Until the US gets its own double feature release of Grindhouse, this is the one to pick up. While some may be turned off by the chatty build up, you can’t deny that Death Proof lays claim to more breathtaking car chase than any of that Fast and/or Furious slurry could ever dream of.
If you long for those heydays of Kurt Russell badassery, unseen since his collaborations with John Carpenter, you owe it to yourself to check the dude out as Stuntman Mike, a sociopath whose only weapon is titanium reinforced car of 80mph murder.
Bestest Bonus: Stunts on Wheels: The Legendary Drivers of Death Proof goes behind the automotive mayhem, showing you exactly how to create a mid air collision with a Chevy Nova and remove a woman’s face with a tire.
Planet of the Apes
Tim Burton’s remake should follow the logic of its own ending and fire itself off into space, rewriting history to where it never existed. This is the real deal, and it’s never been quite so beautiful than on Blu-ray featuring Charlton Heston at his most godlike.
A future where ape lords over man? It happened! Many times apparently, and you can see for yourself if you want to drop a Benji on the uber comprehensive 40th Anniversary Blu box set, and you absolutely should.
Fun Fact: In spite of scenes featuring people getting shot in the neck and full frontal male nudity, the original POTA is G-rated family affair, so bring the kids in for a history lesson public schools are too afraid to teach.
Bestest Bonus: A picture-in-picture video commentary called “Science of the Apes” featuring actual scientists waxing the logistics of evolution and time travel. You may not know it yet, but you’re very interested.
Above: Here’s to the present!
Tommy Boy: Holy Schnike Edition
Can’t believe this actually feels old now. But it doesn’t matter. Run ins with wildlife, road tripping, getting caught masturbating - that sounds just like any other comedy released today, doesn’t it? Join a handful of SNL cast members as they scramble to save an ailing auto parts factory with the power of prat falls and fat jokes. Sarcasm aside, if you’re too young to remember why people remember Chris Farley fondly, Tommy Boy will clue you in.
Bestest Bonus: “Tommy Boy: Behind the Laughter” - A touching 30 minute look back at Farley featuring every (living) actor from the film.
