What’s new in DVDs
SUICIDE SQUAD 2016. 118 min. 13LV. Action fantasy. R119* In this long-awaited film based on characters from DC Comics, a secret government agency headed by the ruthless Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) assembles aa-film group of supervillains to go on a mission where the chances of survival are slim. A nano bomb is implanted in each of their heads so that if they try to escape or don’t obey his commands, the man tasked with keeping them in check – Colonel Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) – can kill them with the push of a button.
On their first mission the group have to save the world from the evil ancient goddess Enchantress (Cara Delevingne) and her brother, Incubus (Alain Chanoine). This requires a true team effort, which some members won’t survive – something unusual in the superhero genre.
The underlying tension between these unstable teammates is highly entertaining, especially the witty one-liners from the manic Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), which bring some sorely needed lightheartedness to the DC universe following the company’s previous somewhat sombre efforts, such as Man Of Steel (2013).
Unfortunately the interesting characters and quality performances from Robbie, Will Smith as Deadshot and Jared Leto as the Joker can’t make up for a rather thin plot. An entertaining watch but one that leaves you with the nagging feeling it could have been so much more.
– JOE BOTHA
BORN TO BE BLUE 2015. 96 min. 16DL. Biopic. R139* One of the greats of modern jazz, Chet Baker (an excellent Ethan Hawke) became known for his exquisite trumpet playing, seductive voice – and addiction to heroin, which he believed improved his art despite the damage to his health, relationships and career. The film looks at how he had to relearn to play the trumpet after drug dealers knocked out his front teeth, and his attempts to kick drugs and gain the respect of the (black) jazz establishment. The film within-(Baker plays himself in a biopic) confuses the timeline but this is powerful stuff, and his music is beautifully reproduced.
– WILLEM MÖLLER
MECHANIC: RESURRECTION 2016. 94 min. 13LV. Action. R129* The name is Statham, Jason Statham – the man who gives his action heroes just what’s needed: a sharp wit, furious fists, superhuman endurance and a body that looks just as good in a tailored suit as in a Speedo. In this sequel to The Mechanic (2011) he once again plays hitman Arthur Bishop, who’s left his criminal past behind but is forced to carry out three assassinations after a Mob boss kidnaps his girlfriend (Jessica Alba). The destinations are fresh and exotic and the three almost impossible challenges are breathtaking. Ideal for action junkies.
– ANNELENE OBERHOLZER
EMELIE 2015. 82 min. 16V. Horror. R125* Emelie (a terrifying Sarah Bolger) is a nanny with a coal-black heart who has to stand in after a family’s usually reliable childcarer doesn’t show up. She’s lovely and sweet until the parents leave – then she starts playing Jacob, Christopher and Sally (Joshua Rush, Thomas Bair and Carly Adams – all excellent) off against one another with games that are anything but child’s play. Be warned: there are scenes that parents will find shocking. You won’t believe what you’re seeing. This psychological thriller will make you think twice about letting a stranger look after your kids!
– PIETER VAN ZYL