New on DVD this Week

At SixSeeds, we want to talk about the stories that surround modern life.  We love movies -- in fact, we even have a “brick and mortar” called SixSeeds Video in Winchester, Massachusetts! We know that good films have an amazing power to move, inspire, and sometimes even transform life.  Bad ones make you regret plunking down the $10 for the privilege of listening to the guy next to you chew milk duds for two hours.

That’s why we want to keep you informed of the latest offerings on DVD and Blu-Ray.  Listing the new releases below doesn't mean you should rush out and watch them with your pre-schoolers.  In fact, over the course of the next few month, we’ll list many we wouldn’t let our teenagers watch.  (Some, we regret watching!)  But somewhere in America, a teenager is going to come to their parent and say, “Hey, I’m supposed to bring the movie to the slumber party.  May I bring...?”

And right there in the aisle of the video store, a decision will be made.

Read “The RunDown,” America, and choose wisely!

Inglourious Basterds  

THE GIST: In Nazi-occupied France, a young Jewish refugee sees her family slaughtered right before her eyes. Many years later, she's a survivor living a normal life as the manager of a movie theater.  But, she hasn't forgotten.

THE BUZZ: 4 Golden Globe nominations; 2009 Best Actor Cannes Film Festival Winner; Grammy nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media

THE UPS: Energetic, amazing climax, interesting subject, artistic and amazingly stylish.

THE DOWNS: It's brutally violent, bloody, and full of language you wouldn't use in polite company.

THE CHAT: Did the violent scenes make the movie more or less realistic?  Did you ever feel compassion for the Nazis, or are they the last vestige of "pure evil" our society has?  What role does public relations have during a war, and how does this movie deal with the issue?

THE CONSIDERATIONS: Rated R for strong graphic violence, language and brief sexuality.  Also see Parents' Guide from IMDb

G-Force

 THE GIST: The world needs saving and who better to come to the rescue than an elite team of highly trained guinea pigs?  Armed with the latest in high-tech spy equipment, however, the hamsters -- oops! I mean rats, mice (does it matter, really?) -- have to fight the FBI first.

THE BUZZ: Mysteriously, not nominated yet for an Academy Award.

THE UPS: The rodents must work together to save the planet and are selflessly brave.  The 3-D effects are very impressive. Plus, talking animals!

THE DOWNS:  Potty humor (unless you are my husband, who can move this characteristic into the "ups" category) ; This quote, "Men are like government bonds: they take way too long to mature."

THE CHAT: Not sure this is the type of movie you'll mull over dinner.  However, you could talk about what was funny in the movie and why.  Or, one character is motivated by vengeance.  How does revenge effect a person?

THE REACTION:  My kids were amused throughout, but when I asked them if they liked it...  I got a shoulder shrug.  "It was alright.  I guess."

THE CONSIDERATIONS: This movie is rated PG for some mild action and rude humor. Also see Parents Guide from IMDb

Star Trek, Season Three

THE GIST: The U.S.S. Enterprise explores the galaxy under the leadership of Denny Crane and Mr. Spock. If you have a tee shirt (as I do) which declares "Women are from Mars, Men are from Vulcan" you definitely want to boldly go here.

THE BUZZ: Nominated for five Primetime Emmys

THE UPS:  Tribbles, Klingons, green women, go-go boots

THE DOWNS:  No Patrick Stewart.

THE CHAT: Kids always want to talk about outer space.  If you had a chance to travel to a different land, would you?  Would you be tempted to interfere with other planets that have different social norms that you do?  Would it be wrong to interfere?

THE CONSIDERATIONS: If your kids were raised on modern special effects, this show might seem a little silly and unsophisticated.  (Why didn't they just have seat belts?)

BLAST FROM THE PAST by Greg Whiteley

Our Emmy-nominated filmmaker gives us a peek into his head.  When asked for an "oldie but goodie," he recommended:

"You Can Count on Me"  (2000)

THE GIST: A single mom still living in the same hometown she grew up in struggles with a surprise visit from her brother when he drifts home for a visit, creating complications with his nephew.

THE BUZZ: Nominated for two Oscars

THE UPS: It's a thoughtful, moving story with a truly original script, and some really great acting.

THE DOWNS: It's a family movie--provided no one under 17 is still up to watch it with Mom and Dad.  Mature situations.

THE CHAT:  How can the family, friends and institutions who let us down... and then come through for us so dramatically?

THE CONSIDERATIONS: Rated R for language, some drug use and a scene of sexuality.