Top Ten DVD Releases for 6-30-15

This Week’s DVD Releases

by Kam Williams

Top Ten DVD List for June 30, 2015

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

While We're Young

The Decline of Western Civilization

Five Easy Pieces [Criterion Collection]

Get Hard

Danny Collins

A Place to Call Home: Season Two

Dancer and the Dame

We Are Monster

Nova: Invisible Universe Revealed

Honorable Mention

Soldate Jeanette

Teen Beach 2

Spike Island

The Gunman

Of Girls and Horses

Saugatuck Cures

Faith of Our Fathers (FILM REVIEW)

Faith of Our Fathers
Film Review by Kam Williams


Faith-Based Family Film Finds Believer and Doubting Thomas Bonding En Route to Vietnam War Memorial in DC


GIs Steven George (Sean McGowan) and Edward Adams (Scott Whyte) became best friends while serving behind enemy lines in Vietnam, despite the fact that the former was a devout Christian while the latter was definitely a Doubting Thomas. Sadly, both the atheist and the believer perished in battle in 1969, with each leaving behind a child he never got to know.

Fast-forward a quarter-century and we discover that the apples didn't fall far from their patrilineal trees. Steven's offspring John (Kevin Downes) has been blessed with a strong faith like his late father, and Edward's son Wayne (David A.R. White) has somehow developed his own dad's disdain for organized religion.

This gulf in attitudes has ostensibly had a profound effect on the orphans' respective fortunes. For, John is stable and successful and on the brink of tying the knot with the love of his life, Cynthia (Candace Cameron Bure). By contrast, Wayne is an underachieving ne'er-do-well who has had more than his share of run-ins with the law.

Since John lives in California and Wayne in Mississippi, the two never met until the still-grieving groom-to-be informs his very patient fiancee that, before he walks down the aisle with her, he needs to repair the hole in his soul by learning all he can about his dearly-departed dad. That quest leads to Wayne, who just happens to have a stash of letters his father mailed home from the jungles of Southeast Asia.

The two soon hatch a plan to read the letters while making a pilgrimage to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC. What ensues is a very eventful road trip in which Christ and the devil do battle for the heathen's soul. The flashback-driven drama proceeds to alternate between the sons' spiritually-oriented sojourn and recreations of their dads similar discussions of the virtues of Christianity over the course of their fateful tour of duty overseas.
 
Thus unfolds Faith of Our Fathers, a faith-based modern parable directed and co-written by Corey Scott (Hidden Secrets). Fair warning: while the movie does feature wholesome family fare, it's occasional proselytizing (“Know that Jesus loves you and that you can trust Him.”) is distracting, but not so overpowering as to spoil the experience.

Look for Born Again Baldwin Brother Stephen in a scene-stealing performance as Sergeant Mansfield, the only character to appear both in the past and in present scenes. In 1969, we find him chastising Steven for preparing the men in his unit to die. But, he's singing a different tune 25 years later when he conveniently intervenes in a deus ex machina moment.


A latter-day variation on the Prodigal Son parable providing proof that God still works in mysterious ways.



Very Good (3 stars)
Rated PG-13 for brief violence
Running time: 95 minutes
Distributor: Pure Flix Entertainment

To see a trailer for Faith of Our Fathers, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E49OumDl_yg

Get Hard (DVD REVIEW)

Get Hard

DVD Review by Kam Williams

Headline: White-Collar Criminal Preps for Prison with Help of Faux Ex-Con in Unlikely-Buddies Comedy

             Thanks to a flourishing career as a hedge fund manager, James King (Will Ferrell) is living in the lap of luxury in a sprawling, Bel Air mansion. Furthermore, the pampered multimillionaire’s stock seems about to skyrocket, given his promotion to partner and his impending marriage to the boss’ (Craig T. Nelson) daughter, Alissa (Alison Brie).

             By contrast, working man Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart) is stuck on the other side of the proverbial tracks in South Central L.A. where he has to worry on a daily basis about the welfare of his wife (Edwina Findley) and young daughter (Ariana Neal). He’s eager to move them out of the ‘hood, but first needs to save $30,000 to secure the mortgage on their dream house.

  

As a regular patron of a valet car washing service, James has regularly crossed-paths with Darnell. Nevertheless, he mistakes him for a mugger the day he’s surprised to see a black man approach him in the office parking lot.

To add insult to injury, instead of apologizing for the hurtful faux pas, tone deaf James insensitively claims ”I would’ve reacted the same, if you were white.” Then, he rubs salt in cash-strapped Darnell’s wounds by suggesting that, “I got to where I am by hard work,” before smugly adding, “Success is a mindset.”

However, the two’s roles are reversed when James is convicted of securities fraud, and sentenced to ten years in San Quentin. With just a month before he has to report to prison, he asks Darnell to prepare him for life behind bars, based on another unfounded assumption, namely, that he’s an ex-con.

Darnell agrees, charging precisely the $30,000 he needs as a down payment on his ticket out of the ghetto. However, the jokes are all on James, since the supposed “incarceration expert” he’s just hired has never even seen the inside of a jail.

Thus unfolds Get Hard, an unlikely-buddies comedy co-starring Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell. The movie marks the noteworthy directorial debut of Etan Cohen, whose successful mix of over-the-top slapstick and subtle social satire yields a cinematic experience as silly as it is thought-provoking.

So, one moment, we might witness goofy, gratuitous nudity courtesy of exhibitionistic Ferrell who has never been shy about prancing around in his birthday suit, his Rubenesque physique notwithstanding. The next, we’re treated to relatively-sophisticated humor such as the musings of a spoiled rich kid boasting about how he built his company with his own two hands, before also admitting that he had actually relied upon an $8,000,000 loan from his father as seed money.

Provided you’re open to politically-incorrect fare ranging from racist to misogynistic to homophobic, you’re likely to enjoy this inspired pairing of the relentlessly absurd Ferrell and the motor-mouthed Hart at the top of their games.

Very Good (3 stars)

Rated R for full-frontal male nudity, drug use, ethnic slurs, and pervasive profanity, sexuality and crude humor

Running time: 100 minutes

Distributor: Warner Home Entertainment Group

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Extras:Just Put Your Lips Together and Blow; GET HARD Line-O-Ramas: Swear-O-Rama, Pickup-O-Rama, Shiv-O-Rama, and Cry A River-O-Rama; The Kevin Hart Workout; Face Off with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart; Ferrell Fighting; A Date with John Mayer; Twerking 101; Will Ferrell, Gangsta; Inmates: Out of Control; Bikers, Babes and Big Bangs; gag reel; and deleted scenes.

To see a trailer for Get Hard, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5lojEIitNw

To order a copy of Get Hard on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, visit:

Kam's Movie Kapsules for 7-3-15

OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam's Kapsules:           
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun                 
by Kam Williams
For movies opening July 3, 2015
 
 
BIG BUDGET FILMS     

Faith of Our Fathers (PG-13 for brief violence) Christian-oriented drama about two strangers (Kevin Downes and David A.R. White) who bond while driving from Mississippi to Washington, DC with plans to locate where their killed-in-action dads' names were engraved in the Vietnam War Memorial. With Stephen Baldwin, Candace Cameron Bure and Rebecca St. James.

Magic Mike XXL (R for nudity, drug use, graphic sexuality and pervasive profanity) Channing Tatum reprises the title role in this titillating sequel which finds what's left of the Kings of Tampa reuniting to perform at the annual strippers convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Ensemble cast includes Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Rodriguez, Amber Heard, Andie MacDowell, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Michael Strahan and Gabriel Iglesias.

Terminator Genisys (PG-13 for intense violence, partial nudity and brief profanity) Reboot of the sci-fi franchise, set in 2029, finds John Connor (Jason Clarke) again leading the resistance in humanity's ongoing war with the cyborgs. Cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, JK Simmons, Emilia Clarke, Dayo Okeniyi, Matt Smith, Courtney B. Vance and Jai Courtney.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Amy (R for profanity and drug use) Bittersweet biopic revisiting the rise and fall of Grammy-winner Amy Winehouse who died of alcohol poising in 2011 at the age of 27. Featuring appearances by Tony Bennett, Mark Ronson and Mos Def.

Cartel Land (Unrated) Drug wars documentary chronicling the vigilante uprising led by a small-town physician trying to topple the cartel wreaking havoc on Michoacan, Mexico. (In English and Spanish with subtitles)

In Stereo (Unrated) Romantic dramedy about the on-again/off-again relationship of a couple of thirty-somethings (Beau Garrett and Micah Hauptman) who take forever to wake up and realize they were meant for each other. With Maggie Geha, Aimee Mullins and Mario Cantone.

Jackie & Ryan (PG-13 for suggestive material and brief profanity) Romance drama revolving around the unlikely love which blossoms between a train-hopping hobo (Ben Barnes) and a socialite (Katherine Heigl) embroiled in a nasty, child custody battle. Support cast includes Clea DuVall, Sheryl Lee and Nathan Stevens.

Jimmy's Hall (PG-13 for profanity and a scene of violence) Barry Ward plays the title character in this historical drama revolving around the return to Ireland in 1932 of Jimmy Gralton, a Communist organizer deported to the U.S. a decade earlier during the “Red Scare.” With Francis Magee, Aileen Henry and Simone Kirby.

Mala Mala (Unrated) Genderbending documentary celebrating the lives of nine members of Puerto Rico's transgender and drag queen communities. (In Spanish and English with subtitles)

Stray Dog (Unrated) Reverential biopic about Ron Hall, a biker with a heart of gold who has devoted his life to helping pet pooches, friends, family and fellow Vietnam vets.

Zarafa (Unrated) Animated adventure, set in the 19^th Century, about a 10 year-old runaway slave (Max Renaudin Pratt) who flees sub-Saharan Africa across the desert on the back of a giraffe before sailing to Paris with the help of a Greek princess-turned-pirate (Ronit Elkabetz). Voice cast includes Simon Abkarian, Roger Dumas and Mohamed Fellag. (In French with subtitles)

It All Begins with 'I': The "New Rules" of Thinking and the Simple Secrets to Living a Rich, Joyous, and Fulfilled Life (BOOK REVIEW)

It All Begins with 'I'

The "New Rules" of Thinking and the Simple Secrets to Living a Rich, Joyous, and Fulfilled Life

by Stuart K. Robinson

Tallfellow Press

Paperback, $14.95

162 pages

ISBN: 978-1-931290-05-0

Book Review by Kam Williams

It All Begins with 'I'

The "New Rules" of Thinking and the Simple Secrets to Living a Rich, Joyous and Fulfilled Life

by Stuart K. Robinson

Tallfellow Press

Paperback, $14.95

162 pages

ISBN: 978-1-931290-05-0

Book Review by Kam Williams

“What is your deepest desire? Probably the same thing most others really want: a happy and fulfilled life. When we don't experience life as happy and fulfilled, our tendency is to look for someone or something to blame, our parents, our boss, the government, an adversary, and a lengthy list of others.

However, even if and when we identify someone to blame, we are struck with with the stunning truth that we have zero power to change those people or conditions. And so we feel powerless. That feeling stops now.

In the pages that follow, you will see that you have all the power you need... And when you take control... by understanding and steadfastly following the New Rules of Thinking in this book, you will see miraculous results.”

-- Excerpted from the Introduction (page xiii)

If you're in the market for a positive thinking self-help primer, It All Begins with 'I' certainly fits the bill. The book was written by Stuart K. Robinson, a motivational speaker and life coach who has inspired folks all over the world with his “New Rules of Thinking.” Now, Mr. Robinson has reduced those 14 affirmations to an easy-to-digest format for those who can't come to see him in person. 

 

You've probably heard most of his common sense advice before in one form or another. Take, Rule #6: “I Will Fire the Announcer.” By that, the author means ignoring that distracting, negative voice in your head capable of discouraging you via a defeatist attitude. He suggests that, instead, you “Trust your heart, because you feel it.”

Robinson's other axioms range from “I Will Determine My Habits” to “I Will Believe in Myself” to “I Am Who I Think I Am, and I Get What I Expect.” In terms of more innovative ideas, he devotes an entire chapter to the difference between the “I” (good) and “Me” (bad) mentalities. 

 

Previously, I always assumed that the distinction between those first person pronouns was merely grammatical. But the author makes a persuasive case for eschewing the latter one, suggesting that having limiting thoughts like “What about me?” can be very self-destructive.

Robinson closes his optimistic opus with a trio of big secrets: the secret to a happy life, the secret to getting anything you want in two weeks, and the secret to finding out who you really are. Far be it from me to spoil those tips beyond relating that “happiness is yours” provided you follow Mr. Robinson's step-by-step path to total bliss.

Total fulfillment for just $14.95, if you're inclined to give it a shot.

To order a copy of It All Begins with 'I': The "New Rules" of Thinking and the Simple Secrets to Living a Rich, Joyous and Fulfilled Life, visit:

 

Fresh Dressed (FILM REVIEW)

Fresh Dressed
Film Review by Kam Williams


Fashion Documentary Revisits the Rise of Hip-Hop Designers


When rap arrived back in the late Seventies, more than the music burst on the scene. The performers' outlandish costumes also had a profound effect on American culture which proceeded to mimic everything from MC Hammer's balloon pants to Run DMC's fedoras and Adidas outfits.

As the genre matured, the more business-savvy artists opted to capitalize on their influence by launching their own clothing lines. They figured, why send the stock of fashionistas like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger through the roof when they could wear their own labels onstage? Subsequently, industry newcomers such as Daymond John's FUBU and Puff Daddy's Sean John kick-started brands which became multi-million dollar household names available in fine stores everywhere. 
 
That surprising development is the subject of Fresh Dressed, a visually-captivating celebration of the sartorial splendor which blossomed during the Golden Age of Rap. The fascinating documentary takes a delightful stroll down Memory Lane courtesy of reams of archival footage featuring folks in garish, spray-paint-colored outfits. It also has plenty of present-day reflections on the phenomenon by plenty of Hip-Hop icons: Nas, Pharrell, Kid, Play and Damon Dash, to name a few. 
 
The movie marks the impressive writing and directorial debut of Sacha Jenkins, who has deftly interwoven all of the above elements into an informative history lesson that's worth the investment even if you're not a fan of rap. For instance, you'll learn how to avoid getting “vicked” (Ebonics for “victimized”) which is a distinct possibility if you're dumb enough to walk through the 'hood wearing a pair of the latest Air Jordans. 
 
Believe it or not, gangstas build their wardrobe around their sneakers, since looking “fresh” (aka “stylish”) starts with the feet. As Kid reminisces, “People were killed for their shoes,” so “the one thing you never wanted to hear was someone asking you your shoe size.”
 
Back in the day, if you decided to walk a mile in a man's moccasins, you meant that literally, not figuratively. Hey, that way, you'd not only have his shoes, but you'd have a decent head start on the barefoot sucka. 
 
A nostalgic tribute to a materialistic generation weaned on conspicuous consumption where capped gold teeth and gaudy clock necklaces were trendy fashion statements.



Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 90 minutes
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn

To see a trailer for Fresh Dressed, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ9LyiNrA-s

RJ Cyler (INTERVIEW)

RJ Cyler

The “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” Interview

with Kam Williams

Me and RJ!

The youngest of three boys, Ronald Cyler II was born in Jacksonville, Florida on . March 21, 1995. He demonstrated a love of the arts and entertaining early on, teaching himself to play the keyboard and drums, and forming a dance duo with his older brother, Broderick, at the age of 12.

In the summer of 2012, RJ traveled to the West Coast to hone his skills at acting camp. Encouraged by the experience, he asked his parents if they would consider relocating to Los Angeles to support his pursuit of a showbiz career.

With his family solidly behind him, he began meeting with agents, and subsequently signed with Landis-Simon Productions and Talent Management, as well as JLA Talent Agency. Here, he talks about making his acting debut in the title role of Earl in the screen adaptation of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, which won both the Audience and Grand Jury Awards at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Kam Williams: Hi RJ, thanks for the interview.

RJ Cyler: Ola, Kam! No problem.

KW: I really loved Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. But so have all the critics and audiences. Congratulations!

RJC: Thanks!

KW: What interested you in the film?

RJC: The honesty of the film, and how realistically it treats teenagers. A lot of movies present us as only interested in romance, which is kind of offensive, since we're a lot more complicated than that. We also have friends who are genuinely just friends. This script highlighted that aspect of the teenage mind, and I appreciated the fact that it was authentic and raw.

KW: What was it like playing the title character in your screen debut?

RJC: I'm still trying to wake up from the dream. It's crazy, really.

KW: Were you familiar with the book the movie's based on before you became attached to the project?

RJC: No, I only read it right before we started filming, in the week before production.

KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: Would you describe yourself as similar to your character, Earl?

RJC: Yes.

KW: Patricia also asks: What message do you think people will take away from the film?

RJC: To be more appreciative of the many blessing that that we take for granted everyday, like our health and the simple ability to move our limbs.

KW: Patricia asks: How old were you when you knew you wanted to become an actor?

RJC: I was 16.

KW: Children's book author Irene Smalls asks: What do you consider Me and Earl, a love story or a coming-of-age story?

RJC: It's more of a coming-of-age story, because it doesn't follow that boy-meets-girl, boy-dates-girl formula.

KW: Irene also asks: What were you most trying to communicate to the audience about your character?

RJC: That he wasn't your stereotypical black best friend, but a character you learn from, since he serves as the moral compass of the film.

KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: How does a young performer who started out as a ”song and dance man” prepare himself for a performance on screen as a compassionate and caring teen?

RJC: By being genuine. I had no special technique for my approach to the character. The way that Earl handled situations was the same way that I would handle situations in real life.

KW: Sangeetha Subramanian says: RJ, I loved the trailer, and cannot wait to see the movie. What did you learn from this experience?

RJC: Every second on set was a learning experience. I mostly learned that less is more, that you don't have to push for emotion. The movies that push the hardest for emotion are the worst movies. The genuine emotions and the genuine laughs that come unforced are the ones that people remember most.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

RJC: ”Paddle Your Own Canoe” by Nick Offerman.  

KW: I didn't know he wrote a book.

RJC: He wrote two. I just got his new one.

KW: Did you see him in The Kings of Summer? That's another great coming-of-age movie.

RJC: No, I missed it.

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to?

RJC: ”So Special” by Lil Wayne and John Legend. 

 

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?

RJC: Ramen noodles.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

RJC: I see this really odd, awkward person who's ready to make history. 

 

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

RJC: The same powers as Superman.

KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?

RJC: Slipping on a melted carpet and hitting my head on the radio while running through our apartment when I was about 6 years-old. Now, there's a patch on my scalp that doesn't grow hair at all.

KW: Sorry about that. The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

RJC: If I were an animal, I'd want to be a lion.

KW: The Viola Davis question: What’s the biggest difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person we see on the red carpet?

RJC: There's literally no difference. I just look way better on the red carpet, since I don't wear suits on a daily basis.

KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?

RJC: Brand-wise, I really like Michael Kors and Prada. 

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

RJC: Just today.

KW: The Gabby Douglas question: If you had to choose another profession, what would that be?

RJC: Music.

KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

RJC: The drive and tenacity to be creative, to take chances and to take that leap.

KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

RJC: Faith in God will get you there. I promise!

KW: The “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan’s question: What’s your dream locale in Los Angeles to live?

RJC: I think Beverly Hills might do. Another area I'd like to live is close to the observatory, if I could build a little house there.

KW: What’s in your wallet?

RJC: A lot of business cards, some Canadian money and a picture of my brother Broderick who's in the military.

KW: Thanks again for the time, RJ, and best of luck with the film.

RJC: Alrighty, Kam. Thanks.

To see a trailer for Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qfmAllbYC8