We took a short break during the holidays, but we’re back to let you know all about the latest titles coming to home video. This week features some Golden Globe nominated and winning titles (and most likely Oscar contenders) with the release of Captain Phillips and Blue Jasmine (for which Cate Blanchett won the Golden Globe). Also this week, the over-the-top sequel Machete Kills, the well-regarded foreign film Instructions Not Included, and some early digital only releases of Escape Plan, Romeo and Juliet and Baggage Claim. Classic films get their due as well with new video upgrades for Robocop, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Cat People, Raise the Titanic and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. These titles and more will be released on January 21, so have a look at our handy shopper’s guide to see all of the major titles. Click on a link to make a purchase or to get more information, and remember that any purchase made through a link helps support our efforts here at CliqueClack.

In 2006, director Paul Greengrass brought United 93 to theatres. It was the first major motion picture about the events of 9/11, and despite the nearly five years that had passed, many questioned if the nation was ready to see the tragedy play out on the big screen. But Greengrass’ measured film allayed those fears and helped turn a page for American audiences. In Captain Phillips, he takes much of the same approach, finding a way to tell the story in an accurate, subdued, not hyper-dramatized way.

Tom Hanks plays the titular Phillips quite well. The captain is an everyman, but an intelligent, measured leader of men. There is something special about the way that he plays both sides of that. On one hand, there is a great deal of Cast Away’s Chuck Noland in his performance … an ordinary guy who just found himself in an extraordinary situation, but one prepared for it. The film is peppered with moments that showed Phillips thinking faster than those around him, but Hanks and Greengrass were careful not to let the hero become a superhero. It is a subtle line, but Captain Phillips manages it quite well.

The surprise of the film is easily newcomer Barkhad Abdi’s performance as the leader of the Somali boarding party, Muse. Abdi – and most of the rest of the Somali cast – were discovered amongst 700 participants at a casting call in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Abdi too brought something special to his performance. For most of the movie, Muse was in over his head … but smart enough to realize it. Instead of playing that from a place of desperation, Abdi instead has this quiet resolve, that without a way out, his only option was to forge ahead. Again, easily a choice that can go the wrong way quickly, but Abdi handles it easily.

Besides Abdi and Hanks’ stellar performances, I’d be remiss not mention Max Martini. As a big fan of The Unit, I am always pleased when he shows up in a flick I’m watching. Audiences will most likely remember him from Pacific Rim, but I’d like to see him be known for something else. Now that Michael Biehn has aged out of the playing the SEAL team commander in every movie made, I think Martini could easily fulfill that role going forward. His role wasn’t particularly large here, but there is a certain air of authenticity that he brings to those few moments.

I have not yet read Phillips’ book that chronicles the event, A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangers Days at Sea, but from the media accounts from the time period, the flick is fairly accurate. Some changes seem to be made for dramatic effect, mainly in beefing up Muse’s role, but none were distracting. Greengrass and screenwriter Billy Ray have done a wonderful job crafting the story. Hanks’ performance is enough to get into the Oscar conversation, but it is Abdi’s performance that audiences will be talking about.

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This contest is now closed. Winners will be notified by email. Follow @CliqueClack on Twitter for alerts on contests, news and reviews.

CliqueClack has partnered with Sony Pictures and Allied Integrated Marketing to offer readers in the DC, Baltimore and Norfolk areas a chance to attend an advance screening of the highly anticipated film Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks, which tells the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. The film is directed by Oscar® nominee Paul Greengrass.

The screenings will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 7:00 PM at the following locations:

• Regal Majestic, Washington, DC
• Cinemark Egyptian, Hanover, MD
• Regal Columbus 12, Virginia Beach, VA

30 Admit Two passes are available for each location. You MUST read and follow the rules in order to be entered into the random drawing.

• Comment on this post with only DC, BALTIMORE, or VIRGINIA BEACH. You do not need to give an explanation or any other information or commentary.
• ONE comment per person, per email address. Duplicates will be disqualified. CliqueClack reserves the right to disqualify any comments that appear to be duplicates.
• Commenting period runs from October 1 to 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 6. Winners will be selected at random for each market.
• Please enter your name and email address correctly. Winners will receive their passes by email and we are not responsible for misspelled email addresses. If your email is returned, an alternate winner will be selected.
• Winners will receive two Admit One GoFoBo passes which contain a unique code that can only be used once. Duplicates will not be honored at the door.
• Passes do not guarantee seats. Screenings are overbooked to ensure a full house. Seating is first-come, first-served so plan to arrive early.
• CliqueClack is not responsible for the total number of passes distributed or seating at the theater.

Have a look at the film’s trailer, and then let us know where you want to see Captain Phillips.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzU3UJuV80w

Captain Phillips opens Friday, October 11 and is rated PG-13.