BluTuesday - December 20 & 27, 2016
What’s going on, ProFans? I’m taking a break from wrapping Christmas presents to bring you the latest releases for December 20 & 27, 2016. That’s right; a twofer! In this week’s episode, we discuss vengeance in the Wild West, where babies come from, the world’s roughest landing, hackers, and a surrogate gone wrong. Let’s get to it.
The Magnificent Seven (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 63%
The town of Rose Creek is in chaos, with villainous industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard) ruling the city with an iron fist. With nowhere else to turn, Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett) hires seven outlaws, led by Sam Chisolm (Denzel Washington) to take back their town by any means necessary. This film, which also stars Chris Pratt, Byung-hun Lee, and Ethan Hawke, is available in a two disc 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray + Digital Copy version, a single disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version, and a single disc DVD version. This remake of a remake (the original version of The Magnificent Seven is a remake of legendary Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai) is certainly worth your time, and I highly recommend it.
Storks (PG)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 63%
Once deliverers of babies, storks now deliver packages for Cornerstone.com - a not-so-subtle jab at Amazon.com. But, when Junior (Andy Samberg) accidentally turns on the baby making machine and makes a baby girl, it’s up to him and Tulip (Katie Crown) - the only human on Stork Island - to deliver the baby before the bosses become aware. This film, which also stars Kelsey Grammer, Jennifer Aniston, and Ty Burrell, is available in a two disc 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray + Digital Copy version, a three disc Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, and a single disc DVD version. This is full of sentences I never thought I’d write. But, the concept is cute, so I’ll allow it. It’s a good family film.
Sully (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 85%
On January 15, 2009, airline pilot Chelsea “Sully” Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) was forced to land U.S. Airways flight 1549 in the Hudson River when it ran into a flock of geese, saving all 155 passengers and crew members. However, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, and it could spell the end of his career if they rule against him. This film, which also stars Laura Linney, Aaron Eckhart, and Sam Huntington, is available in a two disc 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray + Digital Copy version, a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, and a two disc DVD version. The true story of Sully’s landing in the Hudson is an incredible one, and the fact that he lost no one in the process was amazing. However, Clint Eastwood took several liberties with the investigation process, and it really turned a good movie into a dour, Flight-type knockoff. If you love Tom Hanks, it’s not a bad flick to watch. If not, it’s perfectly fine to pass on it.
Snowden (R) - To be released on December 27, 2016
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 61%
In 2013, Eric Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) released classified material to the media and exposed the U.S. government’s covert operations. This film dramatizes Snowden’s story from his time in the Army to his time with the CIA and NSA to his time on the run with his girlfriend Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley). This film, which also stars Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, and Tom Wilkinson, is available in a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. In some circles, Snowden is seen as a hero; in others, he is a traitor. This film leaves it up to you to decide.
When the Bough Breaks (PG-13) - To be released on December 27, 2016
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 6%
John and Laura Taylor (Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall) are a professional couple who want to have a child desperately. After they’ve exhausted every option imaginable, they hire Anna Walsh (Jaz Sinclair) to serve as a surrogate. But, her pregnancy unlocks her more dangerous and psychotic desires for John, and the Taylors find themselves at war with the woman carrying their child. This film, which also stars Romany Malco, Theo Rossi, and Michael K. Williams, is available in a single disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. Um…so…yeah. This is a movie that happened. Old reliables Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall cuttin’ those checks. Good for them.
That’s all I’ve got for this year. Got any questions or comments? Did I miss something you wanted to discuss? Feel free to hit me up in the comments section below. From my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas, a Happy and safe New Year, and a wonderful holiday season.
Until next time…
