DVD Releases - May 30

Some of this past spring’s movies start to make their way to DVD this week, combined with some special editions of a pair of films that I can guarantee you’ll never see together as a double feature. So here are some of the notables for May 30:

“Date Movie” (Unrated) - From some of the same people behind the “Scary Movie” franchise is this ugly stepsister of a film, featuring a lot of scatological humor and nonstop parodies of other, better movies. As if it matters, Alyson Hannigan, Adam Campbell, Eddie Griffin and Fred Willard are among the cast.
Extras: Deleted/extended/alternate scenes, audio commentaries with the cast and crew, several featurettes, screensavers, an optional laugh track, and more.
Official Web site

“Dukes of Hazzard: Season 6” - After a near disastrous fifth season that saw the show’s stars hold out and be replaced, only to return by season’s end, the sixth season has Tom Wopat and John Schneider firmly back in place. Lucky you, as now all 22 episodes of the season have been preserved on DVD for posterity.
Extras: History and design featurette on the General Lee, as well as a tour of the real Hazzard County with Ben “Cooter” Jones and Sonny “Enos” Shroyer. Does life get any better than this?!
Official Web site

“Freedomland” (R) - Despite material in the form of a novel by acclaimed writer Richard Price (who also adapted the screenplay), and a strong cast, led by Samuel L. Jackson and Julianne Moore, “Freedomland” largely sunk at the box office. There’s some interesting ideas at work here, dealing with racial issues brought about after a white mother (Moore) claims her son was kidnapped by a black man in the projects. Perhaps a second life for the film can be found on DVD.
Extras: The big nada.
Official Web site

“Numb3rs: Season 1” - This surprise hit for CBS with the annoying spelling of its title (using the number 3 as an E – give me a break) has all 13 episodes of its first season out on four discs. The series focuses on FBI Special Agent Don Eppes (Rob Morrow) who utilizes the help of his brother (David Krumholtz), a math genius, to help crack cases. For those wondering what use math has for your everyday life, here you go.
Extras: Commentary from cast and crew on multiple episodes, audition reels, blooper reels and more.
Official Web site

“Platoon: 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition” (R) - In what would be the first of his three movies dealing with the Vietnam War, writer-director Oliver Stone delivers a brutal, but undeniably powerful depiction of the struggle of a young infantryman (Charlie Sheen) in 1960s Vietnam. The great cast includes Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, John C. McGinley, Forest Whitaker and Kevin Dillon, among others.
Extras: Commentary with Stone and military advisor Dale Dye, deleted scenes with optional commentary from Stone, and multiple featurettes.
Official Web site

“Smokey and the Bandit: Special Edition” (PG) - How have we survived so long without a special edition of this “classic” film? Well, good buddy, your dreams have come true as the Bandit (Burt Reynolds) is here, ready to deliver 400 cases of beer from Texarkana to Atlanta in under 28 hours, avoiding Smokey (Jackie Gleason) along the way. Many, many, many car chases ensue.
Extras: Making of featurette and a “Smokey and the Bandit” CB tutorial (that’s no joke).
No official Web site

Movie Review: "Shopgirl"

Starring Steve Martin, Claire Danes, Jason Schwartzman, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
Directed by Anand Tucker
Official Web site

Making the most out of a standout performance from star Claire Danes, “Shopgirl” manages to throw some variations into the oft-dramatized love triangle situation, while largely avoiding the pitfalls of dumbing down characters for mass consumption.

Some of that credit clearly has to go back to the source material, the 2000 novella of the same name by Steve Martin. Adapting it for the big screen, Martin (who also co-stars) centers the story around Mirabelle (Danes), a California transplant by way of Vermont, looking for love and a true sense of direction in her life. She works in a Saks Fifth Avenue store as a clerk in the glove department (which, as the movie depicts, certainly doesn’t seem to be a high demand item), but also dabbles in art in her spare time. That spare time is largely spent alone in her apartment as she seems to be waiting for the next chapter of her life to begin.

Meeting Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman) late one night in a neighborhood laundromat certainly doesn’t inspire romantic confidence. And Jeremy is the very definition of a slob bachelor, with trash and clothes strewn all over his apartment. He even has to clear some space in his car from garbage before Mirabelle can sit down. Thus begins their awkward courtship that consists of Jeremy taking about fonts (he claims to be a font designer) while Mirabelle looks at him with a mix of fascination and resignation.

Then one day at the glove counter, she meets Ray Porter (Martin), a dot-com millionaire who promptly buys some gloves, then sends them to Mirabelle, along with a dinner invitation. Intrigued, she accepts and begins seeing Ray on a regular basis. Stating from the beginning that he’s not looking for a serious relationship, Mirabelle is attracted to Ray’s charm as well as the attention and gifts he bestows on her – a marked difference from any previous relationship she’s been in. The fact that there is a significant age difference between the two is discussed, but isn’t dwelled on.

The development of Mirabelle and Ray’s relationship is handled well, in what could have been a kind of creepy situation in less skilled hands. Through their eyes, the difference in expectations and desires in the relationship shifts as time goes on. Ray believes the two are on the same page in this area, while a part of Mirabelle hopes – even against her better judgment – that his defenses will be worn down with time. As the most clearly defined character in the movie, Danes gives an emotionally rich performance that helps bring a greater depth to scenes.

Spending much of the second half of the movie away from the central action, Schwartzman still is able to bring a likable geekiness to Jeremy, even if some of his quirks are a bit much to believe. Sensing his need to mature, Jeremy agrees to accompany a rock band on a road tour, hoping it will make him a better person.

Director Anand Tucker shows a strong visual style with the material, including a shot that begins over Mirabelle’s bed, ascends through her apartment skylight and into the star-filled sky as it gets lost among the other flickering lights. Less successful is the music score from Barrington Pheloung, which practically overwhelms some scenes with its loud string instruments, when quiet and subtle melodies would seem to work much better.

To some degree, the general scope of the film seems almost too small for movie theaters. This is one that will probably play better on people’s TV screens, documenting the intimacy of these characters trying to find love. Doing so without getting hurt along the way is something that even a fictional movie like this knows is tough, if not impossible.
Grade: B
(Rated R for sexual content and brief language.)

DVD Releases - May 23

After a relatively quiet week of releases last week, there’s a lot of options hitting the market this week. Whether it’s more seasons of TV shows or special editions of classic movies, there’s a good variety of DVDs coming out May 23. Here’s a glimpse at the lineup:

“Boston Legal: Season 1” - Creator David E. Kelley’s first season of his legal comedy-drama gets its release. A spinoff from the hit ABC show “The Practice,” it stars James Spader and William Shatner as a pair of attorneys with their own spin on ethics. Spader and Shatner have both earned Emmys for their work, and Candice Bergen joined the cast late in the season. So why I am I not watching this?
Extras: A pair of featurettes and deleted scenes from the pilot episode.
Official Web site

“Cheaper By the Dozen 2” (PG) - In a sequel to the serviceable, yet forgettable 2003 film, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt return with a whole bunch of children that you’ll be glad aren’t yours. Eugene Levy is on board this go around, and you can practically hear the ka-ching of the cash register as Martin and Levy collect their money for this one.
Extras: Commentary by director Adam Shankman and several featurettes.
Official Web site

“Deadwood: Season 2” - Cover your kids’ eyes and ears! Those foul-mouthed, violent residents of Deadwood are back for the second season of the critically-acclaimed HBO drama from creator David Milch (“NYPD Blue”). The power struggle continues for the troubled town in 19th century South Dakota for this 12-episode season.
Extras: Commentary from cast and crew on multiple episodes, making-of season finale, a Deadwood 1877 featurette, and a photo gallery.
Official Web site

“Dirty Dozen: Special Edition” (NR) - Lee Marvin and his motley crew get a two-disc special edition treatment, as the action-packed WWII thriller is released. I’ll save you from the story rundown, but you just know there will come a day when Hollywood will unnecessarily remake this script.
Extras: Commentary from no fewer than eight people, including stars Jim Brown, Trini Lopez and original novelist E.M. Nathanson; an introduction from star Ernest Borgnine; the 1985 made-for-TV sequel, “The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission”; a pair of new documentaries; and more.
No official Web site

“High School Musical: Encore Edition” (PG) - It was a big hit when it premiered on the Disney Channel, the soundtrack is still selling in big numbers, and now the music-packed film makes its debut on DVD. An athlete and a smart beauty both secretly audition for the leads in the high school musical and much singing and dancing ensues. Pretty much like the name indicates.
Extras: A pair of featurettes and music videos.
Official Web site

“Kingdom of Heaven: Director’s Cut” (R) - Normally, I don’t give a whole lot of credence to director’s cuts, but I’m willing to cut director Ridley Scott a little slack. After all, it worked when he presented his director’s cut of “Blade Runner.” So we’ll see how he reworks his Crusades-era action picture, a box-office disappointment from last summer.
Extras: A ton, and I mean a ton! It’s four discs worth, people! I can’t even cover all of it, but suffice it to say there’s commentary that stretches over two discs, a six-part documentary that basically covers all aspects of the film, and multiple featurettes.
Official Web site

“M*A*S*H*: Season 10” - The acclaimed series nears its conclusion with the second to last season, but the awards kept on piling up, with stars Alan Alda and Loretta Swit among those honored for this season’s work.
Extras: Prognosis: Negative.
No official Web site

“Patton: Special Edition” (PG) - Multiple Oscars, including best picture, went to this classic 1972 film about the legendary U.S. Gen. George S. Patton. George C. Scott will forever most be associated with this role, for which he also won an Academy Award.
Extras: Introduction and commentary by screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola, several new documentaries, including one on the making of the movie.
No official Web site

“Transamerica” (R) - Thanks in large part to the acclaimed lead performance from Felicity Huffman (who was Oscar-nominated), this low-budget comedy-drama about a transsexual on the verge of gender-reassignment surgery got a fair amount of notice at awards time. Bree (Huffman) learns she has a son and ends up taking a road trip with him, change both of their lives.
Extras: Commentary with director Duncan Tucker, a conversation with Tucker and Hoffman, a featurette and a Dolly Parton video (naturally!).
Official Web site

DVD Releases - May 16

A generally light selection marks the releases this week, with TV shows having a lesser presence than recent weeks. But some disappointing movies and the seemingly inevitable repackaged film of the week are among the notables for May 16.

“Doogal” (G) - Evidently, this film is not intended as an instrument of torture. Rather, it’s some introduction to Americans of an old French animated creation that was quite popular on British television. So now we are being subjected to the film that was hacked to pieces by critics. Jon Stewart, who is part of the solid vocal talent for the movie, even made fun of it on “The Daily Show.” But, perhaps if your children have been misbehaving, this might be just the ticket.
Extras: A making of featurette and that’s it.
Official Web site

“Hill Street Blues: Season 2” - The groundbreaking show that inspired many of the law and order shows now on TV, such as ... well, “Law and Order,” is back for a three-disc collection of its second season. The show’s ensemble cast helped contribute to the show’s huge award haul during its run, which included four Emmys for outstanding drama.
Extras: Commentary on a pair of episodes, several featurettes, including ones titled “Confessions of Captain Freedom” and “Belker Unleashed,” if those mean anything to you.
No official Web site

“Napoleon Dynamite: Like, the Best Special Edition Ever!” (PG) - With the filmmakers of “Napoleon Dynamite” conveniently having a new movie coming out next month (“Nacho Libre”), here’s another release of the oddly likable comedy. In most cases, these quickie special editions are usually anything but special. But this one just might be bucking that trend.
Extras: Commentary with director/co-writer Jared Hess, producer Jeremy Coon and actors Jon Heder, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries and Tina Majorino; deleted scenes with commentary; all new outtakes and audition clips; several featurettes and an original short film with commentary from Hess, Coon and Heder.
Official Web site

“The Producers” (PG-13) - To be honest, I loved the 1968 Mel Brooks original film and didn’t think a remake was necessary. But the Broadway musical was beloved by audiences and critics, so it was hard to fault the decision to adapt it for the big screen. And with a cast that includes Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Uma Thurman and Will Ferrell, how could it not be great? However, audiences generally seemed to stay away from it in theaters; will the same trend play out on DVD?
Extras: Commentary with director Susan Stroman, deleted scenes, outtakes and analysis of a scene.
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Mission: Impossible III"

Starring Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michelle Monaghan, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Keri Russell and Laurence Fishburne
Directed by J.J. Abrams

Snagged as the third different director of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, J.J. Abrams (a replacement for Joe Carnahan, who split over creative differences) has definitely got the credentials to put together a good spy yarn. After all, he's the creator of the spy drama "Alias," which is wrapping up its five year run on ABC this month. So it's a bit disappointing that the script, penned by Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci seems to favor brawn over brains.

That's not to say that "Mission: Impossible III" doesn't deliver just what the trailer and commercials promise: action, action and more action. It's just that the bar should be set a bit higher for a creative talent like Abrams, especially when incorporating a cast this good.

Headlining, of course, is Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, who finds himself in big trouble in the film's gripping first scene. Evil arms dealer Owen Davian (a focused Philip Seymour Hoffman) has got Hunt in a compromising situation, as he seeks the Rabbit's Foot, which is a ... (well, never mind). The opener, complete with a cliffhanger, is actually flashing to a moment later in the film – a common practice in "Alias" and "Lost." Overused or not, it works here and helps introduce Hoffman to the movie much earlier than he would have been otherwise.

Since the end of the second "Mission: Impossible," Hunt has gotten out of field duty and now trains future agents. He's also engaged to Julia (Michelle Monaghan), a personable nurse, who happens to think her fiancé is a highway traffic control engineer. So, when Hunt is naturally called back into the field to save one of his former students (Keri Russell), he starts having to pile up lies on poor Julia. While there are some good scenes between Cruise and Monaghan, the movie's need to keep the pace brisk leaves their relationship a bit underdeveloped.

The rescue attempt by Hunt and his IMF team (played by Ving Rhames, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Maggie Q) manages to turn up some evidence of the whereabouts of Davian, a longtime target of the agency's superiors (Billy Crudup and an underused Laurence Fishburne). The team heads off to Vatican City, naturally, to apprehend the villain in a well choreographed and filmed sequence of events. But not to be outdone, Davian has some well armed forces come to his aid in a scene that brings to mind the James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger collaboration, "True Lies."

As the top two stars, Cruise and Hoffman have a few scenes matching up that certainly hold your attention, as both demonstrate their characters are willing to go to the brink (if not beyond) to extract information. But while Hoffman brings a definite menace to his role, it's not really a well defined character.

Cruise certainly shows an anything goes approach to the physical side of his role, and this marks the first film of the three to venture much into his personal life. Still, it doesn't quite feel like enough, as there still seems to be a lack of emotional investment in this character for audiences. And by the third act, when the film crosses paths with its opening scene, there's not a lot of surprises to reveal, and the film's credibility threatens to buckle under the weight of one action sequence too many.

But as far as summer escapism fun at the movies goes, it's mostly mission accomplished. However, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is don't think about it too much afterwards.

Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of frenetic violence and menace, disturbing images and some sensuality.)

DVD Releases - May 9

Movies can’t exist on operate ends of the spectrum much more than two of the movies in this week’s releases, as a sequel about an undercover cop disguised as an overweight old woman shares shelf space with the 1970s-set dramatization of an assassin squad assembled to exact revenge on terrorists. You can be sure these films will never be brought together as a double feature. Here’s a glance at some of the many new DVD’s coming your way for May 9:

“The Andy Griffith Show: Season 6” - The sixth season in Mayberry brought on some changes, as it was the first to show episodes in color, and Deputy Barney Fife would no longer be a regular character on the show. Incidentally, I recently happened to meet Betty Lynn, who played Barney’s long time girlfriend, Thelma Lou. She’s a very nice woman who obviously loved her time on the classic show.
Extras: All 30 episodes are on five discs, but other than that, you’re not catching any fish here.
No official web site

“Big Momma’s House 2” (PG-13) - Martin Lawrence is back in the latex fat suit again for yet another undeserved and unwarranted sequel. He goes undercover again to work as a nanny so that he can investigate a computer company executive up to no good. I could explain more about the plot, but does it really matter. It’s Martin Lawrence playing dress up for a couple of hours. So it’s not quite Shakespeare.
Extras: Commentary from director John Whitesell and others, along with a featurette and 12 deleted/extended scenes.
Official Web site

“Everybody Loves Raymond: Season 6” - The Barone family, including the incessantly nosy parents played by Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, are back for the sixth season of the popular CBS comedy.
Extras: Commentary on six of the 24 episodes from the season, bloopers and deleted scenes, and a first six years retrospective.
Official Web site

“Facts of Life: Seasons 1 & 2” - Evidently, producers of “Diff’rent Strokes” were so taken with Charlotte Rae as the Drummond family housekeeper that she got to have her own spin-off show,“The Facts of Life,” beginning in 1979. So here’s the DVD debut of those precocious boarding school girls (Blair, Jo, Natalie and Tootie) and their episodic life lessons about being good and decent people. For me, this was a tough one to watch – too many girls. I’ll stick with the very special episodes of “Diff’rent Strokes,” thank you very much.
Extras: A couple of featurettes, but not much else.
No official web site

“Munich” (R) - For my money, “Munich” was the best movie of 2005 – an intense, but well constructed historical drama that also serves as a very effective thriller. Following the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, a group of five men are assembled to track down and kill the ones responsible. Steven Spielberg directs from a script by celebrated playwright Tony Kushner and Eric Roth.
Extras: The single disc only contains a brief introduction from Spielberg, while a two-disc special edition contains several featurettes covering numerous aspects of the film’s production.
Official Web site

“Nanny McPhee” (PG) - Oscar winner Emma Thompson wrote and stars as the title character in this family-oriented film about a mysterious woman who comes into the life of a recently widowed man (Colin Firth) to try and help tame his very naughty children. No, I’m not talking any corporal punishment here, just mostly magic. And no spoonfuls of sugar for these brats.
Extras: Deleted scenes, a gag reel and several behind-the-scenes featurettes.
Official Web site

“Rescue Me: Season 2” - Troubled fireman Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary) is back for more in the second season of the critically acclaimed FX drama. Separated from his wife and kids, Gavin struggles to get his life back together while battling alcoholism. Leary and co-creator Peter Tolan both earned Emmy nominations for their writing work on this last season. Season three begins May 30, so there’s little time to catch up for yours truly.
Extras: Several featurettes, lots of deleted scenes, a blooper reel and a look at season three.
Official Web site

“Rumor Has It” (PG-13) - A woman (Jennifer Aniston) comes home with her fiancé (Mark Ruffalo) only to be told that her family was the inspiration for “The Graduate.” Well, that’s certainly news you don’t hear everyday. Kevin Costner, Shirley McClaine and Mena Suvari co-star for director Rob Reiner in a generally poor received comedy. Maybe the concept is a bit too much of a stretch?
Extras: Can you count a trailer? No, I didn’t think so. Well, then it’s got nothing.
Official Web site

“Scrubs: Season 3” - This funny, creative sitcom frequently struggles in the ratings, but has managed to survive several seasons on NBC. Its diagnosis is still to be determined for next season, but thankfully, its getting some new life on DVD.
Extras: Numerous featurettes, a gag reel and commentaries on various episodes.
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Where the Truth Lies"

Starring Kevin Bacon, Colin Firth, Alison Lohman, Rachel Blanchard, David Hayman, Maury Chaykin
Directed by Atom Egoyan
Official Web site

It's clear when stars Kevin Bacon and Colin Firth take the stage looking snazzy in their tuxes, while performing music and comedy, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis should spring to mind. Indeed, this fictional nightclub act has its suave and sophisticated straight man, Vince Collins (Firth) and excitable, wilder funny man, Lenny Morris (Bacon). In 1957, their career is red hot and luxuries are laid at their feet, be it legal or not.

"Where the Truth Lies" certainly doesn't paint the duo as angels, as each have their problems. Both seem dependent on pills to keep up their energy, not to mention their libidos, which most of the time seems particularly in high gear for Morris. Director Atom Egoyan does a good job capturing the dark, smoke-filled nightclubs, while Firth and Bacon show some talent in their limited on screen performances. Although it must be stated, Martin and Lewis, they ain't.

But when attractive college student Maureen O'Flaherty (Rachel Blanchard) is found dead in their Atlantic City hotel room, everything changes. Her death is ruled accidental and Collins and Morris avoid implication in the tragedy. However, their careers are not so lucky, as it effectively ends their partnership, not to mention general relevance in show business.

Cut to 15 years later and ambitious writer Karen O'Connor (Alison Lohman) is looking to dig into the mystery through a new book she's just negotiated a $1 million deal to pen about Collins and Morris. However, Collins is the only one willing to talk, but with no desire to discuss Maureen. A chance encounter on an airplane with Morris, who has no idea who Karen is, has the appearance of a budding romance, albeit one built on lies.

Meanwhile, Karen continues to work on Collins, desperately wanting him to talk about the one subject that she knows will get the book to fly off shelves. To say that she gets a little loose in her journalistic ethics while compiling interviews for the book would be an understatement. Taking recreational drugs and making out with a woman dressed like Alice in Wonderland (in what is a rather absurd sequence of events) are not normal professional practices.

In fact, on more than one occasion, the movie veers dangerously close towards the territory of camp. But in large part, thanks to the focused performances from Bacon and Firth, is able to veer back on track. Bacon, playing the sex and image obsessed Morris, certainly portrays him as a bit of a cad. But the character seems aware of this too, and is clearly haunted by Maureen's death. Collins is the colder and more impersonal of the two and seems to favor isolation, but Firth suggests demons just beneath his seemingly dignified exterior.

Egoyan has made a career out of unconventional movies, from the superb, elegiac "The Sweet Hereafter" to the sexually themed thriller "Exotica." With "Where the Truth Lies," he tackles film noir, adapting a Rupert Holmes novel to the big screen. If that author's name sounds familiar, think the guy who wrote "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)." Now you're getting where the unconventional part comes in. Having what would likely be deemed a somewhat unpolished source material, the movie is certainly not successful on all fronts. Some elements of the story, be it the multiple narrators, or frequent jumping between 1957 and 1972, can grow frustrating. But the film definitely can't be faulted for lack of effort.

Grade: B
(Note: The MPAA threatened the film with an NC-17 due to one sex scene they deemed inappropriate for an R. So Egoyan chose to release the film unrated, but its content is certainly no less controversial than any number of R rated films released any given week.)

DVD Releases - May 2

Some classic TV shows are mixed in with this week’s releases, which also includes a special edition of one of Hollywood’s most respected stage-to-screen efforts. Here’s a look at some releases for May 2:

“The Family Stone” (PG-13) - A really good cast, including Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Rachel McAdams and Claire Danes, appear in writer-director Thomas Bezucha’s comedy-drama about a boyfriend (Dermot Mulroney) taking his fiancée (Parker) to meet his family. Naturally, the somewhat dysfunctional family has mixed reactions to the relationship; otherwise, a really dull movie would likely follow. Whether this version is any improvement is a matter of opinion.
Extras: Multiple commentary tracks, including one by Parker and Mulroney; deleted scenes, behind the scenes featurette and a Q&A with the cast.
Official Web site

“Hoodwinked” (PG) - The classic Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale gets yet another re-imagining, this time mixed together with film noir, in an computer-animated comedy. Grandma’s disappearance leads to interrogations of the key suspects, with each having varied stories to tell. Featuring the voices of Anne Hathaway, Glenn Close, Jim Belushi and Patrick Warburton.
Extras: Commentary by writers/directors Cory Edwards, Todd Edwards and Tony Leech, deleted scenes and a music video
Official Web site

“I Love Lucy: Season 6” - Amazingly, this marked the final season of the landmark sitcom, with Lucy, Ricky, Ethel and Fred wrapping up their misadventures. The final season marked a change in location, as the two couples would move out of their apartments into homes, and Little Ricky would start figuring into storylines. Guest stars included George Reeves, Orson Welles and Bob Hope.
Extras: All 27 episodes are included on four discs, which also contains commentary on some of them, lost scenes, five episodes of Lucy’s radio show (“My Favorite Husband”), original cast commercials and more.
No official Web site

“Last Holiday” (PG-13) - Queen Latifah steps into the role of Alec Guinness (!) in this remake of the 1950 comedy. Naturally, you think Alec Guinness, you get Queen Latifah. At any rate, the Queen stars as a department store employee who learns she has a terminal illness and decides to live life to the fullest in her final weeks. Those around her, including a chef (Gerard Depardieu), her former boss (Timothy Hutton) and a shy co-worker (LL Cool J) take notice in her vibrant personality transformation.
Extras: Deleted scenes, multiple featurettes and two recipes. Bon appétit!
Official Web site

“Leave It to Beaver: Season 2” - Ward, June, Wally, and of course, the Beaver are back for season two of the popular ‘50s-era sitcom. All 39 episodes of the season are featured. Ah, 39 episodes, back when shows really had to work for a living. Nowadays, most shows, including sitcoms, only muster around 22 episodes a season.
Extras: Did I mention you get to see all 39 episodes. Well, that’s about all you’ll see here. Gee whiz!
No official Web site

“A Streetcar Named Desire: Special Edition” (PG) - The classic movie based on the popular Tennessee Williams play gets a deluxe two-disc collection that also serves as director Elia Kazan’s original vision, as several minutes of footage is restored. Marlon Brando made his unforgettable movie debut here, recreating the role he originated on Broadway, and is joined by Vivian Leigh, Kim Hunter and Karl Malden. Leigh, Hunter and Malden all won Oscars, yet Brando, amazingly enough, did not. He probably wouldn’t have even sent a Native American to the stage to refuse it for him if he had won.
Extras: Commentary by Malden and film historians Rudy Behlmer and Jeff Young, documentary on Kazan, several featurettes and a Brando screen test.
No official Web site

DVD Releases - April 25

Some more winter releases make their way to DVD this week, featuring some critically acclaimed films mixed in with one of last year’s biggest critical and box office disappointments. Oscar-winner Charlize Theron in spandex? How do you screw that up? Well, here’s some of the noteworthy releases for April 25:

“Aeon Flux: Special Edition” (PG-13) - The aforementioned Theron stars as the title character, based on the animated series that aired on MTV in the 1990s. The cartoon had earned a fairly passionate and devoted following over the years, who must have stayed away from the movie in droves. Yet Theron would certainly seem to be well cast as an assassin working with a group of rebels to overthrow the government.
Extras: Commentary with Theron, producer Gale Anne Hurd and more, multiple featurettes focusing on various production aspects such as stunts, costume design and locations.
Official Web site

“Casanova” (R) - In a clear departure from his Oscar-nominated role in “Brokeback Mountain,” Heath Ledger plays the title character in director Lasse Hallstrom’s romantic comedy. In this, Ledger is definitely a ladies man, who falls for the one woman who wants nothing to do with him. Let the wooing begin!
Extras: Commentary with Hallstrom, featurettes focusing on costume design and recreating 18th century Venice.
Official Web site

“Match Point” (R) - Writer-director Woody Allen stepped into a bit of new territory with a thriller involving a social climber (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) falling into a passionate affair with his brother-in-law’s fiancée (Scarlett Johansson). Allen actually chose to film this one in England, away from his typical and trademark New York locations. It was also widely considered a return to form of the quality films he did earlier in his career.
Extras: Woody’s not a fan of DVD extras, so you’ll get a big heaping help of nothing with this movie.
Official Web site

“Shopgirl” (R) - Never mind the unnecessary resurrection of “The Pink Panther” series, good critical marks were given for Steve Martin’s adaptation of his own novella in last fall’s romantic comedy. The film primarily focuses on Mirabelle (Claire Danes), an aspiring artist who finds herself the object of affections between two very disparate people (Martin and Jason Schwartzman).
Extras: Commentary by director Anand Tucker, deleted scenes and a making of featurette.
Official Web site

“The Wedding Singer: Totally Awesome Edition” (PG-13) - This re-release of a what amounts to a pretty darn good Adam Sandler film doesn’t give you much new to enjoy (see below). But if you don’t already own a version of the movie that trades on a heavy 1980s music soundtrack, not to mention a very likable performance from Drew Barrymore, you could do a lot worse.
Extras: Well, there’s some karaoke here, a featurette about an upcoming “Wedding Singer on Broadway” production, and more than five minutes of never-before-seen footage. So what are we talking about? Six, seven minutes? Not quite totally awesome.
Official Web site

Summer 2006 Movie Preview

Wow, where in the world did the spring go?! Just a quick glance at the calendar and you’ll see May is just around the corner. And now that in recent years Hollywood has ditched the long standing tradition of kicking off the summer movie season over Memorial Day weekend, the big movies waste no time at making a play for your time and money as May begins. Movies like “The Mummy Returns” and “Van Helsing” have employed this strategy to largely successful results, despite the fact that their primary audience was still in school. Doing so also helps movies avoid the jam packed release schedules in the months of June and July, while getting a head start on the box office battle.

This year’s summer movie schedule has got a lot of promising looking and sounding films, mixed in with the usual overblown junk that is splattered on movie screens at this time of year. The aforementioned head start strategy will be launched on the very first Friday of next month with no less than a big-budget sequel starring Tom Cruise and helmed by “Alias” and “Lost” creator J.J. Abrams. As a side note, Paramount is obviously pleased with the job done by Abrams that they’ve entrusted their most profitable franchise to him. He’s just been tabbed to direct the 11th installment of the “Star Trek” movie series.

But back on the central subject, let’s take a look at what we’ll be seeing open in a theater near us for the next few months. With such a busy schedule to cover, you might want to go grab some refreshments before jumping in, as this could take a while.

May
“Mission: Impossible 3”
Starring Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Laurence Fishburne, Billy Crudup, Keri Russell and Michelle Monaghan
You would be hard pressed to find a better looking cast than this one for the third installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series, featuring a newly named Oscar winner (Hoffman) to boot. Hoffman plays the baddie in this one, making life rough for secret agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his IMF team. J.J. Abrams directs from a script by himself, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who have collaborated on many TV episodes of “Alias” and “Lost.” The first two films in the series were both big money makers and there’s certainly a buzz that this one should be the biggest and best of them all. No pressure or anything. (May 5)
Official Web site

“Poseidon”
Starring Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Emmy Rossum, Jacinda Barrett, Mike Vogel, Jimmy Bennett, Mia Maestro, Andre Braugher and Richard Dreyfuss
A luxury cruise ship runs into big trouble (no, Kathy Lee Gifford isn’t on board) when a huge wave capsizes it, turning the journey into a struggle for survival for the passengers, which includes a veritable cornucopia of characters. Hope the ship is reinforced for possible scenery chewing. Of course, this film is a remake of the 1972 disaster classic, although this film evidently doesn’t want to call itself an “adventure.” To each his own. Director Wolfgang Petersen is back in the water with his third movie to center around boats (“Das Boot,” “The Perfect Storm”). Is this a fetish or what? (May 12)
Official Web site

“The Da Vinci Code”
Starring Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jurgen Prochnow, Paul Bettany and Jean Reno
The big screen adaptation of the seemingly unstoppable best-selling novel by Dan Brown, “The Da Vinci Code” reunites star Tom Hanks and director Ron Howard (both of whom met with great success on “Apollo 13”). Hanks plays Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (somebody that badly needed to see a barber, evidently) who is called to the scene of a murder, only to find clues in the works of Da Vinci that point to a conspiracy and secret society within the Catholic church. I’m willing to give Hanks and Howard the benefit of the doubt here, but let’s go easy on the Catholic-bashing. (May 19)
Official Web site

“Over the Hedge”
Starring the voices of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Avril Lavigne, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy and Wanda Sykes
The suburbs meets the woods when a group of woodland animals find their land being infringed on by a housing development. Rather than run away, the animals find their own way to deal with their new neighbors. This certainly has got some good talent involved, but have audiences seen one too many animated animal movies lately? There seems to be a new one every other week. (May 19)
Official Web site

“X-Men: The Last Stand”
Starring Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellan, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Kelsey Grammer, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden and Patrick Stewart
Director Brett Ratner (“Rush Hour”) takes over for Bryan Singer in this third (and stressed, final) installment of the “X-Men” series. Although that can’t be completely believed, as a Wolverine spin-off, starring Hugh Jackman, has already been announced. But as for this one, the gang’s all back, even adding Kelsey Grammer as a superstrong blue-furred mutant. (Way to go, Frazier!) Some of the hardcore fans have been critical of Ratner as the director, but maybe they should at least reserve judgment until they’ve seen it. Radical concept, I know. (May 26)
Official Web site

June
“The Break Up”
Starring Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, John Michael Higgins, Vincent D’Onofrio
A couple buys an expensive condo, only to later decide to split up, with both stubbornly hoping the other will move out. That’s a simple enough premise and as far as comedians go, Vince Vaughn is “so money” right now, to snag one of his catchphrases from “Swingers.” Incidentally, his co-star and friend in that movie, Jon Favreau, is also in this one. Oh, and so is some girl named Jennifer Aniston. I think she and Vaughn might kind of like each other. I haven’t really heard much, so I can’t be sure. (June 2)
Official Web site

“The Omen”
Starring Julia Stiles, Liev Schreiber, Mia Farrow, David Thewlis, Pete Postlethwaite, Michael Gambon and Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick
Amazingly, it’s been 30 years since the original “Omen” was released and evidently, that’s long enough of a wait before doing a remake. Why leave generally good horror movies well enough alone when there’s more money to be made? At any rate, Damien (Davey-Fitzpatrick) is back and his parents aren’t going to get much guidance from parenting books about how to deal with your child when he’s the Antichrist. (June 6 – 06/06/06 – Get it?)
Official Web site

“Cars”
Starring the voices of Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Richard Petty, Bonnie Hunt, Dan Whitney, John Ratzenberger, Larry the Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, George Carlin
Before the very expensive buyout of Pixar by Disney, this was to be the last film that the two animation giants would be involved in together. But now, the collaboration that delivered “Toy Story 1 & 2,” “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters, Inc.” should continue – and that’s good news for those looking for good quality family entertainment. That said, can “Cars” deliver what would be the seventh straight box office smash for Pixar? This one could be a challenge. (June 9)
Official Web site

“The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”
Starring Bow Wow, Lucas Black, Brian Tee, Nikki Griffin, Sung Kang, Jason Tobin, Nathalie Kelley
A sequel basically in name only, as no stars remain from the first two films, and the series has its third different director. However, it does still have cars going really fast, and one would assume spectacular driving stunts and crashes. And isn’t that the only real reason the first two movies were successful in the first place? No one was going to those to witness outstanding acting and stories that engaged the mind, were they? For what it’s worth, this one is set in the underground world of Japanese drift racing and speed limits are likely to be exceeded. (June 16)
Official Web site

“Nacho Libre”
Starring Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jimenez, Richard Montoya and Peter Stormare
From the creators of “Napoleon Dynamite” comes this comedy starring Jack Black as Ignacio (nicknamed “Nacho”), a priest who decides to become a wrestler to raise money for his Mexican orphanage. It’s hard to tell which is more of a stretch, Black as a priest or as a Mexican, but for anyone who’s seen “Napoleon Dynamite” and/or the trailer for this, expect a lot of that same odd sense of humor to reign. (June 16)
Official Web site

“Garfield’s A Tale of Two Kitties”
Starring Breckin Meyer, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Billy Connolly, Lucy Davis, Ian Abercrombie, and the voice of Bill Murray
As if once wasn’t enough, here comes the kind of creepy animated feline back for more in this sequel that no one asked for. Garfield (voiced by Murray) tags along with his owner Jon (Meyer) to England, where the cat is promptly mistaken for a look-alike who has inherited a castle. Naturally, there’s a villain (Connolly) looking to do away with him, as he has designs on turning the castle into a resort. (June 16)
No official Web site yet.

“Click”
Starring Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, Blake Heron, David Hasselhoff, Henry Winkler, Julie Kavner and Sean Astin
Adam Sandler finally portrays somebody in a movie that isn’t in a state of arrested development, as he’s Michael Newman, a family man that has too many demands for his time. He goes shopping for a remote control one day and is given one with magical powers that allow him to better control his life. Do they sell those at Best Buy? If so, I need to get me one. Maybe this is the sign of a more mature Sandler comedy. Then again, that just may be wishful thinking. (June 23)
Official Web site

“Superman Returns”
Starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Frank Langella, Eva Marie Saint, Parker Posey, Sam Hunington, Kal Penn and Kevin Spacey
Relative unknown Brandon Routh dons the tights of the Man of Steel in this fifth big screen film of Superman. (Of course, most would be better off forgetting the previous two efforts.) This one takes place chronologically a couple years after the events of “Superman II,” as Superman takes an extended break only to find many things have changed in his absence. One thing that hasn’t is the nefarious scheming of archenemy Lex Luthor (Spacey), who has hatched another evil plan. Director Bryan Singer left the helm of “X-Men” to take on his childhood dream job, and the early buzz is good. (June 30)
Official Web site

July
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
Starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Stellan Skarsgard, Bill Nighy, Jack Davenport, Kevin R. McNally and Jonathan Pryce
After the huge success of the first “Pirates,” Disney green-lighted not one, but two sequels. So in this first one, Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) is racing against time to find a way out of a debt to the legendary Davy Jones (not the Monkee) or face eternal damnation. He once again enlists the reluctant help of Will Turner (Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Knightley) to save his hide. Director Gore Verbinski is also back on board in what should be one of the summer’s biggest hits. (July 7)
Official Web site

“You, Me and Dupree”
Starring Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon and Michael Douglas
Wilson stars as Dupree, a perpetual bachelor and slacker who is invited to stay at his best friend’s place for a few days, as he attempts to get his life back on track. But his friend (Dillon) and his new wife (Hudson) find starting their new life together a challenge with Dupree around. Wilson could probably do this kind of role in his sleep by now, but hopefully, he’ll bring something new to the table here. There is reason for hope, as directors Joe and Anthony Russo were both quite involved in TV’s late, great “Arrested Development.” (July 14)
Official Web site

“Lady in the Water”
Starring Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffery Wright, Bob Balaban, Freddy Rodriguez, Sarita Choudury, Jared Harris, Bill Irwin
A building superintendent (Giamiatti) finds his life transformed after finding a sea nymph (Howard) swimming in his apartment complex’s pool. Hopefully, M. Night Shyamalan can get back on track after the disappointing taste left behind by “The Village.” Howard, who was the best part of that film, reunites with the writer-director, while Giamatti gets a chance to once again take on a bit of a romantic lead. (July 21)
Official Web site

“Miami Vice”
Starring Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell, Gong Li, Naomie Harris, Ciaran Hinds, Justin Theroux
The hit 1980s cop drama gets an updated makeover as it makes a trip to the big screen, with Farrell and Foxx portraying Detectives Crockett and Tubbs. No word on whether the cool theme music will make the cut, but writer-director Michael Mann knows a little bit about the series – he was its executive producer when it aired on NBC. (July 28)
Official Web site

August
“The Ant Bully”
Starring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Paul Giamatti, Lily Tomlin, Cheri Oteri, Alan Cumming, Regina King, Ricardo Montalban, Zach Tyler Eisen
Tired of being picked on by a school bully, a 10-year-old decides to take it out on an ant hill in his yard. But the ants get revenge through a magic potion that shrinks him to their size and put him to work for them. This one’s from the director of “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” and producers Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman. The voice talent ain’t too shabby, either. (Aug. 4)
Official Web site

“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
Starring Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sascha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb, Jane Lynch
From the slightly twisted minds behind “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy” comes this equally wordy and overstated tale of an intelligence-deficient guy (again played by Ferrell) trying to stay on top in his profession. This time, it's the world of NASCAR, as a flamboyant French racer (Cohen) challenges Ricky Bobby’s status as the sport’s top racer. Anyone who’s seen “Anchorman” should be prepared for this film’s likely anything for a laugh mentality. (Aug. 4)
Official Web site

“Flags of Our Fathers”
Starring Ryan Phillippe, Jesse Bradford, Adam Beach, Paul Walker, Jamie Bell, Barry Pepper, John Benjamin Hickey
Taking a significant departure from many of the season’s movies that preceded it, comes a true World War II story based on the book by James Bradley that focuses on the Battle of Iwo Jima. Before you dismiss this as yet another war movie, keep this in mind: It’s directed by Clint Eastwood with a screenplay by Paul Haggis, the same combo that struck Oscar gold in 2004 with “Million Dollar Baby,” also a late summer release. You might want to start placing some Oscar bets on this one for 2007. (Aug. 4)
No official Web site yet.

“World Trade Center”
Starring Nicolas Cage, Michael Peña, Maria Bello, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jay Hernandez
OK, it has to be said that the combination of director Oliver Stone and anything to do with 9/11 probably has many people a bit uneasy. This is, after all, the director of “JFK” and “Nixon.” But on the other hand, this story mostly focuses on the true story of two Port Authority policeman John McLoughlin (Cage) and Will Jimeno (Peña), who got trapped in the WTC rubble and their subsequent rescue. The strong cast is another plus, so we’ll see what kind of controversy follows. (Aug. 9)
Official Web site

“Snakes on a Plane”
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Nathan Phillips, Benjamin McKenzie, Julianna Margulies
In what may be a first for a studio, New Line Cinema recently had the makers of this action pic go back for reshoots to make the movie more violent, as it’s now aiming to move the rating from a PG-13 to R. The movie centers on an FBI agent (Jackson) trying to keep a witness on a plane alive after an assassin has unleashed hundreds of reptiles on board. There’s already a ravenous fan following of this movie, months before it’s set to open. But will this be a case of too much attention, too early? (Aug. 18)
Official Web site

“Clerks 2: The Passion of the Clerks”
Starring Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Rosario Dawson, Trevor Fehrman, Jennifer Schwalbach, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, Kevin Weisman, Wanda Sykes
It’s 12 years after the original “Clerks” and Dante (O’Halloran) and Randall (Anderson) have still not really grown up, nor have Jay (Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith). But will a fire that destroys the stores where they work and hang out change all that? Writer-director Smith returns to the scene of his first film, presumably to finally put these characters to bed. Expect lots of cameos from some of his friends, including Ben Affleck and Jason Lee, both of whom have appeared in most, if not all of his films. (Aug. 18)
Official Web site

DVD Releases - April 18

Only a couple limited appeal movies represent those recently in theaters for this week’s releases, and it’s safe to say they couldn’t be more different in their appeal. Other than that, it’s pretty quiet on the new release front. Here are some of the notables for April 18, coming a bit later than usual for me, due to a recent excursion out of town.

“Hostel” (Unrated) - As if the movie doesn’t already appeal to horror movie aficionados, this release is the unrated version of the film, likely meaning more violence. But when you’re dealing with a movie that centers around two Americans (played by Jay Hernandez and Derek Richardson) who go to Europe to party, only to find themselves lured into a torture-for-profit business, how much more do you need?
Extras: Multiple commentaries, including one with director Eli Roth and executive producer Quentin Tarantino, behind-the-scenes featurette, and a multi-angle interactive feature.

“Laurel and Hardy Collection: TCM Archives” - Two of the classic comedy team’s feature films are included in the Turner Classic Movies collection, “The Devil’s Brother” and “Bonnie Scotland.” Both were released more than 70 years ago, but thank goodness for a format such as DVD to preserve the duo’s wonderful work.
Extras: Commentaries on both films from L&H aficionados Richard W. Bann and Leonard Maltin, a feature-length TCM documentary on the pair, and several excerpts from other L&H films.

“Moonstruck: Deluxe Edition” (PG) - The seemingly odd pairing of Cher and Nicolas Cage sure worked for this popular romantic comedy that snagged three Oscars, including one for Cher. Oscar-winner Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello, Vincent Gardenia and John Mahoney co-star for director Norman Jewison.
Extras: Audio commentary with Cher, Jewison and writer John Patrick Shanley, a making-of documentary, featurette on the music, interactive map of Little Italy and collectible Italian recipe cards (trade with your friends – collect them all!).

“Mrs. Henderson Presents” (R) - Snagging her fifth Oscar nomination, Judi Dench stars with Bob Hoskins as a World War II-era widow in London who decides to support the fighting soldiers with a theater production that’s not afraid to show a bit (OK, a lot) of skin. The blitz-bombing in England sets the scene for this crowd-pleasing British comedy.
Extras: Commentary with director Stephen Frears and a making-of featurette.

“Remington Steele: Season 3” - It was right around this time that James Bond producers expressed interest in “Remington Steele” star Pierce Brosnan to become 007, but he was stuck in his contract with the show. Wonder what would have happened had he got to play Bond. (Oh yeah, he did. Never mind.) Well, viewers also got to see a younger Brosnan play the title character, a former thief who partners with a private eye (Stephanie Zimbalist) to solve crimes.
Extras: All 22 episodes are here, with commentary from various people on three episodes, several featurettes and character profiles.

Movie Review: "Good Night, and Good Luck"

Starring David Strathairn, Patricia Clarkson, George Clooney, Jeff Daniels, Robert Downey Jr. and Frank Langella
Directed by George Clooney

When it comes to the field of broadcast journalism, few, if any, are held in as high regard as Edward R. Murrow. With a broadcasting career that spanned over 25 years, all with CBS, Murrow was known for his hard-hitting style and integrity. Nowhere was that better demonstrated with his CBS show, "See It Now," which tackled numerous controversial topics, including the activities of Sen. Joseph McCartney and his relentless, highly controversial crusade against Communism.

Primarily focusing on Murrow and producer Fred Friendly's decision in the mid-1950s to challenge the junior senator's intimidating tactics, director George Clooney's "Good Night, and Good Luck" is a smart, earnestly acted drama. Without resorting to melodrama or grandstanding theatrics, the movie clearly demonstrates the dedication of a small group of reporters and producers, and their desire to show people that McCarthy's mission to expose Communists is an errant one.

Anchored by a straightforward and focused performance by David Straithairn as Murrow, the film essentially covers three episodes of "See It Now," and their subsequent aftermath. In one of the episodes, the show, predictably unable to get the participation of McCarthy, decides to use past footage of him, highlighting some of the inflammatory and contradictory statements he had made over the years. McCarthy would eventually appear on an episode to present a speech, in which he would criticize Murrow, even making untrue statements about the newsman's supposed "un-American" activities. But by then, the damage against Sen. McCarthy was already done, and the public made it clear in overwhelming numbers that they supported Murrow, thus signaling the beginning of the end for McCarthy's political career.

Clooney, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Grant Heslov, certainly knows his way around a newsroom, as his father was a longtime newsman himself. The almost claustrophobic and smoke-filled CBS studios are captured flawlessly, aided in large part to the smart decision to use wonderful-looking black and white cinematography by Robert Elswitt.

There was obviously a clear decision to keep the focus of the movie squarely inside CBS, as only a handful of scenes are even set outside of the network's building. And while Murrow is the central character in the film, this is by no means a biopic. Next to nothing is revealed about Murrow's personal life, and the same can be said for practically all the supporting cast, save for a brief and rather underdeveloped subplot involving the secretive marriage of Joe and Shirley Wershba (played by Robert Downey Jr. and Patricia Clarkson). Back then, CBS corporate policy forbid the employment of married couples.

While the cast, which also includes Clooney, Jeff Daniels and Frank Langella, can certainly not be faulted for any shortcomings in their performances, several of them aren't really utilized much. That decision undermines some of the narrative thrust of the film. The running time is a sleek 93 minutes, but it leaves a feeling of wanting a bit more. In fact, the movie is bookended with a 1958 appearance at a banquet honoring Murrow that ultimately adds little to the movie, except the chance for Murrow to chide the television industry on its leanings towards insignificance. There's certainly truth to his statements today, but they seem tacked on as more of a commentary on the television industry in general – a medium that Clooney has certainly had some conflicts with in recent years.

What the film does get exactly right is the power that the medium and journalism in general can have. The fearful and distrustful atmosphere that McCarthy helped create in 1950s America was challenged and eventually overcome by people like Murrow. But the movie also makes it clear that we as a society must be ever vigilant, as it can easily happen again.

Grade: B
(Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language.)

DVD Releases - April 11

After several weeks in a row of Oscar-winning and award nominated films taking up the release schedule, this week’s highlights are a decidedly different bunch of DVDs. Two are clearly meant to generate some interest in an upcoming sequel next month, while the rest ... well, they’re not Oscar winners, that’s for sure. Here’s some of the releases heading your way April 11:

“Fun with Dick and Jane” (PG-13) - A remake of the 1977 film starring George Segal and Jane Fonda, Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni take the leads in this comedy about a couple who turn to crime when both find themselves out of work. There’s probably a good, but depressing drama that could be made of this same concept. And that title would certainly be a bit of a stretch in that case. Then again, it’s probably a bit of a stretch with this particular comedy too.
Extras: Audio commentary with director Dean Parisot and screenwriters Judd Apatow and Nicholas Stoller, deleted scenes, and a gag reel (see Jim Carrey become unhinged, over and over!).

“In Living Color: Season 5” - Speaking of Jim Carrey, here he is again, in what would be the final season of the sketch comedy show. This is the one that doesn’t have any of the Wayans family involved, but does include a more visible Carrey and Jamie Foxx, as well as Chris Rock. Still, if memory serves, this season was pretty weak overall.
Extras: A big, fat nada, unless you consider it providing all 26 episodes of the season an extra.

“Mission: Impossible - 10th Anniversary Edition” (PG-13) - It’s been 10 years already? Well, for those of you who can’t remember that far back, Tom Cruise starred as super agent Ethan Hunt in this adaptation of the 1960s TV show. The character of Jim Phelps is in the film, but is portrayed by Jon Voight, not Peter Graves. What gives? Graves was great. I loved it when he asked the kid in the plane’s cockpit if he’d ever seen a grown man naked. Umm, I think I might have mixed up my movies.
Extras: Lots of featurettes, as well as a teaser trailer for M:I-3 (how generous of them).

“Mission: Impossible 2 - Special Edition” (PG-13) - The sequel brings on director John Woo, co-stars Thandie Newton and Dougray Scott, as well as a lot of shots of people looking cool shooting guns and blowing stuff up. Oh, and you get to see Cruise do some extreme rock climbing, just because he can.
Extras: Commentary from Woo, several featurettes, a Metallica video and a funny M:I-2 parody featuring Cruise and Ben Stiller.

“An Unfinished Life” (PG-13) - Despite a strong cast of Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez and Josh Lucas, this film directed by Lasse Hallstrom, quietly went in and out of theaters last year, after sitting on Miramax’s shelf for a while. However, I will say making Redford and Lopez father and daughter seems a bit of a stretch. Maybe they should have tried Freeman and Lopez.
Extras: Commentary featuring Hallstrom, producer Leslie Holleran and editor Andrew Mondshein, a making of featurette and a featurette on training Bart the Bear (he’s appeared in several movies, most of which have been better than J. Lo’s recent offerings).

Movie Review: "Inside Man"

Starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Christopher Plummer
Directed by Spike Lee

Having built his career over the past 20 years largely focusing on passion projects, its a bit surprising to see Spike Lee directing what, at first glance, seems to be a straightforward genre picture. And to be certain, "Inside Man" is undoubtedly the most commercial film that Lee has ever made. But thanks to a smart script and strong performances, this crime caper is able to bring a freshness to the proceedings.

Demonstrating a strong focus, Russell Gewirtz, in his first produced screenplay, wastes no time getting to the central focus of the movie, as a Manhattan bank robbery is swiftly executed. Disguised as painters, the four-person gang of thieves, led by Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), quickly show they've come prepared, as they have all the hostages in the bank strip down and put on identical uniforms to theirs. Demonstrating a calm, yet very serious demeanor, Russell and his gang would seem to have ample time to take money and make their escape. However, their goals extend beyond a simple cash grab.

Before long, the authorities surround the bank and a standoff fraught with danger and risks ensues. This leads to a cat-and-mouse battle of wills between Russell and Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington). Frazier, a headstrong and stubborn detective, gets this huge assignment, even as he and partner Bill Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) are in the doghouse for the mysterious disappearance of $140,000 in another case. The moral character of Frazier's character is quickly brought into question, but Washington brings a lot of charm to the role, making him someone for the audience to immediately want to believe and root for.

As if Frazier didn't have enough to deal with, a wild card gets involved in the negotiations, when Madeline Smith (Jodie Foster) shows up. Smith, a mysterious power broker with very high connections, is brought into the situation by the bank's chairman, Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer), who has a very strong and personal desire for something in the bank to remain a secret. Smith doesn't know what the secret is, and seemingly doesn't care, while Frazier doesn't even know the real reason why Smith is involved. "Look detective, there are matters at stake here that are a little bit above your pay grade," Smith calmly informs Frazier.

Although they only share a few scenes together, it's fun to see Washington and Foster (both two-time Oscar winners) square off, as each are arguably the best actors of their generation. Foster has always shown a propensity for playing strong-willed women and while she has limited screen time, she makes the most of what's essentially an underwritten part.

Lee generally keeps the story moving forward, while still allowing for astute character observations, such as a seemingly racist cop making adjustments to a story he tells Frazier. One of the best moments takes place in the bank vault, as Russell observes a particularly gruesomely violent video game that a young boy is playing on his portable game machine. As both sit on giant piles of money, he comments that after the boy is finished eating, he'll have to talk to the boy's father about the game. Little moments like that help distinguish the film from the cliched checklist that many heist movies seem to follow.

While most of the story plays out with a solid sense of realism, the film does misstep some down the stretch, as character motivations and their knowledge are conveniently adjusted to fit in the confines of the script. But the story does generally keep the audience engaged, even if the ends don't ultimately seem to justify the means. Much like its somewhat enigmatic title, "Inside Man" primarily succeeds in throwing some mystery into what is normally a conventional genre.
Grade: B+
(Rated R for language and some violent images.)

Attack of the Sequels

Aside from adaptations of popular comic books, sequels are the security blanket of the movie business. If a movie is successful (sometimes even mildly so), the likelihood of a sequel is very strong. If such a movie had a relatively small budget and stars without huge salaries, then the sequel chances grow exponentially. But how many sequels out there are really necessary? With the possible exception of sequels based on multiple books in a series, the number is undeniably low. Horror movies are probably the biggest offender, as they're relatively cheap to produce, rarely have big name stars attached and the scripts are, let's just say less than Oscar-worthy.

That said, Entertainment Weekly recently released its list of the 25 worst sequels ever made. Its list used criteria that measured the sequels' drop-off in quality from the original, but left off movies that were deemed "so bad they're good." Not really sure what that means, but you'll find only three horror movie sequels on the list – a rather shocking outcome. Heck, you could make a 25 worst list in that genre alone.

So here's the list, accompanied by my brief comments on them. Admittedly, a number of them I've never seen – and I'm sure my life is all the better for it. Feel free to interject your comments too, including any you might think are missing from the list.

25. "The Matrix Reloaded" - OK, so this is clearly inferior to the 1999 original, but I thought it was still pretty good overall. Plus, it's not even the weakest movie of the trilogy, as "The Matrix Revolutions" seems to run out of creativity about halfway through, going into special effects overload.

24. "The Next Karate Kid" - Once I heard Ralph Macchio wasn't returning for the third "Karate Kid" movie, I was outta there. So I've never seen this alleged hunk of junk starring some nobody named Hilary Swank. I wonder whatever happened to her?

23. "Porky's II: The Next Day" - I've seen this, but would have a difficult time distinguishing it from the first one. As I recall, the first one pretty much stunk too. Somehow, this sequel would somehow spawn another with "Porky's Revenge."

22. "Teen Wolf Too" - The original one, starring Michael J. Fox, was barely passable as far as teen comedies went, but at least was cleaner than "Porky's." But without Fox returning for a sequel, did the filmmakers really think they had a potential hit on their hands? Pity poor Jason Bateman for getting involved with this, as well as any viewers who actually watched it.

21. "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" - Reese Witherspoon proved her ability to carry a film with the first "Legally Blonde," as she was clearly the best part of what was a likable, but slight film. Critics and audiences weren't too kind on the sequel, however, meaning all concerned would probably have been better off leaving well enough alone.

20. "The Godfather Part III" - The only reason I can think this film is on here is that the first two films in the series won best picture Oscars and the third is a fair drop off. But it also got nominated for best picture and should not be on this list. Did they really think Sofia Coppola's acting was that bad? Granted, she was definitely the weakest acting link in the film, but I guess this is seen as a failure due to its lofty aspirations and expectations.

19. "Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise" - I'm sure "The Godfather" is thrilled to be in company with those lovable nerds, making their unnecessary return to the big screen. I mean, they already had their revenge at the end of the first film. How much more did they need? I've actually lost count of how many sequels this series has spawned, with the last one a made-for-TV one, if memory serves. Then again, it's probably best I don't remember.

18. "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" - Damn you! Damn you all to hell for making this sequel! Actually, Charlton Heston had nothing to do with this, the fifth film in what had become a tired franchise by this point.

17. "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" - If you've ever desired to see Kirk, Spock and "Bones" McCoy sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" around a campfire, then you're in luck. For the rest of us, it's a painful sight indeed. And that's not even counting the barely competent directing job done by William Shatner, his first and only foray into movie directing. This one makes the first "Star Trek" movie look like an Oscar-winner. And I hated the first movie.

16. "Ocean's Twelve" - Frankly, I don't believe this one belongs here either, as it was fairly entertaining, in my opinion. Sure, it's a bit too pleased with itself and just isn't as fun as the first one. But you can do a whole lot worse than this. Maybe some people think that a cast this talented shouldn't be allowed to have more fun than the audience.

15. "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd" - So, you've got no Jim Carrey and no Jeff Daniels, or any of the original cast, for that matter in this movie. No problem, just move them to high school and cast younger actors in the roles. Does that work for you? No, me neither.

14. "Conan the Destroyer" - Cast Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grace Jones and Wilt Chamberlain in a film together and you have comic gold. Of course, this wasn't a comedy, so that's kind of a problem. And with that trio, Schwarzenegger is clearly the closest to a seasoned thespian and that spells trouble.

13. "The Sting II" - Substitute Paul Newman and Robert Redford with Jackie Gleason and Mac Davis for the sequel to the 1973 best picture winner and you just know something stinks. Plus, this movie is 10 years after the original. Was there an audience clamoring for it? If so, why?

12. "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" - Yes, Jar Jar Binks was a horrible idea and one that George Lucas may never live down. But this film is not that bad. It just happens to be the one forced to introduce most of the characters and wade through a lot of exposition. Still, it had some great light saber duels and a great looking villain in Darth Maul. And little Jake Lloyd (who played young Anakin) has never been heard from again ...

11. "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights" - I thought the first film was stupid, so imagine my complete indifference to its sequel. This one was filmed about 17 years after the original and has really no connection other than the catering. Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure that isn't even the same. Patrick Swayze does have a brief cameo and if you look hard enough, you'll see him reach for his paycheck before the scene's conclusion.

10. "Jaws: The Revenge" - Michael Caine actually missed picking up his Oscar for "Hannah and Her Sisters" to film this piece of crap. This one makes "Jaws 3" (actually filmed in 3-D) look decent in comparison. You'll be rooting for the shark this time around.

9. "Speed 2: Cruise Control" - Keanu Reeves opted out of the movie, leaving "Speed" co-star Sandra Bullock to sink on her own in this waterlogged sequel. It quickly flopped at the box office, leaving the future of "Speed 3: Deaf Children at Play" in serious jeopardy.

8. "Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan" - Having stopped watching the "Friday the 13th" movies around Part III, I'd have to imagine this must really suck to be the lone film in the series to make the list. It amazes me that there was still a demand for this series to even reach Part VIII, since there was barely an original idea in all the films that preceded it.

7. "The Fly II" - What was Eric Stoltz doing in this way inferior sequel to the Jeff Goldblum - Geena Davis 1986 remake? This film has the distinction of having even more gross out sequences than the first one. And with David Cronenberg having directed the original, that's really saying something.

6. "Weekend at Bernie's II" - This guy died in the first film and should be stiff as a board and stink something awful by the time of the sequel. This time, the two morons (Jonathan Silverman and Andrew McCarthy) bring their dead boss to the Virgin Islands. So it's not really a weekend or at Bernie's this time. If only that was the lone thing to fault with this unfunny movie.

5. "Batman & Robin" - Star George Clooney seems to joke about this movie at every opportunity and director Joel Schumacher actually apologized for it in his commentary on the DVD. So that should say it all about this movie that almost ended the franchise.

4. "Blues Brothers 2000" - A "Blues Brothers" sequel without John Belushi and nearly 20 years after the original? Where do I sign up? For that matter, I hardly think the flawed original was even deserving of a sequel. Belushi would probably be spinning in his grave, but is probably too busy partying to care.

3. "Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha' Hood" - Having never seen any of the "Leprechaun" movies, I'd have to think, judging by the title alone, that this one has got offensively God-awful written all over it. This is actually the sixth in the series. The sixth?! Who out there can actually admit to having seen the previous five?

2. "Caddyshack II" - Casting Jackie Mason as your lead actor is trouble sign number one. The fact that from the original cast, only Chevy Chase reappears (in a cameo), and you've got trouble sign number two. Plus, this movie actually seems to have less of a plot than the original – a true dubious accomplishment.

1. "Staying Alive" - For future reference, if you're a film producer and you have Sylvester Stallone and Frank Stallone signed on to direct and provide music for your movie, run away. Quickly. And no matter what you do, don't look back. I thought "Saturday Night Fever" was great, with its opening sequence of John Travolta walking the street to the Bee Gees' "Staying Alive." You get to relive that moment in the sequel. Unfortunately, you have to suffer through a veritable cinematic hell to get there, as it takes place in the last scene. I'm pretty sure you can't put Travolta and Stallone together in a room together anymore, as it would certainly be hazardous to the health of anyone else in there.

DVD Releases - April 4

The top winners at this year’s Oscars highlight a fairly light release week, as one makes its debut, while the other predictably capitalizes on its best picture win with a rerelease. After all, when an extra buck can be made, why not? Oh yeah, I know why not. Because some people just shelled out money for the original DVD release just a few months ago and aren’t happy that there’s a new version coming already. Setting aside that bitterness, here’s some of the releases for April 4:

“9 to 5: Sexist, Egotistical, Lying, Hypocritical Bigot Edition” (PG) - Possibly qualifying as the longest special edition title in DVD history, the 1980 workplace comedy is quite outdated in many aspects. But with a cast of Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman, the humor still holds up quite well.
Extras: Commentary from Fonda, Parton, Coleman and producer Bruce Gilbert, a featurette, gag reel, deleted scenes and “9 to 5” karaoke (now you can sing just like Dolly!).

“Brokeback Mountain” (R) - Winner of three Academy Awards (but not best picture, as picked by many), the drama depicting the friendship and concealed romance between two cowboys (played by Oscar nominees Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) makes its DVD debut. The movie was critically acclaimed, won lots of awards and did remarkably well at the box office, yet has had more cornball gay jokes lobbed its direction than one could count.
Extras: Multiple featurettes, including ones focusing on Oscar-winning director Ang Lee and the adaptation of the script to the screen.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (PG) - The first big screen adaptation of the popular C.S. Lewis novel, “Chronicles” was a huge hit over the holiday season. And with several other books in Lewis’ series available for adaptation, count on Disney studios to fast track a new franchise, much in the vein of the “Harry Potter” series.
Extras: The two-disc special edition features lots of goodies, including a pair of commentaries, bloopers, numerous featurettes, such as a director’s diary and the secrets behind the creation of many of the film’s creatures.

“Crash: Director’s Cut” (R) - Coincidentally (or not), the recently crowned best picture at this year’s Oscars is back in its second incarnation on DVD. The two-disc set gives consumers more bang for their buck over the suckers who went and spent money on the first release several months ago. Those poor, poor fools.
Extras: Director Paul Haggis includes deleted scenes with commentary, as well as a commentary track with himself, co-screenwriter Bobby Moresco and star Don Cheadle. Also included are several featurettes and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.

“Magnum P.I.: Season 4” - Tom Selleck fans rejoice! The actor and his mustache are back for the fourth season of the private detective’s exploits in Hawaii. All 21 episodes of the season are featured, as are many shots of a shirtless Magnum and bikini-clad women. Heck, he’ll even occasionally solve cases.
Extras: Not much, save for “The Great ‘80s TV Flashback,” whatever that is. Although I imagine that would beat a drug-induced flashback. Also included is a bonus episode of season 5 of “Magnum,” which will hardly be a bonus once fans go and buy season 5. Thanks a lot, MCA Home Video!

Movie Review: "V for Vendetta"

Starring Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry and John Hurt
Directed by James McTeigue

After the completion of "The Matrix" trilogy, a movie series that ultimately suffered from diminishing returns, there was probably more than a healthy dose of skepticism from the moviegoing public about whatever the Wachowski brothers' next project would be. But those skeptics can breathe a bit easier now, as "V for Vendetta," while not an absolute return to greatness, is a big step forward from the overblown messiness of "The Matrix Revolutions."

Based on Alan Moore's graphic novel of almost 25 years ago, the screenplay by the Wachowskis focuses on Britain in 2020, as the country is governed under a totalitarian regime. Sutler (John Hurt), the government's leader, is that nation's version of Big Brother, ruling the land with an iron fist through fear and intimidation. As most of his communication with the citizens, and even his own government officers, takes place on televisions or giant video screens, there is an obvious disconnect between Britain's leaders and the people. In short, it's a place that's ripe for rebellion.

Thus enters a mysterious freedom fighter named V (Hugo Weaving). Enshrouded in a black cape and mask patterned after Guy Fawkes, a true-life rebel who attempted to blow up Parliament in 1605, he quickly becomes a thorn in Sutler's side. V's initial appearance in the movie plays out almost like he's a superhero, saving Evey (Natalie Portman), an employee at a television station, from assailants. Then again, most superheroes aren't nearly as eloquent with a propensity for quoting Shakespeare. But V quickly shows he has more on his agenda than saving damsels in distress by escorting Evey to a rooftop to witness the destruction of the Old Bailey (where British courts are housed).

The government tries to put a positive spin on what they see as a terrorist act, only to have V quickly claim responsibility and announce plans for his next major action to take place in exactly one year. Evey is reluctantly drawn into V's revolutionary agenda, making her and her friends targets of the state. Drawing on some parallels to "The Phantom of the Opera," V and Evey's relationship is one of curious fascination to each other, as they both reveal their troubled past and come to realize they each have legitimate and understandable reasons to rebel against their government.

Confidently directed by James McTeigue (a former assistant director under the Wachowskis), "V for Vendetta" is one of those rare action movies that can equally flex its muscles while still stimulating the mind. Granted, some of its characters are a bit thinly veiled (Cutler's political rallies resemble Hitler's, a corrupted priest has a fetish for young girls), yet its depiction of V is thankfully a bit more gray. His hatred of the government is born primarily out of deeply personal reasons, and his actions are elaborately staged, yet are sometimes morally questionable.

The movie mostly avoids a heavy handed approach with the presentation of its terrorist themes, even as today's "war on terrorism" continues. Some of that credit has to go to the game cast, headed up by Portman, who has to do most of the emotional heavy lifting in the film, not to mention the sacrifice of her hair after her character is imprisoned. Weaving is also very good in what had to be a terribly difficult role, as his face remains hidden behind a mask for the film's duration. (Weaving was actually brought on board after James Purefoy dropped out, due to the difficulty of acting in a mask.)

With numerous action set pieces that carry some of the same visceral thrills of "The Matrix," people looking for escapist popcorn fare can generally get their fill with "V for Vendetta." But those looking for a little story with their fights and explosions are likely to find some challenging ideas being bandied about here. And in today's Hollywood, where the practice of dumbing down movies for mass consumption is more the norm, such an approach seems pretty revolutionary.
Grade: B+
(Rated R for strong violence and some language.)

DVD Releases - March 28

It’s a rather eclectic collection of new releases I’ve gathered together for you this week, as King Kong, 50 Cent and some French schoolchildren mix it up. If this group got into a fight, I’m thinking three words: Pay Per View. In this corner are some of the notable releases for March 28:

“Au Revoir Les Enfants: Criterion Collection” (PG) - French writer-director Louis Malle uses some events from his own childhood to frame the story of a 12-year-old French boy who befriends a new classmate at a Catholic boarding school in World War II-era France. Yeah, this is a foreign flick with subtitles, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing this wonderfully shot and performed film.
Extras: Essays by film critic Phillip Kemp and historian Francis J. Murphy (yeah, I’ve never heard of them either), and more.

“Get Rich or Die Tryin’” (R) - Certainly an odd combination on paper, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and director Jim Sheridan teamed up for last fall’s drama based on parts of Jackson’s life. In “Get Rich,” Jackson is an inner city drug dealer who sees a way out of the life by becoming a rap star. Likely hoping to capitalize on the success that Enimen’s similarly themed film debut had, 50 Cent’s movie wasn’t nearly as successful with critics or audiences.
Extras: A making of featurette and that’s about it. What, no videos?!

“King Kong: Special Edition” (PG-13) - Coming off the gigantic success of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the success of director Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” almost seems to pale in comparison. But with a large worldwide box office haul and three Oscars, the big ape didn’t do too shabby. Just don’t go expecting a sequel. Although seeing Jackson attempt to remake “Son of Kong” would be quite amusing.
Extras: Numerous featurettes on the two-disc release, including some on the recreation of 1930s New York, as well as Skull Island. Plus, Jackson’s extensive post-production diaries make up almost three hours of footage.

“Knots Landing: Season 1” - Billed as the second longest running TV drama in history, this glorified nighttime soap opera makes its debut on DVD. Following the lives of five suburban families in southern California, this release features all 13 of the first season’s episodes and more back stabbing and scheming than you can shake a stick at. Not that doing so would be recommended in the presence of star Joan Van Ark in the first place.
Extras: Interviews with Van Ark and co-star Ted Shackleford, cast commentary on a couple of episodes.

“Memoirs of a Geisha” (PG-13) - Winner of three Academy Awards, “Memoirs,” an adaptation of a best-selling book by Arthur Golden, seemed to be generally liked, but hardly loved by critics or audiences upon its release last December. Having a Chinese cast of Ziyi Zhang, Michelle Yeoh and Gong Li, among others in the lead roles, was a sticking point with some. The film is labeled as an historical and romantic epic, but it looks like there could be some awesome geisha catfights. A kick from one of those wooden shoes would hurt, I tell ya.
Extras: Commentary from director Rob Marshall and John DeLuca, commentary from several on the production crew, tons and tons of featurettes on just about every aspect of the production, including geisha bootcamp and a history of sumo wrestling (cool!).

“Quantum Leap: Season 4” - Scientist Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) keeps “leaping” around, getting transported into the lives of various people, trying to make their lives not suck so much. His only help, if you can call it that, comes from Al, a holographic image played by Dean Stockwell. Originally aired on NBC, this was one of the better shows from the 1980s, helped in no small part from the likable performances from Bakula and Stockwell.
Extras: The Great ‘80s Flashback (whatever that is), and the truly novel idea of a bonus episode of “Quantum Leap.”

“Stay” (R) - Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts and Ryan Gosling star in what is billed as a horror movie (?!) about a psychologist (McGregor) who attempts to stop a deeply troubled patient (Gosling) from killing himself. In doing so, he becomes wrapped up in trying to unlock the screwed up psyche of the patient. (Good luck trying to get that guy to pay his medical bill.) This film did the exact opposite of its title upon hitting theaters last year. (Umm, that is, it left – and quickly.)
Extras: Commentary from director Marc Forster, Gosling and various crew members, featurettes.