A movie that spawned two instant 20th century icons, “Thelma & Louise,” leads the latest list of titles to arrive on the high definition Blu-ray format.
“Thelma & Louise: 20th Anniversary Edition” (MGM/UA, 1991, $19.99) struck a responsive chord in millions of moviegoers, especially women, when it was released to theaters in 1991. It did an about-face on the usual buddy movie by having the “buddies” be a pair of women.
Despite the passing of two decades, the film has lost none of its punch. Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise dominate their scenes and are an absolute pleasure to watch. Ridley Scott deftly directs the two through this fast-paced adventure drama.
Thelma Dickinson is a housewife who has a pretty routine life with her husband, Daryl (Christopher McDonald). Her friend Louise Sawyer is single and is a waitress at a local eatery. The two women, seeking a break from the monotony, decide to get away for a weekend of fishing in the mountains.
That evening on the way to their destination, they stop at a bar and dance hall where Thelma dances with a guy named Harlan. When he tries to rape Thelma in the parking lot, Louise shoots him dead. The two jump in their 1966 Thunderbird convertible, take off across the country and become fugitives on the run. It’s the start of a wild and exciting ride.
Also in the cast are Harvey Keitel as Detective Hal Slocumb who is pursuing the two in hopes of bringing them to justice and Brad Pitt as a young cowboy con who tags along with them for a while. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including best actress for both stars. It won for best original screenplay (Callie Khouri). Highly recommended.
Other Blue-ray releases:
“Legends of the Fall” (Sony, 1995, $19.95): In the early 20th century, Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins), a veteran of the Indian wars, becomes disgusted with the way the U.S. government is treating Native Americans. That’s when he tries to get as far away as possible, so he moves to Montana along with his three sons Tristan (Brad Pitt), Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Samuel (Henry Thomas). The colonel’s wife, Isabel, cannot take the Montana territory and moves East. This is a fine period piece that touches on many events that took place during the decade prior to World War I through the 1930s. Recommended.
“For Colored Girls” (Lionsgate, 2010, $39.99): Tyler Perry directed and produced this film and also wrote the script, which is based on Ntozake Shange’s 1975 stage play. It focuses on the interconnected lives of nine women as they make their way in the world as “women of color.” The stellar cast includes Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose and Kerry Washington. Includes a standard DVD copy of the movie. Recommended.
“You Again” (Walt Disney, 2010, $39.99): Eight years after high school, Marni (Kristan Bell) is a successful public relations exec when she returns home for her brother’s wedding. Imagine her dismay when Marni discovers that he is marrying Joanna (Odette Yustman), her old high school nemesis. Meanwhile, her mother Gail (Jamie Lee Curtis) comes face-to-face with her own old high school rival, Ramona (Sigourney Weaver). Betty White plays the grandmother. Included is a standard DVD version of the movie.
“Paranormal Activity 2” (Paramount, 2010, $29.99): This is a prequel to 2009’s original that provided plenty of chills for frightened movie audiences. Here, the days leading up to the events of the first film are chronicled. Katie and Micah are back and again try to capture the scary supernatural presence on tape. Those who like the first one will like this one.
“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” (Universal, 2010, $39.98): Keir Gilchrist plays a troubled teenager who checks into a mental health clinic. While there, his life takes a positive spin when he meets a new romantic interest (Emma Roberts) and also a soon-to-be-friend (Zach Galifianakis). Also in the cast are Viola Davis, Laura Graham and Jim Gaffigan.
“Life as We Know It” (Warner Brothers, 2010, $35.99): Holly (Katherine Heigl) and Messer (Josh Duhamel) have a distinct dislike for each other after their first date turns into a disaster. They do have one thing in common — a love for their goddaughter Sophie. When tragedy strikes, Holly and Messer turn out to be the only people little Sophie has in the world. The two try to forget their differences in order to raise Sophie. Included is a standard DVD copy of the movie.
“Tamara Drewe” (Sony, 2010, $38.96): Gemma Arterton plays Tamara, who after several years returns to hometown Ewedown in the English countryside. It is a village of stuffed egos, petty jealousies and pompous souls. All, especially the men, do double takes when they see Tamara. Considered ugly as a teenager, she is back as a knockout beauty. Her secret to the transformation? Plastic surgery.
“Wild Target” (20th Century Fox, 2010, $29.99): Bill Nighy plays Victor, an aging assassin who is noted for his efficiency. He is hired by a gangster named Ferguson (Rupert Everett) to bump off Rose (Emily Blunt), a thief who conned the mobster out of much money. Victor falls for Rose, however, and then the two team up to take on Ferguson.
“Middle Men” (Paramount, 2009, $29.99): Luke Wilson stars as Jack Harris, a successful businessman who lives the “perfect” life with his loving family. Then two men come to him for advice on getting their Internet plans up and running. Soon Jack is reluctantly caught up in a world of mobsters and conmen. Jack not only manages to survive, but also goes on to become one of the wealthiest men of his time. Also in the cast are James Caan, Kelsey Grammer and Kevin Pollak. Supposedly inspired by a true story.
“Ong Bak 3: The Final Battle” (Magnolia, 2010, $29.98): Tony Jaa is back as the star, writer and director of this finale of this action-packed martial arts trilogy. The film begins with Tien (Jaa) sleeping with a torture collar around his head and arms. With the help of friend Pim (Primorata Dejudom), Tien escapes his bonds and then takes on the Golden-Armored King’s Guard, the mysterious killers in black and Bhuti Sangkha (Dan Chupong).
“My Soul to Take” (Universal, 2010, $39.98): Director Wes Craven returns with this tale about the “Riverton Ripper” who seems to be operating from the grave. Sixteen years ago, the Ripper vanished without a trace and many thought he was dead. On the night he disappeared, seven children were born. Now, as each one turns 16, they start turning up dead.
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