Alice Englert, left, and Elle Fanning star in the drama “Ginger & Rosa.”
This week, no major theatrical releases made their way to home video. However, two limited-release films – both by important directors – are here to make up for that.
Video Verdict: ’42,’ ‘Evil Dead,’ ‘Bullet to the Head’
Chadwick Boseman plays baseball star Jackie Robinson in the sports drama “42.”
This week’s home video releases include a Sylvester Stallone action film, a horror-franchise reboot and an inspirational sports drama.
Filed under Video Verdict
Video Verdict: ‘The Host,’ ‘Admission,’ ‘The Gatekeepers’
In “Admission,” Tina Fey plays a Princeton University employee with the power to decide who does and does not get accepted to the top-notch school.
This week’s home video releases include a romantic comedy starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd, an Oscar-nominated documentary and a science-fiction film about alien invaders.
Filed under Video Verdict
Video Verdict: ‘The House I Live In’
Director Eugene Jarecki’s documentary “The House I Live In” focuses on the War on Drugs, an ongoing effort that has resulted in about 45 million arrests.
Because of the holiday, no major theatrical releases migrated home video during the week of July 4. However, an exemplary documentary about the U.S. War on Drugs filled the void.
Filed under Video Verdict
Dealer’s Choice Podcast is now live
Recently, I sat down with my friend and fellow journalist Josh Nagel to record a new podcast called Dealer’s Choice. I encourage all of my readers to check it out. Among other things, we critique the new Superman movie, “Man of Steel”: https://soundcloud.com/forrest-hartman/dealers-choice-1
Filed under Quick Hits
Video Verdict: ‘The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,’ ‘Phantom’
Steve Carell gets magical in “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.”
This week’s home video releases are anchored by a Cold War drama starring Ed Harris and a mainstream comedy featuring Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi and Jim Carrey.
Filed under Video Verdict
Video Verdict: ‘Jack the Giant Slayer,’ ‘Quartet,’ ’21 & Over’
This week’s home video releases include a raucous teen comedy, Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut and a fantasy project based on a classic fairy tale.
Filed under Video Verdict
Video Verdict: ‘Oz the Great and Powerful,’ ‘Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,’ ‘Snitch’
Michelle Williams, far left, plays Glinda and James Franco (by her side) plays the title character in “Oz the Great and Powerful.”
This week’s home video releases range from a high-octane action film starring Dwayne Johnson to a modern-day prequel to the “Wizard of Oz.”
Filed under Video Verdict
Snapshot Review: ‘The Internship’
The Internship
3 stars (out of four)
Rated: PG-13 for sexuality, some crude humor, partying and language
Story: Two middle-aged salesmen (Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson) lose their jobs and try to reinvent themselves with internships at Google.
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne, Aasif Mandvi and Max Minghella
Directed by: Shawn Levy
Bottom line: The film takes product placement to a new level; as it is essentially a recruiting ad for Google. Get past that and it’s also a consistently funny comedy that benefits from the same winning chemistry that Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson displayed in “Wedding Crashers.”
Filed under Snapshot Reviews
Video Verdict: ‘A Good Day to Die Hard,’ ‘Identity Thief,’ ‘Warm Bodies’
Melissa McCarthy (front) and Jason Bateman star in “Identity Thief.”
This week’s home video releases include an R-rated comedy starring Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman, a new entry in the “Die Hard” franchise, and a charming zombie romance.
Filed under Video Verdict
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