The film I dubbed my #1 film of 2009 finally arrives on DVD and Blu-ray. I actually received the Blu-ray edition just yesterday and haven’t yet had a chance to even remove the cellophane, but I can’t wait to get another chance to watch this one. The film centers on a 19-year-old Arab sent to prison for six years in a French jail where he must learn to fend for himself, and learn he does. This is a film that will appeal to not only art house fans, but traditional moviegoers interested in an amazing crime story. I simply love this film and still envy those that got to see it at Cannes in 2009 on that massive screen in the Grand Theatre Lumiere.
Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa
I just reviewed this title (read that here) and it was my first time watching one of Criterion’s Eclipse entries in which they basically seem to be preserving lesser known films from well known directors. It’s a great way to complete your collection, but it’s also a little pricey.
Humanoids from the Deep & Piranha
Another title I just received and haven’t yet had the chance to watch is the Blu-ray edition of Piranha and I can’t wait to watch it as I have never seen the 1978 Joe Dante original. I am already anticipating the August 20 release of the remake and hope this is a fun and entertaining primer.
Road to Perdition
I am debating whether I want to purchase this one or not. On one hand the cinematography in this film is amazing, but the film itself isn’t one that moves me to the point I think I will watch it all that often. What a dilemma.
The Ghost Writer
And here is the next title I just received and haven’t yet been able to watch. Roman Polanski has certainly been in the news for the better part of a year now and very little of that news coverage had anything to do with The Ghost Writer, which is too bad for everyone else involved with this film considering it’s pretty good.
Heroes – The Complete Fourth Season
I lost all interest in this series after the second season and have yet to watch the third, let alone the fourth. Considering the series won’t be back for a fifth season I see no reason to even begin exploring this story any further.
Kick-Ass
Having seen this film once I’m not sure I need to see it again. I enjoyed it, primarily for Chloe Moretz and a little bit due to Nicolas Cage, but the overall story is decent enough for that first time around, but that’s about it.
After.Life
After.Life is some kind of “talking to the dead” style mystery starring Christina Ricci, Liam Neeson and Justin Long. I haven’t seen it, but the PR folks have been in overdrive sending me clips and info about the release… Then they never sent me a screener. Thanks! Anyway, here’s one of the clips they forwarded along… have a peek.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
This one’s for the kids. I have nothing more than that to say.
