Tag Archives: film reviews

Video Verdict: ‘Blow Out’

John Travolta plays Jack Terry in writer-director Brian De Palma’s 1981 thriller “Blow Out.”

It’s a relatively slow week for video, with no major theatrical releases moving to the home format. That makes it the perfect time to delve into an oldie, like the Criterion Collection’s freshly restored release of Brian De Palma’s “Blow Out.”

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,’ ‘Country Strong’

Daniel Radcliffe, left, plays Harry Potter and Emma Watson plays Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.”

This week’s home video releases are anchored by a country music drama starring Gwyneth Paltrow and the latest entry in the Harry Potter franchise.

Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘Tron: Legacy,’ ‘Voyage of the Dawn Treader,’ ‘Life Unexpected,’ ‘I Love You Phillip Morris’

Olivia Wilde, left, talks to Garrett Hedlund in a scene from the sci-fi adventure “Tron: Legacy.”

This week’s major home video releases are anchored by two high-profile fantasy movies. One is the latest installment of the “Narnia” franchise. The other is a long-awaited Disney sequel.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘Black Swan,’ ‘Tangled,’ ‘Fair Game,’ ‘Made in Dagenham’

Natalie Portman embraces her dark side in the mind-bending thriller “Black Swan.” Portman was awarded a best actress Academy Award for her work in the film.

This week brings an excellent crop of home video releases, including an outstanding animated film from Disney and an eerie drama that helped Natalie Portman win a best actress Academy Award.

Continue reading

5 Comments

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘The Fighter,’ ‘Hereafter,’ ‘The Switch’

Christian Bale, left, and Mark Wahlberg star in “The Fighter.” Bale won a best supporting actor Academy Award for his work on the film.

This week’s major home video releases include an ill-advised Jennifer Aniston comedy, a drama by director Clint Eastwood and a film that was nominated for multiple Academy Awards.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘The Next Three Days,’ ‘Jackass 3,’ ‘Morning Glory,’ ‘The Walking Dead’ season one

Elizabeth Banks, left, plays Lara Brennan, and Russell Crowe plays her husband, John, in “The Next Three Days.”

This week’s major home video releases range from the first season of an outstanding horror television series to a new thriller by the writer-director of “Crash.”

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘127 Hours,’ ‘Love & Other Drugs,’ ‘Burlesque,’ ‘Faster’



James Franco finds himself in a tight spot in “127 Hours,” a drama based on the real-life experiences of adventurer Aron Ralston.

This week’s major home video releases span several genres and include everything from a campy musical starring Cher and Christina Aguilera to an Oscar-nominated drama starring James Franco.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘Megamind,’ ‘Due Date,’ ‘Get Low’

The title character in Megamind sets a plan in motion. The animated film features the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill and David Cross.

This week’s major home video releases range from a quirky drama starring Robert Duvall and Bill Murray to an animated film featuring the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey and Jonah Hill.

Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘Unstoppable,’ ‘Waiting for Superman,’ ‘You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger’

Chris Pine, left, and Denzel Washington are charged with corralling an out-of-control train in the thriller “Unstoppable.”

This week’s major home video releases include a star-studded drama from writer-director Woody Allen, one of the most-talked-about documentaries in recent years and a fast-moving thriller starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine.

Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Video Verdict

Video Verdict: ‘Paranormal Activity 2,’ ‘Life As We Know It,’ ‘You Again,’ ‘My Soul to Take,’ ‘It’s Kind of a Funny Story’

Josh Duhamel, left, and Katherine Heigl get a quick lesson in parenting in the romantic comedy “Life As We Know It.”

It’s a busy week on home video, with major releases ranging from an offbeat indie comedy to a couple of mainstream horror films.

Continue reading

3 Comments

Filed under Video Verdict