What to rent: New DVD releases for 8/12/08

We have an interesting week in movies, a film that you probably haven’t heard much about, plus some hit TV shows and cool releases on Blu-Ray.

I know you are all dying to see what I have this week, so you can skip it for the stuff you’ll REALLY rent, so why don’t we get right to it?

Mike Recommends

Smart People

Here is one that isn’t likely on your radar. I still haven’t seen this, but you can bet I’ll try to rent it this weekend. It stars Dennis Quad, Sarah Jessica Parker, Thomas Haden Church and the wonderful Ellen Page. From IMDB:

“Into the life of a widowed professor comes a new love and an unexpected visit from his adopted brother.”

It only got a 50% on RT, and a 6.6 on IMDB, but I’ve heard good things about it nonetheless. And it’s Ellen Page!

The Bank Job

This movie came out last week, the same week I skipped DVD picks, so I’m telling you about it now. Jason Statham and others lead an awesome cast and a great crime caper that tells the true story of a bank robbery that went unsolved for something like 30 years. You can read my original review here.

Juncture (2007)

Okay, I’m not recommending this AT ALL, but I thought it was pretty amazing that the cover of Juncture’s DVD looks almost EXACTLY like the Wanted poster with Angelina Jolie.

The movie got a 4.3 on IMDB is that’s any indication on how bad it was.

The Wire: The Complete Fifth Season

Never seen an episode, but the praise I hear for this series always impresses me.

The Doors (Blu-Ray)

Never saw this movie either, but some people loved it and now it’s out on Blu-Ray. The few of you who have one of these players and love this movie are headed for utter bliss this weekend.

What You’ll Probably Rent

Wow, this week really sucks for this category, because there’s not even anything that’s remotely awesomely bad that you’d even be duped into renting.

I’ll just go over a couple of things that you wont rent, but are probably bad enough to include in this category.

Prison Break: Season 3 (Blu-Ray, DVD)

A yucky third season down in Panama really led to major disappointment for fans who were still so addicted to the show, they never stopped watching.

Maximum Risk (Blu-Ray)

Jean-Claude Van Damme and Natasha Henstridge in what can only be an awful action adventure.

Caroline in the City: The First Season

I totally forgot about this show. I can’t even remember if it was good or bad, but I do remember laughing at times. Lea Thompson…how I wish you had been in Back to the Future sequels.