What to Watch: Feb. 4-10, 2014

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Justice League: War
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“Justice League: War”

Another month, another DC Universe original film. When this series started, the idea of PG-13 animated films that targeted older comic book readers, often by adapting some of the most critically acclaimed arcs from the print iterations, seemed revolutionary. Not every comic book property needed to be a Saturday morning cartoon or “The Dark Knight.” There was room for storytelling in between. I’m happy that the effort is still being undertaken even if the results don’t have the same impact as the early days of the DC Universe releases and the “Justice League” films have long been some of their best. Keep it up, WB.

Synopsis:
In Gotham City’s shadows lurks a mysterious figure, a silent guardian known only as the Batman. While battling crime and an ever-growing public distrust, he faces the injustices of the night alone. During a criminal pursuit, the Batman crosses paths with the arrogant intergalactic cop Green Lantern, and the unlikely duo uncovers an impending threat bigger and more deadly than anything the Earth has faced before. For the Earth to have a chance to survive, it will be a race to forge an uneasy alliance of its greatest super powers, including the Kryptonian alien, Superman; the Amazonian envoy, Wonder Woman; and the Scarlet Speedster, the Flash. Along with newcomers Cyborg and teen super hero Shazam, this awesome assembly of the world’s finest are prepared to meet evil head-on and offer mankind its only hope, it they don’t self-destruct first!

Special Features:
o Creating Heroes: The Life And Art Of Jim Lee
o Justice League: War Act D - From Animatic To Pencil Test
o From The DC Comic Vault - 4 Vintage Cartoons
o Deconstructing War With Jay Olivia and Jim Lee
o A Sneak Peek At DC Universe’s Next Animated Movie: Son Of Batman

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

Escape Plan
Photo credit: Lionsgate

“Escape Plan”

Sylvester Stallone has reached a career low just above straight-to-DVD, releasing his action films in theaters stateside that barely register even slightly with audiences. “Bullet to the Head” made less than $10 million TOTAL while “Escape Plan” barely crested $25 million domestically (although made a lot more internationally, where action extravaganzas are more likely to connect). The lack of box office success without the rest of his “Expendables” buddies means that Sly has a big following at home, where action always rents well. Why? Most people haven’t seen his movies. If you want a diversion and, like most people, you haven’t seen “Escape Plan,” now you can.

From Patrick McDonald’s film review: “Great action movies have one truth in common – they mix their face-offs with a psychological battle, which complements the pyrotechnics of invincible super humans. “Escape Plan,” with grizzled veterans Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, is true to that form.”

Synopsis:
One of the world’s foremost authorities on structural security agrees to take on one last job: breaking out of an ultra-secret, high-tech facility called “The Tomb.” Deceived and wrongfully imprisoned, Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone) must recruit fellow inmate Emil Rottmayer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) to help devise a daring, nearly impossible plan to escape from the most protected and fortified prison ever built. Escape Plan is the first pairing of action legends Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in leading roles, and co-stars Jim Caviezel, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Vinnie Jones and Vincent D’Onofrio.

Special Features:
o Audio Commentary With Director Mikael Hafstrom and Co-Writer Chapman
o Executing The Plan: The Making Of Escape Plan Featurette
o Maximum Security: The Real-Life Tomb Featurette
o Clash Of The Titans Featurette
o Deleted Scenes

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

Dracula 3D
Photo credit: IFC Midnight

“Dracula 3D”

Oh, Dario, why do you have to break my heart? The great Argento, the film maestro behind such masterpieces as “Suspiria” and “Deep Red,” delivered the biggest wet thud of his career with this Hammer spoof that, oh, I just can’t talk about it any more. See it ONLY if you’re a giant Dario fan, like me. Or, maybe don’t see it only if you’re a giant Dario fan. I think it hurts a little more for us than the average film goer.

Synopsis:
Horror maestro Dario Argento (Suspiria) puts his unique stylistic spin on the classic supernatural tale with Dracula, a visually sumptuous retelling of the legendary myth.

It’s been 400 years since Count Dracula’s (Thomas Kretschmann, Wanted) beloved Dolingen De Gratz passed away, leaving the immortal bloodsucker forever abandoned. But when he discovers that local newlywed Mina Harker (Marta Gastini, The Rite) bears a striking resemblance to Dolingen, his furious yearning is reawakened as he believes Mina to be a reincarnation of his beloved. Luring her husband Jonathan away to his castle with the help of his minion (and Mina’s best friend) Lucy (Asia Argento, xXx), Dracula embarks on a bloody quest to reunite with his long lost love and live forever with her in hellish immortality. Only the arrival of vampire expert Abraham Van Helsing (Rutger Hauer, Blade Runner) can put an end to the fiend’s unholy plan.

Luridly violent and brimming with passionate eroticism, Dario Argento’s Dracula is an all-out assault on the senses from one of horror cinema’s most celebrated auteurs.

Special Features:
o Behind The Scenes
o Music Video: “Kiss Me Dracula” In 3D
o Trailer
o Red Band Trailer

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

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