Liz's Thursday Picks

This week, the picks for movie and DVD may be a little disappointing...there's not a whole lot of awesomeness hitting theaters and DVD in the next week. Just a word of warning.

Movie Pick: The Town

Starring: Ben Affleck, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Chris Cooper, Rebecca Hall and Blake Lively

Release Date: Friday, Sept. 17

The Town is a film about a Boston bank robber (Ben Affleck) who decides to go straight after he falls for a robbery victim/bank manager (Rebecca Hall). Obviously, the choice to quit bank robbing isn't very popular with Ben Affleck's criminal buddies, and violence ensues. I'm excited for this film because A. the cast is full of win (JON FRIGGIN' HAMM!!!), and B. I'm a sucker for a crime movie full of Boston accents. I think this movie has some promise, and I'm really hoping Affleck can pull this off. This movie is based off the Chuck Hogan novel Prince of Thieves, so there's some homework for you. Check out the trailer.

DVD Pick: Paper Man
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone and Lisa Kudrow
Release Date: Tuesday, Sept. 14

Paper Man is a film that is probably under your radar, but it's definitely worth checking out. Jeff Daniels stars as a failed writer who makes friends with a teenage Emma Stone. This unlikely friendship leads to a ton of self-discovery and funniness. Ryan Reynolds creates some hilarity as Daniels' superhero invisible friend, and my favorite Friend Lisa Kudrow plays Daniels' wife. There's even an appearance by Hunter Parrish, who is the fan favorite to play Peeta Mellark in the Hunger Games movie. Take a look at the trailer.

Book Pick: Reckless
Written by Cornelia Funke
Release Date: Tuesday, Sept. 14
Synopsis:

Beyond the mirror, the darkest fairy tales come alive. . . .

For years, Jacob Reckless has enjoyed the Mirrorworld’s secrets and treasures.

Not anymore.

His younger brother has followed him.

Now dark magic will turn the boy to beast, break the heart of the girl he loves, and destroy everything Jacob holds most dear. . . .

Unless he can find a way to stop it.

This book seems very interesting. It kind of reminds me of The Labyrinth. It's received great early reviews, so it's very promising. Plus, that cover is really cool.