What to Watch: Nov. 17-23, 2013

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Average: 5 (1 vote)

Tank Girl
Tank Girl
Photo credit: Shout Factory

“Tank Girl”

“Tank Girl” was a high-profile bomb when it was first released, practically ending the career of star Lori Petty. Over the years, audiences have taken to this punk-rock sci-fi flick, turning it into the kind of cult hit that should have been out on Blu-ray years ago. Seriously, what took so long? A great gift for those of you on your holiday shopping list with purple hair who are over 30.

Synopsis:
If you’re into in-your-face visuals, outrageous action sequences and non-stop explosive laughs, this is your “rip-roaring power surge of a movie” (L.A. Weekly).

The year’s 2033 and since a humongous meteor hit earth, the world just hasn’t been the same. No Movies, No Cable TV, NO WATER!!! A mega-villain, Kesslee (Malcolm McDowell), the leader of Water & Power, holds the world in his grasp since he controls all the H2O down to the last drop…or so he thinks. Two colossal enemies stand in his way: (1) The Rippers - an army of half-men/half-kangaroo people whose sole purpose is to bring down the W & P, and (2) a chick with a tank and tons of attitude - a.k.a. Tank Girl (Lori Petty). Kesslee had better get a grip on reality and his water jugs because not even a run in her stocking is going to stop her from saving the world.

Special Features:
o Audio Commentary With Director Rachel Talalay And Actress Lori Petty
o Interviews With Lori Petty and Production Designer Catherine Hardwicke
o Vintage Featurette
o Theatrical Trailer

Where to Watch: Blu-ray

Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus
Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus
Photo credit: IFC

“Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus”

The first film I saw at Sundance this year is this Michael Cera road trip with a great supporting performance from Gaby Hoffman but a grating one from Michael Cera and a story that meanders as much as its influenced characters. There are some good ideas in this movie that was made as a lark while the producers were waiting for more financing on “Magic Magic” but they never come together. For hardcore Cera fans only.

From Matt Fagerholm’s theatrical review: “Though its overarching structure is more or less familiar, the execution is jarringly unpredictable in ways both exciting and frustrating. The picture frequently lurches between moments of visceral intensity, such as the Jamie’s disturbing initial reaction to the San Pedro, and forced whimsy.

Synopsis:
During a road trip through Chile, boorish American expatriate Jamie (Michael Cera) and three Chilean brothers plan to set off in search of the prized San Pedro cactus and its promise of unrivaled hallucinations. But during a night’s drunken stupor Jamie invites free-spirited fellow American Crystal Fairy (Gaby Hoffmann) along on their psychedelic-driven journey, and before long Crystal’s devil-may-care attitude gives them more of an adventure than any of them had bargained for. “A mix of the acerbic, the spaced out and the heartfelt” (Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times), director Sebastian Silva’s (The Maid) Crystal Fairy & The Magical Cactus is a coming-of-age road movie experience unlike any other.

Special Features:
o Behind the Scenes
o Trailer

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

We're the Millers
We’re the Millers
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“We’re the Millers”

Jason Sudeikis had a surprisingly strong comedy hit this summer with this disappointing flick about a drug dealer forced to form a fake family to smuggle weed across the border. The great concept is wasted on a dull script that’s simply not funny despite the best efforts of its talented cast. Every time it threatens to become something consistently engaging, there’s a scene like the one in which Aniston has to prove her status as a stripper that brings the entire thing to a grinding halt. Too long, not funny, and more annoying than enjoyable. And that’s coming from someone who would call himself a fan of every member of the cast. I can’t imagine how you’ll feel if you’re not.

From Patrick McDonald’s ">film review: “There was a point in “We’re the Millers” when the story fell off the table like a Slinky from a mountaintop. It’s as if other writers took over from a far superior dark comedy, and injected “heart” and middle age “stripping.” This all adds up to a difficult 110 minutes of lost life time.

Synopsis:
Small-time pot dealer David Clark (Jason Sudeikis) must become a big-time drug smuggler, and devises a foolproof plan. He convinces his neighbors - stripper Rose (Jennifer Aniston), loser Kenny (Will Poulter) and runaway Casey (Emma Roberts) - to create a fake family. With one huge RV and a ton of laughs, the Millers head south of the border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang.

Special Features:
o 45 Minutes Of Smoking-Hot Extras
o Outrageous Outtakes
o Millers Unleashed
o Gag Reel
o Deleted Scenes
o Extreme Aniston
o The Miller Makeovers

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

Planes
Planes
Photo credit: Disney

“Planes”

Just awful. This cheap tie-in to the “Cars” franchise is more creatively bankrupt than most Saturday morning cartoons. It’s designed to play off the families with kids who love the Pixar auto hits and might want to see something similar in the sky. While I’m not a fan of “Cars” and HATE “Cars 2” at least those had strong production values and good voice work, neither of which is on display here. Everything about “Planes” screams commercial product instead of creative one. And it doesn’t even work at that. The ultimate test? My two kids, one of whom love actual planes, checked out after about twenty minutes.

Synopsis:
The world of Cars takes flight in Planes, Disney’s high-flying animated comedy revved up with action and adventure. Join Dusty, a crop duster with sky-high dreams and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take on the world’s fastest flyers in the greatest air race ever. Dusty has a huge heart but two big problems… he’s not exactly built for speed, plus he’s afraid of heights. His courage is put to the ultimate test as this unlikely hero aims higher than he ever imagined. With a little help from his friends, Dusty finds the courage to be more than he was built for - and the inspiration to soar. Experience Disney’s uplifting story of bravery and friendship on Blu-ray with never-before-seen bonus features.

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Exclusive! Franz’s Song
o Top Ten Flyers: Count Down The World’s Most Famous Aviators With Host Colin Cowherd
o Meet The Racers
o Klay’s Flight Plan
o Digital Copy Included

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

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

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

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