the C.I.A. He gets a big assignment, but unfortunately he is paired up with Travolta’s character, who happens to be an agent that is a loose cannon. Their goal is to stop a terrorist plot from happening in Paris. The premise is not all that exciting, and it got lost in the shuffle at the box office this year.
Not the Messiah (He’s A Very Naughty Boy) – This oratorio is from the Monty Python gang, and is based on Monty Python’s Life of Brian. The story follows Brian, who is mistaken as a messiah, and is hunted by the Romans. It is a live concert performance and was filmed in 2009 at the famous Royal Albert Hall, and yes it does include the famous song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”.
The 41 Year Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It – This is a Direct-To-DVD parody of the popular Judd Apatow films. I won’t lie to you; the title makes me have zero interest in the film, as the name of the film is just dumb. The film follows a virgin on his quest to get laid. He gets some help from his friends, including McAnalovin (I’m not making the name of that up). If that sounds funny to you, then you should definitely go out and get that DVD.
TV ON DVD
Nip/Tuck: The Sixth and Final Season – The final season starts off with Sean dealing with insomnia, while Christian and Liz have a bitter divorce battle following the fact that Christian does not have terminal cancer. The economy also shows up this season as the surgery practice is struggling, so Sean and Christian invite one of their rival surgeons to join them and help out their practice. The new surgeon’s specialty – women who seek vaginal rejuvenation surgery. The subject matter is not for everyone, but the show has a very loyal following.
Family Matters: The Complete First Season – The show that was a spin-off of Perfect Strangers debuts on DVD for the first time and follows the lives of the Winslow family. Although the series started by focusing on the Winslow family, midway through the 1st season, a character was introduced that would change the direction of the show, and become one of the most recognizable characters on television in the 80’s and 90’s – Steve Urkel. The comic misadventures of Steve Urkel focused on his attempts to try and date the Winslow’s daughter Laura. The show had a popular catchphrase in its early seasons. Whenever Steve Urkel had an accident, he usually followed that up with “Did I do that?” I don’t know how well the show will hold up in 2010, but it’s definitely a nostalgia purchase.
The A-Team: The Complete Series – Just in time to capitalize on the film version, the entire A-Team series comes out today, which is contained in the very distinctive A-Team GMC Vandura van. You can watch the entire adventures of Hannibal, Face, B.A. Baracus, and “Howling Mad” Murdock. Each season has been available to own individually for quite awhile, but if you want the whole series in one package, then today is your lucky day. “I love it when a plan comes together!”
Tales of the Gold Monkey – For fans of the 80’s you might remember this TV show from 1982 that was ABC’s attempt to capitalize on the success of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Tales of the Gold Monkey is set in 1938 and follows the adventures of a pilot named Jake Cutter and his friends; a good natured alcoholic named Corky, a Jack-Russell terrier named Jack (who barks one when he means “no”, and barks twice when he means “yes”), as well as Jake’s love interest Sarah White. The show takes place on the fictional island of Bora Gora. Roddy McDowall is even a regular on the series. Tales of the Gold Monkey only lasted one season, but it did make an impression on fans, and they can finally purchase this series today.
Until Next Tuesday!
