This week, quite frankly the best movie of 2010 (at least in my humble opinion) hits shelves. It's joined with a few other solid picks to form a nice bounce back week of DVD releases. Of course, it's naturally highlighted by my PICK OF THE WEEK, and this time around, it's a real winner. My choice is my #1 film of 2010, an Oscar nominated modern classic, and one of the most intense flicks I've seen in a long time. It's:Blue Valentine
No film last year was better acted, more emotional, or of higher quality than this intimate look at the coming together and falling apart of a joined life. The story of Dean and Cindy will break your heart, and it's a testament to the talents of Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams that they make you care so much for these individuals. It's hard to find someone not affected by Derek Cianfrance's film, and rightfully so. It's a masterpiece, and now that it's on DVD, I recommend it as much as anything I've ever highlighted as a top pick. If for some reason you didn't catch this film in theaters, stop what you're doing right now and go pick this up. It's a moral imperative (to steal a line from 'Real Genius'). You can thank me later.
-Also out and getting a recommendation from me this week is the documentary Cropsey as well as the romantic comedy No Strings Attached. The former is a look at a serial killer on Staten Island that almost works as well as a horror film as it does a documentary. As for the latter, it's a slight but effective look at how 2 people who just want sex can find love as well, even if they fight against it. Neither are great flicks, but both are good and get my thumbs up to you. If either strike your fancy, pick them up and enjoy!
-The other releases this week include the well regarded animated movie The Illusionist, the Korean suspense flick I Saw the Devil, and the concert film Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. I didn't see any of the 3, but 2 of them were thought highly of...and the other has Bieber. They each have their appeal though, so follow your heart and pick up and/all of these and see how they work for you...
-My Vintage pick, in honor of this week's release of Hesher, is a group of some of Joseph Gordon-Levitt's best films. They are (500) Days of Summer, Brick, The Lookout, Manic, and Stop-Loss. It's an eclectic mix, and perfectly indicative of what an eclectic actor he is. Give them a shot, especially if you haven't seen one or two of them!
-What will you be watching on DVD this week?