Alexandra Daddario, left, plays Heather Miller and Dan Yeager plays Leatherface in the horror-thriller “Texas Chainsaw.”
This week’s home video releases include a bloody, R-rated horror film and an elaborate epic with a star-studded cast.
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Video Verdict: Great movies for the July 4 holiday
If you’re looking for a movie to watch this Independence Day, there are plenty of great titles available on home video.
No major theatrical releases are making their way to video this week, so it seems like the perfect time to suggest some movies that are sure to put an exclamation point on your July 4 holiday. All of the following are readily available on home video.
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942): This charming film tells the life story of real-life entertainer George M. Cohan (James Cagney). That may not sound patriotic, but the movie smacks of the red, white and blue because Cohan wrote a number of America’s most-beloved patriotic tunes. His songs “Yankee Doodle Boy,” “Over There” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” are all featured in the movie, and James Cagney is outstanding in the lead role.
“The Patriot” (2000): This Revolutionary War saga isn’t perfect, but it’s a nice choice for Independence Day. The film is set in 1776, and it tells of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a veteran soldier who has settled into a peaceful life as a farmer. Alas, when a cruel British officer (Jason Isaacs) kills his youngest son, he decides to fight again. Directed by Roland Emmerich (“2012,” “The Day After Tomorrow”), “The Patriot” is a big, loud blockbuster, but the cast – including Heath Ledger and Chris Cooper – keep things earthy and enjoyable.
“Independence Day” (1996): This Roland Emmerich film is even bigger and louder than “The Patriot,” but it wouldn’t make sense to exclude it from our list. After all, it was named after our July 4 holiday. The plot centers on a widespread alien invasion and the Earthlings who fight back. Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch and Mary McDonnell star.
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Video Verdict: ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,’ ‘A Dangerous Method,’ ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked’
Max von Sydow, left, and Thomas Horn in a scene from “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.” Von Sydow’s work on the film earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
This week’s video releases are anchored by a drama that earned two Oscar nominations while taking a fictionalized look at the fallout of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
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Video Verdict: ‘Larry Crowne’
Julia Roberts, left, and Tom Hanks star in the dramedy “Larry Crowne.”
It’s a slow week for home video, with only one major theatrical release making its way to stores: a recession-era drama starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.
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Video Verdict: ‘Toy Story 3′
From left to right, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and Woody in a scene from Pixar’s “Toy Story 3.”
The only major mainstream theatrical release coming to home video this week is Pixar’s latest. And, like most film’s from the animation giant, it’s a gem.
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Video Verdict: ‘Funny People,’ ‘Angels & Demons,’ ‘Four Christmases,’ ‘Shorts’
Tom Hanks, left, plays symbologist Robert Langdon and Ayelet Zurer portrays physicist Vittoria Vetra in the thriller “Angels & Demons.”
This week’s DVD releases cover a lot of territory. They include a family film from the director of “Spy Kids,” a holiday comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, an Adam Sandler feature helmed by writer-director Judd Apatow and a big-budget thriller starring Tom Hanks.
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