By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, April 9, unless otherwise noted:
On the Basis of Sex (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2018, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, language, suggestive content The lowdown: The opening shots of “On the Basis of Sex” focus on a sea of men’s shoes walking toward an academic building at Harvard Law School in the mid-1950s. Suddenly, a lone pair of high heels appears among the shoes, standing out like an oasis in a desert. Wearing those shoes is law student Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones), who is wanting to enter a door that usually proclaims, “Men Only.” “On the Basis of Sex,” directed by Mimi Leder and written by Daniel Stiepleman, looks at the early career and social trials Ginsburg faced as well as the groundbreaking case she brought with her husband, Martin (Armie Hammer), to the U.S. Court of Appeals that tested more than a century of gender discrimination. And while the movie is inspirational and a tribute to the current Supreme Court justice, it uses an approach that views the overwhelming majority of men then as condescending assholes who wish to maintain the professional status quo and discourage women from practicing law. This attitude, as factual as it may be — though I suspect it has been heightened for dramatic purposes — seems to undercut Ginsburg’s legal legacy. In no way is this meant to diminish the obstacles Ginsburg faced, but the movie greatly tips the scales of justice in her favor. It seems that the stereotypical individuals portrayed by Sam Waterston as one of Ginsburg’s professors and, later, as the nation’s Solicitor General, and Stephen Root as Brown, another of Ginsburg’s professors — and their one-dimensional characterizations — make those who scorned Ginsburg’s legal acumen too easy to overcome. Still, it would have made “On the Basis of Sex” a stronger movie if most of the male opposition was not presented as buffoons, who focused more on Ginsburg’s rise in the legal community than the law. The movie would have benefited from a bit more emphasis on Ginsburg’s ability to convey her knowledge and teaching of the law to a new generation of students — mostly female — during her tenure at Rutgers University. The movie’s major flaw is that it hews too close to the conventional tropes of the biopic genre; instead, it should be as groundbreaking as its subject. The film seems content to merely gloss over her life and career until it reaches the pivotal case that has defined Ginsburg. The majority of critics embraced the movie, giving it a 73 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 2.0 DVS and French and Spanish 5.1 DTS digital surround; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus materials include a making of featurette, a look at Ginsburg’s legacy and her landmark case and a look at the relationship between Martin and Ruth Ginsburg.
Welcome to Marwen (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2018, Universal Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, sequences of fantasy violence, disturbing images, suggestive content, mature themes, language The lowdown: The healing benefits of dolls is at the center of Robert Zemeckis’ “Welcome to Marwen,” a drama with fantasy overtones that stars Steve Carell as a broken man, desperately trying to cope with a new life after his old one was literally beaten out of him. “Marwen” is based on the story of Mark Hogancamp, an illustrator who was viciously attacked by five young men in what came to be described as a hate crime. He was beaten because he drunkenly admitted that he enjoys wearing women’s shoes. Hogancamp (Carell) is suffering from PTSD. He has no real memories of his life before the attack and has been a semi-recluse in its aftermath. He has coped by creating a miniature town in his yard and populating it with dolls of the women who have played powerful and important roles in his life. “I was beaten up because I was different, so I built a place where I can heal,” Hogancamp says of Marwen. The town, located in Belgium during World War II, houses Capt. Hogie (Carell) and a group of women freedom fighters from various Allied nations who seem to continually be battling Nazis. What sets “Marwen” apart is how Zemeckis, who cowrote the script with Caroline Thompson, has tapped into Hogancamp’s imagination to recreate on film what Hogancamp experiences in his head. Zemeckis draws you right in with an opening sequence that sets the tone for the rest of the movie, introducing us to Hogancamp’s make-believe world, while also providing the exposition needed to understand his circumstances. Carell makes you feel for Hogancamp. He was a first-class illustrator, specializing in World War II images, whose ability was destroyed because of a malicious act of violence. “Welcome to Marwen” is an offbeat movie, showing how one brain-damaged individual copes with his disability as well as — with the assist of his village of friends — finding the strength and courage to move forward. It is a poignant movie that will touch your heart and, despite some somber aspects, spotlight the goodness and compassion of others who unite to help lift a friend out of the mental quagmire in which he is drowning. The majority of critics failed to see the good in “Marwen,” giving it a 33 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, English 2.0 DVS and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby digital and English 2.0 DVS; English SDH French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus offerings include a look at the citizens of Marwen, deleted scenes, a profile of Zemeckis, a featurette on the movie’s living dolls and a look at building Marwen.
Holmes & Watson (DVD + digital) Details: 2018, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Rated: PG-13, crude sexual material, violence, language, drug references The lowdown: Spoofs on Sherlock Holmes have been produced for decades. The detective’s mannerisms beg for satire. And over the years, filmmakers here and abroad have obliged. The latest features Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, who have worked together before and have a comedic chemistry that usually clicks. Unfortunately, this movie is an exception as Ferrell’s Holmes and Reilly’s Dr. Watson work to solve a murder at Buckingham Palace. The jokes are obvious and the plot is just a poor excuse to allow Ferrell to run wild. Critics savaged the movie, giving it a 10 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, French, Spanish and English audio description 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, English, French and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a look at Ferrell and Reilly again working together, a look at the cast and a featurette with testimonials from Mrs. Hudson’s suitors.
Mirai (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2018, Universal Studios Home Entertainment Rated: PG, thematic elements, scary images The lowdown: This anime feature from director Mamoru Hosoda tells a story of love passed down through the ages. The world of 4-year-old Kun is upended when he meets his baby sister, named Mirai. The baby wins the heart of the entire family, causing Kun to become very jealous of his sister. One day, Kun storms into the garden where he encounters strange guests from the past and future — including a teenage Mirai. Together, they go on a journey through time and space, uncovering their family’s story and offering lessons in the meaning of family and what brings families together. This set features Japanese and English soundtracks. The film touched critics, who gave it a 92 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com. Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English and Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and English and Japanese 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, English and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English and Japanese 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH, English and Spanish subtitles. Don’t miss: Bonus components include an interview with Hosoda, a visit to studio Chizu, a look at the new world of Hosoda, Japanese cast interviews, a featurette on “Mirai” in Japan and a look at “Mirai” at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (Blu-ray) Details: 1974, Scream Factory Rated: Not rated, violence, nudity The lowdown: By the mid-1970s, Hammer Films was in flux; its vampire and horror films were not received as well as in previous years. To try reinvigorating its Dracula franchise, Hammer teamed with Hong Kong’s Run Run Shaw to produce this horror-martial arts mash-up. In early 20th-century China, a village has been cursed, as the seven golden vampires, under the spell of Count Dracula, continually attack and kill villagers. Peter Cushing’s Professor Van Helsing is in China lecturing on Chinese vampires when he is approached by a villager who asks that he help lift the curse. Traveling to the village with his son and others, Van Helsing and his party battle the vampires and Dracula. This was the final Dracula movie produced by Hammer. The Blu-ray features the original 89-minute version of the movie as well as the 75-minute U.S. release, which was retitled “The 7 Brothers Meet Dracula.” The movie is an odd combination of Hammer horror and Hong Kong martial arts action that does not always blend, but, in the end, makes for an entertaining experience. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English subtitles. Don’t miss: Supplemental materials include a commentary track and an interview with Hong Kong film expert Rick Baker.
The Aspern Papers (Blu-ray) Details: 2018, Cohen Media Group Rated: R, sexual content, nudity The lowdown: Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson star in this historical drama, based on a Henry James novella, set in Venice in the late 19th century. Rhys-Meyers plays an ambitious editor who is obsessed with the Romantic poet Jeffrey Aspern and his short life. Traveling to Venice from America Rhys-Meyers’ Morton Vint is determined to get the letters that Aspern wrote to his lover and muse, Juliana Bordereau (Redgrave). To do so, Vint tries to seduce Borderau’s niece, played by Richardson. The movie’s mystery revolves around the contents of the letters in Borderau’s possession and whether Vint can obtain them. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 5.1 Dolby digital; English SDH subtitles. Don’t miss: Extras include a making of featurette and a discussion about the movie with director Julien Landis, executive producer James Ivory and producer Gabriela Bacher.
The Dick Cavett Show: Inside the Minds of … Volume 3 Details: 1969-90, S’More Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: This two-disc set features four episodes of “The Dick Cavett” Show in which Cavett interviews four groundbreaking comedians of their generations — Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. The four share their insights on comedy, political activism, movies and their careers in general. Cavett’s probing questions offers insights into these four performers who share their observations with Cavett. Fans of the comedians, as well as Cavett, will find this set interesting, informative and entertaining. Technical aspects: full-screen picture; English Dolby digital stereo.
Enigma (Blu-ray) Details: 1982, S’More Entertainment Rated: PG The lowdown: Martin Sheen stars as a double agent in this Cold War thriller who tries to find the key to five pending killings by locating a Russian coded micro-processor holding data that would foil the assassination scheme. The movie, an MVD Marquee Collection release, costars Sam Neill and is filled with plot twists, double-dealings and romantic entanglements. The cast also includes Derek Jacobi, Brigitte Fossey, Michael Lonsdale and Frank Finlay. Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.77:1 widescreen picture; English Dolby digital monaural.
Cleopatra Jones (Blu-ray) Release date: March 26 Details: 1973, Warner Archive Collection Rated: PG The lowdown: Tamara Dobson stars in the blaxploitation action-thriller as government agent with style. The plot deals with a drug ring led by “Mommy” (Shelley Winters), who wants revenge on Cleo after the agent destroys one of her poppy fields in Turkey. The film offers more attitude than action, but Dobson is a commanding presence whether driving her Stingray or battling bad guys either hand-to-hand or with whatever weapon is at her disposal. The release is a made-on-demand Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection and can be ordered at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other online retailers. Technical aspects: 2.40:1 (16x9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio monaural; English SDH subtitles.
Our Betters (DVD-R) Release date: March 26 Details: 1933, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: Constance Bennett stars in this screen adaptation of a W. Somerset Maugham play about an American heiress, Pearl Sanders (Bennett), who marries Englishman Sir George Grayson (Alan Mowbray). Their friends believe it is a wonderful match as Sir George is delighted with Pearl’s fortune and she is enamored with his title. But turbulence erupts in this so-called idyllic marriage when, even after discovering her husband philandering, Pearl has no intention of leaving him. She decides to have affairs of her own, creating scandal in London’s high society. Pearl finally comes to her senses when she sees her younger sister, Bessie (Anita Louise), follow her example. This biting comedy was directed by George Cukor and costars Gilbert Roland, Charles Starrett, Violet Kimble-Cooper and Grant Mitchell. The release is a made-on-demand DVD-R from the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other Internet sellers. Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English Dolby digital monaural.
At the Drive-In Details: 2017, MVD Visual Entertainment Rated: Not rated The lowdown: A documentary about the struggling Mahoning Drive-In in rural Pennsylvania, which faces an uncertain future after movie studios announce they will switch to digital for all new releases. The people behind the drive-in are unable to purchase the $50,000 digital projector needed to keep the facility running, so they pin their hopes on showing vintage 35mm prints on their original 1949 projectors. This is an underdog story about determination and a drive to save film and drive-in theaters around the country. It’s also a story about the magic of movies and the people who love them. Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English Dolby digital stereo Don’t miss: Bonus materials include deleted scenes, a commentary track and a 30-minute question-and-answer session after a screening at the Alamo Drafthouse.
In Person (DVD-R) Release date: March 26 Details: 1935, Warner Archive Collection Rated: Not rated The lowdown: In between her costarring roles with Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers kept busy on the RKO lot. This 1935 romantic melodrama features Rogers as film star Carol Corliss, who is stricken with a severe phobia of crowds after being mauled by overeager fans. Carol becomes so afraid of being recognized that she creates various disguises — using wigs, glasses and false teeth among other subterfuges — to escape notice when she goes out in public. Carol finally escape to an out-of-the-way mountain resort where she meets Emory Muir (the always-dependable George Brent), who has no idea who she really is. Carol goes to great lengths to conceal her true identity, but when Emory finally discovers who she really is, he doesn’t seem that impressed. His reaction begins a romance between the two that ends in a happily-ever-after fadeout. The release is a made-on-demand DVD-R from the Warner Archive Collection and can be ordered at www.wb.com/warnerarchive or other online retailers. Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4x3) full-screen picture; English Dolby digital monaural.
Other titles being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated: #digitallivesmatter (Gravitas Ventures-Novus Content) Cam Girl (Omnibus Entertainment) The Charmer (Film Movement) The Iguana with the Tongue of Fire (Blu-ray) (Arrow Video) Matriarch (DVD + digital & VOD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment) Melo (Blu-ray) (Arrow Academy) Motel Mist (Blu-ray & VOD) (Breaking Glass Pictures) Soldier of War (Uncork’d Entertainment) We Die Young (Blu-ray & DVD) (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)
FOR KIDS Paw Patrol: Ultimate Rescue (Nickelodeon-Paramount Home Entertainment)
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD, STREAMING or VOD Destroyer (Fox Home Entertainment) Escape Room (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) Pandas (Warner Home Video) A Dark Place (Shout! Factory, April 12) Crypto (Lionsgate Home Entertainment, April 12) High Maintenance: Season Three (HBO Home Entertainment, April 15) Murdoch Mysteries: Season 12 Finale (Acorn TV, April 15) Over the Rainbow (Acorn TV, April 15) Queens of Mystery: Death by Vinyl, Episodes 3 & 4 (Acorn TV, April 15) Rumpole of the Bailey: Season 3 + Special (Acorn TV, April 15) Vice: Season Six (HBO Home Entertainment, April 15) Wayne Cenac’s Problem Areas: Season 2 (HBO Home Entertainment, April 15)
Coming next week: Glass
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook. My movie reviews also can be found at Rottentomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.