DVD Releases for Week of 8/20/2012
Happy DVD Release Tuesday! There are a few DVDs today and amazingly most of them are worth the trip to Redbox!
'The Dictator' - Sacha Baron Cohen hasn't done anything really funny since 'Borat', although he really tries to mimic that character here. Vile, unfunny and just a complete mess of scatological humor and in your face insults, 'The Dictator' will leave you feeling like you need to shower. While I am sure there is a huge market for this type of humor, I simply did not find it funny. It was insulting to my intelligence and not in a good way. Don't get me wrong, I love scatological humor (Seth MacFarlane did it masterfully in 'Ted'), however Cohen simply slings as much crap onto the wall as he can in the hope that something will stick. Leave this piece of junk on the shelf. Save your $1.20 for any of the following worthwhile DVDs!
Disney's 'Chimpanzee' is the latest entry in their marvelous nature series and is possibly one of the best so far. It is amazing just how close we are to our simian cousins; with amazing footage that captures the pure love and dedication of two creatures, 'Chimpanzee' will strengthen your belief that everyone has a soul. Truly magical in every way, this is a film worth owning.
'Bernie' - Jack Black is back in this amazing and touching true crime comedy from indie director Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused). Bernie Tiede (Black) is the assistant funeral director in the small town of Carthage Texas and one of it's most beloved residents. Befriending the wealthy widow Marjorie Nugent (the fantastic Shirley MacLaine), Tiede quickly becomes the main caretaker for the widow. Soon however, the town is wondering why they haven't seen her in some time. Touching, amusing and packed with powerful performances from Black and MacLaine, this quirky work is worth the trip to Redbox.
'A Separation' - Divorce is a painful situation, while at times justified and often needed, it is still painfully. Imagine divorce in a society where a woman is a second class citizen with very little rights. Gripping, complex and packed with emotional complexity, 'A Seperation' takes a look at the separation of a marriage in the very fundamental Iran. Engrossing, at times terrifying, 'A Seperation' is a laser sharp look at how women are treated in the Middle East. An eye opening film that needs to be seen by all.