1. 5 small films out on DVD should be top on your Netflix queue
Flush with Amazon gift cards from friends and loved ones who couldn’t take the time to think of an actual present? Luckily, some of the best movies of last year — both Oscar contenders and under-the-radar indies — hit DVD on Tuesday. Here are five of our favorites.
“The Hurt Locker.” For those who’ve wondered what it would be like to dismantle a bomb in the middle of a war zone, “The Hurt Locker” is the closest you’ll ever come. Jeremy Renner stars as an Army sergeant charged with diffusing IEDs in Iraq. The early favorite for Best Picture as it sweeps the critics awards, “The Hurt Locker” is veteran director Kathryn Bigelow’s masterpiece (and a long way from the criminal surfers she directed in “Point Break”). Renner’s “you are there” presence, combined with the film’s gritty and intimate sense of danger, also could make Bigelow a sure bet to become Oscar’s first-ever female Best Director.
“Big Fan.” Comedian Patton Oswalt shows his serious side in this sparse, moody indie about a rabid sports fan whose world is upended after a confrontation with a star quarterback. Written and directed by “The Wrestler” screenwriter (and former editor of The Onion) Robert Siegel, the film rides on Oswalt’s surprisingly adept dramatic chops. He plays a nerd-generation Travis Bickle, a man whose identity is so wrapped up in the exploits of others that he’s left groundless when his idol falls. If “Ratatouille” did wonders for Oswalt’s public profile, “Big Fan” establishes his dramatic bonafides, making him an actor to watch even outside the realms of comedy and cartoon rats.
“Spike Lee’s Passing Strange.” Rock musician Stew tells a fictionalized version of his coming of age as a middle class African-American who “passes” as both bohemian artisté and tough ghetto warrior in this brilliant, hysterical and touching musical, filmed by Spike Lee during the last days of its Tony-winning Broadway run. Stew and musical partner Heidi Rodewald made “Passing Strange” one of the truest “rock” musicals ever created. Lee turned 14 high-def video cameras on the show, lending the movie version a cinematic flair and intimacy that’s rare in filmed depictions of Broadway shows, and making this Spike Lee joint the definitive and worthy record of a creative triumph.
“In the Loop.” For its smart humor and biting dialogue, writer-director Armando Iannucci’s “In the Loop” is one of 2009’s funniest movies. A single murky phrase uttered by a low-level government official — “War is unforeseeable” — is manipulated by all sides to drive a country into an actual war. James Gandolfini co-stars as an American general, but the biggest draw is Peter Capaldi as the scathingly abusive and foul-mouthed government functionary who uses words like machetes. His tirades would make David Mamet blush with pride and fall from his chair laughing at the same time.
“Moon.” Sam Rockwell stars in this one-person tour-de-force about a man stationed in space, and how prolonged loneliness and isolation can take its toll. The directing debut of Duncan Jones (David Bowie’s son, a k a Zowie Bowie), “Moon” takes Rockwell through a psychological nightmare of possibly self-induced hallucinations and mind games, made especially creepy by his robot assistant, whose voice is provided by Kevin Spacey.
With the weather reaching Arctic levels of unpleasantness, now’s the perfect time to curl up with hot cocoa and a Snuggie to catch up on the films you missed.
2. Eddie Izzard at MSG
Eddie Izzard brings his “Stripped Too” stand-up show to MSG Saturday at 8 p.m. — and no, he isn’t actually stripping (although, his new slim figure is surely worth bragging about). Rather, Izzard has ditched his former drag act to focus on plain-old raw, stream-of-consciousness comedy, touching on bigger issues such as religion and politics. Tickets cost $50-$80 at ticketmaster.com.
Also doing stand-up this week: D.L. Hughley at Carolines tonight, and Gilbert Gottfried on Thursday.
3. So You Think You Can Pong: Celebrity Pingpong Tournament
Get your Forrest Gump on Wednesday at Spin New York’s celebrity tournament during which average Joes and Janes will compete in paddle battles against celebrity players such as Mike Meyers, David Schwimmer and Jake Gyllenhaal. Sure, it might be a little intimidating to face off against New York Ranger Sean Avery, but you can probably take down Mario Batali, right? (Then again, those crocs have traction, don’t they?) The tournament kicks off at 7 p.m. It costs $20 to watch, while playing costs $100. Proceeds benefit Dave Eggers’ 826NYC organization, which provides creative opportunities for children; 826nyc.com
4. New York Guitar Festival: Silent Films/Live Guitars
Sound will be brought to silence Thursday as guitar virtuosos provide a soundtrack to Charlie Chaplin’s classic silent films. Musicians include David Bromberg, who will play to Chaplin’s “The Immigrant,” and Marc Ribot, who will tune into “The Kid.” The 8 p.m. performance at the Merkin Concert Hall is part of the New York Guitar Festival, which continues through Feb. 4. Ticket prices vary; details at kaufman-center.org.
5. Mission to Moscow at BAM
On Tuesday, BAMcinematek revisits “Mission to Moscow,” the faux documentary made at the request of FDR with a screening at 7 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with The Post’s film critic Lou Lumenick among others; bam.org
Also in theaters this week: The Landmark Sunshine Theater will screen David Bowie’s 1986 cult film “Labyrinth” at midnight at on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.