By Robin E. Simmons
BLACK OR WHITE
Writer director Mike Binder’s family drama has a lot going on. Grandfather (Kevin Costner) is left to care for his darling granddaughter. But when her dad’s mom (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody, the little girl is torn between two families who clearly love her and have her best interests at heart. Soon, two families fight for what they each think is right, good and moral. In the process, all must confront their deepest feelings about racism, forgiveness, and acceptance – if not understanding. A fine cast illuminates real events as two worlds collide in a space where nothing is black and white.
I have never been a Costner fan; it is amazing to me that he continues to find work on the big screen. I am always very aware of his “acting,” especially when he’s an aw shucks heartland American. But this kind of blatant, self-righteous, pretentious material that Costner is drawn to seems more like a lecture intended for our own good. It is not especially entertaining nor is it usefully informative. Now showing.
NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER:
EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS
Visually stunning with masterful special effects, Ridley Scott’s epic retelling of Moses’ story is truly spectacular. The postproduction 3D is immersive and sharp, but not necessary. However, that is not to say this film does not look and sound great on larger flat screen TVs. Scott brings new life to this timeless story of one man’s defiance against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 400,000 slaves free from the cruelty of Egypt and the terrifying cycle of ever more deadly plagues. Some scholars question if there was ever an exodus of Jews from Egypt and if Moses was a real historical figure. None of that really matters here: the story of a hero who demands freedom for his “people” is never old or irrelevant. Especially in our dangerous world of religious extremism. The disc has over five hours of extras including deleted and extended scenes as well as a fascinating commentary from director Scott. Blu-ray 3D. 20th Century Fox.
THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES
This is the epic conclusion of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town.
As he succumbs to dragon sickness, Thorin, sacrifices friendship and honor in search of the legendary Arkenstone. Unable to help Thorin see reason, Bilbo is driven to make a desperately dangerous choice, not knowing that Sauron, an ancient enemy has returned to Middle–earth. Now, legions of Orcs make a stealth attack on the Lonely Mountain.
As darkness converges, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo fights for his life and the lives of his friends as five armies go to war and the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.
The 3D is truly immersive and the world of Tolkien is as real as it can be. As with all Peter Jackson’s films, the quality is cutting edge and the extras generous and fascinating. Blu-ray 3D. Warner Bros.
WITHOUT A CLUE
Since the next Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downey, Jr., and the Brit TV import with Benedict Cumberbatch is more than a year away, how about sampling this vintage (1988) comic detective romp with Michael Caine as a drunk and inept Holmes and Ben Kinglsey as the sober and smarter Dr. Watson. Its fun watching these two pros have fun with this alternate thread in the Holmesian oeuvre. Blu-ray. Olive Films.
THE SOFT SKIN
François Truffaut’s follow-up to his international hit JULES ET JIM stars Jean Desailly as a celebrated literary scholar, apparently happily married, who embarks on an affair with a beautiful stewardess (Françoise Dorléac). As their illicit romance gets serious, the movie becomes tense and suspenseful leading to a walloping conclusion. Director Truffaut at a time was enamored of Alfred Hitchcock’s work, and that influence can certainly be felt throughout this complex, but little seen French New Wave treasure. As with all Criterion product, the bountiful extras are especially welcome and insightful as is this new high-definition digital restoration. Blu-ray. Criterion.
ONE STEP BEYOND
The amazing world of the unknown and eerie is recreated via dramatic-re-enactments of mysterious “real events.” The popular TV show ran on ABC for only three seasons, starting in 1959. As a kid, I was an avid fan and hounded my parents about ghosts, monsters, disappearances, alternate realities and strange coincidences and dreams that came true and much more. It seems without question that this show inspired the creation of Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone,” which came a year later. This great set includes 70 of the original 96 episodes (that comes to 1,179 minutes!). Look for appearances by Charles Bronson, Cloris Leachman, Warren Beatty, Robert Blake, Joan Fontaine and other iconic stars of the era. And of course the dapper John Newland remains the perfectly serious host to the compellingly enigmatic stories. Available April 7. DVD. Film Chest Media Group.
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