Wednesday, 8 July 2009

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Films Fans

Holly Arnold

Out now! What to buy on DVD

A look at the new releases this week (starting 6/07/09)

Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson star as husband and wife in Marley & Me

An interesting mix of DVD’s are released this week. They range from suburb to the silly, serious to sentimental – topped off with a violent display of crazed testosterone.

First up is Marley & Me starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. Marketed as a funny rom-com, Marley & Me strays towards a more drama route – telling the story of journalist Josh Grogan through ‘hilarious’ dog-related incidents. The film starts well but soon turns into a monotonous rambling tale of a family – and by the forcibly teary end you feel as if you have literally witnessed their entire lives played out on screen.

For a more manageable slice of doggy drama check out indie flick Lucy And Wendy.

A heart-warming tale of friendship, Lucy And Wendy tells the story of cash-strapped Wendy and her quest to find her missing dog (and best friend) Lucy in a strange poverty-stricken town. Michelle Williams excels as the quiet Lucy and the film is genuinely touching without overdoing the sentimentality.

If it’s a serious (non-dog related) film you’re after then The International (starring Clive Owen) couldn’t be more perfect. A tight-paced thriller set around the banking world, The International makes a seemingly specialist subject both interesting an exciting.  While an enjoyable film to watch, The International, is slightly forgettable, as the intricacies of the financial world are hard to retain.  

One film you’ll have trouble erasing from your memory is Bronson.

A biopic of violent prisoner Charles Bronson, the film gives a snapshot into the life of one of Britain’s most deadly inmates. Crazed and apparently motive-less Bronson seems to genuinely enjoy hurting people; a fact gruesomely played up in this dark little film. Hard to watch but undeniably powerful.

One to miss

S Darko. A straight-to-DVD sequel to cult favourite Donnie Darko, sees his sisters (not the original Maggie Gyllenhaal) encounter similar time fluctuations as her brother. Pointless and unwanted, S Darko aims to cash in on the popularity of its name but fails miserably.

SEE VIDEOS Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson and the Marley & Me press conference>>