Here we are: post hurricane and pre-Labor day.
This summer went by quickly, but now’s a good opportunity to check out lots of good stuff, reviewed after the jump, before the tv season launches or over the upcoming long weekend.
Exporting Raymond
Sony Pictures / Released 8/2/11
The Pitch
Phil Rosenthal, who created one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, was a bona-fide expert in his craft. And then, the Russians called. In Exporting Raymond, a very funny comedy that could only exist in real life, Phil travels to Russia to help adapt his beloved sitcom for Russian television. The Russians dont share his tastes. They don’t seem to share his sense of humor. But what Phil does discover is a real comedy, filled with unique characters and situations that have to be seen to be believed. An audience award winner at festivals all across the country, the film proves that even if youve never seen Everybody Loves Raymond, you’ll still enjoy this wildly entertaining film.
The Review
Imagine Borat in reverse. The very funny Rosenthal, is literally a fish out of water as he tries to navigate not only the creative process, but literally the politics of Russia as they attempt to adapt his sitcom for local audiences.
One of the funnier films I’ve seen recently, it was only heightened by the reality of the situation. Rosenthal is appealing to watch and it’s interesting as he really tries to find a common ground and develop friendships with his collaborators despite the day to day challenges that occur while working on the series. We’re shown clips of the adaptation within the film, but one of the real gems is the two full episodes of Everybody Loves Kostya that are included (as well as the two Everybody Loves Raymond episodes that they are adapted from). The extras also include a commentary, deleted scenes and more. Exporting Raymond is funny, charming and a must see. Highly recommended.
Trailer:
Captain America
MGM MOD / Released 8/23/11
The Pitch
During World War II, a brave American soldier (Matt Salinger) volunteers to undergo experiments to become a new super-soldier, codenamed “Captain America.” Infiltrating Germany to sabotage Nazi rockets pointed at the U.S., Captain America faces off with Nazi superhuman warrior Red Skull (Scott Paulin, The Right Stuff) who defeats the hero, throwing him into suspended animation. Frozen for 50 years, Captain America is found and revived only to find that Red Skull has changed identities and has targeted the President of the United States (Ronny Cox, RoboCop) for assassination. With America on the verge of utter chaos, it is up to one man to save the day!
The Review
A former holy grail on the collector’s market, this film was never theatrically released and languished for years until it’s official video debut several years later. It is a bad film in comparison to the recent Captain America: The First Avenger, but, it’s got heart. There’s a sentimentality to Captain America that can’t be ignored and the participants involved all share that which elevates the project to a very entertaining movie, despite whatever limitations exist in it’s execution. For comic fans, this is a must have, and I was thrilled to revisit it. Recommended.
The Trailer:
Hey Arnold!: Season 1
Shout! Factory / Released 8/9/11
The Pitch
A favorite with viewers and critics alike, Hey Arnold! stars Arnold, a fourth grader who lives with his grandparents Phil and Gertrude, owners of the Sunset Arms boarding house. Each episode finds Arnold in a new, sticky situation, whether it’s helping out a schoolmate with their problems or dealing with his own. Unfortunately, Arnold’s predicaments are often started by Helga, a schoolmate who picks on Arnold and constantly bullies him. However, Helga only pretends to dislike Arnold to hide the fact that she is secretly in love with him!
The Review
I was past my formative years when Nick Toons exploded, but experiencing Hey Arnold! for the first time, I certainly understand why viewers were so enchanted. As an animated series, Hey Arnold! dishes out it’s fair share of life lessons for younger viewers, but the writing is solid enough and the humor clever enough to entertain all ages. It’s a must have for both those who grew up with it who want to revisit it, or families who are looking for something appropriate and entertaining for all to enjoy. Recommended.
Clip:
M.A.S.K.: The Complete Series
Shout! Factory / Released 8/9/11
The Pitch
Led by multimillionaire Matt Trakker, the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand – better known simply as M.A.S.K. – defends the world against Miles Mayhem and his nefarious international criminal organization V.E.N.O.M., the very same group responsible for the death of Trakker’s teenage brother. With his own son, Scott, and a secret strike force including his friends – engineer Bruce Sato, courageous historian Hondo MacLean, mechanic Buddy Hawks, rocker Brad Turner, computer expert Alex Sector, stunt driver Dusty Hayes and beautiful martial artist Gloria Baker – it’s up to Trakker, equipped with special power-granting masks and a garage of special militarized vehicles, to keep the world safe from Mayhem and the villainy of V.E.N.O.M (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem).
The Review
Like many other animated series that were released around the same time, M.A.S.K. often feels like watching an extended (and in this case of the entire series, monumental) commercial for a toy line. In this case, the toy line was a lot smaller than most, which left the animated series with more freedom and at the same time, less direction. The series includes several borderline racist stereotypical portrayals and feels like an Asylum Pictures adaptation of “G.I. Joe Meets The Transformers”, a familiar knock off, but not nearly as good and a but cheesy. Extras are light, including two featurettes. That being said, for fans of the series, there’s reason to rejoice as it’s finally available to revisit, but for new viewers like myself, it gets old very quick.
Opening Credits:
Paul
Universal Studios Home Entertainment / Released 8/9/11
The Pitch
For the past 60 years, an alien named Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen) has been hanging out at a top-secret military base. For reasons unknown, the space-traveling smartass decides to escape the compound and hop on the first vehicle out of town—a rented RV containing Earthlings Graeme Willy (Simon Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Nick Frost). Chased by federal agents and the fanatical father of a young woman they accidentally kidnap, Graeme and Clive hatch a fumbling escape plan to return Paul to his mother ship. As two nerds struggle to help, one little green man might just take his fellow outcasts from misfits to intergalactic heroes.
The Review
I wanted to love Paul, and after watching it twice, I can appreciate it’s execution, but in the joint filmography of Pegg and Frost, it’s the first disappointment. Part of it is the tone. In establishing the characters as geeks, they mug around Comic Con as two social pariahs until they begin their road trip. They come across as savants and the overall tone established by director Greg Mottola successfully demonstrates that he was a round hole for a square peg (and a Simon Pegg). The film fails with the constant quoting of better sci-fi films, gay innuendo, bad sex jokes and other miscellania that frequent collaborator Edgar Wright would have dismissed at the script stage. The talented co-stars including Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Jason Bateman, Joe Lo Truglio, Blyther Danner, Jeffery Tambor and Sigourney Weaver all have done far better work elsewhere and the film, although average, is ultimately disappointing. Extras include bloopers, commentary, featurettes and more. For fans of Pegg and Frost, Paul isn’t for you.
Trailer:
Your Highness
Universal Studios Home Entertainment / Released 8/9/11
The Pitch
Two royal princes—slacker Thadeous (Danny McBride) and the noble Fabious (James Franco)—join with an elusive warrior (Natalie Portman) on a quest to free a princess from an evil wizard. Along the way, they’ll have to vanquish horrific creatures and traitorous knights in this raunchy trip loaded with footage too outrageous for theaters.
The Review
One would have a hard time believing that several years ago director David Gordon Green’s name was often mentioned as one of the most interesting and talented directors working. His latest film, Your Highness, is a love letter to the fantasy films of the Eighties (following his love letter to buddy comedies of the Eighties, Pineapple Express). While the movie has several funny moments, it’s the performance of Danny McBride that keeps it from being better. McBride, a longtime friend and collaborator of Green, has unfortunately become a parody of himself, with each character just being a more extreme example of roles he’s previously portrayed. Trying to pass itself off as a stoner comedy, Your Highness is neither. Kudos to the portrayals of the fantasy environment which definitely captures the feelings of Dungeons & Dragons campaigns of days past. Natalie Portman (who uses an ass double in the film) is wasted as the female warrior and recipient of McBride’s one liners. Franco walks through the film smirking as if it’s another one of his ironic art projects. Extras include commentary, alternate scenes, gag reel, and making of. Your Highness is mildly amusing diversion and worth a watch, but it’s unlikely something you’d revisit more than once.
Trailer:
The Conspirator
Roadside Attractions / Released 8/16/11
The Pitch
In the wake of the assassination of President Lincoln in 1865, a country mourns its leader, and eight people are charged with conspiring to kill the President, Vice President and Secretary of State. The lone woman accused, Mary Surratt (Robin Wright), owns the boarding house where the attack was planned. Faced with a certain death, Surratt’s only hope comes in the form of a newly minted lawyer and Union war hero, Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy), who reluctantly agrees to defend Surratt before a military tribunal. As the courtroom trial unfolds, Aiken realizes his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her son (Johnny Simmons, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World).
The Review
There’s no question regarding the talent of Robert Redford as a filmmaker. Yet, The Conspirator suffers for not being enough of anything. On one hand you have a conspiracy thriller regarding the collaborators who were behind John Wilkes Booth’s assassination of President Lincoln. On the other, you have a courtroom drama focusing on the challenges of attorney Frederick Aiken who is defending a woman accused of the conspiracy simply because she owned the boarding house where the crime was planned. The supporting cast is underutilized with underwritten roles which is a shame since the film includes such wonderful actors as Kevin Kline, Danny Huston, Tom Wilkinson, Colm Meany, Alexis Bledel, Evan Rachel Wood, Stephen Root and Colm Meany. Extras are plentiful, with a commentary, a feature length documentary, interviews and featurettes. The Conspirator tackles a forgotten sidenote to one of the most significant events in American history, and unfortunately, this telling is also forgettable.
Trailer:
Dexter: The Fifth Season
Showtime Entertainment / Released 8/16/11
The Pitch
Starring Golden Globe winner Michael C. Hall, the fifth season finds Dexter going from happily married husband to guilt-ridden single dad as he struggles to atone for the death of his wife, Rita. But when his dark secret is discovered by a woman seeking revenge against those who brutalized her, he finds a kindred spirit who may finally save – or destroy – him.
The Review
Following the events of season four, Dexter Morgan returns reinvigorated and in many ways reborn. Following the death of Rita, Dexter is once again the Dark Passenger, alone and distant from humanity (including Rita’s kids who are shipped off to their grandparents). Dexter finds himself drawn to another killer’s would-be victim, a mysterious woman named Lumen who not only inspires Dexter, but enlists him in her planned assault on those who attacked her. As the season progresses, Dexter once again finds his emotions compromised and his own secrets in jeopardy. Over the course of the series, we’ve seen the evolution of the character of Dexter and this season is no disappointment as he slowly has a self-realization of his transformation. The cast as always is phenomenal and once again the producers have brought in a strong supporting cast for the season including Julia Stiles, Jonny Lee Miller, Shawn Hatosy, and Peter Weller. Extras are light, with bonus episodes of other Showtime series. Dexter: The Fifth Season isn’t intended for first time viewers, but if you haven’t seen the series yet, you’re doing yourself a disservice by missing one of the finest shows on television. Highly recommended.
Clip:
Jane Eyre
Universal Studios Home Entertainment / Released 8/16/11
The Pitch
Mia Wasikowska stars as the heroine who suddenly flees Thornfield Hall, the vast and isolated estate where she dares a deep connection with Thornfield’s brooding master, Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender). As she looks back upon the tumultuous events that led to her escape – the strange goings-on in Thornfield and the terrible secret that Rochester had hoped to hide from her forever – Jane reflects upon the people and emotions that have defined her and tested her resilience since being orphaned as a child. She realizes that she must conquer what haunts both her and Rochester…
The Review
The film looks stunning, the performances are solid, but ultimately, Jane Eyre is slow and I didn’t emotionally connect with it. Unfortunately, the adaptation, although well done, doesn’t bring anything to it rather than a faithful translation of the book, without much reason for yet another film version. Dry, humorless and worse, unnecessary, Jane Eyre is dull. Wasikowska, Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Dame Judi Dench, Imogen Potts and Sally Hawkins all deliver memorable performances that are overshadowed in a truly unmemorable film. Extras include deleted scenes, commentary and featurettes. Jane Eyre might resonate for fans of Bronte’s work, but this is definitely one of the cases where I’d rather read the book.
Trailer:
Priest
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment / Released 8/16/11
The Pitch
In a post-apocalyptic world, a savage war between man and vampire raged for centuries. A warrior priest (Paul Bettany) receives word of fresh attacks but now it`s personal, his niece has been kidnapped by a new hive of merciless vampires. To save her, he must break his vow of peace and hunt down the hive before it’s too late. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel and packed with bloodthirsty action, this full throttle crusade takes you on the hunt for a deadly new breed of killer.
The Review
Oh, Priest. Although I didn’t expect much from you, you delivered even less. Those of you reading this know what a fan of comics I am. Calling Priest an acclaimed graphic novel is like calling this a “must see movie.” What’s even more startling is how they assembled a talented ensemble that includes Paul Bettany, Maggie Q, Lily Collins, Karl Urban, Christopher Plummer and Alan Dale. It’s a vampire Western set in a dystopian future, basically a production designer’s dream and based on the film, a screenwriter’s nightmare. It’s unimaginative and soulless and worst of all, tedious. CG effects ensure that every bad idea can be executed, and in Priest, it looks like they have been. The film was shot using a blue filter and lots of smoke, but it can’t disguise the fact that it’s just terrible. Extras include commentary, featurettes and deleted/extended scenes. The only thing missing? An apology.
Trailer:
The Beaver
Summit Entertainment / Released 8/23/11
The Pitch
Walter, once a successful and happy family man, has hit rock bottom. But, in his darkest hour, he finds a rather unusual savior: a beaver hand-puppet that takes over Walter’s life in an attempt to change things for the better.
The Review
One has to wonder how close the parallels are between Walter and star Mel Gibson, as the film chronicles one man’s descent into madness. That being said, The Beaver was a fantastic film, that suffered from poor marketing. Personal issues aside, Gibson has always been a talented actor often appearing in material beneath him, and The Beaver is easily one of his best performances. Director and co-star Jodie Foster establishes a natural realism to the story. Walter’s need for The Beaver, is never played as wacky or for laughs, but rather for the very scary mental illness that it represents. The rest of the cast is also phenomenal with particularly great performances by Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence and Riley Thomas Stewart. Extras include deleted scenes, commentary and a featurette. The Beaver is a dark, complicated movie that is funny, sad and moving. Highest recommendation.
Trailer:
POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Sony Pictures Classics / Released 8/23/11
The Pitch
First, he was bugged by the almighty burger, now Oscar®-nominated renegade filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) is biting the hand that feeds him by exposing Hollywood’s dirtiest little secret: the games they play to get advertisers’ products strategically placed in movies and on television. Spurlock uses his irreverent comedic style to infiltrate corporate boardrooms and ad agency pitch meetings to show how far they will go without our even knowing it!
The Review
Morgan Spurlock never ceases to entertain. In his latest work, which chronicles the film itself, Spurlock chronicles the marketing and merchandising of corporate America within entertainment. The results are not only refreshingly honest, but very entertaining as the filmmaker’s self aware journey winks at the viewer as he navigates potential product placements to finance the film. The only drawback is that the entire process is a little too entertaining, ignoring the fact that consumers are calculatingly manipulated from the moment they open their eyes. Extras include commentary, featurettes and commercials. Spurlock delivers an entertaining and informative message in the same manner that we’re being warned against. Recommended.
Trailer:
Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark
Warner Archive / Released 8/23/11
The Pitch
It’s back! The classic TV MOW that continues to cast a spell almost 40 years after it was first broadcast, in a new remastered and enhanced edition. Sally (Kim Darby) and Alex Farnham’s (Jim Hutton) marriage has a sinister wedge driven through it, when her occult “imaginings” threaten to derail his career after they inherit Sally’s grandmother’s house. Also starring William Demarest.
The Review
Unquestionably cheesy but ridiculously entertaining, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark is a must see for anyone who appreciates the work of Dan Curtis or Rod Serling. Aside from having some genuinely creepy moments, the film is also similar to many films of the same period that amazingly have unhappy and ambiguous endings. Arguably one of the best television movies ever produced, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark feels somewhat derivative and a bit padded even with it’s brief running time. There actually isn’t much for many of the characters to do, but react to Sally’s curiosity and eventual paranoia. Extras include a superfan commentary track. After spending years hoping to see it, Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark turned out to be a creepy and fun reminder of day’s past. Highly recommended.
Clip:
Norwegian Ninja
Dark Sky Films / Released 8/30/11
The Pitch
A fictionalized account of the most notorious political scandal in Norwegian history, NORWEGIAN NINJA is a deliciously tongue-in-cheek spoof of the Cold War spy movie, with added ninja action. Blending historical events and actual newsreel footage of the Treholt affair with his own less-than-historical elements, debuting writer-director Thomas Cappelen Malling (a contributor to the upcoming horror anthology The ABCs of Death) creates a film that wryly questions just how truthful the truth really is. And then sends a ninja to punch the truth in the face.
The Review
Norwegian Ninja needs to be discovered, not because it’s particularly good, but because Thomas Cappelen Malling has directed an amazing debut that will likely be the beginning of a big career for the talented filmmaker. The script is a mish mash, but the film is the bastard child of a love tryst between early Peter Jackson, early Sam Raimi and Wes Anderson. It’s visually exciting, combining stock footage, practical effects, miniatures, and creative editing and suffers from the thing that most tentpole motion pictures lack, an overabundance of ideas. Reminiscent of Bond films of the Seventies mashed up with Shaw Brothers films and Buckaroo Banzai, Norwegian Ninja has several notable extras including deleted scenes, interviews, trailers and featurettes. Suffering from a mediocre script, the film is worth embracing for it’s intoxicating love for film. Highly recommended.
Trailer:
The Man From Atlantis
The Complete TV Movies Collection / The Complete Television Series
Warner Archive / Released 7/26/11
The Pitch
Mysterious mer-man Mark Harris washed ashore on the nation’s TVs in early ’77 and quickly became a breakout hero. America fell hard for the Atlantean amnesiac, generating big ratings for the Man from Atlantis pilot movie and its three subsequent follow-up TV movies. Starring newcomer Patrick Duffy and overseen by Robert Justman (Adventures of Superman, Star Trek, Then Came Bronson, Probe/Search), the original TV movies easily swim between the parallel genres of Science Fiction and Super-Heroics, creating a fantasy that is still fun and fresh today. This 2 disc collection contains all 4 TV movies. Also stars Belinda Montgomery. PILOT(Newly remastered!): Mark Harris washes ashore, possessing strange sea-faring powers but no memories. The Death Scouts: Mark battles scuba diver abducting aliens. The Killer Spores: Intelligent spores from space possess Mark in a bid to return to the yawning galactic gulf. The Disappearances: Scientists all over the world are disappearing – including Mark’s associate, Elizabeth.
Go deeper below the surface than ever before with the adventures of the being who is both human and aquatic. Atlantis survivor Mark Harris (played by Patrick Duffy just before starting his lengthy run on Dallas) breathes underwater, withstands extreme depth pressures and wields superhuman strength. And those astounding abilities are showcased in this 4-Disc Collection containing All 13 Exciting Episodes. Submerge with Mark and the crew of the Foundation for Oceanic Research submarine Cetacean (including costars Belinda J. Montgomery and Alan Fudge) into a world of science-fiction wonders. Guest stars include Victor Buono (in several episodes as the villainous Mr. Schubert), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pernell Roberts, Rene Auberjonois and Pat Morita.
The Review
Revisiting Man From Atlantis has been an absolute joy. Both the more serious television movies and the lighter and somewhat campier television series are entertaining, well produced and an example of the rare occasion when my nostalgic feelings for something live up to the actual work. If you grew up on Seventies television, these two sets are a must own. Patrick Duffy delivers an excellent performance and recurring nemesis Victor Buono as Dr. Schubert is fantastic. For superhero starved children growing up in 1977, the Man From Atlantis delivered and does so to this day. Highly recommended.
Clip:
Prom
Walt Disney Home Entertainment / Released 8/30/11
The Pitch
At “Prom”, every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a classic tale of opposites attracting when she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Share the laughter and the drama as secrets are brought to light, seemingly steady relationships unravel and new romance catches fire. Get ready for this hilariously heartfelt date with destiny featuring a hot ensemble cast of rising young stars and cool bonus features. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one Prom!
The Review
As a semi-regular viewer of the sitcoms presented on both the Disney Channel and Nick, I didn’t expect Prom to be so tepid in comparison. The cast is uniformly charming, but the film is a checklist of well worn cliches and sugar coated emotional beats that it made Glee seem like Schindler’s List in comparison. At best it’s a high school fantasy for the elementary school audience as any viewer over the age of ten has a bit more depth than the characters presented here. Mind you, the film isn’t bad, it just isn’t much of anything. The Combo Pack includes the DVD and Blu-ray as well as music videos, featurettes, deleted scenes and bloopers. If you’re old enough to want to go to a prom, you’re too old for this film.
Trailer:
The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season
Warner Bros. / Released 8/30/11
The Pitch
They’re back – and they’re not alone. In Season 2, Elena, Stefan, Damon and the other residents of Mystic Falls are joined by a sinister new breed. Released from the tomb, Katherine unleashes her personal brand of evil in a diabolical plot. The Originals – the world’s oldest and most dangerous vampires – hunt for Elena, who discovers she has a terrifying connection to their world. And now vampires aren’t the only monsters in town. On moonlit nights, werewolves roam in search of victims…including vampires, who succumb to a single werewolf bite. Season 2 of The Vampire Diaries stars Nina Dobrev (DeGrassi: The Next Generation), Paul Wesley (Fallen), Ian Somerhalder (Lost), Steven R. McQueen (Everwood), Sara Canning (Smallville), Kat Graham (17 Again), Candice Accola (Supernatural), Zach Roerig (Friday Night Lights), Michael Trevino (Cane) and Matt Davis (Blue Crush).
The Review
Not quite Buffy, but certainly more engrossing than Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, is addictive television. Combining teen angst with the supernatural is one thing, but their show excels at keeping the plot moving with plenty of twists and turns and cliffhangers that kept me watching episode after episode. The second season also seems to have gotten stronger than the first, with better acting, dialogue and pacing. More than anything else, the series mythology continues to be intriguing, as it continues to reveal the secrets that are buried deep in Mystic Falls. Extras include featurettes, a commentary and a blooper reel. Like other supernatural soaps like Dark Shadows and True Blood, The Vampire Diaries shocks, surprises and best of all, entertains. Highly recommended.
Network Promo:
