03.01.10 | Chris Cummins | New Releases This WeekPrint this Post
New DVD Releases: Amongst this week's new offerings are Spike Jonze's adaptation of a children's classic, the latest disaster epic from the director of Independence Day and John Carpenter's tribute to the King.
It was no easy task translating Maurice Sendak’s legendary (and largely dialogue-free) picture book to the big screen, but director Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich) and screenwriter Dave Eggers were up to the challenge. This visually stunning film somehow manages to capture the exquisite pain, hope, fear and wonder of childhood. Those looking for an Alvin and the Chipmunks-styled kids flick packed with pop culture references were disappointed with the movie’s gentle pacing and ruminations on how it feels to be a child—thus its underwhelming performance at the box office. But for anyone who wants to remember the emotional roller coaster of adolescence, Where the Wild Things Are is essential viewing. Max Records, Catherine Keener star; with the voices of James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Dano, Chris Cooper and Forest Whitaker.
Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak
Originally airing on HBO around the time of Where the Wild Things Are theatrical debut, this portrait of Maurice Sendak from directors Spike Jonze and Lester Bangs gives insight into the author’s life – including a look at his obsession with death and a captivating story on how the death of the Lindbergh baby influenced his artistic sensibilities.
This 1979 biopic marked the first collaboration between director John Carpenter and star Kurt Russell – a partnership that also gave us Escape from New York, The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, and Escape from L.A. Russell delivers a fine performance as the King of Rock and Roll…a role he would later vocally reprise briefly in Forrest Gump. Co-stars Season Hubley (who was romantically involved with Russell at the time of filming), Pat Hingle and Shelley Winters.
Director Roland Emmerich makes stuff blow up real good while stars ranging from John Cusack to Woody Harrelson react to the end of the Mayan calendar/life as we know it by dodging debris and narrowly cheating death. Leave your brain at the door for this popcorn flick that features Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt and Danny Glover.
It tanked at the box office, but this offbeat comedy from Jared and Jerusha Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) will likely find a new life and cult following on DVD and Blu-ray. The story concerns a lovable loner who has his life is turned upside down when a pretentious has-been writer of fantasy books (smarmily portrayed by Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement) takes one of his stories. As if he didn’t have enough to contend with, our hero must also deal with problems caused by a church-appointed mentor and some low-budget filmmakers who want to adapt his stolen tale for the big screen. With Michael Angarano, Jennifer Coolidge and Sam Rockwell.
If the glut of computer animated children’s films leaves you feeling cold, check out this aquatic odyssey from acclaimed Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki (of My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away fame) that is heartfelt and entertaining for viewers of all ages. If nothing else, it's a viewing option for kids who think Where the Wild Things Are might be a bit too intense (or, if you prefer, moody) for them. Features the voices of Cate Blanchett, Tiny Fey, Liam Neeson, and Betty White.
For details and availability of more of this week’s new releases, click here
Much as I like the story, I couldn't get past the shaky camera. I know this is TV's influence, but it did made me lose interest.
[...] a look at last week's New DVD Releases. [...]