American: The Bill Hicks Story
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Written, Produced, and Directed by Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas
Starring Bill Hicks, Dwight Slade, Kevin Booth, John Farneti
BBC Worldwide
Originally Released: October 23, 2009

“That’s right. When L.A. falls in the fuckin’ ocean and is flushed away, all it will leave is Arizona Bay” – Bill Hicks, 1993.

American: The Story Of Bill Hicks is actually a UK-made film that takes a look at the life, the history, the drive, the wit, and the significance of the visionary comic Bill Hicks. With a unique visual presentation, and interviews with family members and friends who he performed with, the documentary gives a unique inside view into the advancement of Hicks both as a person and as a performer.

The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
Netflix Streaming
DVD Volume 1
DVD Volume 2
DVD Volume 3
DVD Volume 4
Directed by Vinton Heuck and Sebastian Montes
Starring Brian Bloom, Chris Cox, Mark Hamill, Lance Henriksen, Phil LaMarr, Eric Loomis, Gabriel Mann, James C. Mathis III, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Fred Tatasciore, Rick D. Wasserman, Wally Wingert
Disney / Marvel
Originally Broadcast: September 22, 2010

The new animated series of The Avengers is a fantastic journey into fun adventure, with writing that embraces the best elements of all Marvel media, wrapped around the original comic book foundation created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Taking these elements involved, and coupled with excellent voice talent, and an animated style that pays tribute to earlier cartoons, The Avengers is a lot of fun for comic and superhero fans of all ages.

Ironclad
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Written and Directed by Jonathan English
Starring James Purefoy, Brian Cox, Kate Mara, Derek Jacobi, Paul Giamatti, Charles Dance, Jason Flemyng
Warner Bros. and ARC Entertainment
Originally Released: March 04, 2011

Claiming to be the largest independent production from Wales, Ironclad is a period conflict piece depicting King John‘s wrathful march against rebels following the signing of the Magna Carta. Complete with stellar performances, impressive casting, and exceptional action choreography, the movie is most unquestionably worth your viewing time.

Ironclad essentially is a recapping of the siege of Rochester Castle in 1215. Determined to seek revenge for being forced to sign the Magna Carta, King John (Paul Giamatti) begins a cause to reclaim his royal power over England. A small rebel power led by Baron William d’Aubigny (Brian Cox) and accompanied by Crusade veteran and Templar, Thomas Marshall (James Prefoy), take claim of Rochester before the King can do so. A solid and bloody battle ensues, as the revolutionaries hope to hold the location until their expected reinforcements arrive.

Repeaters
Netflix Streaming
DVD
Directed by Carl Bessai
Starring Dustin Milligan, Amanda Crew, Richard de Klerk, Alexia Fast, Gabrielle Rose
Rampart Films
Originally Released: September 13, 2010

Repeaters is an interesting indie Canadian film dealing with the subject of a time loop, delving into a science fiction realm that touches on a multitude of elements that pivot upon individual choices. Directed by Carl Bessai, the movie is entertaining, with some notable performances (particularly from Alexia Fast) – but the film suffers from the inevitable comparisons to Groundhog Day.

Essentially, the plot of Repeaters focuses on three individuals: Kyle Halsted (Dustin Milligan), Sonia Logan (Amanda Crew), and Michael Weeks (Richard de Klerk). All are recovering drug addicts, remanded into custody in a rehab clinic somewhere in Canada. As they make slow progress, the young former addicts are allowed day passes – but something undefined causes the three of them to live the same day over and over again.

The Bang Bang Club
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Directed by Steven Silver
Starring Ryan Phillipe, Taylor Kitsch, Frank Rautenbach, Neels Van Jaarsveld, Vusi Kunene, Malin Ã…kerman
Paramount Pictures
Originally Released: September 15, 2010

Directed by Steven Silver, The Bang Bang Club tells of the factual events that scarred South Africa in the very early 1990’s, as documented in the book from which the film is based. The story follows the work and lives of four photojournalists who dived into the most violent districts and incidents during the time and the popularity and notoriety they attained being dubbed as “the Bang Bang club.”