On the second to last day of the year, the studios have decided to release a limited amount of DVDs to open space for their theatrical releases.

Nevertheless, the week will offer a Denzel Washington starrer, a horror film and multiple indie films:

The Equalizer

The Denzel Washington film tells the story of a man who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and has dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can't stand idly by -- he has to help her. The film was a huge hit when it was released in September and made $100 million. The film had a Toronto Film Festival premiere and generated relatively good reviews. It also helped that September lacked any action films. Like in September, the box office currently has no real action film except for prestige and awards releases. As a result, this will definitely generate interest amongst Washington fans, as well as action fans.

Tusk

In September, A24 tried to release Kevin Smith's film in wide release hoping to generate audiences. However, the film ultimately flopped and had one of the worst openings of the year. The film, also starring Justin Long and Genesis Rodriguez, tells the story of Wallace Bryton, who goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe. As a result, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team up with an ex-cop to look for him. The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, where it score mixed reviews and generated very little buzz. Horror movies are currently scarce in theaters and as result, it will definitely attract horror fans. However, this movie is likely to get a cult following especially after Smith's previous films.


Elsa and Fred

For older audiences looking for a romantic comedy, "Elsa and Fred" is a good choice. The film tells the story of two people who, at the end of the road, discover that it's never too late to love and make dreams come true. The film stars Christopher Plummer and Shirley MacLaine and a number of veteran actors. "Elsa and Fred" is unlikely to be a big breakout on DVD especially after having scored mixed reviews and scoring a mixed reception at the box office.

Kelly and Cal

Starring Juliette Lewis, the Indie feature tells the story of Kelly, a punk-rocker turned suburban mom, who is nostalgic for a life she can no longer have and uncertain of a future she doesn't yet fit in. Seventeen-year-old Cal is frustrated at his lack of control over the hand he's been dealt. When the two strike up an unlikely friendship, it's the perfect spark needed to thrust them both back to life. The film was a major hit at the SXSW Film Festival as it won the Game changer award and was instantly acquired by IFC Films. While it did not generate buzz theatrically, the film was able to gain a cult following on demand. Expect that following to continue on DVD.

Last Weekend

Those looking for a drama will be enthusiastic about "Last Weekend," which stars Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson. The film tells the story of an affluent matriarch who gathers her dysfunctional family for a holiday at their Northern California lake house. However, her carefully constructed weekend begins to come apart at the seams, leading her to question her own role in the family. The film scored mixed reviews, but was a big festival film. The movie will likely resonate with the LGBT community, as well as with older audiences in search of a family drama.

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