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March 26, 2013

Pick of the Week

The Comedy (New Video) — ***HAMMER TO NAIL’S NUMBER ONE FILM OF 2012*** The issue of the quarter-life crisis creeping ever closer to middle age is one largely associated with men, and yet despite the fact that The Comedy’s face needed to be Male, needed to be White, it speaks to a feeling that may not be an epidemic, though it certainly is a virus, which is applicable to many different people in different circumstances. Tim Heidecker brings wit, consideration and pathos to Swanson, displaying an arc—though slight—of a person searching for his own self-ness, for a self that goes beyond itself, for his own ability to be human. The bullying, the tirades, the endless jokes, the apathy, it’s Swanson’s process to redeem himself as a hopeful, giving adult, in a cynical, taking world. He needs to tear it all down before he can start building it back up. Rick Alverson’s film isn’t easy viewing. It’s a give and take. But if you are looking for challenging cinema that speaks uncomfortable truths, look no further than right here. Read Jesse Klein’s full HTN Review as well as Susanna Locascio’s A Conversation With Rick Alverson. Available on DVD and at Amazon Instant.

Recommended

Lincoln (Dreamworks) — Available on DVD, 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, 4-Disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy, and at Amazon Instant.

Killing Them Softly (Starz/Anchor Bay) — Available on DVD, Blu-ray, and at Amazon Instant.

Cheerful Weather For The Wedding (MPI Home Video) — Available on DVD.

New/Old to DVD/Blu-ray

Little Fugitive (Kino Lorber) — Available on Blu-ray.

Monsieur Verdoux (Criterion) — Available on DVD and Blu-ray.

A Man Escaped (Criterion) — Available on DVD and Blu-ray.

The Sandlot: 20th Anniversary Edition (20th Century Fox) — Available on Blu-ray.

American Son (Miramax Echo Bridge) — Available on Blu-ray.

Have Not Seen Yet But Really/Kinda/Sorta/Maybe Wanna

Veep: The Complete First Season (HBO) — Available on DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy.