Its been a few weeks since I’ve had the time to post some recommendations. And while the time aspect is a big part of it, some fault also goes to the complete lack of decent films being released on DVD for the past month or so. To call it dry would be an understatement. Thankfully, this Tuesday it looks like we finally have some decent selections. The big one I am excited for is the release of the Spanish horror film [REC]. I’ve already seen the US remake, Quarantine, which is decent, but I’m very excited to see the original. The other DVD release that is a must own is Season 2 of Mad Men. If you aren’t watching that show, you’re missing out on a fantastic show. Its amazing, and I can’t wait for Season 3 to start.

As for theatres the big release is of course Bruno, but after going to a late night screening of The Hurt Locker it is easily going to be my recommendation. Really a well made and tense film that was great to watch. My only complaint is I found the ending to be a bit heavy handed and unrealistic, but it wasn’t enough to ruin an otherwise great film. While I’m not a huge fan of Kathryn Bigelow, their are plenty of her films I enjoy and I think this is easily her best film to date.

As always trailers are after the break!

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After reading a recent review of the Independent film Shuttle by Star Tribune film critic Colin Covert, I may or may not have challenged his sanity and his sobriety in this post. But in an effort to be fair I decided to attend the film anyways and see if Colin actually knew what he was talking about. The result?

I’m sorry to say that Colin Covert, film critic for the Star Tribune, and self-proclaimed “SANEST MAN ALIVEEEEE!” was right, Shuttle is a decent little thriller that does more with its premise then a certain recent big budget film that had a similar low brow concept and rode it to a $100 million American Box Office take.

It helps that Shuttle takes a truly absurd premise (an airport shuttle driver kidnaps his 5 passengers all while driving) and milks it for all it is worth and that the two primary leads, Tony Curran (Red Road) and Peyton List (Mad Men) are actually talented actors. Curran in particular is someone who really should be better known, and if you haven’t watched Red Road make sure to as soon as possible. It is a masterpiece.

Oh sure the film has plenty of holes and numerous continuity errors, but the plot whips along and the actors totally sell their roles. The film isn’t whip smart by any means, but it is performing at a level far greater then would be expected of such low grade fare. As an added bonus, the ending is fantastic and really helps drive home the film. Shuttle isn’t great art, but it is a pretty nice genre flick.

But make no mistake, even if he was correct in this instance, I’m still not sold on Colin’s sanity.

I’m having a hard time coming up with a recommendation for a theatrical release this week. The mainstream release is Defiance, which sucks something awful, and the only new Oscar bait being released in the arthouse theaters is Revolutionary Road. I’m sure it has fine acting and is all wonderfully melodramatic, but I find myself only passably interested in it because it looks like Mad Men only not as good. So go see it if you must, like I care.

As for DVD releases the picking there aren’t much better. Though that has more to do with me having not seen any of them as far as I can tell. Thus this week I will shirk my responsibilities and pass off the recommendation onto Daniel Getahun over at Getafilm.com who has seen The Grocer’s Son and liked it quite a bit. So go read his short review (and the rest of his excellent site while you are at it), rent the movie and if it stinks remember that I’m just the messenger, he’s the one who sucks.

As always trailers are after the break!

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