This weeks pick is a Korean film from director Chan Wook Park, who was also behind the excellent film JSA: Joint Security Area. The name of this film is Oldboy. It is a gritty hardcore revenge film.
The story follows a man who is kidnapped and imprisoned for 15 years for some unknown reason. At the end of those 15 years, he is released and now he has 5 days to find out why he was imprisoned. What follows is violent, dark, at times humorous, and probably different than what you are used to. It is filled with some great performances and is sure to leave you cringing. This is one not to be missed.
Also coming out this week:
- Audition. The quietly shocking Takashi Miike film is getting re-released this week, I am guessing to cash in on the current J-horror craze. Besides that, it is a very good film.
- Beauty Shop. Spun off from Barbershop comes this Queen Latifah vehicle. It is funny, but ends before it really gets going, almost like a pilot to a sitcom.
- The Card Player. The first of two Dario Argento films coming out this week. Not familiar with it, but with Argento's name attached, I am willing to try it.
- Trauma. The second Argento, for the rest see above.
- Futurama: Robot Maniac Fun Collection. I already have all the sets, but this looks like a good set for those looking for a taste. This a hilarious, well written, and underrated series.
- The Gladiator: Extended Edition. I loved the theatrical cut, I look forward to giving this version a try.
- Harakiri: The Criterion Collection. Another one I am not familiar with, but willing to give it a shot.
- Layer Cake. This was a good entry in the Brit-gangster genre. It features a fine performance from Daniel Craig. For those who liked Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
- A Lot Like Love. Complete misfire of a romantic comedy with Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet. For as talented, or potentially talented, as they are, this is sad.
- New Jack City: Special Edition. Mario Van Peebles gangsta film. I've sadly never seen it.
- The Ring 2. Such a letdown after the original remake.
- Ringu 2. Hopefully better than the US version.
- Ringu: Anthology of Terror. The original series from Japan, includes Ringu, the first sequel Rasen and the other second film Ringu 2(these two are independent in their relation to the first), plus the prequel Ringu 0.
- Samurai 7 Vol. 1. Futuristic anime series inspired by the classic Akira Kurosawa film.
- Orgy: Trans Global Spectacle. An interesting touring document of the first phase of Orgy's life cycle.
- Transporter: Special Delivery Edition. Not sure what is different from the first release. This is a very fun action film.
- The Truman Show: Special Edition. This was the start of the transformation of Jim Carrey away from straight comedy. Written by Andrew Niccol, who also did the excellent Gattaca.
- WWE: Tombstone - The History of the Undertaker. Who doesn't love the Undertaker? Here is a 3 disk collection of his matches and history.
That is all, I hope there is something here for you.
Also at Blogcritics.
