Tag Archives: Mississippi Grind

Now Available to Own: Amy, Mississippi Grind, The Walking Dead, and More

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Brace your bank accounts, it’s time to see what’s Now Available to Own for the week of December 1, 2015. Every Tuesday we run down new movie and television releases that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, as well as some slick deals that can help save you some coin. New on shelves this week are The Walking Dead, Amy, Mississippi Grind, Mistress America, and more.

Amy Winehouse Documentary

Source: Huffington Post

Movies on Blu-ray

Amy (Asif Kapadia) Rated R [128 min] – The story of Amy Winehouse in her own words, featuring unseen archival footage and unheard tracks. Starring Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, Mark Ronson, and Russell Brand

To preface my review, I’ve never listened to any of Amy Winehouse’s music, aside from “Rehab,” because I’m not a fan of the style. And the media circus surrounding her life didn’t help encourage me to listen either. BUT with all that said, Amy is a truly raw and heartbreaking look at the late performer’s life. It captures Winehouse in a very intimate spotlight, behind the scenes with interviews and footage of herself and those closest to her. While Amy focuses on Winehouse’s struggles with addiction with a fly on the wall approach and an unbiased attitude, the documentary doesn’t have much to say. The Blu-ray is packed with some solid extra features that bring even more depth, though, and makes it worth while for those who were touched by her music.

Special features include:

  • Previously Unseen Performances by Amy Winehouse
  • Previously Unseen Scenes (Deleted Scenes)
  • Audio Commentary with Director Asif Kapadia
  • Interviews with Friends and musicians

Mississippi Grind (Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck) Rated R [108 min] – Down on his luck and facing financial hardship, Gerry teams up with younger charismatic poker player, Curtis, in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South with visions of winning back what’s been lost. Starring Ben Mendelsohn, Ryan Reynolds, Yvonne Landry, and Anthony Howard

Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn have been killing it this year, and bringing the two together makes for one powerhouse duo. The chemistry between the actors is oozing, which helps fill the semi-lull story with life. Although this is Gerry’s (Mendelsohn) story, it’s Curtis (Reynolds) who really walks away as the more memorable character.

Special features include:

  • Two of a Kind: On the Road with Mississippi Grind” Featurette

Cooties (Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion) Rated R [88 min] – A mysterious virus hits an isolated elementary school, transforming the kids into a feral swarm of mass savages. An unlikely hero must lead a motley band of teachers in the fight of their lives. Starring Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, and Alison Pill

I was hoping that Cooties would have a little more depth than your typical zombie movie. The screenplay comes from Glee and Scream Queens writer Ian Brennan along with Saw scribe Leigh Whannell; both star in the film as well. Although it has its fun moments, Cooties doesn’t really have the pizazz to differentiate itself from any other zom com. Rainn Wilson is a bit too much to handle, while Elijah Wood and Whannell both bring a certain spark to revitalize any hope of what could be a funny zombie movie.

Special features include:

  • “Circle, Circle. Dot, Dot…Catching Cooties” Featurette
  • Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes
  • Gag Reel
  • Alternate Ending with Optional Audio Commentary
  • “Talking Cooties” Featurette
  • The Cootietary – Audio Commentary with the Cast & Crew

Goodnight Mommy (Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz) Rated R [99 min] – Twin boys move to a new home with their mother after she has face changing cosmetic surgery, but under her bandages is someone the children don’t recognize. Starring Susanne Wuest, Lukas Schwarz, Elias Schwarz, and Hans Escher

There was so much buzz earlier in this year about Goodnight Mommy that I was afraid the hype would oversell the film. Luckily, that was not the case when I finally saw it. This movie is brutal, entrancing, and absolutely terrifying. Despite my anticipation, I had really no sense of how the narrative would play out. It’s a wonderful movie to take a chance on without knowing anything about it. Patience is highly rewarded.

Special features include:

  • “A Conversation with Filmmakers Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala”

Mistress America (Noah Baumbach) Rated R [84 min] – A lonely college freshman’s life is turned upside down by her impetuous, adventurous soon-to-be stepsister. Starring Greta Gerwig, Lola Kirke, Seth Barrish, and Juliet Brett

I’ve come to the decision that Mistress America is the Noah Baumbach film that has helped me come to the realization that I don’t like the writer/director’s work. The movie is far more reaching than his previous few  – Greenberg, While We’re Young, and Frances Ha are the ones I’ve seen – and I do not care for any of them. I really like Fantastic Mr. Fox, but that film had the pleasure of Wes Anderson directing and only Baumbach helping out in the screenplay. His characters are very difficult to connect with and sometimes they can be overly pretentious – this is more so the case in Mistress America. If his his style could be personified as a breathing human it would be a snobby hipster wearing flannel while smoking a pipe who hasn’t showered in three weeks.

Special features include:

  • Featurettes
    • Story
    • Brooke
    • Tracy

Zoolander: Special Edition Steel Book (Ben Stiller) Rated PG-13 [89 min] – At the end of his career, a clueless fashion model is brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Christine Taylor

True story: I recently saw Zoolander in its entirety for the first time last Christmas. I never was attracted to the hype when it first released and I’m not a big fan of man-child characters i.e. most Will Ferrell roles. But I decided to finally check Zoolander out because I had free time and was bored. I dislike it. Maybe it will be like Step Brothers and I’ll have to watch it a few more times to appreciate it, but at this point in my life it’s not for me. I do think that this special Blu-ray release has a lot of awesome features for fans of the film, jam-packed with goodies that will be worth the buy, especially since you get a Derek Zoolander bandanna.

Special features include:

  • Audio Commentary by Ben Stiller and writers Drake Sather & John Hamburg
  • A Really, Really, Really Cool Teaser for Zoolander No. 2
  • Breakdance Fight Rehearsal—NEW!
  • Alternate Brainwashing Sequence Storyboards—NEW!
  • Walkoff Rehearsal Footage with Ben Stiller commentary
  • Deleted Scenes with Ben Stiller commentary
  • Extended Scenes with Ben Stiller commentary
  • Outtakes
  • VH1 Fashion Awards Skits
  • Music Video “Start the Commotion” by The Wiseguys
  • Public Service Announcements
  • MTV Cribs
  • Interstitials
  • Photo Galleries

Some Kind Of Beautiful (Tom Vaughan) Rated R [100 min] – A drama about a Cambridge poetry professor who begins to re-evaluate his life of Byronic excess. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba, and Malcolm McDowell

This movie is the worst. It’s on Netflix now, but don’t even bother wasting your time. The cast may be a selling point, but don’t be fooled. All the characters are dislikable and the story is below a trashy soap.

Special features include:

  • “Inside the Heart of a Romantic” Featurette

War Pigs (Ryan Little) Rated R [91 min] – A rag tag unit of misfits known as the War Pigs must go behind enemy lines to exterminate Nazis by any means necessary. Starring Luke Goss, Dolph Lundgren, and Chuck Liddell [Watch the Trailer]

If you could take the second squad rejects from The Expendables and pack them into a direct-to-DVD spin-off, that would be War Pigs. The only difference is that War Pigs isn’t as self-aware that it’s a goofy action flick nor does it have the big, bold over the top action to justify its existence. All of the actors are vapid, portraying stock characters that are more empty than your uncle’s flask on Thanksgiving.

  • No special features included

DVD Only

The Guardsman (Jiao Xiao-Yu) – When the Emperor travels in disguise to understand the problems that his people face, his enemies discover his identity and team up with Japanese pirates to assassinate him. Now, it is up to a group of loyal warriors to protect their Emperor and bring peace to the kingdom. Starring Yan Jie, Zheng Peipei, Wu Ma, and Yuan Biao [Watch the Trailer]

If you’re looking for a kung-fu flick just for the action you’ll find it here in The Guardsman. These wannabe Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon knockoff wuxia films are all one in the same. They all have very similar fight choreography, their imbued with the same messages and themes, and they want you to leave more enlightened when you came in.

  • No special features included

Zero Tolerance (Wych Kaosayananda) Rated R [Time N/A] – Two former para-military operatives, Johnny and his police detective friend Peter, search Bangkok to find the killers of Johnny’s beautiful daughter Angel – Leaving carnage and retribution throughout city. Starring Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins, and Sahajak Boonthanakit [Watch the Trailer]

Here’s a movie that takes itself too seriously in a genre that should be more fun than dower. These underground, neo-noir type movies are also becoming very familiar. There’s nothing nuanced or special about a man on a mission seeking revenge anymore. This movie reeks of straight-to-DVD craftsmanship and the proof is in the quality of the storytelling, acting, and the action.

  • No special features included

Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos (Gabriel Riva Palacio Alatriste and Rodolfo Riva-Palacio Alatriste) Rated PG-13 [98 min] – Toto, a young chick born the run of the litter, rises to the occasion when a rancher threatens his home and his family. Starring Bruno Bichir, Carlos Espejel, and Angélica Vale

If you’re looking for a really messed up children’s movie that promotes violence, sex, and gambling then Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos, or Huevos: Little Rooster’s Egg-cellent Adventure, it’s English language title, is right for you. Aside from the crude animation style, Huevos is a grating, head pounding experience to endure. Kids will even see past it’s stupidity.

Special features include:

  • Behind-the-Scenes Featurette (English-language cast)
  • Behind-the-Scenes Featurette (Spanish-language cast)

Get Santa (Christopher Smith) Rated PG [102 min] – A father and son who team up to save Christmas once they discover Santa Claus sleeping in their garage after crashing his sleigh and finding himself on the run from the police. Starring Jim Broadbent, Rafe Spall, and Kit Connor [Watch the trailer]

I never realized there was a trending theme in Christmas movies until now. Get Santa is the story of a Scrooge-like dad, down on his luck who has to overcome his pessimism and non-beliefs in order to cheer up his son while reviving the world with a sense of holiday spirit i.e. Elf, The Santa Clause, and Jingle All the Way. Get Santa is a lot more heartfelt than most derivative holiday movies in the same vein, but also very cliche and predictable.

Special features include:

  • Behind the Scenes Featurette
Fear the Walking Dead Season 1

Source: MTV

TV Show Releases

Fear the Walking Dead: Season 1 (Dave Erickson and Robert Kirkman) Rated TV-MA [43 min] – What did the world look like as it was transforming into the horrifying apocalypse depicted in “The Walking Dead”? This spin-off set in Los Angeles, following new characters as they face the beginning of the end of the world, will answer that question. Starring Kim Dickens, Cliff Curtis, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Mercedes Mason, Lorenzo James Henrie, and Rubén Blades

The concept behind Fear the Walking Dead is something all fans are intrigued by and the creator’s hearts are all in the right place, but the characters and the story that follows them is utterly unbearable. You watch it because it’s part of The Walking Dead canon, it’s hip and now. However, after it’s all said and done, you feel more empty than the zombies in the series because at least they’re filled with something that nourishes their need to feed.

Special features include:

  • A Look at the Series
  • Character Bios

Additional Releases this Week

  • Fairy Tail: Part 18
  • Halo: The Fall of Reach
  • Mystery Science Theater 3000 Volume XXXIV
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 9: Revenge
  • Zoo: Season 1

Blu-Ray Deals and Steals

  • American Sniper – $9.99
  • Spider-Man Trilogy – $9.49
  • Interstellar – $9.49
  • Trainwreck – $15
  • World War Z – $3.96
  • Pitch Perfect 2 – $11
  • Shaun of the Dead – $5
  • Paper Towns – $14.49
  • Kick-Ass 2 – $5
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: The Complete Series – $31.49
  • Arrow (Season 2) – $14.99
  • Side Effects – $5
  • It Follows – $9.99
  • Spirited Away – $19.49
  • Gone Girl – $10.99
  • Sin City: A Dame to Kill For – $12.49
  • Mad Men (Season 5) – $7.99

All prices from Amazon.com. Best Buy, Frys, and Target all price match online prices.

What will you be taking home this week? Tell us in the comments section below!

new movie tv video game releases on dvd and-blu-ray

All plot synopses come courtesy of IMDb.com

Top 7 San Diego Film Festival Picks [2015 Features]

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With the festival circuit well underway, this week I am headed to the San Diego Film Festival. Spanning only five days, September 30 through October 4, the SDFF may not be one of the larger, more recognized festivals, but in years past it has been host to some solid Oscar contenders. Within the last three years alone the SDFF has shown 12 Years a Slave, August: Osage County, Wild, Whiplash, Silver Linings Playbook, and The Imitation Game.

With so many feature films packed within a short amount of time, I’ve picked out seven of my top picks that I’m looking forward to seeing at this year’s San Diego Film Festival:

Mississippi Grind San Diego Film Festival 2015

Mississippi Grind (Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck) Rated R [108 min] – Down on his luck and facing financial hardship, Gerry teams up with younger charismatic poker player, Curtis, in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South with visions of winning back what’s been lost. Starring Ben Mendelsohn, Ryan Reynolds, Yvonne Landry, and Anthony Howard

There’s been some great buzz for Mississippi Grind since its debut at Sundance earlier this year. Both Ryan Reynolds (2016’s Deadpool; The Voices; Self/Less) and Ben Mendelsohn (Slow West; Netflix’s Bloodline) have been putting out solid work within the past year, and I think it’s the camaraderie between their characters that will really bring enjoyment to moviegoers. Not only does Mississippi Grind involve gambling, but it’s also a road trip movie, which puts a nice spin on both niche genres. [Watch the trailer]

Mississippi Grind will be playing on Friday [10/2] at 3:00 pm at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp.

I Smile Back San Diego Film Festival 2015

I Smile Back (Adam Salky) Rated R [85 min] – Laney Brooks does bad things. Married with kids, she takes the drugs she wants, sleeps with the men she wants, disappears when she wants. Now, with the destruction of her family looming, and temptation everywhere, Laney makes one last desperate attempt at redemption. Starring Sarah Silverman, Josh Charles, and Thomas Sadoski

I like seeing Sarah Silverman tackling roles outside her regular comedic wheelhouse. Her performance in Sarah Polley’s Take This Waltz was jarring for all the right reasons. It’s when actors take these kinds of chances, to push themselves beyond their limits, is when real movie magic happens. The tone of I Smile Back comes across really heavy, but I believe Silverman is up to the task from what I’ve seen in previews. [Watch the Trailer]

I Smile Back will be playing on Friday [10/2] at 5:00 pm at the Arclight UTC theater and Saturday [10/3] at 8:30 pm at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp.

Meadowland San Diego Film Festival 2015

Meadowland (Reed Morano) Rated R [105 min] – In the hazy aftermath of an unimaginable loss, Sarah and Phil come unhinged, recklessly ignoring the repercussions. Phil starts to lose sight of his morals; Sarah takes off on a potentially disastrous journey, falling deeper into her own fever dream. Starring Olivia Wilde, Giovanni Ribisi, Luke Wilson, Ty Simpkins. Juno Temple, Elisabeth Moss, and John Leguizamo

Another weighty drama – I promise not all these picks are dreary and bleak! – it’s again the lead performance that intrigues me more than anything else. Olivia Wilde (Drinking Buddies; Alpha Dog; Her) is a wonderful actress who hasn’t had a chance to shine yet. I think Meadowland will give her the opportunity to, especially with such a terrific supporting cast. [Watch the Trailer]

Meadowland will be playing on Friday [10/2] at 8:00 pm at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp.

Goosebumps San Diego Film Festival 2015

Goosebumps (Rob Letterman) Rated PG [103 min] – A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free on the town of Greendale, Maryland. Starring Jack Black, Odeya Rush, and Halston Sage

It’s not often you see a family-friendly flick at traditional film festivals, which is why I am tickled with the idea that the SDFF chose Goosebumps as one of their features. My expectations are very, very low due to the shoddy special effects seen in the trailers and the goofiness of it all, but sometimes silly movies like these can surprise you. I loved reading R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books growing up and the film reminds me of Jumanji, so I’m letting nostalgia get the best of me here. [Watch the Trailer]

Goosebumps will be playing on Saturday [10/3] at 2:30 pm at the Arclight Theater UTC.

 

Victoria San Diego Film Festival 2015

Victoria (Sebastian Schipper) Unrated [138 min] – While on holiday in Berlin, a young woman finds her flirtation with a local guy turn potentially deadly as their night out with his friends reveals its secret: the four men owe someone a dangerous favor that requires repaying that evening. Starring Laia Costa, Frederick Lau, and Franz Rogowski

Looking to make Birdman seem like child’s play, Victoria is the latest attempt in presenting a story in a single take. Cruising through the awards circuit, this Germanic film is scorching with praise for its innovation and intensity. From the concept to the buzz to the plot, that’s enough to get me on board. And the fact that the run time is longer than Birdman and still manages to captivate audiences is quite impressive. [Watch the Trailer]

Victoria will be playing on Saturday [10/3] at 7:30 pm at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp.

Moments of Clarity San Diego Film Festival 2015

Moments of Clarity (Stev Elam) Unrated [97 min] – A repressed agoraphobic’s daughter meets a hardened pastor’s daughter, and while escaping their homes to attend the annual church youth group jamboree they discover their worlds aren’t what they once thought they were. Starring Lyndsy Fonseca, Kristin Wallace, Eric Roberts, and Marguerite Moreau

If you’re looking for a more adult romp, Moments of Clarity might be right up your alley. With hints of a semi faith-based story, there’s a certain coming-of-age vibe that I’m feeling introduces a unique perspective. I’m a fan of Lyndsy Fonseca’s work in Kick-Ass and Agent Carter, so seeing her in a starring role catches my attention. Moments of Clarity has been making waves on the indie-circuit too, which says to me that there is more to this movie than meets the eye. [Watch the Trailer]

Moments of Clarity will be playing on Saturday [10/3] at 1:00 pm and Sunday [10/4] at 4:00 pm, both screenings at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp.

Surprise Spotlight Movie San Diego Film Festival 2015 copy

Surprise Spotlight Film – Last year, the SDFF surprised festival goers with Whiplash. And if my sleuthing proves correct, this year’s Surprise Spotlight Film will be yet another huge Oscar contender. I won’t spoil the surprise, but this film was the talk of the town at TIFF.

The Surprise Spotlight Film will be playing on Saturday [10/3] at 6:30 pm at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp.

Coming Soon to Blu-Ray and DVD: Dexter, Shameless, Better Call Saul, and More

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While we provide you with a list of available new releases Now Available to Own every Tuesday, Coming Soon to Blu-ray and DVD looks at all of the recent home video announcements. For the week of September 26, 2015 we have Dexter, Shameless, and Better Call Saul. Find out when they’ll be out and what special features movie fans can expect below.

Better Call Saul Season 1 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD November 10

Better Call Saul (Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould) Rated TV-14 [47 min] – The trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer, Saul Goodman, in the time leading up to establishing his strip-mall law office in Albuquerque, New Mexico.Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, Michael McKean, and Michael Mando

Special features include:

  • Postcard Vinyl of Better Call Saul performed by Junior Brown (Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Only)
  • All the special features included on the Blu-ray noted below (Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Only)
  • Uncensored Episodes (Standard Blu-ray Edition Only)
  • Cast & Crew Commentaries on Every Episode (Standard Blu-ray Edition Only)
  • Creating the First Season (Standard Blu-ray Edition Only)
  • Gag Reel (Standard Blu-ray Edition Only)
  • Better Call Saul: Day One (Standard Blu-ray Edition Only)
  • Better Call Saul Music Video (Standard Blu-ray Edition Only)
  • Deleted Scenes with Commentary by Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould and Thomas Schnauz (Blu-ray Exclusive Only)
  • In Conversation: Bob Odenkirk & Michael McKean (Blu-ray Exclusive Only)
  • Good Cop, Bad Cop: Becoming Mike (Blu-ray Exclusive Only)
  • Kettle Kommentary with Craig & Betsy Kettleman (Blu-ray Exclusive Only)
  • Jimmy in the Courtroom with Introduction by “Mijo” Director Michelle MacLaren (Blu-ray Exclusive Only)
  • Jimmy Kaleidoscope with Introduction by Co-Creator and Executive Producer Peter Gould (Blu-ray Exclusive Only)
  • Cast & Crew Table Read on “Uno” (Blu-ray Exclusive Only)
  • In the Studio with Junior Brown (Blu-ray Exclusive Only)

Dexter the Complete Series DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD October 13

Dexter: The Complete Series (James Manos Jr.)  Rated TV-MA [55 min] – A Miami police forensics expert moonlights as a serial killer of criminals whom he believes have escaped justice. Starring Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar, C.S. Lee, and Lauren Luna Vélaz

Special features include:

  • Exclusive Bonus Disc includes over 3 Hours of Special Features. DVD Collection also includes Exclusive Grafix book featuring artwork and photography from 8 seasons of Dexter.

Mississippi Grind Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD December 1

Mississippi Grind (Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck) Rated R [108 min] – Down on his luck and facing financial hardship, Gerry teams up with younger charismatic poker player, Curtis, in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South with visions of winning back what’s been lost. Starring Ben Mendelsohn, Ryan Reynolds, Yvonne Landry, and Anthony Howard

Special features include:

  • Two of a Kind: On the Road with Mississippi Grind” Featurette

Shameless Season 5 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD December 29

Shameless: The Complete Fifth Season (Paul Abbott) An alcoholic man lives in a perpetual stupor while his six children with whom he lives cope as best they can. Starring William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Justin Chatwin, Shanola Hampton, Emma Kenney, Jeremy Allen White, Ethan Cutkosky, Steve Howey, Shanola Hampton, and Cameron Monaghan

Special features include:

  • Two All-New Featurettes:
    • shameless sex love
    • Gentrify This!!!
  • Commentary on Episode 7: “Tell Me You F**king Need Me”
  • Unaired Scenes

Some Kind of Beautiful Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD December 1

Some Kind Of Beautiful (Tom Vaughan) [Limited] Rated R [100 min] – A drama about a Cambridge poetry professor who begins to re-evaluate his life of Byronic excess. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba, and Malcolm McDowell

Special features include:

  • “Inside the Heart of a Romantic” Featurette

Before We Go Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD November 3

Before We Go (Chris Evans) [Limited] Rated PG-13 [89 min] – Two strangers stuck in Manhattan for the night grow into each other’s most trusted confidants when an evening of unexpected adventure forces them to confront their fears and take control of their lives. Starring Chris Evans, Alice Eve, Emma Fitzpatrick, and Scott Evans

No special features announced yet

Adventure Time The Enchiridion DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD October 6

Adventure Time: The Enchiridion Collection (Pendleton Ward) – A human boy named Finn and his best friend Jake, a magical, talking dog, set out on their adventures in the magical Land of Ooo. Starring Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch, and Tom Kenny

No special features. Episodes include:

  • 1. The Enchiridion
  • 2. In Your Footsteps
  • 3. Henchmen
  • 4. Billy’s Bucket List
  • 5. Betty
  • 6. Ocarina
  • 7. Astral Plane
  • 8. Ghost Fly
  • 9. Root Beer Guy
  • 10. The Pajama War
  • 11. What Have you done?
  • 12. James II
  • 13. Web Weirdos
  • 14. The Gut Grinder
  • 15. No One Can Hear You
  • 16. Dungeon Train

The Wolfpack Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD October 20

The Wolfpack (Crystal Moselle) [Limited] Rated R [80 min] – Locked away from society in an apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Angulo brothers learn about the outside world through the films that they watch. Nicknamed, ‘The Wolfpack,’ the brothers spend their childhood reenacting their favorite films using elaborate homemade props and costumes. Their world is shaken up when one of the brothers escapes and everything changes. Starring Bhagavan Angulo, Govinda Angulo, Jagadisa Angulo, and Krsna Angulo

No special features listed

Under the Dome Season 3 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray December 8

Under the Dome: The Complete Third Season – Under the Dome (2013– )TV Series  |  TV-14  |  43 min  |  Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi6.9Your rating:-/10Ratings: 6.9/10 from 77,106 usersReviews: 351 user | 45 criticAn invisible and mysterious force field descends upon a small fictional town of Chester’s Mill, Maine, USA, trapping residents inside, cut off from the rest of civilization. The trapped townsfolk must discover the secrets and purpose of the “dome” and its origins, while coming to learn more than they ever knew about each other.Creator: Brian K. VaughanStars: Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre, Alexander Koch 

Special features include:

  • Extended and Deleted Scenes
  • Return To The Dome: A Look At Season 3
  • Life Under The Dome: Behind-The-Scenes of Season 3
  • The Season Finale
  • The Device
  • Meet Indy The Dog
  • Gag Reel

The Little Death Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD October 13

The Little Death (Josh Lawson) Rated PG-13 [96 min] – The secret lives of five suburban couples living in Sydney reveal both the fetishes and the repercussions that come with sharing them. Starring Bojana Novakovic, Damon Herriman, and Josh Lawson

Special features include:

  • A Little Look at The Story, Casting & Directing: From Script to Screen
  • Inside The Cast & Characters: Relationships & Sex
  • Interview with Writer/Director Josh Lawson

A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence

Available on Digital HD October 6

A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence (Roy Andersson) Rated PG-13 [101 min] – Sam and Jonathan, a pair of hapless novelty salesman, embark on a tour of the human condition in reality and fantasy that unfold in a series of absurdist episodes. Starring Holger Andersson, Nils Westblom, and Viktor Gyllenberg

No special features listed

Baseball Legends DVD Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD October 13

Baseball Legends – Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron and Lou Gehrig turned baseball into the National Pastime that it is today. This inspiring collection brings a fresh historical and psychological perspective to the lives of these American icons. Using rare and enhanced archival material and state-of-the-art production techniques, these films are the perfect holiday gift for baseball and history fans alike. Narrated by Martin Sheen

Special features include:

  • The Making of American Hercules: Babe Ruth, rare player interviews, historic game footage, Ted Williams Hall of Fame induction, extended interviews with various experts and archival footage from the Major League Baseball Film & Video Archive.

Extant Season 2 Blu-Ray Box Cover Art

Available on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD December 15

Extant: The Complete Second Season (Mickey Fisher)  Rated TV-14 [42 min] – An astronaut struggles to learn how she became pregnant while on a 13-month-long solo space mission. Starring Halle Berry, Pierce Gagnon, and Grace Gummer

Special features include:

  • Extant: A Look At Season 2
  • The Carnival Of The Mind
  • Chemistry: Molly & JD
  • The Season Finale
  • Two Humanichs: Ethan & Lucy
  • A Tour Of The Sets
  • Deleted Scenes (Blu-ray Exclusive)

Zero Tolerance DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD and Digital HD December 1

Zero Tolerance (Wych Kaosayananda) Rated R – Two former para-military operatives, Johnny and his police detective friend Peter, search Bangkok to find the killers of Johnny’s beautiful daughter Angel – Leaving carnage and retribution throughout city. Starring Dustin Nguyen, Scott Adkins, and Sahajak Boonthanakit

No special features listed

The Guardsman DVD Box Cover Art

Available on DVD and Digital HD December 1

The Guardsman (Jiao Xiao-Yu) – When the Emperor travels in disguise to understand the problems that his people face, his enemies discover his identity and team up with Japanese pirates to assassinate him. Now, it is up to a group of loyal warriors to protect their Emperor and bring peace to the kingdom. Starring Yan Jie, Zheng Peipei, Wu Ma, and Yuan Biao

No special features listed

And that’s it for this week. What are you looking forward to picking up when they release?

Stay tuned for more Blu-Ray and DVD announcements every Saturday.

All plot synopses courtesy of IMDb.com

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Box Office Battlefield: The Intern, Hotel Transylvania 2, and The Green Inferno

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Every week, movie studios select candidates to enter the glorious battlefield for your hard-earned dollars. The weekend warriors of September 25, 2015 includes The Intern, Hotel Transylvania 2, and The Green Inferno, as well as a handful of limited releases. Box Office Battlefield is here to help you decide which movie(s) will take priority over the others and determine who will be victorious. Should you see ’em, skip ’em, or rent ’em? Find out below!

Last weekend, The Maze Runner sequel scorched the box office with $30.3 million in domestic ticket sales. Johny Depp fared well with Black Mass owning up to $22 million. But with three new wide releases set to divide audiences, will the young adult adaptation have what it takes to fend off its competitors? Ooga-Chaka Ooga-Ooga! This is the Box Office Battlefield:

The Intern 2015 Movie Title Logo

The Intern (Nancy Meyers) Rated PG-13 [121 min] – 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin. Starring Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo, Adam DeVine, and Anders Holm

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 55% • Audience – 79%

My review:

The Intern has all the right intentions. It has a progressive edge in its plot and characters, there’s solid chemistry between De Niro and Hathaway, and it speaks to this generation. Nancy Meyers movies definitely skew toward women, but The Intern has a voice that can be understood and enjoyed by all. Unfortunately, the further down the rabbit hole you go the uglier it becomes, and there’s nothing the actors could have done to salvage its remains.

Mad Max: Fury Road single-handedly demonstrates how you can take an bonkers male property and infuse it with feminist ideals without compromising plot or character for the sake of its agenda. The Intern doesn’t bother with this kind of subtlety. Nancy Meyers shoves her ideas down your throat to ensure you fully grasp what it means to be a woman in a successful company. Representing a woman at the top of her game at the head of a large company is a grand idea that’s rarely seen – The Devil Wears Prada (2006) comes to mind – but Meyers doesn’t allow The Intern to tell this story organically enough to feel completely honest with itself. Her direction and awkward comedic shifts derail the more heartfelt moments that are sprinkled within. Which is a shame because there is a lot to like about The Intern. RENT IT!

The Green Inferno Movie Title Logo

The Green Inferno (Eli Roth) Rated R [100 min] – A group of student activists travels to the Amazon to save the rain forest and soon discover that they are not alone, and that no good deed goes unpunished. Starring Lorenza Izzo, Ariel Levy, Aaron Burns, and Kirby Bliss Blanton

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 38% • Audience – 46%

Their reviews:

“A fun and interesting twist on the travelogue sub-genre of horror … far better than many horror movies with twice the budget.” – Edward Douglas (ShockTillYouDrop)

“Eli Roth’s faux-smart, long-shelved, and exploitative-as-hell cannibal tale “The Green Inferno” is a remarkably perfect example of horror’s unexamined white privilege.” – Inkoo Kang (The Wrap)

My take:

Unfortunately there were no opportunities for me to see The Green Inferno on Thursday night due to conflicting screen times, so I decided to see Sicario instead. I’m sure I made a far better decision, but I really do eventually want to see The Green Inferno. Eli Roth may not be the greatest actor or have a keen sense of good movies to produce, but he has a decent eye for directing horror. I’ve enjoyed both Hostel films and Cabin Fever, so The Green Inferno tickles my fancy. Other critics who have seen the movie are wildly mixed, leaning more toward the negative end, but I will chalk it up to most critics not liking horror movies in general. I don’t think The Green Inferno warrants a trip to the theater, unless you want to hear other people’s gut reactions to the disgusting visuals. RENT IT!

Hotel Transylvania 2 Movie Title Logo

Hotel Transylvania 2 (Genndy Tartakovsky) Rated PG [89 min] – Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half human, half vampire grandson in order to keep Mavis from leaving the hotel.Director: Stars: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, and Kevin James

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 45% • Audience – 86%

Their reviews:

“Hotel Transylvania 2 offers cute but brainless escapism for young moviegoers – as well as parents looking to distract their children for a few hours.” – Ben Kendrick (ScreenRant)

“The whole thing is amiable and colorful and surprisingly low on body-function gags. It may not kill you to take your kids.” – Glenn Kenny (New York Times)

My take:

Hotel Transylvania 2 wasn’t an option for Thursday night because it wasn’t being screened. Plus I’ve never seen the original, but I can easily guess what happens based on the trailer. This sequel looks like it’s much of the same shtick. Although critics are saying it’s good for the kids, I’m not sure it would be worth the time or money to see it in theaters. Who would want to subject their children to mindless entertainment? WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

Mississippi Grind 2015 Movie Title Logo

Mississippi Grind (Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck) [Limited] Rated R [108 min] – Down on his luck and facing financial hardship, Gerry teams up with younger charismatic poker player, Curtis, in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South with visions of winning back what’s been lost. Starring Ben Mendelsohn, Ryan Reynolds, Yvonne Landry, and Anthony Howard

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 90% • Audience – 60%

Their reviews:

“Mendelsohn plays Gerry as a stringy, sweaty hunk of pure desperation, while Reynolds, as the ostensibly more stable partner, demonstrates yet again that he’s much more than a ridiculously pretty face.” – Mike D’Angelo (AV Club)

“Mississippi Grind captures the ecstasy of a good role of the dice and the desperation of a bad turn of the cards — and provides a sense of why some keep going even when it becomes clear they’ve lost their shot at a happy ending.” – Keith Phipps (Uproxx)

My take:

There was a lot of buzz for Mississippi Grind coming out of Sundance earlier this year. Ben Mendelsohn (Slow West) and Ryan Reynolds are on the up and up with these little indie features they’ve been appearing in this year. The trailer sets up an intriguing premise, one that gains my attention but doesn’t giveaway all its cards. Based on its praise, I’d be hard pressed not to wonder what’s so special about it. MATINEE IT!

Ashby 2015 Movie Title Logo

Ashby (Tony McNamara) [Limited] Rated R [100 min] – High-school student Ed Wallis enters into a friendship with his neighbor, Ashby, a retired CIA assassin who only has a few months left to live. Starring Mickey Rourke, Nat Wolff, Emma Roberts, Sarah Silverman

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 46% • Audience – 56%

Their reviews:

“Folks buying a ticket to Ashby hoping to see a film about the late-great director of Being There and Harold and Maude are about to be sorely disappointed. So is everyone else.” – Chris Nashawaty (Entertainment Weekly)

“The film displays little ability to utilize Ashby’s violent actions for means other than high-concept fodder and out-of-place bloodshed.” – Clayton Dillard (Slant Magazine)

My take:

Last year we had an old man bestowing wisdom to a young lad in St. Vincent with Bill Murray. This year it’s Mickey Rourke’s turn to bring Nat Wolff into adulthood. I’m not sure when there’s going to be a specific genre category named for these old mentor/socially awkward youngster films (Bad Santa; Bad Teacher; Bad Words), but there’s a clear formula they all follow. The performances all look dialed-in and the trailer shows me nothing that hasn’t already been done before. I don’t see much of a reason to waste any money on it. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

99 Homes 2015 Movie Title Logo

99 Homes (Ramin Bahrani) [Limited] Rated R [112 min] – A father struggles to get back the home that his family was evicted from by working for the greedy real estate broker who’s the source of his frustration. Starring Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, Laura Dern, and Clancy Brown

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 90% • Audience – 84%

Their reviews:

“Bahrani’s dismantling of the American dream — a dream deferred — has finally reached its finest conclusion with the director’s finely wrought (and seriously fraught) 99 Homes.” – Kate Erbland (Film School Rejects)

“99 Homes is by no means a perfect film, but it can achieve something more precious, and rarer than glossy perfection: it can take you by the shoulders and shake the apathy and complacency away.” – Jessica Kiang (The Playlist)

My take:

Andrew Garfield has to fill his time with something more fruitful now that he’s off Spider-Man, so why not a little indie crime drama? The plot behind 99 Homes comes across very intimate and fresh. And based on the reviews and the scope of the film it feels like one of those indie movies that many will praise but unfortunately few will see. It’s not grand enough to gain awards season attention, but it definitely has enough clout to be worth your time. MATINEE IT!

The Keeping Room 2015 Movie Title Logo

The Keeping Room (Daniel Barber) [Limited] Rated R [95 min] – Left without men in the dying days of the American Civil War, three Southern women – two sisters and one African-American slave – must fight to defend their home and themselves from two rogue soldiers who have broken off from the fast-approaching Union Army. Starring Brit Marling, Hailee Steinfeld, Sam Worthington, and Muna Otaru

Rotten Tomatoes Score: Critics – 65% • Audience – 56%

Their reviews:

“An intriguing premise never finds a dramatic pulse in “The Keeping Room,” a self-consciously artsy depiction of female grit during the final days of the Civil War.” – Sheri Linden (Los Angeles Times)

“Riveting from start to finish and profoundly crowd-pleasing in its later stretches, The Keeping Room is a spare but unsparing film that empowers its women by allowing them to find a power of their own.” – David Ehrlich (Little White Lies)

My take:

I don’t know what it is that turns me off about it, maybe it’s the loony Sam Worthington or the ugly period piece setting, but The Keeping Room looks like a colossal waste of time. WAIT FOR IT ON NETFLIX!

As De Niro has grown older his films have lost touch with the younger male demographic. He’s still a good show, but the stories he inhibits these days shy away from his more known roles. Nancy Meyers and Anne Hathaway are a good draw for moviegoers, but The Intern isn’t strong enough to create positive buzz traffic. The Green Inferno is alienating itself by its premise alone. Folks love horror movies, but not something this far away from mainstream horror. Adam Sandler may be toxic but the last Hotel Transylvania did OK in theaters and there hasn’t been a good kids movie since Inside Out released in June. And I’m sure parents have been waiting for the prime opportunity to get their kids out of the house and into theaters to annoy people. But if I were you I would go see Sicario. So as it stands, I believe the victor for this weekend will be:

Winner: Hotel Transylvania 2

What will you be watching this weekend? What did you think of the current releases? Tell us in the comment section below.

Movie synopses courtesy of IMDb.com and Tomatometer Scores from Rotten Tomatoes