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DVD Highlights
We bring you a bit of a mixed bag this week with a HUGE blockbuster, a few independent films and a TV show best described as a blast from the past. Click on the titles for more information or to add to your list.
The Killing of John Lennon
Recently honoured at the BAFTA awards, this indie drama follows John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman before and after the musician's murder. Jonas Ball puts in a great performance as the man who became a symbol of hatred for many. It's a great little drama. Also look out for Chapter 27 next week which has Hollywood star Jared Leto in the central role.
Southland Tales
Following up an instant classic like Donnie Darko was never going to be easy but writer / director Richard Kelly has done a top job in this Crash-esque film that brings together some of Hollywood's hottest talent. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mandy Moore and Justin Timberlake star in this ensemble picture set in the immediate future of Los Angeles on Independence Day 2008. If you liked Donnie Darko or things that are a little 'different', you should like this.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
From their time as being a staple of Hollywood, making stars of legends like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood; westerns are few and far between these days - the last really good western that we saw was 2004's Open Range. Brad Pitt, Mary-Louise Parker, Sam Shepard, Casey Affleck and Sam Rockwell star in this tale of crime, greed and jealousy. You don't have to be a fan of westerns in order to enjoy this crime thriller. but it does help.
A Very British Gangster
A gripping documentary about one of Britain's most dangerous crime families led by its leader, Dominic Noonan. Noonan is a dangerous figure that has spent most of his life in jail and is locked up again for gun possession. This doesn't glamorize his crimes but provides an insight into the criminal mind. It's certainly not light entertainment however if you enjoy a good documentary or are interested in the criminal underworld, this could be the film for you.
seaQuest DSV - Season 2
With a very different feel to that of environmentally conscious Season 1, seaQuest Season 2 feels more like Star Trek than seaQuest with sci fi stories that range from clones and alien encounters to time travel and underwater wormholes. While it may be far-fetched, it is at least one of the few things suitable for all the family. Plus, it's got a talking dolphin.and produced by Steven Spielberg. Can't go wrong!
The Best of the rest:
As always, there are plenty of other titles out this week that may take your fancy:
Timothy Olyphant stars in another video game to movie adaptation - this time for Hitman which is better than most game to movies; while Billy Bob Thornton plays a sheriff investigating the death of a transsexual in The Badge. Ryan Reynolds shines in The Nines, the thought provoking sci fi drama from writer / director John August.
For a full list of everything that's released this week and every week for the past twelve weeks and next twelve weeks, check out our new releases section.
Extras! Highlights
We've got a great feature for you to enjoy this week, along with a tribute to the late Roy Scheider:
Acclaimed filmmaker John August, the writer and director of The Nines is the latest celebrity blogger at Blockbuster.co.uk. The man behind Go, Titan A.E. and Big Fish talks about his new film.
The younger brother of Ben Affleck and star of Jesse James, Affleck has quickly built himself a reputation as being a top quality actor, Blockbuster.co.uk's Marshall Julius takes a look at the career of the star.
Also...
Don't forget that we also have interviews with Robert Rodriguez to mark the release of Planet Terror and Steve Niles the writer / creator of 30 Days of Night for you to peruse at the moment - all new to Blockbuster this month.
For more behind the scenes editorials, interviews and features, check out our Extras! Section.
More Ideas
Have you seen Donnie Darko? Check it out here.
See the latest offers and titles available in your local Blockbuster here
Tribute to Roy Scheider 1932 - 2008
Best known for his portrayal of landlubbing, everyman police chief Brody in Steven Spielberg's proto-blockbuster Jaws (1975), Roy Scheider died last month at the age of 75. A versatile and effortlessly appealing actor who appeared in more than 70 films, Scheider received two Oscar nominations, a Best Supporting Actor nod for 1971's The French Connection, and a Best Actor nomination for 1979's All That Jazz. A fixture of Seventies cinema whose credits also include classics Klute (1971) and Marathon Man (1976), Scheider remained a familiar face on the big and small screens over the following decades, most memorably as the star of helicopter thriller Blue Thunder (1983) and as Captain Nathan Bridger in submarine show seaQuest DSV (1993-1996). He will be sadly missed.
Until next week!
Mal Simons
Blockbuster Online Team
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