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![Wrath of the Titans [Blu-ray]](/wp-content/plugins/pp/images/b23671a6fc1405766bc155af409f8036.jpg)
A riveting action-adventure, "Backdraft," and a story of love rediscovered, "Hope Floats," top the list of this week’s Blu-ray releases.</p><p> Director Ron Howard scores again with "Backdraft" (Universal, 1991, $26.98), an unforgettable visual experience about the lives of firefighters. Kurt Russell stars as Stephen McCaffery, a veteran with the Chicago Fire Department carrying on a family tradition started by his late father.</p><p> Stephen is tough on his younger brother Brian (William Baldwin), who is also trying to make his mark as a firefighter. Brian quickly becomes tired of Stephen’s big-brother attitude. Their bickering sometimes threatens to interfere with their job. Eventually, they are able to put their differences aside together when they learn an arsonist is setting fires around the city.</p><p> The film takes us inside buildings as firefighters battle raging blazes. It seems so real in high def that sometimes you wonder if you’re going to choke on the smoke. The release has many extras, including a look at real-life firemen. Also in the cast are Robert De Niro, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Donald Sutherland, Scott Glenn and Rebecca De Mornay. Highly recommended.</p><p> "Hope Floats" (20th Century Fox, 1998, $24.99) is a predictable tale of romance but Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. make it an enjoyable viewing experience. Bullock plays Birdee Pruitt, who seemingly has the perfect life while living in Chicago with her husband and daughter. That is, until she finds out her husband is having an affair with her best friend.</p><p> Devastated, Birdee and her daughter Bernice (Mae Whitman) move back to her hometown of Smithville, Texas, in hopes of starting a new life. Her mother Ramona (Gena Rowlands) has plenty of advice.</p><p> Birdee finds a job and discovers how tough it is to be a single working mother. Not long after arriving in Smithville, she runs into old high school classmate Justin Matisse (Connick) who still carries a torch for her. Directed by Forest Whitaker. Recommended.</p><p> Other Blu-ray releases:</p><p> "My Dog Skip" (Warner Brothers, 2000, $19.98): Frankie Muniz plays Willie Morris, a shy 9-year-old who discovers the wonders of life and growing up thanks his lovable terrier Skip. Also in the cast are Kevin Bacon as his stern father and Diana Lane as is understanding mother. The film won a Critics Choice Award as the best family film of 2000. Based on the memoir of the real Willie Morris.</p><p> "A Walk in the Clouds" (20th Century Fox, 1995, $24.99): This romantic outing at least strives to be different and fresh. Keanu Reeves plays Paul Sutton, who has just returned home as World War II concludes. He decides to become a traveling chocolate salesman in civilian life. While on a bus riding through Napa Valley, he meets Victoria Aragon (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon) who is pregnant and unmarried. She fears the reaction of her wine-growing family, so Paul agrees to pose as her husband. Anthony Quinn plays the grandfather.</p><p> "Case 39" (Paramount, 2009, $29.99): Renee Zellweger plays family services social worker Emily Jenkins, who is trying to save a 10-year-old girl from an abusive family situation. As she looks into the case, Emily finds out it’s more terrifying than even she imagined. The chiller also stars Bradley Cooper and Ian McShane.</p><p> "Once Upon a Time In Mexico" (Sony, 2003, $19.95): The third entry in what is known as the "Mariachi Trilogy" from director Robert Rodriguez. In this one, Antonio Banderas plays El Mariachi, who is hired by a CIA agent (Johnny Depp) to kill the leader of Mexican guerilla force that’s involved in drugs and murder. Along the way, El Mariachi uncovers a plot to bump off the president of Mexico. The other two films – "El Mariachi" (1992) and "Desperado" (1995) – are also available at $19.95 each.</p><p> "The Last Exorcism" (Lionsgate, 2010, $39.99): The Rev. Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian) arrives at a Louisiana farm, where he expects to perform another routine exorcism. Marcus has made a living convincing people he can pull off such a stunt. Only problem is the farm girl really is possessed with a powerful demon. Marcus finds himself facing an incredible evil.</p><p> "Dinner for Schmucks" (Paramount, 2010, $29.99): In this comedy, Paul Rudd plays a young rising executive who participates in his boss’s exclusive and offbeat dinner parties. The executive who brings the biggest buffoon to the party is the winner. Also in the film is Steve Carell, who plays a guy who likes to build historic dioramas featuring mice.</p><p> "Catfish" (Universal, 2010, $39.98): This documentary reveals what life can be like on the Internet and the lies that can be found there, too. Filmmaker Ariel Schulman thought he had good subject for the film in his brother Nev. As time passed, both were surprised at the stunning twists and turns the production took.</p><p> "Ticking Clock" (Sony, 2010, $30.95): Cuba Gooding Jr. shines as an investigative crime journalist in this tense thriller. It’s a race against time to stop a brutal serial killer who is ready to strike again. Neal McDonough plays the killer with a chill-inducing demeanor.</p><p> "Ever After: A Cinderella Story" (20th Century Fox, 1998, $24.99): So you thought that Cinderella stuff was a fairy tale, eh? Think again. Now, at last, this film promises to tell the "true" story behind it all. Drew Barrymore stars as the young girl who has to put up with her wicked stepmother (Angelica Huston) before the handsome prince (Dougray Scott) comes along</p><p> "Machete" (20th Century Fox, 2010, $39.99): In this action-packed film, Danny Trejo plays Machete, an ex-federal agent who is out to take down his former boss Torrez (Steven Seagal). Accompanying him on the mission are Sartana (Jessica Alba), Padre (Cheech Marin) and Luz (Michelle Rodriguez). Also in the cast is Robert De Niro.</p><p> "Ishtar" (Sony, 1987, $24.95): Time has not improved this film’s reputation as being one of the worst ever made. Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty play lounge musicians whose agent lands them a gig in Morocco. Along the way, they become involved in various international plots.</p><p> Also:</p><p> "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (New Line, 1997, $19.98), Michael Myers; "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" (New Line, 1999, $19.98), Myers; "Austin Powers in Goldmember" (New Line, 2002, 19.98), Myers; "Coraline 3-D" (Universal, 2009, $49.98), computer animation; "How the West Was Won" (Warner Brothers, 1962, $24.98), Gregory Peck, James Stewart; "JFK" (Warner Brothers, 1991, $24.98), Kevin Costner.
Source: Reviews Of Electronics
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