The home video front finds quite the varied batch of films this week as we welcome J. Edgar, Tower Heist and Martha Marcy May Marlene home on DVD and Blu-Ray. From the Oscar-considered (but then ignored) J. Edgar that featured an astounding Leonardo DiCaprio to the comeback of Eddie Murphy in Tower Heist… all tastes are well represented.
J. Edgar: DiCaprio rivets as the man who ruled over the FBI longer than anyone in U.S. history. The legend of J. Edgar Hoover is filled with mystery and innuendo, yet the Clint Eastwood-directed film never really answers too many of history’s questions. But, the film is powerful and for the performance alone of its leads, DiCaprio and Armie Hammer, the film is a must-see.
Tower Heist: Murphy makes a solid comeback (again) opposite Ben Stiller in the comedy-heist film that is perfect for our times. First off, we want Stiller and Murphy to make more movies together. Their first is a triumph of action, comedy and thrills. Alan Alda stars as a Bernie Madoff-type financier who swindles millions from his investors, including the workers of the elite Manhattan condo where he resides. Stiller is the building’s manager who is determining to make things right by stealing the money back with ex-con Murphy’s help.
Martha Marcy May Marlene: This is the film that put Elizabeth Olsen on the map. The actress made the announcement to the world at Sundance 2011 and her powerful performance is still resonating for this writer. Olsen plays a woman who escapes a cult to the refuge of her sister’s lakeside home, only to be haunted by her time in the cult until the film’s final haunting moments.
