BluTuesday - May 5, 2015
What’s going on, ProFans? I’m taking a break from reminding all of you about the Revenge of the Fifth (because yesterday was May 4th, a.k.a. “Star Wars Day,” get it?) to bring you the latest releases to home media for May 5, 2015. In this week’s episode, we discuss an erotic thriller, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a movie that got Anthony Mackie in a bit of trouble, another crime for David Tennant to solve, the FBI working with the criminal element - again, the least misleading title in history, and the end of a beloved series. As you can see, there’s a metric ton of stuff to get to, so let’s get to it.
Fifty Shades of Grey (R) - Available May 8
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 25%
Based on the best-selling novel franchise of the same name, this film tells the story of Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson), an unassuming college student who catches the eye of billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), and he takes her on a masochistic ride that promises to change her horizons. But, will it be enough for her, or will she secretly yearn for more? This film, which also stars Jennifer Ehle, Luke Grimes, and Max Martini, is available in an unrated two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version, and a single disc DVD version. I have never seen this movie, and I don’t plan on it. Not because of some highfalutin morals, but just because it doesn’t interest me. If it does you, then that’s awesome. But, I won’t be watching it.
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 99%
This movie, based on real-life events, tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King (David Oyelowo) and his crusade to secure equal voting rights for all Americans in the face of searing and violent oppression. The historic march from Selma to Washington gripped a nation and prompted President Lyndon Johnson to enact the Voting Rights Act of 1965, thus changing history forever. Or, at least until 2014. This film, which also stars Carmen Ejojo, Cuba Gooding, jr., and Giovanni Ribisi, is available in a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. This movie is gripping and powerful in its message, and it’s a message that’s still relevant today. As such, this is my pick of the week.
Black or White (PG-13)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 37%
Kevin Costner and Octavia Spencer fight for custody of a little black girl. Yeah, I know that’s simplistic, but that’s basically what this movie is about. Kevin Costner plays Elliott Anderson, a man who has to take custody of his granddaughter Eloise (Jillian Estell) after her parents die. When her grandmother Rowena Jeffers (Octavia Spencer) and her brother Jeremiah (Anthony Mackie) decide to fight for custody, both sides are forced to face dark truths about themselves and come to terms with forgiveness and understanding. This film, which also stars Bill Burr, Jennifer Ehle (again), and Paula Newsome, is available in a single disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version and a single disc DVD version. I’m sure this movie is delightful, but the problem with this is that it came out around the same time as the movie right above this one, and Anthony Mackie decided to shove his foot directly in his mouth doing press for it. If one of you watch it, let me know how it is, okay?
Broadchurch: The Complete Second Season
David Tennant and Olivia Coleman are back on the case. Season two takes a look at the continuing fallout on the events of Season One, with things attempting to return to normal, but knowing deep down that things will never be the same again in the small town of Dorset, England. This series, which also stars Jodie Whitaker, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Eve Myles, is available in a three disc DVD version. This is a gripping series that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it.
White Collar: The Complete Sixth Season
Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay are back to say farewell. When a gang of deadly thieves menace New York City, the only two people who can stop them are ex-con Neal Caffrey (Bomer) and FBI agent Peter Burke (DeKay). Armed with their wit and a little bit of luck, they work to take out these criminals and keep the city safe. This series, which also stars Tiffani Thiessen, Sharif Atkins, and Willie Garson, is available in a two disc DVD version. This series is smart and sexy, and it’s certainly worth your time.
Masters of Sex: The Complete Second Season
William Masters (Martin Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) are having issues. Before settling on finally opening their own clinic, the two struggle to find a hospital to help them forward their field of study: sex. Outside of that, Masters and Johnson’s on burgeoning relationship begins to falter due to Masters’ own issues, these issues also begin to affect his relationship with his wife, who is beginning to get hungry eyes, and Johnson’s work threatens to separate her from her two small children. This series, which also stars Caitlin Fitzgerald, Margo Martindale, and Beau Bridges, is available in both a four disc Blu-ray + Digital Copy version and a four disc DVD version. This show is very insightful, as these two people struggle to study a field that is taboo even to this day. Give this a watch.
Parenthood: Season 6
The Braveman family prepare to say goodbye in the end of this beloved series. With the Braveman siblings all trying to reconcile their own demons, family patriarch Zeek falls ill, forcing all of them to be strong for the person who has always been the strongest to them. This series, which also stars Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard, and Joy Bryant, is available in a three disc DVD version. Saying good-bye is always hard to do, but doing so for a beloved series that has told every story it could is fitting. Enjoy watching them roll off into the sunset.
Well, that’s all I got for this week. Got any questions or comments? Did I miss something you wanted to discuss? Please feel free to hit me up in the comments section below.
Until next time…
