This week I can blame at least part of the lateness of this post on the windstorm and subsequent power outage that hit my area last night just as I was sitting down to finish it up. Ah, well. There are a WHOLE BUNCH of new releases this week, both crappy and solid, mainstream theatrical releases and indie/festival hits. But there’s not much of anything else, even on Instant Watch. The studios must be cranking out their recent releases in preparation for the holiday season.
New Release Picks of the Week
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil
I’m so pleased that this film got theatrical and DVD distribution; it’s one of the most enjoyable horror/comedy hybrids in recent years. A pair of well-meaning rednecks on vacation at their cabin in the woods get mistaken for backwoods murderers by a group of college kids. Some easy laughs, but overall clever and fun.
2011 USA. Director: Eli Craig. Starring: Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk.
Amazon DVD | Amazon Blu-ray | Netflix
Cave of Forgotten Dreams
My vote for best 3D film still falls to Herzog’s exploration of the Chauvet Caves, which should also be fascinating without the 3D. Herzog goes on some intriguing philosophical tangents, but by and large lets the ancient and beautiful cave paintings speak for themselves. Also on Instant Watch.
2010 USA/Germany. Director: Werner Herzog.
Amazon DVD | Amazon Blu-ray | Netflix
The Future
Hard to believe this is only Miranda July’s second feature, but it’s a very strong one, with a couple’s relationship faltering because of their sudden awareness of their own mortality. Sounds heady, and it is, but it’s also very human, dark, and memorable.
2011 USA. Director: Miranda July. Starring: Miranda July, Hamish Linklater.
Amazon DVD | Netflix
Another Earth
I didn’t care for this sort of sci-fi existential crisis film as much as most people did, but I think I do owe it a rewatch – there were lots of elements I liked, I just found the tone and pacing offputting. But I’m in the minority.
2011 USA. Director: Mike Cahill. Starring: Brit Marling, William Mapother.
Amazon DVD/Blu-ray | Netflix
One Day
Reviews for this were not as strong as I’d hoped and I skipped it in theatres, but I’m still interested in checking it out on the strength of the cast and Scherfig’s previous work (An Education).
2011 USA/UK. Director: Lone Scherfig. Starring: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess.
Amazon DVD | Amazon Blu-ray | Netflix
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