Every Tuesday, I review the newest Blu-ray releases and let you know whether they’re worth buying, renting or skipping, along with a breakdown of the included extras. If you see something you like, click on the cover art to purchase the Blu-ray from Amazon, and be sure to share each week’s column on social media with your friends.
“10 Cloverfield Lane”
WHAT: After she’s blind-sided by a truck and knocked unconscious, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) fears the worst when she wakes to find herself in a strange bunker. Her captor Howard (John Goodman) insists that he saved her from a chemical attack that has rendered the outside world uninhabitable, but while a fellow survivor (John Gallagher Jr.) is able to corroborate the story, Michelle can’t shake the feeling that Howard is still hiding something.
WHY: Audiences expecting a major connection to the 2008 found footage movie “Cloverfield” will undoubtedly be disappointed by Dan Trachtenberg’s debut film, but the J.J. Abrams-produced “blood relative” is still an extremely well-crafted thriller that doesn’t waste a single moment. It’s nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat stuff that’s heightened by the claustrophobic setting and nonstop tension. Essentially a three-handed chamber piece between Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr., “10 Cloverfield Lane” hinges on the performances of its cast. Thankfully, they’re all fantastic in their roles, particularly Goodman, who steals the show as the creepy, domineering Howard; it’s a deliciously wicked turn that will make your skin crawl. You’ve never seen the veteran actor quite like this before, but by casting him against type, it strengthens the overall mystery that is so essential to the movie’s success. Though the 11th-hour twist nearly undoes all that good work with its abrupt (and unnecessary) change in tone, “10 Cloverfield Lane” manages to deliver a riveting experience that’s even better than the film that inspired it.
EXTRAS: In addition to an audio commentary by director Dan Trachtenberg and producer J.J. Abrams, there’s a collection of production featurettes, a look back at “Cloverfield” and a tour of the film’s bunker.
FINAL VERDICT: RENT
“Eddie the Eagle”
WHAT: When he fails to make the final squad chosen to represent Great Britain at the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary, downhill skier Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton) switches focus to ski jumping when he learns that he only needs to qualify in order to compete. Though that’s easier said than done, Eddie defies all odds through sheer determination and the help of washed-up American champion Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman).
WHY: Disney may be king of the underdog sports drama, but actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher beats the studio at its own game with this inspirational true story that’s equal parts “Rudy” and “Cool Runnings.” Much like the characters in those films, Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards is such a larger-than-life personality – a misfit characterized by his Coke-bottle glasses and goofy underbite – that he’s difficult not to cheer on. Taron Egerton does an excellent job in the title role, perfectly capturing Eddie’s mannerisms and infectious optimism, while Hugh Jackman turns in a reliably charming performance as his fictitious coach. Peary isn’t the only fictional element in the film – not by a longshot – but in spite of the many liberties that the movie takes, it retains the spirit of Eddie’s story, which is just as important. Though it’s a pretty formulaic underdog tale that checks off all the usual sports movie clichés, “Eddie the Eagle” is nevertheless an enjoyable feel-good film that wears its heart (and humor) on its sleeve just like its charismatic subject.
EXTRAS: The Blu-ray release includes a three-part documentary about making the film.
FINAL VERDICT: RENT
