Blu Tuesday is a weekly column where we review the newest Blu-ray and 4K releases, along with a brief rundown of the included bonus material, to determine whether they’re worth buying, renting or skipping.
Pick of the Week: “Luca”
Pixar’s animated films have always been at least one step ahead of the competition. They’re often magical, emotion-filled movies that play well to both kids and adults. In recent years, however, they haven’t felt quite as magical, and “Luca” is a prime example of this. The movie is still better than most films in the medium, but it lacks the creativity and depth found in the studio’s earlier work. The story is decent but pretty basic by Pixar’s standards, while the emotional moments barely register. Though it does contain some nice visuals and lovely characters, it’s not a movie that demands repeat viewings. This is all to say that “Luca” is perfectly fine and not much else. It’s cute and charming and has some gorgeous animation, but it doesn’t even come close to hitting the heights of Pixar’s best films.
Extras include a behind-the-scenes look at making the movie and some deleted scenes. FINAL VERDICT: RENT
Also Out This Week:
“Those Who Wish Me Dead” — Based on Michael Koryta’s 2014 novel of the same name, “Those Who Wish Me Dead” is easily writer/director Taylor Sheridan’s weakest film to date. It lacks the punchy dialogue and taut suspense that audiences have come to expect from Sheridan’s work, seemingly content to coast by on stale action movie clichés and its talented cast. Unfortunately, none of the actors are particularly great in their roles. Angelina Jolie is on autopilot for most of the movie (not that she’s given a whole lot to do as the lead protagonist), while Jon Bernthal, Nicholas Hoult and Aiden Gillen are largely wasted in stock roles. “Those Who Wish Me Dead” feels like a holdover from the kind of mindless, star-driven action thrillers that dominated the ‘90s. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing when done right, but considering the talent involved on both sides of the camera, it’s hard not to be disappointed. Extras include a making-of featurette. FINAL VERDICT: RENT
Disclosure: Bullz-Eye was provided a copy of the above titles for review purposes.
