Goon (Blu-ray) Criticize This! Pick of the Week – Here’s the deal – if you’re a red-blooded Canadian who lives for hockey, Goon is hands down a must-see film. And if you don’t run out to rent it, buy it, or download it right away, you’re not a true Canadian. End of story. Sure the film is a tad violent, but so is hockey. And Goon does one better by also being hilarious and super sweet thanks to Sean William Scott’s portrayal of dumb-as-nails enforcer Doug Glatt. The rest of the cast, which includes Marc-André Grondin, Liev Schreiber, Alison Pill, and Jay Baruchel, all add to the film perfectly too. The Blu-ray has an awesome image transfer and sound mix and is highly recommended. Special features include audio commentary with director Michael Dowse and cowriter/actor Jay Baruchel, deleted scenes, making-of featurettes, and more. A regular DVD and digital copy are included as well. Film **** Blu-ray **** (out of 5 stars).
We Need to Talk About Kevin (Blu-ray) – We Need to Talk About Kevin shows the perspective of a mother (Tilda Swinton) coping with life after her teenage son is put in prison for killing classmates with a bow and arrow. It’s a cold, dreary film that left me feeling anxious and empty inside even after a second viewing. As a parent, it’s very hard to watch, but it’s also a very well-crafted film and Swinton’s performance is amazing, as is Ezra Miller’s in the role of Kevin. Although it’s not a horror, it is one of the scariest movies I’ve seen in a long time. The Blu-ray features a sharp 1080p image and a great 5.1 DTS-HD sound mix. Special features include interviews, behind the scenes featurettes, and more. A regular DVD of the film is included as well. Film **** Blu-ray *** (out of 5 stars).
Castle in the Sky (Blu-ray) – How I have never seen Hayao Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky until now astonishes me. It is truly one of his greatest achievements and is definitely one of the best titles in the Studio Ghibli catalogue, if not one of the best animated films ever made. The film tells the story of Sheeta, a young girl who discovers the necklace her grandmother gave her is a lot more magical than she ever knew. When pirates try to steal it from her, Sheeta escapes and ends up with Pazu, a young boy who protects her. Together they embark on a journey that takes them high into the sky to find a floating castle thought to be only a legend. Although made in 1986, the animation has held up well and is absolutely beautiful. This is a true work of art and the Blu-ray release presents it perfectly with a stunning 1080p transfer and 5.1 DTS-HD sound mix that is absolutely glorious. This is one title you need to have in your collection. Special features include an introduction by John Lasseter, original Japanese storyboards, making-of featurettes, and more. A regular DVD of the film is also included. Film **** Blu-ray **** (out of 5 stars).
Whisper of the Heart (Blu-ray) – While not as gripping as other recent Studio Ghibli Blu-ray releases Castle in the Sky and The Secret World of Arrietty, Whisper of the Heart is an enjoyable watch that does feature some amazing animation. My biggest complaint though is that the story drags a bit and you can really feel the 119-minute running time. It is still a solid film and is highly recommended viewing for fans of animation. No question, Whisper of the Heart looks and sound gorgeous in high-def and is the way it should be watched. Special features include original Japanese storyboards, a featurette with the English-language voice talent, and more. A regular DVD of the film is also included. Film *** Blu-ray **** (out of 5 stars).
What are you watching at home this week? Let us know in the comments below.
