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Jared Bentley - Drive-In Philosophy Jared Bentley Jared likes to write about things that interest him. Not that those things are very interesting to anyone else, but you never know...

Suggestions for the Video-Store-Bound

Published February 12, 2010 | By Jared Bentley | Drive-In Philosophy

I have mentioned before that I don't get to go to the theater to see movies any more. That's what children do, they keep you home and out of the movie house. I rely on the purchase of DVDs to get my movie fix these days, and my collection continues to increase beyond reasonable limits. As long as they're not illegal, I will probably keep buying them... they are the low-impact drug of choice in my household. That sounds a bit sad.

I have gotten the chance to watch a few movies on DVD this past week, though, and have decided to enlighten the masses (spew about the flicks...). I think what I'm trying to say is that I have DVD reviews to offer. If you're interested.

The first film on my list was one that I could've probably passed on, but was curious to see nonetheless. "The Goods" is a Jeremy Piven vehicle that relies heavily on the comedy stylings of a well-versed cast and a few surprises. The real surprise here, though, is that this group of funny people were completely unable to carry through with the big payoff, and instead made a film that became overly predictable and cliche.

If you want a few good laughs and not much thought, this is your film. Ving Rhames is funny, and shows once again that he has great comic timing and should be used as a comedic actor more often. As he gets older, he becomes less menacing, so comedy could definitely be his future.

Will Ferrell shows up for a cameo appearance and proves once again that he has lost his sense of humor and become a sad, empty shell of his past self. Come back, Will. We miss you.

Here's the trailer:



Final Say: Don't rent or buy if you like your films with a plot, storyline, or good, snappy dialog. If you feel like a giggle, and like your sarcasm raw and unfiltered, this is right up your alley.

Next on the list is "The Hangover". I was very anxious to see this when it came out on DVD, but I had not had the chance until this week. It was worth the wait, although it still left me just a bit flat at times.

Great cast, good writing, good direction, and a continual laugh production throughout the film. After all the hype, though, I was expecting a film that deserves a Best Picture nomination (which it has received), but I didn't quite see it.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes a good laugh. I look forward to seeing what Ed Helms is able to do in the future, and I think Zach Galifianakis is hilarious, ever since seeing him in "Out Cold" years ago.

Here's the trailer:



Final Say: Rent it or buy it, you will laugh out loud many times before the credits roll.

Last film on the list today is "The Escapist", which is the best of the three.

Bryan Cox plays the lead in this moody British jailbreak caper, and, as always, he is amazingly good. The supporting cast is wonderful, with Damian Lewis, Seu Jorge, and the very under-appreciated Joseph Fiennes, who has definitely returned to form in his last films.

Cox is always the most powerful force in whatever film he is in, and his roles are mostly small and supportive, so it is good to see him step out front again and lead a good film. "The Escapist" is the first film from Rupert Wyatt, who has delivered what is one of the best debuts since "Blood Simple", and his script and visuals are very much worth the trip to the video store.

Wyatt is able to create characters you care for, without giving you much detail, history, or development, and his gritty look at a period UK prison facility is very real and interesting.

Here's the trailer:



Final Say: Watch it. This is a good movie, and you will not be disappointed. If you are, that's your fault.

Happy watching!!

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