New to Blu Ray DVD the Last Few Weeks (July 12, July 15, July 19, July 26)

Released July 12, 2011

The Lincoln Lawyer

Rated: R

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei and Ryan Phillippe

Director: Brad Furman

Synopsis from IMDB: A sleazy defense attorney has a crisis of conscience when he represents a wealthy client who has a foolproof plan to beat the system.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Typically I’ll dismiss any movie where Matthew McConaughey recieves top billing, but the critical success of this film has peaked my interests enough to warrant it a rental (not to mention the ageless beauty that is Marisa Tomei).

Insidious

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne and Ty Simpkins

Director: James Wan

Synopsis from IMDB: A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I’m a sucker for a good horror movie, and I hear despite Insidious’s PG-13 rating, it is so far the years best and scariest.  My growing interest in Patrick Wilson also gives this film a boost, and despite The Lincoln Lawyer being the most acclaimed of this week’s releases, I vote Insidious as this week’s rental recommendation.

July 15, 2011

Rango

Rated: PG

Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher and Timothy Olyphant

Director: Gore Verbinski

Synopsis from IMDB: Rango is an ordinary chameleon who accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I have to be in the right mood for an animated film, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about Rango.  That being said, I’ll probably add this to my Netflix queue, though I’m sure it will be there for a while.

Arthur

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren and Jennifer Garner

Director: Jason Winer

Synopsis from IMDB: A drunken playboy stands to lose a wealthy inheritance when he falls for a woman his family doesn’t like.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I’m just not sure about this film.  While the original was a great comedy, I find this to be an unecessary remake with a few actors I don’t particularly care for.  Still, the marketing did a good job making this film appear to be genuine and well-scripted.  Helen Mirren is also a plus.  I’ll probably give this one a try in the near future.

July 19, 2011:

Limitless

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel and Abbie Cornish

Director:  Neil Burger

Synopsis from IMDB: A writer discovers a top-secret drug which bestows him with super human abilities.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I seem to recall being interested in this movie when it was released in theaters but can’t recall what prevented me from seeing it.  Still, now that it is on home video I’ll definitely give it a look.

Take Me Home Tonight

Rated: R

Starring: Topher Grace, Anna Faris and Dan Fogler

Director: Michael Dowse

Synopsis from IMDB: Follow an aimless college grad who pursues his dream girl at a wild Labor Day weekend party. He, his twin sister and their best friend struggle with their burgeoning adulthood over the course of the night.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: A cast full of names that haven’t fully lived up to their potential, Take Me Home Tonight seems to be yet another disappointment for Topher Grace, Anna Farris, and Dan Fogler.  While the reception seems to echo that sentiment, I’ve seen enough glimpses of goodness from each of these actors to at least give this movie a shot.

July 26, 2011

The Source Code

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga

 Director: Duncan Jones

Synopsis from IMDB: An action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I’ve heard nothing but good things about this film and am disappointed I wasn’t able to catch it during its theatrical run.  Still, my reward is saving a few bucks and enjoying it in the comfort of my own home.  This will be near the top of my Netflix queue.

Trust

Rated: R

Starring: Clive Owen, Catherine Keener and Liana Liberato

 Director: David Schwimmer

Synopsis from IMDB: A teenage girl is targeted by an online sexual predator.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I remember seeing this trailer when Chris posted it for an opening this week.  I really like the cast for this film and look forward to watching it.  As and aside, I was pretty shocked to write David Schwimmer in as the film’s director.

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Brandon Routh, Anita Briem and Sam Huntington

Director: Kevin Munroe

Synopsis from IMDB:

The adventures of supernatural private eye, Dylan Dog, who seeks out the monsters of the Louisiana bayou in his signature red shirt, black jacket, and blue jeans.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I passed on Dylan Dog in theaters solely because of its poor critical reception.  I’ve really been rooting for Brandon Routh after his disappointing departure following Superman Returns and look forward to seeing this on DVD/Blu Ray.  Hopefully I enjoy the film more than others clearly have.

New to Blu Ray DVD the Last 2 Weeks (June 28, 2011 & July 05, 2011)

Released June 28, 2011

  Sucker Punch

Rated: R

Starring: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens and Abbie Cornish

Director: Zack Snyder

Synopsis from IMDB: A young girl is institutionalized by her abusive stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the mental facility.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Chris and I both passed on seeing this movie in theaters due to a lot of negative reviews, but given Zack Snyder’s track record and visionary style, it is worth at least a look on Blu Ray.

Season of the Witch

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman and Claire Foy

Director: Dominic Sena

Synopsis from IMDB:14th-century knights transport a suspected witch to a monastery, where monks deduce her powers could be the source of the Black Plague.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Nicolas Cage, what else is there to say.  Back with his Con-Air style haircut, this film suffered at the box office due to poor reviews and negative audience feedback.  If you like medieval films or Nicolas Cage then you may want to rent this; I’ll pass.

Barney’s Version

Rated: R

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Rosamund Pike and Jake Hoffman

Director: Richard J. Lewis

Synopsis from IMDB: The picaresque and touching story of the politically incorrect, fully lived life of the impulsive, irascible and fearlessly blunt Barney Panofsky.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: This is the type of role I like to see Paul Giamatti portray.  Though this is labeled as a drama, there seems to be a lot of comedic elements in the film. Barney’s Version jumps to the top of my queue for this week.

Beastly

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens and Mary-Kate Olsen

Director: Daniel Barnz

Synopsis from IMDB: A modern-day take on the “Beauty and the Beast” tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Though I have a soft spot for Vanessa Hudgens, there is no way I’m seeing this film.  Fortunately for me, Hudgens is in two of this week’s releases so I’ll definitely opt for Sucker Punch instead.

July 5, 2011:

Hobo with a Shotgun

Rated: UR

Starring: Rutger Hauer, Pasha Ebrahimi and Robb Wells

Director: Jason Eisener

Synopsis from IMDB: A homeless vigilante blows away crooked cops, pedophile Santas, and other scumbags with his trusty pump-action shotgun.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Hopefully this turned out better than the last fake trailer-turned-movie from Grindhouse.  This is probably worth a viewing, but given it’s nature I’ll have to be in the right mood.

13 Assassins

Rated: R

Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Yûsuke Iseya

Director: Takashi Miike

Synopsis from IMDB: A group of assassins come together for a suicide mission to kill an evil lord.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: My list of foreign films to see, especially from the continent of Asia is continuing to grow.  13 Assassins looks like a welcome addition and I’m looking forward to seeing it, hopefully I’ll get to it before the inevitable Hollywood remake.

Of Gods and Men

Rated: R

Starring: Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale and Olivier Rabourdin

Director: Xavier Beauvois

Synopsis from IMDB: Under threat by fundamentalist terrorists, a group of Trappist monks stationed with an impoverished Algerian community must decide whether to leave or stay.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: This French import looks very well made, and given its accolades I’m sure it is.  It really isn’t my type of fare, however, so I doubt I’ll see it anytime soon.

Bloodrayne: The Third Reich

Rated: R

Starring: Natassia Malthe, Clint Howard and Michael Paré

Director: Uwe Boll

Synopsis from IMDB: Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne’s blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: A director’s cut of a Uwe Boll film, this is probably all sorts of terrible.

 

 

New to Blu Ray DVD the Last 2 Weeks (June 14, 2011 & June 21, 2011)

There are a lot of home video releases the past two weeks, so just like the last entry, I’ll keep the posts brief for the interest of time.  Here we go:

Released June 14, 2011:

Hall Pass

Rated: R

Starring: Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis and Christina Applegate

Director: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly

Synopsis from IMDB: A married man is granted the opportunity to have an affair by his wife. Joined in the fun by his best pal, things get a little out of control when both wives start engaging in extramarital activities as well.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: You can check out our Take Two on Hall Pass here.

Battle: Los Angeles

Rated: R

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez and Bridget Moynahan

Director: Jonathan Liebesman

Synopsis from IMDB: A Marine Staff Sergeant who has just had his retirement approved goes back into the line of duty in order to assist a 2nd Lieutenant and his platoon as they fight to reclaim the city of Los Angeles from alien invaders.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: You can check out our Take Two on Battle: L.A. here.

Red Riding Hood

Rated: R

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas and Gary Oldman

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Synopsis from IMDB: Set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family’s displeasure.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: It still baffles me that Gary Oldman would accept such a role.  That being said, he is the only thing that remotely interests me about this movie.

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Martin Lawrence, Brandon T. Jackson and Jessica Lucas

Director: John Whitesell

Synopsis from IMDB: FBI agent Malcolm Turner and his stepson Trent go undercover at an all-girls performing arts school after Trent witnesses a murder.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I will avoiding this movie like the plague and I suggest you do the same.

Jackass 3.5

Rated: R

Starring: Jason ‘Wee Man’ Acuña, Ryan Dunn and Dave England

Director: Jeff Tremaine

Synopsis from IMDB: N/A

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: The Jackass films have become a little worn out over the years, but the recent tragic death of star Ryan Dunn might prompt a viewing.

Kill the Irishman

Rated: R

Starring: Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken and Vincent D’Onofrio

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh

Synopsis from IMDB: The true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970’s.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I was excited to see this film the first time I saw the trailer, and it head to the top of my Netflix queue.

Released June 21, 2011:

The Adjustment Bureau

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Florence Kastriner

Director: George Nolfi

Synopsis from IMDB: The affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Unfortunately I missed this film during its run in theaters so I’ll be sure to put it in my Netflix queue.

Unknown

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger and January Jones

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Synopsis from IMDB: A man awakens from a coma, only to discover that someone has taken on his identity and that no one, (not even his wife), believes him. With the help of a young woman, he sets out to prove who he is.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Another film I missed during its theatrical run, I loved Taken so I’ll definitely be adding this to my queue.

The Eagle

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell and Donald Sutherland

Director: Kevin Macdonald

Synopsis from IMDB: In Roman-ruled Britain, a young Roman soldier endeavors to honor his father’s memory by finding his lost legion’s golden emblem.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Channing Tatum surprised me with his comedic turn in Ron Howard’s The Dilemma, but I’ll still pass on this one.

 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Rated: PG

Starring: Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick and Robert Capron

Director: David Bowers

Synopsis from IMDB: Back in middle school after summer vacation, Greg Heffley and his older brother Rodrick must deal with their parents’ misguided attempts to have them bond.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I actually enjoyed the first film, but this sequel was and unnecessary, rushed, cash grab.

 Cedar Rapids

Rated: R

Starring: Ed Helms, John C. Reilly and Anne Heche

Director: Miguel Arteta

Synopsis from IMDB: Tim Lippe has no idea what he’s in for when he’s sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent his company at an annual insurance convention, where he soon finds himself under the “guidance” of three convention veterans.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: As a limited release, I wasn’t able to track this down in theaters, but it is a film I’m excited to see now that it is on Blu Ray.

Happythankyoumoreplease

Rated: R

Starring: Josh Radnor, Malin Akerman and Zoe Kazan

Director: Josh Radnor

Synopsis from IMDB: Captures a generational moment – young people on the cusp of truly growing up, tiring of their reflexive cynicism, each in their own ways struggling to connect and define what it means to love and be loved.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I’ll queue this one up.

New to Blu Ray DVD the Past Few Weeks (June 07, May 31, and May 24)

I realize that I have fallen behind in keeping our readers up to date with what is being released to home video the past couple of weeks, and for that I apologize.  Unfortunately, life gets in the way sometimes.  Here are the new releases for the past three weeks; in the interest of keeping the length of this post down I’ve only included a brief assessment of whether or not you, the reader, should rent or pass on each film.

Released May 24, 2011:

 Gnomeo and Juliet

Rated: G

Starring: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt and Maggie Smith

Director: Kelly Asbury

Synopsis from IMDB: The neighboring gardens of Montague and Capulet are at war, but the gnomes, Gnomeo and Juliet, are in love.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: If you have kids under 12 then – Rent.  If not – Pass.

 I Am Number Four

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant and Dianna Agron

Director: D.J. Caruso

Synopsis from IMDB: John is an extraordinary teen, masking his true identity and passing as a typical high school student to elude a deadly enemy seeking to destroy him. Three like him have already been killed … he is Number Four.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Very low rental

 Burning Palms

Rated: R

Starring: Jamie Chung, Zoe Saldana and Rosamund Pike

Director:  Christopher B. Landon

Synopsis from IMDB: A subversive tale that interlaces five stories set in Los Angeles, where no taboo is left unexplored as each character careens toward a dark and often comic fate.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I am so perplexed by that trailer, I don’t know what to say.

 The Big Bang

Rated: R

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Thomas Kretschmann and William Fichtner

Director:  Tony Krantz

Synopsis from IMDB: A private detective is hired to find a missing stripper. A simple job turns complicated when everyone he questions ends up dead.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Maybe I’ve been playing too much LA Noire, but something about this intrigues me.  I’m going to go out on a limb with this one and say Rent.

Released May 31, 2011:

 Drive Angry

Rated: R

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard and William Fichtner

Director: Patrick Lussier

Synopsis from IMDB: A vengeful father escapes from hell and chases after the men who killed his daughter and kidnapped his granddaughter.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Despite Nicolas Cage, Rent.

 Biutiful

Rated: R

Starring: Javier Bardem, Maricel Álvarez and Hanaa Bouchaib

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Synopsis from IMDB: Uxbal, single father of two children, finds his life in chaos as he is forced to deal with his life in order to escape the heat of crime in underground Barcelona, to break with the love for the divorced, manic depressive, abusive mother of his children and to regain spiritual insight in his life as he is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Rent.

Released June 07, 2011

 True Grit

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Hailee Steinfeld

Director(s): Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Synopsis from IMDB: A tough U.S. Marshal helps a stubborn young woman track down her father’s murderer.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: The last of the best picture nominees to be released to home video, Rent.

 Just Go With It

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Brooklyn Decker

Director: Dennis Dugan

Synopsis from IMDB: On a weekend trip to Hawaii, a plastic surgeon convinces his loyal assistant to pose as his soon-to-be-divorced wife in order to cover up a careless lie he told to his much-younger girlfriend.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: This is not a good movie, but if you like Adam Sandler or looking at Brooklyn Decker and/or Jennifer Aniston it is worth a low rental.

 Sanctum 3D

Rated: R

Starring: Rhys Wakefield, Allison Cratchley and Christopher Baker

Director: Alister Grierson

Synopsis from IMDB: An underwater cave diving team experiences a life-threatening crisis during an expedition to the unexplored and least accessible cave system in the world.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: If you have the 3D capability to get the full experience of this film at home, then it is probably worth a rental.  For all of us with modest home theater systems, pass.

 Another Year

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Jim Broadbent, Ruth Sheen and Lesley Manville

Director: Mike Leigh

Synopsis from IMDB: A look at four seasons in the lives of a happily married couple and their relationships with their family and friends.

 Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I feel like I’ve seen different incarnations of this movie before, so for me it’s a pass.  However, judging by the trailer and its acclaim, it may be worth a rental for some.

 The Company Men

Rated: R

Starring: Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones

Director: John Wells

Synopsis from IMDB: The story centers on a year in the life of three men trying to survive a round of corporate downsizing at a major company – and how that affects them, their families, and their communities.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I’m on the fence with this one, but Ben Affleck has impressed me lately – Rent.

New to Blu-Ray/DVD this Week (May 17, 2011)

The Mechanic

Rated: R

Starring: Jason Statham, Ben Foster and Donald Sutherland

Director: Simon West

Synopsis from IMDB: Follows an elite hit man as he teaches his trade to an apprentice who has a connection to one of his previous victims.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  I missed this one in theaters, though it was certainly one I wanted to see.  I enjoy Jason Statham more as a comedic actor than an action star, but the true draw of this film is Ben Foster.  I’m captivated by his performance every time he is on-screen, especially in roles where he behaves violently (movies like 30 Days of Night, 3:10 to Yuma, Alpha Dog, and Hostage come to mind).  His involvement escalated this film from another mindless Statham action flick to a must see, and now that it has arrived to home video, it’ll definitely be near the top of my queue.  I will have to keep my expectations in check, however, considering the mixed reviews it received from critics, as well as its paltry domestic gross.

The Rite

Rated: R

Starring: Colin O’Donoghue, Anthony Hopkins and Ciarán Hinds

Director: Mikael Håfström

Synopsis from IMDB: An American seminary student travels to Italy to take an exorcism course.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Unlike The Mechanic, I was able to see The Rite in theaters; and considering it was one of my most anticipated films of 2011, it was a disappointment.  The over use of the exorcism genre in recent years may have contributed to this films disappointment, not to mention some one-dimensional performances.  However,  I do not think the film was as bad as its 19% Rotten Tomatoes score suggests, and Anthony Hopkins performance alone in this film is enough to warrant it a rental.  If you haven’t seen The Rite yet and like Anthony Hopkins, you should absolutely check it out.

The Other Woman

Rated: R

Starring: Natalie Portman, Scott Cohen and Lisa Kudrow

Director: Don Roos

Synopsis from IMDB: A comedy/drama that details the story of a woman’s difficult relationship with her stepson.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  The ugly stepchild to the busy year Natalie Portman has had at the box office with Black Swan, No Strings Attached, Your Highness, and Thor; The Other Woman received a limited release and fairly poor reviews.  Though this movie is considered a comedy/drama, there doesn’t seem to be much comedy in the film, based on the trailer.  Still, this is the closest thing to a Rom Com we have this week; and given my premise that one releases each week, I’ll peg it as such.  Though it is not the type of subject matter I’m often interested in watching, Natalie Portman is one of my favorite actresses and I may see the film eventually for her involvement alone.

The Roommate

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Minka Kelly, Leighton Meester and Cam Gigandet

Director: Christian E. Christiansen

Synopsis from IMDB:  College student Sara finds that her new roommate Rebecca has an obsession with her, which quickly turns violent.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Like The Rite, The Roommate is not as bad as its 4% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it’s still not a very good movie.  This knock off of Single White Female, compromises the quality of acting for prettier faces as well as dropping the R rating to a much more box office friendly PG-13.  The cast list reads a lot like a CW drama and adding the Screen Gems logo is the icing on this incredibly bland cake.  I’m sure this movie will do well in home video sales because of its rating and cast, but there are plenty of better options releasing this week (as well as checking out Single White Female).

New to Blu-Ray/DVD last week (April 12, 2011)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (April 8, 2011)

Rated: PG

Starring: Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley

Director: Michael Apted

Synopsis from IMDB: Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching the edge of the world.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  I thoroughly enjoyed the first Chronicles of Narnia film, mostly because it was a book I was forced to read during childhood and was interested to see C.S. Lewis’s masterpiece on-screen.  However, my distaste for reading prevented me from completing the other two novels and therefore my interest in the films has deteriorated.  If you were a fan of the first two films you’ll probably want to complete the trilogy, though this film was less critically praised than the other two.  For those of you new to the franchise, check out the first two then make your decision from there.

On a related note, Liam Neeson is the most bad*ss man alive

Add Voyage of the Dawn Treader to your Netflix Queue.

Country Strong

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Garrett Hedlund, Gwyneth Paltrow and Leighton Meester

Director: Shana Feste

Synopsis from IMDB: A drama centered on a rising country-music songwriter (Hedlund) who sparks with a fallen star (Paltrow). Together, they mount his ascent and her comeback, which leads to romantic complications involving her husband/manager (McGraw) and a beauty queen-turned-singer (Meester).

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  What a terrible segue from Liam Neeson and all his glory.  Despite there only being two major releases this week, Country Strong still manages to be the lesser of the two.  It is a wonder why Little Fockers didn’t get pushed back to compete with this instead of the laundry list of last week’s releases.  The novelty of Gwyneth Paltrow singing country has worn off since the film’s theatrical release and her appearance(s) on Glee.  Throw in Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester and I’ll be skipping this one for sure.

Add Country Strong to your Netflix Queue (At your own risk).

New to Blu-Ray/DVD this week (April 5, 2011)

Tron: Legacy

Rated: PG

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Synopsis from IMDB:  The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father’s creation turned bad and a unique ally who was born inside the digital domain of The Grid.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  The first Tron was groundbreaking for its use of computer animation and special effects, and Tron: Legacy tried to live up to the legacy (no pun intended) that its parent film established.  Though the plot appears to be a little thin, and many have coined the film nothing more than a 2 hour Daft Punk video, this movie looks visually stunning.  Definitely worth the viewing for that alone (and Olivia Wilde), pick this one up on Blu-Ray if you can.

Add Tron: Legacy to your Netflix Queue.

Little Fockers

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Ben Stiller, Teri Polo and Robert De Niro

Director: Paul Weitz

Synopsis from IMDB: Family-patriarch Jack Byrnes wants to appoint a successor. Does his son-in-law, the “male nurse”, Greg Focker have what it takes?

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Robert DeNiro is one of my favorite actors ever to grace the screen, but I will still avoid this movie like the plague; even when TBS gives it its own weekend.  It is a heartbreaking thing to think that anyone (present or future) whose movie repertoire doesn’t go further back than this millennium won’t have any concept of DeNiro’s true potential.  Little Fockers is a completely unnecessary sequel banking on the stars of the previous films (and newcomer Jessica Alba) to draw in an audience.  If you’re in the mood for some DeNiro, pick up Taxi Driver on Blu-Ray (also releasing this week).

Add Little Fockers to your Netflix Queue.

Casino Jack

Rated: R

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Barry Pepper and Jon Lovitz

Director: George Hickenlooper

Synopsis from IMDB: A hot shot Washington DC lobbyist and his protégé go down hard as their schemes to peddle influence lead to corruption and murder.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  It sure doesn’t take long for Hollywood to make a movie about you these days.  Casino Jack is the “true” story of Washington D.C. lobbyist Jack Abramoff.  The black comedy opened in theaters to a limited release and delivered a paltry box office gross as well as poor critical acclaim (35% on Rotten Tomatoes).  However, Kevin Spacey was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in this film, so that alone may be worth a watch.

Add Casino Jack to your Netflix Queue.

I Love You Phillip Morris

Rated: R

Starring: Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor and Leslie Mann

Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Synopsis from IMDB:  Incarcerated at the state penitentiary, con artist Steven Russell (Carrey) meets the love of his life: Phillip Morris (McGregor). As a free man, his passion results in a series of improbable cons to bust Phillip from jail and build the perfect life together.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Surely to be overshadowed by the release of Tron: Legacy,  I Love You Phillip Morris is probably the best film to be released to home video this week.  Maturing is a difficult transition for many raunchy comedians to go through and their option for more family oriented comedy as opposed to smart comedy often leaves audiences relishing their younger days.  Though Jim Carrey has had some of those same struggles, he delivers here with a standout role as Steven Russell.  Coupled by Ewan McGregor as the titular character, Phillip Morris, and these two provide great chemistry and a ton of laughs.  (70% on Rotten Tomatoes)

Add I Love You, Phillip Morris to your Netflix Queue.

New to Blu-Ray/DVD last Week (March 29, 2011)

Black Swan

Rated: R

Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Synopsis from IMDB:  A ballet dancer wins the lead in “Swan Lake” and is perfect for the role of the delicate White Swan – Princess Odette – but slowly loses her mind as she becomes more and more like Odile, the Black Swan.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  The last of the Oscar nominated films to be released to home video in March, Black Swan is a must see.  It was one of the best films of 2010, boasted a great cast and wonderful direction from Darren Aronofsky.  If the film itself isn’t enough to encourage you to at least rent the DVD/Blu-Ray, recent controversy swirling around Natalie Portman, the dance sequences, and her Oscar campaign might encourage you to check out some of the bonus features.

Add Black Swan to your Netflix Queue.

Fair Game

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Naomi Watts, Sean Penn and Sonya Davison

Director: Doug Liman

Synopsis from IMDB:  CIA operative Valerie Plame discovers her identity is allegedly leaked by the government as payback for an op-ed article her husband wrote criticizing the Bush administration.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: This film flew under the radar with it’s limited release in October, only grossing 9.5 million to-date.  Despite the limited release, Fair Game received high praise from the critics and boasts a “Certified Fresh” at 80% from Rotten Tomatoes.  The trailer is very compelling and the two leads, Watts and Penn, typically excel in any role.  Fair Game appears to be a top-notch political thriller, and will surely find it’s way into my Netflix queue.

Add Fair Game to your Netflix Queue.

Tangled

Rated: PG

Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi and Donna Murphy

Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard

Synopsis from IMDB: The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: Animated films that attract my attention are few and far between, and Tangled is no exception to that rule.  However, Walt Disney studios seemed to get the “Shrek” formula right with this film because it was well received by audiences and critics alike.  Tangled will surely boast an entertaining viewing for children as well as their parents, bringing enough laughs for both audiences.  Since I am neither a child nor a parent, I probably won’t be rushing to see this any time soon.

Add Tangled to your Netflix Queue.

All Good Things

Rated: R

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst and Frank Langella

Director: Andrew Jarecki

Synopsis from IMBD: A love story and murder mystery based on the most notorious unsolved murder case in New York history. The original screenplay uses newly discovered facts, court records and speculation as the foundation for a story of family, obsession, love and loss.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  The synopsis for this film seems to make it half love story, half murder mystery, and the trailer doesn’t shy away from that concept either.  If the ratio tips further into the latter then I may be compelled to give this a viewing, but as of now I am hesitant.  Ryan Gosling, though critically praised, is missing the versatility that would make him a must see actor in my eyes; I consider him the male Zooey Deschanel in a lot of ways.  Kirsten Dunst hasn’t done many quality roles in a few years so her name doesn’t attract me to this film either.  Add in a director who is making his first full-length feature, and a rating of %33 from Rotten Tomatoes, and I’ll probably pass on this film; at least for a while.

Add All Good Things to your Netflix Queue.

Mesrine: Public Enemy #1

Rated: R

Starring: Vincent Cassel, Ludivine Sagnier and Mathieu Amalric

Director: Jean-François Richet

Synopsis from IMDB:  The story of notorious French gangster Jacques Mesrine.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Part 2 of a pair of films starring Vincent Cassel chronicling the French gangster Jacques Mesrine.  The film is French and can be viewed as such with subtitles or dubbed in English.  Cassel and this film are getting a lot more attention because of the success of Black Swan, which ironically also released on March 29.  Boasted by the critics named in the trailer to be on par with De Palma, Scorcese, and Coppola’s gangster classics, it is very doubtful that it will be able to live up to that hype.  However, it’s 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes suggests those claims aren’t too farfetched, and this may certainly be worth a watch for those who enjoy the genre (as I do).

Add Mesrine to your Netflix Queue.

Made in Dagenham

Rated: R

Starring: Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins and Andrea Riseborough

Director: Nigel Cole

Synopsis from IMDB: A dramatization of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  In threat of probably sounding chauvinistic, I have no interest in seeing this film.  While the film looks well made, the performances look worthy, and the critical acclaim was high (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), this story simply does not compel me.  Primarily targeted to the female and feminist demographic, this indie British period piece appears to have all the elements to be a worthy rental.  However, so does Tangled but I doubt I’ll be adding that to my queue either.

Add Made in Dagenham to your Netflix Queue.

Dogtooth

Rated: R

Starring: Christos Stergioglou, Michele Valley and Aggeliki Papoulia

Director: Giorgos Lanthimos

Synopsis from IMDB: Three teenagers are confined to an isolated country estate that could very well be on another planet. The trio spend their days listening to endless homemade tapes that teach them a whole new vocabulary. Any word that comes from beyond their family abode is instantly assigned a new meaning. Hence ‘the sea’ refers to a large armchair and ‘zombies’ are little yellow flowers. Having invented a brother whom they claim to have ostracized for his disobedience, the über-controlling parents terrorize their offspring into submission. The father is the only family member who can leave the manicured lawns of their self-inflicted exile, earning their keep by managing a nearby factory, while the only outsider allowed on the premises is his colleague Christina, who is paid to relieve the son of his male urges. Tired of these dutiful acts of carnality, Christina disturbs the domestic balance.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Nominated for best foreign language film at this year’s Academy Awards, Dogtooh becomes one of only 5 Greek films, and the first since 1977, to be nominated.  The film appears to be a blend somewhere between dark comedy, drama, horror, and fantasy.  The trailer claims it to be a satire, I’m assuming about parenting and sheltering your children or something.  Based on its Academy Award nomination, festival awards, and critical acclaim (93% on Rotten Tomatoes); it is probably worth a viewing.  Not interested in watching a foreign film with subtitles?  Don’t worry; I’m sure the American remake will hit U.S. theaters in the next 2 years.

Add Dogtooth to your Netflix Queue.

New to Blu-Ray/DVD this Week (March 15, 2011)

The Fighter

Rated: R

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams

Director: David O. Russell

Synopsis from IMDB:  A look at the early years of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward and his brother who helped train him before going pro in the mid 1980s.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  If you’re trying to catch up on all the films nominated for Best Picture at the most recent Academy Awards then March is a good month for you.  With 127 Hours and Black Swan accompanying The Fighter this month with their Blu-Ray and DVD releases, there are a lot of good films to rent/buy.  The Fighter was not the best of these films but certainly one of the most entertaining, especially if you like boxing.  Mark Whalberg’s passion for this project shines and the performances of Bale, Adams, and co-star Melissa Leo all garned them either nominations or Oscar wins.  If you can only rent one new movie this week, I recommend this is the one you choose (click here to read our “Take Two” of The Fighter).

Hereafter

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Matt Damon, Cécile De France and Bryce Dallas Howard

Director: Clint Eastwood

Synopsis from IMDB:  A drama centered on three people — a blue-collar American, a French journalist and a London school boy — who are touched by death in different ways.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Typically Clint Eastwood directed films are a must see for me, but mediocre reviews and a muddled trailer kept me from seeing Hereafter in theaters.  A strong cast featuring Matt Damon and Bryce Dallas Howard is also appealing, not to mention its Oscar nomination for Best Acheivement in Visual Effects.  The content of this movie seems a bit heavy so while this film will go on my Netflix queue, it is likely it will remain there for a while.

The Switch

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman and Patrick Wilson

Director: Josh Gordon, Will Speck

Synopsis from IMDB: 

An unmarried 40-year-old woman turns to a turkey baster in order to become pregnant. Seven years later, she reunites with her best friend, who has been living with a secret: he replaced her preferred sperm sample with his own.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  I remember being interested in seeing this movie in theaters but never getting around to it.  Its mediocre acclaim and poor box office showing suggest my neglegence was beneficial, though now that it is available on Blu-Ray/DVD my interest is again peaked.  Jennifer Aniston films typically do not do well but Jason Bateman and rising star Patrick Wilson may provide the spark that is absent in many of her other films.  If you’re looking for a good date movie or just a RomCom to enjoy your ice cream to, you could probably do worse than The Switch.

New to Blu-Ray/DVD this Week (March 8, 2011)

Jackass 3

Rated: R

Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O and Bam Margera

Director: Jeff Tremaine

Synopsis from IMDB:  Johnny Knoxville and company return for the third installment of their TV show spin-off, where dangerous stunts and explicit public displays rule.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  I guess now that this film is not in theaters anymore they dropped the “D” and are just calling it Jackass 3.  Without that added gimmick of 3D there isn’t much attracting me to see this movie right away, in fact I wasn’t that interested when I could see it in 3D.  I’m sure some of the stunts will be entertaining and the pranks could be funny but after 12 years of seeing these guys on-screen and on MTV since the first CKY came out, their once unique brand of humor is starting to wear thin.

Morning Glory

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton

Director: Roger Michell

Synopsis from IMDB: An upstart television producer accepts the challenge of reviving a struggling morning show program with warring co-hosts.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  I consider morning talk television to be sensationalized stories and banter that no one really cares enough about to watch when better programming is on.  Morning Glory appears to be exactly that, except on film.  With a $31 million gross it appears that I’m not the only person who feels this way.  However a 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, while not great, is much higher than expected. 

The Next Three Days

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks and Liam Neeson

Director: Paul Haggis

Synopsis from IMDB: A married couple’s life is turned upside down when the wife is accused of a murder.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take: I really do not know what to think about this film, which is probably why I didn’t make it to the theaters when it was released.  A 7.4 rating on IMDB, Paul Haggis as writer/director, and Liam Neeson all appear to be the elements of a very good film, but a %50 rating on Rotten Tomatoes is perplexing.  Also, while I’m not a huge fan of Russell Crow he does occasionally impress me and this seems like the type of role I might enjoy him in.  Of all the films released on DVD/Blu-Ray this week, this is the one that interests me most.

Inside Job

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Matt Damon, William Ackman and Daniel Alpert

Director: Charles Ferguson

Synopsis from IMDB: Takes a closer look at what brought about the financial meltdown.

Pac’s Take: Given the fact that I paid $3.50 for gas today and I’m privileged enough to live where gas is relatively cheap, this documentary about the U.S. financial meltdown would probably just infuriate me.  Aside from that displeasure all signs point to this being a great film.  Certified fresh with a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but probably best to watch on payday (if you’re lucky enough to have one).

Every Day

Rated: R

Starring: Carla Gugino, Liev Schreiber and Helen Hunt

Director: Richard Levine

Synopsis from IMDB: A comedy about a New York City couple (Schreiber and Hunt) in romantic crisis.

Pac’s Take: Though the description lists it as a romantic comedy, this film appears to be more of a family drama about a man’s mid-life crisis.  I consider Carla Gugino to be a very underrated actress (though her newest box office release Elektra Luxx is even more critically panned), and Liev Shreiber has good acting ability, just not good ability in choosing films.  The film is not marketed for my demographic and with a %41 on Rotten Tomatoes, it is one that I may catch out of convenience but not out of desire. 

New to Blu-Ray/DVD this Week (March 1, 2011)

127 Hours

Rated: R

Starring: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara

Director: Danny Boyle

Synopsis from IMDB:  A mountain climber becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  I’m kind of surprised this film wasn’t released on DVD and Blu-Ray last week, before the Academy Awards.  Nominated for 6 Oscars, I made a point to see this film prior to Sunday’s award show and it happens to be today’s only release I’ve sat through so far.  A truly remarkable work, Danny Boyle and James Franco shine as director and lead actor.  It seems unlikely that a film can hold one’s attention for 94 minutes when the majority of the film is spent with one actor trapped in one location (also see Buried), but these two managed to pull it off.  Just a warning, some events depicted in this film are not for the squeamish; but this is definitely the must see amongst the films being released to home video this week.

Love and Other Drugs

Rated: R

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway and Judy Greer

Director: Edward Zwick

Synopsis from IMDB:  Maggie (Hathaway) is an alluring free spirit who won’t let anyone – or anything – tie her down. But she meets her match in Jamie (Gyllenhaal), whose relentless and nearly infallible charm serve him well with the ladies and in the cutthroat world of pharmaceutical sales. Maggie and Jamie’s evolving relationship takes them both by surprise, as they find themselves under the influence of the ultimate drug: love.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  Infamous for its graphic sexual content and nudity, Love and Other Drugs is a hard R for more than its language (unlike 127 Hours).  I don’t take too much interest in the romantic comedy genre and I don’t think this film can provide much beyond the formula.  However, among the releases that I have yet to see Love and Other Drugs is the one that peaks my interest the most, particularly because of its strong cast.  With a score of 49% on Rotten Tomatoes though, this doesn’t seem to be much more than a mediocre and graphic rom-com.

Burlesque

Rated: PG-13

Starring:  Cher, Christina Aguilera and Alan Cumming

Director:  Steve Antin

Synopsis from IMDB:  A small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  An overdone rags to riches hollywood plot, a singer’s first attempt at a feature, and a lackluster supporting cast (with the exception of Stanley Tucci); I will do my best to avoid seeing this film at all costs.  Christina and Cher fans will find interest in this film, but I don’t see anything appealing or worthwhile in it for anyone else.  With a 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a paltry $40 million domestic gross to date ($15 mil short of its budget), my assessment can’t be too far off.  Timing also couldn’t be worse for this home video release; you may need a few drinks to get through this one (sorry).

Faster

Rated: R

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton and Maggie Grace

Director:  George Tillman Jr.

Synopsis from IMDB:  An ex-con sets out to avenge his brother’s death after they were double-crossed during a heist years ago. During his campaign, however, he’s tracked by a veteran cop and an egocentric hit man.

Trailer:

Pac’s Take:  While it is nice to see Dwayne Johnson move back into action and away from family fare, Faster doesn’t seem to provide much more than mindless car chases and gun fights (45% on Rotten Tomatoes).  Don’t get me wrong, I like car chases and gun fights as much of the next man, but it’s nice to see some substance mixed in as well.  I’ll get around to seeing this eventually, but nothing about Faster jumps it to the top of my queue; not even Billy Bob Thornton, whose filmography has taken a nose dive the past 5-6 years.