The barren Summer months of watered-down releases have finally come and gone. August left much to be desired, but September promises to deliver a fantastic collection of films arriving on DVD. Two of 2014's finest early-year offerings headline a strong class of titles work checking out this month.
Chef - 3 stars out of 4 - (Read my full review here)
Jon Favreau puts all of his many talents on display as the writer, director and star of Chef, a heartwarming tale of a culinary genius desperately searching for a reasonable platform to creatively express his passion for cooking. And after a difference in opinion with his boss and a twitter battle with one of the most powerful food critics around costs him his job, he embarks on a food-truck journey with his chef-sidekick (played by John Leguizamo) and son. With a budget of merely $10 million, this little festival darling tells a story that is both tender and uplifting. Chef stands tall as one of 2014's finest films and an experience that everyone savor. (September 30th)
The Fault in Our Stars - 3 stars out of 4 - (Read my full review here)
Another very impressive film coming to DVD this September is Josh Boone's adapted teenage drama, The Fault in Our Stars. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort star as Hazel and Gus, a pair of ill teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. And no matter how much Hazel tries to distance herself from Gus to avoid an inevitable heartbreak, the witty and spry young man refuses to give up so easily. Catering to the emotions and intended to tug at the heartstrings, there's no escaping the remarkable love story at the center of The Fault in our Stars. (September 16th)
Neighbors - 3 stars out of 4 - (Read full review here)
One of 2014's most notable comedies will be hitting shelves this month as well. Nicholas Stoller's riotous R-rated comedy, Neighbors, follows a young married couple (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) who's surprised to discover that a fraternity has purchased the house next door to them. Tip-toeing a fine line between adulthood and the college-lifestyle, they soon realize that they can't keep up with party habits of their neighbors (Zac Efron and Dave Franco). High on improv comedy and desperate to deliver the shock-appeal, Neighbors is an indisputably hilarious effort that even culminates with a well-intended message. If you're seeking some raunchy laughs, then look no further. (September 23rd)
Honorable Mention: While I unsatisfied with Godzilla (9/16) and suggest staying away from Draft Day (9/2) altogether, there are plenty of other secondary titles worth looking in to. A ton of praise has been given to one of 2014's highest grossing films, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (9/9), so fans of the Marvel Universe will want to check that out. Various Sundance selections I got a chance to view include God's Pocket (9/9), which is a fun watch for people from the Philly area, Cold in July (9/30), a highly praised festival favorite that I didn't love, and the decent family drama Hellion (9/30). Three other indie titles I'm interested in seeing are Jesse Eisenberg in Night Moves (9/2), Guy Pearce in The Rover (9/23) and James Franco in Palo Alto (9/9).
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