On Demand DVD New Releases Feb. 24-March 2: February comes to a close with some big titles rounding out the month’s releases. Channel Guide Magazine‘s movie critic, Paul Hall offers his take on his favorites.
The Counselor Novelist Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men) wrote the screenplay for this oddball crime story about a lawyer (Michael Fassbender) whose ill-conceived foray into drug trafficking soon has his life spiraling out of control. Directed by Ridley Scott. Also stars Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt (R, 1:57) 2/25
Gravity Paul says: “Quite frankly, this is the best and most complete film of 2013. When viewing at home, turn off all the lights and the distractions and allow yourself to be immersed in the experience. Sandra Bullock delivers a masterful performance in her role as a scientist floating on her own in space after a horrific accident. Visually stunning, this is a rare film that combines acting excellence with visual splendor to deliver an out-of-this-world experience. Grade: A.” Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, the voice of Ed Harris (PG-13, 1:31) 2/25
Nebraska Paul says: “The touching tale of a man who is traveling to Nebraska to collect on his perceived win of $1 million at the corporate headquarters is actually a story of a relationship that blossoms between the man and his son. Shot in black and white, this film has everything you’ve come to expect from director Alexander Payne.” Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb (R, 1:55) 2/25
Thor: The Dark World Paul says: “Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor in an action-packed race to stop an amazing weapon from bringing the universe into darkness. A trip back to find Jane (Natalie Portman) comes at just the right moment. Now they must team up with Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to save the universe. The film has everything you want in a superhero movie.” Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston (PG-13, 1:52) 2/25
Blue Is the Warmest Color Paul says: “This is the film that caused stir after stir when it was released theatrically. It tells the story of a young woman who is exploring her sexuality. The film had critics in a frenzy with its raw and in-your-face sex scenes that were praised as art. The film clocks in at just over three hours, and Adèle Exarchopoulos won the Best Young Actress award from the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards for her work in the film.” In French with English subtitles. Also stars Léa Seydoux, Salim Kechiouche (NC-17, 2:59) 2/25
Ice Soldiers In the Canadian North, a scientist unwittingly unleashes a deadly threat to Western society when he thaws out the bodies of three genetically modified Russians found buried in the ice. Dominic Purcell, Michael Ironside, Adam Beach (R) 2/25
Pulling Strings A diplomat working in Mexico City must rely on a mariachi singer whose visa she just denied to help her locate a missing computer for her boss. Laura Ramsey, Jaime Camil, Tom Arnold (PG, 1:50) 2/25