DVD’s I Bought This Week - June 10th

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on June 10, 2008

A wise man once said “It’s not just about seeing Star Wars two weeks before everyone else. You’ve gotta plow through crap like Marie Antoinette and Catwoman as well.” I have the fortune of being able to see all of the films that I want, and find out that they are only worth one viewing (or less) before I would willingly pay for the DVD…and subsequently end up hating myself later. But for every The Whoopee Boys there has to be an Indiana Jones, and because of the great films I am able to put myself further in debt every week.

The Signal

Director: David Bruckner, Dan Bush, Jacob Gentry

Cast: Justin Welborn, Anessa Ramsey

Rated:

Synopsis: Angry static turns everyone who watches or listens, into homicidal maniacs.

Why Buy It?: This is seriously one of the best horror film I have seen in years. It was shot on a budget of only $50,000. The film was shot in three different segments, each handled by a separate director. Some people complain that the three segments differ in tone too greatly, but I loved the entire film. Take a chance, The Signal is worth it.

Formats: Standard DVD, Bluray

The Boondocks - Season 2

Director:

Cast:

Rated:

Synopsis: Based on Aaron McGruder’s comic strip, two kids are moved from the city to the suburbs.

Why Buy It?: This is one of my favorite TV series out there. Funny, smart, political and controversial, The Boondocks has all the right ingredients. Let’s put it this way, the creator and writer of the show (Aaron McGruder) is an african american who was actually protested by Al Sharpton for the show’s content and portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King. There is quite nothing like a television show that tests everyone’s sensibilities while having something smart to say.

Formats: Standard DVD

Funny Games

Director: Michael Haneke

Cast: Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, Brady Corbet

Rated: Rated R for terror, violence and some language.

Synopsis: An unsuspecting family allows two young men into their home to terrorize them.

Why Buy It?: I first heard of this film from Stephen Jay Schneider’s 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, only it was the original 1997 version. I generally consider that book to be a roadmap for film culture, so the film has to have some merit to have warranted inclusion. I consider Funny Games to be one of those films hat has to be digested slowly, with many sittings. Most people will never understand the film, but that is why god gave everyone else the Rush Hour franchise.

Formats: Standard DVD

The Bucket List

Director: Rob Reiner

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman

Rated: Rated PG-13 for language, including a sexual reference.

Synopsis: Two dying men pose awkwardly for a DVD cover photo.

Why Rent It?: Not that I have anything against this film, just that I don’t need to see it more than once. It is fun, enjoyable and has its share of laughs, but comes up short on relevance for a young strapping 24 year old. Nicholson and Freeman always deliver, but this is one dish that I will probably never sample twice.

Formats: Standard DVD

Jumper

Director: Doug Liman

Cast: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson

Rated: Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence, some language and brief sexuality.

Synopsis: Christensen and Bilson engage in intense staring contests, while Sam Jackson shouts.

Why Rent It?: Because Sam Jackson is a whore, and Hayden Christensen can’t act. Seriously though, I’m being serious. Sam Jackson doesn’t even read scripts anymore…where could he ever find the time? Darth Christensen acting might be worse that Paul Pierce’s. Nonetheless, this was a fun movie to watch, if you can turn your mind off a bit.

Formats: Standard DVD, Bluray

The Other Boleyn Girl

Director: Justin Chadwick

Cast: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana

Rated: Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, sexual content and some violent images.

Synopsis: The toughest decision ever - Johansson vs. Portman: The Movie

Why Avoid It?: This is one of those releases that gain infamy by sneaking up with some buzz, and then leaving the theater after two weeks. This one was a bomb of historic proportions. While the film may have been bearable, it was not very entertaining. On a side note…I just want to know one thing though, is that Eric Bana’s hand down the front of Natalie Portman’s dress?

Formats: Standard DVD

Witless Protection

Director: Charles Robert Carner

Cast: Larry The Cable Guy, Jenny McCarthy

Rated: Rated PG-13 for crude and sex-related humor.

Synopsis: A man attempts to find sleeves, more ways to placate to an established typecast and more nutrisystem revenues.

Why Avoid It?: Other than the fact that Jenny McCarthy is in this film, any remaining legitimacy is lost with the mention of Larry The Cable Guy. The fact that he is smart enough to prey on idiots dumb enough to keep watching his films, just amazes me. Why do people find “get ‘r dunnn” funny?

Formats: Standard DVD

Click below for more:

Read more articles by Brian C. Gibson