Highbrow Magazine - Denzel Washington https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/denzel-washington en The Tragedy of Joel Coen’s ‘Macbeth’? It Wasn’t Necessary https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/19254-tragedy-joel-cohen-s-macbeth-it-wasn-t-necessary <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Fri, 01/28/2022 - 13:03</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1macbeth.jpg?itok=8UPPTzQ-"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1macbeth.jpg?itok=8UPPTzQ-" width="480" height="270" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>AT A GLANCE</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>The Tragedy of Macbeth</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Directed by: Joel Coen</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Starring: Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Alex Hassell, Bertie Carvel, Brendan Gleeson, Corey Hawkins and Harry Melling</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Rated: R</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Available on: Apple TV+ and in select theaters</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Critical rating: 2½ out of 4</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Calling writer-director Joel Coen’s screen treatment of William Shakespeare’s <em>Macbeth</em> bad would be inaccurate, but all is forgiven if it inspires just a shrug and a yawn. <em>The Tragedy of Macbeth</em>, as Coen has titled his film, is difficult to critique because he has assembled a wonderful cast, and he puts all his considerable visual storytelling skills to work in translating the play to screen, yet – for all but the most hardened Shakespeare afficionados – it seems destined to disappoint. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">In criticizing the movie, one runs the risk of being labeled as uncultured because it’s the sort of film that we of the highbrow mindset are supposed to love. It is beautifully shot, magnificently acted, and tailormade for awards season. Yet … it commands none of the energy and magnificence of live theater because, well, it’s not live theater. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2macbeth.jpg" style="height:339px; width:509px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The 2021 adaptations of <a href="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/19023-steven-spielberg-revitalizes-west-side-story-and-delivers-another-hit" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline"><em>West Side Story</em></a> and <em>tick, tick…BOOM!</em> work because the frenetic energy of the music largely makes up for the problems that occur when a work written for stage is transitioned to a new medium. With <em>Macbeth</em>, not so much. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Coen decided to present the work in black-and-white, giving his shots a film noir mystique that is both beautiful and commanding. Yet I can’t help but think that the greyscale imagery ultimately works against him. When one brings Shakespeare to the screen, the glory is in opening the storytelling in the manner only available on film. Otherwise, why not stick to traditional stage productions, where live performance makes everything more exciting? </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Coen tries to open the work by giving us a variety of settings, but – as gorgeous as they are – each carries a sense of familiarity. A change in the film’s locale feels more like a set switch in theater than an actual geographical move. Perhaps shooting in color would have created a greater sense of immediacy and realism, making the work feel less like a filmed play. “Oh, but reverence to theater is the point,” fans may exclaim! To them, I respond that I do not go to the movies to watch plays, just as I don’t go to live theater with the expectation of seeing a movie. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3macbeth.jpg" style="height:337px; width:600px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">As a fan of theater, movies, and – truth told – Coen, it makes me happy that there are many who love this retelling of the Shakespeare tragedy. The film currently has a <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_tragedy_of_macbeth_2021" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">93% positive rating on rottentomatoes.com</a>, and it landed two <a href="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/19030-belfast-west-side-story-are-lead-contenders-critics-choice-award-nominations" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Critics Choice Award nominations</a> (full disclosure, I vote for those awards but did not nominate the picture). As a critic, I never resent someone for liking a film, even if it disappoints me. Art is subjective, and it’s usually possible to squeeze something of value from even the most banal of creations. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">That said, a critic must be honest, and <em>The Tragedy of Macbeth</em> does not work for me. I have no desire to see it again. Even the lure of Denzel Washington in the title role can’t bring me back, despite the fact that he is unquestionably good. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">As one typically does with Shakespeare, Coen retains the Bard’s original language. This is not an update that focuses on story at the expense of prose. One could write an essay about whether it is ever appropriate to change the language in a Shakespeare work when attempting an adaptation, but that digression needn’t occur here. The bottom line is that Coen decides on reverence, and I think that’s why I found his work to be, well, boring. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/4macbeth.jpg" style="height:418px; width:600px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">I have seen Macbeth on stage and – because of the dark subject matter and lengthy soliloquies – it can be a slog even there. But the excitement of live theater, of actors doing their work mere feet from your seat, brings an energy that just isn’t present when streaming on AppleTV+. Adding to the difficulty of a screen adaptation is the fact that Macbeth and his lady love – played for the film by Frances McDormand – are terrible people. That makes the story work well as a noir, but the fact that something works doesn’t make it necessary or enjoyable. In the end, that’s perhaps the most apt criticism of this project. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em>The Tragedy of Macbeth</em>, as presented by Coen and company, is a worthy piece of art, but it’s a piece of art we have largely seen before. The cast – although star-studded – is relatively small, which – again – makes the movie feel like a play (minus the live energy). Bottom line: Those who have seen good stage adaptations have seen superior work, and those who have never seen the play should prioritize a theatrical experience over watching this film. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Author Bio:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Forrest Hartman, </em>Highbrow Magazine’s<em> chief film critic, is a longtime entertainment journalist who teaches at the Department of </em></strong><a href="https://www.csuchico.edu/jour/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank"><strong><em>Journalism &amp; Public Relations at California State University, Chico</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tragedy-macbeth" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Tragedy of Macbeth</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/denzel-washington" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Denzel Washington</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/frances-mcdormand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">frances mcdormand</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/joel-cohen" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Joel Cohen</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/shakespeare" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">shakespeare</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new films</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/plays" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">plays</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/brendan-gleason" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Brendan Gleason</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">In Slider</div></div></div> Fri, 28 Jan 2022 18:03:02 +0000 tara 10889 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/19254-tragedy-joel-cohen-s-macbeth-it-wasn-t-necessary#comments A Chilling Cat-and-Mouse Game Ensues in ‘The Little Things’ https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/11238-chilling-cat-and-mouse-game-ensues-little-things <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Sun, 01/31/2021 - 11:38</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1littlethings.jpg?itok=eVC0D2GI"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1littlethings.jpg?itok=eVC0D2GI" width="480" height="320" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p><p><em>The Little Things</em> (written and directed by John Lee Hancock) is a noir-inspired crime thriller that follows former LAPD detective Joe Deacon (Denzel Washington) as he works with his successor (Rami Malek) to solve a string of serial murders that plague Los Angeles.</p><p> </p><p><em>The Little Things</em> intertwines Deacon’s secretive past with the even more inexplicable mystery surrounding the serial killings. This drags the two cops into a cat-and-mouse game capturing the audience's attention from start to finish. </p><p> </p><p>The performances are terrific, with Jared Leto giving a particularly superb performance as the  prime suspect, Albert Sparma. Leto creates an eerily charming antagonist who perfectly plays to the air of mystery, doubt, and confusion the film aims to create. </p><p> </p><p>In typical noir style, the film offers no heroes -- which is utilized to serve the film’s theme on obsession and the nature of justice.</p><p> </p><p>Instead of conflicted characters who falter clearly behind the lines of right and wrong, these  characters always seem to be in the middle of the road. Questionable behavior never seems particularly wrong, and well-meaning goals never seem particularly right.</p><p> </p><p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2littlethings.jpg" style="height:300px; width:600px" /></p><p> </p><p>This creates a dynamic that makes the characters almost <em>too</em> realistic. Malice seems to be absent from their actions, making good and bad seem sort of incidental.</p><p> </p><p>I personally felt confused at the end of the film, rather than intrigued and informed. All the plot questions are eventually answered, but not in a way that is satisfactory. </p><p> </p><p>I didn't know exactly what message the film was trying to convey, or what we – as viewers -- are supposed to take away.</p><p> </p><p>The film aims to make the audience feel conflicted in regards to the actions of the protagonists. However, with a lack of strong examples of moral righteousness and fallibility, weighing the two feels more like picking at semantics than truly measuring an intense contrast between intention and action.</p><p> </p><p>In some respects, this may be seen as a commentary on the crime genre and audience expectation, poking fun at how film and television have conditioned audiences to not question, and even respect loose-cannon police officers who think, “Rules are made to be broken.”</p><p> </p><p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3littlethings.jpg" style="height:600px; width:405px" /></p><p> </p><p>However, even with this reading, the film’s ending doesn’t quite feel as though the filmmakers are giving the audience a punch in the gut over their acceptance of police overreach. </p><p> </p><p><em>The Little Things</em> is by all means an intelligent and well-made film. Terrific performances and an intriguing plot make this a strong start for future films to come in 2021.</p><p> </p><p>However, with a somewhat unsatisfying ending, those who like their film-watching to be reminiscent of an AP literature discussion may be left wanting more.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong><em>Garrett Hartman is a contributing writer at</em> Highbrow Magazine.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p><p> </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/jared-leto" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">jared leto</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/denzel-washington" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Denzel Washington</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/rami-malek" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Rami Malek</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/little-things" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Little Things</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new movies</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hollywood" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Hollywood</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/thrillers" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">thrillers</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Garrett Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Warner Bros.</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Sun, 31 Jan 2021 16:38:13 +0000 tara 10136 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/11238-chilling-cat-and-mouse-game-ensues-little-things#comments Dear Oscars: Don’t Do to ‘Moonlight’ What You Did to These Black Films https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/7428-dear-oscars-don-t-do-moonlight-what-you-did-these-black-films <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Sun, 02/19/2017 - 15:27</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1moonlightfilm.jpg?itok=l7vJ_IT0"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1moonlightfilm.jpg?itok=l7vJ_IT0" width="480" height="270" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><strong><em>From <a href="http://www.theroot.com/dear-oscars-don-t-do-to-moonlight-what-you-did-to-thes-1792204881">The Root</a> and republished by our content partner New America Media</em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Opinion:</strong></p> <p>Oscar season is upon us. On Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will honor what it deems to be the best films of 2016 during the 89th Academy Awards. After two years of #OscarsSoWhite, this year we have a record six black acting nominees, three films with predominantly black casts nominated for best picture and four films with black directors nominated for best documentary.</p> <p> </p> <p>This is a historic year, but I’ve learned to temper my enthusiasm about black folks winning Academy Awards. While winning the coveted Oscar is often considered the high mark of one’s career, there are many examples of when the academy failed to recognize the best film made in a given year or even the best actor or actress nominated.</p> <p> </p> <p>I will never forgive the academy for failing to nominate <em>Do the Right Thing</em> for best picture. That year the Oscar went to <em>Driving Miss Daisy</em>. (Yes, you read that right: <em>Driving Miss Daisy</em>.) And who could forget the year that Al Pacino won for <em>Scent of a Woman</em> over the transfixing Denzel Washington as Malcolm X? Further, the Oscars have a history of recognizing films like <em>Dances With Wolves, The Blind Side</em> and <em>The Help</em> that place a white person as the moral center of a film about people of color.</p> <p> </p> <p>I am also wary of placing too much weight on the white assessment of black expression. This is something that happens often during Black History Month.</p> <p> </p> <p>When we need the approval and validation of the dominant group in order for us to see our own work as valuable, we engage in a vicious form of internalized racism—one that centers whiteness even as we engage in the subversive work of expressing black brilliance.</p> <p> </p> <p>We are consistently outraged when white institutions do what they were created to do and marginalize people of color; yet we constantly demean and ghettoize the NAACP Image Awards, the BET Awards, and other spaces that have historically made room for and celebrated black excellence. When you place more worth on white access and recognition than you do on black affirmation, you participate in your own oppression. We need to support, protect and prioritize those spaces that celebrate our blackness—not award shows that tokenize our culture.</p> <p> </p> <p>Yet, recognized by the academy or not, we need black films that will challenge the racial status quo and speak to the lived experience of those who are part of the African Diaspora. Therefore, instead of discussing black films that have received Oscar attention, I want to highlight black art that did not receive recognition from the academy but was brilliant nevertheless.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/creedmovie.jpg" style="height:333px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>1. Creed (2015)</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>There is a scene in Ryan Coogler’s Creed that makes my allergies act up.</p> <p> </p> <p>In the central training montage, Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan, is running the streets of Philadelphia, preparing for his fight with the heavyweight champion of the world. As he runs, the film converts the frame to slow motion as young black men from the neighborhood circle him, riding all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles.</p> <p> </p> <p>This scene is so moving because it speaks to community. It speaks to the truth that I’ve experienced many times in my life: It reminds me that there are people from my community who believe in me; that support me. In that moment, as the bikes swirled around Creed, he was reminded that he was surrounded by a host of witnesses. They supported him. They would push him. They loved him.</p> <p> </p> <p>This film was not recognized by the academy except for Sylvester Stallone’s nomination for best supporting actor. The black lead actor, black director and black supporting actress were all brilliant, but not recognized.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>2. Dutchman (1966)</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>This is a film based on a brilliant play by Amiri Baraka and stars Al Freeman Jr. In it, a black man meets a white woman on a train, and a problematic dialogue that explores the anxiety of being a black man in America ensues.</p> <p> </p> <p>I won’t spoil the ending, but suffice it to say, it shows the danger posed by white women who fetishize black masculinity. It is the ultimate artistic embodiment of a sentiment expressed by many a black mother or grandmother: “You need to leave those white women alone.”</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>3. Hollywood Shuffle (1987)</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Before #OscarsSoWhite became a trending topic on Twitter, <em>Hollywood Shuffle</em> told the story of black actors and actresses who were consistently typecast into the roles of pimps, prostitutes, hustlers and slaves.</p> <p> </p> <p>It’s been 30 years since the film was released, but the uncomfortable truths expressed in the film about the lack of diversity and the covert racism of studio executives remain as accurate as ever.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>4. Daughters of the Dust (1991)</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Julie Dash’s lyrical, meditative period piece set in 1902 about a black family’s pending migration from coastal Georgia to America’s mainland tells its story from the perspective of black women. It has a short running time, but the story is epic in scope and emotion.</p> <p> </p> <p>It is a movie that requires patience to watch but sticks with the viewer long after the credits have run.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>5. Mississippi Damned (2009)</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Tina Mabry’s autobiographical examination of poverty, abuse and hope is at once devastating and awe-inspiring. The “damned” are those whose lives seem entrapped by a cycle of poverty so vicious that talk of escaping it is met with disdain. The direction is assured, and Tessa Thompson gives a standout performance as Kari Peterson.</p> <p> </p> <p>The film is, at times, unsettling, but so are the social forces that placed these characters in situations wherein all hope seems lost and obligations are entrapping.</p> <p> </p> <p>This year the academy will almost certainly award Denzel Washington the Oscar for best actor, and Viola Davis is a lock for best supporting actress. While we should celebrate their wins, I am reminded of the words W.E.B. Du Bois wrote to eulogize Carter G. Woodson: “No white university ever recognized his work; no white scientific society ever honored him. Perhaps this was his greatest honor.”</p> <p> </p> <p>It’s nice to be recognized, but if white institutions fail to appreciate the work of black folks, we should not be outraged. We should consider it an honor.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Lawrence</em></strong><strong><em> Ware is a progressive writer in a conservative state.</em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>From <a href="http://www.theroot.com/dear-oscars-don-t-do-to-moonlight-what-you-did-to-thes-1792204881">The Root</a> and republished by our content partner New America Media</em></strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/moonlight" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">moonlight</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/oscars" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Oscars</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/viola-davis" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Viola Davis</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/denzel-washington" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Denzel Washington</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/black-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">black films</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/oscarssowhite" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">oscarssowhite</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Lawrence Ware</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Sun, 19 Feb 2017 20:27:24 +0000 tara 7387 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/7428-dear-oscars-don-t-do-moonlight-what-you-did-these-black-films#comments ‘The Equalizer,’ ‘Tusk’ Arrive on Home Video https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4537-equalizer-tusk-arrive-home-video <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 12/30/2014 - 10:57</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/equalizer.jpg?itok=s21WLDOZ"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/equalizer.jpg?itok=s21WLDOZ" width="323" height="480" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>A new film from writer-director Kevin Smith and a revenge adventure starring Denzel Washington anchor this week’s home video releases.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The Equalizer</strong></p> <p><strong>3 stars (out of four)<br /> Rated R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, including some sexual references<br /> Sony<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>There’s nothing inventive about director Antoine Fuqua’s big-screen adaptation of the 1980s TV drama “The Equalizer,” but it is plenty entertaining. Most of the credit goes to Denzel Washington, an actor who can take any role to unexpected heights. In “The Equalizer,” he plays Robert McCall, a former special-forces officer who has retired to a quiet life working at a retail store.</p> <p> </p> <p>Although Robert goes out of his way to avoid the violence that used to drive his career, he is moved to action when a prostitute he befriended (Chloë Grace Moretz) is brutally beaten by her pimp. Although Robert intended his intervention as a one-time act of kindness, he is quickly drawn into an escalating series of dangers, as the girl was working for members of the Russian Mafia.</p> <p> </p> <p>Washington is always outstanding, and he is particularly good in roles like this. The actor portrays Robert as a remarkably intelligent man with a talent for combat, both hand-to-hand and with weaponry. When he isn’t fighting, he comes across as kind, generous and charismatic. When he is fighting, he is deadly.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Fuqua’s movie also benefits from a respectable Richard Wenk screenplay. The plotting is relatively straightforward and predictable, but Wenk wisely ties the story to a broad arc about organized crime. He could have easily made Robert embark on a series of unrelated acts of vigilantism, but that wouldn’t have been nearly as effective.</p> <p> </p> <p>As presented, Robert is a mystery when the story begins, but his character is largely revealed by the time credits roll. This makes him more likable, and it draws viewers into the simple story on multiple levels.</p> <p> </p> <p>Fuqua (“Training Day,” “Olympus Has Fallen”) is good with action, and he keeps the plot moving rapidly. This makes “The Equalizer” a breezy revenge flick that – although derivative – is enjoyable. </p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include two behind-the-scenes featurettes.  </p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/Tusk%20-%20Horizontal.jpg" style="height:416px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Tusk</strong></p> <p><strong>2½ stars<br /> Rated R for some disturbing violence/gore, language and sexual content<br /> Lionsgate<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Writer-director Kevin Smith began his career as a wunderkind of cinema. His early films – “Clerks,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma” – offer brilliant, funny and often irreverent insight into the lives of Gen Xers.</p> <p> </p> <p>Sadly, his recent work is considerably less compelling, and some of it – think 2010’s “Cop Out” – has been flat-out bad. In 2011, Smith abandoned the mainstream movie industry to make the interesting-yet-flawed, independent horror-comedy “Red State.” With “Tusk,” Smith again dives into this territory, delivering an offbeat horror film that is both terrifying and goofy.</p> <p> </p> <p>Like Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, Smith seems to enjoy playing with the hallmarks of grindhouse cinema, creating movies that are salacious on the face, yet carry serious undertones. These days, Smith seems particularly interested in the narcissism of modern youth.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Tusk” begins by introducing viewers to Wallace Bryton (Justin Long), a rising podcast star who – with partner Teddy Craft (Haley Joel Osment) – runs a show called the Not-See Party. The allusions to Hitler are intentional, and this tells viewers a lot about the discernment of the lead characters, who think nothing of laughing at a young man who becomes a viral video sensation after mistakenly lopping off his own leg. Wallace even travels to Canada to interview the boy, presumably planning to poke fun at his stupidity.</p> <p> </p> <p>Wallace’s plans fall apart when the boy – devastated by the accident – commits suicide. Despondent about flying to Canada for nothing, Wallace hits a bar where he finds an intriguing note. It promises a room, plus countless tales of adventure to anyone willing to help an old man manage his estate. Wallace calls, explaining that he is not interested in the room but that he would like to record the man’s stories for his podcast.</p> <p> </p> <p>Soon, Wallace finds himself in the home of Howard Howe (Michael Parks), an eccentric whose promise of wild stories is true. Among other things, Howard details a time when he was rescued from a shipwreck by a walrus. Just as the stories are getting interesting, Wallace passes out, awakening to find himself a prisoner in Howard’s house.</p> <p> </p> <p>The remainder of “Tusk” is a bizarre mix of macabre horror and silliness, marked in particular by a fascinating performance by Johnny Depp. The superstar actor is unrecognizable as Guy Lapointe, a former lawman who believes Wallace has been abducted by a serial killer whom he has been tracking for years.</p> <p> </p> <p>Smith is a talented filmmaker, and it’s easy to imagine the right audience embracing “Tusk” as a cult classic. It is difficult, however, to call the film good. Like the grindhouse pictures that inspired the genre, Smith’s film relies heavily on shock value, and the serious undertones are largely obscured by the repulsive events depicted on screen. There are funny moments hidden within the horror, and Depp is particularly entertaining, but the satire is ugly and dark, meaning only select viewers will get it. Still, the film moves quickly, meaning it’s an easy watch for anyone curious about Smith’s current work.   </p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include two making-of featurettes, deleted scenes and an audio commentary by Smith.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Elsa &amp; Fred”:</strong> Drama about two seniors (Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer) who embark on a whirlwind romance. Directed by Michael Radford.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Kelly &amp; Cal”:</strong> Story of the unlikely friendship between a wistful middle-aged mom (Juliette Lewis) and a frustrated teen (Jonny Weston). The movie is the first feature-length film for director Jen McGowan.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Reach Me”:</strong> Writer-director John Herzfield presents the story of numerous people influenced by the sentiments in a motivational book. Lauren Cohan, Kyra Sedgwick, Thomas Jane and Kevin Connolly star.   </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Last Weekend”:</strong> Patricia Clarkson plays a wealthy matriarch whose plans to bring her dysfunctional family together over Labor Day weekend go awry. Directed by Tom Dolby and Tom Williams.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Shameless” – The Complete Fourth Season:</strong> Twelve most-recent episodes of Showtime’s dramedy about the Gallaghers, a poor family struggling to make it in a South Side Chicago community. William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum and Cameron Monaghan star. The show has been nominated for numerous awards, and Macy is up for best actor in a TV musical or comedy in the current Golden Globes race.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Banshee” – The Complete Second Season:</strong> Ten most-recent episodes of the Cinemax series about a former convict (Antony Starr) who poses as a small-town sheriff while trying to evade an organized crime boss. Rus Blackwell, Ivana Milicevic and Frankie Faison also star. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a></em></strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/equalizer" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the equalizer</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tusk" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tusk</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/denzel-washington" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Denzel Washington</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-dvd-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new on dvd</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new films</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-dvds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new dvds</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 30 Dec 2014 15:57:35 +0000 tara 5563 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4537-equalizer-tusk-arrive-home-video#comments ‘Flight,’ ‘Alex Cross’ Arrive on DVD, Blu-ray https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/2105-flight-alex-cross-arrive-dvd-blu-ray <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 02/05/2013 - 10:42</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumflight.jpg?itok=QirVsZfj"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumflight.jpg?itok=QirVsZfj" width="480" height="288" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p> This week’s home video releases include a thriller starring Tyler Perry, a family film with Kevin James and a drama that netted Denzel Washington an Oscar nomination.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Flight</strong></p> <p> <strong>3½ stars (out of four)<br /> Rated R </strong></p> <p> <strong>Paramount<br /> Available Tuesday on DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> Denzel Washington earned his sixth Oscar nomination for “Flight,” a film in which he delivers a brilliant portrayal of a booze-and-drug-addled pilot who crash lands a disabled airplane. The great thing about Washington is his characters always have enough depth to move beyond movie archetypes, and his drunken pilot – Whip Whitaker – is no exception.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Whip gains national attention after his airline crash not because he’s a substance abuser, but because his in-air heroics saved the life of nearly every passenger, even though his plane had severe mechanical problems. Still, as aviation officials investigate the tragic event, Whip’s struggles with addiction come to light.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Ultimately, “Flight” isn’t about an aircraft crash. It’s about Whip’s demons, and the movie offers a surprisingly realistic view of addiction. Too often, drug movies focus only on characters hitting rock-bottom moments, ignoring the fact that many drug abusers are surprisingly functional and spend their days suffering in silence. </p> <p>  </p> <p> Although Washington carries “Flight,” the movie benefits from a host of outstanding supporting performances, including memorable outings from Bruce Greenwood, John Goodman and Don Cheadle. Director Robert Zemeckis and screenwriter John Gatins also deserve much of the credit. Gatkins earned an Oscar-nomination for the screenplay, which had the courage to abandon stereotypes, and Zemeckis transferred the words to the screen beautifully. Among other things, Zemeckis’ depiction of the airplane crash ranks among the best in film history. </p> <p>  </p> <p> The only flaw in “Flight” is a disappointing and somewhat predictable ending that seems especially trite when contrasted against everything that comes before. It seems unfair to focus on that one failing, however, because all but the final moments of the movie are exceptional.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The DVD version of “Flight” doesn’t contain any extras, but the Blu-ray has four making-of features.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/boommovie.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 338px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Here Comes the Boom</strong></p> <p> <strong>3 stars<br /> Rated PG </strong></p> <p> <strong>Sony<br /> Available Tuesday on DVD, Blu-ray and on demand</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> What’s a high school teacher to do when his principal cuts funding for the music program? If that teacher is Kevin James, he becomes a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter in order to raise cash for the struggling institution.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Yes, “Here Comes the Boom” is as silly as its synopsis. Fortunately, it’s also a lot of fun and, with a PG rating, the entire family can enjoy it. James plays Scott Voss, an award-winning biology teacher who has lost all enthusiasm for his job. Because of this, he shows up late, wastes class time and openly scoffs at the value of public education.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Things change, however, when his principal (Greg Germann) announces that he’s cutting the school’s band program. Distressed because the cuts include the job of the school’s inspirational band teacher (Henry Winkler), Scott decides to raise money however he can. When he learns that MMA fighters receive as much as $10,000 just to lose, he decides to put his days as a college wrestler to good use and return to the ring.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The plot is, of course, ludicrous, and it’s hard to take James seriously as a cage fighter, but that’s part of the enjoyment. It doesn’t matter that none of this could happen. Viewers just have to go along for the ride.</p> <p>  </p> <p> James is a charismatic actor who makes it easy to invest in Scott’s fights, and he gets nice supporting work from Winkler, Salma Hayek (who plays the school nurse) and Bas Rutten (who plays his MMA trainer). Director Frank Coraci also worked with James on the terrible 2011 film “Zookeeper,” but he raised the bar considerably this time. “Here Comes the Boom” isn’t the sort of movie that wins awards, but it is solid family entertainment that should leave everyone smiling once the credits roll.</p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include a making-of featurette, a large collection of deleted scenes and a gag reel.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/alexcross.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Alex Cross</strong></p> <p> <strong>2½ stars<br /> Rated PG-13 </strong></p> <p> <strong>Lionsgate<br /> Available Tuesday on DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, on demand and pay-per-view</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> The main question most viewers will have about “Alex Cross” is, “Can Tyler Perry play the hard-nosed lawman that the movie is named after?” The answer is, “Yeah… sort of.” He may not be everyone’s ideal vision of novelist James Patterson’s detective – especially when compared to Morgan Freeman’s portrayal in “Along Came a Spider” and “Kiss the Girls” – but Perry is serviceable. The same can be said of director Rob Cohen’s entire film. “Alex Cross” isn’t bad, but it isn’t especially good either.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The film is best categorized as a standard-order detective thriller that has strong moments, weak moments and plenty of in-betweens. It’s at its worst when Perry is trying to establish Cross not only as a peace officer, but as a psychologist so tuned into details that he can tell what someone had for lunch by simply looking them over. The Mark Moss and Kerry Williamson screenplay makes several attempts to convince viewers that Cross possesses this Sherlock Holmes-style genius, but each bit come up flat, primarily because they’re rushed.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Alex Cross” is at its best when a nearly unrecognizable Matthew Fox is chewing up the scenery as the film’s chief bad guy. Fox plays a hired assassin who likes his job so well that he tortures victims and throws in additional kills at no charge. His work is flashy, but it’s also extremely creepy, and that’s what drives the movie. As much fun as it is to watch Fox, his scene stealing is a problem because a film titled “Alex Cross” shouldn’t be reliant on a secondary character.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Fortunately, none of the flaws in “Alex Cross” are so damning that they make the film an unpleasant experience. In fact, it’s reasonably entertaining as long one keeps expectations low. With supporting performances by Edward Burns, Jean Reno, Cicely Tyson and Rachel Nichols, the film also has reasonable star power. What it doesn’t have is the emotional depth and plotting of a top-tier thriller. If you’re looking for those things, skip the video rental and check out Kevin Bacon’s exceptional new television series, “The Following.”</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Alex Cross” DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes, a making-of feature and an audio commentary by Cohen.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumlatequartet.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 455px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“A Late Quartet”:</strong> Drama about the interpersonal struggles of a world-renowned string quartet. Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Imogen Poots and Mark Ivanar star. Directed by Yaron Zilberman. </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Peter Pan” – Diamond Edition:</strong> Disney is celebrating the 60<sup>th</sup> anniversary of this animated classic with a fresh digital restoration. Even better, the film is finally receiving its Blu-ray debut.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Paul Williams – Still Alive”:</strong> Documentary movie about musician and actor Paul Williams, who had his career heyday in the 1970s. Directed by Steven Kessler. </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“The Ballad of Narayama”: </strong>Criterion Collection release of Japanese director Keisuke Kinoshita’s 1958 drama set in a poor village where citizens are carried to the top of a mountain and left to die on their 70<sup>th</sup> birthday. Presented in Japanese with English subtitles.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Tyler Perry’s Madea Gets a Job” – The Play:</strong> Tyler Perry may be the new Alex Cross, but he’s best known for donning a dress and portraying the tough-talking elderly woman Madea. In this latest project, he brings the character to a retirement home where she has been ordered to work 20 hours of community service.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Celeste and Jesse Forever”:</strong> Romantic comedy about a young married couple (Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg) who try to remain best friends while going through a divorce. Jones also co-wrote the screenplay. Directed by Lee Toland Krieger</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Ben 10 Omniverse – A New Beginning”:</strong> Ten episodes of Cartoon Network’s new series about the exploits of Ben Tennyson, a crime-fighting youth with the ability to transform into alien species. </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> <em>Forrest Hartman, a</em> Highbrow Magazine <em>contributor,  is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>. </em></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/flight" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">flight</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/denzel-washington" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Denzel Washington</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/here-comes-boom" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">here comes the boom</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/alex-cross" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">alex cross</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tyler-perry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Tyler Perry</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/late-quartet" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">a late quartet</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/celeste-and-jesse-forever" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">celeste and jesse forever</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Paramount Pictures</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:42:43 +0000 tara 2304 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/2105-flight-alex-cross-arrive-dvd-blu-ray#comments ‘John Carter,’ Safe House’ Arrive on DVD, Blu-ray https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1208-john-carter-safe-house-arrive-dvd-blu-ray <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 06/05/2012 - 20:22</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/John%20Carter%20-%20Horizontal.JPG?itok=a9V8CbF4"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/John%20Carter%20-%20Horizontal.JPG?itok=a9V8CbF4" width="480" height="318" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p> A thriller starring Denzel Washington and an adaptation of a much-loved science-fiction novel anchor this week’s home video releases.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>John Carter</strong></p> <p> <strong>3½ stars (out of four)<br /> Rated PG-13<br /> Disney<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, digital download and on demand </strong></p> <p> “A Princess of Mars,” Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel about a former Civil War officer who travels to the Red Planet, was an influence on George Lucas’ “Star Wars” franchise. It is therefore surprising that Hollywood took so long to produce a big-budget film adaptation. Fortunately, the delay resulted in an excellent movie.   </p> <p>  </p> <p> Director Andrew Stanton’s take on the novel is a space opera of the first order, and it bears more than a few resemblances to Lucas’ films. The special-effects-laden effort features bizarre aliens, a beautiful princess and loads of swashbuckling action, all presented with panache.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Although the film is based on “A Princess of Mars,” Stanton and company opted to name the film after its main character, the previously mentioned Confederate Civil War officer. Shortly after viewers meet John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), he is mysteriously transported to Mars, a planet where he becomes something of a superhero thanks to the reduced gravity.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “John Carter” had a disappointing theatrical run in the U.S., but one has to wonder if that’s because it lacks an A-list cast. The film itself is first-rate and can stand proudly alongside 2012 blockbusters like “The Hunger Games” and “The Avengers.”</p> <p>  </p> <p> Stanton, the Pixar animation guru whose previous films include “WALL-E” and “Finding Nemo,” seems perfectly at home with live-action moviemaking. In fact, “John Carter” boasts an excellent blend of character development, special effects and flat-out action.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> Kitsch isn’t a household name, but his portrayal of the title character is winning, and he gets solid support from Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Thomas Haden Church and Mark Strong. In fact, it’s hard to find flaws in “John Carter” without pointing to problems inherent to space operas.  As fanciful science-fiction tales go, “John Carter” is a classic.</p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include an audio commentary with the filmmakers and a feature on converting Burroughs’ novel to the screen.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumsafehouse.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px; " /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Safe House</strong></p> <p> <strong>3 stars<br /> Rated R<br /> Universal<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and on demand</strong></p> <p> “Safe House” is a smartly scripted espionage drama that takes numerous twists during its fast-paced 115-minute run. </p> <p>  </p> <p> The film focuses on Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds), a junior CIA agent charged with running a safe house in Cape Town, South Africa. His duties are painfully bland until Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington), a traitorous former agent turns himself in, prompting U.S. officials to send Frost to Weston’s post for interrogation. Before much can happen, the safe house is stormed, and everyone except Weston and Frost are killed. This sends the two men on the run and leaves Weston in the precarious position of trying to keep the cunning prisoner in captivity while evading unknown assassins.</p> <p>  </p> <p> When he has good material, Reynolds is a pleasure to watch, and “Safe House” suits his talents well. He is completely believable as a capable agent dumped into a situation above his pay grade. It’s a tribute to Reynolds that he also stands toe to toe with Washington, one of the finest actors of his generation. Washington’s version of Frost is extremely satisfying. Although he’s a traitor and master manipulator, Frost has a moral code that allows viewers to identify with him and appreciate his exploits… even when he’s working against Weston.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Espionage films often grow so complicated that they’re difficult to follow, but director Daniel Espinosa does a fine job keeping the audience in the loop. He also avoids monotony by presenting a series of wild plot turns. In fact, the movie’s biggest flaw may be that it has one twist too many.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The DVD and Blu-ray releases have several making-of features, including a bit about a CIA veteran who served as the film’s technical adviser and a short on the movie’s hand-to-hand combat sequences.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/Act%20of%20Valor%20-%20Horizontal.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 338px; " /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Act of Valor</strong></p> <p> <strong>2½ stars<br /> Rated R<br /> 20<sup>th</sup> Century Fox<br /> Available on: DVD and Blu-ray</strong></p> <p> In a unique project, directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh pay homage to U.S. military personnel, allowing real-life Navy SEALs to star in their fictionalized thriller. The concept is inventive although not a complete success, in part because SEALs are good at their day jobs but don’t spend a lot of time training as actors.</p> <p>  </p> <p> That means many of “Act of Valor’s” quieter scenes come across as stagey and forced, in stark contrast to the bits featuring professional performers. On the up side, McCoy and Waugh have done a fine job demonstrating the sort of ridiculously dangerous missions SEALs are trained for and just how good they are at accomplishing their goals.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The plot centers on a Chechen radical named Abu Shabal (actor Jason Cottle) who teams with an international drug dealer named Christo (Alex Veadov) in an attempt to smuggle terrorists into the United States. The SEALs, none of whom reveal their real names, spring into action when Christo’s men abduct an undercover CIA agent (Roselyn Sanchez). Their assignment? To infiltrate the heavily guarded compound where the agent is trapped.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The rescue sequence is extraordinarily well staged and exciting. Unfortunately, the movie isn’t as strong when the gunfire stops. That makes the project feel unbalanced and an awful lot like a Navy recruiting flick.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Act of Valor” is admirable as a reminder of the devotion and sacrifice required of American military personnel. Unfortunately, it isn’t nearly as good when viewed as pure entertainment.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes and an audio commentary by McCoy and Waugh.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Journey 2: The Mysterious Island</strong></p> <p> <strong>2 stars<br /> Rated PG<br /> Warner Brothers<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and digital download</strong></p> <p> In 2008, Warner Brothers tapped into the world of Jules Verne with “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” a film that served as a sequel to Verne’s like-titled novel. “The Mysterious Island” is a loose continuation of that earlier film, although one needn’t have seen it to understand what’s going on.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> In fact, the only returning cast member is Josh Hutcherson. Once again, he plays Sean Anderson, a young man whose father believed that Jules Verne’s novels were nonfiction. The original movie proved this to be true, and Sean spends much of his time hoping to find the locations of the mysterious worlds that Verne wrote about. </p> <p>  </p> <p> Sean catches a break when he discovers a coded radio broadcast that may be from his long-lost grandfather (Michael Caine). With the help of his skeptical stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), Sean breaks the code and discovers coordinates that supposedly lead to an uncharted island.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> Hank isn’t convinced, but he wants to bond with Sean, so he agrees to take him to the designated location. Soon, a helicopter pilot named Gabato (Luis Guzman) and his daughter, Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens), are shuttling them out to sea. Not surprisingly, they are involved in a horrific crash that leaves them stranded on Vernes’ island. From then on, the group struggles to find a way back home while coming face-to-face with all sorts of bizarre phenomenon, including tiny elephants and giant lizards.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Mysterious Island” has some fanciful appeal, but it’s diminished by a weak script and uninspired special effects. In a movie like this, a realistic rendering of the creatures is a prerequisite, but most of the special effects are undercooked. It also doesn’t help that none of the characters seem particularly perplexed by their situation. In fact, most of them act as though the strange things happening around them are only mildly surprising. My guess is most people would react with more than curiosity after being chased by a lizard four times their size. </p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include a gag reel and deleted scenes.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumcurb.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 399px; " /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p> <strong>“Curb Your Enthusiasm” – The Complete Eighth Season:</strong> Ten most recent episodes of HBO’s hit series based on the life of “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David. David stars as a fictionalized version of himself.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Machine Gun Preacher”:</strong> Action film based on the life of Sam Childers, a motorcycle-riding preacher dedicated to saving African children from Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army. Gerard Butler plays Childers and Michelle Monaghan plays his wife, Lynn. Directed by Marc Forster (“Finding Neverland,” “Monster’s Ball”).</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Falling Skies” – The Complete First Season:</strong> First 10 episodes of the TNT science-fiction drama about Americans fighting back after a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle stars as Tom Mason, a former history professor, who helps lead a ragtag militia. Moon Bloodgood, Drew Roy, Maxim Knight and Sarah Carter also star.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Fairly Legal” – Season One:</strong> Sarah Shahi stars as a mediator doing her best to resolve legal conflicts while dealing with her own issues, including the death of her father. Virginia Williams and Michael Trucco also star.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>The Three Stooges Ultimate Collection:</strong> Sony is releasing an essential package for Stooges fans. It includes all 190 Three Stooges short films, plus 11 hours of previously unreleased material. The set includes 20 discs at a suggested retail price of $95.99.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Pretty Little Liars” – The Complete Second Season:</strong> This video release is tied to the debut of the show’s third season on ABC Family. The program focuses on a group of teen girls receiving threatening messages from a source known only as “A.” Even more frightening is the fact that A seems to be referencing Alison, a deceased friend who knew all their secrets. Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale, Shay Mitchell and Sasha Pieterse star.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Breaking Bad” – The Complete Fourth Season:</strong> The fifth and final season of this AMC drama is scheduled to debut in July, and the 13 episodes on this four-disc set can bring you up to speed. The plot centers on Walter White (Bryan Cranston) a high school chemistry teacher who begins manufacturing drugs after learning that he’s dying of cancer.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Universal’s 100<sup>th</sup> Anniversary series:</strong> Universal studios is delivering new Blu-ray versions of several great titles as part of its impressive 100<sup>th</sup> Anniversary series. These include the legal thriller “Erin Brockovich” (2000), the smuggling flick “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977) and the classic con-game film “The Sting” (1973).</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong> “Workaholics” – Season Two:</strong> Another collection of episodes from the Comedy Central series about recent college grads working for a telemarketing firm. Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine and Anders Holm star.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Hondo”:</strong> Blu-ray debut of the 1953 John Wayne Western about a cavalry rider who decides to protect a woman and her son living in a dangerous area of the old West. Geraldine Page, Lee Aaker and Leo Gordon also star. Directed by John Farrow.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> <em>Forrest Hartman, a</em> Highbrow Magazine <em>contributor, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. He also reviews movies for several radio stations and for Fox 11 TV in Reno, N.V. For more of his work visit </em><a href="http://www.forresthartman.com/" target="_blank">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/john-carter" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">John Carter</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/act-valor" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Act of Valor</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/safe-house" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safe House</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/denzel-washington" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Denzel Washington</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/ryan-reynolds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ryan Reynolds</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/curb-your-enthusiasm-season-8" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 8</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/larry-david" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Larry David</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/breaking-bad" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Breaking Bad</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/journey-2" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Journey 2</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Disney</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:22:51 +0000 tara 1079 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1208-john-carter-safe-house-arrive-dvd-blu-ray#comments