This week's new release recommendations

A whole hodge-podge of options this week, faithful readers!  As many of the following are either independent or foreign films, the majority of these will only see limited theatrical release, so get the DVD/Blu-Ray/Instant-Download player warm and ready. Nonetheless, here we go:

Oceans
The latest big-screen nature film by Disney, this one promises to be both breathtaking and informational for viewers of all ages, and there’s no reason not to take the little ones (as well as the ‘big’ kids!) to See It!!

The Losers
The renegade members of an elite U.S. military squad are double-crossed by their bosses, and consequently seek out revenge—that’s the gist of this Vertigo Comics adaptation. Expect plenty of over-the-top action elements, and probably some memorable one-liners to go along with.

Due simply to lack of options in the nation-wide release category this week, See It!!

A Shine of Rainbows
Starring Danish actress Connie Nielsen (of Gladiator fame to U.S. audiences) and Irishman Aidan Quinn, this film is the beautiful story of a childless couple who adopt a young orphan boy; the new family’s struggle to become one is tied with several fantastical elements that promise to make this one a winner for the whole family to enjoy.

See It!!

180° South
A documentary that sees a group of misfits globe-hopping to partake in the wondrous splendor of the last ‘wild’ places on earth; this one will boast incredible cinematography, interesting locales, and an environment-friendly message.

See It!!

Accidents Happen
Geena Davis is the matriarch of a dysfunctional, disaster-prone family in this Aussie comedy that will be one of those funny, but also quietly relevant and telling commentaries on the hum-drum, almost zombie-like nature of suburban living.

Rent It!!

Best Worst Movie
The star (now a practicing dentist) of the 90s cult-favorite flick Troll 2 directed this documentary about the experience of being in what was once considered the worst film of all time, as well as his reflections on the immense underground following said movie has now gained… no doubt an interesting and entertaining viewing, to say the least.

Rent It!!

Hey, Hey, It’s Esther Blueburger
An independent Australian coming of age story that focuses on the nerdy title character and her nervous integration into a new school after her family has moved. From the trailer, this looks to be a thoroughly humorous and warm take on that awkward stage of ‘in-betweenness’ that all girls en route to becoming women go through.

Rent It!!

In My Sleep
A unique-looking psychological thriller about a man whose sleepwalking is so chronic that he comes to believe he has even gone so far as to murder a crush’s husband without even being consciously aware of the act. From all indications, this one will be very Memento, Christopher Nolan-esque; such a worthy comparison alone merits a See It!!

The Back-Up Plan
This comedy sees Jennifer Lopez return to the big-screen as a thirty-something single woman who, desperate to find ‘the one’ and start a family, gives up hope and chooses to conceive via artificial insemination… and then meets Mr. Right (Alex O’Loughlin). A Hollywood-brewed love/laugh fest for sure, so will it be any good?

Me thinks not, so Skip It!!

My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend
The romantic-comedy that should be in major release this week, this one is about an aspiring writer who finds inspiration in and falls for a cute waitress (Alyssa Milano), who in turn goes head-over-heels for a successful and hunkish mystery man; how such a quirky love triangle resolves itself is indeed worth a viewing to find out.

See It!!

Joheunnom nabbeunnom isanghannom (The Good, The Bad, The Weird)
This Korean western—yes, you read that right… a Korean old-west movie!!—looks to be a part-serious, but mainly spoof-induced take on such classics as the titularly alluded to The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly. The unique concept of this film, along with what will no doubt be excellent fight choreography and camera work, demand a Rent It!! upon home media release.

The Harimaya Bridge
A prejudice-driven black man must travel to a remote village in Japan to claim his deceased—and long-time estranged—son’s valuables from the boy’s grieving—and native Japanese—fiancée; the introspective and painful journey to forgiveness of himself and others that follows has the aspiration to make this one of the best—and yet least viewed—films of the year.

See It!!