BluTuesday - December 13, 2016
What’s going on, ProFans? I’m taking a break from counting down the days before Christmas (12 more days, to be precise) to bring you the latest releases to home media for December 13, 2016. In this week’s episode, we discuss a Biblical remake, a threequel, an unlikely opera star, the king of Goth back at it again, a trippy P.I., and zombies. We got a lot to get to, so let’s not waste any time.
Ben-Hur (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 25%
Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) is a prince who has been falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbel), who also happens to be an officer in the Roman army. As punishment, he’s stripped of his title, removed from his home, and forced into slavery. After returning home, he’s consumed with revenge, but a miraculous encounter with Jesus (Rodrigo Santoro) changes his life and focus. This film, which also stars Nazanin Boniadi, Ayelet Zurer, and Morgan Freeman, is available in a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. The novel this movie is based on is a classic, as is the original version of the movie - although it is a bit problematic at times. This movie? Not so much.
Budget Jones’s Baby (R)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77%
So much for “happily ever after.” After breaking up with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) finds herself single in her forties. A chance encounter with handsome American Jack (Patrick Dempsey) has her believing in love again, but she’s run into another problem; she’s pregnant, and she’s not sure who the father is. She only has two options as to who the father is, so the game’s afoot. This film, which also stars Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, and Emma Thompson, is available in a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD + Digital Copy version. These movies have always been rather cute, and this one is no exception to that rule. Check it out.
Florence Foster Jenkins (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 87%
Inspired by a true story, this film tells the tale of wealthy heiress Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep) as she tries to chase her dreams of being a world class opera singer. Only problem is she couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket if she were towing it in her car. Her husband St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) tries to protect her from the truth, but when she manages to stage a big concert at Carnegie Hall, it’s up to St. Clair to make sure his beloved’s concert goes off pitch perfect. This film, which also stars Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson, and Nina Arianda, is available in a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. This movie is adorable. A bit silly, but it’s adorable nonetheless. Give it a watch.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 63%
Based on the novel of the same name, this film tells the story of Jake (Asa Butterfield), a young man who has a peculiar set of skills. He takes up residence at the Home for Peculiar Children, a boarding school run by the enigmatic Miss Peregrine (Eva Green), a peculiar woman in and of herself. But, when the villainous Barron (SAMUEL L. JACKSON) threatens their home, Jake’s peculiar skills may be the only thing to save the day. This film, which also stars Chris O’Dowd, Allison Janney, and Rupert Everett, is available in a two disc 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray + Digital Copy version, a two disc Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray + Digital Copy version, a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, and a single disc DVD + Digital Copy version. I’m ambivalent about Tim Burton’s oeuvre; I think he’s fine if you’re looking for a special type of movie. If your cinematic type isn’t in his wheelhouse, you’ll be left wanting…as I am frequently when it comes to his movies.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
Based on the novel series of the same name, this looks at Dirk Gently (Samuel Barnett), a holistic detective - whatever that is, as he solves crimes via the oddest form of interconnectivity the world has ever seen. Tagging along for the ride is his beleaguered assistant Todd Brotzman (Elijah Wood). Tag along as these two take the phrase “it’s all connected” to an entirely different level. This series, which also stars Hannah Marks, Fiona Dourif, and Mpho Koaho, is available in a two disc Blu-ray version and a two disc DVD version. The BBC really pushed this series out for people to check out, and that’s including BBC America. If you have the inclination, it’s certainly worth checking out.
Fear the Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season
The crew of the Abigail is back, and things are looking quite grim. As they search for anywhere that’s safe from the Infection, Operation Cobalt is bombing the Southland to get rid of the infected, driving the Dead out to sea. The crew then discovers that the sea isn’t as safe as they once thought. This series, which stars Kim Dickens, Cliff Curtis, and Frank Dillane, is available in a five disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version. There are a lot of mixed reviews about this series, and this season didn’t help matters in that regard at all. Whether or not you wanna go along for the ride is entirely up to you.
That’s all I’ve got for this week. Got any questions or comments? Did I miss something you wanted to discuss? Feel free to hit me up in the comments section below.
Until next time…
