Summer is sadly coming to its poetic end. Kids are back at school, sun-kissed employees are returning to work and are already thinking of when they can next book time off and its dark by 8pm.
With the slow change from BBQ’s and long summer walks already taking place, its time to swap your sunglasses for 3D glasses and swimming trunks for comfy trousers, as you can plan ahead to see what home viewing pleasures you can indulge in during the month of September.
Fast and Furious 7
Released 7th of September
Blu Ray / DVD
One of the biggest and bloke-y films of 2015 finds its way onto Blu-ray with a spectacular release. FAST AND FURIOUS 7 is the series largest and most crowd pleasing outing to date and proves that the almost 15 year old franchise isn’t afraid to knock it into top gear.
Following up from FAST AND FURIOUS 6, after defeating international terrorist Owen Shaw (Luke Evans), Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) and the rest of the crew have separated to return to more normal lives. However, Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), Owen’s older brother, is thirsty for revenge. A slick government agent offers to help Dom and company take care of Shaw in exchange for their help in rescuing a kidnapped computer hacker who has developed a powerful surveillance program.
It is fair to say that THE FAST AND FURIOUS franchise has moved away from its original street racing roots and has moved into cinematic behemoth. For a long while it seemed as if nothing this summer was going to come close to its staggering success, however it does make you wonder where the heck they can go from here…
Avengers: Age Of Ultron
Released 14th of September
Blu Ray / DVD
No force on earth can stop Marvel Studios; the hit-making studio just keeps going from strength to strength releasing consistently great blockbuster entertainment, providing geeks and nerds world wide with their greatest comic book fantasies realised on screen. This summer saw the release of its second big team up movie, and although it may not be as iconic and memorable as the first, it’s still another great addition to the MCU.
When Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) jump-starts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go terribly awry, forcing him, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and the rest of the Avengers to reassemble. As the fate of Earth hangs in the balance, the team is put to the ultimate test as they battle Ultron, a technological terror hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they encounter two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff.
With THE AVENGERSÂ (2012) getting the group together and AVENGERS: INFINITY WARÂ serving as the foreseeable bookend for the original phase 1 heroes, AGE OF ULTRONÂ serves as a highly enjoyable middle ground that adds plenty into the MCU mythology as well as one of the years best villains, James Spader‘s fantastically weird Ultron. AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRONÂ should take pride of place right next to your other Marvel titles in your collection.
Unfriended
Released 14th of September
Blu Ray / DVD
With the spookiest month of the year slowly approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning your horror movie marathon that obviously everyone does in October, what better way to start it then with year’s most surprising horror film, UNFRIENDED.
One night, while teenagers Blaire, Mitch, Jess, Adam Ken and Val take part in an online group chat session, they are suddenly joined by a user known only as “Billie227.” Thinking it’s just a technical glitch, the friends carry on their conversation… until Blaire begins receiving messages from someone claiming to be Laura Barns, a classmate who killed herself exactly one year prior. As Blaire tries to expose Billie’s identity, her friends are forced to confront their darkest secrets and lies.
Although on the surface it may look like another uninspired found footage film, UNFRIENDED offers something unique and new to the realms of horror cinema. It successfully uses technology to its advantage to create a deeply unsettling psychological horror film, a slasher flick for a completely digital generation. Although not to everyone’s tastes, UNFRIENDED will provide a refreshing starter film to get you in the Halloween mood.
John Wick
Released 21st of September
Blu Ray / DVD
After what seems like forever, JOHN WICKÂ has finally found its ways to Blu-ray and DVD this month. This superb action/revenge flick marks a wonderful return to form for cinematic icon (and all around righteous dude) Keanu Reeves.
Legendary assassin John Wick (Reeves) retired from his violent career after marrying the love of his life. Her sudden death leaves John in deep mourning. When sadistic mobster Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) and his thugs steal John’s prized car and kill the puppy that was a last gift from his wife, John unleashes the remorseless killing machine within and seeks vengeance. Meanwhile, Iosef’s father (Michael Nyqvist) — John’s former colleague — puts a huge bounty on John’s head.
Subtly changing the action movie genre to its advantage, JOHN WICK is this year’s breakout cult action film. For those who have grown weary of Liam Neeson and his TAKEN antics, JOHN WICK should provide a wonderfully fresh antidote.
Pitch Perfect 2
Released 21st of September
Blu Ray / DVD
The first PITCH PERFECTÂ was such an Acca-surprise that it warmed the hearts of even the most Acca-cynical of us out there. This year saw the release of its sequel that proved that the Barden Bellas alive are more than just a one hit wonder.
Set three years after the Barden Bellas (Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson) became the first all-female group to win a national title. All seems well until a botched Lincoln Center performance for the president leads to a scandal that strips them of their performing duties, causing internal tension and strife. With the world championships on the horizon in Copenhagen, Denmark, the women must get their act together for their one and only shot at redemption.
PITCH PERFECT 2Â marks the first time that comedy star Elizabeth Banks stepped up to the role of director and effortlessly pulls it off. With a third instalment planned for 2017 now is the perfect time to warm up your vocal chords in celebration of the return of the worlds favourite all-female acapella group.
Re-release of the month:
Dog Day Afternoon
Released 7th of September
Blu Ray
One of Al Pacino’s finest cinematic roles and still as socially important and biting as it was back 1975, if you haven’t already seen DOG DAY AFTERNOON NOW is the perfect time to bulk up your cinematic knowledge when its released on September 7th.
When inexperienced criminal Sonny Wortzik (Pacino) leads a bank robbery in Brooklyn, things quickly go wrong, and a hostage situation develops. As Sonny and his accomplice, Sal Naturile (John Cazale), try desperately to remain in control, a media circus develops and the FBI arrives, creating even more tension. Gradually, Sonny’s surprising motivations behind the robbery are revealed, and his standoff with law enforcement moves toward its inevitable end.
A true cinematic masterpiece in both directing and acting. DOG DAY AFTERNOONÂ is an essential Blu-ray to have in your collection.
