A quick note: we’re going to try and be better about regularly posting new arrivals on this blog. This means new films, Criterion releases, and anything else old or new that has just recently arrived. Also gonna try and revamp the “Requests” section, so stay tuned for that, but for now, if you don’t see something on here that you’ve been waiting to see, ask for it in the comments.
My personal pick of the lot would have to be “A Serious Man.”
March
2012 – The latest world-ending disaster flick from Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, et al.). You know what you’re getting with this one.
Ponyo – Hayao’s Miyazaki’s newest. If you’re a fan of his past work, no doubt you’ll like this one; likewise, if you haven’t seen any of his other films, come check out the shelf we’re putting together for him in the Anime section, including some newly released remasters. Up for an Academy Award for best animated feature.
Cold Souls – Paul Giamatti has his soul removed.
Dead Snow – 2009’s most-beloved Norwegian Zombie film!
Where The Wild Things Are – Spike Jonze‘s much-debated adaptation of the classic Maurice Sendak children’s book. Will be worth watching, one way or another. Glenn Kenny wrote some good stuff on it here and here.
Burning Plain – The first film Guillermo Arriaga has made since his split from writing/directing partner Alejandro González Iñáritu. More jumbled story lines, and I’m assuming it’s based on the Juan Ruflo story. Ralph says, “VERY GOOD.” Any of you folks out there still haven’t seen Amores Perros, absolutely make that your next rental, please.
The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee – From Rebecca Miller.
February
A Serious Man – After No Country For Old Men, this is the best film the Coen Bros. have made in the last ten years. Strange, darkly funny, brilliantly filmed, and dead-eyed in the way their best stuff has always been. And yet still not quite you’ll expect. Best Picture nominee.
Zombieland – A good little jokey zombie flick, doesn’t take itself seriously at all.
Amelia – As in, Earhart.
Departures – Oscar winner for best foreign film last year. This wasn’t even our fault. It actually took a year to get this film out on DVD. Why? I DON’T KNOW.
Coco Before Chanel – Pretty self-explanatory. Staring Audrey Tautuo.
Hunger – The long-awaited, much requested debut film from renowned British visual artist Steve McQueen. Criterion edition.
The September Issue – Documents the production of the fall 2007 issue of Vogue Magazine, under the helm of mercurial editor Anna Wintour.
Alexander The Last – For all you Indy New Wave kids (ahem), the latest Joe Swanberg “film”.
No Impact Man – Another great documentary from the folks at Oscilloscope. Not as gimmicky as the tagline makes is sound, honestly. Good double feature with Food Inc.
January
District 9 – Neill Blomkamp’s first, produced by Peter Jackson. Best Picture nominee.
Extract – From the great Mike Judge, a sort of inverted Office Space, made to be from the boss’s perspective. Ben Affleck plays Jason Bateman‘s pretty hilarious (honestly) douche of a friend.
500 Days Of Summer – Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues to prove his worth as an actor.
Paranormal Activity – The latest in viral, DIY horror.
Gomorrah – Based on groudbreaking book of reportage on the Naples mafia by Roberto Saviano. Expertly directed by Matteo Garone, this film looks as good as any you’ve seen in a while, trust me. Criterion edition.
Taking Woodstock – New Ang Lee.
9 – Some animated, post-apocalyptic deal. Christopher Plummer provides a voice.
The Hurt Locker – Kathryn Bigelow proves you (well, not you… but she) can make a heartfelt movie about the Iraq war, and still sell tickets. See our earlier piece on her.
Angels and Demons – Ron Howard and Dan Brown and Tom Hanks!!!! (gurggles, dies).
The Brothers Bloom – I got zilch on this one. Leave a comment if you saw it, er whatever.
Moon – Another one we had a ton of requests for. First-time director Duncan Jones is David Bowie’s son. Phenomenal set-design. Starring Sam Rockwell and a disembodied Kevin Spacey.
Bright Star – Pretty lovey-dovey, but it looks beautiful. Jane Campion’s newest, and fans of her work won’t be disappointed.
Whip It – Another first-time director: Drew Barrymore. Rollerderby fans, take note.
The Cove – More dire-sounding nature-doc stuff. Up for a best documentary Oscar.
Acme Video 