BluTuesday - August 9, 2016
What’s going on, ProFans? I’m taking a break from assisting my teachers to bring you the latest titles coming to home media for August 9, 2016. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tom Hanks, a creepy date, and the woman of steel. Without further ado, let’s get started.
A Hologram for the King (R)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 70%
Failed businessman Alan Clay (Tom Hanks) is on a mission to regain his footing in the business world. His target? A wealthy Saudi Arabian monarch. Baffled by the customs and traditions of the Saudis, he eventually finds his footing thanks to his taxi driver Yousef (Alexander Black), and Zahra (Sarita Choudhury) a Saudi doctor. With those two in his corner, Alan prepares to take the world by storm. This film, which also stars David Menkin, Tom Skerritt, and Ben Whishaw, is available in a single disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version. Tom Hanks doesn’t make many clunkers, so this is certainly worth a rental at the Redbox. At worst, you’ll be out of a dollar; at best, you’ll find a new classic.
11.22.63
Jake Epping (James Franco) is a man on a mission: his goal is to prevent the assassination of President Kennedy. To do so, he travels back in time and finds himself immediately immersed in 1960s Texas. However, he learns rather quickly that the past doesn’t want to be changed, and it can react to said change very violently. This series, which also stars Chris Cooper, Daniel Webber, and Sarah Gadon, is available in a two disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version and a two disc DVD version. For all of his quirks, James Franco is a solid actor, and he has to carry this sci-fi vehicle, and does an admirable job of it. Give it a watch.
Supergirl: The Complete First Season
Sent from the planet Krypton to look after her cousin Kal-El, Kara Zor-El (Melissa Benoist) is instead knocked off course, arriving to see that her cousin Kal has become Superman. Kara is adopted by the Danvers family at Superman’s behest, and she becomes mild mannered Kara Danvers. But, when trouble arises in National City, she has to don the iconic cape and become the hero the city needs. This series, which also stars Calista Flockhart, Mechad Brooks, and Chyler Leigh, is available in a three disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version and a five disc DVD version. This show had its ups and downs; its mood whiplash would happen either between episodes or within the same episode. But, it’s certainly a fun show to watch, although it does veer into the schmaltz from time to time.
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…
