Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (April 15, 2011)
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint
Director: David Yates
Synopsis from IMDB: As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: The release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 to home video will probably be the ramp up to the marketing campaign for the release of …Part 2 to release this summer. The first installment of this two part chapter was a well made, engaging film for franchise die-hards and casual fans alike. Those who want to watch or re-watch part 1 before heading to theaters for the finale of the Harry Potter saga will make up most of this DVD/Blu-Ray’s buyers, but is likely to do pretty well. For those of you die-hard fans who can wait, however, you may be better served waiting for the 2nd part to release on Blu-Ray, as you’ll probably be able to get a collector’s set with both films. You can read our Take Two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 by clicking here.
Add Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 to your Netflix Queue.
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter
Director: Tom Hooper
Synopsis from IMDB: The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: The King’s Speech was one of the best films of 2010 as indicated by its multiple Academy Award nominations and wins. Everything about this film is noteworthy when discussing cinematic achievement, and it is extremely entertaining to boot. There’s not much else needed to say about this film except that it is a must watch. Though there isn’t much else needed to say, we still managed to think of a few things in our Take Two of The King’s Speech.
Add The King’s Speech to your Netflix Queue.
Rated: R
Starring: Stephen Dorff, Elle Fanning and Chris Pontius
Director: Sofia Coppola
Synopsis from IMDB: A hard-living Hollywood actor re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: I didn’t think I had heard of this film until I re-watched the trailer and was reminiscent of seeing it once. Though the trailer doesn’t tell you much, except that the film is written and directed by Sophia Coppola, it does have a certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the description of the film does minimally peak my interest. This film will probably make its way to the lower half of my Netflix queue. However, being written and directed by Sophia Coppola and featuring a song by The Strokes in the trailer will probably grab the attention of some viewers more than it did my own.
Add Somewhere to your Netflix Queue.
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart and Dianne Wiest
Director: John Cameron Mitchell
Synopsis from IMDB: Life for a happy couple is turned upside down after their young son dies in an accident. Based on a play by David Lindsay-Abaire.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: I feel obligated to mention when a film is nominated for an Academy Award because it is a prestigious honor and does provide the film (and my take) credibility. I am starting to feel like a broken record though as every week at least one Oscar nominated film is released to home video. This week seems like every film, including Rabbit Hole, as Nicole Kidman was nominated for best actress. I know Rabbit Hole will be a great film but I often have a hard time putting these types of films high on my Netflix queue simply due to their often melancholy themes and tone.
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Rated: PG
Starring: Jack Black, Emily Blunt and Jason Segel
Director: Rob Letterman
Synopsis from IMDB: Travel writer Lemuel Gulliver takes an assignment in Bermuda, but ends up on the island of Liliput, where he towers over its tiny citizens.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: I have not had the (dis)pleasure of seeing Gulliver’s Travels so I’m going to try hard not to pass too much judgment, though every inclination tells me this movie is terrible. Jack Black once was able to carry a movie as a lead (that one time being School of Rock), now I can only handle him in supporting roles or animated features. Judging by the trailer it seems they took a lot of creative liberties with Jonathan Swift’s book as well, which typically isn’t a good thing.
Add Gulliver’s Travels to your Netflix Queue.
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris and Colin Farrell
Director: Peter Weir
Synopsis from IMDB: Siberian gulag escapees walk 4000 miles overland to freedom in India.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: Though I have seen Harry Potter and The King’s Speech, of all the films releasing this week, The Way Back interests me most. Peter Weir is a very good director, as indicated by the abridged filmography in the trailer, and Ed Harris has a very strong screen presence and rarely chooses bad roles. Colin Farrell even seems to be moving past his Miami Vice days and is choosing his roles more wisely (though back to back remakes of Fright Night and Total Recall may prove otherwise). Despite its limited release in theaters this should prove to be worthy of at least a rental.
Add The Way Back to your Netflix Queue.