By Paul Hall
This week is so loaded with releases that I can't get over it. I've told you recently that we are in a period with some of the best releases of the year, and this week is probably top to bottom right at the top. Possible Best Picture winner Birdman leads the slate and is the Pick of the Week. It's the one that everyone who hasn't seen it, should see and will most likely enjoy. The Number 2 film on my Top 10 list this year, Life Itself, will show you Roger Ebert like you've never seen him before. And the love story for the movies that was a big part of his life. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels get back together for Dumb and Dumber To (and yes it is hard to always type that title. Not many people got out to see St. Vincent and The Theory of Everything but they should do big business for folks that are picking it up to watch at home. St. Vincent delivers a steadfast Bill Murray and a wonderful Melissa McCarthy performance and will grab you with both humor and heart. And what can be said about The Theory of Everything other than Eddie Redmayne is probably the fiercest competitor to Michael Keaton for the Best Actor award this year.And if that wasn't all you get the controversial film The Interview and Tommy Lee Jones' The Homesman plus so much more.
And I also included Game of Thrones Season 4 in my main rundown, something I usually don't do. Why? It is quite frankly a marvelous 5 disc set that will have fans of the show engrossed for HOURS in preparation for the new season. It includes a BOATLOAD of extras to get you ready for season 5 and is truly a marvelous presentation of a television show. But do we really thing of HBO as "television" anymore? They could as easily produce a series of movies with some of their content.
So enjoy the week - I know I am...
This week is so loaded with releases that I can't get over it. I've told you recently that we are in a period with some of the best releases of the year, and this week is probably top to bottom right at the top. Possible Best Picture winner Birdman leads the slate and is the Pick of the Week. It's the one that everyone who hasn't seen it, should see and will most likely enjoy. The Number 2 film on my Top 10 list this year, Life Itself, will show you Roger Ebert like you've never seen him before. And the love story for the movies that was a big part of his life. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels get back together for Dumb and Dumber To (and yes it is hard to always type that title. Not many people got out to see St. Vincent and The Theory of Everything but they should do big business for folks that are picking it up to watch at home. St. Vincent delivers a steadfast Bill Murray and a wonderful Melissa McCarthy performance and will grab you with both humor and heart. And what can be said about The Theory of Everything other than Eddie Redmayne is probably the fiercest competitor to Michael Keaton for the Best Actor award this year.And if that wasn't all you get the controversial film The Interview and Tommy Lee Jones' The Homesman plus so much more.
And I also included Game of Thrones Season 4 in my main rundown, something I usually don't do. Why? It is quite frankly a marvelous 5 disc set that will have fans of the show engrossed for HOURS in preparation for the new season. It includes a BOATLOAD of extras to get you ready for season 5 and is truly a marvelous presentation of a television show. But do we really thing of HBO as "television" anymore? They could as easily produce a series of movies with some of their content.So enjoy the week - I know I am...
Pick Of The Week
If you pick one movie this week … this is it.
Birdman / Rated R / Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis
Riggan Thomson is a washed-up actor best known for his role in the action series that created the superhero Birdman. In an effort to revive his career, he heads to Broadway. This spectacular look behind the scenes of how a Broadway show encounters many obstacles to get onstage is edited to appear as one single take. The unique perspective splendidly highlights the acting talent while creating an experience like few that have been seen before. It was number 7 on my Top 10 list of 2014 films and has a real chance to win Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards. Read why I chose it for my Top 10 here. (Grade: A-)
Also This Week
Dumb and Dumber To / Rated PG-13 / Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels
It’s been 20 years since Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne had their last adventure. But that ends today. After “the big reveal” at the hospital that Lloyd called home for the past two decades, the pair set off on another adventure across the country searching for a long-lost family member.
Game of Thrones (Season 4) / Not Rated /
HBO had done it again, while I had a chance to explore only the DVD version of this release. Fans of the television series will not be disappointed by the effort. Coming off a successful series of showings in IMAX theaters of the episodes that got you read for the next season, this set is a welcome addition to the Thrones fans' libraries.
Life Itself / Rated R
HBO had done it again, while I had a chance to explore only the DVD version of this release. Fans of the television series will not be disappointed by the effort. Coming off a successful series of showings in IMAX theaters of the episodes that got you read for the next season, this set is a welcome addition to the Thrones fans' libraries.
Life Itself / Rated R
Film critic Roger Ebert defined the movies for more than a generation. In this film, renowned documentarian Steve James talks to directors, actors, family and friends about the legend to find out what made Roger so beloved and such an iconic part of Hollywood history. One of the best films released in theaters in 2014, this is a co-pick of the week! Read what I wrote about the Number 2 film on my personal Top 10 for 2014.
St. Vincent / Rated PG-13 / Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy
Maggie and her son Oliver move in next to the eccentric Vincent while trying to start a new life. While Vincent initially pushes all the wrong buttons, Maggie befriends him to help care for her child after school. It’s that relationship between Vincent and Oliver that blossoms into something special.
The Theory of Everything/ Rated PG-13 / Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones
Director James Marsh tells the story of the incomparable Stephen Hawking, from his time at Cambridge to the man he is today. Seeing a vibrant young Hawking dwindle in physical ability all while possessing a genius intellect will tug your heartstrings. With awardworthy performances, Hawking’s growth is illuminated in this tale of the relationship with his wife that focuses on the personal world of a genius.
Plus
Dying of the Light / Rated R / Nicolas Cage, Anton Yelchin
The Homesman / Rated R / Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank
The Interview / Rated R / Seth Rogen, James Franco
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya/ Rated PG / Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan
Remember – all release dates are subject to change.
