Home Entertainment with Daniel Dercksen
New DVDs

Rating * Your choice ** Average  *** Entertaining  **** Good  ***** Must Have

Gangster Squad ***** An exceptional work of art revealing that there is no difference between an apocalyptic world ravaged by Zombies and a post-war City of Angels consumed by malevolent greed.
The profound impact of Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer's skillfully crafted portrait of Los Angeles' kingdom of gangster in 1949 is grounded in how delicately he peels away the layers of the shocking and violent nature of human beings, yet manages to deliver a soulful and emotional journey into the compassion of humaneness.
Set against the background of an affluent world dominated by power at its most corrupt and evil, it deals with the relentless warfare between Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn), who runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and--if he has his way--every wire bet placed west of Chicago, and Sgt. John O'Mara (Josh Brolin), a man who's come back from war, and can't quite figure out how to live in peace time. From its shocking opening scene to its illuminating finale, Fleischer and his creative team immerse the audience into the reality of Los Angeles in the late forties. The reality allows for a real connection between the violence, compassion and camaraderie. Gangster Squad is also not just a film about violence, but a powerful statement of how crime and gangs can tear the fabric of family and society to shreds.Fleischer shows that violence in film can be graceful, and its poetic justice underlines the cruel and malicious nature of human beings and their intentional or inadvertent actions.
If you enjoy crime films and human dramas with bite and aptitude, Gangster Squad provides ideal escapism into the past, allowing a harrowing story of corruption and evil to resonate and reflect our contemporary crime ridden cities.  Read more

Argo ***** Malicious reality and redundant fear can easily imprison us, but as Argo shows, it's the fantasy of our imagination and unwavering optimism that can set us free and resolve unthinkable dilemmas. The captivating and alluring drama and sardonic absurdity of Argo is fueled with ardent passion by the fantasy of a make believe world (a constructed reality that has beguiled moviegoers since the dawn of cinema), and the rebellions thoughts of an idealist (with Ben Affleck in top form as real-life Tony Mendez, the CIA's best exfiltration officer--a specialist in getting people out of hostile spots).This lethal combination not only allows for a flawless film, but allows for impossible odds to be trumped. Based on real events, the dramatic thriller chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis; on November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage.  Focusing on the little-known role that the CIA and Hollywood played--information that was not declassified until many years after the event. Read more

Adventures in Zambezia *** South Africa has not been a major contender internationally when it comes to 3D or animation films, but with Zambezia the world is going to keep an eye on the local animation front. Vibrant and sassy, with a childlike innocence, Zambezia is entertainment that soars. With Zambezia, Triggerfish Animation proves that South Africa can indeed break into the international arena and produce a well crafted proudly made local film. Read more

The Cold Light of Day **** An adrenaline fuelled action thriller from director Mabrouk El Mechri, with Henry Cavill as a man who is forced to question everything he has ever known in order to stay alive long enough to rescue his family… Alone in an unfamiliar city, he is forced to piece together the puzzle of his missing family. Armed with a gun, but no information, distraught, confused, he is unwittingly embroiled in a Government conspiracy with agents from all sides hot on his tail. An unrelenting chase across the streets of Madrid intensifies, Is there anyone left he can trust? Also starring Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver. Read more

Rock of Ages ***** Films like Rock of Ages not only catch you by surprise (and never lets go), but totally bowls you over with its robust power, breathtaking spectacle and sensational music.Under the direction of Adam Shankman ("Hairspray"), New Line Cinema's feature film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical "Rock of Ages" comes to the big screen. "Rock of Ages" tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock 'n' roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister and more. Read more

Jack Reacher ***** An extraordinary pursuit for the truth, where nothing is what it seems and friend and family may actually be foe.  Tough and smart, with a disarming wit, no detail is too small for Jack Reacher.  Although he may be a loner who plays by his own rules, ultimately he is driven by a keen sense of justice.   Reacher finds himself pitted against an unexpected and astute enemy, one with an enormous predilection for violence and a secret to keep, maybe one worth killing for.  Reacher will have to use every ounce of cunning and strategy to anticipate and outwit his new adversary in order to protect the innocent and expose the truly guilty.  Read more

Top new titles for the DVD shelf

Flight *** In this dramatic thriller Denzel Washington plays Captain Whitaker, a seasoned airline pilot who miraculously crash lands his plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving nearly every soul on board. Afterwards, Whip is hailed as a hero, but as more is learned, more questions than answers arise as to who or what was really at fault and what really happened on that plane. Read more. 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ***** It is unquestionably one of the greatest cinematic experiences ever, and a proud prequel to the equally consummate The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Spectacular beyond belief, this emotional and visceral visual flight of fantasy truly celebrates the art of storytelling and storymaking at its most enchanting and mesmerising. Read more
End of Watch ***** In their mission to abide by their oath to serve and protect, Officer Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Officer Mike Zavala (Michael Peña) have formed a powerful brotherhood to ensure they both go home at the End of Watch.  Read more

A Monster in Paris *****  It's rare to fall hopelessly in love with a monster, but the exquisite French animation film A Monster In Paris guarantees the beginning of a great love affair with inspired storytelling and the refined art of animation. In Paris, 1910, panic sweeps the city. Floodwaters are rising and a monster is on the loose! Formidable Commissioner Maynott and his men hunt it down day and night. With no luck.  It could be that in the limelight at The Rare Bird, a Montmartre cabaret isn't a bad place to hide after all! It is here where we meet feisty songstress Lucille the star of The Rare Bird cabaret. Read more
The Amazing Spider-Man  ***** It is not a fluffy visual effects spectacle, but a heartfelt and soulful journey that pays homage to one of the greatest super heroes of all time. One of the world's most beloved characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. The bonus features include an insightful audio commentary by director Marc Webb and producers Avi Arad and Matt Tolmash, as well as deleted scenes and fun stubt rehearsal footage.  Read more
The Dark Knight Rises ***** This is indeed one of the highlights of the year. It has everything you could ask for in first rate entertainment and intelligent escapism that is meaningful and rewarding. It triumphantly rises to celebrate the art of storytelling and filmmaking. In the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy,  everything changes for the caped crusader with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda, and the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. Read more

Hit and Run *** If ever you thought that it is impossible to turn your ordinary world and humdrum existence inside out and upside down, Hit and Run is proof that anything can happen when cause and effect collide head-on. What seems like an ordinary road movie soon becomes and exceptional adventure, filled with zany and off-the-wall characters, daredevil chase sequences and comedic confrontations. Read more

Hope Springs **** With so many films exploring the sexuality of a younger generation, it is refreshing to find the mature rom-com Hope Springs. Oscar is going to love this delightful and utterly charming battle of the sexes and marriage make over with Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones as a devoted married couple who need to shed their bedroom hang-ups and try to re-ignite the spark that caused them to fall for each other in the first place. The fantastic bonus features incude audio commentary by director David Frankel, an intimate look at the making of the film, Mery Streep and Tommy Lee Jones talk about The Perfect Movie Marriage, and exploring the scenes. Read more
How I Spent My Summer Vacation ***** An explosive action film infused with dark comedy directed by Adrian Grunberg and produced by Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey and Stacy Perskie.  It's been a bad day for Driver and it's not getting any better. He just made a big haul of millions that would give him a nice summer vacation on easy street.  A good idea that went south - literally.During a high-speed car chase with the US Border Patrol and a bleeding body in his back seat, Driver flips his car smashing through the border wall, tumbling violently, coming to a stop … in Mexico.  Apprehended by the Mexican authorities, he is sent to a hard-core prison where he enters the strange and dangerous world of "El Pueblito."  Not an easy place for an outsider such as Driver to survive, unless it's with the help of someone who knows the ropes --  a 10 year-old kid.  Read more
The Lady ***** The extraordinary story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Michael Aris. It is also the epic story of the peaceful quest of the woman who is at the core of Burma's democracy movement.Despite distance, long separations, and a dangerously hostile regime, their love endures until the very end. A story of devotion and human understanding set against a backdrop of political turmoil that continues today. THE LADY was written over a period of three years by Rebecca Frayn. Interviews with key figures in Aung San Suu Kyi's entourage enabled her to reconstruct for the first time the true story of Burma's national heroine. Read more
Paranorman **** "I see dead people" gets a whole new meaning with the sensational animation film ParaNorman, a frightfully funny, magically emotional, and hilariously spooky story. Set in the town of Blithe Hollow, whose locals profit from mining the town's history as the site, 300 years ago, of a famous witch hunt,  11-year-old Norman Babcock spends much of his days appreciating the finer points of scary movies and studying ghost lore. In fact, Norman is gifted with the ability to see and speak with the dead, such as his beloved grandmother. Read more
Rise of the Guardians ***** If there's one thing animation films do exceptionally well, it's igniting the imagination and with the out-of-this-world Rise of The Guardians the mind explodes! You might think that you are familiar with the mythology of iconic legends like Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, Jack Frost and the Boogeyman, but Rise of the Guardians unearth a startling new reality into the world of fantasy that is unforgettable. The bonus features include filmmakers commentary, a doccie on Dreamers and Believers and The World of DreamWorks animation. Go behind the scenes
Salmon fishing in the Yemen For those who might think that fishing is tedious, the utterly enjoyable and charming British film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is guaranteed to not only change your opinion about our scaly friends, but transform your views on life, love and unrequited dreams. It's one of those rare gems that manage to reel you in and never let's go until its satisfying and surprising ending. Read more
Small Apartments *** Jonas Akerlund's wild and wacky comedy features Matt Lucas as a twisted wierdo who is trapped in a seedy LA apartment, surrounded by eccentric neighbours: a stoner (Johnny Knoxville), wanna-be stripper (Juno Temple), artist (James Caan). To add to his chaos, a drunk investigator (Billy Crystal) who is investigating the discovery of a bizarre murder. Nothing fazes the peculiar and eccentric Franklin, who dreams of Switzerland and waits each day for an envelope from his institutionalised brother (James Marsden). The bobus features include a behind the scenes featurette and How to build a Gravity Bong.
Step Up Revolution **** If you are looking for sizzling dance action, sexy moves and gorgeous bodies, Step Up Revolution guarantees to have your temperature soaring. It's all about dancing, and turning the art of dancing into protest art, using physical expression to make a statement and change the world from a humdrum rat race to one filled with rhythm and happiness. There's some really incredible and inspiring dance sequences that will take your breath away; choreographers Jamal Sims, Christopher Scott, Travis Wall and Chuck Maldano have teamed up to give fans an ultimate experience that provides first rate entertainment and spectacular action. The bonus features include featurettes on Becoming a star, choreography, Dancing on their own, making the mob; a Flash Mob Index; Music Videos, deleted scenes; as well as audio commentary by director Scott Speer and the cast  Read more
Ted *** The story of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg of Contraband), a grown man whose simple childhood wish brought his cherished teddy bear to life.   Read more
Total Recall **** A thrilling action thriller about reality and memory. For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he's got a beautiful wife (Kate Beckinsale) whom he loves, the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his frustrating life - real memories of life as a super-spy might be just what he needs. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. The line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and the fate of his world hangs in the balance as Quaid discovers his true identity, his true love, and his true fate.  The bonus features include 'Designing the Fall', the fascinating Science Fiction versus Science Fact' and a fun gag reel.  Read more