Login

Gallup Sun

Friday, Mar 29th

Last update12:57:39 AM GMT

You are here: Community Film Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for December 16, 2022

Blu-ray/DVD Roundup for December 16, 2022

E-mail Print PDF

Well, the holidays are arriving and movie studios are rushing to put everything they can out before the end of the year. This is one of the busiest weeks yet with numerous Blu-ray and DVD highlights arriving on store shelves. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors, be sure to give one of these titles a try!

BIG NEW RELEASES!

CALL JANE: A married, Chicago-based woman in 1968 finds herself expecting, but quickly learns that it will threaten her life if she continues forward with the pregnancy. After making the difficult decision to abort, the protagonist finds that no hospitals are willing to perform the procedure and that she must find an alternate treatment. She asks a group of suburban moms named “Call Jane” and becomes involved in their movement.

Reviewers gave the movie good notices. A small contingent thought the script focused too much on speeches instead of making viewers care through the trials of the characters. Regardless, the majority wrote that while it was imperfect, there was plenty to appreciate and the cast were uniformly strong. It stars Elizabeth Banks, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Mara, Chris Messina, Cory Michael Smith and Wunmi Mosaku.

CAN’T BE STOPPED: Those with an interest in graffiti may want to check out this documentary. Shot in Los Angeles, it tells the history of the “Can’t Be Stopped” or “CBS” crew of artists. Through interviews with various members and those familiar with the group, viewers are told the story of a man who began the outfit back in the 1980s. He mentors a group of boys, raising them from broken homes and helping to develop their artistic abilities on the streets. As years pass, they eventually earn acclaim for their work.

The movie is said to be narrated by Everlast and features brief appearances by familiar musicians and actors who have crossed paths with the group. It appears that this feature is debuting on disc, so there are currently no reviews available for the movie.

DON’T F*** IN THE WOODS 2: Apparently, back in 2016 there was an ultra-low budget horror film that garnered some attention because of its provocative title. This week sees the release of a sequel to that title. It’s about a group of camp counselors partying before the summer season begins. A mysterious woman arrives and not long after the youths are attacked by a group of parasitic monsters who are attracted to sexual activity.

Like the first film, response from members of the press hasn’t been exceptional. It seems that, as of right now, most are complaining that the feature is terribly paced and poorly written. As a result, there aren’t many laughs to be had or much tension from the onslaught of nasty creatures. Brittany Blanton, Cheyenne Gordon, Jason Crowe and Julie Anne Prescott headline the feature.

LIFEMARK: This faith-based picture involves an 18-year-old happily living with his adopted parents. When his birth mother sends a message to the youngster asking to reconnect, the lead asks for advice from his guardians. They tell the story of this teenage mother and encourage him to build a new relationship. The process helps fill in some gaps and brings the entire group together.

Based on a true story, this title was well-received. While few critics ended up seeing and reviewing the picture, those that did stated that the movie was above average for religious-themed fare. They called it a positive and sweet ode to the adoption process and noted that it avoided sermonizing to audiences and focused on the upbeat story. It features Raphael Ruggero, Kirk Cameron, Rebecca Rogers and Alex Kendrick.

LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: Based on the popular kid’s book series, this tale follows a youngster who moves with his family to New York City. Initially, he has trouble adapting to his new surroundings and feels like an outcast. That all changes after he meets and befriends a singing crocodile. The reptile not only shares his gift of song, but also encourages the youth to be bold and express himself.

More members of the press liked this family flick than disliked it. A minor percentage found it too sugary and had a few issues with the movie’s message. However, the consensus was that while the concept was absurd, they couldn’t help but have fun with it. They thought the visual effects were impressive, the songs memorable, and also admiring the work of the cast. It stars Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Winslow Fegley, Scoot McNairy and the voice of Shawn Mendes.

THE MINUTE YOU WAKE UP DEAD: A sheriff investigating a murder in a small Mississippi town interviews the shifty stockbroker son of the victim and his girlfriend, a local waitress. The cop quickly discovers that the deceased figure (and perhaps the other interviewees) may have been involved in an insurance scam. The protagonist attempts to determine if one of those scammed out of cash is responsible, or if the family members were responsible.

Unfortunately, no one who has seen this picture has had anything nice to say. They all suggested that the movie was cliched and that the screenplay was riddled with plot holes, ridiculous twists and dim-witted characters. The cast includes Cole Hauser, Morgan Freeman, Jaimie Alexander, Darren Mann and Andrew Stevens.

OLD FRIENDS: A DOGUMENTARY: Also released in some markets as Seniors: A Dogumentary, this non-fiction feature examines older pets. It shows their particular needs from family members that often go unmet. The bond between pet owners and older dogs is shown, as well as what can be done to help when an owner passes away or when these animals begin to slow down, suffer from ailments and start to be seen as a burden.

The movie has only been by a small group of movie critics, but they have all sung praises of the feature. They noted that the movie does an excellent job at making us rethink how we view aging animals and what needs to be done to help them age gracefully. These notices also suggested that one may end up shedding a tear or two by the time the credits roll.

RIOTSVILLE, USA: This documentary addresses protest movements in the 1960s and how police departments became increasingly militarized in their efforts to stop them. The filmmakers uncover and show military training footage used to develop strategies to quell civil disobedience. Viewers see full model towns called “Riotsvilles” and witness practice exercises. Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to use any means necessary to handle crowds.

Critics gave this effort high marks. A tiny number didn’t think that the film made the most out of its discoveries, calling it repetitive and the narration droning. Still, almost everyone else was stunned by what they saw. They claimed that it was an informative and effectively critical piece with modern day relevance that shows how the government overreacts and succumbs to paranoia.

SMILE: A therapist witnesses the disturbing suicide of one of her patients during a session. Their discussion involves visions of a sinister, smiling figure whose appearance foretells imminent death. Wracked with guilt over the ordeal, the lead takes some time off. Unfortunately, she begins to experience the same trauma and unsettling sights as her client. She begins to fear that she is the next victim.

The press was generally upbeat towards this chillier. About 20% of reviews believed that the title was nothing more than a collection of jump-scares that didn’t offer as much food for thought as the concept promised. Still, most admitted that it was tense throughout and noted that it would definitely impress anyone looking for a good scare. The cast includes Sosie Bacon, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Robin Weigert, Kal Penn and Rob Morgan.

TICKET TO PARADISE: After learning that their daughter is engaged and about to make the biggest mistake of her life, her separated and embittered parents head off to Bali to try and stop their child’s wedding. In order to complete their task, they are forced to work together. As they spend more time in each other’s company, old feelings return to the forefront and the pair begin to question the mission.

Reaction was muted towards this rom-com, although there were slightly more positive reviews than negative ones. Those who disliked the picture commented that it didn’t focus enough time on its two marquee stars and that the script was bland. Other voices stated that the charisma of the two leads helped make up for the story problems and found it fun to witness. It features George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Kaitlyn Dever, Sean Lynch and Billie Lourd.

THE VELVET UNDERGROUND: This documentary on the famous 1960s rock band debuted on Netflix at the end of 2021. It is now arriving on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. Considered one of the most influential rock bands ever, the film uses never-before-seen footage and interviews to delve into the New York underground music scene. It details how founding members Lou Reed and John Cale teamed up to write iconic music and collaborate with artists like Andy Warhol.

The movie received exemplary notices. A tiny faction said that the movie didn’t offer anything that enthusiasts wouldn’t already know. Everyone else wrote that it was stylish, captured the era perfectly, presented facts in an unusual and compelling manner and served as a thrilling document of an exceptional band.

THE WOMAN KING: Based on real events, this drama tells the story of a faction of all-female warriors called the Agojie who served in the African kingdom of Dahomey. A young woman joins the group after refusing to take part in an arranged marriage. She ends up training under General Nanisca and doing battle with a foe who threatens their entire country.

Response towards the movie was very strong. A small number critiqued the liberties taken with the actual story, called the presentation formulaic and thought that the battle scenes weren’t as epic or exciting as they should have been. Still, the majority were impressed by the central performances and thought the female perspective given was inspiring and exciting. It stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and John Boyega.

 

YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!

You’ll find the week’s kid-friendly titles listed below.

Coraline (2009) (Shout!) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray

ParaNorman (2012) (Shout!) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray

 

ON THE TUBE!

And here are all of the TV-related titles coming your way.

Dawson Creek The Complete Series (Mill Creek) Blu-ray

Dia De Los Muertos (PBS) DVD

Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor Season 13 (BBC) Blu-ray

Evil Season 3 (Paramount) Blu-ray

Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: SnowComing & Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Hallmark) DVD

Hogan’s Heroes The Complete Series (Paramount) Blu-ray

Mystery Road: Origin (Acorn) DVD

Players Season 1 (Paramount) Blu-ray

Reacher Season 1 (Paramount) Blu-ray

VISIT: WWW.CINEMASTANCE.COM

By Glenn Kay
For the Sun