New on DVD this week: ICE AGE 4 CONTINENTAL DRIFT

A random set of films are available to watch in the warm comfort of your own home this week. Each of these films involve characters or actors that are highly popular at the moment, but despite that all of these received mixed reviews when they hit cinemas a few months back. That's not to say they won't be good though as the one out of these three that I have seen is one of the better films released this year based on entertainment values alone. This is a key ingredient I think all three of this week's releases have and with the cold nights drawing closer to Christmas, what more do you want than to snuggle on the sofa and be entertained? I'm sure one of the three below could help you.




ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT - Manny, Diego, and Sid return for their fourth outing. After surviving dinosaurs, the end of the ice age, and a lost little girl, the gang now have to contend with being cut adrift from their home land. Using an iceberg as a ship the clan attempt to navigate themselves home but must first do battle with deadly sea creatures and rebellious pirates.

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift trailer






Recommended
THE EXPENDABLES 2 - Sly Stallone brings the all star action cast back for round two of hard-ass men blowing ten bells out of each other (I mean in action term, honest!). Stallone's crew must recover plutonium which has been stolen by Jean Claude Van Damme's ruthless villain. However when one of Stallone's crew is murdered the mission becomes personal and you don't want to p*** him off!

The Expendables 2 trailer







KEITH LEMON: THE FILM - A film which sounds and looks awful but I still want to see as, after all, it's Keith Lemon. Keith becomes an overnight sensation when he devises a new invention; the Lemon Phone, however struggles to deal with the fame and fortune being thrust upon him.

 Keith Lemon: The Film trailer

 

New on DVD this week: The Dark Knight Rises

We have one big, no massive; momentous, amazing movie out on DVD this week. Currently it sits on top of my favourite of the year list, and is the only film to be given top marks. I'm usually rather harsh with my scores and this film is one of two I have given top marks to over the past two years (the other being Warrior). As well as this top film we have a reboot of a franchise, a four-qual, and an amazing cast joining together for one day!! Take a look at them below but there is only one you should be looking at.



Highly Recommended
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES - My top film of the year thus far. The final chapter of the trilogy sees Bruce Wayne 8 years after the finale of The Dark Knight. Distant and alone he craves to put on the suit again and after a mysterious cat burglar inadvertently leads the police to a masked criminal known as Bane, Mr Wayne seizes the chance but finds himself way out of his depth for the first time. 

The Dark Knight Rises trailer







THE BOURNE LEGACY - Bourne has been rebooted, or shall I say continued. It isn't so much as a sequel but a story that runs parallel to The Bourne Ultimatum. Jeremy Renner plays a super agent who is targeted, when Bourne's story goes global, due to the experimental drug programme that made him so tough. The government plan to destroy all traces of the operation which also involves a doctor who is Renner's only chance to survive.

The Bourne Legacy trailer






NEW YEAR'S EVE - An all star cast assemble for a look at many different interlocking stories that occur in New York as the ball is about to drop. Stars include Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, and Halle Berry.

New Year's Eve trailer









STEP UP 4: MIAMI HEAT - Another dance flick sequel to the Channing Tatum original. This time a wannabee professional dancer, Emily, moves to Miami and befriends a group who perform street dance; however their performances will soon be shut down as Emily's father plans to redevelop the neighbourhood.

 Step Up 4: Miami Heat trailer

New on DVD this week: Ted

A couple of rather crude films to be released on DVD this week, along with a spandex wearing, white sticky stuff throwing superhero (and that one isn't meant to be crude). To top off the clearly adult theme of DVD releases this week we also have two children's films coming out. I have never seen such an array of movies brought out in one week. Let's hope the parents don't get the DVD's in the wrong cases before they leave the store. The last thing the children need is to see the crudest talking teddy bear to grace this Earth. Anyway they are some delightful choices with one of the films being in our top 10 and another as our worst of the year so far. Take a look below.

Recommended

TED - Seth Macfarlane of Family Guy fame writes and directs his first feature film that tells the story of a teddy bear that comes to life after a young boy's wish comes true. However as the child grew up so did the bear and now he is a pot smoking, prostitute using, foul mouthed cashier at the local supermarket and he's getting in his owner's way.

Ted trailer

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID 3 - The wimpy kid returns and this time he is full to the brim of plans to fill his summer vacation, although when they all fail he is stuck with very little to do and has to find other ways to entertain himself.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid 3 trailer

MAGIC MIKE - Strippers is the plot behind this movie. Channing Tatum removes his clothes for a living and introduces a new friend to his line of work, but when Tatum meets his friend's sister he begins to realise that there is more to his life than taking off his clothes.

Magic Mike trailer

Recommended

BRAVE - Disney Pixar bring out their next addition in Brave. Set in Scotland the film follows a Princess who defies her tradition which brings disgust from her people causing a beastly curse to be set on them. The Princess must perfect her archery skills and return home in the hope of saving the people she loves.

Brave trailer

Recommended

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN -A reboot of Sam Raimi's Spiderman films is also released. This new direction takes us down the mystery of Peter Parker's missing parents before he is bitten by a spider and turns into New York's new superhero, where he must stop the evil plans of his Father's former colleague who has turned himself into a giant lizard.

The Amazing Spider-man trailer 

New on DVD this week: The Lorax

Two cartoon flicks for you on DVD this week, perhaps there is a call for getting children in front of that television on these cold, dark nights. The two films both had mixed reviews with one having been reviewed on this site. The other was actually released a year ago in cinemas just in time for Christmas and it seems like they have held it off to use Christmas again as a selling point. Can't say I'm surprised considering it has the word Christmas in the title. Any way here are the films below.

THE LORAX - An animated take on Dr Seuss' famous tale. A twelve year old boy must discover the story of the Lorax in order to win the heart of the girl he loves. To do so he must leave his town which runs on fake air and venture to the dried out land beyond its walls.

The Lorax trailer

Recommended

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS - Released a year ago Arthur Chrsitmas follows the story of the title character who is related to Father Christmas. Arthur believes in bringing joy to everyone on Christmas and when he realises a poor girl has been left off the list he does all he can to bring her the present she wants.

Arthur Christmas trailer

 

New on DVD this week: Cosmopolis

A couple of new films hitting the DVD racks this week. I have seen neither of them so I can't really judge. One stars Mr Robert Pattinson who will be gracing the big screen this week in a much larger film, which I'm sure is no coincidence this film is also being released this week, and a film brought to you by the makers of last year's surprise comedy, Bridesmaids. If watching England play this week isn't your thing than get down to your local shop and rent one of these movies.




COSMOPOLIS - Robert Pattinson stars as a young billionaire who travels across town in his stretch limo in order to get his hair cut. Little does he know that the outrageous world the city is slowly becoming is about to have a major impact on his life.

Cosmopolis trailer









FRIENDS WITH KIDS - From the creators of Bridesmaids comes a film about two friends who decide to have a child together after seeing other couples having kids of their own, however they also see the negative side of the relationships and decide that they are to have kids but without the strain of a relationship. Will it work?

Friends With Kids trailer

New on DVD this week: Men In Black 3

Another week another collection of DVD's hitting the rental shop's shelves. This week we have a mega franchise film hitting stores. Despite its popularity it can be safe to say it is on a downward spiral and should maybe be nipped in the bud before it goes too far. Not to say this new one is a bad effort but I just hope it doesn't eventually lose its way. Another stars one of the most improved actors. The guy is one of my favourites at the moment and I am unsure whether he has got better or just started picking better films. This man is Matthew McConaughey. Lately he has been ace in all his films. Take a look at the films below and see what you could be watching on these cold dark nights this week.



Recommended
MEN IN BLACK 3 - Will Smith returns as Agent J to protect the Earth from the scum of the Universe. In this outing he time jumps back to 1969 to erase a man who destroys Agent K in the future. Tommy Lee Jones' Agent K is given another outing in a different era this time played by Josh Brolin as the younger version. Can Agent J convince him who he is and ultimately give him a longer future?

Men In Black 3 trailer






Recommended
KILLER JOE - Matthew McConaughey plays hitman Joe, who Emile Hirsch hires to kill his Mother to get the insurance payout he desperately need. Only Joe wants a large deposit and chooses that to be Hirsch's sister. Only when the wheels are in motion does Hirsch realise that trusting this man was a big mistake.

Killer Joe trailer








JOYFUL NOISE - The story of a choir whose success comes to an abrupt stop when a new leader comes on board with new ideas that the choir refuse to accept. Can they solve their differences before their big competition?

 Joyful Noise trailer

New on DVD this week: Red Tails

Not many films will be new to your local Blockbusters this week with only two to be released and neither of them really being highly marketed when they were in cinemas. One had an official release but failed to really stamp its place despite being attached to George Lucas' name, and the other had some good reviews but was only released for an indie market. I have seen neither of these so can't really comment but if you are thinking of renting or buying this week have a look at what is new below.





RED TAILS - The story of a crew of African American pilots segregated from other pilots in training due to their race, leaving them on the ground during the War, however with the air force depleting they are called into action to finally make a name for themselves.

Red Tails trailer









THE HUNTER - Willem Dafoe is a hunter sent into the Tasmanian Wilderness by a mysterious biotech company who want him to bring back the last remaining Tasmanian tiger.

 The Hunter trailer

New on DVD this week: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter

Three movies hit shops this week and they all were slightly underwhelming when they hit the cinemas. One of them had a great premise that failed to deliver; it is actually in my bottom 10 films of the year so far. Another had a great cast and comedy potential but had poor reviews at the box office. And the final one had a director who achieved a hit with his debut film only to disappoint slightly in a complex movie. Two of these films have been reviewed on this blog although neither being highly scored. Have a look at what you can rent or simply catch up on Bond ready for Skyfall hitting cinemas on Friday.





ABRAHAM LINCOLN VAMPIRE HUNTER - A great premise for a movie. When he was a child Mr Lincoln witnessed his parents being slaughtered by vampires so he vows to seek revenge with the help of a vampire hunter. As he enters politics his obsession dies down until he realises they are also a reason behind slave labour so he attempts to take down both issues at the same time.

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter trailer








WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING - An all star cast in a film about pregnant women. The movie interweaves different stories of different women's progress through labour be it struggles with their partner, struggles with the situation, or struggles with each other.

What To Expect When You're Expecting trailer









RED LIGHTS - Robert De Niro stars as a blind illusionist who is under investigation for fraud by Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy, however his power is fuelled by the investigation and he must use all his tricks to knock his pursuers off his trails.

 Red Lights trailer

New on DVD this week: Wrath Of The Titans

Even though there are 3 films released this week, available for your DVD collections at home, it is safe to say that none of them has had particularly fantastic reviews to make you queue up to go and purchase it. One of these films I have reviewed here on this blog and despite the strong cast and highly acclaimed director it still languishes in one of the poorest films I have seen this year. Also a sequel to a 2010 film, which was also poorly received, was trounced by critics and struggled to make back its money. I don't want to hit on these films too hard as of course they will have their fans out there but it is disappointing to see a week which releases films for home entertainment that star the likes of Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Liam Neeson, and Sam Worthington, can't make me want to get off my butt and go and rent them. Oh well if you are interested in what films these are then take a look below.





WRATH OF THE TITANS - Sequel to 2010's Clash Of The Titans, Wrath stars Sam Worthington once again who must venture into the dangerous underworld to rescue his father Zeus from the hands of the deadly Ares and Hades.

Wrath Of The Titans trailer








TOP CAT: THE MOVIE - Top Cat returns to the big screen where he and his gang must face a new police chief who doesn't approve of Top Cat's antics.


Top Cat: The Movie trailer









DARK SHADOWS - Remake of the old TV series, Dark Shadows stars Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins, a man cursed to the ground by the envious Angelique sometime in the past. In the present day Barnabas rises from the dead, now as a vampire, and upon returning to his home finds it has been taken over by his ancestors and that the devious Angelique is still alive and attempting to bankrupt their empire.

Dark Shadows trailer

New on DVD this week: Prometheus

On DVD this week happens to be one of the films I was most excited about this year. The trailer looks astounding, the director is fantastic, the cast are brilliant, and it is taking us back to a world we all loved thirty odd years ago. However when I saw the film I was really disappointed and it didn't live up to half the expectation I had for it. Many other critics have loved it though so don't be put off by my reasons for not liking it. It has been reviewed on this site so have a look at it if you are considering renting this film. I still may rent it myself to see if I can piece together all the unanswered questions. As well as that there is Tom Cruise as a rock star and Plan B's directorial debut. Have a look below.




Recommended
PROMETHEUS - Ridley Scott returns to the world of Alien in the sort of prequel to it. The premise this time is a crew heading to a distant planet to investigate whether or not our creators inhabit it, however things don't go as smoothly as they wanted it to.

Prometheus trailer








ROCK OF AGES - A musical starring some pretty big names about a young couple who meet in a mysterious club whilst pursuing their Hollywood dreams. The club consists of some outrageous characters including Tom Cruise with long hair, and is being threatened of closure by Catherine Zeta Jones feminist group.

Rock Of Ages trailer








ILL MANORS - Directorial debut for Plan B brings us a story roughly like ones he witnessed when he grew up living in London. The film is a gritty urban affair based around the gang violence going on in the city.



Ill Manors trailer

New on DVD this week: The Pact

2 films have been put on DVD shelves this weekend, both showing signs of supernatural but coming from different genres; one being a horror and one a fantasy take on an old school fairy tale. To many people's surprise that adaptation is in my top 3 of the year so far. I do believe it is a film that some will love due to the great visual experimentation it undertakes but I can understand why others weren't so impressed. Look below to see what is released.




THE PACT - Supernatural horror in the same mould as many other supernatural horrors to be released this year. This time we see a young woman struggling to cope with the death of her Mother and the ghostly horrors that may have been involved now intending on stalking her.

The Pact trailer









SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN - A visual retelling of the classic fairy tale. Kristen Stewart stars as Snow White, alongside Huntsman Chris Hemsworth. Charlize Theron is charged with being the jealous Queen who is hell bent on killing Snow White in order to be the fairest of them all. Watch it for the brilliant vision by first time director Rupert Sanders.

Snow White And The Huntsman trailer

New on DVD this week: The Dictator

This week we have four films to be released on DVD. Two of them I have seen and reviewed here on my blog, and the other two were ones that never really attracted me, although I have heard some fantastic reviews about one of them which is an Indonesian fighting film directed by a Welshman. That cross alone should have attracted me! None the less have a look at the films below.





THE DICTATOR - Sacha baron Cohen leads his first film which is fully scripted, and where everyone is fully aware. Here he plays the leader of a country where democracy is forbidden, so when other party leaders accept the request from the US to bring democracy the dictator heads to America to stop it. However he ends up being forced onto the streets and hidden amongst the millions that inhabit New York.

The Dictator trailer






Recommended
THE CABIN IN THE WOODS - Received many different reviews, this satirical horror comedy pokes fun at all the generic horror cliches and shows us a lot of fun along the way. I won't reveal anything about the story as it is one watching if you have heard very little about.

The Cabin In The Woods trailer








Recommended
THE RAID - A film which strings together fight scene after fight scene. An Indonesian SWAT team become trapped inside a tower block and have to literally fight their way out before they are killed by the army of killers who live there.

The Raid trailer








Recommended
THE ANGEL'S SHARE - After avoiding a hefty jail sentence, a new Father and his mates seek a way to alter their lives after visiting a whiskey distillery.

The Angel's Share trailer

New on DVD this week: Silent House

There are two films released this week on DVD. One which was huge, and I mean HUGE, and the other was more of an indie film that didn't really crackle any sound waves. If you have stuck with me I can tell you that the film I've stated above is not the big release of the week, and I'm sure if you are a movie fan you will know exactly what film has been released. So without further ado I give you the two films.




SILENT HOUSE - Elizabeth Olsen stars as a teenage girl trapped inside her house with no way of communicating outside. Whilst in there strange entities seem to be possessing the house. A gimmick with this film is that it is played in real time.

Silent House trailer









Highly Recommended
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE - Does this film need an introduction? Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Hulk are thrust together in order to prevent the evil Loki from destroying the World. A fantastic cast, a fantastic vision, and an all around fantastic film.

Avengers Assemble trailer

New on DVD this week: American Reunion

If you are a fan of the American Pie movies then you will enjoy this weeks DVD release. There are a few films out but the main one is the 'final' or 'latest' installment to the American Pie franchise. Other films released are ones that were not huge successes at the box office or with me, but they are ones that will entertain you all the same. Take a look at them below.




Recommended
AMERICAN REUNION - 9 years after the last installment and Jim and the gang have all grown up and are now in the stage of marriage, children and careers. However the gang have one lat chance to be young again when they attend a reunion in their old home town and they find themselves involved in the same old antics.

American Reunion trailer








THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY - The next 'Superman' stars alongside Bruce Willis in this CIA thriller. Henry Cavill finds himself being hunted down by Sigourney Weaver's government agent when his Father is accused of turning against his own government.

The Cold Light Of Day trailer








SAFE - Jason Statham is back kicking backside when a young girl, who has the ability to remember anything she sees, is targeted by a mob who are after the number she holds. With corrupt cop and gangs after her Statham becomes her only hope to avoid being caught.

Safe trailer








THE PIRATES IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS - Wallace And Gromit style animation shows us a Pirate Captain on a mission to win the Pirate Of The Year award, causing him to go toe to toe with some fierce Pirates from across the globe.

The Pirates In An Adventure With Scientists trailer

New on DVD this week: The Hunger Games

A few films are out to buy and rent on Blu-Ray and DVD this week with one of them being sat firmly in my top 3 of the year so far. It was sat on the perch of my 'best films of the year' list up until the recent release of a little film called The Dark Knight Rises. Despite that though it has been up towards the top of the pile for a good portion of the year and I'm looking forward to seeing it again. The rest of the films I have actually not seen so my choice is a not-seen or a must-see this week. If you are in the same dilemma have a look at the films below and see what looks the best.




Recommended
THE HUNGER GAMES - The beginning of what could be a fantastic franchise. Jennifer Lawrence stars in one of my favourite films of the year so far, as Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who volunteers to participate in the annual Hunger Games at the expense of her sister. However this means she will have to fight to the death against other children in a televised arena in front of a capitalistic government.

The Hunger Games trailer







PIRANHA 3DD - Sequel to the surprise hit Piranha 3D. The piranha's have continued to evolve and now are able to swim through pipes that gain them entry to a water park that is experiencing some hefty custom due to the sunny weather.

Piranha 3DD trailer









SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN - Ewan McGregor plays a business consultant sent to Yemen to assess whether the desert country is an appropriate location for the Sheikh's new hobby; fishing.

Salmon Fishing In The Yemen trailer









ALBERT NOBBS - A woman fights against the government's issue towards independent women in 19th century Ireland. She poses as a man and begins work in a hotel where she meets an artist who she falls for, meaning she must choose between her lie or her life.

 Albert Nobbs trailer

New on DVD this weekend: Battleship

With the weather being so fantastic at the moment it may be pointless me letting you know what is to be released on DVD this week as I don't suppose many will be heading out to get a film and sit inside. However if you are anything like me and the weather does not dictate what you do but the wonderful world of movies does then take a look below at the 3 films to be released on DVD this week. This is my last post for the week so you will need to wait till the weekend to read my review on The Expendables 2. Until then wish me luck as I venture to Edinburgh to take part in The Network hosted alongside the Edinburgh Festival. Have a good week and get out and rent one of these films anyway!!!

BATTLESHIP - Based on the board game of the same name, Liam Neeson and Taylor Kitsch star as army officers who are faced with alien ships emerging from the waters and attacking the cities.

Battleship trailer

LOCKOUT - Guy Pearce stars in this futuristic action flick. He plays Snow who is a convicted felon sent onto an outer space prison to rescue the President's daughter who was on board it when the prisoners managed to escape.

Lockout trailer

Recommended

MARLEY - A documentary about the life, music and death of the Reggae master himself Bob Marley.

 Marley trailer

New on DVD this week: This Must Be The Place

There is only one release on DVD and Blu-Ray this week but I thought I'd bring it to your attention despite it not really getting much distribution across the UK in terms of a theatrical release. The film stars a very well known actor in a very strange role. Have a look at it below and see if it suits your fancy. This is the second week now where barely anything is being released, hopefully there is more to come in the upcoming weeks!!



THIS MUST BE THE PLACE - Sean Penn stars as a retired rock star in this comedy drama. Looking very much like an ageing gough, Penn travels across the U.S to hunt down the former Nazi war criminal who is responsible for his Father's international humiliation.


This Must Be The Place trailer