Tag Archives: Helen Mirren

Video Verdict: Reviews of ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’

Caesar (played in a performance-capture suit by Andy Serkis) is the leader of the ape nation in “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”  Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Caesar (played in a performance-capture suit by Andy Serkis) is the leader of the ape nation in “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox 

This week’s major home video releases include a sweet drama about the restaurant business and a big-budget, science-fiction sequel.

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Video Verdict: ‘Red 2,’ ‘Jobs,’ ‘Getaway’

From left to right, Mary-Louise Parker, Bruce Willis and John Malkovich star in the action-comedy “RED 2.”

From left to right, Mary-Louise Parker, Bruce Willis and John Malkovich star in the action-comedy “RED 2.”

This week’s home video releases are anchored by a biopic about one of the most innovative businessmen of our time and a sequel to the action film “RED.”

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Video Verdict: ‘Life of Pi,’ ‘Rise of the Guardians,’ ‘Hitchcock’

Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) and a fierce Bengal tiger named Richard Parker are forced to share a lifeboat in director Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi.”

Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) and a fierce Bengal tiger named Richard Parker are forced to share a lifeboat in director Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi.”

This is an excellent week for home video, as the new releases include a top-notch animated movie, a solid biopic about director Alfred Hitchcock and a drama that won four Academy Awards.

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Video Verdict: ‘The Help,’ ‘The Debt,’ ‘The Hangover Part II,’ ‘Cowboys & Aliens’

From left to right, Skeeter Phelan (Emma Stone), Minnie Jackson (Octavia Spencer) and Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) share a moment in “The Help.”

This week’s major home video releases include an oddball science-fiction adventure, a sequel to one of the biggest comedy hits of all time and a drama that may wind up in the Oscar race.

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Video Verdict: ‘The Lincoln Lawyer,’ ‘Rango,’ ‘Insidious,’ ‘Arthur’

Matthew McConaughey, left, plays attorney Mick Haller and Ryan Phillippe plays one of his troublesome clients in “The Lincoln Lawyer.”

It’s an outstanding week on home video, as a number of memorable theatrical releases are transitioning to the small screen. These include an animated movie with the voice talents of Johnny Depp and Isla Fisher, a broad comedy featuring Russell Brand and a thriller starring Matthew McConaughey.

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Video Verdict: ‘Secretariat,’ ‘RED,’ ‘Nowhere Boy,’ ‘The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest’

Diane Lane and John Malkovich cheer on their horse in “Secretariat.”

This week’s home video releases include a couple enjoyable indie films and two mainstream efforts featuring the great John Malkovich.

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Video Verdict: ‘Grown Ups,’ ‘Scott Pilgrim,’ ‘Ramona and Beezus,’ ‘Charlie St. Cloud,’ ‘Love Ranch’

David Spade, rear, and Adam Sandler have some childish fun in “Grown Ups.”

Movie studios are rolling a bunch of theatrical releases onto home video this week. Among other things, we’re getting an adaptation of a classic children’s book, a supernatural romance starring Zac Efron, a dark drama with Helen Mirren and a broad comedy featuring a host of today’s hottest comedians.

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Video Verdict: ‘State of Play,’ ‘Disneynature: Earth,’ ‘Sugar’

A humpback whale breaches the surface of the ocean in a scene from Disneynature's "Earth."

A humpback whale breaches the surface of the ocean in a scene from Disneynature's "Earth."

This week’s DVD releases include a sharp thriller starring Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck, a beautifully photographed nature film and a foreign drama that casts a new light on America’s pastime.

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