It's not often I find blu-ray movies during a library hop, but this last hop had more than usual. Great movies? Maybe a couple. But it's hard to turn down 2 dollar blu-rays that aren't even that noticeably used. What did I get? Here's my haul.
Changeling (2008)
From director Clint Eastwood starring Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, and Amy Ryan. It's about Christine Collins (Jolie) a mother who just had her missing child returned, but she knows that it's not her real kid, but no one believes her so she must take on the L.A.P.D. to try and get anyone to listen.
I only vaguely remember this movie and it's been about ten years since I saw it so I figured why not give it another shot. I'm not a huge Angelina Jolie fan, but I do remember that this was one of her better performances.
City Island (2009)
IMDB Premise: The Rizzos, a family who doesn't share their habits, aspirations, and careers with one another, find their delicate web of lies disturbed by the arrival of a young ex-con brought home by Vince, the patriarch of the family, who is a corrections officer in real life, and hopeful actor in private.
This stars Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Steven Straight, Alan Arkin, Emily Mortimer, and Ezra Miller.
I have never even heard of this movie, but I figure two bucks is worth the risk.
Contact (1997)
IMDB Premise: Dr. Ellie Arroway, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of extraterrestrial intelligence, sending plans for a mysterious machine.
This is directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, David Morse, Jena Malone, William Fichtner, and Tom Skerritt.
I haven't seen this movie since it came out, but I remember it being good. Let's see if 36 year old me still likes a movie that 14 year old me liked.
District 9 (2009)
IMDB Premise: Violence ensues after an extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth finds a kindred spirit in a government agent exposed to their biotechnology.
This was written directed by Neill Blomkamp and stars Sharlto Copley,
District 9 is the best film in this haul. I do like the other films (those that I've seen) but this one I felt was a masterfully done sci-fi film that had an important message in 2009 and has just an important message over 10 years later. This film brought us Sharlto Copley who I know can give an Oscar worthy performance. He just needs the chance.
Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
IMDB Premise: This is about the six men who raised the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima, a turning point in WWII.
This comes to us from director Clint Eastood and stars Ryan Phillippe, Barry Pepper, Jamie Bell, Paul Walker, Robert Patrick, John Slattery, and Neal McDonough.
The second and final Clint Eastwood movie in this haul and probably one of his best. The stellar cast helps bring this WWII epic to life and solidifies it as one of the best in the genre.
The Reader (2008)
IMDB Premise: Post WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Berg re-encounters his former loves as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.
This stars Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Lena Olin, and Bruno Ganz.
I saw this film and grabbed it off the shelf so fast that I didn't have a chance to see that it's a Blockbuster Exclusive. I had forgotten that Blockbuster was around long enough to see the advent of blu-rays. Some of you will know exactly why I wish I saw this before I bought it. For the rest of you, let me tell you what some people knew way back before DVDs. Blockbuster edited their movies. Not every movie, but they edited movies that had questionable content. I don't know how much this film was edited, or if it was edited at all, but I normally don't pick up anything from the former rental giant.
We Are Marshall (2006)
IMDB Premise: When a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team's new coach and his surviving players try to keep the football program alive.
This comes from director McG and stars Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie, David Stratharin, Ian McShane, Kate Mara, January Jones, and Brian Geraghty.
This is a classic. One of Matthew McConaughey's best films. I think he's done a better job in other movies, but this will always be a film that stands out above so many others when I think of the handsome guy who says "Alright, Alright, Alright."
So that's it. That's my blu-ray haul. Have you seen any or all of these? Let me know. Do you have any favorites on this list? Or, heaven forbid, any movies on this list you hate? Let me know! I love hearing from people and will always respond (even if it takes me a while).
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