New DVD/BluRay/Streaming this week!!

Three pretty good releases this week.


INTERSTELLAR
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Screenplay- Jonathan and Christopher Nolan
Starring: Matthew McConaughey; Anne Hathaway; Jessica Chastain; and Michael Cain



A team of explorers attempt to travel through a wormhole in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival.
Christopher Nolan films always leave me wondering...what the heck was that??!!
This one did the same thing. It was interesting; exciting; it flips all over the place; and I was left thinking, WHAT THE...??!!!!
Even though I was confused as it flipped, I cant explain it, I still liked it. Maybe it was the acting that pushed it through, or the fantastic special effects. Whatever it was that attracted me to the film it was worthy of 4 out of 5 stars from me. Watch it and try to figure it out, it is oddly fun.


THE IMITATION GAME
Directed by Morten Tyldum
Screenplay by Graham Moore
Based on the book by Andrew Hodges
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley



During World War II, a Mathematician with awkward social skills, Alan Turing (Cumberbatch), , tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians including a woman Joan Clarke (Knightley) who becomes Turing's closest friend. By solving the code as quick as possible, they can save many lives in Europe.It is a race against the clock.
I went into the theatre not knowing the Turing story. What I found was a sad story. A very sad story. It is not about just breaking the code, it is about the life of Turing.  A man who, for his country, for freedom, helps Europe in WW11 fight the Germans. However..later in life, the freedom he helped Europe keep, does not cover his own life. It is upsetting. What is also upsetting, is the fact the films trailer did not touch on the secret life of Turing, which is a huge part of the film. So you feel sad for him because he was not free to live his life the way he wanted, and still after all these years the film's producers today did not feel comfortable showing that major part of the film in the trailer. The producers obviously felt if they included his private life in the trailer, people may not pay to watch the film. Interesting.
Well, I will get off my soapbox and give 3 out of 5 stars for The Imitation Game. It is a interesting part of history that should be seen.

WILD
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee
Screenplay by Nick Hornby
Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed
Starring Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern



A chronicle of Cheryl Strayed's 1,100-mile solo hike on The Pacific Crest Trail, undertaken as a way to step away from life. To move on from bad decisions. To come to grips with the loss of her mother.
Beautiful looking. Great score. Well written, not insulting Strayed, her book/story is pretty amazing, but Hornby moves the story along better than her book does. Yes, the film has an abrupt ending, but in reality, you know all you need to know when you reach the end.
The Acting!! Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl, is fantastic, a well deserved Oscar Nomination. Laura Dern as Strayed's mom is wonderful in a small role, also a well deserved Oscar Nomination.
The film is uplifting. It makes you grab your computer and look up the Pacific Crest Trail, and wonder...could I??!!
The film is sad. The film is funny. The film can be tense. The film can be gross (toe nails ouch!). The film can be upsetting ( wish they would have explained in the film what they explained in the book, the horse was very sick). The film makes you think. The film is true.
The film was my favorite of 2014. 4 1/2 stars out of 5 for Wild.
 Also!! I keep forgetting to mention a couple things about this film:
Try not to tear up during the sweet Red River Valley scene.
Also...Watch through the credits, you see the real Cheryl on the PCT!!!


Well three good films released this week!!
Enjoy your Easter and as always thanks for your time.