Remembering Gene Wilder
What is it? A love letter to a great performer.
Why watch it? Documentaries aren’t usually my thing, and they’re even rare in this spot of the week, but it’s a week of light releases and I love Gene Wilder. The man was a comedy legend with unforgettable roles and films like Hot saddles, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Silver streak, Young Frankensteinand more. His comic timing was always impeccable, and this documentary showcases numerous examples while also allowing his friends, fellow filmmakers, and famous fans to speak to his presence and power. The film also uses Wilder’s own audio narration from his autobiography to touch on various themes, and it’s a pleasure to hear his voice again.
[Extras: Interviews]
The best
The woman Nikita [4K UHD, steelbook]
What is it? A drug addict becomes a government assassin.
Why watch it? Luc Besson’s film has had a couple of remakes, some unofficial ones and even some TV series adapted from it, but its original remains the best of all. As it would do a few years later with The professionalBesson knows how to shoot a stylish, thrilling action movie, and the film’s many fights and shootouts bring excitement with their choreography and execution. Anne Parillaud does a fine job in the lead role as a woman who is taken off the street and trained to become an accomplished assassin, and you can never go wrong with Jean Reno in a supporting role. Sony’s new release is a marvel, as Besson’s photography finds new life in its shadows and details, and it’s enough to make the complete lack of extras (or digital copy) forgivable.
[Extras: New 4K transfer]
The rest
Blind War
What is it? It’s not Recklesshonest.
Why watch it? Andy On is a solid, reliable action star, and while his lead roles usually only appear in these movies that stream directly from China and Hong Kong, he’s still fun. Yes, the CGI is rough, but the action is often fun, and On gives it his all. Here he plays a man who is blind, but takes the high road and hones his other senses to become an unstoppable force despite his lack of vision. The film never breaks the mold and is clearly working on a tight budget, but On and director Chris Huo are once again at their best.
[Extras: None]
Naked for Satan
What is it? Never stop at a castle to ask for help!
Why watch it? This Italian production is a film that lives up to its title, as much of its running time features naked women doing naughty things. If that’s enough for you, congratulations! If you want a little more, however, you might be out of luck, as the film is content to be more of a raunchy, incomprehensible fever dream than an actual story. Ultimately, it’s more of a curiosity than anything else, but there’s nothing wrong with that. (Unless you’re expecting an engagement with the characters, narrative, themes, and so on…)
[Extras: None]
Welcome back, Kotter: The Complete Series
What is it? Two fun seasons followed by two more seasons.
Why watch it? Welcome Back, Kotter is mostly remembered as a launching pad for John Travolta, and watching him shine in the series’ first two seasons makes it easy to see that he was on his way to stardom. He’s a fun performer and a charismatic focal point, and he’s a great counterbalance to Gabe Kaplan as Kotter. Kaplan is equally funny — arguably more so (again, in those first two seasons) — and paired with a fun supporting cast, the two heavyweights carry the comedy into some very entertaining episodes. Then come seasons three and four, and, well, it’s pretty disappointing. Between Travolta’s absence (a handful of cameos just aren’t enough) and some weak scripts, the show becomes something of a repetitive dud in its second half. Fans will want this set, though, as it collects the entire series.
[Extras: None]
Also available this week:
Animal Kingdom, Dogman, Edge of Everything, Godzilla vs Kong: The New Empire, Immaculate, Last Kumite, Mute Witness [4K UHD, Arrow]Complaint [Criterion]The Saleswoman, Stopmotion