Last week of January with another smaller week but still chock full of goodness in the form of a couple big screen titles and some awesome catalog. These are your new releases for January 31, 2017.
First up this week Tom Cruise is back in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. When the current commander of Reacher’s old unit (Cobie Smulders) is imprisoned on espionage charges, and Reacher himself in held and accused of being involved, they both break out and go on the run to find out who is behind the set up.
The first Jack Reacher was a phenomenal adult crime thriller and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back continues the tale of the drifter with very specialized skills. Despite the character in Lee Child’s books being a gigantic blonde man, Cruise does a great job of conveying the same level of intimidation but through attitude and ability. This time around Cruise is accompanied by the underrated Cobie Smulders as the equally badass commander bring framed. They make a great team with great chemistry. The plot is not quite as interesting as the first films but it is still an entertaining story with interesting plot twists that keep you engaged. While director Christopher McQuarrie is missed, Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai, Legends of the Fall) does a solid job of keeping things moving. I hope they continue with this series, it really is one of Cruises best characters.
Next up is a new true story from Disney, Queen of Katwe. Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) is a 10 year old girl living in the slums of Uganda. After joining a missionary program led by Robert Katende (David Oyelowo) teaching kids how to play chess, Phiona finds she had a natural ability for strategy and quickly becomes a top player. Over several years her success in competitions and tournaments present her with challenges and opportunities that affect not only the game but her life and the lives of her family.
Disney really knows how to do these true story sports films. The assemble filmmaking teams and casts that really bring a level of quality and class to the productions making them relatable, authentic and inspirational. Queen of Katwe is no exception. The fantastic cast, led by newcomer Nalwanga and featuring Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o are just brilliant and the story of this girl’s triumphs thanks to her skills, tenacity and will are truly inspiring. An excellent story for the whole family.
Lastly this week we have a real cult classic finding its way to Blu-ray for the first time. The Lair of the White Worm is the story of Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi), an archaeology student who discovers the local legend of a mythical snake-like creature may be true. With the help of James d’Ampton (Hugh Grant), an ancestor of the man who supposedly slayed the creature, the two men must find the creature and destroy it once and for all.
The Lair of the White Worm is directed by legendary cult director Ken Russell (The Devils, Altered States) and is based on a story by Bram Stoker (Dracula). Russell’s style is on full display here in one of his most entertaining and weird movies. Grant and Capaldi are both great and Amanda Donohoe is just fantastic as the evil vampiric priestess. The movie is full of great atmosphere, great performances and amazing makeup effects. For those seeking something different, The Lair of the White Worm will definitely do the trick. And the new Vestron Video Collector’s Edition features a transfer that is gorgeous and a nice batch of new special features as well.
Also of note this week is the new film starring Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Zach Galifianakis Masterminds, Ballers: The Complete Second Season starring Dwayne Johnson and the Vestron Video Collector’s Edition of Parents starring Randy Quaid.
Until next week movie lovers.
DVD and Blu-ray Releases for Tuesday January 31, 2017
4th Man Out
Ballers: The Complete Second Season
Barbie: Video Game Hero
Before I Die
Bells Are Ringing*
Bleach (TV) Set 2
Crossing Point
Doctor Who: Power of the Daleks
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
Love Camp 7*
Masterminds
Masterpiece Victoria
MST3K: Volume IV
Parents*
Pinocchio: Signature Collection
Poltergeist II: The Other Side – Collectors Edition
Poltergeist III – Collectors Edition
Queen of Katwe
Ride Along: 2 Movie Collection
Straight Outta Oakland
The Lair of the White Worm*
Tyler Perry’s Boo!: A Madea Halloween
Tyler Perry’s Madea on the Run (The Play)
Wax Mask a.k.a. M.D.C. - Maschera di cera
*Catalog Blu-ray debut