DVD Releases of the Week: 'Addicted' and 'Rosewater' Among New Releases
This week a number of Latino films will be released as well as Oscar nominees and Golden Globe nominees. The week will also be filled with family films and festival films.
"Addicted": Lionsgate will release the William Levy drama directed by Bille Woodruff. The film tells the story of a gallery owner who risks her family and flourishing career when she enters into an affair with a talented painter and slowly loses control of her life. The movie opened in October to terrible reviews, and it bombed, making $17 million. Lionsgate has not really made a strong marketing pull, and as a result it is unlikely the movie will succeed on VOD of DVD platforms. However, it will definitely appeal to Levy fans.
"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day": Starring Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner, the film tells the story of Alexander's bad day. When his day begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by more calamities, he finds little sympathy from his family and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him. The movie was a moderate success when it was released in October. However, it scored good reviews, and Buena Vista gave it a big marketing campaign. The comedy comes out at the right time as families will be off in a week for Presidents Day. As a result, it will most likely engage family audiences.
"Kill the Messenger": Based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb, the drama tells the story of a reporter who becomes the target of a vicious smear campaign that drives him to the point of suicide after he exposes the CIA's role in arming Contra rebels in Nicaragua and importing cocaine into California. Focus Features originally intended the drama to be released as an awards player. However, the company did not screen it at festivals and did not market it correctly. While it received rave reviews, it never really took off as an awards contender. "Kill the Messenger" will definitely appeal to adults, but with so many award contenders currently being released on DVD, this one could easily take a back seat.
"Laggies": A24 will release the Keira Knightley, Sam Rockwell and Chloe Grace Moretz starrer. The movie tells the story of Megan who panics when her boyfriend proposes and, taking an opportunity to escape for a week, hides out in the home of her new friend, 16-year-old Annika, who lives with her world-weary single dad. Directed by Lynn Shelton, the Indie picture premiered at Sundance to rave reviews and Knightley scored the best reviews of her career. However, when it was released in October, the movie disappeared quickly as it was overlooked by the crowded awards players. Knightley arguably had the best year of her career with an Oscar nomination and two different comedies. It is likely this movie will win over Knightley fans and will appeal to romantic comedy fans.
"Rosewater": Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, the movie tells the story of Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari, who is detained by Iranian forces who brutally interrogate him under suspicion that he is a spy. Directed by James Stewart, the movie premiered at Telluride where it scored Oscar buzz, but critics were a bit divisive. When it opened in October, however, the movie received good reviews. But, Open Road's marketing was limited and it flopped. "Rosewater" also failed to take off during awards season and was quickly forgotten. The story is based on real life events, and those who know the story will definitely flock to see it. However, with other prestige films in the market, this one will be an afterthought.
"Nightcrawler": The acclaimed thriller by Dan Gilroy will also make its debut on DVD and VOD platforms. The movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal and tells the story of Lou Bloom, a driven man who is desperate for work and muscles into the world of LA crime journalism. As a result, he begins to blur the lines between observer and participant to become the star of his own story and is aided by Nina, a TV-news veteran. The film was a huge success during precursor awards and scored an Oscar nomination for Screenplay. While it did not turn into the Best Picture nominee most expected, it was still a success at the box office and showcased one of Gyllenhaal's best performances. "Nightcrawler" will likely be a big success and will appeal to adult audiences.
A number of Indie films will also be released including the Swedish Golden Globe nominee and Critics' Choice winner "Force Majeure." The Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner "Stray Dogs" will also be released through Cinema Guild.
Strand will release the Gay drama "Lilting," and Hannover House will take out "On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter." Also in release will be Samuel Goldwyn's "The Song."