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The Counselor Receives Extended Cut Treatment On Blu-Ray

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THE COUNSELOR

The Counselor was one of last year’s most debated films, as some viewed Ridley Scott’s epic tale of moral destruction as a masterpiece. The narrative’s detractors complained that it was filled with too much talk and, in the end, much ado about nothing. The movie gets its Blu-ray combo pack and DVD release on February 11.

If you haven’t checked out the film, The Counselor centers on a charismatic yet slithery lawyer (Michael Fassbender) who seems to have the perfect life. With a beautiful girlfriend (Penelope Cruz) by his side and a rich lifestyle under his thumb, the “counselor” decides he needs to make even more money and enters a drug deal with a colleague (Javier Bardem). Cameron Diaz also stars as a manipulator who’s only concerned with the bottom line, with Brad Pitt chiming in as a middle man who tries to steer the counselor on the right road.

The Unrated version of The Counselor clocks in at 138 minutes, and considering the theatrical version runs at a healthy 117 minutes, it’s a release which should appeal to the film’s devotees (the original press release had the unrated cut coming in at 220 minutes, but it was corrected later in the day). If you don’t want to check out all the special features and all that unrated goodness (or if you don’t have the funds), the barebones DVD is also available.

The Counselor

As for the Blu-ray features, they include:

  • Unrated Extended Cut
  • Theatrical Situation
  • The featurette “Truth of the Situation” (over 60 mins. of footage)
  • Virals

Trailer Dreams: ‘Gloria’ Is A Fiftysomething’s Journey Into Love

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We live in an age populated by comic book heroes and four quadrant based projects, so thank the cinematic heavens for foreign films, indies and auteurs. One reason Gloria is on my to-watch list is Paulina Garcia’s well received performance as the titular character. Garcia won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The narrative centers on a fiftysomething woman who finds fulfillment, and what one assumes is ensuing heartbreak, after having an affair with a divorcee named Rodolfo (Sergio Hernandez). Now that her kids are grown up and have children of their own, Gloria is looking for a bit of companionship herself, hence her love of social dance clubs in Santiago, Chile.

Directed by Sebastián Lelio, Gloria hits New York and Los Angeles theaters on January 24, and will be released in further cities the following weeks.

Check out the trailer, and tell us what you think!

Vanessa Hudgens Finds Creative “Shelter” With Upcoming Drama

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Gimme Shelter (Roadside Attractions)

January is usually a month that’s littered with horrible movies. However, one film I’m eagerly anticipating is Gimme Shelter, a project which continues Vanessa Hudgens’ inspired choice of work. In the past several years, the High School Musical star has turned in solid work in Sucker Punch, Spring Breakers, and The Frozen Ground (I still haven’t checked out Machete Kills).

Troma Hits the MoMA With Return to Nuke ‘Em High Volume 1

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One of the many reasons to hit the Big Apple this year is to revisit high school, B-movie style. On Thursday, January 9th, Troma Entertainment is making a stop at the Museum of Modern Art for a “Troma at MoMA” evening. The event is part of MMA’s 2013 “The Contenders” film series, and after the screening of Return to Nuke ‘Em High, Vol. 1, director/writer Lloyd Kaufman will take part in a Q&A session with, if everything goes as planned, a rapt audience.

Among the selections for this year’s “The Contenders” series are Gravity, 12 Years A Slave, All Is Lost, and Blue Jasmine. So, in short, Return To Nuke ‘Em High, Vol. 1 is in good company (or is it the other way around?).

Hopefully, the film is just as awesome as the poster. If you’ve already seen the film or plan to check out the MoMA screening, tell us what you think of the film.

The Grandmaster Unveils New Tony Leung, Wong Kar Wai Dynamic

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THE GRANDMASTER

One of 2013’s most beautifully shot films, The Grandmaster, may not have received as much traction in the U.S., but the picture has garnered its share of acclaim overseas. The most prestigious (or for that matter, the most recognizable) honor came from the National Board of Review, which named The Grandmaster one of last year’s top 5 foreign films.