Samurai's Pick: TROLL HUNTER (Region 1 Blu-ray; Magnet/Magnolia)
This film was a blast, I thought it was really well photographed and it kept it's story nice and tight. It is a found footage type film, which I honestly am tired of, but it takes a nice spin by having some really nice special effects and a great performance from the lead actor, Otto Jespersen.
Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray and DVD
Diabolik DVD and Blu-Ray
Blu-Ray.com Review
They Call Him Chad's Pick: ROUNDERS (Region 1 Blu-Ray; Miramax/Lionsgate)If you can get past the horrendous photoshop cover art, Rounders is one great little film centered on the underground poker scene. John Dahl has long been a favorite under-the-wire director of mine, consistently churning out small films (not to mention some great television episodes) that usually develop followings yet not one large enough to propel him into bigger budget features. His natural modern noirish aesthetic fits perfectly here and exudes the gritty NYC atmosphere. The cast, of course, is stellar, featuring outstanding work by Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich and John Turturro. If you're familiar with screenwriters David Levien and Brian Koppleman, this is them at their best, crafting a script packed with fun moments and slick dialogue exchanges. Rounders is one of those films where you'll find yourself latching onto numerous characters and wondering what a spinoff movie featuring some of these supporting players might be like. Released slightly prior to the poker boom, it's too bad that Rounders was a bit ahead of its time and wasn't profitable enough to warrant a logical sequel set during the rise of poker, online card playing and televised tournaments.
Links:
Amazon Blu-Ray
Blu-Ray.com Review
High-Def Digest Review
Troll Hunter is a must own!
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