1. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (R)
The Weinstein Company
RUSS
“Silver Linings Playbook” is a smart and smartly acted R-rated romantic comedy. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence play people struggling with serious mental problems who awkwardly fumble their way to romance. Lawrence won the Oscar for her nuanced performance.
SHAWN
Yes, she did but really. Her performance was good but not great. Seen crazy played by young girls done much better but I did like the guts of the story which is the movie’s strong point.
RUSS
“Silver linings Playbook” threatens to go off the rails on a number of occasions, but thanks to strong performances and a clever script and direction from David O. Russell, “Silver Linings Playbook” does indeed have a sliver lining.
SHAWN
No, it does derail and cops out. I hated the ending. Why does the last 20 minutes turn into your standard stupid romantic comedy? That was whack. The Blu-ray/DVD combo release will also include Q&A Highlights and a Learn to Dance Like Pat & Tiffany featurette.
RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
2. GUILT TRIP (PG-13)
Paramount
RUSS
A thirty something man and his possessive mom go on a cross-country road adventure together in the aptly titled comedy, “Guilt Trip.” Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogan do the best they can with a stilted and predictable script.
SHAWN
This could have been a fun movie. There is a lot of promise in the premise. But the execution is so woeful the movie just becomes an irritating distraction. I did enjoy Barbra Striesand as an over zealous mom. She was funny. But as usual Seth Rogen was a sleep inducing bore.
RUSS
It’s sweet natured and mildly entertaining, but “Guilt Trip” takes a long time to get where it’s going.
SHAWN
“Guilt Trip” goes no where fast. And it’s the filmmakers who should be feeling guilty for wasting your time. Neither disc has outstanding extras unless you want to know how Babs pretended to eat a 50-ounce steak for her Guilt Trip role.
RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 2 Popcorn Bags
3) NOT FADE AWAY (R)
Paramount Vantage
RUSS
Considering that dull coming-of-age flick “Not Fade Away” is the first feature film from David Chase, the man behind the TV series “The Sopranos,” it’s a major disappointment.
SHAWN
I love movies about music and this ’60s ode to rock and roll is ultimately cool thanks to the use of music but also severly lacking something. Like a plot, interesting characters and a story that matters.
RUSS
This tale of a struggling suburban 60s rock and roll garage band could have been as compelling as the music of the era. Instead, it’s just a drag.
SHAWN
Extras on the Blu-ray release will include 2 featurettes and deleted scenes.
RUSS: 2 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 3 Popcorn Bags
Also available in stores or for digital download:
WINGS OF LIFE is the latest family documentary from Disneynature. Narrated by Meryl Streep, it reveals the important symbiotic relationship between pollinators and plants.
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