New on Video
A combination of “The Bucket List” and “The Hangover,” “Last Vegas” ranks as a road picture designed for those of a certain age and energized by four veteran talents capable of transforming the lightest material into gold.
“Last Vegas,” arriving Tuesday to rent or purchase ($30.99 on DVD; $40.99, Blu-ray Disc) stars Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Michael Douglas as boyhood friends well into their golden years and seeking some fun by throwing a party for Douglas’ lifelong bachelor. Each character has a backstory, including one that involves a decades-long animosity.
Of course, the draw of the PG-13 picture, which globally grossed an impressive $112.6 million, isn’t the story line; it’s the stars.
Who wouldn’t want to party in Vegas with De Niro (70), Freeman (76), Kline (66), Douglas (69), and (as a scene-stealing, sweet-natured singer) Mary Steenburgen?
According to director Jon Turtletaub (“National Treasure” franchise), there was no actors’ vanity on or off the set.
“Not only did they embrace playing their ages, but they even made fun of how old they are in the movie,” Turtletaub told The Wrap website at the time of the film’s release.
“They were unashamed of the reality of aging.
“The only thing they wouldn’t do is play older than their age. Nobody wanted to use a walker or be seen drooling. They wanted to make 70 seem vibrant and alive.”
Add sparks to Valentine’s Day
If that special someone in your life embraces romantic movies, here’s a possible Valentine’s Day choice.
“Nicholas Sparks Limited Edition DVD Collection,” arriving Tuesday for $69.99, offers seven of the author’s best sellers that have been adapted for the big screen.
The titles are:
“Safe Haven” (2013) with Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel in a PG-13 drama about a young woman running away from an abusive spouse and hiding in the tight-knit town of Southport.
“The Lucky One” (2012) with Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling in a romantic PG-13 drama about an U.S. Marine who returns from his third tour in Iraq and pledges to find the woman whose picture he carried during his tour of duty.
“Dear John” (2010) with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried in a PG-13 romantic drama about a young soldier home on leave and the student with whom he communicates over a seven-year period.
“Nights in Rodanthe” (2008) with Richard Gere and Diane Lane in a PG-13 story of a woman from a troubled marriage and her relationship with a veteran surgeon.
“The Notebook” (2004) with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in the PG-13 picture that follows a young couple during the prime of their lives and their golden years.
“A Walk to Remember” (2002) with Mandy Moore and Shane West in a PG-13 teen romance about a first love.
“Message in a Bottle” (1999) with Kevin Costner and Robin Wright in a PG-13 title about a widower who has trouble rebuilding his life and a divorcee who finds a message on Cape Cod. Paul Newman is featured as the father of Costner’s character.
Newly released
“Bonnie & Clyde” ($55.99, Blu-ray/DVD combo plus ultraviolet digital copy; Jan. 28) with Holliday Grainger and Emile Hirsch as the title couple in this A&E fact-based crime drama.
“Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa” ($29.99, DVD; $39.99, Blu-ray Disc; Jan. 28) with Johnny Knoxville in the R-rated hit involving pranks and senior citizens.
“Rush” ($29.99, DVD; $39.99, Blu-ray Disc; Jan. 28) with Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Niki Lauda in a factual R-rated picture about the legendary rivalry between the two Formula 1 drivers.
Ron Howard directed the sadly overlooked work.
The extras include a making-of segment, footage of Hemsworth and Bruhl researching their main characters, deleted scenes, and a look at Howard (“A Director’s Approach”).
Lou Gaul is the retired film critic from Calkins Media.