New on DVD & Blu-ray: April 19, 2011

This week’s releases include: a government agent continues to harbour an alien whose become a member of his family; a world of tiny people that teaches an oversized man a lesson; and a look at the struggle and triumph of a man who would lead a nation.

New on DVD & Blu-ray: April 12, 2011

This week’s releases include: the third instalment of a classic fantasy series; a tale of love and music; the story of a Cold War operation; and an unexpectedly intense narrative of a family in mourning.

New on DVD & Blu-ray: March 22, 2011

This week’s release include: a rom-com about finding Mr. Right; the real-life tale of a drug dealer; a sequel to a bizarre, almost all-girl adventure; a wrong place, wrong time spy flick; and the quarter-century anniversary release of a film about growing up.

New on DVD & Blu-ray: February 22, 2011

This week’s releases include: a deal with dangerous strings attached; two unlikely companions end up on a road trip together; and a love story about a family dealing with life’s big questions.

Review: The King’s Speech

Many people suffer from a fear of public speaking. The idea of everyone being acutely attuned to everything you say and how you say it can be paralyzing. Luckily, most people are not made to confront this phobia often. However, in a world that increasingly requires personal address by industry leaders, public speaking has become a necessary evil for a variety of occupations. In 1925, the popularity of radios meant country leaders were no longer just ornaments; they were now expected to speak directly to their people – often. For King George VI, this was a terrifying proposition because he had a debilitating stutter – until he met a man who became a lifelong friend.

TIFF ’10: The King’s Speech

King George VI (Colin Firth) was plagued by a dreaded stutter that made people think he was unfit for the throne – until he formed a lifelong friendship with a speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush). Firth’s performance is excellent, often conveying numerous emotions through just his eyes; meanwhile Rush remains fittingly just outside of the spotlight. Director Tom Hooper is very adept at these period pieces, having mastered the overview of one man’s life. The film is a fascinating and well-rounded view a good man with the potential to be a great king.

New on DVD: Easy Virtue

Easy Virtue is not your typical period film. Even though it takes place in the 1920s, it has a modern edge with a contemporary-made-period soundtrack.

Before taking on his familial responsibilities, John (Ben Barnes) took a hiatus in America. When he returns to his strict Victorian-ruled home, he is joined by his wife Larita (Jessica Biel), a sexy, older, widowed American race car champion. Mrs. Whittaker (Kristin Scott Thomas) is appalled by her son’s choice in partners; while her two daughters (Kimberley Nixon and Katherine Parkinson) are initially captivated by Larita, they soon join their mother’s ranks. Larita does, however, find an ally in Mr. Whittaker (Colin Firth). He may have returned from the war in body but not in soul. What takes place is a battle of wits between Mrs. Whittaker and Larita, as they each try to be the most important woman in John’s life.

The film is a combination of fun and venom. Mrs. Whittaker represents a standard of life that became outdated with the end of World War I, while Larita is the essence of glamour of the roaring ‘20s. Both Thomas and Biel play their roles to a tee. Even though John is the cause of the tension, he becomes somewhat secondary to the women’s toxic relationship. One of the most important elements of this clash is the underlying comedy. Larita endures some hilarious accidents that only worsen her attempts to befriend Mrs. Whittaker until she finally abandons all efforts entirely.

It’s definitely categorized as a romantic comedy; however, the romance unexpectedly occurs between Larita and Mr. Whittaker rather than the newlyweds. The connection between Larita and her father-in-law is completely platonic but her vibrant energy brings him back to life, when he had retreated from his family so long ago. He is accepting, if not encouraging, of her behaviour and style. Meanwhile, she finds comfort in his company as they bond over their misfit-status within the family.

Easy Virtue is an enjoyable romp in a time long gone, without conforming to the unexciting standards of a period piece.

DVD special features include: four deleted scenes; a blooper reel; a featurette shot at the film’s New York premiere; and commentary with director Stephan Elliott and writer Sheridan Jobbins, which is clever informative.