DVD Releases of the Week: 'Inherent Vice', Jennifer Lopez's 'The Boy Next Door ' To Compete with 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'
This week, Marvel's "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" will be released and as a result the studios are releasing a wide variety of films that will appeal to different audiences on DVD. Among the releases include two films with Latino actors, a comedy and a family film. "Inherent Vice" and "The Boy Next Door" are among the notable releases.
"Inherent Vice"
Paul Thomas Anderson's seventh film will be released after a small theatrical run. The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon and Katherine Waterston, takes place in 1970 and tells the story of drug-fueled Los Angeles detective Larry "Doc" Sportello, who investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend. The movie made its world premiere at the New York Film festival where it opened to mixed reviews. Latin Post said, "Complex or Convoluted? Paul Thomas Anderson's Latest Work Has Great Performances But Requires Second Viewing." The film also obtained a mixed reception and ended up flopping at the box office. Nevertheless the movie will be embraced by Anderson's loyal fans as well as those interested in a Film Noir.
"Paddington"
The Weinstein Company will release the critically acclaimed family movie. The film, starring Sally Hawkins and Nicole Kidman, tells the story of a young Peruvian bear who travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven. The film opened in January at the box office and became an instant hit. Critics also raved about the movie and it comes out on DVD at a time when family fare is scarce. With "Home" and "Cinderella" already ending their theatrical run, this will definitely be a perfect family film for the weekend.
"The Wedding Ringer"
The box office hit, starring Kevin Hart and Josh Gad, finally gets a home video release. The comedy tells the story of a socially awkward guy who enters into a charade by hiring the owner of a company that provides best men for grooms in need two weeks before his wedding. While the movie was disliked by critics, Hart fans went to support the comedic actor. Hart currently has another film in theaters and that could limit the audience for "The Wedding Ringer." However, it will definitely attract his fans.
"The Boy Next Door"
Jennifer Lopez's film is about a woman who falls for a younger man who has moved in next door and their torrid affair that takes a dangerous turn. When it opened in January critics were not kind to the movie and it obtained terrible reviews. The film also flopped at the box office making $35 million. Lopez has been in the media recently due to the Selena anniversary. With a lot of recent attention, Lopez fans will definitely see it. However, a broader audience could be more difficult to obtain especially with similar films in the market.
"The Gambler"
Paramount will release their dramatic holiday film. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Brie Larson, the film tells the story of a literature professor and gambler Jim Bennett whose debt causes him to borrow money from his mother and a loan shark. His situation is complicated when he starts a relationship with one of his students. The movie was released in December and was originally suggested as an awards contender. However, after it premiered reviews were mixed and the film flopped. "The Gambler" will likely appeal to Wahlberg fans but will be drowned by the saturated market.
Other films being released include "Accidental Love," starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Biel, and Canada's Academy Award Foreign Film submission "Mommy." "50 to 1" will also be released, as well as the music documentary "Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of."