BluTuesday - August 30, 2016
What’s going on, ProFans? I’m taking a break from watching the Tropics to bring you the latest releases to home media for August 30, 2016. In this week’s episode, we discuss a new kind of romance, the bear necessities, Tom Hiddleston, and vigilante justice. Let’s get right to it, shall we?
Me Before You (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 58%
When Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke) suddenly loses her job as a waitress, she has to struggle to make ends meet for not only her but her family as well. She takes on a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a former wealthy banker who has become a recluse after a tragic accident. When Will and Lou enter each other’s orbit, sparks fly, and they give each other the adventure of a lifetime. This film, which also stars Vanessa Kirby, Charles Dance, and Jenna Coleman, is available in a single disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. This is a sweet little movie that features some of the most expressive eyebrows in the business. Snuggle up to your boo and give this a watch.
The Jungle Book (PG)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 95%
Mowgli (Neel Sethi) is a human among wolves…literally. Taken in by wolves, he has to avoid becoming dinner for the villainous Shere Khan (Idris Elba), while being shepherded to a “man village” by his guardian, the panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley). Along the way, he meets the affable and lazy bear Baloo (Bill Murray), the hypnotic and sultry Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), and the wild and crazy orangutan Louie (Christopher Walken) - who wants to obtain the power of fire. This film, which also stars Lupita Nyong’o, Giancarlo Esposito, and Garry Shandling, is available in a single disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. This was a very well done movie, especially when you realize that the only real person on the screen was newcomer Neel Sethi. Watch this as soon as possible.
The Night Manager
Based on the novel by acclaimed author John le Carré, this miniseries tells the story of former British solider Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), who is unexpectedly recruited by intelligence operative Angela Burr (Olivia Colman). His mission is to navigate the governments of both the United Kingdom and the United States where an alliance is happening between the secret arms trade and the intelligence community. This series, which also stars Hugh Laurie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Tom Hollander, is available in a two disc Blu-ray version and a two disc DVD version. If watching true espionage is your thing - or you enjoyed 2011’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, you can’t go wrong with this series. It has enough twists and turns to make your head spin.
Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Two
There is a disturbance in the Force. The Imperial forces are applying more and more pressure on Lothal, and the rebels are forced to seek out new allies in retaliation. With legendary Jedi Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein), the crew of the Ghost joins forces with ex-soldiers from the Clone Wars and a secret rebel force to bring the fight to the Empire. But, young Padawan Ezra (Taylor Gray) is finding the siren call of the Dark Side of the Force alluring. This series, which also stars Freddie Prinze, Jr., Vanessa Marshall, and James Earl Jones, is available in a single disc Blu-ray version and a single disc DVD version. This is the perfect gift for anyone who’s a Star Wars fan, and they should definitely check it out.
Arrow: The Complete Fourth Season
After years of fighting and misery, Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) is finally happy; he and Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) have left Star City and settled into domestic life. But, a new threat calls Ollie and Felicity home, and that threat is Damien Darhk (Neal McDonough) and his H.I.V.E. forces who want nothing more than to wipe the earth clean and start over. Now calling himself “Green Arrow,” it’s up to Ollie and his team to save the day. This series, which also stars David Ramsey, Willa Holland, and Katie Cassidy, is available in a four disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version and a five disc DVD version. Whereas this show suffered a bit from spinoff-itis (putting the kibosh on everything to help lead into DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), flashback fatigue, and the almost utter dislike of its lead, the series is still a fun watch for everyone else involved alone.
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…
