What to Watch: Nov. 10-16, 2013

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Dexter: The Final Season
Dexter: The Final Season
Photo credit: Showtime

“Dexter: The Final Season”

Showtime’s hit show may have peaked after the fourth season but there was still enough interest to make it a ratings success all the way up to the bitter end, a series finale that people have already used as a cautionary tale as to how NOT to end a show. The fact is that “Dexter” lost its way long before the finale, even if it showe signs of life all the way up to the start of this final season, especially in the casting of the brilliant Charlotte Rampling as the woman who helped create Dexter. I wanted more but that was true for at least the last three years (I’ll still defend season five) and it’s nice that fans can finally have it all. (Showtime/Paramount have also released a full series set.)

Synopsis:
It’s the beginning of the end for charming Miami forensics expert Dexter Morgan (Golden Globe Winner Michael C. Hall) as all 12 season eight episodes bring to rest the critically acclaimed hit series. He’s spent his days solving crimes and his nights committing them, but never before has Dexter had to deal with a more abhorrent and deranged enemy than he does now: himself. Six months after the stunning murder of Lt. LaGuerta, Dexter’s estranged sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) tries to cope with her guilt in her brother’s crimes, while an emotionally vulnerable Dexter comes face to face with a psychopathologist who knows the code that has motivated his ever murder. Filled with the dark twists and revelations that Dexter fans relish, season eight finishes Dexter’s twisted journey with a blood amazing send-off that will haunt fans forever.

Special Features:
o From Cop To Killer Featurette
o Dexter Season 8: Behind The Scenes
o Season 8: Episode 1 - With The Creators, Episode 2 - Directed By Michael C. Hall, Episode 3 - Dissecting A Scene, Episode 4 - With The Creators
o Ray Donovan: Season 1 - Episodes 1&2

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

Last Days on Mars
Last Days on Mars
Photo credit: Magnolia

“Last Days on Mars”

This week’s On-Demand-Only entry (we try to do one in every What to Watch) is another disappointment, a sci-fi/horror flick that starts with an amazing amount or promise but turns into just another monster movie. A great cast — Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas, Romola Garai, Olivia Williams — is wasted on a movie about a mission to Mars that ends in space zombies. The first half-hour is wonderful. And then it quickly crashes to Earth.

Synopsis:
Scientists on a manned research mission to Mars make an incredible discovery, but in doing so unleash a terrifying virus that threatens the lives of the entire crew in this pulse-pounding, sci-fi thriller.

Where to Watch: On Demand, Vudu, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

White House Down
White House Down
Photo credit: Sony

“White House Down”

I’ll leave it at this…

From my theatrical review: “I’ll just leave it at this – the worst thing that a B-movie summer blockbuster can be is boring. Other than that car chase scene, I was numbingly bored. There aren’t enough twists (the big twist in the final act is one everyone who has seen a movie before will see coming), the action scenes aren’t memorable, and the dialogue is dull. “White House Down” is the thing that Emmerich films want to be least of all – forgettable.

Synopsis:
Capitol Policeman John Cale (Channing Tatum) has just been denied his dream job with the Secret Service of protecting President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Not wanting to let down his little girl with the news, he takes her on a tour of the White House, during which the complex is overtaken by a heavily armed paramilitary group. Now, with the nation’s government falling into chaos and time running out, it’s up to Cale to save the president, his daughter, and the country. Co-starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins and James Woods.

Special Features:
o A Dynamic Duo: Channing Tatum & Jamie Foxx
o Men Of Action: Stunt Training
o Meet The Insiders: Supporting Cast
o Roland Emmerich: Upping The Ante

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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