Public Enemies - What Did You Think?
This Week in DVD: RocknRolla, Pride and Glory, The Rocker, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and More
Posted on Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 by Adam Quigley
This Week in DVD is a column that compiles all the latest info regarding new DVD releases, sales, and exclusive deals from stores including Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Fry’s.
Please don’t take the commentary on the movies and TV shows too seriously, as they’re meant not to be reviews but rather previews that include the general thoughts and ramblings of a twice-committed DVD addict. The categories represent solely the author’s intentions towards the DVDs at hand, and are in no way meant to be a reflection on what he thinks other people should rent or buy. So if he ends up putting a movie you like in the “Skip it” section without having seen it, please keep in mind that the time you could spend leaving a spiteful but ultimately futile comment could instead be used for more pleasant things in life. Like buying DVDs.
VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
It’s hard to know what to make of Woody Allen’s career. With a writing/directing filmography consisting of over 40 movies, he’s ranged from undeniably brilliant to frustratingly repetitive to just plain bad. While some filmmakers take ten years to make their next movie, Allen is dropping out a new project every year. Love him or hate him, that’s damn impressive. And while his latest offerings may have provided more than a few clunkers, his recent attempt to move away from his dearly-loved New York scene with Match Point was definitely a step in the right direction. Vicky Cristina Barcelona shows that Allen is continuing this trend, and the reviews have clearly shown the benefits of doing so.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: None.
| BEST PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry’s |
| $16.99 | $19.99 | $16.99 |
| Amazon – $17.99 | ||
ROCKNROLLA
(Available as single-disc and 2-Disc Special Edition)
Continuing off what I was saying about directors taking a step in the right direction, Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla marks another example, but one with admittedly more mixed results. To say it’s an improvement on Swept Away and Revolver is stating the obvious. The real question is, just how much of an improvement is it? Does it come close to reaching the heights of Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels? Hell no. But it’s an entertaining ride nonetheless. The biggest problem is the story, which is extremely convoluted without ever justifying having such a needlessly complex narrative, or for that matter, even bothering to engage the audiences enough to care about it. What keeps it afloat is the characters and the actors playing them, all of whom are clearly having fun exchanging witty quips and playing around in Ritchie’s slickly rendered world.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: The two-disc includes a commentary by Guy Richie and Mark Strong, a deleted scene, a Guy’s Town featurette, and a digital copy of the film.
| BEST PRICE* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry’s |
| N/A | $19.99 | $16.99 |
| Amazon – $19.49 | ||
*Does not include 2-Disc Edition, which costs $22.99 at Best Buy and Fry’s, and $24.99 at Target and Amazon.
LAKEVIEW TERRACE
Lakeview Terrace is not an amazing movie by any means, but it blows my mind how people can so easily dismiss it while simultaneously praising Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino to no end. Don’t let the trailers fool you; this film isn’t some laughably absurd thriller about neighbors trying to kill each other over untrimmed hedges. It’s actually a fairly insightful and engaging dissection of race relations and how two men’s unflinching refusal to accept the things they cannot change lead them down an escalating path of destruction (one obviously more deserving of it than the other). The ending spirals out of control somewhat, but aside from that, it’s a film well worth seeing.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: A commentary with Director Neil LaBute and Kerry Washington, deleted scenes with optional commentary, and 3 featurettes (An Open House, Meet Your Neighbors, Home Sweet Home).
| BEST PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry’s |
| $17.99 | $16.99 | |
| Amazon – $19.99 | ||
THE ROCKER
I’m not gonna lie; this is a bad movie. The storytelling is by-the-numbers, the characters are poorly developed, and the direction is bland. The one thing that saves it, though, is Rainn Wilson. His energy and enthusiasm for the role single-handedly keeps the movie engaging, and even helps you to overlook every time a poorly written joke falls flat.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: A commentary with director Peter Cattaneo and actor Rainn Wilson, a second commentary with actors Josh Gad, Teddy Geiger, Emma Stone and Jason Sudeikis, 10 deleted scenes, a gag reel, 6 featurettes (Rainn Wilson: Office Rocker, Pete Best Interview, Behind The Band: Vesuvius, Rock Beat With Fish Fishman, The Music of The Rocker, Rock Tales), an MTV Film Festival Panel, an “I’m Not Bitter” music video, 4 exclusive podcasts, Fox Movie Channel Presents…In Character With The Rocker, Vesuvius Public Service Announcements, and a digital copy of the film.
| BEST PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry’s |
| $19.99 | N/A | |
| Amazon – $21.99 | ||
PRIDE AND GLORY
(Available as single-disc and 2-Disc Special Edition)
Holy hell does this movie look dull. I don’t think I’ve ever found myself this disinterested in a project that had so much talent on display, except for maybe We Own the Night, which was a similarly formulaic-looking police procedural. I can’t even tell the difference between these films anymore. They all look like nothing more than weak attempts to recreate the success of The Departed.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: The two-disc includes a Source of Glory: The Making of Pride and Glory making of documentary and a digital copy of the film.
| BEST PRICE* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry’s |
| $17.99 | $16.99 | |
| Amazon – $16.99 | ||
*Does not include 2-Disc Edition, which costs $ at each of the listed stores (and $23.99 at Amazon).
FIREPROOF
A movie that clearly cares more about upholding wholesome Christian values than providing an original narrative or strong production values, Fireproof managed to make over 60 times its budget with its limited theatrical release (it grossed $33 million, and only cost half a million). This is great for those who like watching films that reaffirm their faith, but for those looking for some genuine entertainment (other than the unintentionally comedic kind), look elsewhere.
Blu-ray? No.
Notable Extras: A commentary with co-writer/director Alex Kendrick and co-writer/producer Stephen Kendrick, deleted scenes, featurettes, bloopers, resource film clips, Fireproof Resources, and Fireproof in 60 with Director’s Introduction.
| BEST PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry’s |
| $16.99 | ||
| Amazon – $16.99 | ||
COLLEGE
For a movie with the title College, this movie sure does an impressive job presenting a reality so far removed from actual college life that it’s almost funny. (Almost being the keyword here.)
Blu-ray? No.
Notable Extras: A gag reel.
| BEST PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry’s |
| $19.99 | ||
| Amazon – $19.99 | ||
Other noteworthy DVDs available this week…
Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired – The Lucky Ones – Open Season 2 – Hulk Vs. (Two-Disc Special Edition) – Mary Poppins (45th Anniversary Special Edition) – Cheers (The Final Season) – Blossom (Seasons 1 & 2)
NOTE: Some deals may be in-store only.
Exclusive: Bonus Disc with Open Season 2 ($16.99).
Exclusive: Free backpack with purchase of Open Season 2 ($19.99).
Exclusive: Free trading cards with purchase of Hulk Vs. (2-Disc Special Edition) ($17.99).
/Filmcast Ep. 34 - Gran Torino (GUEST: Elisabeth Rappe from Cinematical)
Posted on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 by David Chen
In this episode of the /Filmcast, Dave, Devindra, and Adam witness the self-destruction of Joaquin Phoenix, say goodbye to Laserdiscs, and discuss the status of Wolverine: X-Men Origins. Special geek/guest Elisabeth Rappe joins us from Cinematical and MTV Movies Blog.
As always feel free to send us your e-mails at slashfilmcast@gmail.com, or call and leave a voicemail at 781-583-1993. Join us next Monday night at 9 PM EST / 6 PM PST as we review Alan Ball’s Towelhead (just released on DVD) with Groundhog Day actor Stephen Tobolowsky!
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Toronto Video Blog: Ghost Town and Rocknrolla
Posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 by Peter Sciretta
It’s day seven of my 28 day movie adventure. The Toronto International Film Festival has begun. And anyone who doesn’t think Canada can be hot obviously hasn’t visited Toronto in September. I arrived at 2:00am due to an unforeseen delay in my flight, and was unable to catch the morning press screening of Guy Ritchie’s latest Rocknrolla. Luckily I was able to catch up with Liam Cullin of EmpireMovies.com after the screening of Ghost Town. We talk about the Ricky Gervais comedy and Liam gives his thoughts on Guy Ritchie’s latest (you can read his written review here). Hopefully this will be the first of many video blogs where we take a few minutes out with other critics at the festival and discuss what we’ve just seen.
The opening credit sequence for Guy Ritchie’s RockNRolla is now online. Check out the sequence for RockNRolla by clicking on the image above. You probably have never heard of Danny Yount, but you’ve definitely seen some of the animated title sequences he has created: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man, The Invasion, The Reaping, Six Feet Under, The Grid, The 6th Day, and House of Wax. You can check out some of these sequences below.
via: AintitCool
Warner Bros has unveiled their Comic-Con 2008 line-up:
Thursday, July 24th:
Dark Castle Presentation: Rocknrolla, Ninja Assassin, The Hills Run Red, Ferryman (comic book)
6:00pm – 7:00pm in Hall H
Expected Talent: Joel Silver (producer) and Susan Downey (producer)
- Rocknrolla: Guy Ritchie (director & writer), Chris Bridges, Jeremy Piven (tbd) additional cast tba,
- Ninja Assassin: James McTeigue (director), Ji Hoon Jung (“Rain”) and Naomie Harris
- The Hills Run Red: Sophie Monk and Tad Hildenbrink
- Ferryman: Marc Andreyko (“Ferryman” writer) and Jonathan Wayshak (“Ferryman” artist)
Friday, July 25th:
Watchmen
11:55am – 1:00pm in HALL H
Expected Talent: Zack Snyder (director) and Cast (tba)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
4:00pm – 5:00pm in Hall H
Expected Talent: Dave Filoni (director) and Catherine Winder (producer)
Saturday, July 26th:
Terminator Salvation
1:15pm – 2:15pm in Hall H
Expected Talent: McG (director) and Cast (tba)
Sunday, July 27th:
Friday the 13th Remake
1:00pm – 1:30pm in Room 20
Expected Talent: Jared Padalecki, Derek Meaks, Brad Fuller, Andrew Form (producers)
In this episode of the /Filmcast, Dave, Adam, and Devindra geek out about some brand new trailers, speculate on the future of The Office, and try to find some meaningful criticisms of Wall-E. Special Guests Kevin Buist from Filmcouch and Eric Vespe (AKA “Quint”) from Aint it Cool News join us today. Have any questions/comments/suggestions? Want to advertise with us or sponsor us? Feel free to e-mail us at slashfilmcast@gmail.com.
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Guy Ritchie’s RockNRolla Movie Trailer - Return to Form?
Posted on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 by Peter Sciretta
Empire has the movie trailer for Guy Ritchie’s new film RockNRolla. When a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, millions of dollars are up for grabs, and all of London’s criminal underworld wants in on the action. Everyone from a dangerous crime lord to a sexy accountant, a corrupt politician and down-on-their-luck petty thieves conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick. I’m not quite sure what to think about this new trailer. On one hand it looks like a return to form for Ritchie. On the other it almost feels like Ritchie is doing an impression of his old self. Don’t get me wrong, it instantly looks 100 times more cool at Ritchie’s 2002 bomb Swept Away. Watch the trailer below and as always, tell me what you think in the comments!
Starring Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jeremy Piven, Idris Elba, Tom Wilkinson, RockNRolla is set to hit theaters on October 31st 2008.
New Posters: RockNRolla, Dragonball, The Day the Earth Stood Still
Posted on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 by Peter Sciretta
Film1.nl has the first poster for the remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still starring Keanu Reeves. Even though we’ve heard virtually nothing about this project since the first casting announcements, Fox is still planning on releasing the film on December 12th 2008.
/Film reader Christopher M sent over this poster for Guy Ritchie’s RockNRolla.
/Film photo scooper Christopher M sent over some new photos from Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla.
When a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, millions of dollars are up for grabs, and all of London’s criminal underworld wants in on the action. Everyone from a dangerous crime lord to a sexy accountant, a corrupt politician and down-on-their-luck petty thieves conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick.
RocknRolla is scheduled to hit theaters on October 31st 2008.
Guy Ritchie Attached to Direct Sgt. Rock for Joel Silver
Posted on Monday, May 12th, 2008 by Hunter Stephenson
Fresh off working with Guy Ritchie on Rocknrolla (due this October), mega-producer Joel Silver says he’s tapped the British director/major Madonna fan to see through his long gestating comic book adaptation of Sgt. Rock. AICN got the succinct scoop…
Moriarty: But you do that with properties. You stick by them, like SGT. ROCK. You have developed that for a long time now…
Joel: I’m going to make that. I’m going to make that very soon. With Guy Ritchie, I think.
Moreover, Sgt. Rock screenwriter John Cox, who also adapted Virgin Comics’ wartime-set Virulents due in 2009, has posted Silver’s statement on his MySpace. Years ago, Sgt. Rock was planned as a big budget Schwarzenegger vehicle, and last year Cox briefly threw around Kiefer Sutherland’s name for the title role, but no actor has been set. What’s cool about the film is that it will apparently keep the comics’ gruff World War II setting instead of going the Iraq-update route, and rather than an origins story, Cox has said it will focus on Rock after he’s seen considerable combat/bloodshed.
Not sure what I think of Ritchie’s involvement. He’s never tackled a project this large and multi-faceted, but his early films have cockney flare for days. What do you think?
The Weinstein Co has announced that Kevin Smith’s Zack and Miri Make a Porno will hit theaters on October 31st 2008. The film will go head to head with Guy Ritchie’s new gangster film RocknRolla starring Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Tom Wilkinson and Jeremy Piven.
Zack and Miri stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks as two platonic friends who decide to make a porno movie to solve their financial problems, and in the process, they discover they have feelings for each other.
First Look: Guy Ritchie’s RockNRolla; Plus Test Screening Review
Posted on Tuesday, December 11th, 2007 by Peter Sciretta
Warner Bros has released the first two production photos from Guy Ritchie’s RockNRolla, a crime thriller starring Gerard Butler. Click on the images to enlarge. Everyone is hoping that this film might be a return to form for Ritchie, who has had a string of critical bombs and box office failures. We have a reader submitted test screening review below.
The film follows a Russian mobster who orchestrates a crooked land deal, putting millions of dollars up for grabs and attracting all of the criminal underworld. Everyone from a dangerous crime lord to a sexy accountant, a corrupt politician and down-on-their-luck petty thieves conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick. The film also stars Thandie Newton, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jeremy Piven, Idris Elba, and Tom Wilkinson.
The following test screening review is from Eternal, who saw the film last month:
I just LOVED this movie!!!! I wish I could tell you all EVERYTHING about RocknRolla, but unfortunately, if I do, I will give too much of the movie away and ruin the fun for everyone!
This IS a real gangster movie, even though its funny. Its hard to explain. If you’ve seen one of Guy Ritchie’s other films, like Lock Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels, you’ll know that Ritchie can do both funny and serious at the same time.
Let me just say this is the comedic performance we have been waiting for from Gerard. This movie is a hilarious crime/heist film and Gerard is just hilarious as the ne’er-do-well small time criminal, OneTwo. (They never explained where that name came from, but anywhoo….) Basically, OneTwo hangs out with his buddies and fellow crooks (called with seeming heavy sarcasm, “The Wild Bunch”)waiting for the next job and not doing much else.
Gerard gets to be charming, funny, somewhat goofy and at the same time totally cool. And I like that this is the only movie in a long time where Gerard actually looks like himself, I mean the way he does wandering around in real life. No dyed hair, put on abs, strange beards or makeup: just pure and natural (and all the hotter because of it) Gerard! We’ve been in such a Gerard drought, I’d almost forgotten why I love this many so much and find his so appealing and attractive as an actor, but this movie brought it all back for me!
I can’t talk about too many scenes without giving too much away, but I will say my favorite Gerard scene was where he in the car with “Handsome Bob” and loses his temper. Another was a hilarious dance scene with Gerard and Thandie Newton (where Gerard does a pretty good “white guy trying to be cool” dance.) He and Thandie also have one of the funniest (and shortest) “sex” scenes in film history. There is also one of the funniest and most over the top (in a good way) fight/chase scenes I think I’ve ever seen in a film with some great (future classic) Gerard moments. The most of a spoiler that I will give is that OneTwo’s band of ne’er-do-wells success as criminals is more do to dumb luck than any actual skill or aptitude.
I also have to mention this movie is full of really brilliant performances, especially by Tom Wilkinson (as usual), Mark Strong, Tom Hardy and Toby Kebbell. Toby Kebbell is a new “face” for me, but after this film, he is someone whose future work I’m looking forward to seeing.
Oh yeah, and the title is explained, but I can’t tell you that either, because that would be a spoiler too.
RockNRolla will hit theaters in the Third Quarter of 2008.
