Moviefone's Top DVD of the Week
"The Act of Killing"
What's It About? In director Joshua Oppenheimer's compelling, disturbing documentary, Indonesian gangsters like Anwar Congo recreate their crimes against humanity in the style of the movies they love. Besides the horrific actions they committed in the '60s as part of Indonesia's Pancasila Youth, what's particularly shocking is their crimes are completely open knowledge, and even celebrated in Indonesia.
Why We're IN: "The Act of Killing" is short-listed for the Oscars, but it's definitely not for the squeamish.
Moviefone's Top Blu-ray of the Week
"Throne of Blood (Criterion)"
What's It About? Kurosawa's take on "Macbeth" takes place in feudal Japan, and stars the legendary Toshiro Mifune as an ambitious warrior looking to take over Spider's Web Castle. Isuzu Yamada appears as his Lady Macbeth-style wife.
Why We're IN: Like all Criterion releases, this is jam-packed with extras, like two alternate translations for subtitles and a making-of documentary. A must for any film buff.
New to DVD
"Closed Circuit"
What's It About? Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall star lawyers and as former lovers who are forced to work together on an important terrorism case. Besides the hazards of working with your ex, there's a bigger conspiracy afoot that will put them both in grave danger.
IN or OUT: Out. Despite the strong cast, this thriller got weak reviews.
"I'm So Excited"
What's It About? Pedro Almodóvar's latest takes a turn for the funny in this comedy about a plane experiencing some scary technical difficulties. In the cockpit, they're trying to find a way to save the passengers, but in the main cabin it's all about keeping things light.
IN or OUT: Fans of Almodóvar's comedies will want to fly these friendly skies.
"Inequality For All"
What's It About? It's a documentary about the increasing income gap in American society and its wide-ranging effects.
IN or OUT: If you're interested in current events and pressing issues, this is a doc for you.
"Runner Runner"
What's It About? Justin Timberlake stars as a college whiz kid with a gambling problem who goes to work for a smooth criminal played by Ben Affleck. Can he outsmart the crime boss? (He can probably out-dance him.)
IN or OUT: You know what's cooler than a million dollars? Not seeing this movie.
"Thanks For Sharing"
What's It About? It's a comedy-drama about sex addiction starring Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim Robbins, and Josh Gad, who plays a singing snowman in "Frozen."
IN or OUT: Critics were split down the middle by this flick.
WATCH: Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins & Cast Struggle To Keep It Together in Outtakes From "Thanks For Sharing" (NSFW)
"Tiger Eyes"
What's It About? Lawrence Blume directs this film adaptation of his mother Judy Blume's beloved young adult novel. Davey (Willa Holland) is a 17-year-old girl whose life is significantly complicated by a sudden move to Los Alamos, New Mexico. Can a dreamy young friend named Wolf (Tatanka Means) help her figure out the meaning of her life? Maybe!
IN or OUT: Judy Blume fans will want in, for sure.
New to Blu-ray
"Coal Miner's Daughter"
What's It About? Sissy Spacek won an Oscar for her portrayal of music legend Loretta Lynn in this biopic about the country star's rise to fame. Tommy Lee Jones plays Lynn's husband, whom she marries as a teen. Spacek and directed Michael Apted provide the audio commentary.
IN or OUT: In, in, in!
"Gorillas in the Mist"
What's It About? Here's another biopic from Apted, this time starring Sigourney Weaver as Dian Fossey, a zoologist who lived amongst gorillas in Africa. Fossey, an anti-poaching advocate, was murdered while living and working with gorillas in Rwanda.
IN or OUT: This tear-jerking drama is a must.
"The Hurricane"
What's It About? Denzel Washington stars as boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, who wrongly accused and convicted of a triple murder. A teen from Brooklyn, inspired by Carter's autobiography, and several activists worked to have his case reopened, which led to Carter's exoneration after nearly 20 years in jail.
IN or OUT: In.
"The Killing Fields"
What's It About? Sam Waterston plays a journalist based in Phnom Penh when the Khmer Rouge takes over. Haing S. Ngor co-stars as his colleague Dith Pran, who is forced to live under the regime long after the journalists manage to escape Cambodia.
IN or OUT: Definitely in.
"Tequila Sunrise"
What's It About? Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kurt Russell star in this drug dealing drama. This crime thriller got seriously mixed reviews despite its strong cast.
IN or OUT: Out, unless you're looking to complete your Mel Gibson library. And who isn't?
"The Wicker Man (The Final Cut)"
What's It About? A pious police officer (Edward Woodward) is sent to the mysterious and beautiful island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a local girl. The citizens of Summerisle deny the girl's very existence, but there's something even stranger in store for Officer Howie. Christopher Lee stars as the Lord of Summerisle.
IN or OUT: Most definitely in. This is director Robin Hardy's definitive version of his '70s cult classic. The Blu-ray includes an interview with Lee and Hardy, commentary by Hardy, Lee, and Woodward, and more.
from The Moviefone Blog http://news.moviefone.com/2014/01/07/new-dvd-blu-ray-the-act-of-killing/
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