Welcome to another look at highlights arriving on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and DVD. This is a remarkably busy week with blockbusters, independents and every other kind of picture you could possibly imagine. So, if you can’t make it out to the movies this week or need to stay indoors for a few days, be sure to give one of these titles a try!
BIG NEW RELEASES!
THE BLACK MASS: Inspired by real events, this independent chiller is set in 1974 and follows the exploits of a soon-to-be serial killer in Florida. Specifically, it focuses on the final 24 hours before he begins a series of vicious slayings across the state. The film also pays great attention to his future victims and their final hours.
There haven’t been a great deal of reviews for this picture yet, but a number online reviewers did give it positive notices. They stated that the movie powerfully highlighted the people whose lives were taken, as well as the disturbing psychology of the figure responsible.
It features Kathleen Kinmont, Jeremy London, Jennifer Wenger, Chelsea Gilson, Lew Temple and Lisa Wilcox.
DREAM SCENARIO: A mild-mannered, nondescript professor is told by an acquaintance that he appeared in their dreams. Soon, not only friends but random strangers all begin having visions of the man as they sleep. Confused but strangely flattered, the lead is initially amused by being unexpectedly famous. But when the teacher finds everyone turning on him and learns that the dreams feature him standing around passively while horrible events occur, he finds his real life in turmoil.
Critics gave this dark comedy high marks. A small number suggested that while it started entertainingly, the script didn’t know where to go with its concept and ultimately fizzled out. Still, most thought it was a fascinating satire on fame with a lot of interesting ideas, as well as a wonderful lead performance.
Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Lily Bird, Jessica Clement, Tim Meadows and Dylan Baker headline the picture.
THE INDEPENDENT: Set in the weeks leading to a U.S. election, this mystery/drama tells the story of an idealistic young journalist covering the political campaign. The frontrunners include the first potential female president, as well as a popular independent. The writer teams up with her hero, a veteran correspondent, to get more background on the contenders and end up uncovering a shocking conspiracy.
Unfortunately, the feature did not fare well with reviewers. A limited number were positive, saying that the charismatic cast made up for its storytelling issues. Everyone else thought the script and presentation strangely was flat and lifeless. They also noted that added melodramatic subplots didn’t help the narrative.
It features Jodie Turner-Smith, Brian Cox, John Cena, Luke Kirby, Ann Dowd, Stephen Lang and Timothy Busfield.
MIGRATION: A fearful mallard duck enjoys living in a forest in New England with his family. So much so that he forbids them from traveling outside their territory. After a heartfelt discussion, he finally agrees to travel with them to Jamaica for the winter. But along the way, they get themselves into all sorts of trouble and encounter unexpected difficulties.
This animated family film did well at the box office over the holiday season and earned decent reviews from the press. One-quarter of notices did find the movie derivative, predictable and unmemorable. Still, the majority thought the dialogue was witty, the visuals were colorful and that the finished product would be certain to entertain family members both young and old.
The voice cast includes Elizabeth Banks, Kumail Nanjiani, Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, David Mitchell, Carol Kane and Danny DeVito.
MIRANDA’S VICTIM: Based on a true story, this period effort involves an 18-year-old who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in 1963. Her attacker is brought in by police and admits to the crime, but his conviction is ultimately overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court because an attorney was not present during his confession. The retrial that follows becomes a legal battle, with defense lawyers blaming the victim and the teen fighting for justice.
This drama was well-received by critics. A limited number of reviews criticized the end product, saying it lacked subtlety and hammered its message over the head of viewers. However, the consensus was that the cast was strong, the story important and that it was a gripping courtroom drama from beginning to end.
It stars Abigail Breslin, Mireille Enos, Donald Sutherland, Kyle MacLachlan, Andy Garcia, Taryn Manning, Emily VanCamp, Luke Wilson and Ryan Phillippe.
NEXT GOAL WINS: Based on a true story, this comedy/drama tells the story of the American Samoa national soccer team. After suffering a humiliating 31-0 defeat during a World Cup qualifying match in 2001, they decide to hire infamously hot-tempered coach Thomas Rongen. The new arrival immediately clashes with the low-key players, but eventually comes around to their way of thinking and uses different methods to inspire them to compete in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
The North American press didn’t really take to this biopic from Taika Watitit (What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, JoJo Rabbit). Almost half stated that, despite some minor script issues, there were plenty of laughs and called the picture a sweet and ultimately inspiring sports story. Slightly more thought it was the director’s most flatfooted effort and had difficulty not comparing it to his earlier, stronger works.
Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Takia Waititi, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Moss and Rhys Darby headline the film.
WONKA: This prequel to Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells an origin story for Willy Wonka. It begins with a poor Wonka starting up a chocolate shop in Europe and facing some nasty competition. The protagonist uncovers a “Chocolate Cartel” plot and tries to save himself and honest confectioners from the threat, building his own empire in the process.
This family comedy from director Paul King (Paddington, Paddington 2) was well-received by reviewers. A small number complained that it all felt a bit too serious and didn’t taste sweet. Still, the overall consensus was that the cast were charming, the visuals were stunning and that the movie was pure entertainment for the entire family.
It stars Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Calah Lane, Keegan-Micheal Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter and Olivia Colman.
YOU KNOW, FOR KIDS!
Kid-friendly titles can be found listed below.
Extreme Dinosaurs The Complete Series (1997 animated show) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Migration (Universal) Blu-ray and DVD combo
Paw Patrol: Jungle Pups (Paramount) DVD
The Really Loud House Season 1 (Paramount/Nickelodeon) DVD
Wonka (Warner Bros.) 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, or standalone Blu-ray
ON THE TUBE!
And here are all of the TV-themed releases arriving this week.
Extreme Dinosaurs The Complete Series (1987 animated show) (Discotek Media) Blu-ray
Fear the Walking Dead Season 8 (Lionsgate) Blu-ray
Monk Season 4 (Kino) Blu-ray
Orphan Black The Complete Series (BBC) Blu-ray
The Really Loud House Season 1 (Paramount/Nickelodeon) DVD
Space Sheriff Sharivan (1983-1984 Japanese series) (Discotek) Blu-ray
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