Best DVDs to Rent on Tuesday, May 12, 2009

This movie or movies did something for me and for many others in theater. They were extraordinary. While other movies were disappointing us, the movie or movies coming out on DVD satisfied, thrilled and entertained audiences. Hopefully, you will agree that the movie(s) listed below are the best DVD releases for the week.

Taken

Directed by Pierre Morel

Written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen

Liam Neeson is Bryan Mills, a former government spy who gave up his risky life to be closer to his daughter, Kim as played by Maggie Grace. His life is not very exciting. His relationship with his daughter is under constant scrutiny from his ex-wife, Lenore (Famke Janssen). He takes on a job with his spy buddies, protecting a young diva at a concert. He's still not doing what he does best. Then, Kim gets kidnapped while on a European vacation with her friend, Amanda (Katie Cassidy) and used as fresh meat in the high-class world of prostitution.

Needless to say, this lights a fire on Bryan's behind. He goes in search of his daughter. Anyone who stands in his way or has anything to do with her disappearance are in trouble. Bryan goes so far as to torture someone for information. The audience is not the least bit horrified or uncomfortable, watching this anti-hero do what he does best.

Liam Neeson brings a great and powerful force to the table. His Bryan Mills becomes incredibly believable and threatening. We've seen the plot of Taken a million times. Neeson is somehow able to make this story his own or at least, that's how it feels. By the end of the film, you can't help but say to yourself, "Now that is a father" in response to Neeson's performance.

The action direction in the film is a little too chaotic to be thoroughy enjoyable. The writing is typical for this kind of film. The acting from Liam's co-stars is far from extraordinary. It is really Liam Neeson and his screen presence that carries Taken to glory.

More recommended DVD releases

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Directed by David Fincher

Written by Eric Roth

Brad Pitt stars as the title character, Benjamin Button. His case is indeed a curious one. He's born into the body of an old man. As he ages, Benjamin's body grows younger. His father's first reaction is to put the baby out of its misery. Instead, he decides to leave the baby boy on the doorstep of a woman by the name of Queenie as played brilliantly by Taraji P. Hansen. She runs a boarding house for the elderly, a perfect setting to raise a boy like Benjamin. Eventually, Benjamin meets a girl, Daisy and immediately falls in love with her. Daisy as later played by Cate Blanchett is aging normally. The two seem like a very mis-matched pair. When Benjamin and Daisy reach 40, they basically look the same age. It is in the this time when their romance flourishes and falls apart. The film is brilliantly told by director, David Fincher and writer, Eric Roth. It's such an unusual story, you would suspect the film to lose the audience. Somehow, Fincher grabs us and holds us in our seats with intrigue.

Achievements

Nominated for 13 Academy Awards, including Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Picture and Best Director. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button won 3 Oscars, Best Achievement in Art Direction, Makeup and Visual Effects.

Nominated for 5 Golden Globes, including Best Director - Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture - Drama, and Best Original Score - Motion Picture.

Nominated for 9 Saturn Awards, including Best Fantasy Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button also won many other prestigous awards, including the SDFCS Award at the San Diego Film Critics Society Awards, the PFCS Award at the Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards, and the NBR Award at the National Board of Review, USA.

For more on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, check out these fine articles by other AC Sources

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Movie Review by Samantha Crabtree

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by Heather Lyon

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Movie Review by Ben Kenber

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by Alexa Nicole

Last Chance Harvey

Written and directed by Joel Hopkins

Harvey Shine as played by Dustin Hoffman is a writer of background music for commercials. His life is incredible dull and he doesn't know it yet. His daughter, Susan (Liane Balaban) is getting married in England. Harvey takes a flight to London and gets setup in his hotel room. At the pre-wedding dinner, Susan lets Harvey know that she's asking her stepfather to give her away at the ceremony. By chance, Harvey loses his job and meets a lonely woman, Kate Walker (Emma Thompson). Together, they set off to make the most of their day and get to know each other. In this day, Harvey and Kate fall in love. Hoffman's Harvey is awkward and self-absorbed at times, but even when all of the chips are down, he can be charming and fun. Last Chance Harvey is a look at how life can hurt and how great life can be. By the end, you really get the feeling that life has returned to Harvey Shine. It's a very pleasant movie to sit through, made all the more enjoyable by the charisma of leads, Thompson and Hoffman.

Achievements

Nominated for two Golden Globes, Best Performance by an Actor and Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical.

Move Review: Last Chance Harvey (2009) by Ida D.

Movie Review - "Last Chance Harvey" by H. Michael Mogil

Movie Review: Last Chance Harvey by GoneWithTheTwins.com

Dustin Hoffan Shares His Thoughts by BRAD KELLER

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