By DNA Smith
PICKS OF THE WEEK: “Kick-Ass” (R) — “Kick-Ass” is one of my favorite films of 2010 (after ”Toy Story 3” and “Iron Man 2”). Based on the cult comic-book series, “Kick-Ass” is the story of a high-school nebbish named Dave (Aaron Johnson) who secretly decides to become a superhero named Kick-Ass. When someone with a phonecam videos Kick-Ass beating down a bunch of goons, Kick-Ass becomes a YouTube sensation and Dave finds himself taking on more and more dangerous assignments.
Eventually, Kick-Ass comes to the attention of a local mobster (Mark Strong) and the teen finds himself over his head. Luckily, there are other masked vigilantes in town ready to come to his aid: Big Daddy (played to the hilt by Nicholas Cage doing his best Adam West impression) and 10-year-old Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz), a ruthless, vulgarity-spewing assassin.
With its high-octane, ultra-violent set pieces, “Kick-Ass” definitely earns its R rating, and director Matthew Vaughn keeps the pace of the film rockin’ like Dokken. If you’re a fan of films like “Kill Bill” or “Robo Geisha,” then you definitely need to check out “Kick-Ass.”
“The Breakfast Club” (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-Ray] (R) — This film about a group of high-school stereotypes bonding during a Saturday detention session made John Hughes the king of ’80s teen-angst films, created the term “Brat Pack” and skyrocketed Judd Nelson’s flaring nostrils into superstardom. Special features include a 12-part documentary by the cast and other filmmakers reminiscing about the making of the film and its impact on American culture, a commentary track with Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall, and a documentary on The Brat Pack.
“Elvis 75th Anniversary DVD Collection” (Unrated) — This is a massive, 17-disc collection containing 17 Elvis Presley films: “Jailhouse Rock, “It Happened at the World’s Fair, “Kissin’ Cousins,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “Girl Happy,” “Tickle Me,” “Harum Scarum,” “Spinout,” “Double Trouble,” “Stay Away Joe,” “Speedway,” “Live a Little Love a Little,” “Charro!,” “The Trouble with Girls,” “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is Special Edition,” “Elvis On Tour” and “This Is Elvis.” In addition to the films are a concert book featuring photos from many of The King’s live shows, 10 reproduction memorabilia items, and commentary tracks and making-of featurettes on many of the films. At a list price of $75 (you can find it for around $50 online), this is a reasonably priced collection for Elvis fans.
TV SERIES
“Saturday Night Live: Best of Will Ferrell” Volume Three
“Hawaii Five-0” Seasons 1-9
“Victory at Sea” Deluxe Edition
“Heroes” Season Four
“Monarchy” Complete Collection
“Lytton’s Diary” Complete Collection
“Mercy” Complete First Season
“Days That Shook the World” Season Three
“The Real Ghostbusters” Vol 3
© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.