Action-packed 'Jack Reacher' out on DVD
“Jack Reacher”
Tom Cruise takes the title role in “Jack Reacher,” a nonstop action film based on Lee Childs' novels.
The thriller begins in downtown Pittsburgh, where a sniper shoots down innocent people walking on the riverbank. The police arrest James Barr (Joseph Sikora), an army veteran with a violent past. When Barr is asked to confess to the crime, he hands over a note that reads ”Get Jack Reacher.” The two men know each other from their days in the military, and Barr's defense attorney hires Reacher as her investigator.
Reacher marches to his own drummer, and he believes that there is more to the story than a lone gunman. The fight scenes are top-notch and, predictably, Reacher wins every time. Pittsburgh plays a big role in the film, and the muscle cars going down the dark streets at high speeds will take your breath away.
“Henry Fonda Film Collection”
Known as an actor's actor, Henry Fonda appeared in more than 80 films, embracing every character that he portrayed. His films cross all genres — from war tales and westerns to comedies and romance.
The films in this new DVD collection are: “Daisy Kenyon,” “Drums Along The Mohawk,” “Immortal Sergeant,” “Jesse James,” “My Darling Clementine,” “The Boston Strangler,” “The Grapes of Wrath,” “The Longest Day,” “The Ox-Bow Incident” and “The Return of Frank James.”
“Barrymore”
Christopher Plummer reprises his Tony Award-winning role as actor John Barrymore in the film based on William Luce's terrific one-man play. It's 1942, and Barrymore — once the king of Hollywood and Broadway — is nearing the end of the road. One of the most celebrated stars of his generation, Barrymore's life, including his battle with alcohol, has finally caught up with him.
Plummer delivers an incredible performance as audiences relive the events of John Barrymore's life, filled with destructive words and actions. It's a convincing portrait of Barrymore, warts and all.
“Citizen Hearst”
Many people base what they know about publishing baron William Randolph Hearst from Orson Welles' classic film “Citizen Kane.” There was much more to the man, and this documentary, narrated by William H. Macy, traces the 125-year history of the Hearst media empire.
Many celebrities are interviewed, along with members of the Hearst family in San Simeon, Calif. The documentary takes viewers inside the Hearst Castle, and the bonus featurettes are excellent.
Available next week
• “Cloud Atlas”
• “Face 2 Face”
• “History of Your Life: Decades Collection”
• “Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg”
• “Lindsay Lohan: Liz & Dick”
• “Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection”
• “Roseanne: The Complete Series”