This week’s batch of new release’s on DVD & Blu-Ray includes 50/50, Paranormal Activity 3, as well as several Criterion special edition titles and brand new blu-ray releases. Full details after the jump.
New on DVD & Blu-Ray:
50/50
50/50 is an absolutely fantastic movie, plain and simple. I saw this one twice in theaters and what I wrote back in September still holds sway, “50/50 is an affecting film that perfectly balances and tightropes the line between comedy and drama, with a cast of characters written with humanity and honesty. With an excellent script, performances, and unique direction that works around Gordon-Levitt’s fantastic performance, which, along with Will Reiser’s screenplay, is oscar-worthy.” If you’ve yet to see this one, go out and give this film a rent, if not a buy.
Paranormal Activity 3
Paranormal Activity 3 is a very solid horror film in that it adds an affective twist to a franchise beginning to become dull, that being said it isn’t something you’ll necessarily want to revisit often. Because of that, I’d suggest giving this one a rent on a cold, dark night. Here’s what I had to say in my review: “Paranormal Activity 3 is a pleasantly surprising 90 minutes of fun and uneasiness. Complete with shivers, laughter, and general terror. This is a movie meant to be seen at a sold-out midnight screening! While more ambitious and arguably scarier than the original, because of this the film does have its flaws in plot and execution at times. But success of the film far outweighs its flaws, as the atmosphere builds up to a truly terrifying final act.”
Real Steel
I hated Real Steel, as I wrote in my review: “Real Steel is the latest entry into the cliche, over-the-top, underdog boxing story. Yet there’s a twist, unlike most films which rely on the human element to win over its audience, we’re looking at giant, remote-controlled robots doing the fighting. What’s left is a type of mindless entertainment, that while it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and looks great, lacks all soul, life and feeling.” I’d suggest skipping this one.
The Whistleblower
I have The Whistleblower sitting on my desk waiting to be opened up and watched. From what I hear it features a very solid performance from Rachel Weisz, so it may very well be worth a rental, particularly if you’re interested in current events and politics.
More Releases:
Are you planning on purchasing or renting any of these films?