03.08.10 | Chris Cummins | New Releases This WeekPrint this Post
Tags: George Clooney
This week's new releases include critically acclaimed favories, riveting documentaries on topics ranging from capitalism to the legendary siblings who changed the way movies were made, unoriginal comedic shenanigans from John Travolta and Robin Williams, and a one-season TV wonder finally making its DVD debut.
Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire
Yes, it's common knowledge that Lee Daniels' acclaimed drama is an incredibly well-acted, emotionally involving tour-de-force. But can we all agree that the lengthy title is a bit much? Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey's phony mustache star.
Director Jason Reitman's Juno follow-up stars George Clooney as a "career transition counselor" who begins to re-examine his life and figure out what he really is looking for. Timely seriocomic tale features fine support from Vera Farminga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman and Amy Morton.
Sometimes cliches--including the one about not being able to teach old dogs new tricks--are actually quite true. Thus we have this formulaic "comedy" from the director of the sorta rhyming Wild Hogs that stars Robin Williams and John Travolta as friends and businessmen who wind up caring for gal pal Kelly Preston's two kids. Can they juggle their career and their newfound role as unlikely dads? Will they discover that they are more mature and responsbile than they could have ever imagined? Do you even care? Also going through the motions in this would-be laughfest are Lori Laughlin, Seth Green, Justin Long, Matt Dillon and, in his final role, Bernie Mac.
Famed documentarian and rabble-rouser Michael Moore returns with his latest film, a compelling look at the current economic climate and how the nature of the U.S. free market impacts all of our daily lives.
You're well aware of the Warner Brothers movie studio, but what do you know about the actual Warner siblings? This documentary sheds light on how Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack Warner carved out an enduring cinematic legacy by embracing the talkies, taking bold political stands, and creating classics such as The Public Enemy, Casablanca, and countless others. Dennis Hopper, Debbie Reynolds, Tab Hunter, and others appear.
Tenspeed and Brownshoe: The Complete Series
Finally hitting DVD, this short-lived 1980 series was one of the first detective shows to employ a mix of action and comedy that would become an TV staple throughout the decade. Ben Vereen stars as slick ex-con E.L. "Tenspeed" Turner who forms an unlikely partnership with and buttoned-down accountant Lionel "Brownshoe" Whitney (Jeff Goldblum). Together, the men go into business to become private investigators. Check out the opening credits above and marvel in the type of show that just doesn't exist on TV anymore.
The Boondoock Saints II: All Saints Day
Controversial writer/director Troy Duffy follows up his cult classic with an unneccesary sequel that alienated most fans of the original and was met with indifference by everybody else. With Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Billy Connolly, Julie Benz and Peter Fonda.
For details and availability of more of this week's releases, click here.
Here's a look at last week's New DVD Releases.
