While November brought very little in the form of worthwhile newly released DVDs, it’s a typical expectation as the calm before the Christmas storm. However, as it stands now, December isn’t shaping up to be a particularly great month of releases itself. While I was less than impressed with big-named titles like Prisoners (12/17), Elysium (12/17), and the critically-loved indies Drinking Buddies (12/3) and Ain’t Them Bodies Saints (12/17), all of these films will be reaching the shelves just in time for the holiday season. But outside of those offerings, here are my DVD selections for the month of December.
#1. Shameless (The Series)
Last month I had no other choice but to praise the completion of my favorite television drama of all-time, Breaking Bad. Now this month, due to a week offering by the DVD-release gods, I’m sticking with what works and recommending my new favorite show on TV, Showtime’s Shameless. This holiday season is as good a time as any to start from the beginning and catch up on an extremely underrated series. Admittedly, the first season is a little strange and peculiar, but stay strong, because season two and three offer some of the best laughs and drama you’ll see anywhere on television. The Gallagher family is both lovable and despicable all at the same time. There’s no shortage of fantastic character development and you’ll be hooked, guaranteed! (December 17th)
#2. Despicable Me 2
I’m going out on a limb here and giving a blind recommendation for Despicable Me 2. If you’re sitting around this Christmas and looking for the type of movie the entire family can enjoy, why not take a chance with Despicable Me 2? It’s first installment offered plenty of laugh-out-loud hilarity, and I’ve heard that the sequel keeps up with a healthy dose of comedy itself. (December 10th)
#3. Don Jon
Although I ultimately gave it a completely mediocre review, a lackluster crop to choose from is forcing me to throw Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Don Jon into the ring. He delivers the triple threat as the writer, director and star of his own passion project about a porn-addict who’s been discovered by his new girlfriend (Scarlett Johansson). Despite being a heart-warming tale of self discovery and maturation, Don Jon suffers from a cyclic (albeit intended) approach that repeats itself over and over again, to the point of ad nauseam. I was extremely conflicted on this indie, which was fresh out of the Sundance Film Festival, and saw it twice before I could make a final decision. Perhaps you’ll find a little more enjoyment in Don Jon than I did. (December 31st)
Honorable Mention: Despite missing out on all of them myself, action fans may want to take a chance on any of The Wolverine (12/3), Fast & Furious 6 (12/10), The Lone Ranger (12/17) or Kick-Ass 2 (12/17). As a huge horror buff, I definitely plan on catching the sequel Insidious: Chapter 2 (12/24) even though I was underwhelmed with the ending of the original. And finally, one of the most raved about foreign films of the year is The Hunt (12/10), I hear it’s a must see. Until next month, have a wonderful holiday season!