Bob on DVD

The Boondock Saints

Bob — Wed, 24 May 2006 21:39:53 +0000

New to DVD this week is Troy Duffy’s now infamous not really a classic “classic�?, The Boondocks Saints in remastered fullscreen and widescreen formats. While by no means a great move, the film is a textbook example of what happens when an interesting script gets handled by the wrong director. Of course, in this case, the wrong director was also the screenwriter, Duffy. Anyway, the film has a lot to offer in the form of Willem Dafoe as the opera loving Special Agent empath Smeckler and a fascinating premise. While it never quite lives up to that premise, it’s still a must see for true DVD action fans.

Speaking of Willem Dafoe and action movies, now seems like the perfect time to plug the 1984 Walter Hill Rock ‘n Roll beat-em-up Streets of Fire. It’s got Dafoe as the scene-stealing villain Raven, a young Diane Lane lip-synching her heart out and a classic 1980’s soundtrack. What more can you ask for?

Bob Out

Transporter 2

Bob — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 22:54:21 +0000

Hey action fans. You know I didn’t steer you wrong with Ong Bak, so believe me when I tell you to get you hands on a copy of Transporter 2 as soon as you can. Jason Statham returns as Frank Martin in this sequel to the 2002 surprisingly successful original. And, if anything, the sequel is better. Better villains, better story, and even better action. There’s one sequence, in particular, featuring a fire hose that you have to see to believe.

Instead of plugging some other action titles, I’m going to use the second paragraph to recommend Hustle and Flow, another new release this week. Terence Howard gives one of the best performances of the year, giving great depth, emotion and empathy to a streetwise pimp trying to make it as a rap star. Hopefully he’ll get the Oscar nomination he richly deserves.

That’s it for now.

Bob out.

Wedding Crashers

Bob — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 07:13:18 +0000

Hey everyone, Bob here. Happy 2006! Hope your holiday was a blast, full of eating, drinking and plenty of movie viewing.

I thought we’d start 2006 with one of the best comedies of 2005, Wedding Crashers, new this week on DVD. This is a very funny movie. From its solid concept - two very eligible bachelors crashing weddings to pick up women - to it’s inspired casting - Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as the best friends (What is it about pairing Vaughn with a Wilson brother? See Old School for further proof) - Wedding Crashers is definitely one of the best comedies of the last five years. Also notable for being one of two films from the summer of 2005 that announced Rachel McAdams as an A-list leading lady.

Then, if you’re in the mood for more Vaughn and Wilson, have a look at Dodgeball, and Behind Enemy Lines. Dodgeball gives you Vaughn in classic form. Definitely one of his best perfs. While Behind Enemy Lines offers a chance to see Owen stretch a bit in an action movie.

Hope 2006 gives you all the DVD’s you’ve ever wanted.

Bob out.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Bob — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 21:18:10 +0000

New to DVD this week comes Mr. & Mrs. Smith, starring two A-listers who haven’t been in the news very much this year, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt… not. Okay, so it was impossible to walk outside in 2005 without encountering some sort of newspaper/magazine/TV news show dealing with these two stars. That being said, the film that brought them together is a lot of fun. Great action pieces, a very clever premise, and some serious star-power chemistry make Mr. & Mrs. Smith a great way to spend a home movie night.

I can’t talk about Brad and Angelina without plugging two of my favorite lesser appreciated titles featuring these two, Brad in Fight Club and Angelina in Gia. They both give, arguably, career high performances in these very fine films. Check ‘em out.

…And while you’re checking ‘em out, Bob is out.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Bob — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 15:40:24 +0000

George Lucas brings his Star Wars prequels trilogy to a close on a high note with Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. Easily the strongest of the three films, Revenge of the Sith takes a slightly darker, more mature tone giving it’s lead actors a lot more to do and better material to do it with. I especially enjoyed the last half of the film as Anakin rolls unavoidably towards his date with the dark helmet and the breathing respirator. Whatever one may think of the previous two films, Lucas deserves a healthy round of applause for his massive contributions to the adventure movie genre.

Speaking of the actors, Revenge of the Sith stars, Natalie Portman and Hayden Christianson, shine in Garden State and Shattered Glass respectively. Working on a slightly smaller budget, both actors deliver their best work to date in these high quality films.

Bob out

Robots

Bob — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 15:39:51 +0000

New this week on DVD is the Blue Sky animated feature Robots. While not the slam dunk that Ice Age was, Robots still offers a compelling cast of characters, a moving story about finding out what you’re really made of, and, in this DVD blogger’s opinion, the coolest animated world I’ve seen on screen. Another big plus is the fascinating behind the scenes features about the creating of the world of Rivet Town and the developing of the characters. As family entertainment goes, I highly recommend Robots.

Speaking of Ice Age, if you haven’t seen it definitely check it out. And as my second animated recommendation I’ll put a shout out to Disney’s musical Beauty and the Beast. The movie still makes me weepy�?�

Bob out

Kingdom of Heaven

Bob — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 15:39:34 +0000

Hello all. New to DVD this week comes Ridley Scott’s vastly overlooked crusader epic Kingdom of Heaven. I’m not sure why the studio released the film to theaters in May to kick of the summer season. This is definitely a fall movie. Ambitious in intent, complicated in themes and plot, and rich in detail and character, Kingdom of Heaven is a must see for fans of the middle ages, and definitely recommended for everyone else.

Speaking of Ridley Scott and historical epics, go have a look at… no, not Gladiator. I’m assuming everyone who’s found this blog has already seen that. I’m talking about 1492, Scott’s gorgeous retelling of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the new world.

Bob out

Fever Pitch

Bob — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 15:39:12 +0000

Last week I promised some lighter fare, and to show you I am a man of my word, this week’s DVD spotlight gets turned on The Farrelly Borther’s Fever Pitch. Maybe it’s because it’s September and the baseball playoff races are heating up, maybe it’s because I like sports movies, or maybe it’s because Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore have more onscreen chemistry than I’ve seen in a long time. Whatever the reason, Fever Pitch, is a charming, low key, romantic comedy hit all the right notes for me. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, I think you’ll really get a kick out of it. Or should I say a “throw�? or a “catch�?? Either way, check it out.

For other lighter fare as we head into fall check out two quintessential back to school movies: Old School, Starring Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell, and the 1986 Rodney Dangerfield classic Back to School.

Bob out

Batman Begins

Bob — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 15:38:35 +0000

A Batman movie emphasizing character, story and emotional reality? Say it ain’t so. Well, fortunately for us, it’s very so. Christopher Nolan’s thoughtfully directed Batman Begins is a super-hero movie for adults. And by adults I don’t mean old people. I mean people who enjoy smart, well-acted, sharply directed movies. Now don’t get the wrong idea, the film has more than its share of fights, action scenes and derring-do, including a terrific, pulse-pounding climax, but it’s the emotional story stuff that makes it a must see.

I’m not sure whether it was Cillian Murphy’s creepy turn as the Scarecrow, the fact that Batman Begins is directed by a Brit, or that Halloween is just around the corner… but for some reason, writing about Batman Begins made me think of the fantastic 2002 release 28 Days Later. If you haven’t seen this landmark cautionary tale/horror fest definitely get a copy for Halloween. And if you have, give it another look. The film gets better and better upon repeat viewing.

Gotta go grab my costume. Happy Halloween.

Bob out

The Sound of Music: 40th Anniversary Edition

Bob — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 00:28:20 +0000

Hey there DVD fans, just released in stores for the first time ever on DVD is The Sound of Music: 40th Anniversary Edition and, I gotta say, I’m still a sucker for this classic. Yeah, there are some moments that haven’t stood the test of time particularly well, but those bits just seem to add to the ridiculously high enjoyment factor. And the good parts, including terrific performances by Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer as well as that legendary score by Rogers and Hammerstein are what makes this film a classic. A must for any serious DVD collector.

While we’re on the subject of musicals, definitely check out Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, and another Rogers and Hammerstein classic Oklahoma. Something new and something old as we come into Thanksgiving

Enjoy your holiday. Bob out!