New DVD Releases This Week – 10/23/12

For new movies this week, we’ve got a pretty decent sized slate available, much better than anything that we’ve gotten in the past couple weeks. Along with new releases, the 30th Anniversary edition for Blade Runner, which will probably be worth checking out. I don’t consider it to be the classic that most people do, but I will admit that I need to watch it again as a more experience moviegoer.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Leading the new releases is the latest “comedy” from Steve Carrell. This is more of a romantic drama that has his quirky comedic moments, although that’s probably underselling how funny this movie really was. Just don’t go in expecting laughter every minute. I haven’t exactly been Keira Knightley’s biggest fan throughout the years, but I must say that she was absolutely perfect for this movie and ending up stealing my heart. This is a cute, whimsical movie that had me glued to the screen for the entire film, and while I was worried about how they were going to do the ending, this was probably my favorite finale for a movie in a couple years. Just absolutely perfect. Probably my favorite movie from the first half of the year. Highly recommend it. Nick enjoyed it as well.

Verdict: Watch It

Magic Mike

Next on the list is Magic Mike, a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed, even the commercials gave the appearance of this being a film for the ladies, and only the ladies. I went opening weekend, I while I do believe I might’ve been the only guy there, this is a film that both genders can enjoy. Why do I say that? Simple; Steven Soderbergh. That man knows how to write characters, even in lesser films like both Oceans sequels. While not quite a thespian yet, Channing Tatum has really grown over the past couple years as an actor. He’s not just a bunch of muscle dancing around here, although there is plenty of that available. If all movies were on a level playing field, Matthew McConaughey would be in contention for supporting actor awards; th’s that much of a scene stealer. And choreography? Fantastic! I wanted more out of Alex Pettyfer and Cody Horn (I think Abbie Cornish would’ve been perfect for this role), but that’s just being picky. This is a terrific movie, and not something that should be tossed aside as just a male stripper movie. Check out my full review here.

Verdict: Watch It

Take This Waltz

I just watched this movie today, and I’m still trying to figure it out. I didn’t love it like I had hoped, but at the same time it’s a good film. Without looking very deep, this is a movie about contemporary relationships, what’s asked of the different type of relationships today, and the choices that we make that effect where said relationships go. I do feel that there are several deeper meanings available here, but I haven’t had the time to really digest and dig to a depth needed to really discover more. At the very least you get to watch a terrific performance from Michelle Williams, which should be a surprise to nobody. Seth Rogen was okay, but wasn’t really given much to work with. This is definitely a title I would like to start up a conversation on with people, and a movie that I want to re-visit in the next couple weeks. Our friend Marshall has a review here.

Verdict: Give It A Try

Savages

You want a movie that is simply average? This is the movie for you! I went into the theater with a pretty open mind, despite my problems with Oliver Stone in the past. But this movie was pretty bland. Nothing was too terribly wrong with it, but at the same time it didn’t exceed in any area either. If I had to lean one way or the other, I would lean towards not liking it simply because of that horrible, horrible ending. Blah. Here’s Nick’s review.

Verdict: Watch It If You Dare

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

I was really looking forward to this film once upon a time. While I have never read the graphic novel, I’ve always heard that it was one of the best ones out there. Add to the fact that I really enjoyed Wanted and that type of action entertainment that it brought to the table, I was excited for this. Talk about one of the biggest disappointments of the year, however. Just a overall sloppy movie that felt rushed in every category. I’m sure there will be people that will enjoy this, and I wanted to be one of those people, but this was a complete and utter failure.

Verdict: Skip It

Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection

Hah.

Verdict: Skip It

What will you be watching this week? Anything that I missed?