Avatar
It's the version we've all been waiting for! James Cameron's mammoth technological spectacle has been out on DVD for months in a bare bones format, but this one contains three different versions of the highest grossing flick of all-time. So now you can take your pick of which journey into the world of Avatar you want to embark on: the theatrical cut; the re-released cut; or the extended edition never before seen in theaters. I can't wait. In fact I ordered mine weeks ago. You should too.
Disney's A Christmas Carol
Robert Zemeckis is starting to become synonomous with family friendly holiday classics. Just a few years after spawning a whole new genre of film with motion captured The Polar Express, he's back with a pitch perfect adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Jim Carrey breathes new life into the character of Scrooge, the crotchety old mizer who must face down the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future.
The Last Airbender
Not being someone familiar with The Last Airbender cartoon series, I've got no idea if they think M. Night Shymalan's Americanized version is worth a spit. What I do know is that the film was critically reviled, doing no favors for Dev Patel, whom everybody loved after Slumdog Millionaire just a couple of years ago. See what happens when you come out from under the light of Danny Boyle's camera? Not so pretty, is it?
The Kids are All Right
Julianne Moore and Annette Bening star in this unique and vibrant comedy from Lisa Cholodenko(Laurel Canyon). The idea of the average American family is updated and tweaked for today's reality, as the two actresses portray a lesbian couple struggling with two very strong willed and motivated teenagers(Josh Hutcherson and Mia Wasikowska). When the sperm donor(Mark Ruffalo) who helped them conceive sidles back into their lives with his easy charm and laid back attitude, it throws their entire world into disarray. I'm expecting at least one Oscar nomination to come out of this one, most likely for Bening.
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Damn that was fast. A follow-up to the mostly forgotten but enjoyable 2001 flick, this furry sequel pairs up the secret agents of the cat and canine world in an unlikely alliance against the evil Kitty Galore. Why? I don't know.
Lottery Ticket
Before you jump on this one and proclaim it just another bland ghetto comedy, take another look and see that this is mostly a flick with a positive message. Sure it's a message mostly hidden behind bad urban stereotypes and woeful performances, but there are some legitimate charms to be found. Not the least of which Brandon T. Jackson(Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief) as best friend to Bow-Wow, who shows a true sense of loyalty and respect in trying to keep his friend alive long enough to cash in his winning lottery ticket.
Best Worst Movie
A documentary chronicling the cult like following some weirdos have for arguably the worst movie of all-time, Troll 2
. I love a bad movie as much as the next guy, but Troll 2 isn't just bad. It's unwatchable. The Extra Man
Kevin Kline puts his comic versatility back to the forefront in this quirky comedy, co-starring Paul Dano, Katie Holmes, and John C. Reilly. Kline stars as an eccentric writer who lives a glamorous life well beyond his means by becoming the "extra man" to wealthy old widows. Never saw it, but my nd and colleague Brandon Fibbs swears by Kline's performance. That's good enough for me.
