Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Go figure, this week’s releases lack a true romance for you all to pick up for you and your loved one, but one of the releases does happen to be the least romantic movie in recent memory, so there’s that. All in all, there’s not really a super strong top pick to highlight, but there are a good number of solid picks to give a mild thumbs up to. As for the aforementioned honor, my PICK OF THE WEEK selection is kind of a toss up. A bunch of these selections are films that others liked more than me, so I wound up with a choice that I liked slightly more than others. It’s also a horror flick, and that can work with your significant other if you so desire. The movie in question? It’s:
Paranormal Activity 3
A prequel to the prequel that also was a sequel to the initial Paranormal Activity franchise, this installment is more of the same, but done at a consistently high level. I found this to be better than #2, but a step down from #1, since that one had a freshness that can’t be matched. Also, the directors of Catfish made this, and their creativity comes through here and there. Overall, it’s not a real strong endorsement, but it’s an endorsement nonetheless. Of the releases this week, it happens to be my favorite. If you enjoyed it as well, grab it on DVD now that you have the opportunity.
-On the flip-side, The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) is also out today, and…well…you all know my thoughts on that flick by now (if you’re blissfully unaware, my review can be found here). I can’t imagine many of you being morbidly curious enough to purchase this movie, but if you somehow are, don’t say that I didn’t warn you. In fact, if you see it, please tell me what you thought…
-The rest of the releases this week include the quirky indie dramedy Tiny Furniture, the disappointing Hunter S. Thompson adaptation The Rum Diary, the overrated (to me, at least) suspense flick Take Shelter, as well as two films I didn’t see: the drama Mozart’s Sister and the well regarded documentary The Interrupters. The first flick mentioned is the only one that I’d actually recommend to you all, but I know a few of the other selections have their lovers as well, so go with what you think is best!
-Also out of note is the made for TV doc Woody Allen: A Documentary. Shown in multiple parts on television, I found this a really entertaining and informative look at the evolution of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. It’s not my top choice because it’s a TV documentary, but it’s the best thing out this week, quality wise, so grab it if you’re a fan…you won’t regret it.
-My Vintage pick, in honor of this week’s release of This Means War, I have in mind some better Valentine’s Day choices for you all than that mediocre looking action/romantic comedy hybrid. They are, in alphabetical order: (500) Days of Summer, All the Real Girls, Annie Hall, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, High Fidelity, Juno, Love Actually, The Notebook, and Once. They’re all delightful and incredibly romantic in different ways. Pick a few and enjoy them with someone special (and perhaps something a little bit more if you’re lucky?). I know that I will!
-What will you be watching on DVD this week? Discuss on the Forum!
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For me, the Vintage picks are the highlight this week, but that’s just me…
I saw “it” Joey … and I marginally appreciated the first one. The second one is nothing more than an extended middle finger to everyone (for some reason as some of us liked the first one).
I think I may have actually vomited in my mouth a time or two — uhm … sandpaper?!
THIS is what the world is becoming … and it ain’t pretty.
It’s completely a middle finger to the audience, which isn’t a good enough reason for existence…
Oh and sorry — but Take Shelter might have been slightly overpraised; but I don’t think the two central performances were overpraised at all. That film has some EXCELLENT acting.
Miss Chastain … she is a goddess. She’s joined those ranks
The acting is strong, but overall I was left wanting more.
No love for How to Die in Oregon??? AMAZING documentary! Def recommend it if you haven’t seen it
Completely my mistake there…I found it pretty powerful and it would have been the runner-up this week. Apologies.
I saw Human Centipede 2 last night because my girlfriend wanted to watch it. Halfway through, she got pissed at me for letting her watch it. Haha.
Believe it or not, my girlfriend (who’s hardly a movie nut and is a rather talented up and coming fashion designer) wanted to see it and came with me when I saw a screening. She actually found it an experience, like at a carnival sideshow. Go figure.
I cannot recommend The Interrupters enough. If any of you can see the film, PLEASE take the opportunity to do so.
I believe it’s on PBS tonight actually…