Summer movies have not yet hit the big screens, and recently theatergoers have often found themselves less than pleased at the choices of springtime movies currently in theaters. There is no need to fear, though! Many exciting, comical, scary, and thrilling movies have just been released on DVD providing great entertainment for in-home viewing.
1. Sherlock Holmes
Released on DVD: March 30, 2010
Sherlock Holmes, directed by Guy Ritchie, puts a new twist on an old duo of heroes. Bringing a mystery movie into the realm of action movies, the legendary Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson are seen in a new light as they use not only their intellect to apprehend the evildoer, but their brawn and strength. With Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Watson, the dynamic pair presents comedic banter, harrowing action scenes, and brilliant logic in a movie that is sure to keep you laughing when it’s not busy keeping you on your toes.
2. Whip It
Released on DVD: January 26, 2010
Directed by and starring Drew Barrymore as well as Ellen Page, Whip It is a lighthearted, uplifting movie about a young high school girl uncertain about her future. Page plays Bliss Cavendar, an oddball in her small Texas town until she discovers roller derby, a competitive roller skating game. “Be your own hero,” declares one of the girls on the roller derby team, which prompts Bliss into trying out for the team. Once realizing that she needs to be as ruthless in her everyday life as she is in the derby, Bliss begins to find out where she belongs and fits in, even if only for the moment. Between the brutal nature of roller derby and Page’s sarcastic, sometimes awkward sense of humor, Whip It is a movie that inspires laughter amidst inspiration.
3. In the Loop
Released on DVD: January 12, 2010
In the Loop provides a satiric behind-the-scenes look at the efforts of officials and advisors from the United States and United Kingdom to either prevent or promote war in the Middle East. The film dispenses the wittiness and dry humor of a British comedy, mocking Anglo-American politics of the 21st century. Aside from James Gandolfini, the majority of the cast of In the Loop is unfamiliar on this side of the Atlantic. (Devotees of Masterpiece Theater will identify British actress Gina McKee). The movie succeeds in delivering the kind of spot on humor so well done by the Brits.
4. Moon
Released on DVD: January 12, 2010
Moon is an amazing piece of cinema because of its ability to fit under many movie genres and please a wide range of theatergoers. Starring Sam Rockwell, Moon begins as an exciting science fiction movie, displaying beautiful landscapes, intricate machinery, and brilliant technology. A story unfolds about Sam Bell, an astronaut who has lived on the moon for three years as part of a mining project. Suddenly, as Bell’s three-year contract is almost up and he is scheduled to return to earth and reunite with his family, his health begins to rapidly deteriorate which causes an accident during a routine procedure. Moon quickly becomes a psychological thriller as Bell wakes up back at the base with no memory of how he returned there, staring into the eyes of a younger version of himself. As Bell races against time, between growing ill and his imminent departure from the moon, to try to figure out what exactly is going on, the movie takes a turn towards action and adventure and provides an ending that is both satisfying and engaging.
5. Zombieland
Released on DVD: February 2, 2010
Rarely does one see a zombie movie portrayed as a comedy, but the recently released Zombieland is just that. As the highest top-grossing zombie film to date, even surpassing the famous Dawn of the Dead, this movie certainly did something right. Following the same formula as many zombie movies, Zombieland shadows four survivors of the zombie apocalypse—Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock—in search of a sanctuary free of the undead. The four individuals, an ill-fitted quartet of two men and two women, provide endless comedic relief amongst the nearly constant fighting, running, and zombie killing. Each of the main characters seeks something different and unique throughout the adventure, whether it be finding parents or locating the last Twinkie on earth. Eventually they realize they are all looking for the same thing; comfort during an unstable time.
