Big week this week with several sleeper films including Jack the Giant Slayer, Stoker, and Quartet. Plus Friend of FOG! Richard Griffin's latest, Exhumed. Plus the latest seasons of Wilfred and Workaholics as well as the premiere s...
Big week this week with several sleeper films including Jack the Giant Slayer, Stoker, and Quartet. Plus Friend of FOG! Richard Griffin's latest, Exhumed. Plus the latest seasons of Wilfred and Workaholics as well as the premiere season of Rectify.
Plus, Movie 43, which might be one of the worst studio films ever released.
As always, fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart and check out this weeks' latest releases!
Jack the Giant Slayer
Warner • Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download 6/18
Jack the Giant Slayer tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend—and gets the chance to become a legend himself. Cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy and John Kassir. Extras include featurettes, deleted scenes, and gag reel.
Last Word: Bryan Singer's refreshingly amusing family film reimagines the classic fairy tale with rousing success. Mismarketed to an older audience, Jack the Giant Slayer is actually one of the few non-animated films that easily appeals to younger viewers and holds the attention of the adult crowd. The acting is pretty terrific with standout performances by Hoult, and the especially rollicking McGregor who's energy is infectious. Effects are solid and while the film certainly breaks no new ground, it's a fun diversion and well worth your time. Recommended.
Quartet
Starz / Anchor Bay • Released 6/18/13
The home for retired musicians will soon host a new resident. Word is, it's a star. But Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay), Wilfred Bond (Billy Connolly) and Cecily Robson (Pauline Collins) are in for a shock when this former "star" turns out to be none other than their former singing partner - and Reggie's former wife - Jean Horton (Maggie Smith). Will the famous quartet let old wounds keep them from making music together again, or will they be able to patch up their differences in time for Beecham House's gala concert? Dustin Hoffman directs this moving, funny film about music, love, and second chances. Extras include commentary and featurette.
Last Word: Dustin Hoffman makes his directorial debut look effortless, with a warm, charming film featuring a spectacular ensemble of talented actors. Like an elderly The Breakfast Club, Quartet takes a variety of personalities and sticks them in a location where, for better or worse, they're stuck. Sentimental and comfortable, with outstanding performances and subtle direction, Quartet should be embraced and celebrated. Highly recommended.
Workaholics: Season Three
Comedy Central • Released 6/18/13
Slackers Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine and Anders Holm are living and working together as telemarketers at TelAmeriCorp. Dress codes, deadlines, and waking up before noon aren't things they're used to, though, so the crew spends their days scheming to avoid doing any real work and their nights looking for good times. In Season Three, the boys get a surprise visit from home, help a coworker spy on a cheating spouse, and welcome their newest roommates, and Jesus, into their bachelor pad. Extras include commentaries, bloopers, alternate takes, music videos and more.
Last Word: Extremely entertaining, Workaholics is a lowbrow but very funny. Strong chemistry, high rewatchability and overall ridiculous. Recommended.
Stoker
Fox Searchlight • Released 6/18/13
Academy Award Winner Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska and Matthew Goode star i