Was it really a surprise when rumors began to swirl early last year that 88 Minutes was to be discarded on DVD? Sure, the real-time thriller starred Al Pacino. But these days no potential bomb is safe, regardless of its budget, big-name cast and critical reception.
In the past two years, some of Hollywood’s most famous stars—from Richard Gere to Jennifer Lopez—have found themselves making films intended for theatrical release that end up going straight to DVD. So, to help you decide whether to rent a “busted theatrical” you’ve never heard of but stars one of your favorite actors, we’re taken the time to tell what we think of the 10 highest-profile films to debut on DVD since 2006.
10. Darwin Awards
The Big Losers: Winona Ryder, Joseph Fiennes
Deservedly Dumped?: If you thought Ryder had paid her debt to society, think again. Hollywood’s sentenced Ms. Sticky Fingers to patronize intriguing but hit-or-miss indie comedies until she gets back in the studios’ good graces. Director Finn Taylor’s premise is amusing: two insurance investigators (Ryder and Fiennes) dissect claims involving likely nominees for the Darwin Awards, which honor the morons who accidentally kill themselves in the dumbest of ways. But the flatter-than-a-MacBook Fiennes—miscast as Ryder’s obsessive-compulsive partner—almost ruins everything with his appalling impersonation of Adrian Monk. No wonder Ryder looks aghast all the time. Still, even anti-Darwinists will chuckle at David Arquette, Alessandro Nivola and Judah Friedlander offing themselves in outrageous fashion.
Stars: 2
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