New Releases on DVD/Blu-ray: October 18th

By Jason Haskins and Paco McCullough

There's lots of new films coming out this week, and surprise, surprise, some of these are actually worth renting. Check 'em all out

Attack The Block

If you didn't have a chance to see this while it was in theaters, you owe it to yourself to pick it up now. Attack the Block is destined to be a cult classic. This sci-fi/horror/comedy defies easy definition, though at points it feels more conventional than maybe it should. A gang of British delinquents must face off against vicious attackers from outerspace. Exciting and fun, I enjoyed myself more during Attack The Block than any other film this year.

5 out of 5 stars

 

Beats, Rhymes, and Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest

This film is one of the most interesting music documentaries I've ever seen. Not only does it have great performances for all Tribe fans, it also delves deeper into the musical group than I was expecting. All the members really let their guard down for this film, so we get an incredibly personal feel for all the musicians. As with most groups, turmoil tore them apart, and it is interesting to see how uncomfortable the interactions amongst the group are on the reunion tour that closes the film. Phife Dog's battle with diabetes also creates an emotional core that the majority of music documentaries are lacking. Check it out. 

5 out of 5 stars

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

(Editors Note: In the interest of full disclosure, it should be mentioned that a relative of mine (Paco) worked on this film.)

The newest installment of Disney's major movie franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean, made a humongous splash earlier this summer when it was released to swarms of adoring fans. As for me, I could care less about this series of movies. This newest film, the beginning of an all new trilogy (why?) has Johnny Depp return as Jack Sparrow on an all-new adventure that has him acting the exact same you've seen him in the previous damn films. The special effects and action scenes are impressive, but it's all so tired and led by a mediocre story and performances that you have to wonder when the proverbial beating of the horse is going to stop. 

2 out of 5 stars

Red State

Kevin Smith's major departure from comedy has him embracing the finer points of religion in his newest film, Red State. A group of teens get kidnapped by a Fred Phelps-esqe church group who wants to punish them for being sinners. This leads to an all out hostage situation with John Goodman leading the fight against these spiritual terrorists. Direction-wise, this is one of Smith's best pieces of work behind the camera, with some amazing footage shot on RED cameras and a disturbing aria that surrounds the story. However, the movie does have its disappointing moments, both in terms of the script and some performances that didn't quite fit. It's not a fantastic movie, but it's an exciting step in the right direction for Smith.

3.5 out of 5 stars