“That’s entertainment!” Those two words instantly spring to mind when thinking about this week’s new releases. We’ve got the latest comedy from two hilarious Saturday Night Live veterans, the most notorious prime-time soap opera ever, a 30th anniversary of the best Thanksgiving film ever made, a holiday classic from Jim Henson, and so much more. Here’s what we think you’ll want to be watching in the week ahead!
When a scholarship opportunity falls through and they blow a bunch of money in Vegas, suburbanite squares Scott (Will Ferrell) and Kate Johansen (Amy Poehler) are left with no way to pay for their daughter’s (Ryan Simpkins) college education. So, they do the only sensible thing–open an illegal casino in their friend’s (Jason Mantzoukas) house, plunging themselves into a hilarious world of debauchery and depravity. Nick Kroll, Allison Tolman, and Jeremy Renner co-star in this outrageous comedy
ABC’s hit 1981-89 prime time soap chronicled the shady dealings, bedroom shenanigans, and bitter rivalries of the wealthy Carrington clan. John Forsythe starred as family patriarch Blake Carrington, with Linda Evans as devoted second wife Krystle and second-season arrival Joan Collins as Alexis, Blake’s schemincast members over the g first wife. Other years included Diahann Carroll, Jack Coleman, John James, Heather Locklear, Pamela Sue Martin, and Emma Samms. All 220 episodes of the series are featured in this 57-disc set.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: 30th Anniversary Edition
Desperate to return to his Chicago home in time to spend Thanksgiving with his family, uptight businessman Neal Page (Steve Martin) encounters loutish shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy). During a disastrous–and hilarious–voyage back to the Windy City, both men experience the various aggravations of modern travel while forming an unlikely friendship. With Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Dylan Baker; written and directed by John Hughes.
Two-disc set includes Highlander (1986), Highlander II: The Quickening (1991), Highlander: The Final Dimension (1994), Highlander: Endgame (2007), and Highlander: The Source (2007).
A farm family takes in their niece Julia (Lee Purcell) whose parents were killed in a car crash, but daughter Rachel (Linda Blair) quickly discovers that her seemingly sweet cousin is actually hiding a sinister secret…a secret linked to the occult. Can she save her family before it’s too late? Jeremy Slate, Jeff McCracken, Jeff East, Fran Drescher, and Carol Lawrence also star in this made-for-TV shocker from director Wes Craven and based on the novel by Lois Duncan. AKA: “Stranger in Our House.”
Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (40th Anniversary)
Directed by Jim Henson, this delightful program uses Muppet magic to bring Russell Hoban’s holiday-themed children’s story to life. Wanting to have the best Christmas ever, young otter Emmet and his mother enter a talent show contest with hopes of using the cash prize to buy each other unforgettable presents. Features the puppetry talents of Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, and Henson; with Marilyn Sokol. Songs includes “When the River Meets the Sea,” “The Bathing Suit That Grandma Otter Wore.”
Seventeen-year-old Clare’s troubles begin to slowly fade away after her father gives her a music box that has the power to grant its owner seven wishes. No longer bullied at school, and finally grabbing the attention of her crush, she discovers that her new and improved life comes at a grisly cost when those closest to her start meeting violent ends. Can Clarre part with the magic box, or is its allure too strong to resist? Joey King, Ryan Phillippe, Elisabeth Röhm, and Sherilyn Fenn star in this supernatural shocker
Ireland, the early 13th century: When a holy order is requested to deliver the sacred relic in their safekeeping to Rome, a small cadre of monks–including a young novice (Tom Holland) and a hulking mute (Jon Bernthal)–is entrusted with its transport. To even reach the eastern shore, however, the brothers must deal with pagan hordes eager to relieve them of their prize–and find their faith challenged by the brutality of the gauntlet they face. Gritty drama also stars Richard Armitage, John Lynch, Stanley Weber, Hugh O’Conor.
A special ops unit is sent to a high-tech interrogation facility called the Temple to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a group of fellow soldiers stationed there. After finding their comrades dead, the team is locked in by the advanced super computer that controls the building, forcing them to match wits with a sinister artificial intelligence. Pulse-pounding blend of horror, action, and sci-fi stars Wesley Snipes, Anne Heche, Dave Annable.
Detective Mark Lewis (Frank Grillo) and psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Klein (Maria Bello) are called to investigate the horrific massacre of three college students, brutally murdered inside an abandoned home. The students were amateur ghost-hunters seeking out paranormal phenomenon at the abandoned house, which was believed to be haunted. What began as youthful curiosity turned into something truly terrifying, and now Lewis and Klein are forced to explore the supernatural in order to solve the murders and find two missing students.