New on DVD
There are first-rate new DVDs this week for young and old.
“Coco”; 3.5 stars: While the animated film celebrates the day of honouring and remembering those who have died, it is really a story about family, following your dreams and respect that cuts across all cultures. Add to that a production that is so visually stunning, sunglasses should be passed out at the theatre. “Coco” is a treat with universal appeal.
Screenwriters Adrian Molina and Matthew Aldrich have captured the Pixar style of storytelling by being able to make some very serious points with a gentle touch. The biggest mistake those creating animated productions tend to make is the tendency to dumb down the story because it is aimed at children. There are some situations and events in “Coco” youngsters will miss, but the bulk of the story has been crafted to fully entertain young and moviegoers.
“Murder on the Orient Express”; 3 stars: When it comes to bringing an Agatha Christie novel to the big screen, success and failure are measured by how well her detective is portrayed. In this case, Kenneth Branagh’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot has just the right amount of pompous confidence to make the film work.
Branagh not only stars but also directed the film, which features a superb cast — including Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penelope Cruz and Judi Dench — but also has been shot with a unique style wherein the camera offers very different looks at the mystery. The movie is as beautifully shot as it is acted.
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”; 4 stars: The production is the 21st century answer to “Fargo.” “Billboards” director/writer Martin McDonagh uses the same kind of cinematic formula as the Coen brothers did in their Oscar-winning film of combining a compelling story with boldly stereotypical characters and seasoning it all with dramatic heat and dark comedy to make his movie. The only slight difference is Frances McDormand won an Oscar for her work in “Fargo,” and at this point her performance in “Billboards” has only generated an Oscar nomination.
Just as “Fargo” embraced the region when it came to culture and history, McDonagh does the same thing with his players. But, even when he makes a character like Dixon start out looking to be little more than a stereotypical Southern police officer, there are twists revealed that show there is a lot more depth to the character.
“Darkest Hour”; 2 stars: The feature from director Joe Wright (“Atonement”) and screenwriter Anthony McCarten (“The Theory of Everything”) is a mechanically stiff presentation that methodically hits all the key historical points without ever pausing to put them in context or show them in an interesting new light. If it weren’t for two superb acting performances by Gary Oldman (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”) as Churchill and Ben Mendelsohn (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”) as King George VI, “Darkest Hour” would have been a couple of dark hours in the theatre.
Aside from Churchill and King George VI, the characters in “Darkest Hour” are more shadow puppets than fully functional people. Lily James, who always brings life to her roles, is left struggling with a two-dimensional part as Elizabeth Layton, a typist for Churchill. The pair share a couple of moments, but mostly Layton looks more like the result of someone trying to fill a quota of having enough women in the cast.
Also available on DVD Feb. 27 “Lady and the Tramp”: Disney animated feature about Lady, a pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a mutt with a heart of gold.
“Just Getting Started”: Former mob lawyer and former FBI agent must learn to get along. Morgan Freeman stars.
“MacGyver: Season 1”: Angus MacGyver goes on dangerous missions as America’s most unconventional hero.
“Copyright Criminals: The Funky Drummer Edition”: Documentary that looks at the creative and commercial value of musical sampling.
“Rebecka Martinsson”: Scandinavian crime drama based on Asa Larsson’s bestselling novels.
“Hangman”: Series of murders are inspired by a game. Al Pacino stars.
“Let There Be Light”: Kevin Sorbo stars in the story of an atheist who must rethink his views after a near-death experience.
“Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”: The 2001 film with Angelina Jolie in the title role is being rereleased.
Being released on digital HD Feb. 27 “Ferdinand”: A bull with a big heart puts together a team of misfit friends for the ultimate adventure. Will be available on DVD and Blu-ray March 12.
“Call Me By Your Name”: A 17-year-old boy begins a relationship with an older man. Will be on DVD and Blu-ray March 13.