Disc of the Week (5/10/11)

The DVD/Blu-ray output the past few weeks has been less than stellar. This week is a bit stronger, if only for the release of Derek Cianfrance’s flawed-yet-heartbreaking anti-romance Blue Valentine. While the central relationship of the film seems doomed from the very beginning, it’s hard not to get caught up in the story of two young, dumb lovers played by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. We want things to work out well for them. When they ultimately don’t, it hurts big time.

It’s the performances that make it all work. While Gosling’s performance is the showier of the two, it is undoubtedly the catalyst of the heartbreak to come. While he is constantly acting like a naïve child, Williams is out working her hands to the bone. Before long, you could cut the tension with a knife. If this all sounds like a recipe for disaster, that’s because it is. Watching Blue Valentine is like being trapped in a small car heading toward a brick wall at 100 miles per hour. Luckily, it works more often than not. When it lacks impact, it’s often because the film is too obvious. Not only are Gosling and Williams in a doomed relationship, but so are their parents. Also, Williams’ grandmother delivers a monologue which claims true love does not exist. It’s at its weakest when it wallows in the misery of the whole affair. When it stays focused on the task at hand, it’s pretty darn terrific.

Another one of this week’s releases is Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, which is a much more fascinating film than you might expect. This doesn’t mean that it’s good, per se, but it’s one of the most effective pieces of Bieberist propaganda I’ve seen. By that, I mean it’s the most manipulative thing of all time. While you know what you’re watching is absolute crap from a reality standpoint, Bieber himself is one of the most charming child stars we’ve ever had. Love him or hate him, he ain’t leaving.

There are two other notable options this week: No Strings Attached and I Saw the Devil. While I have not seen the latter, I can tell you that I hated the former. And I mean hated it.