New On DVD – June 15, 2010
Posted June 15, 2010 12:58 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Unthinkable CityNews.ca Pick of the Week – After a terrorist (played by Michael Sheen) places three nuclear bombs across the United States –and is captured–, the FBI, along with the military and an outside independent source (played by Samuel L. Jackson), use questionable interrogation tactics to get the locations out of him. Unthinkable is a very grim thriller that is executed brilliantly and will make you question your own beliefs. Also starring Gil Bellows, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Stephen Root. Special features include commentary with director Gregor Jordan, an extended cut of the film, and an alternate ending. Also available on Blu-ray. Film **** DVD *** (out of 5 stars).
The Book of Eli (Blu-ray) – Set in the future, after the Apocalypse has happened, Eli (Denzel Washington) is a vigilante loner heading West across what’s left of America and he’s carrying a very important book. When he enters a functioning town (and kills a bunch of people who mess with him) he’s approached by the town’s ruler, Carnegie (Gary Oldman). Carnegie has been looking for the book that Eli is carrying and needs it in order to grow and civilize the town and its people. By the time Eli gets out of there a lot more people are dead and a young woman by the name of Solara (Mila Kunis) has become his sidekick. The Book of Eli should have been a much better film, comparable to Mad Max. Instead it felt forced and came across as a lame wannabe in an already overpopulated genre. Directed by Albert and Allen Hughes. Special features on the Blu-ray include Maximum Movie Mode with the Hughes brothers and Washington, making-of featurettes, a digital copy, and more. Film ** Blu-ray *** (out of 5 stars).
When in Rome (Blu-ray) – Bang, bang, bang, bang. Sorry, that was me banging my head off the wall after watching When in Rome — the most ridiculous romantic comedy to come along all year. Makes Leap Year look like Schindler’s List. During a trip to Rome, Beth (Kristen Bell) steals some coins from a “Fountain of Love”. When she returns home to New York City, she is stalked by four men who are all madly head-over-heels for her. A series of dumb scenarios follow. Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett, Dax Shepard, and Jon Heder also star. Special features on the Blu-ray include alternate scenes, music videos, bloopers, and more. Film * Blu-ray ** (out of 5 stars).
Control Alt Delete – Remember 1999 – when the Internet wasn’t cool and the threat of the Y2K bug hung over every IT department? If not, Control Alt Delete does a great job at reminding us how it was for anyone working on a computer in those dark days. It’s a weird comedy that deals with relationships, addiction and fetishes. It might be a stretch, but I’d place it somewhere between Office Space and Trainspotting. Check it out and enjoy a fun ride. Special features include commentary and cast and crew interviews. Film *** DVD *** (out of 5 stars).
Youth in Revolt – Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Michael Cera plays an awkward but witty teenager who is still a virgin. Not much of a stretch, but if you like Cera’s other films, you’ll probably enjoy Youth in Revolt. If you’re not, however, a Cera fan, don’t waste your time as the film’s “we’re smarter than you” attitude will drive you nuts. Ray Liotta, Fred Willard and Steve Buscemi also star. Special features include deleted scenes, commentary with director Miguel Arteta, audition footage, and more. Film ** DVD ** (out of 5 stars).
More New DVD releases this week: The Horseman, Mystery Train (Criterion Collection), Showgirls (Blu-ray), Sanctuary: Season 2, Mary & Max
brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com
Top image: A scene from Unthinkable. Courtesy E1 Entertainment.
