In Case You Missed It – October 2013
Now, that’s more like it! October offers a wide variety of strong DVD and Video-On-Demand selections (click here to view my September picks). And just in case you happened to miss any of these movies during their theatrical runs, now’s your chance to make amends. So do the right thing!
#1. The Conjuring
Just in time for the holiday season (I’m talking about Halloween, not Christmas), James Wan’s horror throwback, The Conjuring, receives its DVD release. Real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) attempt to help a desperate family being terrorized by a demonic presence in their new home. The story is strong, the scares are plentiful and the terror is authentic. James Wan delivers one of the finest gore-free horror films in recent memory. Turn the lights off and sit back and enjoy The Conjuring the way it’s meant to be seen. (October 22nd)
So you loved Little Miss Sunshine and you’re dying to see Steve Carell in more of a “bad guy” role? Whether you answered “yes” or not, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash’s The Way, Way, Back should be on your October “To-Do List”. The heartfelt and forthright coming-of-age tale delivers on both laughs and sincerity. Sam Rockwell shines brightest as Owen, an immature water-park owner who takes a teenage boy under his wing. The Way, Way Back is a suitable movie for just about any situation and it’s certainly one you won’t want to miss. (October 22nd)
#3. This Is the End
What could be better than an apocalyptic comedy starring most of the funniest actors, comedians and entertainers floating around Hollywood? Almost nothing! My third recommendation of the month is the hysterical and crowd-pleasing raunchy comedy This Is the End. Follow along as childhood friends Jay Baruchel and Seth Rogen attempt to rekindle a seemingly lost relationship all while trying to withstand the end of the world at James Franco’s house. It’s a no-brainer that This Is the End brings a healthy dose of laughs and outlandishness, but the icing on the cake is a stellar finale. (October 1st)
Honorable Mention: Since I wasn’t blown away by many of the other October DVD releases that I’ve seen, my secondary selections are filled with features I’m interested in checking out myself. One of the biggest Summer blockbusters makes its way to DVD. Pacific Rim (10/15) was an out-of-nowhere critical success and a film I plan on renting ASAP. For fans of romantic comedies, the third installment of Richard Linklater’s acclaimed indie trilogy, Before Midnight (10/22), is one I look forward to seeing. Finally, Joss Whedon enamored audiences with his superhero spectacle The Avengers. Now, he dabbles in Shakespeare. One indie release I wasn’t able to catch in theatres but intend to watch immediately is Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing (10/8).
