Tag Archives: Tom Cruise

Video Verdict: Reviews of ‘Edge of Tomorrow,’ ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ and ‘Million Dollar Arm’

Tom Cruise, left, and Emily Blunt fight to save Earth in the science-fiction thriller “Edge of Tomorrow.”  Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers

Tom Cruise, left, and Emily Blunt fight to save Earth in the science-fiction thriller “Edge of Tomorrow.”

Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers

This week’s major home video releases include an old-West comedy by Seth MacFarlane, an inspirational sports movie from Disney, and an action-packed science-fiction picture with Tom Cruise.

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Video Verdict: ‘Oblivion,’ ‘Mud,’ ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’

Tom Cruise stars as Jack Harper in the science-fiction adventure “Oblivion.”

Tom Cruise stars as Jack Harper in the science-fiction adventure “Oblivion.”

It’s an excellent week for home video, with three outstanding movies, including a big-budget science-fiction epic, making their way to the small screen.

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Video Verdict: ‘Jack Reacher,’ ‘Mama,’ ‘Safe Haven’

Tom Cruise plays the title character in the thriller “Jack Reacher.” The film is based on the Lee Child novel “One Shot.”

Tom Cruise plays the title character in the thriller “Jack Reacher.” The film is based on the Lee Child novel “One Shot.”

This week’s home video releases cover a lot of territory ranging from action to romance. They also sport several big name stars, the most noteworthy being Jessica Chastain and Tom Cruise.

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Video Verdict: ‘Argo,’ ‘Sinister,’ ‘Fun Size,’ ‘Top Gun 3D’

Ben Affleck, who directed “Argo,” also stars in the film as real-life CIA specialist Tony Mendez.

Ben Affleck, who directed “Argo,” also stars in the film as real-life CIA specialist Tony Mendez.

This week’s home video releases include a 3D update of a classic adventure film and a drama that’s at the heart of this year’s Oscar race.

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Video Verdict: ‘Prometheus,’ ‘Rock of Ages’

Tom Cruise plays singer Stacee Jaxx in “Rock of Ages.”

A film celebrating the music of the 1980s and director Ridley Scott’s return to science-fiction lead this week’s home video releases.

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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: ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” “Shame”

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) pushes himself to the limit in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.”

A fast-paced action film starring Tom Cruise anchors this week’s home video releases.

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Video Vedict: ‘Sorcerer’s Apprentice,’ ‘Knight & Day,’ ‘Going the Distance,’ ‘Vampires Suck’

Nicolas Cage, left, teaches Jay Baruchel a few things about magic in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”

This week’s home video releases include an action-romance starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, a romantic comedy with Drew Barrymoore and Justin Long and a fantasy adventure inspired by a Mickey Mouse cartoon.

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Video Verdict: New DVDs for May 19

Tom Cruise plays Col. Claus von Stauffenberg in the World War II drama "Valkyrie."

Tom Cruise plays Col. Claus von Stauffenberg in the World War II drama "Valkyrie."

This week’s DVD releases include a World War II thriller starring Tom Cruise, a goofy comedy featuring Kevin James and the first season of an excellent television drama led by Anna Paquin.

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