An action comedy that kicked off the summer movie season tops the DVD releases for the week of July 23.
“The Fall Guy”: A stuntman (Ryan Gosling) gets involved in a murder mystery while trying to save the movie directed by his estranged girlfriend (Emily Blunt).
“In theory, ‘The Fall Guy’ may be former stuntman David Leitch’s loving tribute to stunt professionals, but in practice, it’s a demonstration of the importance of movie star charisma,” writes Tribune News Service critic Katie Walsh in her review. “Loosely based on the 1980s TV show that starred Lee Majors as a stunt man moonlighting as a bounty hunter, ‘The Fall Guy’ orbits around one person with a planetary-sized screen presence, Ryan Gosling. Hair streaked with the remaining vestiges of his ‘Barbie’ blond, the sun seems to rise and set based on where he directs his deep blue gaze, which is usually at his co-star, Emily Blunt.”
Also new on DVD
“The Strangers: Chapter 1”: The first of three entries in the 2024 horror trilogy from director Renny Harlin (“Die Hard 2”) finds a young couple encountering masked ne’er-do-wells while at a remote rental cabin.
“Back to Black”: A biopic about the iconic and tragic soul singer Amy Winehouse and the writing of her 2006 album of the same name.
“Ezra”: A stand-up comic takes his autistic son on a spontaneous road trip across the country, setting out for L.A. to perform on Jimmy Kimmel. Starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne and Vera Farmiga.
“Arcadian”: Nic Cage stars in this horror thriller as a father who, along with his twin sons, faces off against monstrous creatures as the end times arrive.
“Not Another Church Movie”: This spoof film takes aim at the works of Tyler Perry. Starring Vivica A. Fox, Kevin Daniels and Mickey Rourke.
“Halo: Season Two”: The Paramount+ series based on the long-running video game franchise returns for a second season with Master Chief and co.
“Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part Three”: The DC superhero squad has a final desperate fight against the Anti-Monitor in this final entry in the Tomorrowverse.
“Sense and Sensibility”: Hallmark Channel adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel featuring Deborah Ayorinde, Bethany Antonia and Dan Jeannotte.
“Risky Business”: New to the Criterion Collection is Paul Brickman’s 1983 coming-of-age satire starring Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay, boasting new 4K digital restorations of the theatrical release and director’s cut.
“Farewell My Concubine”: Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige’s 1993 drama, which spans most of the 20th century, also joins the Criterion ranks.
“Anselm”: Wim Wenders’ 2023 documentary about German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer enjoys a release on Criterion’s Janus Contemporaries imprint.
