This Week on DVD & Blu-ray (02-05-13)

 

 

Other recent releases out this week are two movies that were veritable flops at the box office. Director Rob Cohen’s attempt at rebooting writer James Patterson’s  famous detective with “Alex Cross“, which finds Tyler Perry replacing Morgan Freeman (in what world would that even make sense?) and a slimmed-down and uber-buff Matthew Fox as the psycho bad guy. I haven’t seen it but I want to just to see how bad it is. Then there’s “Here Comes the Boom” the latest wretched comedy that doesn’t star Adam Sandler. But it is from his Happy Madison Productions which means Kevin James has to step in for Sandler (same deal for “Zookeeper”) once again. Needless to say, this is another one I didn’t see – because I saw the trailer for it.

 

A couple of films that have spent a good amount of time recently on the VOD and pre-theatrical streaming circuit are worthy of mention. “Side by Side” is documentary hosted by Keanu Reeves in which the history, process and use of both photochemical and digital film is investigated. For those into that kind of thing (and you should, if you’re a film enthusiast), this is a valuable look at where film is from, where it is (or isn’t) now and where it’s going to be. A who’s who of filmmakers are interviewed, from James Cameron to Lena Dunham. “Deadfall” starring Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde and Charlie Hunman is also out now. It’s a wintry noirish tale focusing on a botched casino heist involving two siblings during Thanksgiving. Didn’t get many good reviews but this seems to be one I’ll eventually catch up with.

 

Also of interest is the 2010 French dramedy “Little White Lies” starring Oscar-winners Marion Cotillard and Jean Dujardin. Sign me up. Disney is releasing it’s classic “Peter Pan” on Blu-ray or it’s just another excuse to go nuts. Treat Yourself! And finally, there’s “Paul Williams: Still Alive“, a recent doc focusing on the career and current status of the iconic 70’s singer-songwriter.

 

That’s it for this week! Previous reviews are highlighted below. Most of these newer titles can also be found for rent on Amazon and iTunes for your streaming pleasure. Enjoy the Rundown….