This week, we’re treated to another average slate of Blu-Ray/DVD releases, but one that certainly has a worthy top choice for those in the mood for something action-oriented (not to spoil my choice or anything). Two weeks from now we’ll have a strong bunch of films to talk about, but for now let’s just remember that things could be worse here. For my PICK OF THE WEEK I really only had one choice, but it’s one that I can back whole-heartedly, so that’s good at least. Those with a little knowledge of the calendar and what films of this ilk I enjoyed recently can guess already what the title in question is, but for everyone else, there’s no need for surprise here. It’s:
Haywire
The perpetually “soon to be retiring” director Steven Soderbergh has seemingly made it his business to tackle all sorts of odd projects before he hangs it up and rides off into the sunset (something I can certainly respect). Here, he’s taking a B-movie action premise, adding in the gimmick casting of MMA star Gina Carano, and filming it all in as unusual a way as he can. The result (aided by an unlikely cast of A-listers that also included the likes of Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, and Antonio Bandaras) is very entertaining, even if it’s not the most memorable of flicks. For Soderbergh’s filmmaking techniques alone this is worth checking out, but if you like action films, this should be a real treat for you…
-Before I get to the rest of the releases, I’ll make a quick mention of a non-theatrical title coming out today. It’s Martin Scorsese’s latest musical documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World. Fans of Harrison and the musical docs that Scorsese periodically puts out will eat this up, though others may not see what the fuss is over. If you’re among that first group, it’s right there for the taking on DVD now.
-Also out this week we have the bland comedy Joyful Noise, the forgettable romantic comedy New Year’s Eve, and two films I didn’t see…the romantic comedy And They’re Off, and Madonna’s directorial endeavor, the drama W.E., which was supposedly awful. None of these strike me as being something you NEED to have, but if I’m wrong, don’t let me get in the way of a potential purchase. Just know what you’re getting yourself into first…
-My Vintage pick, in honor of this week’s release of The Avengers, is a superhero movie that we all know and (mostly) love. It’s Superman: The Movie, and while I’m a Superman Returns apologist, it’s hard to deny that Richard Donner’s original is the true movie that made you believe that a man could fly. It’s got some great nostalgia value these days, but it’s impossible not to smile at Christopher Reeve as both Clark Kent and Superman. We’ll know in a year or so what Zack Snyder has done with the character, but for now, go back to where it all started!
-What will you be watching on Blu-Ray and DVD this week? Discuss on the Forum!
Related Stories:
Tags: blu ray, DVD, Joey's DVD Column, joeys dvd pick of the week, weekly DVD column
11 Comments
If you like B movies but prefer when they’re well made, then Haywire is for you…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Can she act in the movie?
Kim(Quote) (Reply)
She does okay, but shines during the fight sequences…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
I second the recommendation of Haywire. It’s gotten a lot of harsh criticism, but I greatly enjoyed it, enough to say that it is my favorite movie of the year so far.
Steve Glansberg(Quote) (Reply)
High praise, but I’d say it’s one of my top 12 right now…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Can’t say anything excites me this week…
Jessie Makowski(Quote) (Reply)
It happens…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
I saw W.E.. It has its moments and Madonna is a respectable artist … but music is where her real talent lies and not in film (although I will honestly admit to thinking she has been “decent” in a flick or two such Dick Tracy, Evita and A League of Their Own). One can tell she is passionate about this story so kudos to her as there is an interesting story in W.E.; but it is unfortunate that is is marred because of a Julie & Julia approach which featured one interesting story and one uninteresting one.
I think Wallis Simpson and her (third) guy would be worthy of their very own movie to clarify speculation and rumors surrounding them in addition to just focusing on their love story. What he did for her is an AMAZING thing and so I don’t understand why this film was framed as it was — they did not need to share a movie. As I said, the film has some moments: Andrea Riseborough is quite good-at-times here (it isn’t her fault that some scenes and quite-a-lot of the dialogue are [as you said] “awful”); the haute couture period costumes are divine (they deservedly got an Oscar nomination!); and I believe there were two very strong scenes worthy of recommendation I highly enjoyed (the abdication montage of Edward VIII’s and a short yet mesmerizing and marvelous [on her part] scene featuring Wallis [in Gary Oldman Dracula hair] dancing for her aged and ailing spouse). The film is not the abject failure many would have you believe but it has its fair-share of fails (laughter at very inopportune times is never good).
I guess one can say it is an “interesting” watch … and we all know what that can mean
I have to be honest, though, and say that it does have some good elements.
Thomas(Quote) (Reply)
Duly noted.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
I guess I’m in the minority, but my favorite Soderbergh flicks are always his small, independent films. I can’t stand his flashy works (though to be fair, I’ve yet to see ‘Traffic,’ and I’ve heard it’s incredible), like the Oceans’ franchise and Contagion (god, that was a bore…), where he lets his high-profiled actors and their egos run away with the film. I much prefer his smaller, more intimate films, where he is free to experiment and hone in on the many facets of film-making itself. That is why I love ‘Bubble’ and ‘Haywire,’ because he breaks new ground in both of their specified genres. The fight scene between Gina Carano and Michael Fassbender is worth the price of admission (or DVD/ Blu-Ray/Red Box/Whatever) alone. ‘Haywire’ contains some of the best, most realistic-looking choreographed hand-to-hand combat scenes I can remember watching. Gina Carano is masterful. I hope she lands that Wonder Woman role.
Joseph Braverman(Quote) (Reply)
I would get on Traffic…it’s quite good.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)