Did you miss something you were meant to catch at your local cinema/multiplex? Looking to widen your cinematic knowledge? Then look no further than this list of things you should check out on DVD/Blu-ray that comes out during the month of May.
Birdman: Or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance
(Released 4th of May)
Blu Ray / DVD
This year’s Best Picture winner at the Oscars makes its Blu Ray debut on May 4th. BIRDMAN tells the story of former superhero actor Riggan Thompson (Michael Keaton) who is mounting an ambitious Broadway production that he hopes will breathe new life into his stagnant career. As opening night approaches, a castmate is injured, forcing Riggan to hire an actor (Edward Norton) who is guaranteed to shake things up. Meanwhile, Riggan must deal with his girlfriend, daughter (Emma Stone) and ex-wife as well as the strange possibility that he may be developing super-powers of his own.
Although a very dividing film, some may think it’s great, some may argue it’s too arty and pretentious for its own good. BIRDMAN is a very interesting and thought-provoking film about what is it to be an ageing actor, the state of modern cinema and where we are as a society within the 21st century. You may love it; you may loathe it, but no matter what you should definitely check out BIRDMAN.
The Theory Of Everything
(Released 11th of May)
Blu Ray / DVD
Definitely the stronger of the two historical biopic’s that came out last year (Sorry IMITATION GAME), THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING tells the story of the life and times of Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his wife Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). At 21, Hawking learns that he has motor neuron disease. Despite this — and with Jane at his side — he begins an ambitious study of time, of which he has very little left. He and Jane defy terrible odds and break new ground in the fields of medicine and science, achieving more than either could hope to imagine.
Although THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING falls into one of those, too nice and comfy for its own good type of films, it boasts one of the most impressive performances of modern cinema from Redmayne, whose turn as Stephen Hawking manages to show off not only Hawking’s intelligence and bravery in the face of his illness, but also his humour and affection for his wife and children, creating a fully rounded character. Perfect Sunday evening watching with the family.
Foxcatcher
(Released 18th May)
Blu Ray / DVD
Based on a true story. When wealthy John du Pont (Steve Carrell, who was Oscar nominated for his chilling performance) invites Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) to move to his estate and help form a wrestling team for the 1988 Olympics, Mark sees a way to step out of the shadow of his charismatic brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). However, du Pont begins to lead Mark down a dark road, causing the athlete’s self-esteem to slip. Meanwhile, du Pont becomes fixated on bringing Dave into the fold, eventually propelling all three toward an unforeseen tragedy.
The less that’s said about the movie the better. FOXCATCHER is deeply chilling and unsettling slow-paced thriller with three absolutely stand out performances from Carell, Tatum and Ruffalo. If you’re looking for an uplifting sports movie look elsewhere, FIELD OF DREAM this isn’t, but it was one of last year’s best films.
A Most Violent Year
(Released 18th of May)
Blu Ray / DVD
A film that sadly, not a lot of people went to go and see – J.C Chandor’s follow-up to 2013’s ALL IS LOST, A MOST VIOLENT YEAR is set in 1981, the year in which new york faced the highest criminal activity since records began history. It tells the story of a fuel supplier (Oscar Isaac) as he tries to adhere to his own moral compass amid the rampant violence, corruption and decay that threaten his family and his business.
Shunned for many major awards, A MOST VIOLENT YEAR is definitely going to go down as one of the great forgotten classics of recent times. Cementing Oscar Isaac as one of the best new talents to come out in years, Jessica Chastain shines as Isaac’s wife who far too Lady Macbeth for her own good.
Beautifully shot and directed, if you’re in the mood for something sophisticated and stimulating, look no further than A MOST VIOLENT YEAR.
Big Hero 6
(Released 25th May)
Blu Ray / DVD
Robotics prodigy Hiro (Ryan Potter) lives in the city of San Fransokyo. Next to his older brother, Tadashi, Hiro’s closest companion is Baymax (Scott Adsit), a robot whose sole purpose is to take care of people. When a devastating turn of events throws Hiro into the middle of a dangerous plot, he transforms Baymax and his other friends, Go Go Tamago (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and Fred (T.J. Miller) into a band of high-tech heroes.
What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Big Hero 6? It’s a true delight from start to end. It’s another entry into Disney’s impressive back catalogue that should amuse young and old alike. Here’s hoping that we get a sequel announced soon!
Re-release of the month:
Paper Moon
(Released 18th May)
Blu Ray Only
Another overlooked classic is being re-released this month by Eureka Entertainment.
Real-life father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O’Neal team up as slick con artists Moses Pray and Addie Loggins in 1930s Kansas. When “Moze” is unexpectedly saddled with getting the 9-year-old Addie to relatives in Missouri after the death of her mother, his attempt to dupe her out of her money backfires, and he’s forced to take her on as a partner. Swindling their way through farm country, the pair is nearly done in by a burlesque dancer (Madeline Kahn) and an angry bootlegger.
Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, PAPER MOON is one his critically praised film and holds two very impressive performances from its two leads, real life father and daughter team Ryan And Tatum O’Neal. If you’re in the mood for something classy and light-hearted to counteract the wave of summer movies out in the multiplex be sure to check out this re-release.
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