This week's pick is a re-release of a film with a very storied past. First off, it is a film based a book which drew a lot of controversy due to it's violence towards women. It finally was made into a film after some strife over the script and also casting issues. Christian Bale was chosen for the lead, and played it perfectly. The pick is American Psycho: Uncut Killer Collector's Edition.
The DVD was originally released by Universal in 2000 with two versions, an unrated version and the original R rated theatrical version, and very few extras. A few years later Lion's Gate acquired the rights and released the R rated version to the shelves. Now Lion's Gate is releasing it again, this time in the unrated format and with a host of extras, including 2 commentary tracks, deleted scenes, and behind the scenes featurettes. It is also reported that it has been remastered and has improved audio and video quality.
The film itself is excellent and not easy to pigeon hole in a genre. It is part drama, part horror, part satire of 80's excess. It is a strange film with an end that will leave you with a few questions. It features a great performance from , then up and comer, Christian Bale.
Other titles to look for:
- Bewitched: The Complete First Season. I can't claim to be a big fan, but it was always a fun show. Beware, it is available in original black and white, and bastardized color. be sure to get the right one.
- Coach Carter. I missed this in theaters, but have heard good things, and Samuel L. Jackson is consistently entertaining.
- Cursed. Mediocre to poor Wes Craven outing. Not the worst, but it is towards that end of the spectrum.
- Dark Water. Just in time for the American remake comes Hideo Nakata's original. A pretty good creepy story film.
- Hostage. Very good suspense/actioner starring Bruce Willis. Director Florent Siri brings a nice visual style to the proceedings.
- Immortal. I haven't heard of this before, but what I have read about it looks interesting. A sci-fi tale set in the future and involving the gods.
- The Jacket. Adrien Brody and Keira Knightly star in this twisted little mind trip of a film. I liked it in the theater, and hope it holds up. I liked the way it didn't try to explain itself.
- Metalmania 2004. A compilation of concert footage from one of the biggest metal festivals in Europe. Features Krisiun, MSG, Tiamat, Moonspell, and Soulfly.
- Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous. This was a fun, it completely unnecessary sequel.
- Ring Virus. The Korean remake of Ringu, made prior to the American version. I have not seen it, but have heard it is good, and truer to to the book than either of the others.
Article comments
1 - dietdoc
Chris writes: "The film itself is excellent and not easy to pigeon hole in a genre"
Reply: This was my first chance to see Bale (well, I admit I did see "Empire of the Sun" but didn't make the connection) and that man has got some serious acting chops. I hope they are used to good advantage in the new Batman movie. I look forward to watching this movie again. Thanks for the heads-up.
Cheers,
Ron