By The Remote
Eric M. Croas
Eric M. Croas is a bona fide DVD fanatic who is thrilled at the opportunity to share that fanatical energy with the readers of Chapel Hill News and Views. He welcomes any and all feedback which can be sent to him at reeldvdnews@yahoo.com. All he asks is that readers include CHNV in the subject line so that he will know that it is not spam to be deleted.
As the season kicks off for summer blockbusters on the big screen, I am happy to say that the DVD release schedule for this month is offering a healthy selection as well. So let’s take a look at a sampling of June’s DVD releases, and I will offer my thoughts and opinions as usual.
Firewall (released 6/6)
As a fan of Harrison Ford’s work, I have a built-in interest in checking this movie out. The premise revolves around a bank heist that involves a criminal kidnapping the family of the bank’s head of security.
Ford plays the man who developed the bank’s impenetrable security system. Now he has to figure out a way to save his family and maintain his personal integrity. It is not the first time that this story type has been presented, but I am still interested in seeing it.
My anticipation factor: 3.5/5
Garfield the Movie: The Purrrfect Collector's Edition (released 6/6)
I really liked this movie, but I was initially disappointed by the lack of extra features the first time this title was released on DVD. I am excited at the number of extras being offered on the new release. There are several things geared towards the kids including the games Find Odie, Lasagna from Heaven, Amazing Garfield, and Mixing Moments with Garfield. The DVD also includes a few documentaries and the new animated short Gone Nutty.
My anticipation factor: 4/5
Aquamarine (releasing 6/13)
This looks like a movie geared to teenage girls, and it is really not my type of film. The premise is about friends Claire and Hailey, two friends who are going to be separated when Hailey finds out that her family will be moving in just five days. The twist of the film comes in the form of Aquamarine, a mermaid who shows up and offers to grant the girls one wish if they will teach her how to find the boy of her dreams.
My anticipation factor: 2/5
Green Street Hooligans (releasing 6/13)
I have heard about England’s football hooligans, but this is the first time that I have heard about a movie that focuses on them. Elijah Wood stars in this movie, so I am interested in seeing him in a post-Lord of the Rings role.
My anticipation factor: 3.5/5
The Pink Panther (releasing 6/13)
I have not seen the original version of this movie, but I am interested in the cast for this version. I have been a fan of Kevin Klein, Jean Reno and Steve Martin for a long time, and I became a fan of Beyonce Knowles after her performance in the Austin Powers movie. My sister has told me several times that this movie is hilarious, so I must admit that I will be checking it out the week it releases.
My anticipation factor: 4/5
The Hills Have Eyes (releasing 6/20)
I am not a huge fan of the horror genre, but my wife really loves to watch these types of movies. So while I am not chomping at the bit to see this remake of the Wes Craven original, I am sure that I will get roped into watching it at least once. So all I can really do is brace myself for the zombie feast.
My anticipation factor: 3/5
Annapolis (releasing 6/27)
I vaguely remembered seeing commercials for this during its theatrical release. Recently I have seen its trailer several times on other DVDs, and my interest has risen. The film looks like it will offer similar elements found in movies like Top Gun and Men of Honor. I definitely loved those titles, so I am willing to give this movie a shot at impressing or at least entertaining me.
My anticipation factor: 3.5/5
Cache (Hidden) (releasing 6/27)
This was a title that I discovered while researching titles for the column. It looks like a good old-fashioned psychological suspense film. A family finds themselves being terrorized by a stalker who is taping their private moments and unveiling dark secrets. It is those secrets that threaten to tear the fabric of their relationship. I tend to like these types of films because they explore the darker side of human nature, so I am definitely looking forward to checking out this.
My anticipation factor: 4/5
