DVD’s I Bought This Week: November 25th

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on November 25, 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.

Hancock

The Pitch: A superhero with super self loathing…and a problem with alcoholism.

Why Buy It?: So here’s the thing. I didn’t hate Hancock, but I certainly didn’t love it. Will I buy it though? Yes, and here’s why. It is a summer event film starring Will Smith. Summer event films usually have a few things going for them. One, they usually have great action like this film. Two, they usually have some good humor. Trust me, I know that this one could have been better. There was a lot of things that I would change, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a fun, action packed summer blockbuster. Now if only i can manage to watch it more than once in the next six months…

Bottle Rocket

The Pitch: Three clueless friends try taking up thievery.

Why Buy It?: I am going to try and sum this up with one statement, and at the same time hope that you don’t find me pretentious. I am a huge Wes Anderson fan. I just dig what the guy shovels out there. Even though the film supposedly scored the worst test screening reaction in Columbia Pictures’ history, the film launched the careers of Anderson and brothers Luke and Owen Wilson. I almost left out the best part…this is a Criterion release. You can expect more information than you’d ever want from the film. So if you liked Anderson’s other films, make sure to check out the one that started it all.

The Spy Who Came In From the Cold

The Pitch: A spy movie about a spy who hates spying.

Why Buy It?: This is probably the best spy film you have never seen. As far as I know, Richard Burton is the only Oscar worthy spy ever. He is possibly the first spy to take on the role of the reluctant hero as well. The spy film produced two Oscar nominations, and is a classic of the genre. Not to mention, this is the second awesome Criterion release of the week.

Fred Claus

Synopsis: Vince Vaughn’s attempt at family comedy.

Why Rent It?: There are two things that don’t make this one look all that great. First, this film came out in November…of last year. So we waited a full year to sell the film, not for its own merits but to make sure it sells better around the holidays. Secondly, this is David Dobkins attempt at PG family comedy after his hit Wedding Crashers. Much like Will Ferrell, Vaugh works better when he can drop some F-bombs. I wasn’t a huge fan of this one when I saw it last year, but hey…it has been over a year since I have seen it. Worth a peak, but not more than a few bucks and a couple hours time.

Beautiful Ohio

Synopsis: A coming of age film, for the whole family.

Why Rent It?: I have heard some pretty good things about this one. Aside from the fact that it is supposed to take place in Shaker Heights, Ohio (A place that I am pretty familiar with)…the film has piqued my interest. A solid cast with William Hurt and Michelle Trachtenberg , this film looks to be one of those indies that sneak under the radar to become a hidden favorite.

Space Chimps

Synopsis: Chimps in space…with a splash of Hot Rod.

Why Rent It?: This is another one of those animated films that possibly started off at the doorstep of Pixar or Dreamworks, and then ended up Fox. Not that there is anything wrong with that or anything. It’s not like Pixar and Dreamworks have a monopoly on all animated family films…only the good ones. I do want to see it though, as I believe that Andy Samberg is a funny, funny man.

Meet Dave

Synopsis: Come one, come all…witness the further demise of a career.

Why Avoid It?: Seriously Eddie Murphy, stop it. Stop digging your own grave. I get it, Meet Dave is a lot of money for a role that requires little commitment. Think about it though, he spent the better part of this decade building back a reputation through the Shrek films. Then he goes off and earns an Oscar nomination with Dreamgirls. Then the unthinkable happened when Murphy went back to his old tricks with Norbit. Now we have Meet Dave, another excuse for Murphy to play multiple roles and get paid more for it. Don’t support his laziness, make him go out and work. I want to see the old Eddie Murhpy back.

Slapshot 3: Junior League

Synopsis: Another hockey movie, ruining the Slapshot name.

Why Avoid It?: So what is worse than a sequel that is 25 years too late, and is also horrible to top it all off? How about a sequel to that sequel…that is PG when the original was one of the greatest rated R sports films ever. The only upside to this film, they Hanson brothers actually came back for it. The downside to this film, everything. I wouldn’t see this one if I were paid to do so. It looks like a joke.

Freaks & Geeks: Yearbook Edition

Synopsis: A special edition of a canceled television series.

Why Avoid It?: Don’t get me wrong, I love ‘Freaks and Geeks’. However, I already bought the series for $60. Now they lay another set on the table for a whopping $120. Seriously, they should have tried this first. then they might have got me. I love the show, it is Apatow’s breakout project. He later went on to do another canceled TV series ‘Undeclared’. If you haven’t checked out either, get on it. Apatow is brilliant and these shows are probably one of his best projects. And for most people, that’s saying a lot for the guy who gave us The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up.

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