The second week of April offers some intriguing movie picks. From drama to fantasy, there is something for your movie taste. These are the must see releases for Blu-ray/DVD, VOD and special theatrical releases of the week:
MOLLY’S GAME:
Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba light up the screen with their superb performances. Chastain plays Molly Bloom. A premiere skier turned high-stakes poker game runner. It’s based on a true story. Aaron Sorkin crafts a compelling and fascinating story that exposes the dangers and excitement of the highly exclusive world of underground poker. I loved the guessing game of who were some of the celebrities involved in these poker games. It’s fun, because Sorkin gives some hints, but it’s up to you to figure out who some of these characters are.
It’s a shame this movie didn’t get Oscar nominations, it was that good. Bloom is a difficult character to play. She has this inner conflict she’s battling, but also projects outward strength and establishes authority in a male dominated activity. Chastain plays Bloom in a way that makes you feel for her. All around great presentation and strong acting that supports a highly intriguing plot.
MOLLY’S GAMEis out now on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital and On Demand
Clint Eastwood’s compelling film The 15:17 to Paris is coming to Blu-ray and DVD on May 22, 2018. The film tells the incredible true story of three American men who risked their lives to save others during a train terrorist attack. It’s a heck of a story. For those that want to get an early jump start at seeing the film can check it out on 4K Digital on May 1, 2018.
BLU-RAY AND DVD BONUS FEATURES:
“The 15:17 to Paris”Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:
Making Every Second Count
o Join Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler – the three Americans who stopped the attack – as they take us moment-by-moment through the real-life drama, just as they lived it.
Portrait of Courage
o Join Oscar® winner Eastwood and his creative team as they reveal the aspects of the story that moved them and why they took the bold step of casting the three Americans to play themselves in the film.
“The 15:17 to Paris”Standard Definition DVD contains the following special feature:
Portrait of Courage
‘THE 15:17 TO PARIS’releases on Blu-ray and DVD on May 22 and on 4K Digital on May 1, 2018
The last week of March offers a variety of movie choices for various genres and interests. A big name headliner film and some smaller lesser known solid movies.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI:
We all asked for more Luke Skywalker and in The Last Jedi we get him! Where The Force Awakens focused on Rey and Fin, we only got a brief glimpse of Luke, but not this time around. The Last Jedi leaves off the events of Force Awakens and we see the fallout of Rey’s encounter with Luke. He’s living a peaceful existence but Rey wants to bring him back to the fold and reunite him with Princess Leia. There are multiple interesting storylines taking place in the film and relationships explored. The most intriguing one being that between Rey and Kylo Ren.
The same great special effects and action is in the film that you’ve gotten used to from Star Wars. It’s surreal to see the past, present and future characters of the franchise uniting in The Last Jedi. It’s almost like an all-star squad of Star Wars greats. Last Jedi is fun, exciting and satisfactory. It’s a must-see, especially to see Luke’s fate decided.
Bonus Features:
The Director and the Jedi – Go deep behind the scenes with writer-director Rian Johnson on an intimate and personal journey through the production of the movie—and experience what it’s like to helm a global franchise and cultural phenomenon.
Balance of the Force – Explore the mythology of the Force and why Rian Johnson chose to interpret its role in such a unique way.
Scene Breakdowns
Lighting the Spark: Creating the Space Battle – Get a close-up look at the epic space battle, from the sounds that help propel the action, through the practical and visual effects, to the characters who bring it all to life.
Snoke and Mirrors – Motion capture and Star Wars collide as the filmmakers take us through the detailed process of creating the movie’s malevolent master villain.
Showdown on Crait – Break down everything that went into creating the stunning world seen in the movie’s final confrontation, including the interplay between real-word locations and visual effects, reimagining the walkers, designing the crystal foxes, and much more.
Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) – Writer-director Rian Johnson presents two exclusive sequences from the movie featuring Andy Serkis’ riveting, raw on-set performance before his digital makeover into Snoke.
Deleted Scenes – With an introduction and optional commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
Audio Commentary – View the movie with in-depth feature audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDIis out now on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and Movies Anywhere
Justice League is out now on Blu-ray and here are the top three reasons you should pick up this film and see it:
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The Blu-ray is loaded with special bonus features not seen in theaters. They are some really interesting features that fans should enjoy. A couple that stand out is the “Heart of Justice” a feature that’s an inside look at the history and where the trinity originates from. Another one that’s definitely worth checking out is “Technology of the Justice League” which is an inside look at the tech and tools used to make this film. It’s really neat.
BONUS FEATURES:
Heart of Justice
Technology of the Justice League
Justice League: The New Heroes
Suit Up: The Look of the League
Trailers
DC’S FINEST UNITE:
Never had we seen DC’s most iconic characters unite on screen at the same time. Batman v Superman gave us a glimpse, but Justice League gives us it all. Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg and of course Superman. This collection of icons has been unprecedented in a live action film before. It’s pretty incredible to see them all interacting and working together.
Every scene there is something new that you haven’t seen before. The banter between Flash and Batman is awesome. Wonder Woman giving Batman the business is fun to watch. There are so many of these interactions and face-to-face encounters throughout the movie and it always seems fresh and cool.
IT’S A FUN MOVIE:
The big complaint (it’s not my complaint) about Batman vs Superman was that it was too dark and serious. Personally I loved that about it. When it comes to Justice League, it’s a lot more lighter, playful and colorful than BvS. There is a slew of witty one-liners. The characters and the actors for that matter aren’t trying to be overly serious, they actually allow themselves to be fun and have their personalities shine.
It feels a lot more like a Marvel film in the sense that the characters and setting are just more enjoyable. This should speak to all the people who wanted this from BvS. Justice League is somewhat of a stand alone film. The story starts and wraps-up, but with promise for more for these characters uniting again.
These aren’t the only reasons that Justice League is a worthy pickup, so check it out and give it a chance, especially if you missed it in theaters.
JUSTICE LEAGUEis out now on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital and Movies Anywhere
We are changing things up a bit. Usually you can expect the must-see movies of the week listed on Friday’s, comprising of Blu-ray and theatrical and VOD releases. Why not make it more exclusive and have the Blu-ray/DVD releases get their own shine on Tuesdays, while the theatrical sleepers and VOD releases get their glow on Friday’s. Here are the must-see Blu-ray and DVD releases for the week of March 20.
DOWNSIZING:
Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor keep things small on-screen, but they deliver a big idea. Matt Damon plays a man who wants to live a lavish life, but he can’t live that life in his current situation. What does he do to change his situation? He undergoes a procedure to shirk him to a size of an action figure. As he experiences life one inch at a time (promise that’s my last pun), he deals with the struggles of his new life while coping with his past one. Will he discover the treasures and meaning of life in his new state of identity? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out.
While from the trailers and promotion the movie is depicted as a comedy, it is, but it’s also a lot more than silly humor. There is a real emotional journey that the characters partake in learning about themselves and what their purpose in life is. Damon, Kristen Wiig and Christoph Waltz give terrific performances, as usual, but it’s Hong Chau who steals the show. This is a clever movie with an intriguing concept that works and becomes more that it sets out to be. On the surface it might seem like it was ripped-off from Honey I Shrunk the Kids, but it’s a lot different, more imaginative and mature.
Blu-ray Bonus Features:
Feature film in high definition
Bonus Content:
working with Alexander
the cast
a visual journey
a matter of perspective
that smile
a global concern
DOWNSIZINGis out now on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital
Universal Home Pictures Entertainment’s Pitch Perfect 3is releasing on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on March 20, 2018. You have a chance to see the Bella’s come together for a final time and win a Blu-ray Combo Pack of Pitch Perfect 3.
All you have to do is follow @TheReelTalker and/or @TheJimAlexander on Twitter and tell me who your favorite Bella is and use the hashtag #PitchPerfect3 and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win a free copy of the Pitch Perfect 3Blu-ray.
The second week of March delivers an Oscar darling and a crime thriller. Two very differently enjoyable films. It’s a slower week for impact releases, but these are two very solid options.
LADY BIRD:
One of the most talked about an endearing movies during awards season, is finally available for home viewing. Greta Gerwig delivers on this story of a teenage girl coming to terms with becoming a women and taking the next steps in life. Saoirse Ronan plays the self-proclaimed Lady Bird phenomenally. She captures the spirit of a girl trying to become a women in suburban Sacramento, California. The film explores dating, family dynamics and coming to terms with everyday life’s nuances and roadblocks.
The most significantly portrayed relationship is between mother and daughter. Laurie Metcalf does a wonderful job playing a flawed parent trying to instill tough love to her daughter, while also trying to connect with her. The on-screen depicted relationship between Metcalf and Ronan burst with authenticity. It’s not pretty at times to watch the dysfunction, but it’s honest and feels real. This is one of these films that many teenage girls and their mothers will be able to relate to. In fact even young men can relate to the subject matter and the situations the film’s characters are navigating through.
Top-level acting performances from Ronan and Metcalf (deservingly both were nominated for Oscars for their roles) and a clever and relatable plot that’s well written and directed by Gerwig. This is an absolute must-see movie. One of the true gems of 2017.
BLU-RAY AND DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Greta Gerwig and Cinematographer Sam Levy
“Realizing Lady Bird” Featurette
‘LADY BIRD’ is out now on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital
