By Robin E. Simmons
NOW SHOWING:
AQUAMAN
Film fans were wondering if this much-anticipated film would sink or swim after the disaster of Justice League. I am happy to report it’s a fun and exciting swim. This film has the same fun, adventurous vibe that accompanied the first “Indiana Jones” movie.
A great cast top-lining James Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Dolph Lundgren and Patrick Wilson) along with eye popping FX flesh out James Wan’s entertaining superhero underwater action adventure from the DC Universe.
Director Wan has a great eye for visuals and Momoa’s Aquaman character is dripping with charisma and dry wit. This over-the-top comic book movie meanders a lot, seems longer than necessary, is sometimes ridiculous but is generally satisfying if for no other reason than submersing the audience in a wondrous world unlike any w have seen on the big screen.
Half human and half Atlantean, Arthur Curry learns he is heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, and must step forward to lead his people against his half-brother, Orm, who seeks to unite the seven underwater kingdoms against the surface world.
Once home to the most advanced civilization on Earth, the city of Atlantis is now an underwater kingdom ruled by the power-hungry King Orm. With a vast army at his disposal, Orm plans to conquer the remaining oceanic people — and then the surface world. Standing in his way is Aquaman, Orm’s half-human, half-Atlantean brother and true heir to the throne. With help from royal counselor Vulko, Aquaman must retrieve the legendary Trident of Atlantis and embrace his destiny as protector of the deep.
Don’t miss this marvelous and wondrous action adventure that is guaranteed to please even the most jaded filmgoers. The piece of popular entertainment is perfect for the holidays.
You don’t have to up to speed with your comic book lore and legend to enjoy this stunning film. The opening five minutes tell you all you need to know to drop in and enjoy this truly fantastic, fully realized world. Strong recommendation. Find the biggest screen in your neighborhood.
NEW BLU FOR THE HOME THEATER:
WATERWORLD (1995)
The most expensive film ever made at the time of its release, Waterworld has thrilled audiences through the years with its awe-inspiring action scenes, gargantuan maritime sets and groundbreaking special effects.
A definitive post-apocalypse blockbuster, Waterworld stars Kevin Costner as The Mariner – a mutant trader, adrift in a dystopian future where Earth is submerged under water and humankind struggles to survive on boats and in ramshackle floating cities. The Mariner becomes embroiled with the Smokers, a gang of pirates who, led by villainous leader Deacon (Dennis Hopper, Blue Velvet), are seeking Enola (Tina Majorino, Napoleon Dynamite), a girl with a map to the mythical realm of “Dryland” tattooed on her back.
Famous for both its epic scale and the controversy that swirled around its production, Waterworld is a key cult film of the 1990s, and an essential entry into the subgenre of ecologically minded blockbusters. Presented here in an exclusive new restoration, in three different cuts, and with a wealth of extra material, this high-water mark (pun intended) of high-concept Hollywood can now be enjoyed as never before.
Three cuts of the film in this two-disc limited edition include a new restoration from a 4K scan of the original negative. Disc two contains a High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the extended US TV cut, which runs over 40 minutes longer than disc one’s theatrical cut as well as a High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the extended European “Ulysses” cut, which includes censored shots and dialogue.
Among the extras:
“Maelstrom: The Odyssey of Waterworld” is an all-new, feature-length making-of documentary including extensive cast and crew interviews and behind the scenes footage and an original archival featurette capturing the film’s production. Also of interest is “Global Warnings,” a look at the subgenre of ecologically aware Hollywood blockbusters with film critic Glenn Kenny. Arrow Films.
