This week, there’s not too much to get excited about in terms of DVD releases (or really even theatrical releases, but that’s another story), but since this is nothing new to the faithful readers of this column, we won’t have any trouble pressing on regardless. This is also a rare occasion where I’m going to be recommending something that I previously didn’t when doing my original review of the film. Astute readers will know that I wasn’t big on either of this week’s major releases, but only one of them changed my mind somewhat on a subsequent viewing (I even said as much in the comments section of that particular review), and that film is the one that’s getting this week’s top honor. I won’t argue that it’s an especially strong PICK OF THE WEEK, but it’s the best of a mediocre bunch. The film in question that I’m admitting to being too harsh on initially? Well, it’s:
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
I maintain that this movie has a lot of issues (mainly in terms of the script), but even the first time around I admitted that it had some real emotional power to it. I gave it a second chance after that and found that my issues were diluted somewhat (I still think the screenplay is the weak link and things get pretty monotonous in the 2nd act), but the power of the story wasn’t (especially in terms of the acting and some of the visuals). The flick still isn’t as good as I’d hoped it to be when predicting it to win Best Picture last summer, but it’s not as flawed as I found it to be on that first screening. Now that it’s out on home video, those who didn’t bother with it can see for themselves and make up their mind as to whether or not the pseudo surprise Best Picture nomination was a just decision by the Academy or not. I gave it another chance, so why don’t you do the same as well!
-Coming in second place this week is the niche documentary Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel. This look at cult figure Roger Corman is certainly appealing to those who know/admire his work (for what it is, of course), but I overall found it to be a bit disposable. I still liked it and am recommending it, but don’t think this is some hard hitting expose, because it isn’t. If you have an interest in the figure however, you should enjoy this doc.
-Also out today is the disappointing David Cronenberg would be Oscar drama A Dangerous Method, the supposedly dreadful animated sequel Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, the WWE financed comedy Bending the Rules, and the western Good for Nothing. I only saw Cronenberg’s work (and found it far blander than I expected), but nothing here really screams out to be purchased with any haste at all. If you feel otherwise though, go for it and enjoy. I won’t stop you…
-My Vintage pick, in honor of this week’s release of Goon (my Early Review of which you can find here), is a far superior hockey film (though Goon is hardly a bad movie). It’s Miracle, and this tale of the olympic Miracle on Ice for Team USA is my favorite Disney sports flick to date. Featuring a nomination worthy performance by Kurt Russell as legendary coach Herb Brooks, this is the very definition of a stand up and cheer movie, regardless of your nationality. If you’ve never seen it, now’s the perfect time to do so, especially with the NHL playoffs around the corner. It’s truly a great sports flick, and well worth a first, second, third, or even tenth viewing. It’s just that good.
-What will you be watching on Blu-Ray/DVD this week? Discuss on the Forum!
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Tags: blu ray, DVD, Joey's DVD Column, joeys dvd pick of the week, weekly DVD column
16 Comments
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It’s not the worst week we’ve ever had, but it’s definitely a below average one…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Programming note all…Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut In the Land of Blood and Honey is out too. I was given the wrong release date for the flick on DVD, hence its accidental exclusion. Apologies.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
What about El Bulli and In the Land of Blood and Honey? Both well above Extremely Twee and Incredibly Ridiculous.
Miracle is far superior to Goon? But it’s so long and bland. Goon is the best hockey movie since Slapshot. (2004 is vintage?)
Anna Wulf(Quote) (Reply)
I mentioned it above in terms of In the Land of Blood and Honey…good eye there.
To each their own when it comes to Miracle (and if you read my review of Goon, I didn’t dislike it at all)…and the Vintage pick can be any film out on DVD, from The Battleship Potemkin to Red State.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
9/11 movies just don’t interest me
kim(Quote) (Reply)
You’re certainly not alone there, though I will say that they do fascinate me.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
You didn’t want to pick Casablanca as the vintage pick? That’s more vintage than Miracle…and it looks amazing with the restoration.
steve(Quote) (Reply)
I always tie in the Vintage pick to a new release…none would have tied in to Casablanca. The age of the film doesn’t factor into the weekly selection, it’s merely a film on DVD that somehow relates to a new release this week.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Understood…so Casablanca and Chipwrecked don’t go together? I mean, aren’t they two of the greatest Hollywood movies ever…? Hahaha
steve(Quote) (Reply)
Well played Steve…well played.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
I actually somewhat liked A Dangerous Method … in a clinical/sanitarium kind-of-way. Or that is how I viewed it — somewhat quiet and unspoken as between patient and physician. I can most definitely see how some wouldn’t like it and find it bland but I went into with NO expectations and ended up MARGINALLY liking it (I didn’t give it a glowing review … but it was probably a bit brighter than your own).
If you say Loud & Close merits a second watch … I guess I can stomach one if it’ll make me appreciate parts of it. I loathed it as cloying and manipulative treacle — so I guess I should try to find something decent there
Thomas(Quote) (Reply)
I didn’t hate A Dangerous Method…I enjoyed the acting, I just found it incredibly stuffy and perhaps the least interesting way to tell this particular story.
I’m not sure you’ll change your opinion on Extremely Loud, as I still recognize its issues, but re-watching it confirmed the emotion of the story for me, and that helped me along.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Fair enough on A Dangerous Method. I did find the acting to be very good. I like the word “stuffy” — yes, very much so but it added to the corseted/restraint of Knightley’s character (well — all of them) so I took it as such. You saying this was the “least interesting way to tell this particular story” was probably exactly why it did somewhat work for me … because I tried to puzzle that exact same thing out
I respect Cronenberg as a filmmaker and think he could very well be more intelligent than I am … so I thought he was getting the better of me here. His method was beyond me if you will.
Extremely Loud will get a second watch … when it airs on TV. I’ll give it a rest for a few months. Thanks for your reply (you’re the VERY best at that).
Thomas(Quote) (Reply)
I get where you’re coming from, believe me.
You’re quite welcome.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
I was disappointed by Extremely Loud…it almost put me to sleep.
Jessie(Quote) (Reply)
The middle certainly drags…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)