Just like good days in Winter, new Indie DVDs can be sparse for this time of the year. At least, there are a couple of recommendable titles, one available first before any theatrical premiere, for the week ahead.
Available March 5th:
"The Bay"- Found footage Horror yarn from Director Barry Levinson ("Diner") that relays a derivative story of an ecological disaster caused by parasites in Chespeake Bay. One-note outing, competently done but, ultimately forgettable. Kristen Connolly (HBO's "House of Cards") stars as a single surviving reporter documenting the hoary film. Available to rent in Pittsburgh at all Family Video stores.
"California Solo"- An Indie trend of films about washed-up Country musicians like in "Crazy Heart" gets circumvented with this candid reveal of a Scottish rocker, Robert Carlyle ("Trainspotting"), dealing with the demons he has created in his life shortly before a possible deportation out of America. Laid-back character study that highlights Carlyle in an endearing performance. It also strikes a chord emotionally with a good script and an off-beat soundtrack.
"Gambit"- The renowned Coen Brothers return with an old adapted screenplay in this remake of a 1966 film featuring Shirley MacLaine and Michael Caine. A caper flick concerning Colin Firth as an art curator trying to swindle his former boss. The con deals with a fake Monet painting and the cast includes Cameron Diaz and Alan Rickman. Fine for a laugh however real film-lovers should watch the original instead. Only available to purchase on Import DVD from England, months before any possible release.
"Heleno"- Fable-esque foreign affair following the real-life person, Heleno del Freitas, a 1940's Soccer superstar. A vintage black and white look symbolically surrounds a timeless tale of fleeting fame for a man who had it all and threw it away on self-destructive behavior. Only available to own by ordering on-line.
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