This installment takes a look at the latest mutant-centric film starring Hugh Jackman, a special edition of last year’s Best Picture directed by the next Batman, the latest season featuring the folks from Springfield, a slew of classics, some indie films and more.
Fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart. It’s that time of the week!
The Wolverine
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
Hugh Jackman returns as The Wolverine and faces his ultimate nemesis in an action packed life-or-death battle that takes him to modern day Japan. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his limits, Logan confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality; an epic fight that will leave him forever changed. Extras include alternate ending, second screen app, featurette and X-Men Days of Future Past set tour.
Last Word: Director James Mangold leads the audience through a story that lends itself equally to examining the effects of war on a soldier as it does providing a hack and slash fest that fans of the 1982 Marvel Limited series are looking for. There are certain snacks that comic fanboys will eat up – a fleshed out scene with a crazed grizzly comes to mind – but overall The Wolverine plays more like a slightly flawed Skyfall than the X-Men movies from which it has sprouted.
The story starts outside of Nagasaki moments before the bomb is dropped. Logan saves the life of a soldier who declares his unending gratitude to him – a sentiment that serves to haunt Logan in the movie. Flash forward to the present. Logan is living in the Canadian wilderness when he meets Yukio, an agent for Japanese Billionaire Yashida, the Nagasaki soldier now on his death bed. They travel to Japan and Yashida presents Logan with a bargain, an opportunity to give up his immortality and live a life that allows him to have an actual death. Here Logan also meets Mariko, Yashida’s granddaughter and heir to his throne.
Needless to say, a struggle for the Yashida empire ensues between Logan fighting for Mariko’s interests and the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia. These scenes are almost coated in gray as Logan discovers that something is sapping his healing ability. Not knowing how he will make it from one scene to the next with his life actually gooses the story. Throughout the movie there are frequent rumination a on how the madness Wolverine has witnessed throughout his life have effected him. This is no heavy handed commentary on current events, but a direct connection to that metaphysical beauty that sucked me into X-Men comics in the 80s. These war stories have played out since the dawn of time, through Nagasaki, through our current conflicts, and sadly, they will not end.
The soulful suffering that accompanies acts of bravery is as never ending as the idea of the soul itself. (I guess I’ll be the heavy handed one) Through this, Logan falls in love with Mariko, wins her fortune for her and is forever reminded of the fleeting humanity around his seemingly indestructible self. He also fights tons of ninjas, who slide into scenes like shadows. It’s a beautiful display and one that harkens back to Frank Miller’s artwork from the limited series.
Are there faults?
Sure. Yashida is a bit uneven and underdeveloped. An appearance by the Silver Samurai will be disappointing to any fan of the comic book villain and maybe just confusing to a non-comic reading viewer. However, the movie does what the X-Men have always done: cut right to the core of what it means to be human in a not so humane world. (– Joe Yezukevich)
Argo: The Declassified Extended Edition
 |
| Warner Home Video / Released 12/3/13 |
As the Iranian Revolution takes over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, six Americans escape. Now only one man can get them out from behind enemy lines. Tony Mendez is a brilliant CIA agent who specializes in impossible escapes, but his new plan is as daring as it is desperate. Disguised as a film crew, Tony and the fugitives must hide in plain sight, where the slightest slipup could end in instant death. Academy Award winner Ben Affleck directs and stars in a thriller based on an unbelievably true story. The powerful cast includes Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston and John Goodman, as well as Academy Award winner Alan Arkin. Extras include commentary, interviews, featurettes, picture-in-picture track, Mini Poster, 64 Page Behind The Scenes Photo Book, Map With Notes On Scenes From The Film and Replica ID Badge Prop.
Last Word: I might have been in the minority with the initial release of Argo, thinking that it was competent, but wasn’t deserving of it’s numerous accolades. I was wrong. I’ve seen the film a half dozen times and truly believe that Affleck is among the more talented filmmakers working today. Argo juggles multiple characters, plotlines and agendas with ease, and Affleck’s flawless execution makes it all the more absorbing. In this Declassified Extended Edition you’ll find a bunch of fairly useless physical ephimera, but more importantly a slew of new supplementary material and more importantly, a new cut of the film which runs an additional ten minutes. It’s not essential stuff, but it certainly is worthwhile, providing five extra scenes and a bit of more character stuff with Affleck’s Tony Mendez. Argo is unquestionably a terrific film and this edition with both the theatrical and extended cuts and extensive supplementary material makes it an easy recommendation.
Drinking Buddies
 |
| Magnolia Home Entertainment / Released 12/3/13 |
A comedy about knowing when to say when Luke and Kate are co-workers at a Chicago brewery, where they spend their days drinking and flirting. They’re perfect for each other, except that they’re both in relationships. Luke is in the midst of marriage talks with his girlfriend of six years, Kate is playing it cool with her music producer boyfriend Chris. But you know what makes the line between “friends” and “more than friends” really blurry? Beer. Extras include commentary, featurettes, interviews, and trailer.
Last Word: This is elephant-in-the-room relationship territory, where every facial gesture, body language and unspoken remark leaves a little mark. Alcohol is a frequent collaborator in Drinking Buddies, without a message for or against reliance on it.
Olivia Wilde plays the free-spirited, but deeply conflicted Kate, the token female player in a successful craft brewery. She gets along well with the guys at work, and hangs with them after hours for a few pints and pool games before heading to the apartment of her boyfriend Chris, played by Ron Livingston.
Kate is the quintessential fun co-worker, and puts on her professional, mature side only when need be (like, when around the very serious, kind of pretentious Chris). The other couple consists of Luke, played by New Girl‘s Jake Johnson and his long-time girlfriend Jill (Oscar Nominee Anna Kendrick). They’re the quintessential old-married couple that has yet to get married, or in this case really have a serious conversation about it. Luke and Kate, however are “just-good-friends” on the verge of never doing anything about it.
This set up could have so easily sinked into cliché, but there’s a brilliant set piece early in the film that’s a testament to the performances from the four leads. Brought together first at an after-hours work party, there are polite familiarities mixed with subtle hints that each couple’s in a unfulfilled relationship. When the couples go on a weekend trip to Chris’ cabin in the woods, their respective feelings for one another are put to the test.
Writer/Director Joe Swanberg is in control, with the film’s dialogue completely improvised from a basic plot outline. His cast fully exploits every possible aspect of their characters. Thankfully Olivia Wilde gets to carry most of the film. Her performance is very genuine, constantly adorable and brave to accent Kate’s flaws without ever making you despise the character. But it’s the film’s real co-star, alcohol, that gets all the clever commentary on what’s really going on.
There are the types of guys (and the occasional Kate) that enjoy a beer with lunch, especially when its made right there in the workplace. More beer after work only makes things better. Kate’s boyfriend Chris is shown as a casual whisky drinker. Luke’s girlfriend Jill is easily seduced by a nice wine and cheese picnic in the woods, no less by Chris. Cut back to Kate and Jake as stumbling really-good-friends, and really no more than the titular “drinking buddies. Like a good brew, Drinking Buddies is true to heart and refreshing. Watch it with someone you love, but they probably don’t really know it. (– Todd Sokolove)
 |
| Magnolia Home Entertainment / Released 12/3/13 |
Behind a great band, there was a great woman. Freda Kelly was just a shy Liverpudlian teenager when she was asked to work for a local band hoping to make it big. Though she had no concept of how far they would go, Freda had faith in The Beatles from the beginning, and The Beatles had faith in her. Many people came in and out of the band’s circle as they grew to international stardom, but Freda remained a staple because of her unfaltering loyalty and dedication. As the Beatles’ devoted secretary and friend, Freda was there as history unfolded; she was witness to the evolution – advances and setbacks, breakthroughs and challenges – of the greatest band in history. For the first time in 50 years, Freda shares her story. Extras include deleted scenes, screening Q & A, interview, commentary and trailer.
Last Word: One of the most charming documentaries in recent memory, Good Ol’ Freda is a revelation for Beatles fans who think that every story about the Fab Four has been told. Recounting her long history with the band for the first time, Freda Kelly presents a very human and humorous side to music legends that made her a trusted part of their inner circle. After watching the film, there’s no question why John, Paul, George and (as Freda called him) “Richie” considered her to be a part of their family. Very highly recommended.
Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United
 |
| Buena Vista / Released 12/3/13 |
Marvel makes cinematic history again with the most unexpected team-up in the universe! Joining forces for the first time ever, Hulk’s pulverizing brute strength and Tony Stark’s high-tech brainpower come together to face off against the ultimate enemy.
When “Zzzax,” a seemingly invincible, energy devouring monster threatens to destroy the planet, Marvel’s unlikeliest pairing of Avengers is mankind’s only hope. Alone, neither can defeat the awesome power of Zzzax. As a duo, they just might have a chance – if they can find a way to work together without smashing heads before time runs out!
Last Word: A misfire on every level. Poor animation and a insipid screenplay makes Heroes United a must miss for fans of the popular super heroes. Part of the problem is that the Marvel animated output has, more and more, been targeting a younger audience, which unfortunately means aim low. It’s dull, and I question the use of the current Marvel animated television voice actors in this incarnation, which in my opinion, confirms it’s for the kiddie set. The cover art features a CGI Iron Man and Hulk (both looking extremely identical to their live action digital counterparts), but the similarities to that image and Marvel’s The Avengers ends there. Ideal only for the youngest of viewers who aren’t quite old enough to watch Marvel’s live action output.
Jesse James
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
Tyrone Power stars as the daredevil bandit who galloped out of the Ozarks and into American folk history with his guns blazing. Jesse James is forced outside the law after ruthless agents for the coming transcontinental railroad kill his mother and steal his family’s land. Together with his brother Frank (Henry Fonda), Jesse forms a gang of masked outlaws to strike back at the railroad company and the banks that swindle oppressed farmers. Extras include two Movietone News and trailer.
Last Word: Based far more on legend than actual fact, Jesse James is a tremendously entertaining romp with some great performances. Recommended.
Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited 9-11
 |
| BBC Home Video / Released 12/3/13 |
In this triumphant 50th Anniversary year for Doctor Who, we complete our celebration of the extraordinary actors who have starred as the Doctor with this look at three exceptionally gifted performers, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith. The year 2005 was an historic year in the world of Doctor Who. After a 17-year hiatus broken up only by 1996’s one-off Doctor Who television movie, the series made a glorious return to television screens worldwide. The newly launched Doctor Who features impressive special effects, powerful stories, monsters new and newly conceived, and most important of all, a trio of engaging actors who each brought their own unique individuality to this iconic hero. Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat leads this exceptional review of each actor’s tenure as the Doctor followed by a thrilling 2-part story for each Doctor. Celebrate the glory that is Doctor Who with The Doctors Revisited.
The Simpsons: Season 16
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
Hold onto your donuts! Season 16 of the The Simpsons – the longest-running scripted show in television history – includes all 21 hilarious episodes, tons of meticulously slapped-together special features, plus a veritable who’s who (woo-hoo!) of celebrity guest voices, including Fantasia Barrino, Jason Bateman, Gary Busey, James Caan, Stephen Hawking, Eric Idle, Jane Kaczmarek, Lucy Liu, Liam Neeson, Amy Poehler, Ray Romano and plenty more! Extras include animation showcase, commentaries, bonus episode, deleted scenes, Easter Eggs, table read, featurettes, galleries and special language feature.
The Last Word: Another season of television’s longest running animated series, The Simpsons continues to entertain. This season features some pretty solid writing after a few recent lackluster seasons. With it’s usual multitude of celebrity voice guest stars as well as a few unconventional choices (like Thomas Pynchon, 50 Cent, Michelle Kwan, architect Frank Gehry, and Stephen Hawking), The Simpsons continues to be one of the best continuing commentaries of popular culture. Recommended.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (Unrated Rich Mahogany Edition)
 |
| Paramount / Released 12/3/13 |
There was a time before cable when the local anchorman reigned supreme . . . enter the hard-hitting world of 1970s local TV news, where Ron Burgundy (Will Farrell) and his loyal Channel 4 News Team (Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and David Koechner) are San Diego’s #1 rated news source. All is well in their male-dominated world of news until beautiful, rising-star reporter Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) turns it all upside down. Sparks don’t just fly, they ignite an all-out war between the two perfectly coiffed anchorpersons. Features three versions of the film: the theatrical version, an unrated version and Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie, all in glorious high definition. The Blu-ray also boasts hours of ultra-classy bonus material including bloopers, table reads, cast auditions, deleted and extended scenes, filmmaker and cast commentary, celebrity interviews, the recording session for “Afternoon Delight”, Ron’s personal 32-page diary – “The Many Months of Burgundy” and a Set of 12 Trading Cards.
Last Word: Both the theatrical and very different unrated cut plus Wake Up, Ron Burgundy (a film made from alternate and deleted footage) are included on this new edition timed to coincide with the release of Anchorman 2. I wish I found this character as funny as Will Ferrell does. In fact, I find both Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd to be the standouts of this film. This edition is packed with extras and is a must have for fans of the film. Revisiting it was a reminder for me that three versions of the film won’t make it three times funnier. Or funny at all.
Jack Ryan Collection
 |
| Paramount / Released 12/3/13 |
- The Hunt For Red October: In 1984, the USSR’s best submarine captain in their newest sub violates orders and heads for the USA. Is he trying to defect, or to start a war.
- Patriot Games: When CIA Analyst Jack Ryan interferes with an IRA assassination, a renegade faction targets him and his family for revenge.
- Clear and Present Danger: CIA Analyst Jack Ryan is drawn into an illegal war fought by the US government against a Colombian drug cartel.
- Sum of All Fears: CIA analyst Jack Ryan must thwart the plans of a catastrophic conflict between the United States and Russia’s newly elected president by detonating a nuclear weapon.
Last Word: This re-release was timed to coincide with the latest Jack Ryan film which has since been delayed. With the rotating lead, Tom Clancy’s CIA analyst, Jack Ryan, plays more like an American gadget-less James Bond. The Hunt For Red October is the best of the lot with an amazing cast that includes Alec Baldwin, Sean Connery, Sam Neill, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, Tim Curry and Stellan Skarsgård. The next two in the series (Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger) feature Harrison Ford as Ryan and supporting casts that include Anne Archer, Samuel L. Jackson, Sean Bean, Patrick Bergin, Richard Harris, Willem Dafoe, Henry Czerny, Benjamin Bratt, Donald Moffat, Joaquim de Almeida and James Earl Jones. The last film included is the underrated reboot Sum of All Fears with Ben Affleck as Ryan, Morgan Freeman, Philip Baker Hall, Bruce McGill, Bridget Moynahan, Liev Schreiber, and Ron Rifkin. Recommended and tremendously entertaining.
The Hunt
 |
| Magnolia Home Entertainment / Released 12/10/13 |
Directed and co-written by Thomas Vinterberg, The Hunt is a disturbing depiction of how a lie becomes the truth when gossip, doubt and malice are allowed to flourish and ignite a witch-hunt that soon threatens to destroy an innocent man’s life. Mads Mikkelsen won the Best Actor Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival for his penetrating portrayal of Lucas, a former school teacher who has been forced to start over having overcome a tough divorce and the loss of his job. Just as things are starting to go his way, his life is shattered when an untruthful remark throws his small community into a collective state of hysteria. As the lie spreads, Lucas is forced to fight a lonely fight for his life and dignity.
Last Word: There really isn’t much to say about this incredibly intense and moving drama about a child’s false accusation of molestation and the resulting fallout. Mads Mikkelsen, who is quickly becoming one of the most interesting actors working today, gives a knockout performance. A must see and highly recommended.
All the Boys Love Mandy Lane
 |
| Anchor Bay / Released 12/3/13 |
Sixteen-year-old Mandy Lane (Amber Heard) has been courted by every available man in her small Texas town to no avail. When the normally reclusive enchantress reluctantly agrees to accompany her new friends on a weekend getaway, the initially irritating adolescent advances made toward her rapidly turn menacing. As the sun falls behind the hills a volatile mix of drugs, alcohol, and hormones turns explosive. While the festivities rage on, the number of partygoers begins to mysteriously drop one at a time.
Last Word: After seven years, the anticipated All the Boys Love Mandy Lane is finally released and it’s ok as best. It’s an atypical slasher film and it’s certainly entertaining enough, but doesn’t amount to much else. Worth a rental, but hardly worth the wait.
Desk Set
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
This classic romantic comedy stars Hollywood legends Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Bunny Watson (Hepburn) heads up the research department at a TV network. Richard Summer (Tracy) arrives to introduce computers into the department. When electricity sparks between Bunny and Richard, Bunny’s boyfriend Mike is not happy. As the tension mounts in the office, so do the laughs. Extras include Movietone News, trailer and commentary.
Carmen Jones
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
Dorothy Dandridge delivers a star-making performance in the title role, as a femme fatale who seduces a handsome soldier (Harry Belafonte), setting in motion a classic tale of betrayal and jealousy. With the music of Georges Bizet and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, this musical feast sets the screen on fire with passion. Extras include trailer.
Touchy Feely
 |
| Magnolia Home Entertainment / Released 12/10/13 |
Touchy Feely is a closely observed examination of a family whose delicate psychic balance suddenly unravels. Abby (Rosemarie DeWitt), is a sought after massage therapist and a free spirit, while her brother Paul (Josh Pais) thrives on routine and convention, running a flagging dental practice and co-dependently enlisting the assistance of his emotionally stunted daughter Jenny (Ellen Page). Suddenly, transformation touches everyone. Abby develops an uncontrollable aversion to bodily contact, which not only makes her occupation impossible but severely hinders the passionate love life between her and her boyfriend (Scoot McNairy.) Meanwhile, rumors of Paul’s “healing touch” begin to miraculously invigorate his practice as well as his life outside the office. As Abby navigates her way through a soul-searching identity crisis, her formerly skeptical brother discovers a whole new side of himself. Touchy Feely is about the experience of living in one’s own skin, both literally and figuratively. The film, written and directed by Shelton, and co-starring Allison Janney, Ron Livingston, and newcomer Tomo Nakayama (of the indie rock band Grand Hallway), is filmed on location in Shelton’s hometown and urban muse of Seattle
Last Word: Family disfunction has never been so disjointed. Writer/director Lynn Shelton’s latest is disjointed and lacks the necessary emotional anchor for the audience to connect with the characters. The performances are all fine, but the film itself feels like it got lost along the way and never found it’s footing again. What’s more frustrating is that it’s a film that I wanted to enjoy, but feel like Shelton worked out the whole story in her head, but somehow never was able to figure out how to successfully share it with the audience.
Call of the Wild
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
Hollywood legend Clark Gable stars in this soaring adaptation of the celebrated Jack London novel. Jack Thornton (Gable) is a prospector who travels the Yukon in search of gold. When Jack buys Buck, a strong and loyal sled dog with part-wolf ancestry, their thrilling adventure through the Alaskan wilderness begins. Extras include commentary and trailer.
The Undefeated
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
Unusual Allies. Unlikely Heroes. John Wayne and Rock Hudson co-star in this rollicking classic set in Mexico during the tumultuous post-Civil War days. As Union Cavalry officer John Henry Thomas (Wayne) and former Confederate Colonel James Langdon (Hudson) lead their men into new territories to begin a new life, their paths cross. Now, caught between Mexican rebels and the Emperor’s forces, they find themselves fighting side by side and must forge an uneasy friendship in order to survive.
Inch’Allah
 |
| Entertainment One / Released 12/3/13 |
Chloe (Evelyne Brochu) is a young Canadian obstetrician working in a makeshift clinic in a Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank, where she treats pregnant women under the supervision of Michael (Carlo Brandt), a French doctor. Facing daily checkpoints and the separation barrier, Chloe is confronted with the conflict and the people it affects: Rand (Sabrina Ouazani), a patient for whom Chloe develops a deep affection; Faysal (Yousef Sweid), Rand’s older brother, a fervent resister; Safi (Hammoudeh Alkarmi), their younger brother, a child shattered by war who dreams of flying across borders; and Ava (Sivan Levy), a young soldier who lives next door to Chloe in her apartment in Israel. Her encounter with the war draws Chloe into an adventure that’s both deeply personal and as large as the land. She loses her bearings, is uprooted, and goes into freefall. There are trips that shake us and transform us. There are trips that shatter all of our certainties. For Chloe, Inch’Allah is such a trip.
Last Word: I have a theory: movies about suicide bombings should not be slow. Inch’Allah is a well-acted and beautifully shot film that lacks a driving narrative. It’s disjointed and the various storylines never come together as one would expect. The film isn’t good or bad; it just sits there, which does the subject matter (and the film) a grave disservice.
The Black Swan
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
Tyrone Power and Maureen O’Hara cross romantic swords in this epic Oscar Winning swashbuckler. Reformed pirate Jamie Boy (Power) is supposed to be helping the new governor of Jamaica rid the Caribbean of black-hearted buccaneers. But when he falls head over keel for Lady Margaret (O’Hara) he kidnaps her and sets said for the adventure of a lifetime. Extras include commentary and trailer.
North To Alaska
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
John Wayne and Stewart Granger strike it rich in this comedy-adventure set during the Yukon gold rush. Sam (Wayne) and George (Granger) finally hit the mother lode while prospecting in Alaska. In search of a sweetheart for George, Sam brings a saloon dancer (Capucine) back to Nome – but the plan goes awry when Sam falls in love too. Extras include Movietone Premiere footage and trailer.
Pain & Gain: Special Collector’s Edition
 |
| Paramount / Released 12/3/13 |
Get pumped for the ultimate Pain & Gain experience with this Special Collector’s Edition loaded with bonus features that take you on set with the all-star cast and behind the camera with director Michael Bay. When an ambitious group of personal trainers get caught up in a criminal enterprise that goes horribly wrong, living large will take everything they’ve got they’ve got in the unbelievable true story. Extras include several featurettes.
Last Word: One of the sharpest, funniest movies of the year that didn’t get the audience it deserved. The entire cast (which also includes Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris, Rob Corddry, Bar Paly, Rebel Wilson and Ken Jeong are all great and the three leads all give some of the best performances of their respective careers. Like all of Michael Bay’s films, it’s incredibly well shot, but it’s pitch black humor and ultra violence are what stays with you after the credits roll. This is the same as the previously released edition, but now with about an hour of special features. Highly recommended.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
 |
| 20th Century Fox / Released 12/3/13 |
Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison co-star in one of the most romantic ghost stories of all time. Newly widowed Lucy Muir (Tierney) moves with her daughter (Natalie Wood) into a seaside cottage haunted by the handsome Captain Gregg (Harrison). Lucy eventually captures the captain’s heart, but their spirited love affair is challenged by a flesh-and-blood suitor. Extras include commentaries and trailer.
The Perfect Wedding
 |
| Wolfe Video / Released 12/3/13 |
Co-written by married screenwriting team of New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann and Edgar Award finalist Ed Gaffney, the charming romantic comedy. Gavin (Jason T. Gaffney) and Paul (Eric Aragon), two young gay men, meet and fall in love over a holiday weekend where family and friends are planning the wedding of Paul’s sister. The problem is, Gavin is posing as the boyfriend of Paul’s ex and the two find themselves in a classic comic quandary as they try to ignore their feelings.
2 Comments